Hilary Wagner's Blog, page 6

Bookanistas Review and Giveaway, PINK SMOG, Becoming Weetzie.

Pink Smog is a mesmerizing, cuttingly real, and magical young adult novel written by the award winning author of the Weetzie Bat series, Francesca Lia Block. I'm so happy I have a brand new ARC to give away today!
Official Blurb:
The girl in the mirror wasn't who I wanted to be, and her life wasn't the one I wanted to have. Despite how much Louise insists, no one will call her Weetzie. It's her dad's nickname for her, but it won't stay put. Neither will her dad. Charlie left Louise and her mom and he took everything with him: her family, her home--and her understanding of who she's meant to be. But Los Angeles is a city full of strange angels, and Louise embarks on a journey to sift through the smog of her heartbreak, to grow her own wings, to become Weetzie.
If you haven't read Francesca Lia Block's Weetzie Bat books, the above blurb might sound like a weird daydream, but if you have read the series, you'll probably get it right away! Pink Smog is a prequel to the first Weetzie Bat Novel that came out in 1989 and met with huge success--and continues to today. Pink Smog, told in the first person unlike the original series, is impossibly cool and dangerously poetic. I highly recommend the earlier series. Now, you can get them all in one contained book!
I love this haunting cover for
the original series.
Series Blurb: Love is a dangerous angel. In five luminous novels, acclaimed writer Francesca Lia Block spins a saga of interwoven lives and beating hearts. These postmodern fairy tales take us to a magical Los Angeles, a place where life is a mystery, pain can lead to poetry, strangers become intertwined souls, and everyone is searching for the most beautiful and dangerous angel of all: love.
The New York Times calls the series, "Transcendent", and I'd have to wholeheartedly agree. 
Here is a quote from Weetzie Bat, to show you what I mean: "A kiss about apple pie a la mode with the vanilla creaminess melting in the pie heat. A kiss about chocolate, when you haven't eaten chocolate in a year. A kiss about palm trees speeding by, trailing pink clouds when you drive down the Strip sizzling with champagne. A kiss about spotlights fanning the sky and the swollen sea spilling like tears all over your legs."- Francesca Lia Block
To enter the Pink Smog giveaway:
1. Follow this blog, because I will be soooo happy that you did. ;)
2. Leave a comment.
3. Since Pink Smog revolves around L.A., tell me your favorite book or movie that takes places in a big city, think booming metropolis! :)
4. Winner will be announced on Wednesday of next week! 
More fabtastic Bookanistas reviews and giveaways below! Check them out!
Christine Fonseca  interviews author Heather McCorkle
Megan Miranda and  Debra Driza give stars to STARTERS 
Stasia Ward Kehoe is giddy about GEEKTASTIC – with giveaway!
Nikki Katz praises PANDEMONIUM

My New Friends???

It's amazing how close we grow to our characters. My new book, GOBLIN SHARK RISING (early 2013) has introduced me to some new friends. It centers around three prehistoric shark clans, the goblin shark, the frilled shark, and the sixgill shark, all very mysterious deep-water sharks that have changed little since the days of the dinosaurs, true living fossils of the sea. Below are some short videos I wanted to share about this creepy, yet amazing creatures. 
 This is the goblin shark, a rare species, that has a very special skill! Just watch.
This pretty lady is a frilled shark. Look at those rows of pitchfork teeth on this eel like shark!
These big fellows are known as Sixgills. They are massive in size and strength, rivaling the great whites, though they live in the deepest depths of our oceans.

Winner of the Lexapros And Cons Giveaway!!

And the winner is....♡♥♬ Louis ♬♥♡Please email me your mailing address ath.wagner@nightshadecity.com!Congrats, Louis!!

Bookanistas Review and Giveaway, Lexapros And Cons!

Okay, I've heard from many readers and editors there needs to be a lot more humor in YA, and well, I've found it! LEXAPROS AND CONS (Farrar Straus Giroux, April 2012) by Aaron Karo, a well known comedian, is hilarious and touching. This is his debut novel and it will appeal to guys and girls equally--though girls might blush a little at some of the wordage, though they'll be laughing while they they turn beet red! Read the opening paragraph and you'll know what I'm talking about! ;)
The book blurbage:
Chuck Taylor's OCD has rendered him a high school outcast. His endless routines and habitual hand washing threaten to scare away both his closest friend and the amazing new girl in town. Sure he happens to share the name of the icon behind the coolest sneakers in the world, but even Chuck knows his bizarre system of wearing different color "Cons" depending on his mood is completely crazy.
In this hilariously candid debut novel from comedian Aaron Karo—who grew up with a few obsessions and compulsions of his own—very bad things are going to happen to Chuck. But maybe that's a good thing. Because with graduation looming, Chuck finds himself with one last chance to face his inner demons, defend his best friend, and win over the girl of his dreams. No matter what happens, though, he'll have to get his hands dirty.
Okay, first off the MC's name is Chuck Taylor. Yep, just like the shoes. You've got to love that! Secondly, this is an accurate, yet hysterical depiction of OCD. It's perfect, not just for kids who might have OCD, but anyone who'd like a better understanding of it. I've personally never known anyone with OCD, so this book really opened my eyes to what it's all about. Lexapro, by the way, is a drug used to combat OCD symptoms.
Karo's candid and genuine writing style will resonate with kids, namely guys, but it's hilarity will attract all types of readers. Coming in at 230 pages, this is actually a quick read. The witticisms and easy language will make this book fly by. I recommended this to any reluctant reader and to any writer who's interested in writing a uniquely funny book. I think of this as a teen version of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Karo is going to amass a huge fan base of teen readers.
Now for the good stuff, the GIVEAWAY!
I will be giving away a brand new ARC of Lexapros And Cons to one lucky reader! The book doesn't release until April, so this is a great opportunity to be one of the first readers!   
To enter the LEXAPROS AND CONS giveaway:
1. Follow this blog, because I will be soooo happy that you did. ;)
2. Leave a comment.
3. Reveal your favorite color of Chuck Taylor shoes! (this rule is optional). Mine was pink, by the way!
4. Winner will be announced on Wednesday of next week!

Check out more bookaliscious Bookanista Reviews and Giveaways!
Christine Fonseca surrenders to THE SECRET OF SPRUCE KNOLLCorrine Jackson delights in CHOPSTICKSStasia Ward Kehoe  presents a Stunning Seconds interview with A MILLION SUNS author Beth RevisJen Hayley gives a shout-out to the classicsDebra Driza celebrates CINDER – with giveaway!Katy Upperman raves over JELLICOE ROADCarolina Valdez Miller talks about the tremendous cover of TENJessica Love has high ratings for THE STATISTICAL PROBABILITY OF LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT

Bookanistas Review, The Gathering Storm by Robin Bridges

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I just finished reading THE GATHERING STORM (Delacorte Jan. 2012)  by Robin Bridges and I have some serious YA Historical Paranormal Fantasy Vampire book love going on. Wow, that was a mouthful!

This absorbing tale takes place in St. Petersberg, Russia, 1888, and Bridges' does a great job of making you feel as though you are actually there. You will be awed by Bridges' depiction of imperial Russia. While reading it, I felt like I was actually at the lavish parties and wearing the elaborate clothing of the day.

Desperate to understand her strange abilities, the main character, teenage Katerina, discovers she is necromancer, someone who can raise the dead. She's also of regal birth, a duchess, so she's got to keep the many royal boys who'd like to marry her at bay, at the same time masking her strange powers. The great thing about Katerina is there is more to her than just wanting to kick some evil backside, she also loves medicine, and Bridges' does a great job describing medical practices way back when, as Katerina helps doctors patch up soldiers.

I think for YA writers this is a great book to read. These days if you want to get a YA Paranormal published, it better be special, and THE GATHERING STORM is all that and then some. I usually pass on vampire-ish books, just because I've read enough of them already, but because of this book's great plot, historical aspects, and a believable female MC, I was not disappointed! This is a trilogy, so keep your eye out for the next book!

[image error] Read more bookalicious Bookanista reviews here!Christine Fonseca  takes a shine to A MILLION SUNSCarolina Valdez Miller falls for FRACTUREJen Hayley surrenders to THE NIGHT SHE DISAPPEAREDStasia Ward Kehoe is dazzled by DARK COMPANIONNikki Katz wonders at THE FAULT IN OUR STARSDebra Driza is overwhelmed by UNDER THE NEVER SKYJessica Love gives a trophy to BEAUTY QUEENS Shelli Johannes-Wells takes a tour of The Reading Room Tracy Banghart has double-love for THE SILVER PHOENIX and FURY OF THE PHOENIX

Bookanistas Giveaway, The Death of Yorik Mortwell Winner!

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The winner is Akoss!!! Please send your address to me at h.wagnerATnightshadecityDOTcom soyou can get your signed copy of The Death of Yorik Mortwell!You're going to love it!

Bookanistas Review and Giveaway, The Death of Yorik Mortwell!

Okay, so anyone who knows me or my writing knows I'm a huge fan of creepy, so when I was sent a copy of THE DEATH OF YORIK MORTWELL, by Stephen Messer, I was entirely thrilled! 

I've always been a fan of the "underdog", and well, you can't get more underdog than poor Yorik, a little servant boy whose life is taken when he's purposefully hit by a rock by a spoiled rich boy who lives in the manor he serves at. Even in death, poor Yorik doesn't have it good. Once again he's a servant to a Princess who wants him to spy on the manor. 

I'm not going to give too much away, but this story has many twists and turns, wonderfully fascinating characters, and let's just says our hero, Yorik, learns some important lessons about life (in death), and by the end of the book he realizes he doesn't need to serve anyone anymore. 

So you have this beautiful macabre story by Mr. Messer (who is an awesome guy, btw), along with the fantastic illustrations of the one and only Gris Grimly! All combined this makes for a fantastically creepy-rific novel and I'm a little sad to have to give away this lovely signed hardcover, but hopefully it will go to a good home. 

Things of note: This book is a quick read, coming in at 175 pages, so if you know any children daunted by huge books, this compact novel won't scare them away. The book takes place in the Victorian age, but never fear, the prose are very attainable to all levels of readers. Readers who like a touch of creepy (think Tim Burton, not Wes Craven) should really enjoy this book. 

Here is what the School Library Journal had to say about The Death of Yorik Mortwell :
Gr 5 8—When spoiled Master Thomas of Ravenby Manor throws a rock at orphaned servant Yorik Mortwell, the 12-year-old falls from a tree and dies. Now a ghost, Yorik quickly acquires a new master, the Princess of the Aviary Glade, who demands that he haunt Ravenby—"You're a ghost and you've got to haunt something"—and to spy on it. Upon returning to the estate, Yorik goes in search of his servant sister, Susan. He encounters a pack of demon-hounds, Master Thomas, and the Yglhfm, evil Dark Ones that sit on shoulders whispering and wreaking havoc. Yorik must find how to defeat them. Full-page, macabre illustrations appear throughout. Lemony Snicket, Harry Potter, and Neil Gaiman enthusiasts will appreciate this engaging, eccentric adventure.—Krista Welz, North Bergen Public Library, NJ 

To learn more about Stephen Messer and his books, please visit his website and check out the interview Team Member Dawn Lariamore had with Stephen last year, talking about his debut novel WINDBLOWNE , which garnered fantastic reviews! 

To enter the The Death of Yorik Mortwell giveaway:
1. Follow this blog, because I will be soooo happy that you did. ;)
2. Leave a comment.
3. Take a midnight stroll around a creepy graveyard (this rule is optional).

Congrats, Stephen! Winner will be announced on Wednesday of next week! 

Now check out these other fabtastic Bookanista reviews & giveaways! 
Christine Fonseca  brings you a special Guestanista review of SPRINKLES AND SECRETSShannon Messenger delights in DEAD TO YOU – with giveawayBeth Revis interviews TEMPEST author Julie Cross – with giveawayJessi Kirby takes a shine to the SURRENDER and new POSSESSSION coversStasia Ward Kehoe adores IN HONORJen Hayley gushes over THE GIRL WHO LOVED A CITYVeronica Rossi  is crazy for INCARNATENikki Katz marvels at A MILLION SUNSGennifer Albin   is on fire over CINDERTracy Banghart  is all about THE OTHER LIFE 
Jessica Love wonders at THE FAULT IN OUR STARS

Find a story in ANYTHING!

"Alright Mr. Demille, I'm ready for my close-up."Maybe there is not an entire novel in this picture, but there is certainly a picture book of some sort. I do a little exercise from time to time, staring at random objects, pictures, etc, in order to give myself ideas. Look at anything around you right now and come up with an idea! It's pretty amazing that it actually works, but it does. Right now, I'm staring at my Jack Skellington coffee mug and my remote control. Okay, that's a novel right there...robotic underworld creatures who humans control with the click of button! Love it! ;)
Happy Friday!
Hilary

Where and When do you do your BEST writing?

Where I'm from, many of us complain that there is no snow in December, and then, when it finally hits in January (and oh, does it hit) we complain that there is too much snow--not a happy medium when it comes to Chicago weather! The above picture displays exactly what Chicago looks like right now, and yes, that's a Chicago dog! :)

It got me to thinking about our writing environment. In other words, in what physical setting do we write best? I do love to write when the neighborhood is encased in snow and I'm all warm and cozy in my house, but I'd have to say fall is my favorite season! There is nothing better than writing on a cool fall day, when the sky is overcast, and all the leaves are whipping around the streets, and Halloween is right around the corner! BOO!

What about you? Where and when are you at your writing best?

I'm no Lady Gaga, but I AM a writer!

Don't worry, I'm lip-syncing in this picture, not serenading my poor family or else (trust me) their ears would be covered. That's my 8 year old son's present I'm holding from our very cool Yule. His very first, real guitar! It's fun to pretend to be something you're not sometimes. Here, I'm pretending I can carry a tune!

Very recently I was asked, what I would do if I won a huge lottery, never having to work again. What would I do? Without hesitation, I explained that I would write, write, write, and then, write some more. The response I received was, "Are you crazy? I'd travel the world and do fun and exciting stuff every day of my life! I wouldn't write for anything!" 
I thought the response was just as deranged. I live and breathe writing. If I don't write for a few days I get antsy and annoyed, and I'm just not sure why. It's what pulls me out of bed in the morning (as does my four year old) and what keeps me up late at night. It's what drives my poor husband nuts and what makes me treat my laptop like a member of the family. It has made me a whole person and that's worth more than winning any lottery, though, I certainly wouldn't shun the windfall!  
xoxo -- Hilary