Elana Johnson's Blog, page 23
July 11, 2013
DUALED by Elsie Chapman
Okay, so one of my favorite genres is dystopian. I love almost everything I read, and DUALED by Elsie Chapman is no exception. Not only is the cover great (that shadow!), but it's one of those books that makes you go, "Man, I wish I'd written this!"
About DUALED: Two of you exist.
Only one will survive.
The city of Kersh is a safe haven, but the price of safety is high. Everyone has a genetic Alternate—a twin raised by another family—and citizens must prove their worth by eliminating their Alts before their twentieth birthday. Survival means advanced schooling, a good job, marriage—life.
Fifteen-year-old West Grayer has trained as a fighter, preparing for the day when her assignment arrives and she will have one month to hunt down and kill her Alt. But then a tragic misstep shakes West’s confidence. Stricken with grief and guilt, she’s no longer certain that she’s the best version of herself, the version worthy of a future. If she is to have any chance of winning, she must stop running not only from her Alt, but also from love . . . though both have the power to destroy her.
I'm a big fan of alternate universes (think the movie The One with Jet Li), and cool names like West and Chord (the leading male MC). So automatically, DUALED had me by the throat.
West has to find and eliminate the other her. She's early in her training, and she's suffered a lot of loss in her personal life. So she's kind of messed up, and unsure about what she should do. So there's quite a bit of stumbling as she tries to figure out who she is, and if she should be the one to live at all.
And I like that kind of angst.
The action is intense and swift, with barely time to breathe between scenes. Yet somehow, Elsie manages to find moments to show West's vulnerability. I really liked her as a character, and I felt like she was exactly the person to take us on this journey. And that's what we want in a book, right?
If you liked THE HUNGER GAMES, I think you'll enjoy the action-packed plotline of DUALED (though I think West is more real than Katniss).
Find out what the other Bookanistas are doing:
Lenore Appelhans adores THE DISTANCE BETWEEN US by Kasie West
Christine Fonseca fawns over THE FUTURE OF US by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler
Nikki Katz is speechless over UNSPOKEN by Sarah Rees Brennan
Stasia Ward Kehoe flips for ALL THE TRUTH THAT'S IN ME by Julie Berry
Katy Upperman WHERE THE STARS STILL SHINE by Trish Doller
About DUALED: Two of you exist.
Only one will survive.
The city of Kersh is a safe haven, but the price of safety is high. Everyone has a genetic Alternate—a twin raised by another family—and citizens must prove their worth by eliminating their Alts before their twentieth birthday. Survival means advanced schooling, a good job, marriage—life.
Fifteen-year-old West Grayer has trained as a fighter, preparing for the day when her assignment arrives and she will have one month to hunt down and kill her Alt. But then a tragic misstep shakes West’s confidence. Stricken with grief and guilt, she’s no longer certain that she’s the best version of herself, the version worthy of a future. If she is to have any chance of winning, she must stop running not only from her Alt, but also from love . . . though both have the power to destroy her.
I'm a big fan of alternate universes (think the movie The One with Jet Li), and cool names like West and Chord (the leading male MC). So automatically, DUALED had me by the throat.
West has to find and eliminate the other her. She's early in her training, and she's suffered a lot of loss in her personal life. So she's kind of messed up, and unsure about what she should do. So there's quite a bit of stumbling as she tries to figure out who she is, and if she should be the one to live at all.
And I like that kind of angst.
The action is intense and swift, with barely time to breathe between scenes. Yet somehow, Elsie manages to find moments to show West's vulnerability. I really liked her as a character, and I felt like she was exactly the person to take us on this journey. And that's what we want in a book, right?
If you liked THE HUNGER GAMES, I think you'll enjoy the action-packed plotline of DUALED (though I think West is more real than Katniss).
Find out what the other Bookanistas are doing:
Lenore Appelhans adores THE DISTANCE BETWEEN US by Kasie West
Christine Fonseca fawns over THE FUTURE OF US by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler
Nikki Katz is speechless over UNSPOKEN by Sarah Rees Brennan
Stasia Ward Kehoe flips for ALL THE TRUTH THAT'S IN ME by Julie Berry
Katy Upperman WHERE THE STARS STILL SHINE by Trish Doller
July 8, 2013
It's A Matter Of Time
Okay, so I think I'm one of the most impatient people on the planet. This, mixed with the snail's pace of publishing, is not really the best mix.
Or maybe it's my snail's pace of revision that makes the months melt into years. Just when I think I've got the story figured out, there always seems to be something else suggested or discovered that makes total sense. You know those moments where you go, "Why didn't I think of that?" Especially after you've worked on a novel for several rounds.
Yeah, that's about where I am. I enjoy the process of revision. The tightening of character and plot, the re-imagining of scenes, the weaving together of story lines.
But every once in a while, there's a little voice in the back of my mind that whispers, "I wish you'd just gotten it right the first time. Then we wouldn't have wasted all these months."
Sometimes I listen to that voice. I feel a little bit anxious about the pace of publishing -- or my perceived pace of those publishing around me. I worry over things I can't control.
Sometimes I just tell that voice, "Sometimes it's just a matter of time." Sometimes I need time to think on a book, it's plot and character. Sometimes I need time away from a project. Sometimes I need time to work on a project. And none of it is wasted. I hope that in the novels I write in the future, I'll remember some of the lessons I've learned through really working on a novel for an extended period of time.
How about you? Have you ever spent so much time working on a novel that you're entertaining voices in your mind? (Ha!) Is it really just a matter of time until you get things right? (Please say yes!)
Or maybe it's my snail's pace of revision that makes the months melt into years. Just when I think I've got the story figured out, there always seems to be something else suggested or discovered that makes total sense. You know those moments where you go, "Why didn't I think of that?" Especially after you've worked on a novel for several rounds.
Yeah, that's about where I am. I enjoy the process of revision. The tightening of character and plot, the re-imagining of scenes, the weaving together of story lines.
But every once in a while, there's a little voice in the back of my mind that whispers, "I wish you'd just gotten it right the first time. Then we wouldn't have wasted all these months."
Sometimes I listen to that voice. I feel a little bit anxious about the pace of publishing -- or my perceived pace of those publishing around me. I worry over things I can't control.
Sometimes I just tell that voice, "Sometimes it's just a matter of time." Sometimes I need time to think on a book, it's plot and character. Sometimes I need time away from a project. Sometimes I need time to work on a project. And none of it is wasted. I hope that in the novels I write in the future, I'll remember some of the lessons I've learned through really working on a novel for an extended period of time.
How about you? Have you ever spent so much time working on a novel that you're entertaining voices in your mind? (Ha!) Is it really just a matter of time until you get things right? (Please say yes!)
July 1, 2013
Characters Who Change Their Course
Okay, so I've been on the lecture circuit for a while now. I've taught many writing classes, and I've spoken to numerous book clubs and writer's groups. The thing I love most about doing these kinds of things is that I--me, myself--always learns something new.
Go figure!
So last week, I went to talk about query letters to a local writing group, Riveting Writers, and as we were talking, I said something like, "Isn't that what characters do? Change their course?"
And I had this little a-ha! moment. In all my beating out and revising and characterizing, I've never quite thought of my characters this way. But truly, every novel has a character who is choosing to change their course.
They're not coerced into changing their course. They're not dragged. It doesn't just mysteriously happen through plot devices, no matter how brilliant.
We love characters who choose to change their course.
So today, I'm renewing my effort to create and write characters who change their course.
Have you thought about your characters like that before? Are they changing their own course?
Go figure!
So last week, I went to talk about query letters to a local writing group, Riveting Writers, and as we were talking, I said something like, "Isn't that what characters do? Change their course?"
And I had this little a-ha! moment. In all my beating out and revising and characterizing, I've never quite thought of my characters this way. But truly, every novel has a character who is choosing to change their course.
They're not coerced into changing their course. They're not dragged. It doesn't just mysteriously happen through plot devices, no matter how brilliant.
We love characters who choose to change their course.
So today, I'm renewing my effort to create and write characters who change their course.
Have you thought about your characters like that before? Are they changing their own course?
June 27, 2013
THIS IS W.A.R. by Lisa and Laura Roecker
Okay, so today's Bookanista post is for one of my favorite reads so far this year. THIS IS W.A.R. by Lisa and Laura Roecker will knock your socks off!
About THIS IS W.A.R.: This is not a story of forgiveness...
The mystery of their best friend's murder drives four girls to destroy the Gregory family. Emily Thorne would be proud.
Everyone at Hawthorne Lake Country Club saw Willa Ames-Rowan climb into a boat with James Gregory, the Club’s heir apparent.
And everyone at Hawthorne Lake Country Club watched him return. Alone.
They all know he killed her. But none of them will say a word. The Gregory family is very, very good at making problems go away.
Enter the W.A.R.—the war to avenge Willa Ames-Rowan. Four girls. Four very different motives for justice and revenge, and only one rule: destroy the Gregory family at any cost.
I really liked this mystery from Lisa & Laura. I've enjoyed their mysteries before, but this one had so many more layers in it that I found intriguing. Maybe because of the multiple narrators? I don't know. But I really enjoyed reading THIS IS W.A.R. and trying to figure out who did what, and when.
The plotting was masterful. Details were revealed right when they needed to be, and not a second sooner. I think my favorite character was Sloan, because she just wanted to do what was best for everyone, but that's hard for her. (No spoilers, but she's a great character -- doesn't fit any of the stereotypes.)
I liked the dynamics of the girls. One of them, Rose, doesn't quite fit in the social hierarchy, but Lisa & Laura made her essential. And that fact that she doesn't belong added one of those layers I was talking about. This little detail gave the book a sense of depth that I really enjoyed.
If you like a good mystery with some (a little, I promise!) YA angst, and fabulous characterization, you'll like THIS IS W.A.R. Be sure to pre-order your copy, because this book doesn't come out until July 2!
Check out what the other Bookanistas are talking about today:
Lenore Appelhans is bewitched by CHARM AND STRANGE by Stephanie Kuehn
Shelli Johannes-Wells gives cover love to FAKING NORMAL
Stasia Ward Kehoe delves into DANCER, DAUGHTER, TRAITOR, SPY by Elizabeth Kiem
Nikki Katz adores THIS IS W.A.R. by Lisa & Laura Roecker
Gretchen McNeil is wowed by THE WIG IN THE WINDOW by Kristen Kittscher
Katy Upperman praises WORST CASE OF PASKETTI-ITIS by Kris Asselin
About THIS IS W.A.R.: This is not a story of forgiveness...
The mystery of their best friend's murder drives four girls to destroy the Gregory family. Emily Thorne would be proud.
Everyone at Hawthorne Lake Country Club saw Willa Ames-Rowan climb into a boat with James Gregory, the Club’s heir apparent.
And everyone at Hawthorne Lake Country Club watched him return. Alone.
They all know he killed her. But none of them will say a word. The Gregory family is very, very good at making problems go away.
Enter the W.A.R.—the war to avenge Willa Ames-Rowan. Four girls. Four very different motives for justice and revenge, and only one rule: destroy the Gregory family at any cost.
I really liked this mystery from Lisa & Laura. I've enjoyed their mysteries before, but this one had so many more layers in it that I found intriguing. Maybe because of the multiple narrators? I don't know. But I really enjoyed reading THIS IS W.A.R. and trying to figure out who did what, and when.
The plotting was masterful. Details were revealed right when they needed to be, and not a second sooner. I think my favorite character was Sloan, because she just wanted to do what was best for everyone, but that's hard for her. (No spoilers, but she's a great character -- doesn't fit any of the stereotypes.)
I liked the dynamics of the girls. One of them, Rose, doesn't quite fit in the social hierarchy, but Lisa & Laura made her essential. And that fact that she doesn't belong added one of those layers I was talking about. This little detail gave the book a sense of depth that I really enjoyed.
If you like a good mystery with some (a little, I promise!) YA angst, and fabulous characterization, you'll like THIS IS W.A.R. Be sure to pre-order your copy, because this book doesn't come out until July 2!
Check out what the other Bookanistas are talking about today:
Lenore Appelhans is bewitched by CHARM AND STRANGE by Stephanie Kuehn
Shelli Johannes-Wells gives cover love to FAKING NORMAL
Stasia Ward Kehoe delves into DANCER, DAUGHTER, TRAITOR, SPY by Elizabeth Kiem
Nikki Katz adores THIS IS W.A.R. by Lisa & Laura Roecker
Gretchen McNeil is wowed by THE WIG IN THE WINDOW by Kristen Kittscher
Katy Upperman praises WORST CASE OF PASKETTI-ITIS by Kris Asselin
June 24, 2013
When in Doubt, DELETE
Okay, so if there's anything I've learned over the past five years, it's this: The delete key is your friend. There's nothing "darling" about words that don't work, and if you're not sure if they're working or not, chances are, they're not.
My philosophy in this situation? Delete.
When my critique partners start asking me questions about a specific sentence or passage, and I can't answer? Delete.
When my plot is feeling too heavy and convoluted? Delete.
When a chapter needs to be rewritten? Delete it all, and start from blank pages.
I have deleted entire portions of many of my novels in the past. In POSSESSION, I completely wiped out several chapters, creating a Point A and a Point B. I then rewrote a new way to get from A to B.
And you know what? It was better. It worked.
In another of my as-yet-unpublished novels, I deleted about 25,000 (that is not a typo) words--the last 1/3 of the novel. I can hear some of you going, Why? Why would you do that? Didn't you save some of them? What if there was a particularly brilliant sentence?
The truth is, the ending wasn't working, and I couldn't see how it could work with all that black on the page. So I deleted it.
As for combing through the work to find that one awesome piece, I guess I just don't care. I suppose that if I did write one brilliant sentence that might be worth saving, I could write another equally fantastical sentence to take it's place.
In fact, I'm not going for just one sentence. I'm looking to make each word the right one, each sentence more compelling, each scene vital to the overall workings of the book.
And if it's not working... Delete.
So yes, whenever I'm in doubt, I delete. Have you done this? How do you feel about the delete key?
My philosophy in this situation? Delete.
When my critique partners start asking me questions about a specific sentence or passage, and I can't answer? Delete.
When my plot is feeling too heavy and convoluted? Delete.
When a chapter needs to be rewritten? Delete it all, and start from blank pages.
I have deleted entire portions of many of my novels in the past. In POSSESSION, I completely wiped out several chapters, creating a Point A and a Point B. I then rewrote a new way to get from A to B.
And you know what? It was better. It worked.
In another of my as-yet-unpublished novels, I deleted about 25,000 (that is not a typo) words--the last 1/3 of the novel. I can hear some of you going, Why? Why would you do that? Didn't you save some of them? What if there was a particularly brilliant sentence?
The truth is, the ending wasn't working, and I couldn't see how it could work with all that black on the page. So I deleted it.
As for combing through the work to find that one awesome piece, I guess I just don't care. I suppose that if I did write one brilliant sentence that might be worth saving, I could write another equally fantastical sentence to take it's place.
In fact, I'm not going for just one sentence. I'm looking to make each word the right one, each sentence more compelling, each scene vital to the overall workings of the book.
And if it's not working... Delete.
So yes, whenever I'm in doubt, I delete. Have you done this? How do you feel about the delete key?
June 20, 2013
Cover Reveal!!! SALLY SLICK AND THE STEEL SYNDICATE by Carrie Harris
Okay, so *muppet flailing* (You can imagine that inside your own head however you want.) Today I'm bringing you the FABULOUS Carrie Harris's cover for her new novel SALLY SLICK AND THE STEEL SYNDICATE.
Woo hoo!
This book is coming on December 3, from Evil Hat Productions and you don't want to miss it!!
About SALLY: Every hero has a story. This one starts with a girl and a racing tractor.
Sally Slick knows she’s meant to be more than a Midwestern farm girl. What she wants more than anything is to be an inventor when she grows up—and she has the custom-built racing tractor to prove it. But good girls in 1914 don’t go off to the city in search of adventure. Everything changes when Sally’s big brother comes back from Chicago with a robot in hand and mobsters on his heels. With the help of her friend, wannabe hero Jet Black, Sally will risk everything to protect the people she loves.
Those bad guys are about to get a giant wrench thrown right into their plans.
And now... The cover!!!
Isn't it shiny and beautiful??! Yes, yes it is. And you can PREORDER IT HERE. Do it. You won't be disappointed.
See what the other Bookanistas are talking about today!
Shari Arnold marvels at THE MOON AND MORE by Saran Dessen
Tracy Banghart is thrilled by 3:59 by Gretchen McNeil
Christine Fonseca shivers over SHATTER ME by Tahereh Mafi
Carrie Harris reveals the cover of SALLY SLICK & THE STEEL SYNDICATE by Carrie Harris
Corrine Jackson is nuts for AU REVOIR, CRAZY EUROPEAN CHICK by Joe Schreiber
Jessica Love joins the BY BLOOD by Tracy Banghart book blitz – with giveaway
Shannon Messenger raves about JELLICOE ROAD by Melina Marchetta
Tracey Neithercott adores THE ARCHIVED by Victoria Schwab
Kimberly Sabatini is touched by OUT OF REACH by Carrie Arcos
Katy Upperman gushes over THE GIRL GUIDE by Christine Fonseca
What have you read recently that you loved?
Woo hoo!
This book is coming on December 3, from Evil Hat Productions and you don't want to miss it!!
About SALLY: Every hero has a story. This one starts with a girl and a racing tractor.
Sally Slick knows she’s meant to be more than a Midwestern farm girl. What she wants more than anything is to be an inventor when she grows up—and she has the custom-built racing tractor to prove it. But good girls in 1914 don’t go off to the city in search of adventure. Everything changes when Sally’s big brother comes back from Chicago with a robot in hand and mobsters on his heels. With the help of her friend, wannabe hero Jet Black, Sally will risk everything to protect the people she loves.
Those bad guys are about to get a giant wrench thrown right into their plans.
And now... The cover!!!
Isn't it shiny and beautiful??! Yes, yes it is. And you can PREORDER IT HERE. Do it. You won't be disappointed.
See what the other Bookanistas are talking about today!
Shari Arnold marvels at THE MOON AND MORE by Saran Dessen
Tracy Banghart is thrilled by 3:59 by Gretchen McNeil
Christine Fonseca shivers over SHATTER ME by Tahereh Mafi
Carrie Harris reveals the cover of SALLY SLICK & THE STEEL SYNDICATE by Carrie Harris
Corrine Jackson is nuts for AU REVOIR, CRAZY EUROPEAN CHICK by Joe Schreiber
Jessica Love joins the BY BLOOD by Tracy Banghart book blitz – with giveaway
Shannon Messenger raves about JELLICOE ROAD by Melina Marchetta
Tracey Neithercott adores THE ARCHIVED by Victoria Schwab
Kimberly Sabatini is touched by OUT OF REACH by Carrie Arcos
Katy Upperman gushes over THE GIRL GUIDE by Christine Fonseca
What have you read recently that you loved?
June 17, 2013
BY BLOOD Blitz!
Okay, there were so many B-words I could've put in that title. "By" and "Banghart" also start with B! So today is the BY BLOOD by Tracy E. Banghart Book Blitz!!
Doesn't that sound shiny? That's because it is!
Tracy is releasing her book today for the first time in paperback! I know how awesome of a moment that is, so I wanted to celebrate with her.
First, the amazing cover!
Add to Goodreads
Buy on Amazon
About BY BLOOD: For 17-year-old Emma Wong, spending a summer in England should be a dream come true. Gorgeous scenery? Check. Lots of hot guys with accents? Yes, please.
Throw in an estranged mom, annoying new stepdad, and drooling baby half-brother, and it’s a disaster even her favorite cherry red leather jacket can’t fix. Even worse, there’s (hot) live-in research assistant Josh to contend with. The only thing more embarrassing than drunk-kissing him hours after they meet? Knowing he’ll be witness to her family’s dysfunction all. summer. long.
But when Emma meets a mysterious girl who happens to be a Druid, her vacation suddenly promises to be far more intriguing than she anticipated. Powerful rituals, new friends, an intoxicating sense of freedom...and Simon, the sexy foreign stranger she was hoping for. It’s all a perfect distraction from dirty diapers and awkward family dinners.
Trouble is, intriguing doesn’t often mean simple. And Emma is about to discover just how not simple her life really is.
I'm reading BY BLOOD right now, and I can tell it's going to be a page-turner. Susanne Winnacker (author of IMPOSTOR -- one of my favorite reads of 2013!) said this about BY BLOOD: “By Blood effortlessly transports you to the cobblestone streets and small pubs of Oxford, and Emma’s sassy voice pulls you right into the story with its hot British boys and touch of magic. A must read!”
So far, I agree with her. So if you haven't put BY BLOOD on your radar, do it today!
Tracy on Facebook
Tracy's blog
Tracy on Twitter
Tracy E. Banghart is a cheesy movie–loving, fantasy football–playing (go Ravens!), globe-trotting Army wife who began “practicing” her craft at the age of five, when she wrote her first story. She loves visiting the international friends she met while pursuing her MA in Publishing and spends a portion of every summer at her family’s cabin in Canada, where she finds inspiration and lots of time to relax on the dock. She lives with her husband, son, two lazy dogs and one ornery cat. When not writing or spending time with her family, she is on a mission to bake the perfect cupcake.
Tracy’s next novel, Moon Child, a companion to By Blood, will be available this August!
Tracy is running a giveaway with the Blitz! She's giving away a signed paperback of BY BLOOD and a whole slew of hardcover books (US only), and a signed paperback of BY BLOOD + a $50 Amazon gift card to an international winner! Enter in the Rafflecopter below.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Doesn't that sound shiny? That's because it is!
Tracy is releasing her book today for the first time in paperback! I know how awesome of a moment that is, so I wanted to celebrate with her.
First, the amazing cover!
Add to Goodreads
Buy on Amazon
About BY BLOOD: For 17-year-old Emma Wong, spending a summer in England should be a dream come true. Gorgeous scenery? Check. Lots of hot guys with accents? Yes, please.
Throw in an estranged mom, annoying new stepdad, and drooling baby half-brother, and it’s a disaster even her favorite cherry red leather jacket can’t fix. Even worse, there’s (hot) live-in research assistant Josh to contend with. The only thing more embarrassing than drunk-kissing him hours after they meet? Knowing he’ll be witness to her family’s dysfunction all. summer. long.
But when Emma meets a mysterious girl who happens to be a Druid, her vacation suddenly promises to be far more intriguing than she anticipated. Powerful rituals, new friends, an intoxicating sense of freedom...and Simon, the sexy foreign stranger she was hoping for. It’s all a perfect distraction from dirty diapers and awkward family dinners.
Trouble is, intriguing doesn’t often mean simple. And Emma is about to discover just how not simple her life really is.
I'm reading BY BLOOD right now, and I can tell it's going to be a page-turner. Susanne Winnacker (author of IMPOSTOR -- one of my favorite reads of 2013!) said this about BY BLOOD: “By Blood effortlessly transports you to the cobblestone streets and small pubs of Oxford, and Emma’s sassy voice pulls you right into the story with its hot British boys and touch of magic. A must read!”
So far, I agree with her. So if you haven't put BY BLOOD on your radar, do it today!
Tracy on Facebook
Tracy's blog
Tracy on Twitter
Tracy E. Banghart is a cheesy movie–loving, fantasy football–playing (go Ravens!), globe-trotting Army wife who began “practicing” her craft at the age of five, when she wrote her first story. She loves visiting the international friends she met while pursuing her MA in Publishing and spends a portion of every summer at her family’s cabin in Canada, where she finds inspiration and lots of time to relax on the dock. She lives with her husband, son, two lazy dogs and one ornery cat. When not writing or spending time with her family, she is on a mission to bake the perfect cupcake.
Tracy’s next novel, Moon Child, a companion to By Blood, will be available this August!
Tracy is running a giveaway with the Blitz! She's giving away a signed paperback of BY BLOOD and a whole slew of hardcover books (US only), and a signed paperback of BY BLOOD + a $50 Amazon gift card to an international winner! Enter in the Rafflecopter below.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
June 13, 2013
Cover Reveal: THE SOUND OF LETTING GO by Stasia Ward Kehoe
Okay, I am so excited to be bringing you a fabulous cover from one of my Bacon sisters, Stasia Ward Kehoe!
Her second novel, THE SOUND OF LETTING GO, is coming out next winter (February 1, Goodreads says), and it is a must-read! Trust me, I know. I've read it!
About THE SOUND OF LETTING GO: For sixteen years, Daisy has been good. A good daughter, helping out with her autistic younger brother uncomplainingly. A good friend, even when her best friend makes her feel like a third wheel. When her parents announce they’re sending her brother to an institution—without consulting her—Daisy’s furious, and decides the best way to be a good sister is to start being bad. She quits jazz band and orchestra, slacks in school, and falls for bad-boy Dave.
But one person won’t let Daisy forget who she used to be: Irish exchange student and brilliant musician Cal. Does she want the bad boy or the prodigy? Should she side with her parents or protect her brother? How do you know when to hold on and when—and how—to let go?
And now for the gorgeous cover!
Stasia is celebrating the release of this cover with a giveaway! You could win a signed hardcover of her first book, AUDITION, or an ARC of THE SOUND OF LETTING GO! Not only that, but me and my Bacon Fabulousities are giving away swag packages! Enter in the Rafflecopter below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
OH -- and there's only two more days in the Possession series scavenger hunt! Get caught up here (all direct links), and today's posts are:
Book Passion for Life
Basia's Bookshelf
The Fairy Tale Nerd
The Irish Banana Review
The Book Cellar
Electrifying Reviews
You can ENTER today's CITY OF THE DAY here, and be sure to enter for a chance to win a daily swag package in the Rafflecopter.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
What do you think of Stasia's cover?? Isn't it fabulous?!
Her second novel, THE SOUND OF LETTING GO, is coming out next winter (February 1, Goodreads says), and it is a must-read! Trust me, I know. I've read it!
About THE SOUND OF LETTING GO: For sixteen years, Daisy has been good. A good daughter, helping out with her autistic younger brother uncomplainingly. A good friend, even when her best friend makes her feel like a third wheel. When her parents announce they’re sending her brother to an institution—without consulting her—Daisy’s furious, and decides the best way to be a good sister is to start being bad. She quits jazz band and orchestra, slacks in school, and falls for bad-boy Dave.
But one person won’t let Daisy forget who she used to be: Irish exchange student and brilliant musician Cal. Does she want the bad boy or the prodigy? Should she side with her parents or protect her brother? How do you know when to hold on and when—and how—to let go?
And now for the gorgeous cover!
Stasia is celebrating the release of this cover with a giveaway! You could win a signed hardcover of her first book, AUDITION, or an ARC of THE SOUND OF LETTING GO! Not only that, but me and my Bacon Fabulousities are giving away swag packages! Enter in the Rafflecopter below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
OH -- and there's only two more days in the Possession series scavenger hunt! Get caught up here (all direct links), and today's posts are:
Book Passion for Life
Basia's Bookshelf
The Fairy Tale Nerd
The Irish Banana Review
The Book Cellar
Electrifying Reviews
You can ENTER today's CITY OF THE DAY here, and be sure to enter for a chance to win a daily swag package in the Rafflecopter.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
What do you think of Stasia's cover?? Isn't it fabulous?!
June 10, 2013
On Quitting
Okay, so I'm sure I've talked about quitting before. Probably something about how you shouldn't do it. You should stick with it. Work hard. All that jazz.
But today, I'm actually quitting. I'm quitting it all! Social media, blogging, and writing. I've taken a "break" before, sure. But today, I'm quitting.
Sometimes I just think a person's brain can get overloaded with All The Things, and it needs a break. If you don't give it one, it'll simply take one on it's own. And since I prefer to decide when I get to check out, I'm going to quit.
I might un-quit tomorrow, but I'm going to enjoy the freedom of quitting today.
There is still the ABANDON scavenger hunt going on! This week only. So be sure to check out today's stops.
Rex Reading Robot
Kissed By Ink
Romancing the Dark Side
Books Complete Me
Fire and Ice
Girls in the Stacks
And if you were gone last week, you can get to all the stops from last week here.
You can ENTER today's CITY OF THE DAY here, and be sure to enter for a chance to win a daily swag package in the Rafflecopter.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Have you ever quit something before? Did you un-quit later?
But today, I'm actually quitting. I'm quitting it all! Social media, blogging, and writing. I've taken a "break" before, sure. But today, I'm quitting.
Sometimes I just think a person's brain can get overloaded with All The Things, and it needs a break. If you don't give it one, it'll simply take one on it's own. And since I prefer to decide when I get to check out, I'm going to quit.
I might un-quit tomorrow, but I'm going to enjoy the freedom of quitting today.
There is still the ABANDON scavenger hunt going on! This week only. So be sure to check out today's stops.
Rex Reading Robot
Kissed By Ink
Romancing the Dark Side
Books Complete Me
Fire and Ice
Girls in the Stacks
And if you were gone last week, you can get to all the stops from last week here.
You can ENTER today's CITY OF THE DAY here, and be sure to enter for a chance to win a daily swag package in the Rafflecopter.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Have you ever quit something before? Did you un-quit later?
June 6, 2013
Scavenger Hunts, Bookanistas, and Giveaways, Oh My!
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The ebook has been in the Top 100
for days!
Thank you, thank you!
Okay, so today is Bookanista Thursday, and selfishly, I'm spotlighting my own book. The outpouring of enthusiasm and support for ABANDON has been mind-blowing for me. I'm hoping it's the ending readers will appreciate -- even if they don't necessarily like it. Ha!
There are a WHOLE SLEW of places the win either ABANDON, or the entire trilogy. They are:
Right here at my own Possession series scavenger hunt (links for today below -- links for the whole hunt here)
Ali Cross (last day to enter is TODAY!)
Michelle McLean and Christine Fonseca
Regal Literary (my fabulous agency!)
Megan Spooner features ABANDON on Write Space
Goodreads ABANDON giveaway
Signed trilogy from The Bookanistas (last day to enter is TODAY!)
Today's Scavenger Hunt links:
Book Loving Mom
Book-A-Holic
The Book Monsters
Coffee, Books, and Me
Page Turners Blog
Swoony Boys Podcast
When you know the City of the Day, you can ENTER IT IN THIS FORM. You can enter daily, or keep track of all ten cities and enter them at the end.
And be sure to enter the daily swag prize package in the Rafflecopter below! I'm hoping to update it with a picture later today.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Be sure to check out what the other Bookanistas are doing today!
Carolina Valdez Miller celebrates 17 & GONE by Nova Ren Suma
Carrie Harris awakens you to INSOMNIA by Jenn Johansson…with giveaway
Christine Fonseca praises THE PLEDGE by Kimberly Derting
Corrine Jackson is wild for WHEN IT HAPPENS by Susane Colasanti
Debra Driza applauds FANGIRL by Rainbow Rowell
Katy Upperman is bewitched by NANTUCKET BLUE by Leila Howland
Lenore Appelhans swoons for STAR CURSED by Jessica Spotswood…with an annotated snippet
Stasia Ward Kehoe is wild for THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER by Stephen Chbosky
Tracey Neithercott highlights WHERE THE STARS STILL SHINE by Trish Doller
Tracy Banghart raves over JUMP WHEN READY by David Pandolfe
Happy Summer Reading!
