Tia Silverthorne Bach's Blog, page 54
June 20, 2013
Transported Into the Pages: Blogathon, Day 20
Wow, it's day 20 of Michelle Rafter's 2013
WordCount Blogathon
.
One thing I've learned about blogging more frequently is that it helps to have theme days. I've tried some over the last two years, and I do them a while and then get burned out.
But Disney has inspired a new one.
I want to start writing a new feature... Into The Pages. I'm not sure yet if it will be a weekly or bi-weekly feature. Guess it will depend on my reading inspiration.
The idea... write a post about being transported into the world of a book I've recently read (or one I love). Essentially, what I would like to learn from being trapped in a book for a day and becoming one of the main characters.
For example, I would spend a day with Trudi Montag in Stones from the River. I can only imagine all the life lessons I would learn by walking in her shoes for one day--courage, strength, and determination.
What character would you like to be for a day?
One thing I've learned about blogging more frequently is that it helps to have theme days. I've tried some over the last two years, and I do them a while and then get burned out.
But Disney has inspired a new one.
I want to start writing a new feature... Into The Pages. I'm not sure yet if it will be a weekly or bi-weekly feature. Guess it will depend on my reading inspiration.
The idea... write a post about being transported into the world of a book I've recently read (or one I love). Essentially, what I would like to learn from being trapped in a book for a day and becoming one of the main characters.
For example, I would spend a day with Trudi Montag in Stones from the River. I can only imagine all the life lessons I would learn by walking in her shoes for one day--courage, strength, and determination.
What character would you like to be for a day?
June 19, 2013
Round 2 Reflections: ROW80
Round 2 of
A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80)
has been productive. I published my first young adult book, Chasing Memories. I survived editing, cover design, publishing, and starting the promotion process.
Yet, I would still say I didn't get done what I wanted to. But, I shouldn't say that anymore. It's my daughter's pet peeve.
Every day (or so she would say) after school, my oldest will ask what I did that day. And I say, "I got a few things done, but not everything I wanted to." One day recently she announced that she wasn't going to ask me anymore, because I always said the same thing.
It made me realize that I have to be easier on myself with goals and expectations. Or at the very least give myself credit when I accomplish something instead of always focusing on what I'm not getting done.
Round 3 is going to be an opportunity for me to find balance. I need to improve my social media presence (it's been slacking with publishing), crank out book #2, and promote book #1. And I need to come up with manageable and measurable plans to accomplish these goals.
Oh, and I'm returning to sponsoring. Yeah, me.
What did you learn in Round 2 of ROW80?
Or, if you are a visiting Blogathoner, what have you learned so far from blogging every day this month?
Yet, I would still say I didn't get done what I wanted to. But, I shouldn't say that anymore. It's my daughter's pet peeve.Every day (or so she would say) after school, my oldest will ask what I did that day. And I say, "I got a few things done, but not everything I wanted to." One day recently she announced that she wasn't going to ask me anymore, because I always said the same thing.
It made me realize that I have to be easier on myself with goals and expectations. Or at the very least give myself credit when I accomplish something instead of always focusing on what I'm not getting done.
Round 3 is going to be an opportunity for me to find balance. I need to improve my social media presence (it's been slacking with publishing), crank out book #2, and promote book #1. And I need to come up with manageable and measurable plans to accomplish these goals.
Oh, and I'm returning to sponsoring. Yeah, me.
What did you learn in Round 2 of ROW80?
Or, if you are a visiting Blogathoner, what have you learned so far from blogging every day this month?
June 18, 2013
Sizzling Summer Giveaway
I'm so excited to be part of this amazing YA/NA giveaway. If you'd like to host my new YA novel, Chasing Memories, please sign up. Thanks!
YA Bound Book Tours is organizing the Sizzling Summer Giveaway event featuring 50 authors! This giveaway event will take place July 22nd to July 27th. If you would like to participate to host this event on your blog, please fill out the form below. Please select 3 authors you would like to host and we will do our best to accommodate. (Note that you are not guaranteed the author you pick). Bloggers will receive a promo post provided by author (excerpt, dream cast, playlist, character interview, etc.) book info and rafflecopter giveaway code for 2 Kindle Fire HD's pre-loaded with some of the author's books. Rafflecopter will have an entry option to follow your blog as a thank you for hosting. Blogger chooses the date they would like to post. All information will be sent to you the week before the event starts.
-Nereyda
Participating Authors:
Rachel Harris
Trisha Wolfe
Alyssa Rose Ivy C.C. Hunter Bethany LopezCindi MadsenTiffany KingJuliana HaygertRaine ThomasLaura HowardPatrice MichelleJennifer SnyderCarrie ButlerAndrea HeltsleyJennifer LaneShannon DuffyDevyn DawsonNazarea AndrewsCherie ColyerT.M. FranklinDawn PendletonLisa SanchezMorgan WylieEliza TiltonLiz LongMeradeth HoustonDawna RaverErin DanzerLisa CollicuttE.J. WesleyA.K. MorgenElle ChardouLara SchiffbauerJaycee DeLorenzoJD NelsonSharon BaylissC.R. EverettThea GregoryBrandice Snowden (not shown)Nicki ElsonDiana CastillejaA. W. ExleyKrystal WadeElizabeth SharpKrissi DallasTia BachJamie AyresMichelle MutoM.R. Polish
YA Bound Book Tours is organizing the Sizzling Summer Giveaway event featuring 50 authors! This giveaway event will take place July 22nd to July 27th. If you would like to participate to host this event on your blog, please fill out the form below. Please select 3 authors you would like to host and we will do our best to accommodate. (Note that you are not guaranteed the author you pick). Bloggers will receive a promo post provided by author (excerpt, dream cast, playlist, character interview, etc.) book info and rafflecopter giveaway code for 2 Kindle Fire HD's pre-loaded with some of the author's books. Rafflecopter will have an entry option to follow your blog as a thank you for hosting. Blogger chooses the date they would like to post. All information will be sent to you the week before the event starts.
-Nereyda
Participating Authors:Rachel Harris
Trisha Wolfe
Alyssa Rose Ivy C.C. Hunter Bethany LopezCindi MadsenTiffany KingJuliana HaygertRaine ThomasLaura HowardPatrice MichelleJennifer SnyderCarrie ButlerAndrea HeltsleyJennifer LaneShannon DuffyDevyn DawsonNazarea AndrewsCherie ColyerT.M. FranklinDawn PendletonLisa SanchezMorgan WylieEliza TiltonLiz LongMeradeth HoustonDawna RaverErin DanzerLisa CollicuttE.J. WesleyA.K. MorgenElle ChardouLara SchiffbauerJaycee DeLorenzoJD NelsonSharon BaylissC.R. EverettThea GregoryBrandice Snowden (not shown)Nicki ElsonDiana CastillejaA. W. ExleyKrystal WadeElizabeth SharpKrissi DallasTia BachJamie AyresMichelle MutoM.R. Polish
June 17, 2013
15 Minutes by Jill Cooper Release & Giveaway
I wanted to share this exciting new book and giveaway...
15 MINUTES has been released!
Pick up a copy on Amazon , BN , or Kobo for only $1.99 and then enter this amazing contest! In the meantime watch the trailer , and check out the book's blurb:
The future can be a dangerous place when you changed the past...
15 minutes is all the Rewind Agency gives a person when they travel to the past, but for Lara Crane it’s enough for her to race through the city, find her mother, and stop her from being killed in a mugging that happened over ten years ago.
But the story she’s been told all her life is a lie. When Lara takes a bullet meant for her mother, her future changes forever. A new house, new friends and a new boyfriend turns Lara’s turned upside down. She thinks if she can save her father from prison, reunite him with her mother, everything will be fine.
15 Minutes is an edgy high octane YA thriller where the people Lara trusts change in an instant. She is in a timeline she doesn't understand, and is about to make one fatal mistake as she faces an enemy so familiar, he’s family.
It's contest time!
Who wants to win:
A gift card
1 of 7 spectacular E-Books?!
A fabulous purse
The most amazing sunglasses
(I slipped into my realty TV host adjectives there)
You do! That's who!
Buy 15 Minutes for less than 2 bucks, enter the contest, and tell your friends! Get them to enter and let's spread this puppy like wildfire!
Contest starts on June 15th and goes the whole month! To enter the contest, please visit Jill Cooper's site .
15 MINUTES has been released!
Pick up a copy on Amazon , BN , or Kobo for only $1.99 and then enter this amazing contest! In the meantime watch the trailer , and check out the book's blurb:
The future can be a dangerous place when you changed the past...
15 minutes is all the Rewind Agency gives a person when they travel to the past, but for Lara Crane it’s enough for her to race through the city, find her mother, and stop her from being killed in a mugging that happened over ten years ago.
But the story she’s been told all her life is a lie. When Lara takes a bullet meant for her mother, her future changes forever. A new house, new friends and a new boyfriend turns Lara’s turned upside down. She thinks if she can save her father from prison, reunite him with her mother, everything will be fine.
15 Minutes is an edgy high octane YA thriller where the people Lara trusts change in an instant. She is in a timeline she doesn't understand, and is about to make one fatal mistake as she faces an enemy so familiar, he’s family.
It's contest time!
Who wants to win:
A gift card
1 of 7 spectacular E-Books?!
A fabulous purse
The most amazing sunglasses
(I slipped into my realty TV host adjectives there)
You do! That's who!
Buy 15 Minutes for less than 2 bucks, enter the contest, and tell your friends! Get them to enter and let's spread this puppy like wildfire!
Contest starts on June 15th and goes the whole month! To enter the contest, please visit Jill Cooper's site .
June 16, 2013
Fathers & Memories: Blogathon & ROW80
First, I wanted to wish all the fathers out there a Happy Father's Day. I am blessed to have both an amazing husband as a father to our three girls and a wonderful dad growing up.
I'm the oldest of three girls and now have three girls myself. And all of us are together in Disney right now.
Over the last few days, some great reviews for my latest novel, Chasing Memories , have started rolling in. I plan to share those later this week. For now, I am excited that I've scheduled my first book club appearance for July 17 in Superior, Colorado. It's significant because I will be surrounded by some dear friends and my book is set in Superior.
I sent a shipment of books ahead of time, so I have to share the picture sent to me by the recipient. Thanks, Shannon!
Nothing makes me happier than friends and books. So excited!
Sundays are for A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80) updates. All my focus is on marketing right now. Scheduling the book club was a great start, but I'm going to be a very busy lady in the coming weeks.
Hope all my Blogathon & ROW80 pals are having a great week.
I'm the oldest of three girls and now have three girls myself. And all of us are together in Disney right now.
Over the last few days, some great reviews for my latest novel, Chasing Memories , have started rolling in. I plan to share those later this week. For now, I am excited that I've scheduled my first book club appearance for July 17 in Superior, Colorado. It's significant because I will be surrounded by some dear friends and my book is set in Superior.
I sent a shipment of books ahead of time, so I have to share the picture sent to me by the recipient. Thanks, Shannon!
Nothing makes me happier than friends and books. So excited!
Sundays are for A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80) updates. All my focus is on marketing right now. Scheduling the book club was a great start, but I'm going to be a very busy lady in the coming weeks.
Hope all my Blogathon & ROW80 pals are having a great week.
June 15, 2013
Inspired by Disney: Blogathon, Day 15
It's official. We are homeless for the time being.
But it's summer, and we have some fun adventures in store for us. First stop... Disney World.
I plan on letting loose and enjoying my kids while also shedding the layers of stress that have built up the last few months. In addition, I'm going to look for inspiration. Writing is all about creativity, so what better place to become inspired than Disney World?
I'll call it research, since I love to write young adult characters. You know, getting back in touch with my younger self. In addition to seeing my own kids' reactions to the magic of Disney, I plan to do plenty of people watching.
What fun summer plans will inspire you?
But it's summer, and we have some fun adventures in store for us. First stop... Disney World.
I plan on letting loose and enjoying my kids while also shedding the layers of stress that have built up the last few months. In addition, I'm going to look for inspiration. Writing is all about creativity, so what better place to become inspired than Disney World?
I'll call it research, since I love to write young adult characters. You know, getting back in touch with my younger self. In addition to seeing my own kids' reactions to the magic of Disney, I plan to do plenty of people watching.
What fun summer plans will inspire you?
June 14, 2013
Book Trailers: Featuring Rachele Alpine's Newest for Canary
Do you watch book trailers?
I have to admit... I'm old school when it comes to picking books. I gather recommendations from my book club gals, friends, and family. And even though I understand their importance from an author perspective, I don't pay much attention to reviews (unless they are ALL 1-2 stars).
But, I am intrigued by book trailers. I'm definitely visual, so it's fun to see a sneak preview for a book just like you would a movie.
Guess I need to get to work on one for Chasing Memories!
Today, I'm sharing an amazing book trailer from an author friend, Rachele Alpine, for her new release, Canary.
About Canary
"Staying quiet will destroy her, but speaking up will destroy everyone."
Kate Franklin’s life changes for the better when her dad lands a job at Beacon Prep, an elite private school with one of the best basketball teams in the state. She begins to date a player on the team and quickly gets caught up in a world of idolatry and entitlement, learning that there are perks to being an athlete.
But those perks also come with a price. Another player takes his power too far and Kate is assaulted at a party. Although she knows she should speak out, her dad’s vehemently against it and so, like a canary sent into a mine to test toxicity levels and protect miners, Kate alone breathes the poisonous secrets to protect her dad and the team. The world that Kate was once welcomed into is now her worst enemy, and she must decide whether to stay silent or expose the corruption, destroying her father’s career and bringing down a town’s heroes.
Without further ado...
So vivid and interesting... hope you enjoyed it!
Plus, Rachele is sponsoring a fun giveaway. From Rachele:
I'm giving away a copy of an annotated ARC of the book (which is a copy where I wrote stuff all over it with comments, playlists, special insights, favorite scenes, inspiration, parts that got cut in the final copy, doodles...) on the blog Icey Books.
Please visit Icey Books for a chance to win.
I have to admit... I'm old school when it comes to picking books. I gather recommendations from my book club gals, friends, and family. And even though I understand their importance from an author perspective, I don't pay much attention to reviews (unless they are ALL 1-2 stars).
But, I am intrigued by book trailers. I'm definitely visual, so it's fun to see a sneak preview for a book just like you would a movie.
Guess I need to get to work on one for Chasing Memories!
Today, I'm sharing an amazing book trailer from an author friend, Rachele Alpine, for her new release, Canary.
About Canary
"Staying quiet will destroy her, but speaking up will destroy everyone."
Kate Franklin’s life changes for the better when her dad lands a job at Beacon Prep, an elite private school with one of the best basketball teams in the state. She begins to date a player on the team and quickly gets caught up in a world of idolatry and entitlement, learning that there are perks to being an athlete.
But those perks also come with a price. Another player takes his power too far and Kate is assaulted at a party. Although she knows she should speak out, her dad’s vehemently against it and so, like a canary sent into a mine to test toxicity levels and protect miners, Kate alone breathes the poisonous secrets to protect her dad and the team. The world that Kate was once welcomed into is now her worst enemy, and she must decide whether to stay silent or expose the corruption, destroying her father’s career and bringing down a town’s heroes.
Without further ado...
So vivid and interesting... hope you enjoyed it!
Plus, Rachele is sponsoring a fun giveaway. From Rachele:
I'm giving away a copy of an annotated ARC of the book (which is a copy where I wrote stuff all over it with comments, playlists, special insights, favorite scenes, inspiration, parts that got cut in the final copy, doodles...) on the blog Icey Books.
Please visit Icey Books for a chance to win.
June 13, 2013
I Should Be Writing: Blogathon, Day 13
In case you haven't watched it, and you really should, Castle follows the adventures of Richard Castle, a best-selling mystery novelist, and Kate Beckett, an NYPD Detective.
Not only is there plenty of romantic tension and interesting crime cases but there's also some fun for writers and readers since the lead is a novelist.
Recently, I was watching a rerun of Castle and ended up with some valuable writing advice. Advice I know, but need to hear day in and day out. Castle was sitting there with his laptop and the screen was scrolling...
So cool that one of my favorite shows ended up being inspiration for writing, too.
Oh, and for those of you who wonder how I made that little graphic... visit wigflip.com.
What's one of your favorite television shows? Does it ever surprise you with a lesson you needed in your own life?
Not only is there plenty of romantic tension and interesting crime cases but there's also some fun for writers and readers since the lead is a novelist.
Recently, I was watching a rerun of Castle and ended up with some valuable writing advice. Advice I know, but need to hear day in and day out. Castle was sitting there with his laptop and the screen was scrolling...
So cool that one of my favorite shows ended up being inspiration for writing, too.
Oh, and for those of you who wonder how I made that little graphic... visit wigflip.com.
What's one of your favorite television shows? Does it ever surprise you with a lesson you needed in your own life?
June 12, 2013
Guest Post Day: Blogathon, Day 12 & ROW80 Update
Today is the Guest Post Exchange Day for the
WordCount Blogathon
.
I couldn't get my act together to coordinate a guest post exchange with a fellow Blogathoner. But, I did get someone to guest post.
Welcome Reagan Cooper, the main character of my young adult novel,
Chasing Memories
, which was just released a few weeks ago. She's 17 and still suffering from the loss of her little brother to a horrific accident.
*****
Chasing Answers
A year ago I was eager to go to prom, graduate, and head to college. I had the boyfriend all the girls wanted, and I was one of the most popular girls at school.
Then, I lost my brother.
That night still gives me nightmares. Not knowing for sure what happened to him has cost me so many things: my relationship with my parents, my planned future, and even pieces of myself.
But, there's hope. Although I say we lost my brother that night, I do not believe he's dead. And even though I'll never be the same, I'm discovering a new me. A stronger me. I am determined to find out what happened to both of us that night.
Don't feel sorry for me. For everything I've lost, I've also gained things I never imagined. And I think I have a strong imagination. My new friends and I will stop at nothing to find answers.
As my mom used to always say, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.
*****
I hope you enjoyed getting to know Reagan.
Name a character, from a book or movie, that you'd love to see write a post on his/her creator's blog.
For me, it would be either Trudi Montag from Stones from the River or Liesel from The Book Thief.
For my ROW80 friends... my house is empty. Now more than ever, I need to throw myself into something. I figure Book 2 will be the perfect thing. Looking forward to having more specific goals for the next Round. Hope you are all kicking butt on goals!
I couldn't get my act together to coordinate a guest post exchange with a fellow Blogathoner. But, I did get someone to guest post.
Welcome Reagan Cooper, the main character of my young adult novel,
Chasing Memories
, which was just released a few weeks ago. She's 17 and still suffering from the loss of her little brother to a horrific accident.*****
Chasing Answers
A year ago I was eager to go to prom, graduate, and head to college. I had the boyfriend all the girls wanted, and I was one of the most popular girls at school.
Then, I lost my brother.
That night still gives me nightmares. Not knowing for sure what happened to him has cost me so many things: my relationship with my parents, my planned future, and even pieces of myself.
But, there's hope. Although I say we lost my brother that night, I do not believe he's dead. And even though I'll never be the same, I'm discovering a new me. A stronger me. I am determined to find out what happened to both of us that night.
Don't feel sorry for me. For everything I've lost, I've also gained things I never imagined. And I think I have a strong imagination. My new friends and I will stop at nothing to find answers.
As my mom used to always say, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.
*****
I hope you enjoyed getting to know Reagan.
Name a character, from a book or movie, that you'd love to see write a post on his/her creator's blog.
For me, it would be either Trudi Montag from Stones from the River or Liesel from The Book Thief.
For my ROW80 friends... my house is empty. Now more than ever, I need to throw myself into something. I figure Book 2 will be the perfect thing. Looking forward to having more specific goals for the next Round. Hope you are all kicking butt on goals!
June 11, 2013
The Faerie Prince: Blogathon, Day 11
Normally I only post my reviews on my review blog at Mom in Love with Fiction . But sometimes I like to share here as well.
Today, I am thrilled to be reviewing Rachel Morgan's newest novel, The Faerie Prince.
About The Faerie Prince(from GoodReads )
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Guardian trainee Violet Fairdale is just weeks away from one of the most important occasions of her life: graduation. After messing up big time by bringing a human into the fae realm, Vi needs to step up her game and forget about Nate if she hopes to graduate as the top guardian of her year. Everything would be fine if she wasn’t forced to partner with Ryn, her ex-friend, ex-enemy, current ‘sort of friend’. They might be trying to patch up their relationship, but does she really want to spend a week undercover with him for their final assignment? On top of that, the possibly insane Unseelie Prince is still on the loose, free to ‘collect’ as many specially talented faeries as he can find—and Vi is still at the top of his list. Add in faerie queens, enchanted storms, complicated not-just-friends feelings, and a murder within the Guild itself, and graduation is about to become the least of Vi’s problems.Review
Violet is in training to become a Guardian, but she has one final test. She has a long history with her assigned partner, Ryn--they've been friends in the past, but their current status is quite murky.
During their mission, they face an intense battle that leaves them with more questions than answers. Returning home for graduation, they find the battle has only just begun. Surprises lurk around every corner. To complicate matters even more, Violet's feelings for Ryn are definitely leading her outside friend territory and into something much steamier.
With evil lurking, will Violet know who to trust and what to believe?
Rachel Morgan creates an intricate and vivid story with many twists and turns. This is the second book in the Creepy Hollow series, and occasionally I found myself wondering if I was missing something, especially at the beginning. But with each page turn, I was drawn more and more into the story. I've been careful in this review to not include spoilers, but there are some juicy bits I sure would love to share.
By the end, not only was I excited to read the next installment, I was also eager to get my hands on Book One to see what I missed. If you are looking for an enchanting summer read, definitely pick up The Faerie Prince and get lost in the building romance of Ryn and Violet. Just know it will make your summer hotter.
Rating: 4.5 stars Worthy of rounding up on Amazon & Goodreads
About Rachel Morgan
Rachel Morgan was born in South Africa and spent a large portion of her childhood living in a fantasy land of her own making. After completing a degree in genetics, she decided science wasn't for her—after all, they didn't approve of made-up facts. These days she spends much of her time immersed in fantasy land once more, writing fiction for young adults.For more information, visit Rachel at her blog , on Facebook , and Twitter .
Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not guaranteed or requested; the opinions expressed are my own.
