C.J. Redwine's Blog, page 9

Win a Pre-Order of DEFIANCE!

Within the walls of Baalboden, beneath the shadow of the city's brutal leader, Rachel Adams has a secret. While other girls sew dresses and obey their male Protectors, Rachel knows how to survive in the wilderness and deftly wield a sword. When her father, Jared, fails to return from a courier mission and is declared dead, the Commander assigns Rachel a new Protector, her father's apprentice, Logan--the same boy Rachel declared her love for two years ago, and the same one who handed her heart right back to her. Left with nothing but a fierce belief in her father's survival, Rachel decides to escape and find him herself. But treason against the Commander carries a heavy price, and what awaits her in the Wasteland could destroy her.
At nineteen, Logan McEntire is many things. Orphan. Outcast. Inventor. As apprentice to the city's top courier, Logan is focused on learning his trade so he can escape the tyranny of Baalboden. But his plan never included being responsible for his mentor's impulsive daughter. Logan is determined to protect her, but when his escape plan goes wrong and Rachel pays the price, he realizes he has more at stake than disappointing Jared.
As Rachel and Logan battle their way through the Wasteland, stalked by a monster that can't be killed and an army of assassins out for blood, they discover romance, heartbreak, and a truth that will incite a war decades in the making.

 
 
Before a book goes out into the world, it gets placed in the hands of a few select readers with the hopes that those readers will love it enough to pimp it so that others will want a piece of that action. (That is totally NOT how Harper explained it to me, but ... there you go.) These select readers craft a sentence or two recommending the book, and that is called a blurb.

DEFIANCE has some very shiny blurbs. Some of those blurbs are official pimpage. Some are friends and family. And a few are the result of a rather brutal shakedown involving ninjas, a dark alley, and one very determined Were-llama.

I'm excited about these blurbs! And everyone knows being excited about something all by yourself isn't nearly as fun as being excited with a group! (Plus, you no longer look like you might need medical help.) So, I'm going to share my blurbs with you--the real, the not so real, and the downright fake. And then I'm going to give you a chance to win a pre-order of DEFIANCE!

Ready for the blurbs? Here they are!

THE OFFICAL BLURBS:

“Spellbinding, romantic, and impossible to put down.” (Julie Kagawa, New York Times Bestselling author of the Iron Fey series and the Blood of Eden series. )


“C.J. Redwine’s DEFIANCE is a gritty, thrilling adventure sprinkled with moments of breathtaking tenderness. I read it in one sitting.” (Rae Carson, Morris Award finalist for THE GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS )

“DEFIANCE defies all reader expectations, giving us both a post-apocalyptic setting rife with history and a plot that’s as much about the discovery of one’s own humanity as it is about survival.” (Lisa Mantchev, author of EYES LIKE STARS )

THE UNOFFICIAL BLURBS:

"This is actually good." (C.J.'s mom)

"Although DEFIANCE is sprinkled with fantastical elements, it's the raw, genuine intensity of the characters' emotions that makes this book so compelling. CJ Redwine doesn't shy away from talking about loss, grief, and guilt when she's not writing dizzying action sequences and hilarious, sweetly awkward love scenes. This book basically cut out my heart and drop-kicked it, and then hugged me, wiped away my tears, and showed me how to heal." (Alison Cherry, author of RED, coming Fall 2013 from Delacorte)

"Rapid-fire action, a badass heroine, and a plot that moves so quickly I couldn’t catch my breath. In the very best of ways. Try putting DEFIANCE down once you’ve started. I dare you ." (Sara McClung, up and coming author and beta reader extraordinaire)

"Where are the zombies?" (C.J.'s son)

"I never was one to have a "book boy crush," but I must admit I have the biggest one on DEFIANCE's Logan McEntire. It's almost as if CJ wrote him just for me. Don't get me wrong, I love Rachel too. She's feisty and headstrong and braver than I'll ever be. But if I got the chance to fight her for Logan's affections, I so totally would. Not that I'd win. Rachel's father taught her everything she needs to know about survival, and that includes hand-to-hand combat. She'd lay me flat, just like this book will do to you.


DEFIANCE isn't your typical sweeping adventure. Nor is it your typical Dystopian. It's real. It's gritty. And it will break your heart time and time again as you follow Logan and Rachel into the depths of the Wasteland. I can't wait to see where this series ends!" (M.G. Buehrlen, author and amazing critique partner)
 
"The world building is fabulous. The intermingling of technology and fantasy elements makes me absolutely giddy." (Shannon Dittemore, author of ANGEL EYES)
 
THE BLURBS GAINED IN A BACK ALLEY SHAKEDOWN:
 
"When the Boogeyman goes to bed every night, he checks his closet for Chuck Norris, but Chuck Norris checks his closet for DEFIANCE." (Source must remain anonymous for fear of having a near-Chuck Norris experience)
 
"Hey Girl, I'd defy my leader and fight assassins any time for you." (Ryan Gosling, or someone who looked just like him.)
 
"Defiance? Wait. Isn't that a type of liquor?" (Some bum in an alley)
 
"Read DEFIANCE. Read it or weep. If I let you keep your tear ducts." (the Were-llama)
 
 
There they are! Aren't they shiny? Now, it's time to give away two pre-orders of DEFIANCE! To enter, simply write a fake blurb of your own for DEFIANCE! You can base it off the synopsis, the cover, or your Aunt Mildred's famous banana bread. As long as you tie it in to Defiance, it counts. The more dramatic or hysterical or whimsical, the better. Go wild. Truthfulness does not matter here. Put your entry in the comment trail but be sure to fill out the entry form a) so you have extra chances of winning and b) so I know how to contact you if you win!


I'll use random.org to choose two lucky winners! Each will receive a pre-order of DEFIANCE. The contest is open internationally and you have until midnight, central time, July 9th to enter.

Good luck to you!

Winners!!

It's time to announce the winners of both the SO SILVER BRIGHT and FOR DARKNESS SHOWS THE STARS giveaway! As always, I used random.org to choose the winning entries.


Thank you to all who entered! There were a total of 112 entries for SO SILVER BRIGHT. And the lucky winner is:

Kris 



Thank you to all who entered! There were a total of 288 entries for FOR DARKNESS SHOWS THE STARS. And the lucky winner is:


Lauren 

Congratulations!! You will receive a confirmation email from my assistant shortly. Thank you for entering and happy reading!

Interview with Lisa Mantchev

Today, I'm super excited to have Lisa Mantchev return to the blog. I've been a fan of Lisa's since I received an ARC (advance review copy) of her debut novel, EYES LIKE STARS. I fell hard for that book with it's incredibly unique premise, hilarious secondary characters, and wide scope of imagination that just took my breath away. SO SILVER BRIGHT is the third and final book in the Theatre Illuminata trilogy, and it's just as imaginative, just as sweeping, and just as full of hilarious moments as the first two. (She even gives us an army of zombies in a post-apocalyptic wasteland ... a delightful surprise for those readers who love post-apoc stuff!) Lisa's writing is full of fantastic imagery, literary references, and wit. Here's a peek at SO SILVER BRIGHT:

Things are never easy for Beatrice Shakespeare Smith. Something’s happened to the Théâtre Illuminata, putting the only home she’s ever known in limbo. Her mother’s sanity is fraying under the strain, her father has vanished and an angry goddess is out for revenge. Bertie is caught between her duties and her dreams, just as her heart is torn between Ariel and Nate. But hope glimmers in a Distant Castle, and if Bertie can put on the performance of her life, maybe she can win the magical boon that may save them all.

Now that you've had a taste of the book, let's meet today's guests. Lisa has been a regular on this blog, so she chose to be interviewed by our newest cast member, that conceited pink sock monkey, Giselle.


Giselle

Lisa Mantchev

Of course, before we dive into the interview itself, we get to reveal the incredible cupcake my hubby made in honor of Lisa. (And yes, every piece of this is edible. He really has TALENT.) Lisa asked for a quill and moleskine journal, both to represent the book of stories Bertie writes in and to represent herself as an author. My hubby complied. Without further ado, I give you the gorgeous quill and journal cupcake and Lisa vs. Giselle.


Quill and Journal Cupcake
1. I believe a girl should be able to describe herself in a single word. Naturally, the word I’d use for myself is “perfect.” What word best describes you?


Caffeinated. Either by coffee, tea, or chocolate (the three prongs in this writer's power plug.)

2. A common misconception about sock monkeys is that we adore socks. This is foolishness. Speaking only for myself, I adore Jimmy Choos and diamonds from Tiffany’s. What are a few of your favorite things?

Dusty antique stores. Anything art nouveau. Costuming (Corsets! Bustle skirts! Fairy wings!) Dessert. Quiet moments early in the morning with just myself and a cup of coffee. Loud moments with the family and dogs and laughter.

3. The only item on your list that looks remotely appealing to a girl of my particular proclivities is dessert. You can keep the rest. Many crave my approval, but few are clever enough to win it. What are you willing to do to win my favor?

*presents you with diamond-encrusted stilettos*

4. Your offering has been deemed acceptable. If I was a dessert, I’d be a French macaron. Strawberry, of course. Why? Because I am French and pink and altogether lovely. What kind of dessert best describes you and why?

Salted caramel chocolate tart. Because… er… I'm complex and rich and have a buttery crust. O.o

5. How ... delightful for you. I understand you write stories. Please tell me why the hero of your book would be my perfect boy toy for a day.

Ariel would be able to whisk you away to any city you desire. Paris, for instance, and a day of shopping.

6. Really? Any city? I'm afraid I'm going to need to keep Ariel for the foreseeable future. You Americans love your movies. One day, when Hollywood tells the story of my life, it will be called Gone With The Perfect Pink Monkey. If your life was a movie, what would be the title?

"Coffee and Chaos"

7. Pink? Or some lesser, inferior color?

Black. *STAGE NINJA*

8. Darling, black isn't even a color. I love fairy tales. If I was a fairy tale character, I’d be Snow White. The fairest in all the land. Which fairy tale character would you be and why?

Pretty sure I'm whichever one gets eaten by grues straight off. I have that kind of luck.

9. Well, maybe it's because you're busy wearing black instead of pink. Everyone knows all the handsome heroes willing to protect you from beasts love to see a girl in pink. Especially if the girl has puffy lips like mine. Angelina Jolie tried to imitate me, of course, but anyone can see I'm still the definitive example of the puffy pout. I am, of course, a fashion trend setter. (Glitter eye shadow? Six inch heels? Retro gowns making a comeback? Yes. You may thank me with your undying adulation.) If you were to start a trend, what would it be?

I would love to see pop culture trend back toward music and books and movies with substance. I've had enough crap reality television to last me two lifetimes, and I'm tired of celebrities famous for being famous. Give me artists and poets and thinkers of deep thoughts, please!

10. We are in agreement. Even though a reality show titled "Giselle Steals Your Shoes" would be a hit. (Who am I kidding? Anything starring moi is bound to be a hit.) I am addicted to all things French—baguettes, macarons, Chateau Lafite, moi … the list goes on and on. What is your favorite thing from France?

The food, of course. *swoon!* The architecture. The language (I took four years of French in high school, and my husband's first language is French.) The history! My house is decorated in a style I jokingly refer to as "Parisian Flea Market" with a mix of wrought iron, wood, shabby antiques, and vintage glass.

11. Ahh ... a woman who appreciates the glory that is Paris. We shall be friends. Even if you refuse to wear pink. A smart woman always maintains an air of mystery. Often the art of being mysterious involves doing the unexpected. What is the most unusual thing you’ve ever done?

I wrote a novel on a dare… does that count?

12. I suppose it will do. I also believe a smart woman always gets the last word. Any last word you’d like to leave with my readers?

Eat dessert first!



Thank you, Lisa, for such an entertaining interview! To learn more about Lisa, visit her site. To purchase your copy of So Silver Bright (which just came out in paperback) or to get started on the trilogy from the beginning, head to Indie Bound, Barnes & Noble, or Amazon.

The fun isn't over yet, though. Lisa is offering a hardcover of SO SILVER BRIGHT to one lucky blog reader! The contest is open to North America and runs through 8 p.m. central time Thursday, June 21st. To enter, simply fill out the form below. Good luck, and happy reading!

Interview with Diana Peterfreund

Because Diana and I share an editor, I was privileged enough to get an advance copy of FOR DARKNESS SHOWS THE STARS several months ago. I didn't know what to expect from it as I started reading, but I was instantly captivated. It's a re-imagined PERSUASION in a dystopian-ish setting, and it is lyrical, heartbreaking, and wonderful. I don't even think I have the words to describe how unique and special this book is. I couldn't finish it fast enough, but I wanted to slow down and just ... savor. Here's a peek:

It's been several generations since a genetic experiment gone wrong caused the Reduction, decimating humanity and giving rise to a Luddite nobility who outlawed most technology.

Elliot North has always known her place in this world. Four years ago Elliot refused to run away with her childhood sweetheart, the servant Kai, choosing duty to her family's estate over love. Since then the world has changed: a new class of Post-Reductionists is jumpstarting the wheel of progress, and Elliot's estate is foundering, forcing her to rent land to the mysterious Cloud Fleet, a group of shipbuilders that includes renowned explorer Captain Malakai Wentforth—an almost unrecognizable Kai. And while Elliot wonders if this could be their second chance, Kai seems determined to show Elliot exactly what she gave up when she let him go.

But Elliot soon discovers her old friend carries a secret—one that could change their society . . . or bring it to its knees. And again, she's faced with a choice: cling to what she's been raised to believe, or cast her lot with the only boy she's ever loved, even if she's lost him forever.

Inspired by Jane Austen's persuasion, For Darkness Shows the Stars is a breathtaking romance about opening your mind to the future and your heart to the one person you know can break it.

Intriguing, yes? As soon as I finished the book, I jumped at the chance to have Diana on the blog. She chose to be interviewed by the inimitable Captain Jack Sparrow. Let's meet today's guests.


Captain Jack Sparrow


Diana Peterfreund
Before we get to the interview, we get to reveal the amazing cupcake (and I do mean amazing!) my hubby made in honor of Diana's book. Elliot's grandfather left her a compass, and it's both important to Elliot's journey (metaphorically and literally) and serves as a motif throughout the book as Elliot and Kai both try to find their bearings in a world that insists on changing beneath their feet. So, my hubby made a compass cupcake for today's interview (And even ensconced it in a midnight sky w/glittering stars). Without further ado, I give you Diana vs. Captain Jack and the compass cupcake.


Compass Cupcake
1. Would you classify yourself as a pirate or a member of Her Majesty’s Royal navy? Why?


Let’s be honest, here. Pirates or privateers, it’s a matter of semantics and whether or not your pirating is royally approved. Captain Wentworth, for instance, made his fortune out of capturing enemy ships and looting them.

2. Are you telling me there's an officially sanctioned pirate in your book? My dear, where have you been all my life? What’s your favorite thing to do in Tortuga?

Eat Tartufo. Mostly for the story.

3. As long as you're willing to share. I’m offering you free passage aboard my ship to anywhere in the world. Where shall we go, love?

New Zealand. I know it’s a long trip, but it’s SO beautiful there. I mean, check out these pictures from my last trip:









4. As I see a notable lack of His Majesty's accursed navy, I will agree to this suggestion. Who is the hero of your story most like: me (savvy, debonair, and unquestionably smooth with the ladies), the insufferably honorable Will Turner, or that deceptive little minx Elizabeth?

Kai’s a little bit Jack and a lot of Elizabeth, and Elliot definitely plays the Will in that relationship.

5. A sanctioned pirate who is a mix of my rather glorious self and that minx Elizabeth? I don't know whether to cultivate his acquaintance or leave for safer waters before the world comes to an end. Rum? Or more rum?

Just rum for me, please. That’ll leave more for you, Jack.

6. Which leads me to the age old question: Why is the rum always gone?

Probably because my husband used it to make Painkillers, which is properly only made with the Official Rum of the British Royal Navy: Pusser’s.

7. A husband, eh? Well, if he absconds will all of the Navy's rum, he's welcome to join my crew. At least until the next port.What’s the most piratish thing you’ve ever done?

Are you kidding? I stole the entire plot and most of the characters for my latest book from Jane Austen. Avast.

8. I am suitably impressed. Are they rules? Or more like guidelines?

Guidelines. There’s no such thing as rules.

9. I think I might be in love. And not just because of your husband's rum. I understand you’re a story-teller. Any undead monkeys in your stories?

Obviously, there should be!

10. A matter of some debate. Any curses? Heartless monsters? Irritating women who insist on taking matters into their own hands?

Especially that last one. In spades!

11. *locks away the rum and keeps a weather eye on his hat* One of my favorite words is “egregious.” Care to share one of yours, love?

I love maelstrom. Also, encrusted.

12. I've seen plenty of encrusted ... things ... in Tortuga, and I'm afraid I cannot share your enthusiasm. Parlay? Or draw your sword?

Sword. It’s probably not good to admit this, but I’m more of a shoot-first kind of gal.

13. I'll be sure to remain on your good side, then. You’ve got a crowd of cursed sailors and a nasty sea monster on your trail. How do you escape?

Pit hem against each other. Cursed sailors are the favorite snack of many of the more common species of leviathan and/or kraken. Everyone knows that.

14. I do admire the way you think. Romantic night in? Or adventure on the high seas?

You’re talking to the girl whose honeymoon was an adventure on the high seas, so I fail to see the distinction.

15. My personal motto is: Take what you want, give nothing back. What’s yours?

“The harder you work, the luckier you get.” Also, “Everything is better with Alan Rickman.”



Thank you, Diana, for such an entertaining interview! To learn more about Diana, visit her site. To purchase your copy of FOR DARKNESS SHOWS THE STARS (and you really, really should) head to Indie Bound, Barnes & Noble, or Amazon.

The fun isn't over yet, though! Diana is giving away a copy of FOR DARKNESS SHOWS THE STARS to one lucky reader. The contest is international and is open until 8 p.m. central time Wednesday, June 19th. To enter, simply fill out the following form. Good luck to you and happy reading!

DEFIANCE Winners!

Thank you to all who entered my Celebrate May giveaway by sharing something or someone you're grateful for. I was moved and encouraged, and I hope you were too! As always, I used random.org to choose the winning entries. Here are the winners:

The signed, annotated ARC of DEFIANCE: Tashina Falene

A signed bookmark & a character in book 2 named after you (or someone you love): Anna (More than 1 Anna w/o last name entered, so you'll know this is you if you get a confirmation email!)

A signed bookmark: FireStarBooks

A signed bookmark: Megan Anne


Thank you all for entering! My assistant will send you a confirmation email shortly. Enjoy your prizes!

If you didn't win this time, don't worry. I have another epic giveaway coming at the end of June, and this one will be international!

Winner of HEMLOCK

Thank you to all who entered to win the signed copy of Kathleen Peacock's HEMLOCK. There were 164 entries, and as always, I used random.org to choose the winning entry. The lucky winner is:

Hannah Lorraine
Congratulations, Hannah! You will receive a confirmation email from me shortly. Thanks so much for entering and happy reading!

Interview with Kathleen Peacock

Today's interview is with Kathleen Peacock, author of the recently released (and fabulous) HEMLOCK. I really enjoyed reading HEMLOCK: it's tense, action-packed, and the characters feel authentic and vivid and real. It's definitely a worthy addition to the werewolf genre and worth picking up next time you're in the book store! Here's a peek:

Mackenzie and Amy were best friends. Until Amy was brutally murdered.


Since then, Mac’s life has been turned upside down. She is being haunted by Amy in her dreams, and an extremist group called the Trackers has come to Mac’s hometown of Hemlock to hunt down Amy’s killer: A white werewolf.

Lupine syndrome—also known as the werewolf virus—is on the rise across the country. Many of the infected try to hide their symptoms, but bloodlust is not easy to control.

Wanting desperately to put an end to her nightmares, Mac decides to investigate Amy’s murder herself. She discovers secrets lurking in the shadows of Hemlock, secrets about Amy’s boyfriend, Jason, her good pal Kyle, and especially her late best friend. Mac is thrown into a maelstrom of violence and betrayal that puts her life at risk.


Kathleen Peacock’s thrilling novel is the first in the Hemlock trilogy, a spellbinding supernatural mystery series filled with provocative questions about prejudice, trust, lies, and love.

Looks good, doesn't it? :) Kathleen chose the inimitable Captain Jack Sparrow as her interviewer. Before we reveal today's gorgeous cupcake and get into the interview, let's meet today's guests.








Now that you know who's who, it's time to reveal the beautiful (and disturbing) cupcake my hubby made in honor of HEMLOCK. Mac is thrust into the conflict when her best friend, Amy, is murdered. It doesn't help that Amy (bloody and carrying a bit of a chip on her shoulder) keeps talking to Mac in her dreams. So, my hubby made Amy's tombstone, complete with bloody horns to show that Amy refuses to stay in the ground where she belongs. Without further ado, I give you the cupcake and Kathleen vs. Captain Jack.



1. Would you classify yourself as a pirate or a member of Her Majesty’s Royal navy? Why?


Since my heart has belonged to the Dread Pirate Roberts since I was, oh, nine, I’m going to have to go with “pirate.” You’re not so bad looking yourself.

2. I don't know who this Dread Pirate Roberts person is, but he'd better not try to get his sticky fingers on the Pearl. Losing my ship to some scurvy nave who uses "Dread" as his first name would be inconceivable. What’s your favorite thing to do in Tortuga?

Not get killed. Or scurvy.

3. I am also a fan of not getting killed. I’m offering you free passage aboard my ship to anywhere in the world. Where shall we go, love?

There’s this other Captain Jack in a place called Cardiff… Think this boat could get us there? I’ve always wanted to go to Wales…

(Seriously, though, I totally want to go to Wales. It’s at the top of my “must go there” list.)

4. Another Captain Jack? *curls lip* I am the one and only Captain Jack Sparrow, savvy? Accept no substitutes. Who is the hero of your story most like: me (savvy, debonair, and unquestionably smooth with the ladies), the insufferably honorable Will Turner, or that deceptive little minx Elizabeth?

Elizabeth. What with the sword swinging and such.

5. *shudders* Heaven save us from women with swords. Rum? Or more rum?

How close am I to a deadline?

6. Hmm, I see your rum consumption is directly related to your publishing career. Which leads me to the age old question: Why is the rum always gone?

See answer to #5.

7. What’s the most piratish thing you’ve ever done?

Does watching fanvids on YouTube count?

8. Darling, we really must get you out of the house more often. Are they rules? Or more like guidelines?

Guidelines. And loose ones at that.

9. Now we're talking. I understand you’re a story-teller. Any undead monkeys in your stories?

Not yet—although there’s always hope for book three.

10. Any curses? Heartless monsters? Irritating women who insist on taking matters into their own hands?

No curses, but there is a maybe-ghost. And my stories always have women who take matters into their own hands.

11. As long as they don't take my rum into their own hands, I think I can live with it. One of my favorite words is “egregious.” Care to share one of yours, love?

Wowzer. It’s totally a word.

12. It sounds rather like a condition that requires a cream of some sort. Parlay? Or draw your sword?

Swords are very pretty awesome, but I’m kind of a coward when it comes to physical violence…

13. Darling, knowing when to flee so you can live to fight another day isn't cowardice. It's resourcefulness. You’ve got a crowd of cursed sailors and a nasty sea monster on your trail. How do you escape?

In a TARDIS.

14. Romantic night in? Or adventure on the high seas?

Night in. I talk a big game, but I’d rather write about adventure than experience it.

15. Perhaps you just haven't had the right partner for said adventures. *winks* My personal motto is: Take what you want, give nothing back. What’s yours?

“When life gives you lemons, throw them back.” Actually, I never said that. My friend Jen said it when we were in high school. As far as mottos go, though, it’s not bad. I wouldn’t necessarily put it on a T-shirt, but it would do in a pinch.




Thank you, Kathleen, for such an entertaining interview! To learn more about Kathleen, visit her site. To purchase your own copy of HEMLOCK, head to Indie Bound, Barnes & Noble, or Amazon.

But the fun isn't over yet! Kathleen is giving away a copy of her book along with a signed bookplate! The giveaway is open to North America and is open until 8 p.m. central time Wednesday, May 30th. To enter, simply fill out the form below.

Interview with Kathleen Peackock

Today's interview is with Kathleen Peacock, author of the recently released (and fabulous) HEMLOCK. I really enjoyed reading HEMLOCK: it's tense, action-packed, and the characters feel authentic and vivid and real. It's definitely a worthy addition to the werewolf genre and worth picking up next time you're in the book store! Here's a peek:

Mackenzie and Amy were best friends. Until Amy was brutally murdered.


Since then, Mac’s life has been turned upside down. She is being haunted by Amy in her dreams, and an extremist group called the Trackers has come to Mac’s hometown of Hemlock to hunt down Amy’s killer: A white werewolf.

Lupine syndrome—also known as the werewolf virus—is on the rise across the country. Many of the infected try to hide their symptoms, but bloodlust is not easy to control.

Wanting desperately to put an end to her nightmares, Mac decides to investigate Amy’s murder herself. She discovers secrets lurking in the shadows of Hemlock, secrets about Amy’s boyfriend, Jason, her good pal Kyle, and especially her late best friend. Mac is thrown into a maelstrom of violence and betrayal that puts her life at risk.


Kathleen Peacock’s thrilling novel is the first in the Hemlock trilogy, a spellbinding supernatural mystery series filled with provocative questions about prejudice, trust, lies, and love.

Looks good, doesn't it? :) Kathleen chose the inimitable Captain Jack Sparrow as her interviewer. Before we reveal today's gorgeous cupcake and get into the interview, let's meet today's guests.








Now that you know who's who, it's time to reveal the beautiful (and disturbing) cupcake my hubby made in honor of HEMLOCK. Mac is thrust into the conflict when her best friend, Amy, is murdered. It doesn't help that Amy (bloody and carrying a bit of a chip on her shoulder) keeps talking to Mac in her dreams. So, my hubby made Amy's tombstone, complete with bloody horns to show that Amy refuses to stay in the ground where she belongs. Without further ado, I give you the cupcake and Kathleen vs. Captain Jack.



1. Would you classify yourself as a pirate or a member of Her Majesty’s Royal navy? Why?


Since my heart has belonged to the Dread Pirate Roberts since I was, oh, nine, I’m going to have to go with “pirate.” You’re not so bad looking yourself.

2. I don't know who this Dread Pirate Roberts person is, but he'd better not try to get his sticky fingers on the Pearl. Losing my ship to some scurvy nave who uses "Dread" as his first name would be inconceivable. What’s your favorite thing to do in Tortuga?

Not get killed. Or scurvy.

3. I am also a fan of not getting killed. I’m offering you free passage aboard my ship to anywhere in the world. Where shall we go, love?

There’s this other Captain Jack in a place called Cardiff… Think this boat could get us there? I’ve always wanted to go to Wales…

(Seriously, though, I totally want to go to Wales. It’s at the top of my “must go there” list.)

4. Another Captain Jack? *curls lip* I am the one and only Captain Jack Sparrow, savvy? Accept no substitutes. Who is the hero of your story most like: me (savvy, debonair, and unquestionably smooth with the ladies), the insufferably honorable Will Turner, or that deceptive little minx Elizabeth?

Elizabeth. What with the sword swinging and such.

5. *shudders* Heaven save us from women with swords. Rum? Or more rum?

How close am I to a deadline?

6. Hmm, I see your rum consumption is directly related to your publishing career. Which leads me to the age old question: Why is the rum always gone?

See answer to #5.

7. What’s the most piratish thing you’ve ever done?

Does watching fanvids on YouTube count?

8. Darling, we really must get you out of the house more often. Are they rules? Or more like guidelines?

Guidelines. And loose ones at that.

9. Now we're talking. I understand you’re a story-teller. Any undead monkeys in your stories?

Not yet—although there’s always hope for book three.

10. Any curses? Heartless monsters? Irritating women who insist on taking matters into their own hands?

No curses, but there is a maybe-ghost. And my stories always have women who take matters into their own hands.

11. As long as they don't take my rum into their own hands, I think I can live with it. One of my favorite words is “egregious.” Care to share one of yours, love?

Wowzer. It’s totally a word.

12. It sounds rather like a condition that requires a cream of some sort. Parlay? Or draw your sword?

Swords are very pretty awesome, but I’m kind of a coward when it comes to physical violence…

13. Darling, knowing when to flee so you can live to fight another day isn't cowardice. It's resourcefulness. You’ve got a crowd of cursed sailors and a nasty sea monster on your trail. How do you escape?

In a TARDIS.

14. Romantic night in? Or adventure on the high seas?

Night in. I talk a big game, but I’d rather write about adventure than experience it.

15. Perhaps you just haven't had the right partner for said adventures. *winks* My personal motto is: Take what you want, give nothing back. What’s yours?

“When life gives you lemons, throw them back.” Actually, I never said that. My friend Jen said it when we were in high school. As far as mottos go, though, it’s not bad. I wouldn’t necessarily put it on a T-shirt, but it would do in a pinch.




Thank you, Kathleen, for such an entertaining interview! To learn more about Kathleen, visit her site. To purchase your own copy of HEMLOCK, head to Indie Bound, Barnes & Noble, or Amazon.

But the fun isn't over yet! Kathleen is giving away a copy of her book along with a signed bookplate! The giveaway is open to North America and is open until 8 p.m. central time Wednesday, May 30th. To enter, simply fill out the form below.

Trailer Tuesday: Struck

Today's trailer is for a book that recently hit the shelves: STRUCK by Jennifer Bosworth. I'm very intrigued! What do you think?

Celebrate MAY Giveaway!

May has become an important month to me. In May 2003, I was diagnosed with cervical cancer. In May 2004, I was pronounced "in remission." In May 2005, we started the process to adopt our daughter. In May 2008, I was pronounced "cured." In May 2011, I sold the Defiance trilogy.

You can see why May is an important month for me! I am grateful for every May milestone. Yes, even the cancer. Everything, good or bad, has taught me something valuable and has turned into a blessing over time. I'm grateful, and I'd like to celebrate!

To celebrate, I decided to give things away!

What things am I giving away? No, not my Johnny Depp poster. Get your own. I'm giving away DEFIANCE things, of course!



Click here to view book summary


Here's the scoop:

To enter, simply leave me a comment here telling me something or someone you're grateful for. Make sure to leave your email address so I can contact you if you win!! (This is super important because I don't have time to trek across the internet looking for you and would be forced to give your prize to someone else!)

I'll use random.org to draw winners for the following prizes:

Grand Prize : An annotated, signed ARC of DEFIANCE.

Second Place : A signed DEFIANCE bookmark, and the opportunity to have a secondary character in book 2 named after you or someone you love.

Third Place: Two people will each win a signed DEFIANCE bookmark.


Rules:

1. The contest is open to North America only, but check back at the end of June for an international giveaway!

2. You must leave a comment on this post telling me something or someone you're grateful for and why.

3. You must leave me a valid email address to use in contacting you if you win.

4. The contest is open until 8 p.m. Central Time May 31st.

Good luck!!