H.S. Stone's Blog, page 20

YA Spring Fling interview with author Cady Vance

The YA Spring Fling giveaway started yesterday! Remember to enter for a chance to win from over 100 ebooks and other prizes!

Before you do, let's hear from Cady Vance, one of the authors whose books you can win.

Tell us more about your books.

Never Sleep is a YA science fiction story set in New York City. The protagonist, Thora Green, suffers from chronic months-long insomnia, and she's heard a rumor of a secret haven with a cure called the Insomniac Cafe, hidden in the streets of Manhattan. So...

YA Spring Fling Giveaway

I'm excited to announce that two of my books, Gifted and Keep Your Enemies Close, are part of the YA Spring Fling Giveaway! There are over 100 books up for grabs, along with other cool swag. I know that there are quite a few books in the giveaway that I'm personally itching to read.

The giveaway runs from March 20 to April 3. If you want to receive updates, you can sign up for the mailing list at http://eepurl.com/baBpFr. Anyone who signs up before the 20th is guaranteed to receive at least on...

Search (The Driver Series #3) release announcement

I'm happy to announce the release of the third story in the Driver Series, Search!


It’s been a month since Claire returned from her last run. One day, the mayor reveals shocking new information about the Outsiders that goes against what she has believed her entire life. He also tasks her with a mission that will take her into the heart of Outsider territory.

At first, Claire’s Protector, Shaun, is reluctant to accompany her, but he later relents, because what is as important to him as the miss...

Book Review: Dust by Hugh Howey

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Description (from Goodreads):
In a time when secrets and lies were the foundations of life, someone has discovered the truth. And they are going to tell.

Jules knows what her predecessors created. She knows they are the reason life has to be lived in this way.

And she won't stand for it.

But Jules no longer has supporters. And there is far more to fear than the toxic world beyond her walls.

A poison is growing from within Silo 18.

One that cannot be stopped.

Unless Sil...

Too many ideas, not enough time

I might have mentioned in previous blog posts that I keep a notebook of story ideas. Whenever I come up with an idea that I think would make a great story, I jot it down in the notebook. It's usually just a couple of sentences to a paragraph. I have so many ideas now that I could easily spend the next decade writing them! Yet new ideas come up every week.

What's a writer to do when there are so many shiny, new ideas beckoning? Especially when motivation for the current project that I'm working...

What I plan to copy from Joe Konrath

Joe Konrath is sort of a legend in indie publishing circles. He's sold a boatload of books since he severed his traditional publishing ties and decided to publish his books himself. Not only is he successful, but he's also an evangelist for the indie publishing industry. His posts on last year's Amazon vs. Hatchette controversy, for example, were often referenced by others covering the story. His earlier posts are part of what inspired me to become an indie writer.

Of all the things that Konra...

It's the best of times and worst of times to be an indie author

I know the title sounds contradictory, but it's true (and similar wording worked for Charles Dickens). If you're an indie author or aspire to be one, then congratulations! Also, my condolences.

Why is now the worst of times to be an indie author? I wrote this post because for the first time since I started indie publishing my books, authors who used to make a good living wage from their books are reporting depressing sales. Some are so discouraged that they're calling it quits. I know it's ha...

Proximity New Cover Blast

Proximity Proximity Series-Book #1 By: M.A. GeorgeGenre- Romance/Science Fiction
She’s an alien whose home world doesn’t even know she exists.He just inherited a planet, and now he’s running from it.She has spent a lifetime hiding in plain sight.He wants to escape the spotlight.Her touch can heal.His wounds are deep.Two hearts, two planets collide.  It’s the perfect union.Except the part where the world’s about to end.


     
About the Author-M. A. George is part proud mother of...

Book review: Fashion Fraud by Jamie Campbell

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Description:
Truly Winx only wants one thing in her life: to be a world famous fashion designer.

When she discovers her favorite designers are conducting a design competition with big prizes up for grabs, Truly knows she was destined to enter. The only problem is she can’t sew.

Desperate to make it in the industry, Truly somehow convinces the shy, intelligent Jane Davis to be her competition partner and sew her design into a real dress.

With her future at st...

When the book isn't better than the movie

2014 was a pretty big year for movie adaptations of YA novels. Mockingjay, Part 1 was the highest grossing film of the year. Divergent and The Maze Runner also pulled in more than $100 million each at the box office in the U.S. alone. The Giver turned a tidy profit after grossing over $65 million.

However, when it comes to comparing the book to the movie, it's almost always the case that when a book is adapted to film, something is lost in translation. How often do you hear someone saying, "Th...