Jenni Merritt's Blog, page 15

I Will Be Better... Soon

Hey there bloggers.

As you may have noticed, my blog has been lacking lately.  I can't remember the last time I actually posted a book review, and my other weekly posts have been dismal.

*groans*

I am literally up to my eyeballs with life, and this poor blog has suffered because of it.  This will not do.

Starting next week, it is a fresh start.

I am jumping back onto my three-day-a-week posting schedule, and will rock the blogging socks off once again.  Thank you all for sticking through me through this.  It was bound to happen.  (Though I refused to accept that.)  But now it is over.   Done.  Fin.

I am back now.  Ready and revving to blog.
See you on Monday!

Oldsoul Blog Tour: Interview with Dan Haring

Today I have been given the awesome opportunity to interview Dan Haring, author of the soon to be released novel Oldsoul.  I could sit here and ramble away, but I want you all to get to know this up and coming author.  So let's dive in!

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Dan Haring has been drawing and writing for most of his life. He earned his degree in animation from BYU and has worked on such films as The Incredible Hulk and Disney's Tangled. He lives in Southern California with his wife and children. 
Follow Dan:  Site | Twitter |  Facebook 

Hello Dan!  How are you today?

I'm doing great, thanks! I'm excited to be here.

And I am excited to have you here!
Tell my readers a little about yourself:

I'm originally from a very small town in Utah. I have a wife and four kids, and I work in animation, most recently on Arthur Christmas and Tangled.

What is your writing process?  Plotter… or pantser?

Oldsoul was very much pantsing. I had a few ideas about where I wanted to go, but no idea how to get there. I just wrote until it became clear. I didn't even know how Oldsoul was going to end until I wrote it. With my current WIP I've got a much more structured synopsis I'm working from. I think a mixture of the two is ideal. Have a good structure to start with, but don't be afraid to deviate from it if that's where the story leads.

Oldsoul is quite an interesting story.  Tell me, what sparked it?

Thank you. The term "old soul" has always been interesting to me, and I was thinking about what would make a person wise beyond their years. Well, if they had souls of people who had already lived and died inside them who were able to help them through life, that might be a contributing factor. That and I just wanted to see if I could write a book.

Do you see yourself at all in Jason? 

Little bits. He and I both like comic books, among other things. I lived in the Philadelphia area for a few years, so my experience definitely plays into parts of his personality. I tried not to put too much of myself in him though.

What trait of Jason's would you most love to steal?

I don't want to give anything away, but I'd definitely want one of his special abilities.

What was the most exciting part of seeing Oldsoul come into being?

There were a few high points, but I have to say opening the box and pulling out the ARCs for the first time takes the cake. Holding an actual physical book that I'd written was an awesome feeling.

So what does Dan have in store for us in the future?  Any new stories on the horizon?

I'm currently working on a Middle Grade fantasy story that I can't really talk about. I'm also going to be working on a sequel to Oldsoul and maybe some other projects. And this fall you can see some of my daytime work if you go see the movie Hotel Transylvania.

Enough with the serious talk.  Let's do a fun question: Skittles, M&Ms, or potato chips?

Wow. That's extremely tough. Are we talking plain potato chips? Are we throwing Cheetos into the mix? Plain or peanut M&Ms? Regular Skittles are definitely the best. I hate the tropical flavors. Okay, I'm rambling. Let's just say Cheetos, if they're a valid choice. If not, then I guess M&Ms.

If you were a superhero, what power would you have?

Ooh. Probably super speed/flight. Flying would definitely be cool, but you have to throw in the super speed otherwise it might be kind of boring. And it would be easy for the bad guys to get you.

What takes over your life when not writing?

My life is largely governed by my family and my day job. So it's more like when can I squeeze in some writing? I usually write late at night once everyone's in bed, because who needs sleep?

In one sentence, tell my readers why they should read Oldsoul:

It's a fun, fast-paced read with lots of action and unique characters. By the way I'm a horrible salesman, but hopefully people like like it!

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Thank you, Dan!  It was such a pleasure "meeting" you.
(And FYI... I love Cheetos too!  Mm...)

Check out the other stops on the Oldsoul Blog tour here.
And keep your eyes out for Oldsoul, set to be released April 24th.

Jason Gouvas doesn't want to believe he has special abilities or that he's an Oldsoul-- a vessel for the souls of people who have passed away, but the dead girl in his mind can be very persuasive.

Her name is Erin, and through her Jason is able to access the knowledge and skills of the souls within him. And with a group of power-hungry immortals bent on destroying the Oldsouls and overthrowing humanity, he's going to need them all.  (Goodreads)

WIP Day - Readers are the Best

It's WIP day! *cheers*

As you all know, this last weekend I hosted my first ever free promo for Prison Nation.  It was insanely awesome.  I had no idea what to expect from it, and the results left me smiling ear to ear all weekend long.  (You can read my post wrapping it all up here)

Post promo, sales have been great.
Since PN's release, I have had "okay" sales.  Then along came promo weekend... and people have found me!  Watching all the new reviews that keep popping up.  Reading the kind messages on my Facebook page and in my email.  Seeing my rankings climb.

This is a good week.  And it is all because I have some pretty amazing readers out there.

As of right about... now... My rankings on Amazon are resting at:





CRAZY!  Prison Nation is in the top 500!  Have I mentioned I love you all?Really.  I really do.  Readers are by far the best.

As for WIPs:
Needless to say, this has ignited that missing fire under my bum for sure.  ITB, here I come.  I am revved to finished editing that WIP.  Then I get to move on to my next waiting project.  (A post of which will be up in a week or so... Hint: Prison Nation related.......)

My plans for the coming week are simple.
First, finish editing this shoot I did for my sister-in-law.
Second, finish beta reading Keary Taylor's newest novel.
Third, attack my WIP!

And to leave you today: If you have been wanting to know a little more about who I am, go check out my recent post on my photography blog.
20 facts, all about me.  Oh yes.

What are your goals for the week?  Do share!

Happy Writing!

Prison Nation Promotion Weekend Wrap-Up

I feel dizzy.  Dizzy with awesome.

This last weekend I hosted my first free promo weekend for Prison Nation.  I wasn't fully sure what to expect for it.  After a little bit of promotion for the promo (some tweeting, some facebooking, a good old blog post) the weekend started and I held my breath.

And oh my goodness.

After day one:
Prison Nation had been downloaded a little over 9,000 times.
After day two: 
The download number had spiked to over 20,000 awesome readers.

I think my jaw literally hit the floor so many times I should have taken duct tape and secured it back in place.

Waking up this morning, I logged in to check the stats after the final day of the promo weekend.  Ready for the numbers?

Final Download Count:

Amazon.com - 29,956
All other Amazon countries - 329
Total number of free downloads - 30,285

*picks jaw back up from ground once again*

During the run of my promo, I also watched Prison Nation climb on the Best Selling Free ebooks lists.  Here are some numbers saw it acheive:

#1 in free Science Fiction
#2 in free Contemporary Fiction
#6 in ALL free ebooks

Seeing it on the main page, listed for all to see... Even though it was for the free section and even though those numbers are gone, for now, it honestly brought tears to my eyes.  This weekend was so much more than I expected.

Not to mention all of the new reviews I saw popping up on both Amazon and Goodreads.  Here are a few little snips:

"This was a great book! Very well written and a unique concept. It was very different from all the other dystopians that I have read this month".
-Jamie, Goodreads

"This book kept me so engrossed that I had to finish it before I could put it down! An awesome read! I would recommend this book for anyone that wants a great read!"
-Melissa Smith, Goodreads

"I would definately suggest this book to anyone who wants to read a VERY good book! The plot of this book really makes you think about how things may turn out in the future! Millie has to learn quite a few lessons that many of us should also learn!"
-Melissa, Amazon

"I downloaded this book this morning and just now finished. I was so caught up from page one I couldn't put it down, even reading as I walked thru the house to do chores! This subject is so unlike anything I have ever read, though some of the themes remind me of today's headlines. The main character, Millie, has such a heart wrenching situation that I found myself rooting for her on nearly every page. I hope this author is busy at work on her next novel as her writing is superb."
-J. Anderson, Amazon

You are all amazing.  Knowing that over 30k people out there now have a copy of my book... it is mind boggling.  Have I said thank you?  No?
Thank you Thank you Thank you.

It will be interesting now to see how sales go post-promo.
If you didn't manage to snag a copy this last weekend (or if you would just love to support this debut author here by purchasing a copy now), Prison Nation is back on sale for only $2.99 on Kindle

Prison Nation is also available in paperback and through the Kindle Lending Library.  Check it out!

Time for me to duct my jaw back on, find some chocolate, and resist the urge to continuously check my current Kindle stats.  Thank you all for spreading the word and supporting my writing.  I look forward to many more writing days with you!

HAPPY WRITING!

Special Review - The Hunger Games Movie

I know.  You are probably all like:
"Wait, what?  A movie review?  This is a writing and book blog gosh darn it!"

*Insert angry southern accent*

Last night I went and watched the midnight showing of The Hunger Games with my sisters-in-law.  Got there at 7, sat around for about 5 hours... And after finally settling down in our comfy chairs, after finally watching this movie we have been waiting for, I decided I would write a quick review on it.

It is based off a book.  A book I thoroughly enjoyed.  So there.

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The Hunger Games

Based off The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Running Time: 2 hr 22 min
Rating: PG-13

Synopsis: (from Fandango)

Every year in the ruins of what was once North America, the Capitol of the nation of Panem forces each of its twelve districts to send a teenage boy and girl to compete in the Hunger Games. A twisted punishment for a past uprising and an ongoing government intimidation tactic, The Hunger Games are a nationally televised event in which "Tributes" must fight with one another until one survivor remains. Sixteen year old Katniss Everdeen volunteers in her younger sister's place to enter the games, and is forced to rely upon her sharp instincts as well as the mentorship of drunken former victor Haymitch Abernathy when she's pitted against highly-trained Tributes who have prepared for these Games their entire lives. If she's ever to return home to District 12, Katniss must make impossible choices in the arena that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

My Thoughts:
If you haven't heard of The Hunger Games, then you must have been a hermit hiding under a rock for the last few months.  Hype for this movie has been building, and all of the loyal readers of the best-selling trilogy have been on pins and needles to see this story come to life.

Overall, I enjoyed this big screen adaptation.  I felt it stuck true enough to the story to do it all justice.  (Unlike other movies that hack the story to so many pieces you have no idea what you are even watching.)  Naturally, certain aspects of the story were cut to fit it all into a 2 hour movie.  The missing pieces though were more of the nonessential bits.  It all worked out.

I feel the casting for this movie was great.

Jennifer Lawrence (Katniss) is a talented actress who portrayed Katniss pretty dang close to how I pictured her when devouring the book.  Her humility, intense love for family, and drive to survive was evident every second of the film.  Josh Hutcherson (Peeta) didn't fail either.  While I didn't know what to expect (I haven't seen much of this actor) he ended up delivering a believable Peeta, down to the crowd pleasing smiles and ga-ga for Katniss eyes.

My favorite?  Woody Harrelson (Haymitch)  I really wasn't sure what to expect from him in this role, but man did he deliver.  The rest of the cast did amazing as well, but I don't need to list it all. You get the picture.

And I just have to mention:  The Capitol.  Strange, eccentric, creepy, and outright awesome.  Color anyone?

Now, you might be asking why the lower rating?

A major thing that deters me from shows is the shaky camera trick.  You know, when it looks like they handed the camera to a sugar-high toddler and told them to tromp through the woods.  This movie was all over that technique, and I didn't like it.  I want to feel like I spent my money on a professional production.  Not a home-made movie.  There were a few times I literally felt cross-eyed.  Uhg.

Also, and this is just me: I feel like if the viewer hasn't read the book, they will not get the full impact of the movie.  While the acting is good, great at times, it does speed through the story line, making you feel like you need to take a deep breath just to catch up.

Plus, I wanted more action.  Come on, it's an arena where the kids are forced to kill each other.  You can't tame that down.  I have seen Battle Royale.  I can take it.

It wasn't everything I was hoping for.  But it was horrible either.
It was good.  It just wasn't totally great.

Like I said:  I enjoyed this movie.  While it may not be one that I am dying to buy another ticket for and see over and over again in theatres, I will for sure be adding it to my DVD collection once it is available for the snatching.

If you liked The Hunger Games, or are just plain curious about what all this hype is, I say go watch it.

And may the odds be ever in your favor.

My Rating: (3 out of 5 stars)

Prison Nation Promotion Weekend

Today (Friday, 3/23) through Sunday (3/25) Prison Nation will be available FREE on Kindle.

Yes.  Free. GO HERE


Been wanting a copy but couldn't get that $2.99 rounded up?  Here is your chance!  Just head on over to Kindle, and get the copy for free!  This ends Sunday though.  I can't keep it free forever.  So don't delay!  (Or do... and support me by buying a copy later... your choice.  *wink*)

And of course, spread the word!  I think it is about time I tell more people about this novel of mine.  And I need your help!

Send out a tweet with the hashtag #PrisonNationShare it on Facebook (Feel free to tag my FB page!)Blog.  Text.  Whisper in ears.  What pleases you.
Your help means so much to me.  And your support is priceless.
Thank you!

WIP Day - Lending and Snapping Away

Today's post will be a short one.
It's one of those days.  You know?

1. PN is now part of the Kindle Lending Library.  If you have a Kindle, you can now "borrow" it for a good read.  *cheers...*

2.  In celebration of PN now being a part of the Kindle Select Program, it will be available for a free download this weekend.  That's right.  Friday through Sunday you will be able to get a free copy of PN all for yourself.  Spread the word!

Now here is a question:  
Would you, my awesome readers, be interested at all in me posting short writing prompts every so often on here?  Share more of my writing?

I used to on my old blog, but didn't bring it over when I started this bad boy up.  Now I am missing it.  I want to know what you think.

So... tell me!


Totally not writing related...
I finally am working on my photography website.  The portfolios are slowly appearing, the blog is making its way to fully existing, and I am having fun.  What with two weddings on the horizon, along with hopefully even more shoots in the future, I figured it was about time to get that site in gear.  It is still majorly under construction, but it is getting there!

Have a moment?   Check it out!

A self portrait.  Of me.  Because I always shoot with my camera on my head...
Like I said, short post for today.  Now I am off to be mommy.  Work a bit more on my site.  Prepare to beta read for the awesome Keary Taylor (I have to say: Pretty excited to read this completely new story of hers!  Check out its page on Goodreads) And of course... write.

Happy Writing!

Prison Nation, now Select

I finally came to a decision.
Ready for this?

Prison Nation is now enrolled in the KDP Select program.
Ooo...

What does this mean you ask?


First:  If you are a Kindle owner, you can now read PN via the Kindle Lending Library.  Do it!  Check it out!

Second:  Due to the rules of Select, PN is no longer available via Nook.

This was the hardest part of the decision for me.  I love having my book available to any reader possible, and taking it off Nook was like ripping off a band aid.  I finally decided it was worth the try.  If all doesn't go great, I can always go back.

So, if you are a Nook reader... Use a Kindle app.  Or just get a good old paper copy.  *smiles*

And Third:  In celebration of this new change to PN...

Starting this Friday, March 23rd, Prison Nation will be free for a limited  3 day period on Kindle.  

Yes, free. 
From the 23rd to the 25th, hop on over to your Kindle store and download a free copy of Prison Nation.  This is only a 3 day promotion, so don't miss it.  
Spread the word!

To Do KDP Select, or Not

I have been having a hard time making a decision.
So now... I come to you.

KDP Select
Have you heard of it?

If you an avid e-reader, or indie author, no doubt you have.  It is Kindle's newest platform.  Through KDP Select, ebooks are available in a lending library.  A fund is set each month, and depending on how many times your book is borrowed, you get a portion of that fund.  There are options to set your book to free for promotional periods, and Select helps to publicize your book more than before.

Sounds great!

I think the only downside is that if you choose to do KDP Select, you cannot e-publish your book anywhere but Kindle.

The only other location you can digitally get PN at the moment is Nook.  And to be honest, I make much more sales via Kindle than Nook any day.  It wouldn't affect me much in that way.  But I could lose some potential Nook readers.

So, should I do it?

As I said, I may lose potential Nook readers.  But at the same time, I could pick up many more Kindle readers in the process.  Decisions... decisions decisions decisions...

I am looking for your opinion.  Please... do share!

Encouraging Words

There are three teachers in my life who have made the largest impact on who I am today, as a writer.  Recently while digging through some old boxes, I was reminded of one of those amazing people.

It was my fifth grade teacher, Ms. Bordi.  Red curly hair, nonstop energy, and absolute love for her job and students gave her the very appropriate nickname of "Ms. Frizzle."  Most of my elementary school life is a blur of art projects, recess, and singing time.  Yet my fifth grade year always remains clear and crisp in my mind.  Because of Ms. Bordi.

What made her so special to me?

It wasn't just her Ms. Frizzle-ness.  No.  It was because she was the first teacher who read my writing and said, many times: You can do this!  Even when I was only a surly 11 year old who refused to do her math homework and talked back one time too many, she believed in me.

And that hit home.

Her words of encouragement, her shoves of "just do it," and her praise of even the silliest poem has stuck with me to this day.  While there are many things I have forgotten or blurred from my childhood, this one thing I have not.

Someone believed in me.  Someone wanted me to write my book.

What did I find in my box you ask?
It was my 5th grade memory book.  I flipped through it, reading memories of my last year of Elementary school.  Looking at my old school photos. Then I landed on a message signed by Ms. Bordi.

Dear Jenn,
I cannot wait to open my Time Magazine and my TFK and find a big article about the award-winning artist/author Jenn L. Mason!  Your writing has been like eating yummy chocolate all year - I love it!  Fortunately, unlike chocolate, your writing has been for for me!  Your sense of humor, persistence, and quick intelligence have been a pleasure!  Don't forget to come back and visit me, ok?  Otherwise I may track you down... and wrap you in a homemade straight jacket!
Love, Ms. Bordi

She gave me the realization that I just may have something in there other than a little story.  She made me promise her a book.  And when I published Prison Nation, I thought of her.

Teachers.  Friends.  Family.  The words of encouragement they say can stick with you longer and more intensely that you ever thought.  Too often those words of belittled.  Looked down on.  But not by me.

They are chocolate, but so much more healthy.

Take a moment today and admire the talent of the people around you.  Give them a thumbs up.  A "you can do this" message.  A hearty slap on the back.  Your words can create the difference in their life.  I know those words have changed my own.

You can do it.  I believe in you.  Keep going.

Ms. Bordi gave me one of the first pushes.  Others pulled me along the way.  And here I am today. How can you thank someone enough for that?

Thank you Ms. Bordi.  You will always be the best Ms. Frizzle, ever.
I hope I make you proud.

Happy Writing!