Jenni Merritt's Blog, page 19

Best of 2011 Giveaway Hop WINNERS

Ok, honestly.  You all rock.  Do you know that?  I had such an awesome turn out of entries for the Best of 2011 Giveaway Hop... that I even added a 2nd winner.

That's right!  I drew TWO winners, each of whom (whom?  I think that's right...) will get a choice of ONE of the books I listed in the original post.

And the winners are...
AliviaandJuhina Elmajdoub
Congrats you two!
I have emailed the winners.  They have 48 hours to respond.  If I do not hear from them by then... I will draw a new winner.  So if you are one of those two, respond quick!

And to the rest of you who did not win:
I hope you stick around.  We have fun here, right older followers? *looks around hopefully*  Really, we do.  So don't go anywhere! *offers hug*

And, of course: HAPPY NEW YEAR!Let's make 2012 an awesome one.

Yet Another Author Interview... of Me!

That's right.  I am popping by real quick to let all of you wonderful followers know:

Ruthie over at Live, Love, Laugh, Write! has posted her author interview of yours truly.  Yay! Go check it out!  And make sure to follow Ruthie as well.  Her blog is just starting out and deserves lots and lots of your love.

Click HERE to check out the interview.
And... click here to read the review of Prison Nation that Ruthie posted.

*big dorky grin*

Book Review - Dearly, Departed

Dearly, Departed
by Lia Habel

Synopsis: (from Goodreads)

Love conquers all, so they say. But can Cupid's arrow pierce the hearts of the living and the dead—or rather, the undead? Can a proper young Victorian lady find true love in the arms of a dashing zombie?

The year is 2195. The place is New Victoria—a high-tech nation modeled on the manners, mores, and fashions of an antique era. A teenager in high society, Nora Dearly is far more interested in military history and her country's political unrest than in tea parties and debutante balls. But after her beloved parents die, Nora is left at the mercy of her domineering aunt, a social-climbing spendthrift who has squandered the family fortune and now plans to marry her niece off for money. For Nora, no fate could be more horrible—until she's nearly kidnapped by an army of walking corpses.

But fate is just getting started with Nora. Catapulted from her world of drawing-room civility, she's suddenly gunning down ravenous zombies alongside mysterious black-clad commandos and confronting "The Laz," a fatal virus that raises the dead—and hell along with them. Hardly ideal circumstances. Then Nora meets Bram Griswold, a young soldier who is brave, handsome, noble . . . and dead. But as is the case with the rest of his special undead unit, luck and modern science have enabled Bram to hold on to his mind, his manners, and his body parts. And when his bond of trust with Nora turns to tenderness, there's no turning back. Eventually, they know, the disease will win, separating the star-crossed lovers forever. But until then, beating or not, their hearts will have what they desire.

Why I Picked This Book: Its beautiful cover had been floating around the blogosphere for some time.  When I found it available on NetGalley, I just couldn't resist.  (I received this e-book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for a fair and honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.)

My Thoughts:
Steampunk. In the future.  With zombies.
I honestly had no idea what to expect from Dearly, Departed.  I had never read a steampunk story before.  This mix pulled me in though and convinced me to pick up this book and give it a go.

Overall, I enjoyed the story.  It takes place in the future, where most of the world has been ruined by natural disaster.  The remaining civilization has retreated south... and retreated to a time of civility and manners.  You know, Victorian age.  It was very interesting to see the mix of manners school, poofy dresses, proper speaking... with cell phones, steam powered computers, and blimps.

And of course the zombies.  Because it wasn't bad enough that the New Victorians were at war with the Punks (people who live in the wilderness and aren't ever fully explained).  No, let's throw in a zombie apocolypse, Nora who is miraculously immune, her genius dad... and the best part? An army formed of zombies, fighting on the good side.

That's right.  As with most zombie books coming out lately, Habel takes her liberties with the rules of zombie living.  In this one, zombies have the potential of "waking up" with most of themselves still in tact.  One of the main characters, Bram, is one of those lucky few.  And he will stop at nothing to protect Nora.

Yes, there is a love story in the mix.  But thank goodness it didn't full take over this story.

Needless to say, the story did pull me along.  I was intrigued at the very beginning, and rooting for the good zombies throughout the book.

My issues?
For one, too many POVs.  This book is written in first person... and bounces between FIVE different POVs. Yes, five.  At times it did become hard for me to differ between the characters, and found it difficult after a while to connect and see the growth of each POV.  The story progressed great, but when it came to seeing character growth, I felt it lacked.  It was all too sudden.

There was so much to tell in this story, and so few pages.  I feel it would have been better to write it solely from Nora and Bram's POVs, leave out Victor's (the genius dad) and Wolfe's (the crazy military nutjob of an antagonist)... and tell Pamela's version in a whole different book.

My only other issue was the end.  It was very, very, very rushed.  I found myself going "No! Wait, slow down!  I want to enjoy this!" but instead it just... rushed.  For lack of better words.

Regardless, I thoroughtly enjoyed Dearly, Departed.  I give this book a 4 star.  It isn't the strongest 4 star, but it deserves it non-the-less.  I am keeping my eye for the next book, whenever that may be coming.   Habel is such a talented author, and I happily will dive back into her mind anytime to tackle more zombies.

My Rating: (4 out of 5 stars)

WIP Day - Broken Monitor

Hello Wednesday.  We need to stop meeting like this.

This will be a short update for the week.  Honestly, I don't have a ton to say.  PN is still out in sales land.  ITB is awaiting editing, which starts next week.

Ah!  Next week?  Next week is 2012?  Oh my...

But yes, ITB will finally get its chance at editing come next week.  It has been sitting since the end of August, and I have to say: I am finally getting antsy to get a good look at it.  I have a few ideas that have been tugging at my mind as well, and I am wondering if I would be able to manage editing one book while writing another.  Hmm... we shall see!

My main monitor finally bit the dust as well.  I have a great duel monitor set up, mainly because a very awesome friend gave me the secondary monitor.  How sweet.  Now I am wondering how I ever survived without duel.  It is soooo nice.

Well, my main one has been slowly dying for a few months now.  The kind of dying where I have to hit the power button off and on literally 50 times before it maybe, just maybe stays on.  The other day... it never stayed on.  Why is this a big deal you ask?  Well, if you know me, you know I also do photography.  And edit it.  And my secondary monitor for sure does not have the right coloring and brightness to make pretty photos.  So... with my main monitor dead... all of my photo editing is on hold.

*Wahhh*

Needless to say I was pretty dang bummed.  Then my hubby, in all of his aweosmeness, told me to go ahead and order a new one. We found an awesome deal, and it should be here today or tomorrow.  I am way excited.  I am hoping to bust out a few more photo sessions before 2012 hits and book editing consumes my life.

RIP old monitor.  You did me well.

That's about it for today.  I am thinking tonight or tomorrow night I may go spend some of my gift card hubby gave me for Christmas... to Powells.  Because you know you can never have enough books. *wink*


How is your week going??

HAPPY WRITING!

Best of 2011 Giveaway Hop

Welcome to the Best of 2011 blog hop, hosted by I Am A Reader, Not a Writer(Yay!  We all love blog hops!)


This hop is all about sharing our favorite reads from 2011.  They can be books that were released in 2011, or books we read during the year.  And let me tell you, I have read many many good books this year!

For this hop, I decided to list a few of my favorites.  The winner will be drawn and announced January 1st, and will be given the choice of ONE book from my list here.  And... if I just so happen to get up to 500 blog followers during this hop... I will draw a second winner as well!

To enter, all you will need to do is fill in the Rafflecopter below and of course... follow me.  Since GFC is going away for non-Blogger folk in the new year, there are a few options this time.  Though please... do follow GFC as well if you can!  (1 extra point for you if you do!)
Entries good to anywhere the Book Depository ships.

Don't forget to check all of the other great give aways in this hop, by clicking right... here!

Ready for the book options?

Divergent 
by Veronica Roth
(My Review HERE) The Maze Runner
by James Dashner
(My Review HERE) Warm Bodies
by Isaac Marion
(My Review HERE)    And for those of you state-side looking for an awesome Indie read... Eden
by Keary Taylor
(Read my interview with Keary HERE)


<a href="http://rafl.es/enable-js"&am... need javascript enabled to see this giveaway</a>.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
You need javascript enabled to see this giveaway.

2011... What a Year!

Today is the last Monday of 2011.  Can you believe that?  This year seems to have just sped by, and I barely know where it went.  Before we know it, 2012 will spring into being and we will all be on our way to making a new year and new goals.

Today I thought it would be fun for me to walk down memory lane a little.  Reminisce on what 2011 had in store for me.  Care for a stroll?

________________

January - I cracked my knuckles, opened my word document, and began the first editing round of Prison Nation.  This was something I had never done before, and I have to say: I felt pretty lost about it.  Luckily I had Keary and Kimmel by my side to keep me going.  I cast my main characters... and then I won a raffle and a spot in a Revision course!  The new mantra Lani taught?: I am a GREAT writer!

February - Editing rolled on.  In February two fellow bloggers posted interviews of yours truly.  Wow, that was crazy.  Seeing an interview, even one just about me aspiring, was a real kicker.  It made me realize how much I wanted to keep writing, to someday see an Author interview... to keep my promises to myself.  Thank you Brad and Abby for that.  I also created my Facebook page.

March - I finally decided it was time to set up a blogging schedule.  I was addicted.  This blog... it was fast becoming something that was the main fuel to my fire.  I wrote a post about how books help us live forever... something I still firmly believe.  Then I printed up Prison Nation for the first time ever, and prepped for that paper edit.  Holding the book in my hands, granted it was just printer paper and a binder... I will never forget that feeling.  Wow.

April - I posted an April's fool post that must have been written much too clever... my mom called, along with a few other friends and many emails, telling me that I should never give up on writing.  I posted a disclaimer to that fool post... and realized how many people believed in me.  Then felt good that I wrote a post good enough to get that reaction.  (Yes, a little evil here) My oldest kiddo turned 3 (ah!), I kept on with my editing, and I read one of my top favorite books of the year: The Maze Runner.

May - I shared my top 10 Procrastination Devices.  Most of those devices still take over my writing time... but I can at least say I was able to bump StumbleUpon off the list... then I discovered Twitter and Tumblr.  Oh my.. it was good while it lasted.  I wrote one of my favorite posts, about writing chub.  And then I finished editing round #5.  I was getting there!  My baby turned 1... what a way to end the month!

June - I entered a 1000 word writing contest... and won!  That was pretty awesome.  There was no prize, other than knowing that someone liked my work.  And let me tell you: that worked for me!  Later than months I interviewed Keary Taylor about her writing and her up-coming novel, Eden. (Yes, the Eden that is now on its way to Hollywood! Crazy, huh?) I even gave away a copy of that awesome novel.  The month ended with my igniting my Race to 100... 100 followers.  And what a race it was.  I finished the month with more editing, and sharing a few of the awesome author photos good friend Vince took of me.

July - The month started with my finishing my polishing round of Prison Nation!  I fell down a flight of cement stairs while taking photos of some friends (ow) and spent the down time prepping Prison Nation for querying. Querying began, along with Kimmel self-publishing her novel, Transformation.  Go Kimmel!  I even interviewed her all about it.  That month I also wrote my post that to date has had the most hits on my blog, all about loving your antagonist.

August - I decided to dive into Camp NaNoWriMo for the month of August.  My WIP In the Blood needed to attention, and the challenge was just too enticing.  Man, it felt great to be writing instead of editing.  Yeah... I am not an editing fan.  At this point I had already recieved some rejections for Prison Nation, some partial requests as well, and wanted nothing more than to dive into another imaginary world as querying went on.  August also meant celebrating my 6 year anniversary with my amazing hubby... as well as my 25th birthday! And yes, I won Camp NaNoWriMo as well. Barely... but at least I did.

September - I began the month with sharing some of my photography.  Yes, I do that too.  What can I say, I love art of all kind.  In August I had 2nd shot my first wedding, and come September I was crazy with editing the many shoots I did while visiting family and friends in Washington.  That was pretty much how I spent the month of September.  I shared my thoughts on inspiration, took part in some awesome blog hops, and wondered what would happen to Prison Nation.

October - Phew!  This year was just speeding by!  What with book editing, book writing, book querying.  Blogging, photography, mommy duties... What was I saying?  I got the chance to attend the Smart Chicks Kick It tour, and got to hear some great authors chat about what we all love most: Books.  I even got photos, and signings!  Very, very cool.  By this point I had also decided that self-publishing was the route for Prison Nation.  I had had great response to it, but no line and sinkers.  So, off I went, prepping away.  I posted a thought from Scott Westerfeld that he shared at this year's Wordstock event: Finish Everything. And I discovered my enemy word in writing: "was"

November - NaNoWriMo began!  I had been hoping to be prepped much more for it this year, but working on Prison Nation took control of my life.  Still, Redone Shadows began to form into something we call a book, as I formatted Prison Nation on the side lines.  I wrote a post inspired by a fellow Portland WriMo, about teaching your character to ride a bike.  I even revealed the final cover for Prison Nation!  Sylvia interviewed me over at her blog (happy dance) and I finished the month with a bang, winning NaNoWriMo 2011 and ordering my proof copy of Prison Nation.  WHEW!

December - I started the month with something awesome: Releasing Prison Nation to all of you.  Hitting that approve button... was an experience I cannot even describe.  This was my baby, and I was letting it out into the world.  I was nervous.  Excited.  Scared out of my mind.  And very, very proud of myself.  And seeing how much friends and family, and even people I didn't know, welcomed it into the book world... I did get teary eyed, often.  Ruthie posted a review even.  Thank you!  The month ended with a completely amazing Christmas, lots of love, and too much candy.  No, I take that back.  You can never have too much candy.


________________
And here we are! What a year this was.  Editing one book, writing two others.  All of my adventures.  Discovering this amazing writing community, all of you.  There have been downs, but so many more ups that I have to say 2011 was a great great year in my book.  I cannot thank all of you enough for all the support, laughter and drive you give me.  2012 will be great, I can feel it.  Can you?

Want to know my plans and goals for this next year?  Make sure to check my post next Monday.  And until then, as always...

HAPPY WRITING!

Christmas Wishes... to YOU!

Just popping over real quick to wish everyone a very, very, veryMERRY CHRISTMAS!
Our tree this year.  We even made it snow!I hope your day is going amazing, with lots of family, love, and food.  Yes, lots of food.

To those of you celebrating other holidays, I wish you a great one.  And if you do not celebrate any holiday... may your day be awesome and happy.

Now, back I go to family time.
My hubby got me some great presents this year (a silver locket... green jacket... camera cleaning kit... POWELLS GIFT CARD!!) I got him new Converse shoes and a shave & a haircut (You know it.) We spoiled our kiddos, which they aptly deserve. Now we are spending time with family, enjoying food food, talking, laughing, and prepping to play some good old DDR. (oh yes...)

Jingle bells, jingle bells...

Book Review - Under the Never Sky

Under the Never Sky 
by Veronica Rossi

Synopsis: (from Goodreads)

Aria is a teenager in the enclosed city of Reverie. Like all Dwellers, she spends her time with friends in virtual environments, called Realms, accessed through an eyepiece called a Smarteye. Aria enjoys the Realms and the easy life in Reverie. When she is forced out of the pod for a crime she did not commit, she believes her death is imminent. The outside world is known as The Death Shop, with danger in every direction.

As an Outsider, Perry has always known hunger, vicious predators, and violent energy storms from the swirling electrified atmosphere called the Aether. A bit of an outcast even among his hunting tribe, Perry withstands these daily tests with his exceptional abilities, as he is gifted with powerful senses that enable him to scent danger, food and even human emotions.

They come together reluctantly, for Aria must depend on Perry, whom she considers abarbarian, to help her get back to Reverie, while Perry needs Aria to help unravel the mystery of his beloved nephew's abduction by the Dwellers. Together they embark on a journey challenged as much by their prejudices as by encounters with cannibals and wolves. But to their surprise, Aria and Perry forge an unlikely love - one that will forever change the fate of all who live UNDER THE NEVER SKY 

Why I Picked this Book:  After reading the synopsis, I was curious.  That plus the very pretty cover, and I decided I just had to give it a try.  (I received this e-book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for a fair and honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.)

My Thoughts:
Eh...

Aria lived in a Dome, one pod of many set up to protect the people and give them a safe, happy life free of the dangerous outside world.  Constantly living in the Realms, virtual reality type chat rooms seen through an eye piece worn at all times, Aria has never known sickness, fear... life.  Intriguing yes?  That's what I thought too.

Then at the very beginning of the story, she is thrown out of the Dome, due to some bad juju that happens.  Aria has always been taught that the outside world means death.  But she soon comes to find that it isn't exactly so.  She meets Perry, an Outsider cast from his own tribe, intent on getting his nephew back who has been kidnapped by the Dome people.

Oh, did I mention Perry has super senses?  Yup.  He can see like an owl and smell feelings.  Turns out many people in the outside world have heightened senses, causes by adapting to survive mixed with the Aether storms... pretty swirling lights in the never sky that tend to send down deathly bolts of fire.

See?  The general idea was good... but that was all that kept me roped in.

Most of the story seemed to be Aria and Perry wandering through the outside.  Walking... not liking each other... walking some more.  While Aria's determination was admirable, and Perry's character was intriguing, it wasn't strong enough to hold over the reader.  Each time something awesome felt like it might happen, it was just touched on then moved past because their trek through the woods was more important.

You know, like the Croven - a pack of Cannibals - hunting down Aria and Perry for revenge.  Yeah.  Cannibals.  A few "oo" moments, then they just... ok, no spoilers here.  I am sure the Croven will come back in later books, but it would have been nice to see them more as a creepy antagonist in this one.

I, as the reader, found myself left with many more questions that I felt happy with, even knowing there will be a book two.  What caused the Aether?  What exactly is the Aether? What is the history of this world that they keep referring to but never explain?  What about the Domes?  What is going on in there, what is it like, why couldn't more than the first few chapters of the book take place there? (Because, frankly, I was more interested in the dome life than the outside, sense enhanced world)... Though I know this will be a series, I felt too much was left unsaid, leaving me to close the book with a "What?" feeling.

As for the romance aspect... I didn't feel it.  Aria and Perry spend the first part of the book pretty much hating each other.  Then suddenly... they are in love.  And that's that.  Love conquers all.  I personally didn't feel the chemistry between them.  It felt more forced and after thought than anything.

There was so much of this book I was curious about.  So much I hoped to dive more into.  And, as I said, Rossi may touch on those things in later books.  It was just a bummer they were not touched on in this one.  The over all idea was intriguing, the writing was very well done, and the world was a scary scary place.  I wish I could better say what fell flat for me on this book.

I can say it seems much more post-apocolyptic/paranormal than dystopian.  I admire Rossi's talent, but I cannot fully say if I will be looking for the next book in this series.  Who knows, you may love it.  But when I am left with much more questions and confusion than resolution...

Under the Never Sky will be released January 3, 2012

My Rating (2 out of 5 stars)

WIP Day - Sickness Be GONE

This has been one of those weeks that I won't miss.

First off, I got sick.
Sore throat that made me fear swallowing.  Sneezing up a storm.  Runny nose that I couldn't catch.  I think I spent most of Friday out of it, only awake because I had mommy duties.  As soon as hubby came home, I was gone.

That was pretty much my weekend right there.  A friend visited, dropped his cat off for us to cat sit for a few weeks. (Big orange love of a thing.  The cat, not the friend) but honestly, I just wanted to sleep most of the weekend away.

I am starting to feel better now.  Except this stupid headache that refuses to let up.

Along with that, I am dealing with some family issues in my life (do not worry, hubby and my kiddos are doing great.  It's other family...) and it is really stressing me out.  Again, to the point that I just want to sleep and turn off my phone because it is easier to pretend everything is honky-dory.

Needless to say, that is why I lacked in a post on Monday.  I had an idea of what to write, but just couldn't get myself to do it.  Here I am now though!

No true WIP updates.  In a little over a week I will start in on my editing of ITB.  Oooo... Along with that, I have two different stories now battling for me to write.  I love them both.  I want to try and write one while editing ITB, but we will see how that goes.

Thanks for sharing the love, Kati!As for PN, it is going good.  I still need to market it a bit more, but life just keeps getting in the way.  It has been fun to see people adding it to their TBR on Goodreads.  And to see friends who have ordered copies post photos of them holding my book.  Brings a tear to my eye, not only that it is my book they are holding, but they even took the photo.  I feel the love.

I am trying to decide if I want to enroll PN in the KDP Select program for Kindle.  It could give me opportunity for more exposure and pay, but at the same time it means I cannot have a digital copy any where else, so Nook would have to go.  Have you heard of Select?  Thoughts?

I mailed off my first batch of ordered signed copies.  Let me tell you, waiting in line in the post office the weekend before Christmas... Maybe not the best choice on my part.  Luckily I had a friend with me, and the kind older lady behind us in line who successfully talked nonstop to us for about 45 minutes about collecting glass cups.  Fascinating...

If you have ordered a signed copy from me and haven't received it, it is probably because I have not received the payment for it yet.  As for if you want a copy from me and aren't sure how to go about it, email me and we can chat.  Sadly, I can only do in state orders, unless you are willing to pay more for s/h.

Oh! Speaking of that!
To those of you who live in those countries that lack Amazon, but still want a copy of PN... It is now on the Book Depository!  I went and checked the other day.  Typed in my name, and boom, there it was.  Now then, it lacked an image of the cover and the synopsis was an add for dog food... but the ISBN was right.  I emailed the BD and it has all been corrected.  Hurray!

Well, that is about it for me this week.  Make sure to check out Ruthie's blog on Friday for an interview of yours truly.  And don't forget to send Keary some awesome high fives for signing that movie deal with Eden!  Exciting times people!

Happy Writing!

The First Prison Nation Review

Just thought to stop by real quick to share:

Ruthie over at Live, Love, Laugh, Write! just posted a review of Prison Nation.  Ah!  This is the first official review and I am mega happy with her words and thoughts.  Make sure to pop over, read it, then follow Ruthie!  Her blog is just starting out and deserves some good follows!

"Viewing this world through the eyes of Millie 942B could have been boring, but author Jenni Merrit takes us into the prison and fills Millie's world with rich detail. She manages to make even simple things, like a trip to the laundry room, fascinating."
- Live, Love, Laugh, Write!

Read the full review HERE!

Thank you Ruthie for making my night!
*beams*