Shannon Messenger's Blog, page 55
December 18, 2011
A Million Suns Winner!
Hey guys! I'm still in Vegas (driving home today, actually--which means as you read this I'm *probably* sitting in traffic. Try not to be jealous...)
Anyway, I have a winner to announce, for the pre-order copy of A MILLION SUNS, by the uber fabulous Beth Revis.
The winner is...
Tashina Falene
YAY!
*tosses confetti*
Okay, if that's you, please email me at packratx (at) hotmail (dot) com with your mailing address and I will arrange your prize. For everyone else, keep checking back. I always have new contests starting.
Hope everyone is having good weekend!
Anyway, I have a winner to announce, for the pre-order copy of A MILLION SUNS, by the uber fabulous Beth Revis.
The winner is...
Tashina Falene
YAY!
*tosses confetti*
Okay, if that's you, please email me at packratx (at) hotmail (dot) com with your mailing address and I will arrange your prize. For everyone else, keep checking back. I always have new contests starting.
Hope everyone is having good weekend!
December 16, 2011
It's that time again!
Those of you who've been following me for a while know that every year, right around this time, the Hubs and I head here:
It's a weird tradition that has mostly to do with SUPER cheap hotel rooms and awesome shopping--not to mention Vegas is empty and I hate crowds. But it's also just our fun getaway to soak up some kitschy scenery, eat at some amazing restaurants, and hey--maybe try to relax a bit (I know, we might be the only people who go to Vegas to RELAX instead of party!)
Anyway, if you need me, I will be here:
Eating steak frites along the fake Champs de Elysee.
And here:
Hailing fake Caesar with my credit card, shopping all the sales.
And no, I most definitely will NOT be here:
Nor will I be here--no matter how much the Hubs tries to convince me:
(If you watch Pawn Stars, you know what this is. And no--I'm not a fan of the rather boring show. But the Hubs is--and tough, we are not going to a Pawn Shop!)
(ahem)
Anyway, I hope you all have lovely weekends with whatever you will be doing. I'll see you all on Monday!
It's a weird tradition that has mostly to do with SUPER cheap hotel rooms and awesome shopping--not to mention Vegas is empty and I hate crowds. But it's also just our fun getaway to soak up some kitschy scenery, eat at some amazing restaurants, and hey--maybe try to relax a bit (I know, we might be the only people who go to Vegas to RELAX instead of party!)
Anyway, if you need me, I will be here:
Eating steak frites along the fake Champs de Elysee.
And here:
Hailing fake Caesar with my credit card, shopping all the sales.
And no, I most definitely will NOT be here:
Nor will I be here--no matter how much the Hubs tries to convince me:
(If you watch Pawn Stars, you know what this is. And no--I'm not a fan of the rather boring show. But the Hubs is--and tough, we are not going to a Pawn Shop!)
(ahem)
Anyway, I hope you all have lovely weekends with whatever you will be doing. I'll see you all on Monday!
December 15, 2011
Bookanista Review: Under the Never Sky, by Veronica Rossi--AND A GIVEAWAY!
I'm so excited for this week's Bookanista Review, you guys! It's for a book I read months ago, and have been DYING to gush about ever since. But I wanted to wait until closer to release. So yay--now I can finally tell you how awesome UNDER THE NEVER SKY, by the incredible Veronica Rossi is!
Here's how the publisher describes the story:
Since she'd been on the outside, she'd survived an Aether storm, she'd had a knife held to her throat, and she'd seen men murdered. This was worse.
Exiled from her home, the enclosed city of Reverie, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland—known as The Death Shop—are slim. If the cannibals don't get her, the violent, electrified energy storms will. She's been taught that the very air she breathes can kill her. Then Aria meets an Outsider named Perry. He's wild—a savage—and her only hope of staying alive.
A hunter for his tribe in a merciless landscape, Perry views Aria as sheltered and fragile—everything he would expect from a Dweller. But he needs Aria's help too; she alone holds the key to his redemption. Opposites in nearly every way, Aria and Perry must accept each other to survive. Their unlikely alliance forges a bond that will determine the fate of all who live under the never sky.
In her enthralling debut, Veronica Rossi sends readers on an unforgettable adventure set in a world brimming with harshness and beauty.
Now, many of you may know that Veronica is a fellow Bookanista--and you may think that biases my opinion. But I promise, I am still VERY capable of being subjective. Yes, I most definitely picked up this book hoping to love it as much as I adore the author. But after that, it's up to the book to sell me on the story. And UNDER THE NEVER SKY had me from the first page.
I know some people will probably lump this book into the dystopian genre... but I'd say it's more of a futuristic Sci-Fi thriller. However you categorize it though, there's no need to worry about the post-apocalyptic fatigue I think so many of us are feeling (*raises both hands high*). UNDER THE NEVER SKY is refreshingly different from all of the other books out there--one of my favorite things about it.
I'm not sure there's much I can say that the STARRED Kirkus review hasn't already said for me, but I'll try. The world is layered with awesome details that make it feel interesting and original. The characters are beautifully flawed, which makes them wonderfully real and relatable. Plus there's a SERIOUSLY steamy love story.
And the best part about the romance is that it builds at a believable rate. It's not insta-love-at-first-sight (far from it, actually). Nor is it I-hate-hate-hate-hate-you--wait, actually I LOVE YOU AND CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT YOU, as I see so often in books. Instead the relationship grows from time and circumstance in a way that feels completely natural. So by the time the characters are ready to accept their feelings for each other, we are too.
Not to mention, the writing is gorgeous. I raced through this book because I HAD to know what would happen--but as soon as I was done I wanted to go back and read more slowly so I could really sink into the words and appreciate them for their beauty. But alas, I had the Bookanistas' copy and had to pass the ARC along. So I'll have to reread as soon as I can get my hands on the shiny hardcover--which is coming SOON. Like, January 3 soon. SO EXCITING!!!!!
Trust me when I say this book is worth reading. Which is why I want to help one of you get your hands on a copy. And Veronica has been amazing enough to donate one of her copies to one lucky commenter on this post!
To enter, make sure you follow my blog and leave a comment on this post by 11:59pm PST on Thursday, December 22th. I'll draw one random winner and post their name on Friday, December 23rd. International entries are--as always--welcome.
I do also *hope* that whoever wins will end up posting a review for the book somewhere--or blogging/tweeting/FB-ing about it--to help spread the love and get some more mileage out of the prize. I can't require that for entry. But I'm hoping the winner will feel inspired to. :)
Ready?
GO!
For more fabulous book recommendations, check out what my fellow Bookanistas are talking about:
Elana Johnson takes a shine to A MILLION SUNS
Jessi Kirby devours BITTERSWEET
Veronica Rossi is in a frenzy over FRACTURE
Katy Upperman ponders THE FUTURE OF US
Stasia Ward Kehoe sends Santa her YA book wish list
Here's how the publisher describes the story:
Since she'd been on the outside, she'd survived an Aether storm, she'd had a knife held to her throat, and she'd seen men murdered. This was worse.
Exiled from her home, the enclosed city of Reverie, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland—known as The Death Shop—are slim. If the cannibals don't get her, the violent, electrified energy storms will. She's been taught that the very air she breathes can kill her. Then Aria meets an Outsider named Perry. He's wild—a savage—and her only hope of staying alive.
A hunter for his tribe in a merciless landscape, Perry views Aria as sheltered and fragile—everything he would expect from a Dweller. But he needs Aria's help too; she alone holds the key to his redemption. Opposites in nearly every way, Aria and Perry must accept each other to survive. Their unlikely alliance forges a bond that will determine the fate of all who live under the never sky.
In her enthralling debut, Veronica Rossi sends readers on an unforgettable adventure set in a world brimming with harshness and beauty.
Now, many of you may know that Veronica is a fellow Bookanista--and you may think that biases my opinion. But I promise, I am still VERY capable of being subjective. Yes, I most definitely picked up this book hoping to love it as much as I adore the author. But after that, it's up to the book to sell me on the story. And UNDER THE NEVER SKY had me from the first page.
I know some people will probably lump this book into the dystopian genre... but I'd say it's more of a futuristic Sci-Fi thriller. However you categorize it though, there's no need to worry about the post-apocalyptic fatigue I think so many of us are feeling (*raises both hands high*). UNDER THE NEVER SKY is refreshingly different from all of the other books out there--one of my favorite things about it.
I'm not sure there's much I can say that the STARRED Kirkus review hasn't already said for me, but I'll try. The world is layered with awesome details that make it feel interesting and original. The characters are beautifully flawed, which makes them wonderfully real and relatable. Plus there's a SERIOUSLY steamy love story.
And the best part about the romance is that it builds at a believable rate. It's not insta-love-at-first-sight (far from it, actually). Nor is it I-hate-hate-hate-hate-you--wait, actually I LOVE YOU AND CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT YOU, as I see so often in books. Instead the relationship grows from time and circumstance in a way that feels completely natural. So by the time the characters are ready to accept their feelings for each other, we are too.
Not to mention, the writing is gorgeous. I raced through this book because I HAD to know what would happen--but as soon as I was done I wanted to go back and read more slowly so I could really sink into the words and appreciate them for their beauty. But alas, I had the Bookanistas' copy and had to pass the ARC along. So I'll have to reread as soon as I can get my hands on the shiny hardcover--which is coming SOON. Like, January 3 soon. SO EXCITING!!!!!
Trust me when I say this book is worth reading. Which is why I want to help one of you get your hands on a copy. And Veronica has been amazing enough to donate one of her copies to one lucky commenter on this post!
To enter, make sure you follow my blog and leave a comment on this post by 11:59pm PST on Thursday, December 22th. I'll draw one random winner and post their name on Friday, December 23rd. International entries are--as always--welcome.
I do also *hope* that whoever wins will end up posting a review for the book somewhere--or blogging/tweeting/FB-ing about it--to help spread the love and get some more mileage out of the prize. I can't require that for entry. But I'm hoping the winner will feel inspired to. :)
Ready?
GO!
For more fabulous book recommendations, check out what my fellow Bookanistas are talking about:
Elana Johnson takes a shine to A MILLION SUNS
Jessi Kirby devours BITTERSWEET
Veronica Rossi is in a frenzy over FRACTURE
Katy Upperman ponders THE FUTURE OF US
Stasia Ward Kehoe sends Santa her YA book wish list
December 14, 2011
Learning how *I* write a book
I'm finally diving back into KEEPER book two drafting (these days my writing schedule is all about juggling). Which meant I spent most of yesterday rereading the few chapters I'd already written--before my last deadline interrupted things--trying to get back in "the groove." And I discovered something surprising:
I actually liked them.
No, that does not mean they were shiny and perfect--I promise you, they weren't. In fact, they need a lot of work. But that's actually what I liked about them--crazy as that may sound. Because what I could really see in those rough chapters was:
I know what I'm doing this time.
As all of you now know (thanks to my post last week) it took me a while to learn how to write KEEPER OF THE LOST CITIES (*coughs* twenty drafts *coughs*). But through that hellish ordeal I learned something important: How to write a book.
More specifically, I learned how *I* write a book.
I learned my drafting process. How I need to overwrite and cut back, because that's how I surprise myself with unplanned scenes that add so much to the story. Even though it means I end up throwing away thousands and thousands of words.I learned how to really listen to the characters and trust what they're telling me--even if it totally screws up all my plans. I learned that I can find a solution to any problem I come across. Sometimes it doesn't come easy, but if I think it through and keep at it I will figure it out. There's ALWAYS an answer.I learned that it's okay to let the early draft be a mess. To keep pushing forward anyway and deal with cleaning it up later, once the whole story is in placeAnd I could see all of that reflected in my first few chapters. Sure, there were lots of places where the writing needed some polish or trimming, and the characters were already starting to steer me a few places I hadn't planned on going. But... that's my process. And I can see that this time. I can see where the strengths and weaknesses are, what's working and what isn't, and what I need to do. Which is the most important thing I learned throughout those twenty drafts.
I've learned to trust my instincts. Sure, those with a sharper eye than me (*waves to Laura and Liesa*) will ALWAYS catch important things I miss. But... I also know what I'm doing. I know the process I need to go through to write MY books. And as long as I know that, I can do it.
Which is probably the best piece of advice I can give any writer. Figure out how YOU write. Sure, craft books and other writers can give you pointers. But in the end, that can only tell you how THEY write. You need to figure out how YOU write. Try different things. Figure out what works for you and what doesn't. And once you find your method, stick to it and believe in it.
That's what I'm doing, anyway. I'm wading back into the muck of book two, believing I'll find my way through if I just keep pushing forward. Here's hoping I'm right! Bring it on Book Two--I am CONQUERING YOU!
Huzzah!
I actually liked them.
No, that does not mean they were shiny and perfect--I promise you, they weren't. In fact, they need a lot of work. But that's actually what I liked about them--crazy as that may sound. Because what I could really see in those rough chapters was:
I know what I'm doing this time.
As all of you now know (thanks to my post last week) it took me a while to learn how to write KEEPER OF THE LOST CITIES (*coughs* twenty drafts *coughs*). But through that hellish ordeal I learned something important: How to write a book.
More specifically, I learned how *I* write a book.
I learned my drafting process. How I need to overwrite and cut back, because that's how I surprise myself with unplanned scenes that add so much to the story. Even though it means I end up throwing away thousands and thousands of words.I learned how to really listen to the characters and trust what they're telling me--even if it totally screws up all my plans. I learned that I can find a solution to any problem I come across. Sometimes it doesn't come easy, but if I think it through and keep at it I will figure it out. There's ALWAYS an answer.I learned that it's okay to let the early draft be a mess. To keep pushing forward anyway and deal with cleaning it up later, once the whole story is in placeAnd I could see all of that reflected in my first few chapters. Sure, there were lots of places where the writing needed some polish or trimming, and the characters were already starting to steer me a few places I hadn't planned on going. But... that's my process. And I can see that this time. I can see where the strengths and weaknesses are, what's working and what isn't, and what I need to do. Which is the most important thing I learned throughout those twenty drafts.
I've learned to trust my instincts. Sure, those with a sharper eye than me (*waves to Laura and Liesa*) will ALWAYS catch important things I miss. But... I also know what I'm doing. I know the process I need to go through to write MY books. And as long as I know that, I can do it.
Which is probably the best piece of advice I can give any writer. Figure out how YOU write. Sure, craft books and other writers can give you pointers. But in the end, that can only tell you how THEY write. You need to figure out how YOU write. Try different things. Figure out what works for you and what doesn't. And once you find your method, stick to it and believe in it.
That's what I'm doing, anyway. I'm wading back into the muck of book two, believing I'll find my way through if I just keep pushing forward. Here's hoping I'm right! Bring it on Book Two--I am CONQUERING YOU!
Huzzah!
December 13, 2011
AHHH--It's Getting Official!
So... THIS happened yesterday:
Ahhhhhhhhhhh--thats ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ON AMAZON!!!!!!!!!!!!*
It only has the ebook version so far (don't worry, the hardcover WILL be added--these things just have a weird way of updating in their own inexplicable order)--but it's there!
THAT'S MY BOOK!
And ... I know things like this are GOING to happen (if they didn't that would be kind of bad, I mean, I kinda need my book to become available to buy places).
But yeah, getting a google alert for my book and finding it on Amazon with my name as the author was one of those seriously surreal moments.
(and my author name is a link--you can click it and everything!!!) (*clicks*) (*clicks again*)
(I'm betting most of you don't find that nearly as exciting as I do!)
But... YOU GUYS--THIS IS REALLY HAPPENING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And it's happening soon. In fact, since Amazon has spilled the beans for me, I guess this means I can share my current, official release date. KEEPER OF THE LOST CITIES is scheduled to launch into the world on...
*drumroll*
...
10 . 02 . 2012
(!!!!!)
I really <3 all those pretty 1s, 0s, and 2s in there
:)
Oh, but I wouldn't go tattooing that anywhere if I were you guys (since I'm SURE you're all planning on doing that). Release dates are notorious for changing, so it's very possible that will not stay my release date. But, for the moment, that's the official date. And um... holy crap that's SOON!
*bites nails*
*stares at pre-order button*
*wonders if she should order one just to see if it works*
*realizes how lame that is*
*isn't sure she cares*
So... that's my week so far. How's yours going?????
*My mentioning this is NOT any sort of "buy it on amazon" kind of endorsement, btw. Obviously I am happy and honored if anyone decides to buy my book--anywhere, in any format. But... my heart will always truly belong to Indies.
Ahhhhhhhhhhh--thats ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ON AMAZON!!!!!!!!!!!!*
It only has the ebook version so far (don't worry, the hardcover WILL be added--these things just have a weird way of updating in their own inexplicable order)--but it's there!
THAT'S MY BOOK!
And ... I know things like this are GOING to happen (if they didn't that would be kind of bad, I mean, I kinda need my book to become available to buy places).
But yeah, getting a google alert for my book and finding it on Amazon with my name as the author was one of those seriously surreal moments.
(and my author name is a link--you can click it and everything!!!) (*clicks*) (*clicks again*)
(I'm betting most of you don't find that nearly as exciting as I do!)
But... YOU GUYS--THIS IS REALLY HAPPENING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And it's happening soon. In fact, since Amazon has spilled the beans for me, I guess this means I can share my current, official release date. KEEPER OF THE LOST CITIES is scheduled to launch into the world on...
*drumroll*
...
10 . 02 . 2012
(!!!!!)
I really <3 all those pretty 1s, 0s, and 2s in there
:)
Oh, but I wouldn't go tattooing that anywhere if I were you guys (since I'm SURE you're all planning on doing that). Release dates are notorious for changing, so it's very possible that will not stay my release date. But, for the moment, that's the official date. And um... holy crap that's SOON!
*bites nails*
*stares at pre-order button*
*wonders if she should order one just to see if it works*
*realizes how lame that is*
*isn't sure she cares*
So... that's my week so far. How's yours going?????
*My mentioning this is NOT any sort of "buy it on amazon" kind of endorsement, btw. Obviously I am happy and honored if anyone decides to buy my book--anywhere, in any format. But... my heart will always truly belong to Indies.
December 12, 2011
The History of Marvelous Middle Grade Monday--and linkage!
I get asked a LOT of questions about MMGM.
What is it? How did you come up with it? How can I be a part? Why are you such a genius?*
*Okay... it's possible I made up that last one...
So I thought I'd use this week's post to give a quick history of MMGM, and explain how it works for those who don't already know. (I swear--this has nothing to do with me being behind on my reading) (okay, fine, it does) (but I do actually get asked those questions a lot) (so there!) (hee)
Okay, so... MMGM stands for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday, and it's a meme I created to help spread the love for middle grade in the blogosphere. If someone wants to be a part, all they have to do is blog on a Monday about a middle grade book they love--ANY middle grade book they love--and email me a link to their post so I can add it to the master list on my blog. Then everyone can hop from blog to blog, soak up all the awesome book recommendations, and connect with other middle grade fans. Simple, easy--and a whole lot of fun.
And I came up with the idea because... well... honestly? I'd realized that I was being a HORRIBLE middle grade supporter.
No really--I was.
Not only had I noticed that middle grade didn't get a lot of attention in the blogosphere, but ... I'd noticed that whenever I blogged about anything middle-grade related, it was my lowest trafficked post--by far. And since I was working hard to build up my following and increase my traffic, I'd started avoiding talking about middle grade as much as possible. Especially on Mondays--which were my peak traffic days.
And then, about a year ago, I realized: WHAT AM I DOING??????
I am a middle grade writer and I'm avoiding talking about middle grade??????
So I decided I needed to change that--stat. If my middle grade posts weren't popular that just meant I wasn't trying hard enough. I needed to make them more exciting--and I needed to find other people who loved middle grade and connect with them. And so MMGM was born.
I chose Monday specifically because it was the day I'd previously given an "absolutely-no-middle-grade-mentions" policy. Plus, I figured if I wanted to give the books a PROPER spotlight, they deserved my highest traffic day. (And of course, it had that handy alliteration).
I decided to focus on one book (or series) a week, and to try and feature them in a way that made it clear who would best appreciate them, which ones were more adult friendly, etc. I also decided that my features would always include a contest--partially to generate more traffic, but mostly because I couldn't think of a better way to spread the love for a book than to help someone else read it. (though contests are not required for other people who participate. That's up to each individual blogger). And then... I decided I would TRY and encourage other bloggers to join me.
I'll admit--I was terrified no one else would. And for the first few weeks, it was just me.
But then... it started to grow. Little by little, my list of links slowly got longer. And every week it grows a little bit more.
Sure, it's no Waiting on Wednesday or In My Mailbox--and it probably never will be. But it's an awesome group of bloggers with a serious passion for middle grade posting about books they love every Monday. To me, that's a huge victory, and I'm amazed every week when I put the list of links together and see all that middle grade love. It's proven that there IS a place for middle grade in the blogosphere.
So I now proudly present... this weeks awesome MMGM links!
- The lovely Shannon O'Donnell always has an MMGM ready for you! Click HERE to see what she's featuring this week!
- Joanne Fritz has chills for WINTERLING. Click HERE to see why.
- Sherri Larsen has a special treat: a character interview and a giveaway of THE MAN IN THE CINDER CLOUDS. Click HERE for all the fun.
- Pam Torres takes us to WHERE THE MOUNTAIN MEETS THE MOON. Click HERE to read her review.
- Michael Gettel-Gilmartin is in love with MOST WANTED Click HERE to see why you should be too.
- Sheila Calderon Blankemeier reminds us why we shouldn't miss THE UNWANTEDS. Click HERE for her review.
- Deb Marshall is featuring DOGSLED DREAMS--with an author interview AND a giveaway! Click HERE for all the details.
- Danika Dinsmore has a lovely multicultural read for us this week: HABIBI. Click HERE to learn more about it.
- Gabrielle Prendergast is championing a classic about a kid, a farm house, and a blue ribbon. Click HERE to see what it is.
- Myrna Foster falls in love with DRAGONSDALE. Click HERE see why you should too.
And if you want to join in the MMGM fun, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book you love (contests, author interviews and whatnot also count--but are most definitely not required) and email me the title of the book you're featuring and a link to your blog. It's easier if you email me before Monday, that way your link will be included in the post from the moment it goes live. But if you decide to spontaneously join the fun, I do update the post at several points throughout the Monday. Just email me a link and I'll add you when I do!
Happy Monday!
What is it? How did you come up with it? How can I be a part? Why are you such a genius?*
*Okay... it's possible I made up that last one...
So I thought I'd use this week's post to give a quick history of MMGM, and explain how it works for those who don't already know. (I swear--this has nothing to do with me being behind on my reading) (okay, fine, it does) (but I do actually get asked those questions a lot) (so there!) (hee)
Okay, so... MMGM stands for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday, and it's a meme I created to help spread the love for middle grade in the blogosphere. If someone wants to be a part, all they have to do is blog on a Monday about a middle grade book they love--ANY middle grade book they love--and email me a link to their post so I can add it to the master list on my blog. Then everyone can hop from blog to blog, soak up all the awesome book recommendations, and connect with other middle grade fans. Simple, easy--and a whole lot of fun.
And I came up with the idea because... well... honestly? I'd realized that I was being a HORRIBLE middle grade supporter.
No really--I was.
Not only had I noticed that middle grade didn't get a lot of attention in the blogosphere, but ... I'd noticed that whenever I blogged about anything middle-grade related, it was my lowest trafficked post--by far. And since I was working hard to build up my following and increase my traffic, I'd started avoiding talking about middle grade as much as possible. Especially on Mondays--which were my peak traffic days.
And then, about a year ago, I realized: WHAT AM I DOING??????
I am a middle grade writer and I'm avoiding talking about middle grade??????
So I decided I needed to change that--stat. If my middle grade posts weren't popular that just meant I wasn't trying hard enough. I needed to make them more exciting--and I needed to find other people who loved middle grade and connect with them. And so MMGM was born.
I chose Monday specifically because it was the day I'd previously given an "absolutely-no-middle-grade-mentions" policy. Plus, I figured if I wanted to give the books a PROPER spotlight, they deserved my highest traffic day. (And of course, it had that handy alliteration).
I decided to focus on one book (or series) a week, and to try and feature them in a way that made it clear who would best appreciate them, which ones were more adult friendly, etc. I also decided that my features would always include a contest--partially to generate more traffic, but mostly because I couldn't think of a better way to spread the love for a book than to help someone else read it. (though contests are not required for other people who participate. That's up to each individual blogger). And then... I decided I would TRY and encourage other bloggers to join me.
I'll admit--I was terrified no one else would. And for the first few weeks, it was just me.
But then... it started to grow. Little by little, my list of links slowly got longer. And every week it grows a little bit more.
Sure, it's no Waiting on Wednesday or In My Mailbox--and it probably never will be. But it's an awesome group of bloggers with a serious passion for middle grade posting about books they love every Monday. To me, that's a huge victory, and I'm amazed every week when I put the list of links together and see all that middle grade love. It's proven that there IS a place for middle grade in the blogosphere.
So I now proudly present... this weeks awesome MMGM links!
- The lovely Shannon O'Donnell always has an MMGM ready for you! Click HERE to see what she's featuring this week!
- Joanne Fritz has chills for WINTERLING. Click HERE to see why.
- Sherri Larsen has a special treat: a character interview and a giveaway of THE MAN IN THE CINDER CLOUDS. Click HERE for all the fun.
- Pam Torres takes us to WHERE THE MOUNTAIN MEETS THE MOON. Click HERE to read her review.
- Michael Gettel-Gilmartin is in love with MOST WANTED Click HERE to see why you should be too.
- Sheila Calderon Blankemeier reminds us why we shouldn't miss THE UNWANTEDS. Click HERE for her review.
- Deb Marshall is featuring DOGSLED DREAMS--with an author interview AND a giveaway! Click HERE for all the details.
- Danika Dinsmore has a lovely multicultural read for us this week: HABIBI. Click HERE to learn more about it.
- Gabrielle Prendergast is championing a classic about a kid, a farm house, and a blue ribbon. Click HERE to see what it is.
- Myrna Foster falls in love with DRAGONSDALE. Click HERE see why you should too.
And if you want to join in the MMGM fun, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book you love (contests, author interviews and whatnot also count--but are most definitely not required) and email me the title of the book you're featuring and a link to your blog. It's easier if you email me before Monday, that way your link will be included in the post from the moment it goes live. But if you decide to spontaneously join the fun, I do update the post at several points throughout the Monday. Just email me a link and I'll add you when I do!
Happy Monday!
December 11, 2011
Winners Galore
Hey guys!
This will be a quick post--cause I'm rushing out the door to go to Disneyland (clearly I didn't get enough theme parks when I was in Orlando). But I have three winners to announce before I go!
First up, the CINDER winners!
The winner of my precious ARC of CINDER, by Marissa Meyer is...
Krispy
And the winner of the CINDER audiobook, so generously donated by MacMillan, is...
Sophia Chang
Last but not least, the winner of THE DRAGON'S TOOTH, by N.D. Wilson is...
Heidi Grange
YAY!
*flings buckets of confetti everywhere*
Okay, if you're one of the lucky winners, please email me at packratx (at) hotmail (dot) com with your mailing address. And please make sure you put "WINNER OF (insert prize here)" in the subject line so it doesn't get lost in my inbox.
For everyone else--sorry I didn't have prizes for all of you. But, as always, keep checking back here for more contests. I always have something up my sleeves. :)
Hope everyone has a great rest-of-the weekend!
This will be a quick post--cause I'm rushing out the door to go to Disneyland (clearly I didn't get enough theme parks when I was in Orlando). But I have three winners to announce before I go!
First up, the CINDER winners!
The winner of my precious ARC of CINDER, by Marissa Meyer is...
Krispy
And the winner of the CINDER audiobook, so generously donated by MacMillan, is...
Sophia Chang
Last but not least, the winner of THE DRAGON'S TOOTH, by N.D. Wilson is...
Heidi Grange
YAY!
*flings buckets of confetti everywhere*
Okay, if you're one of the lucky winners, please email me at packratx (at) hotmail (dot) com with your mailing address. And please make sure you put "WINNER OF (insert prize here)" in the subject line so it doesn't get lost in my inbox.
For everyone else--sorry I didn't have prizes for all of you. But, as always, keep checking back here for more contests. I always have something up my sleeves. :)
Hope everyone has a great rest-of-the weekend!
December 9, 2011
Your laugh for the day
Okay, I'll admit, this is a pathetic attempt at a blog post. But it's been a busy few days (and I put most of my energy into Tuesday's post) so I thought it best to close out the week with something a friend shared with me via Twitter that made me laugh so. freaking. hard.
If you're a Mean Girls fan, prepare to snort laugh:
(Though it IS possible that I have a strange sense of humor)
Happy Friday Everyone!
If you're a Mean Girls fan, prepare to snort laugh:
(Though it IS possible that I have a strange sense of humor)
Happy Friday Everyone!
December 8, 2011
Bookanista Review: A Million Suns, by Beth Revis--AND A PRE-ORDER GIVEAWAY!
This week is especially exciting, because I get to gush about a book from an author who just so happens to be a fellow Bookanista. A MILLION SUNS, by the uber-fabulous Beth Revis.
Here's how the publisher describes the story:
Godspeed was fueled by lies. Now it is ruled by chaos.
It's been three months since Amy was unplugged. The life she always knew is over. And everywhere she looks, she sees the walls of the spaceship Godspeed. But there may just be hope: Elder has assumed leadership of the ship. He's finally free to enact his vision - no more Phydus, no more lies.
But when Elder discovers shocking news about the ship, he and Amy race to discover the truth behind life on Godspeed. They must work together to unlock a puzzle that was set in motion hundreds of years earlier, unable to fight the romance that's growing between them and the chaos that threatens to tear them apart.
In book two of the Across the Universe trilogy, New York Times bestselling author Beth Revis mesmerizes us again with a brilliantly crafted mystery filled with action, suspense, romance, and deep philosophical questions. And this time it all builds to one mind-bending conclusion: They have to get off this ship.
Now, most of you reading this probably know I'm a HUGE Beth fan. She is both an amazing writer and an amazing person. So naturally I pick up her books wanting and expecting to love them.
That aside, I AM still picky about what I like--and there have been times where I just haven't loved a book the way I wanted to--even when I'm friends with the author (and no, I'm not telling you which ones--EVER!) So you most definitely should NOT think that this review is simply a reflection of my love for Beth. I assure you, I loved A MILLION SUNS every bit as much as I love the author. And one did not bias the other.
Book twos are notoriously hard to write, because you have to bring back all the awesome things you established and then somehow build on them and make them better. And I personally thought Beth did a wonderful job with that. We still have the suffocating, claustrophobic atmosphere of the Godspeed. But where there was creepy, unnatural subservience in book one, we now have chaos and unrest, which for me made the "nowhere to go" sense even more chilling. She also answered several questions I'd had left over from ACROSS THE UNIVERSE, and managed to progress the characters in a way that felt real and natural.
The mystery had tons of twists and turns, the stakes just kept getting higher and higher--not to mention holy smokes is she not afraid to pile up the bodies. All of which made this another one of those books where I stayed in the bath long after the water had turned tepid because I just couldn't bring myself to put it down. And I can't WAIT until it launches into the world so everyone else can enjoy it as much as I did.
Fortunately you don't have to wait that much longer. A MILLION SUNS hits stores in just slightly more than a month. And to help one of you guys out, I'm giving away a pre-ordered copy to one lucky winner!
To enter, make sure you follow my blog and leave a comment on this post by 11:59pm PST on Saturday, December 17th. I'll draw one random winner and post their name on Sunday, December 18th. Usually I make my contests international, but unfortunately this time--since it's a pre-order--I have to restrict it to US Only. SORRY!
I do also *hope* that whoever wins will end up posting a review for the book somewhere--or blogging/tweeting/FB-ing about it--to help spread the love and get some more mileage out of the prize. I can't require that for entry. But I'm hoping the winner will feel inspired to. :)
Ready?
GO!
For more fabulous book recommendations, check out what my fellow Bookanistas are talking about:
Nikki Katz dishes on WHY WE BROKE UPElana Johnson roars for FURYCarolina Valdez Miller is all about HERE with giveawayGretchen McNeil twirls for AUDITIONCorrine Jackson hails THE CATASTROPHIC HISTORY OF ME AND YOUStasia Ward Kehoe is wild for DON'T BREATHE A WORDKaty Upperman gets in the spirit with ELF ON A SHELF
Here's how the publisher describes the story:
Godspeed was fueled by lies. Now it is ruled by chaos.
It's been three months since Amy was unplugged. The life she always knew is over. And everywhere she looks, she sees the walls of the spaceship Godspeed. But there may just be hope: Elder has assumed leadership of the ship. He's finally free to enact his vision - no more Phydus, no more lies.
But when Elder discovers shocking news about the ship, he and Amy race to discover the truth behind life on Godspeed. They must work together to unlock a puzzle that was set in motion hundreds of years earlier, unable to fight the romance that's growing between them and the chaos that threatens to tear them apart.
In book two of the Across the Universe trilogy, New York Times bestselling author Beth Revis mesmerizes us again with a brilliantly crafted mystery filled with action, suspense, romance, and deep philosophical questions. And this time it all builds to one mind-bending conclusion: They have to get off this ship.
Now, most of you reading this probably know I'm a HUGE Beth fan. She is both an amazing writer and an amazing person. So naturally I pick up her books wanting and expecting to love them.
That aside, I AM still picky about what I like--and there have been times where I just haven't loved a book the way I wanted to--even when I'm friends with the author (and no, I'm not telling you which ones--EVER!) So you most definitely should NOT think that this review is simply a reflection of my love for Beth. I assure you, I loved A MILLION SUNS every bit as much as I love the author. And one did not bias the other.
Book twos are notoriously hard to write, because you have to bring back all the awesome things you established and then somehow build on them and make them better. And I personally thought Beth did a wonderful job with that. We still have the suffocating, claustrophobic atmosphere of the Godspeed. But where there was creepy, unnatural subservience in book one, we now have chaos and unrest, which for me made the "nowhere to go" sense even more chilling. She also answered several questions I'd had left over from ACROSS THE UNIVERSE, and managed to progress the characters in a way that felt real and natural.
The mystery had tons of twists and turns, the stakes just kept getting higher and higher--not to mention holy smokes is she not afraid to pile up the bodies. All of which made this another one of those books where I stayed in the bath long after the water had turned tepid because I just couldn't bring myself to put it down. And I can't WAIT until it launches into the world so everyone else can enjoy it as much as I did.
Fortunately you don't have to wait that much longer. A MILLION SUNS hits stores in just slightly more than a month. And to help one of you guys out, I'm giving away a pre-ordered copy to one lucky winner!
To enter, make sure you follow my blog and leave a comment on this post by 11:59pm PST on Saturday, December 17th. I'll draw one random winner and post their name on Sunday, December 18th. Usually I make my contests international, but unfortunately this time--since it's a pre-order--I have to restrict it to US Only. SORRY!
I do also *hope* that whoever wins will end up posting a review for the book somewhere--or blogging/tweeting/FB-ing about it--to help spread the love and get some more mileage out of the prize. I can't require that for entry. But I'm hoping the winner will feel inspired to. :)
Ready?
GO!
For more fabulous book recommendations, check out what my fellow Bookanistas are talking about:
Nikki Katz dishes on WHY WE BROKE UPElana Johnson roars for FURYCarolina Valdez Miller is all about HERE with giveawayGretchen McNeil twirls for AUDITIONCorrine Jackson hails THE CATASTROPHIC HISTORY OF ME AND YOUStasia Ward Kehoe is wild for DON'T BREATHE A WORDKaty Upperman gets in the spirit with ELF ON A SHELF
December 7, 2011
All in this together
WOW. I am overwhelmed by all the love and enthusiasm you guys showed for my post yesterday.
Other than my book deal announcement, it was--by far--my highest trafficked post, and I was stunned and amazed by all of you who posted links in forums, or on Facebook or Twitter to share it with other writers. I really had no idea it would garner that strong of a reaction.
(if you missed it and you're curious, you can find it HERE.)
I think that's the best thing about being a part of the writing community--it's a COMMUNITY. We support each other, root for each other, share each other's highs and lows. That's the reason I decided to write the post in the first place. I knew there had to be many of you who were going through some version of what I went through and feeling discouraged/frustrated/heartbroken. And I wanted you to know that you are not alone.
You really aren't, I promise.
Aside from a VERY small handful of flukey exceptions, every author has their own war story of what they had to push through in order to get where they are. And it never really stops. Writing isn't easy. Publishing is even harder. You have to WANT it, and be willing to put the work in and to keep going even when you have a million reasons to give up.
But the bright side to that is, I firmly, FIRMLY believe that the only difference between a published author and an unpublished writer is time. Keep going. Keep writing. Sooner or later you will get it RIGHT. And then you will get where you want to be.
In the meantime, we all have each other. To lean on. To learn from. To share battle scars. And to celebrate. Thank you all for always celebrating with me. I very much hope to do the same for each of you someday.
((group hug))
Other than my book deal announcement, it was--by far--my highest trafficked post, and I was stunned and amazed by all of you who posted links in forums, or on Facebook or Twitter to share it with other writers. I really had no idea it would garner that strong of a reaction.
(if you missed it and you're curious, you can find it HERE.)
I think that's the best thing about being a part of the writing community--it's a COMMUNITY. We support each other, root for each other, share each other's highs and lows. That's the reason I decided to write the post in the first place. I knew there had to be many of you who were going through some version of what I went through and feeling discouraged/frustrated/heartbroken. And I wanted you to know that you are not alone.
You really aren't, I promise.
Aside from a VERY small handful of flukey exceptions, every author has their own war story of what they had to push through in order to get where they are. And it never really stops. Writing isn't easy. Publishing is even harder. You have to WANT it, and be willing to put the work in and to keep going even when you have a million reasons to give up.
But the bright side to that is, I firmly, FIRMLY believe that the only difference between a published author and an unpublished writer is time. Keep going. Keep writing. Sooner or later you will get it RIGHT. And then you will get where you want to be.
In the meantime, we all have each other. To lean on. To learn from. To share battle scars. And to celebrate. Thank you all for always celebrating with me. I very much hope to do the same for each of you someday.
((group hug))
