Cherie Colyer's Blog, page 56

UPRISING Virtual Launch Party

Welcome to the party!
Hi guys! Book two in Jessica Therrien's series Children of the Gods is now available and to celebrate Jessica his hosting a Virtual Launch Party.

Congratulations to Jessica on the release of UPRISING!
Jessica gave participants a few options for our posts today. I decided to chat about my favorite supernatural power.

This will come as no surprise to those of you have read my book or my blog. Hands down, my favorite power is witchcraft. I'd love to have the ability to blink my dishes into the dishwater and command a vacuum to do its job while I kick back and read a book. Think about the things you could do with a potion that made you smarter, stronger, or gave you the ability to teleport yourself to different places. (I'd see the world, and of course I'd want the ability to bring my family and friends with. It's no fun traveling alone.) You'd have an instant green thumb and the best garden around. If it's raining on your day off, no problem. Just conjure up a beautiful, sunny day. And wouldn't it be nice to be able to will that slow car in front of you to move out of the way? With magic coursing through your veins the possibilities would be endless.

So tell me, what's your favorite supernatural power?

And now what you've been waiting for, here's a little information on Jessica's newest book...

Title: Uprising (Children of the Gods #2)
Author: Jessica Therrien
Publisher: ZOVA Books
Release Date: May 28, 2013
Genre: Paranormal Romance



Synopsis:
Elyse has done everything she can to protect her friends from The Council's reach. As long as they believe she's dead, she has time to rest and train for war. And war is inevitable.

When Kara arrives with the news that Anna and Chloe have been captured, Elyse is faced with the realization that no one is safe until The Council is stopped and Christoph is destroyed. She doesn't need a prophecy to tell her to lead an army. Christoph has done the one thing that ensures she'll fight to the death. He's threatened the people she loves.

It will take more than the words of an oracle to help them fight against the most powerful Descendant alive. To break The Council's oppression and rise up against a plot so many years in the making, Elyse will need to get dangerously close to her enemy. So close, in fact, she may not survive. 

Click here to see what kewl prizes are up for 
grabs and for information on how you can win!

Links to Oppression (Children of the Gods #1):Amazon| B&N| GoodReads| Facebook
Links to Uprising (Children of the Gods #2):Amazon| B&N| GoodReads| Facebook


About the author:Jessica Therrienis the author of the young adult paranormal fiction series Children of the Gods . Book one in the series, Oppression , was published by ZOVA Books in February of 2012 and became a Barnes & Noble best-seller shortly after its release. The second book in the series, Uprising , will be available in May of 2013.
Aside from her Children of the Gods series, Jessica’s work can also be found in a published collection of flash fiction stories called Campaigner Challenges 2011 . Out of over 350 submissions her story, The Soulless ,won first place for people’s choice and fourth place in the judging round of Rachael Harrie’s Writing Campaign Challenge. Her story, Saved , is also available as part of the anthology.
Jessica currently lives in Chula Vista with her husband and is working on book three in her Children of the Gods series.


Author Links:Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

Sign up for the HOLD TIGHT cover reveal

Hi everyone!

A Tale of Many Reviews is hosting the cover reveal for HOLD TIGHT on June 26th and I would love for you to join the fun! If you’re a book blogger and would like to participate by posting on your blog, click here and fill out the brief sign-up form.
Can't participate but don't want to miss the reveal or future events and giveaways? No problem! Follow me on Twitter or Facebookto be the first to learn about important dates and giveaways!

Best, Cherie

Click here to add Hold Tight to your To Be Read list on Goodreads

Round One: Hold Tight Update

Last week I finished the first round of revisions on Hold Tight. That made me curious as to how many days are left until book two in the Embrace series is available. I decided to create a quick countdown clock. I'm not sure if that was my best idea, because it made me realize that there are less than 100 days to release date. Wow, it's creeping up quickly!

Launch Countdown

I actually love to revise, especially when I have feedback from my critique partners, beta readers, or my editor. Knowing what’s working and what didn't quite do the trick lets me know where I need to focus my energy.

This round of revisions was based on my editor's feedback, and she's absolutely amazing. She gets my novel and my characters as well as I do. She’ll point out when she feels a character’s behavior seems out-of-character and she sandwiches the bad between the good. You know, she’ll start with a comment along the lines of I really like how you…. Before a note like there’s something not quite right with the scene with Isaac….
There I was with pages of notes and an 80,000-word manuscript waiting to be improved. As I said I like revising, but that doesn’t mean there weren’t times when I had to take a deep breath and think through how I could address different issues. I re-wrote a good chuck of two chapters, added and deleted different sections throughout the book, and breathed several sighs of relief when I’d hit a chapter that didn’t need any change (at this time, anyway). The good news is I can see how the changes make the writing stronger. I think I managed to answer questions a reader might have at different points in the story, leaving less doubt and hopefully allowing him or her to stay wrapped in the action. And on that chapter that wasn’t working, I think the replacement scene flows so much better. It’s definitely less weird. (In the original chapter a lot of the action happened out of Madison’s line of sight.)
I'm happy to report that round one of revisions are done. I’m anxiously waiting for round two, dying to see if what I did works or if I still have some major changes ahead of me. The cover is in the works. One more thing I’m anxiously waiting to see. To keep myself busy, I've been planning some fun events and cool swag.

Stay tuned for more updates!

Click here to add Hold Tight to your TBR list

One Mother of a Blog Bounce

When Nicki Elson suggested we do a blog post about how our mother, mother-figure, or a mother character either from our books or another book has supported or influenced our writing, I was in.
I’ve been blessed with amazing parents, and my mom has been a big influence on me all through my life, including in my writing. She really should get an award for her listening skills. She’s heard me talk about the writing process, the joys (a.k.a. stress) of querying, my ramblings while I brainstorm, my squeals over the phone when I called to tell her I sold my first book, and my excitement over readers’ feedback. Writing is a journey filled with bumps, road blocks, and triumphs. I know that whenever I’m starting to doubt my work or if I need to hear someone tell me my latest project doesn’t suck all I have to do is call her.
Below are just some of the ways she's inspired my writing:
If she hadn't indulged my wild imagination growing up, I may never have been able to create new characters with special abilities and weave together compelling stories.
If she hadn't taken the time to read the essays I was most excited to write when I was in school, I may never have developed a love for sharing my words which would have meant I would have never started writing and blogging and I wouldn't have met even half the wonderful people that I have.
If she had told me to get my head out of the clouds and back in reality, I may not have the imagination needed to write a novel.
If she hadn't picked me up when I fell, brushed off the dirt, and encouraged me to try again, I may have given up on my stories after the first dozen rejection letters.
Without my mom encouraging me to dream when I was young, I wouldn't be the person I am today. (Mom, if you're reading this, thanks for everything you do!)
Do you have a mother or a mother figured you’d like to honor, feel free to join in and write a post. If you share your link in the comment section, I’ll be share to hop over to your blog.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing moms out there!


Click the link below to join the hop! 

Fine: an IWSG post

It seems like just last week I was writing a new IWSG post and here we are again, at the first Wednesday of the month. First, I'd like to thank Alex Cavanaugh for hosting this meme. If you'd like to learn more about it, click here.

As some of you know, I was the keynote speaker at a lit fest last month. Now that it’s over, I will allow myself to admit I was nervous. See, in the months leading up to the event I kept telling myself I was fine. You know what fine stands for, don’t you?
                    Freaked out                    Insecure                    Neurotic                    Emotional
Yep, I got that from the Italian job and ever since I first saw that movie I can’t help but think freaked out, insecure, neurotic, and emotional whenever I say I’m fine. 

Let's face it, one doesn’t say “I'm fine” and mean they're great. Nope, there is always an underlying meaning to that word.
It’s not like I speak in front of large crowds for a living and I wanted my speech to entertain the audience. I had the fear of looking out into the crowd and seeing people yawning, or worse, snoring. I’m glad to say that didn't happen. The speech went good. I gave a recap of the event in a previous post. 
Because I was insecure about speaking to a large crowd, I practiced my speech prior to the event. I would recommend this to anyone who has to give a speech. By the time I was standing on stage with a microphone in front of me and a big screen behind me I was comfortable with what I had to say, I knew when to pause, and I knew at what points to expect a chuckle from my audience. (And thankfully I did get them.)

May promises to be a busy month. I have big news coming about Embrace that I can't wait to share. (I know, I know, I'm such a tease, but I have to wait for the go from my publisher before I can say much more.) I will have my butt in chair revising the sequel, Hold Tight. And I'm working on some special promotions to go along with the release. I'll be posting updates on my blog as I have them, so be sure to stop back by.

SPC Literary Festival

Last week I had the pleasure of being a part of the Southwest Prairie Conference Literary Festival. (Yep, it’s a mouthful J.) The committee and the sponsors of this event did a wonderful job putting together an exciting day for the students. What I love about this festival is that the schools encourage teens to write and to never stop writing. Go SPC for inspiring interestd students to keep writing!

The conference started at nine with Welcome Introductions. Then I was up. The students seemed to enjoy my keynote speech. They listened, laughed, and had a good time with some fun questions I threw in to keep things entertaining.

Next up were the workshops. There were six to choose from. Mine was on plot and it went well, although I have some great ideas on how to make this workshop more interactive in the future. You know what they say about hindsight.

After workshops and some brainstorming, it was time for awards. Attendees had submitted entries in various categories. It was great to see the excitement on the faces of the winners and their classmates. Congrats to all who received an award!

I had planned on sharing fun pictures from the event, but my camera failed me so instead all I have is this one pic of the really cool bag I got.


The day flew by and before I knew it the students were boarding the buses back to their schools and the conference organizer was thanking us authors for all our hard work and sending us on our way.
I’d like to thank SPC for having me. I had a great time.

Sharing is Caring: The Liebster Award

 

A big THANK YOU to Tina Moss for this Liebster Award. I’m honored to be a recipient. 
Blogging has given me a way to connect with writers and readers across the blog-o-sphere and I've had the pleasure of meeting a lot of wonderful people. The Liebster Award is given to bloggers by bloggers and gives glimpses into our lives. We then get to pass on the honor to others. So today I’ll be sharing with you 11 fun facts about me, I’ll answer my nominator’s questions, and I’ll tag 11 new bloggers for the award.
First things first, eleven fun facts about me:

1. I need a good cup of coffee in the morning. It’s that serious.2. My second novel will be out this summer. J3. I support my writing habit with a tech job.4. Some of my best ideas come to me while I’m driving. (And I love that I can now tell my phone to take a memo. No more hastily written notes at stop lights.)5. I’m positive my guardian angel worked overtime to keep me out of trouble when I was a teen.
6. I have a thing about closet doors being closed. I won’t go to sleep if the one in the bedroom is open. (I’ve seen Pixar’s Monsters, Inc. I know what comes out of closets!)7. My weakness is gooey chocolate chip cookies just out of the oven. 8. I love to read the little inspirational notes on the inside of the Dove chocolate wrapper.9. I feel as if I’m slacking if I don’t write every day.10.  I enjoy long walks outdoors. 11. I have more fun facts about me in the tab labels “About Me” above.
My nominator’s questions and my answers:1. Who is the author you admire most? This is a hard one because I have a long list of authors I admire, but I’m going to say Maggie Stiefvater. I enjoyed both her Lament series and the Linger series and she seems like she’d be very down to earth. 2. Why do you write (in five words or less)? I love spinning new tales.3. What is your favorite genre to read? YA paranormal4. Who is your biggest inspiration? My family5. What advice would you give to new writers? Do it because you love to write.6. What is your favorite hobby? Reading7. Are you a cat or dog person? Dog8. Where is your ideal vacation spot? Maui 9. What is a place you want to visit, but haven't yet? Europe10.What is the meaning of life in one word (or number) *wink*?  Three ??11. If you're on a desert island, what are three things you must have? Is there cell service? I don’t know if I could survive without either my phone or tablet. Of course, I’d have no way to charge them. Hmm…a book on how to survive off nature, a very large notebook, and a huge pack of pens.
Now for the new nominees whose blogs I enjoy:Nicki ElsonCarol OatesMisha GerickeMichael Di GesuS.A. LarsenAmy AcostaMirka BreenMarta Szemik Nancy ThompsonChemist KenNatasha Hanova
Your new questions:1. What do you like best about blogging?2. Mountains or ocean?3. Favorite author?4. Are you an outliner or a panster?5. Where do you find your inspiration?6. What fictional world would you like to visit?7. KFC or Popeye’s?8. Are there any books you won’t read?9. Name three people (living or dead) you’d like to meet?10. Do you have any advice for fellow bloggers?11. Is this your first Liebster award?
The Liebster Rules:1. The Liebster Award is given to bloggers by bloggers.2. Each blogger should post 11 facts about himself / herself.3. Each blogger should answer the 11 questions that are asked by the nominating blogger.4. Choose 11 new bloggers to nominate for the Award and link to them in the post.5. Create 11 new questions for your nominees.6. Go back to their pages and tell them they've been nominated.7. No tag backs.
If you'd like to participate, feel free to snag the questions and begin your own round of the Liebster Awards!

The Appeal of All Things Paranormal

I've enjoyed stories with a paranormal theme for as long as I can remember. It’s no wonder it’s my favorite genre. From vampires and werewolves to witches and faeries to angels and demons, I know when a story has an otherworldly being in it that anything can and probably will happen. These stories help readers stretch their imagination and welcome the unknown, at least for the length of the novel or movie.


When I was young one of my favorite movies was Escape to Witch Mountain. Not the 2009 remake. I liked the original film that came out in 1975. It’s about two mysterious orphan children with extraordinary powers. I used to fantasize about having the ability to move things with my mind or unlock a door with the touch of my hand.




There’s so much lore on the supernatural that it’s a paranormal writer’s haven. I like to research what is believed about different myths and then bend and twist what I've learned into intriguing stories I hope readers will enjoy. My Embrace series does just that. In the second book, Hold Tight, Madison discovers there are greater threats in her world than people who possess the Powers. I had a lot of fun with the new characters. We meet Dellis Zion Kashmeir—the character readers helped me name last year—plus a couple of other creatures. This time Madison risks losing more than just her friends.


It’s not just witchcraft and the Fae that interest me. I enjoy stories that include vampires, werewolves, angels, demons, ghosts, humans with special abilities, seers, mutants, and more. I will admit I’m not a big fan of zombies. I suppose everyone has their limits and decaying bodies is mine.
How about you? Do you read paranormal or fantasy? What book or movie got you interested in the genre? Do you have a limit in what you enjoy?
P.S.: I'm over at The Bookish Babe chatting about romance and great kisses. Plus you can enter for a chance to win a copy of Embrace! Click here to learn more.

Tame your insecurities: IWSG

It's the first Wednesday of the month, which means it's time to talk about insecurities. Before I do that, I'd like to thank Alex Cavanaugh for hosting this wonderful meme. If you'd like to learn more about it, just click on Alex's name above. 
The first Wednesday of the month seems to be rolling around quickly this year. I have to admit, I’m not feeling overly insecure this month. My motto for the year, you can’t live a positive life with a negative mind, seems to be working. J
That’s not to say I don’t spend time worrying about sales, if readers will like the second book in my Embrace series, or that someone will pick up the novel I have out on submission. But I’ve taken the energy I might use being insecure and have been focusing on things I can control. Like working on my marketing plans for the year, polishing my current WIP (it’s very close to done), and plotting my next novel (the heat level on this one has been turned up from my normal PG13 to HOT and HEAVY—I’ve been itching to write a love scene that doesn't fade to black).
On sequel news, I should have the first round of edits back from my editor this month. I’m looking forward to seeing her deep dive thoughts on the story, and I can’t wait to add revisions to my to-do list. Plus, my wonderful marketing associate is already in contact with the design team discussing cover ideas. I’m dying to see what they come up with!
I’ll be speaking at the SPC Literary Festival in Minooka, Illinois later this month. I’m very excited to be a part of this event and can’t wait to meet the aspiring authors in attendance. I finished reading the short story submissions and let me tell you they are a talented group of teens!
I think that’s about it for me.
How about you? Have you found a way to tame your insecurities? What are you working on these days?
Thanks for stopping by! Don’t forget to leave a comment so I know you were here!
Click here to return to the list of participating blogs.

Cover Reveal: A Goddess Wars Novel

Of Silver and Beasts (A Goddess Wars Novel)by Trisha WolfeRelease Date: June 1, 2013
Genre: New Adult Dark Fantasy
Cover Reveal Organized by: YA Bound
Cover Designed by: Steven Novak
Summary from Goodreads: In the sand-covered queendom of Cavan, the goddess once saved a young Kaliope’s life, preventing the mercury her father attempted to hide in her blood from reaching her heart. Now, a cybernetic clamp filters it, but the silver streaks swirling faintly beneath her skin are a constant reminder that she’s different.
When nineteen-year-old Kaliope is chosen as head of the Nactue Guard, she becomes the sworn protector to her empress. In the midst of an invasion on a neighboring land, Kaliope is placed in charge of guarding Prince Caben, the last heir to his kingdom. But when they’re attacked by the feared Otherworlders, Caben and Kaliope are abducted and taken below to a realm where they must fight for their life in a caged arena. 
Kaliope struggles to protect her princely charge, keeping him and herself alive while battling inhumanly opponents, and trying to save the stolen, sacred relic that will restore her empress’s life force and all of Cavan. And if she can somehow awaken the goddess within her, she may save what’s most important.

***Excerpt***
I open my mouth to say something comforting, but I’m unsure of what. In this moment, I’m reminded that I know little about him. Other than the sarcasm and desire to understand nothing of my queendom, he hasn’t allowed me past the surface. But then, I have my own walls, hiding things I’d never want him or any other to know. And I understand that need to hide them. You can’t trust anyone. “Caben…” I start, but still can’t find the right words. He lowers his hand from his face, never taking his eyes off the glinting water top. “You’re right,” he finally says. “Let’s find the access to Lilly’s section.” A hollow pang hits my chest, and I’m not sure why. Something in his voice sounds lost, broken. I imagine the gears around my heart spinning faster, trying to keep up with my racing heart. When he sidesteps me, I reach out and grab his arm. “Caben, I didn’t mean—” “It’s fine, Kal,” he snaps. “We have work to do.” “No, I’ve said something to offend you.” I drop my hand, but keep close to him, not allowing him to leave my side. Goddess, trying to understand the male brain is harder than anything in protector training. I’ve heard people say that you have to tip-toe around a woman’s emotions, but a man’s ego is every bit as fragile, if not more so. He releases a heavy breath through his nose and walks back to the pool. He sits down along the edge and rolls up his pants, then slips off his boots. “I honestly don’t think Bax or his goons will be returning tonight.” He sinks his bare feet into the water and sighs. Glancing at the back of the cave, I plant my hands on my hips. We don’t have time for indulgencies, but the prince is still my charge. If it were my empress, I’d give her anything she’d ask for. Allow her as much time as she needed to collect herself. I have to watch over his mental state as well as protect him, so I try to push the pending need to find Lilly aside and sit down next to him. “Here,” he says, turning his hand out near my crossed feet. “You have to feel this.” A smile tugs at the corner of my mouth. “I can remove my own—” “Have you never been pampered a day in your life?” he asks, lifting an eyebrow. “I know that the Nactue are fierce and will put a hurt on any man for touching them. But try to relax.” “Is that the rumor in Perinya?” “What?” I bite my lip, suddenly regretting my blurt. “Nothing. Never mind.” From the corner of my eye, I see his lips pucker into a pinched smile, as if he’s trying not to. “Ah,” he says, like he’s made some great universal connection. “Well, there are many whisperings about the Nactue. Some I dare not repeat for fear I’d leave here missing a limb, but that’s one, yes.” He takes my booted foot and begins to unlace it. “I’ve heard that the empress’s protectors are untouchable—forbidden to give themselves to men. And that they’ll snap a man’s neck just for making an advance.” My mouth drops open. Appalled, I counter, “That’s not true.” “All right,” he says, as if he hasn’t just insulted my very existence. “It’s only rumors. Things men jaw about in pubs. The unattainable woman is a fantasy, Kal. Don’t be offended.” “Unattainable?” I grit my teeth, trying to maintain my composure. “Tell me, prince. Do men in your country just go around bedding every woman they can in order to keep them compliant?” I shake my head. “If their fantasy is a woman that would have nothing to do with them, it seems to me it’s their way of feeding their egos after being rejected.” His eyes widen. “No! How does your brain come up with these—” He bites off his words, his lips thin as he presses them together. “Look, it was a joke.” I nod, many times. “Another joke. I’m glad that our hard work and sacrifice is amusing to the men of Perinya.” Caben lets out another sigh and slowly pulls off my boot. His warm fingers skim my calf as he inches up my pant leg. “Just stick your foot in,” he says, then adds lower, “while I stick mine in my mouth.” Unexpectedly, I laugh. “At least it’s now clean,” I say. “Would you like some help getting it to your face?”
Author Website | Twitter | Facebook | Amazon ***GIVEAWAY***a Rafflecopter giveaway