Jessica Therrien's Blog, page 16
February 18, 2014
Challenging Destiny Cover Reveal
Congrats to author friend Cherie Colyer on the cover reveal for her new upcoming novel!! :)
CHALLENGING DESTINYComing spring 2014 from the Wild Rose Press, Black Rose Imprint
Being Chosen is a terrible thing when there's no one you can trust
Synposis:
Logan Ragsdale and his younger sister, Ariana, have been marked, chosen to be unwilling participants in a war between angels and demons. Logan can sense something's not quite right. Like an unexpected chill on a summer's day, he can feel the unseen closing in. He's had these feelings before and, each time, someone close to him died. He's afraid this time it might just be Ariana. Logan's fears are soon confirmed when he discovers their new friends aren't human, but rather representatives from Heaven and Hell sent to Earth to ensure he and Ariana accept their roles in an ancient prophecy. Demons want Logan to open the gates of Hell. Ariana has the power to stop them, but if she chooses to side with Heaven to spare the lives of thousands of innocent people, she'll damn her brother for eternity. Together, they must derail the biblical event if they hope to save themselves and the future of mankind...but what price are they willing to pay to keep the other safe?
Follow Cherie to get the latest updates on this exciting new title!Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Goodreads
February 5, 2014
Divergent Movie Countdown!
Wooo! The Divergent movie is out next month. Crazy, right?! That went by so super fast. I have mixed feelings about it. I really enjoyed the book (as most did) and I'm excited they are making a movie. BUT...I can't help but feel a little nervous it won't live up to my expectations. Almost all YA book-movies have left me feeling unsatisfied. Obviously the book is always better, so why do I keep hoping I'll get something new and awesome from these movies? I don't know. The Harry Potter people nailed it. Catching Fire was surprisingly edge-of-my-seat good. I hope this is one of the good ones and not a Twilight flop.
January 19, 2014
Attention authors: Signup to participate in the Pot of Gold Giveaway
To celebrate our new blog, the authors at Darkly Delicious YAalong with Book Nerd Tours are hosting a huge giveaway, and we’re looking for authors of Young Adult and New Adult (provided there are no graphic sex scenes) to submit their books for the giveaway.
The grand prize will be a Kindle Fire HD loaded with all our books.
Giveaway will start on March 1st and run through March 17th.
The cost to join is $6. All money collected will be used for this giveaway. If we happen to collect more than enough to cover the cost of the Kindle, we will purchase a smaller, second prize as well. We’ll use Rafflecopter for the giveaway. The form will be somewhat long because we will include ways to follow all authors who participate, but the payout will be well worth the time it takes for others to enter. Lucky you!
Who has already signed up?
Cherie ColyerKym BrunnerKristi HelvigCarol OatesKate EvangelistaDorothy DreyerKatie O'SullivanKelly HashwayShawna RomkeyHeather L ReidLisa M. BassoMargo KellyL.V. PiresKelsey KetchA. Lynden RollandA.G. HenleyJessica HawkeL.S. Murphy
Sharon Bayliss
Jen McConnel
C.R. Everett Jessica Therrien
Want to join us? Great! Just fill out the form below.
January 14, 2014
My New Passion
When writing is your only passion, it's easy to stay focused. It's easy to get excited and lose yourself in the process of creating a story. Life used to be like that for me. Hours of brainstorming, days in pajamas typing page after page, stringing chapters together with no distraction. As much as I hate to admit it, writing is no longer my biggest priority. I still write, but only if I have time, and as sad as that is for me, it's also the way it should be.
I have a new passion now--my son. He is my life, and I wouldn't have it any other way. He comes first, and although I miss the days of burying myself in my books, the moments with him are worth the sacrifice.
Still...I feel guilty. For not writing faster. For not blogger more. For not marketing my books enough to boost sales. For not Tweeting or Facebooking enough. For not reading as much as I used to. For all of it.
I know you probably haven't noticed or cared, but I have...and for that I'm sorry. In writing this, I've realized I need forgiveness from myself more than anything. I need to remind myself that it's okay if things move slowly. It's okay if life takes me by surprise. It's okay to not write every day if that means being with my son. I'm not perfect, and that's okay too :)
Whhheeew. Good to get that out.
Now off to play chase and scatter the living room with toys.
I have a new passion now--my son. He is my life, and I wouldn't have it any other way. He comes first, and although I miss the days of burying myself in my books, the moments with him are worth the sacrifice.
Still...I feel guilty. For not writing faster. For not blogger more. For not marketing my books enough to boost sales. For not Tweeting or Facebooking enough. For not reading as much as I used to. For all of it.I know you probably haven't noticed or cared, but I have...and for that I'm sorry. In writing this, I've realized I need forgiveness from myself more than anything. I need to remind myself that it's okay if things move slowly. It's okay if life takes me by surprise. It's okay to not write every day if that means being with my son. I'm not perfect, and that's okay too :)
Whhheeew. Good to get that out.
Now off to play chase and scatter the living room with toys.
December 16, 2013
December 12, 2013
Holiday Craziness...
Thanksgiving was awesomesauce. Lots of food. Family. Charades that had me laughing in tears. I can't believe it's almost Christmas already. I've been SO busy. I have zero time these days. I did manage to sneak in to see TWO movies I was anxiously awaiting: City of Bones & Catching Fire.I was looking forward to City of Bones, hoping the movie would sway my opinion about the book because I REALLY want to like the series. I have no idea why it doesn't float my boat. To each his own I guess. In any case, it still isn't for me, but I'm glad so many others love it :)
Catching Fire kind of blew my socks off. I was not expecting that movie to be as good as the first (as I didn't like the second book as much as the first) BUT it had me so sucked in that I was literally leaning forward in my seat the entire time.
In other news, I've joined a collaborative blog called Darkly Delicious YA. I'm hoping it will force me to be more active in the blogging world. As you can see...I've been sucking it up when it comes to posting :\ Here is a little about the blog:
At Darkly Delicious YA...
We are a collective of traditionally published young adult authors who are passionate about writing suspenseful, intriguing novels for teens and adults. Our works range from contemporary, romance, paranormal, magical realism, or supernatural, but each of our novels feature a darkly delicious storyline that will leave you craving more.
There are 21 authors involved, so I won't feel so pressed to post all the time, but I'll still get to pop in here and there :) It should be fun. I'm looking forward to it. We're all posting a little about the holidays, and on Monday (Dec. 16th) I'll be sharing one of my most embarrassing holiday moments....aaaah!
Here is the link if you want to follow: Darkly Delicious YA
In the meantime, I'll be writing writing writing...for those wondering about my third book, I have about 200 pages written. Getting close!!
What did you think about Catching Fire or City of Bones? Have you had time to go see any movies during this busy holiday season?
November 6, 2013
THANKSGIVAWAY!!
Welcome to the first annual Thanksgivaway! As if there was not enough to celebrate in the next month or two but Book2Buzz and Closed the Cover and friends decided to make it that much more special! This giveaway is massive. No make that EPIC! Prize? OMG, You're going to scream for joy!One lucky winner will win a KINDLE FIRE HD pre loaded with over 50 books! SQUEEE!There are a couple of other awesome prizes for other winners too!This giveaway took a couple months of planning, and tons of authors and bloggers are involved! I am going to warn ya...the Rafflecopter is crazy long but the payout is ridiculously awesome! I want to say "THANK YOU" to all the authors and bloggers involved because with you guys, Ashley and I could not have pulled this off! Take a peek below to your prize, just WAITING for your loving tender touch!!
Here is a list of all the books already loaded on your brand new KINDLE HD, and other awesome prizes available!Strength by Carrie ButlerWicked Hunger by DelSheree GladdenA God For All Seasons by Patti TingenMoonlight Dancer by Debra AtwoodFollowing Your Heart by Cheryl PersonsMixing Business with Pleasure by Cheryl PersonsThe Descendant by Samantha McMillianThe Last King of Ireland by Brian IgoeThe Story of Ireland by Brian IgoeThe Story of Napper Tandy by Brian IgoeConfessions of a Gunfighter by Tell CottenDeath of a Socialite by Isabel SaenzSworn to Raise by Terah EdunPhantom by Laura DeLucaThe Disappearing Girl by Heather WoodFirst Visions by Heather WoodBroken Faith by Brandy NacoleUniquely Unwelcome by Brandy NacoleMotorcross Me by Cheyanna YoungNot Your Fault by Cheyanna YoungGreta and the Goblin King by Chloe Jacobsand so much more! So, without further ado...Happy Thanksgiving to all and good luck in the THANKSGIVAWAY! a Rafflecopter giveaway
October 23, 2013
The Buzz: Divergent #3 Release
YAY! Allegiant (Divergent #3) was released yesterday...as if you didn't already know that, right? I'm pretty sure it has already become the #1 best-seller on Barnes & Noble and Amazon. Like everyone else, I've been anxiously awaiting book #3. I can't wait to see what happens!
Looking back it is so crazy how far Veronica Roth has come. I remember reading her blog WAY before she was ever published, and now pretty much everyone knows her name. It's kind of inspirational really. I like to remember that everyone who has ever been successful with their work always started out as just some joe-shmo who wanted it just as badly as we all do. You've got to start somewhere...
Anyway. Here is a little about the book and the upcoming movie (if for some reason you've been living under a rock and have no clue what I'm talking about).
SO has anyone read it yet? What did you think?
Looking back it is so crazy how far Veronica Roth has come. I remember reading her blog WAY before she was ever published, and now pretty much everyone knows her name. It's kind of inspirational really. I like to remember that everyone who has ever been successful with their work always started out as just some joe-shmo who wanted it just as badly as we all do. You've got to start somewhere...
Anyway. Here is a little about the book and the upcoming movie (if for some reason you've been living under a rock and have no clue what I'm talking about).
One choice will define you.
What if your whole world was a lie?What if a single revelation—like a single choice—changed everything?What if love and loyalty made you do things you never expected?
The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered—fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she’s known, Tris is ready. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties, and painful memories.
But Tris’s new reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human nature—and of herself—while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love.
Told from a riveting dual perspective, Allegiant, by #1 New York Times best-selling author Veronica Roth, brings the Divergent series to a powerful conclusion while revealing the secrets of the dystopian world that has captivated millions of readers in Divergent and Insurgent.
SO has anyone read it yet? What did you think?
October 13, 2013
Catching Fire Countdown!
I have to admit, I haven't been as excited about the Catching Fire movie as I thought I'd be. It will be out in little over a month, and I hardly even noticed the wait. That being said, I have been a little distracted by a crawly little monster who could care less about things he can't teeth on. BUT! After seeing this trailer...I'm super pumped again.
It got me thinking...
One of the reasons I may not be as excited about this movie as I was with the first is that I didn't enjoy the second and third books as much as I did the first book (don't get me wrong, I LOVED all three of them).
I think it's really hard for authors to outdo the first book in a series. Even in the movie world, sequels are never better than the original film. As a writer, one of my goals is to be better...tell a better story, in a better way, with better writing. It's hard to do (and I hope I succeeded in writing Uprising). One of the reasons I love Harry Potter so much is because every book just got better and better for me.
What series got better and better for you?
It got me thinking...
One of the reasons I may not be as excited about this movie as I was with the first is that I didn't enjoy the second and third books as much as I did the first book (don't get me wrong, I LOVED all three of them).
I think it's really hard for authors to outdo the first book in a series. Even in the movie world, sequels are never better than the original film. As a writer, one of my goals is to be better...tell a better story, in a better way, with better writing. It's hard to do (and I hope I succeeded in writing Uprising). One of the reasons I love Harry Potter so much is because every book just got better and better for me.
What series got better and better for you?
October 3, 2013
Uncaged by Joe Gazzam
As an author, I get the awesome privilege of reading books before their release (all you book bloggers out there know how fun it is to get your hands on literary gold before anyone else). Right now I'm reading 2 manuscripts, 1 self-pub., writing my third book, indulging in my YA addiction by savoring every page of Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi, and I just finished this ARC...It was awesome, so I thought I'd share :)
Uncaged technically falls under the YA genre as it follows 18-year-old Jason through a scared straight program gone wrong. As we all know, the YA genre is morphing into many things, one of which is the New Adult genre. With New Adult, the older YA lovers get a little more of what they want *cough* super sexay hotness *cough* What's interesting about Uncaged is that it is yet another YA book that steps outside of the traditional mold of YA. It appeals to the older readers, not with sexual tension, but with more detailed action. You can imagine the things that might happen if a prison full of crazy people were "uncaged." For those who aren't reading YA for the hot boys with their shirts off, this book is right up your alley. It is page-turning, intense, action packed, kick-ass-ness all in one. Seriously, my heart was pounding with each page.
Here is a little more about the novel.
Jason seems destined to screw things up. After capping off a burglary and a bar fight with a car wreck, he quickly finds himself on the wrong side of the law. And since his father's the governor, that means his punishment is about as public as it gets. Jason's thrown into the first Scared Straight program Florida has ever run in their updated, state-of-the-art Blackenbush Penitentiary. Along with a documentary crew led by Sasha, a young woman in way over her head, and a handful of other kids a year and a strike away from jail, Jason comes face to face with his inevitable future on the other side of a heavily guarded prison wall.
But that's just the beginning. The tour has barely begun when one of the inmates makes a move. Before long the entire penitentiary is under siege, surrounded by the feds and overrun with prisoners let loose from their cells. Jason slips away with Sasha in the chaos, but they won't be able to escape without help. And the only thing worse than being stuck in prison, is being stuck in a prison run by the inmates.
If you're interested in interviewing the author or would like to review the book prior to its release on October 22nd, then shoot me an email at therrien.jessica@gmail.com and I will get you in touch with the right people.
What is everyone else reading these days?
Uncaged technically falls under the YA genre as it follows 18-year-old Jason through a scared straight program gone wrong. As we all know, the YA genre is morphing into many things, one of which is the New Adult genre. With New Adult, the older YA lovers get a little more of what they want *cough* super sexay hotness *cough* What's interesting about Uncaged is that it is yet another YA book that steps outside of the traditional mold of YA. It appeals to the older readers, not with sexual tension, but with more detailed action. You can imagine the things that might happen if a prison full of crazy people were "uncaged." For those who aren't reading YA for the hot boys with their shirts off, this book is right up your alley. It is page-turning, intense, action packed, kick-ass-ness all in one. Seriously, my heart was pounding with each page.
Here is a little more about the novel.
Jason seems destined to screw things up. After capping off a burglary and a bar fight with a car wreck, he quickly finds himself on the wrong side of the law. And since his father's the governor, that means his punishment is about as public as it gets. Jason's thrown into the first Scared Straight program Florida has ever run in their updated, state-of-the-art Blackenbush Penitentiary. Along with a documentary crew led by Sasha, a young woman in way over her head, and a handful of other kids a year and a strike away from jail, Jason comes face to face with his inevitable future on the other side of a heavily guarded prison wall.But that's just the beginning. The tour has barely begun when one of the inmates makes a move. Before long the entire penitentiary is under siege, surrounded by the feds and overrun with prisoners let loose from their cells. Jason slips away with Sasha in the chaos, but they won't be able to escape without help. And the only thing worse than being stuck in prison, is being stuck in a prison run by the inmates.
If you're interested in interviewing the author or would like to review the book prior to its release on October 22nd, then shoot me an email at therrien.jessica@gmail.com and I will get you in touch with the right people.
What is everyone else reading these days?
