Wynne Channing's Blog, page 9
September 19, 2012
The Booker Award, the Look Challenge and the Next Big Thing Blog Hop
When I was young, I hated chain letters. Mostly because of Christopher Pike’s horror novel, Chain Letter. I thought some ghastly fate would befall me if I didn’t pass it on. But in the past few weeks, I’ve been “tagged” by several amazing authors in various games. So chain letters are now compliments!
I’m going to address them all in a single blog post. That’s right, it’s a triptych. Three for one! The Booker Award. The Look Challenge. And The Next Big Thing Blog Hop!
(I’m supposed to tag five authors for each challenge, but in this case, I’m going to tag five authors and he/she may choose which wonderful feature, if any, to participate in.)
TAGGING:
Sherry Soule, former Acquisitions Editor for Crescent Moon Press and best-selling author of the Spellbound series. Her blog offers self-editing tools, tips and inspiration for fiction writers.
Vicki Essex is a proofreader at Harlequin and author of Her Son’s Hero and the upcoming Back to the Good Fortune Diner. Her blog is a great resource for writers.
Sadie Forsythe is the author of the novel The Weeping Empress, an epic fantasy with YA crossover appeal.
Kayla Curry is the founder of the Blogger Book Fair and author of Obsidian: Mystic Stones Series.
Leigh Carron is the author of the upcoming novel, Fat Girl! A Love Story, the first installment of the Perfectly Imperfect series.
The Booker Award
One of my favorite authors, Thomas Winship who pens the exciting Vaempires series, nominated me for the Booker Award, a prize for literary and book-centered blogs.
According to him, if I choose to accept the mission, I have to:
1. Post my five favourite books.
2. Add the Booker Award icon to my blog (or have it tattooed on my torso…DONE!)
3. Nominate others to do the same.
(This message will self-destruct.)
I’m a fickle girl so I will add this disclaimer: these are my favorite books at the moment. I change my mind all of the time.
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry
Nobody’s Perfect by Anthony Lane
The Road by Cormac McCarthy
The Witches by Roald Dahl
THE LOOK CHALLENGE
Christie Rich, author of the fabulous Elemental Enmity Book series, tagged me in the “Look Challenge.” Because we’re lookers. Kidding. You take your manuscript and find the first instance of the word “look.” Then you post the surrounding paragraphs as an excerpt on your blog.
He probably wants to rob me. My father had warned me about pickpockets in Rome. A few days before my trip, he had come into my room with a bulgy blue fanny pack: “To keep your valuables safe.”
From the corner of my eye I could still see the man’s face pointed in my direction, and I heard my best friend’s voice in my head. Zee, he’s checking you out. See if he’s hot. Ryka had encouraged me to have a summer fling. The only fling I’d ever had with a guy was when Felix Lewis flung me in the air during cheerleading tryouts. “Find someone and have fun,” but avoid the bad guys, she had said. She wanted me to keep my other valuables safe.
Pretending to look back at the clock, I glanced at the fountain. The guy was gone. I searched the piazza but didn’t see him. Too bad. He might have been cute. Would his trying to pick my back pocket count as second base?
The Next Big Thing Blog Hop
Rachel McClellan‘s upcoming memoir Confessions of a Cereal Mother, looks awesome. She tagged me in the Next Big Thing Blog Hop and asked me to answer these 10 questions. So let’s do this thing:
1. What is the title of your book?
I honestly considered calling it “Well.” But I settled with What Kills Me.
2. Where did the idea of your book come from?
My overactive imagination + insomnia = the image of a girl crawling out of a well, covered in blood.
3. What genre(s) does your book fall under?
Paranormal. New adult. Action adventure.
4. What actors would you choose to play the characters in a movie rendition?
Egad. I honestly have no clue. I’d rather let my readers keep imagining the characters as they see them.
5. What is a one sentence synopsis of your book?
A nation of vampires hunt one girl who is destined to kill them all. (Sucks to be her.)
6. Is your book self-published?
Indie and proud!
7. How long did it take you to write the first draft?
Six months.
8. What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
It’s more Hunger Games than Twilight. More a fight for survival than a swooning romance.
9. Who or what inspired you to write this book?
My writing partner, Leigh Carron, has been working tirelessly on her amazing debut novel. She was mega encouraging of my dream.
10. What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
If you can guess the ending, I’ll tattoo the Booker Award on my forehead. Not really. But I’ve been told it’s unpredictable 
September 13, 2012
When a giant film production company takes apart your novel, what do you do?
“You should attempt to veil your petty jealousy over not being nearly as kind, talented or beautiful as [actress].”
I got smacked with this message from a movie distributor after I wrote an obviously less than positive critique of his film. As part of my job at a national newspaper in Canada, I write movie reviews. I re-read that message several times, until the sting went away and then I swallowed the note (not literally — though eating paper is probably more pleasant than getting criticism).
According to Anthony Lane, the film critic at The New Yorker, the task of a critic “is the recreation of texture…filing a sensory report on the kind of experience into which they will be wading.” It’s something that I try to do. I inform and entertain, and hopefully, you will get a sense of whether the film is right for you. My goal is to serve the reader. And by all means, disagree with me. That’s what a review is, an opinion, an invitation to dialogue.
So when I published my debut young adult novel, What Kills Me, this summer, I eagerly awaited reviews. Of course, you want people to devour your book (again, not literally) and then love and obsess over it so much that it borders on unhealthy. But literature is art. And art is subjective.
Firstly, I am grateful to anyone who would take the time to read my adventure story. Secondly, that he/she would spend even more time sharing their thoughts is awesome. That’s it. Whether they loved it or hated it. I’m impressed that someone cared enough either way.
I’ve never been anything but happy to work with book bloggers. But they’re individuals. They have lives. They may or may not read my book. They may or may not like my book. Authors can expect mutual respect but a promise of anything else, I think, is unrealistic.
So far as an author, I’ve been fortunate. Tons of people have reviewed What Kills Me and most of them rated it five stars. But a handful have given me, let’s call it, “constructive criticism,” including a production company who reviewed it for film/
television purposes. I studied that in-depth analysis of my novel by a company that produces million-dollar blockbuster films and I loved every critical word. I’m working on the sequel to What Kills Me and will keep some points in mind.
There will always be critics. There will always be haters. The two are different: I once wrote a very personal feature about my first heart break and a reader commented online that I sound “like a nut bar, and any guy with his head on straight should keep away.”
That is an example of a hater.
If you were brave enough to share your word with the public, you have the courage to weather the reaction and sift through the noise for lessons. To authors, my advice (as a nut bar) is: listen to the critics, ignore the haters. To reviewers, my advice is: Be honest, be respectful, your opinion matters.
September 5, 2012
S.M. Boyce re-releasing her acclaimed novel Lichgates
S. M. Boyce wrote Lichgates a year ago. Now, she’s formally re-releasing the novel with a bunch of bonus features and a gorgeous new cover. Check it out!
The Lichgates re-release is going to be snazzy. I’m super pumped. Here’s what you’ll get with the new edition:
New cover.
Re-polished narrative.
New Prelude chapter. This is an entirely new short that gives insight into Kara’s life before she found Ourea.
The re-release date is currently set for some time in September. Be sure to sign up for the Grimoire Trilogy VIP list to be the first to know when the date’s set!
What’s cooler is that its sequel, Treason, will come out just a month or so later. You can sign up for the VIP list to learn more about that the second news becomes available or apply for an Advanced Review Copy (ARC).
Whatever you do, make sure you add the full Grimoire Trilogy to your Goodreads TBR list!
Lichgates Reviews
“This would make a great movie. A great TV show. Great everything. I mean, Boyce sells it at the concept, but she doesn’t stop there. She delivers.” —Rebecca Hamilton, author of The Forever Girl series
“Boyce’s storytelling is so rich and deftly executed that I found myself bouncing between pure amazement, unadulterated enjoyment, and absolute, perverse envy. She is that good.” —Tom Winship, author of the Vaempires series
“This is fantasy at its best!” —The Story Seekers Reviews
“The writing is flawless. The kingdoms and surrounding landscapes breathtaking. The Grimoire is a piece of imaginative genius that bedazzles from the moment Kara falls into the land of Ourea.” —Nikki Jefford, author of the Spellbound Trilogy
…and those are only a few reviews. Check out Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Goodreads to hear what has people grabbing copies and salivating for the sequel.
The Lichgates Blurb
The Grimoire turns its own pages and can answer any question asked of it…and Kara Magari is its next target.
Kara has no idea what she’s getting herself into when she stumbles across the old book while hiking along a hidden trail. Once she opens it, she’s thrown into Ourea: a beautiful world full of terrifying beings that all want the Grimoire’s secrets. Everyone in this new world is trying to find her, but most just want to control the new-found power the Grimoire bestows upon her.
Braeden Drakonin grew up in Ourea, and all he’s ever known in life is lying. The Grimoire is his one chance at redemption, and it lands in his lap when Kara Magari comes into his life. He has one question to ask the book—one question that can fix everything in his broken world—and he’s not letting Kara out of his sight until he gets an answer.
Kara cannot escape her new life in Ourea. There’s no going back now.
The Lichgates Prelude
Boyce is going to provide the prelude free online for anyone who has already bought the previous version. Sign up for the VIP list to learn when she posts it!
mpatient? You can still grab the old edition and read while you wait.
Grab Your Copy
Amazon (US) | Amazon (UK) | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads
Learn More
Watch the Trailer | Visit the Online Encyclopedia
Teaser: Treason (Grimoire Trilogy #2)
Available October 27, 2012
Kara Magari ignited a war when she stumbled into the dark and stunning world of Ourea, and all because of that stupid Grimoire she found. The armies have amassed. The traitors are exposed, and Kara is alone.
The war has started.
VIP List | Goodreads | Get an ARC
The Author
S.M. Boyce is a fantasy and paranormal fiction novelist who also dabbles in contemporary fiction and comedy. She’s a sarcastic twit, but her friends seem to like her anyway. She updates her blog a few times each week so that you have something to wake you up in the morning?).
Also, her B.A. in Creative Writing qualifies her to serve you french fries.
Blog | Website | Facebook | Twitter | Google+ | YouTube
Goodreads Author Page | Amazon Author Page
September 3, 2012
Vaempires: Zombie Rising Cover Reveal!
I have the pleasure of unveiling the cover of Thomas Winship’s upcoming book: Vaempires: Zombie Rising.
Flipping cool. Here’s some info about Tom’s latest creation:
The tale of The Evolutionary War resumes in Væmpires: Zombie Rising.
Væmpires have taken control of twelve major cities. Their leader, Vielyn, seeks the atomic weapons that will bring the rest of the world to its knees.
Vampire forces are reeling. As Linq and Ray race to the royal estate to rendezvous with Cassandra and Daniel … the princess is captured and Daniel falls.
With the fate of world shifting to their teenage shoulders, Linq and Ray must deal with tremendous losses while battling a most unexpected—and undeadly—new foe.
Væmpires: Zombie Rising will be released in October 2012. However, you can view the book trailer and read the entire book during the Dark Mind Book Tours pre-release tour that begins September 10th. Details announced soon!
Thomas Winship lives in New York. He holds an MBA in Management from St. Thomas Aquinas College, where he serves as MBA Director and adjunct professor of courses in English Composition, Communications, and Business. He also spent fifteen years working for a global pharmaceutical company, specializing in organizational development, talent management, and training.
Tom writes in his spare time. His first novel, a mystery/legal thriller entitled Temporary Insanity (a.k.a. Case Closed), was a 2008 finalist in a national contest but failed to garner industry attention. He published Vaempires: Revolution last October and a follow-up novella, Vaempires: White Christmas, in December. He is currently working on the next installment of the Vaempires series.
Tom is an avid collector of books, comic books, music, and movies. His interests are diverse—on any given day, Tom is likely to be found watching a horror movie, attending a hard rock concert, or enjoying a Broadway show.
Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Amazon
August 20, 2012
What Kills Me…a buck and on a blog tour!
For the duration of the What Kills Me Book Tour via Dark Mind Tours, What Kills Me will be .99 cents on Amazon and Smashwords! If you haven’t already, get yours today and go on the ultimate adventure.
My first stop on tour is at Mind Reader!
Q: Was there a scene in the book you found particularly hard to write?
A: Without giving anything away, any scene where one of my favorite characters dies, is always sad for me.
Visit Franny’s great blog to read the entire interview and her review of What Kills Me.
August 17, 2012
What Kills Me on SALE! 99 cents at Amazon and Smashwords!
It kills me that you don’t have your copy of WKM as yet; so buy one now for only 99 cents from participating retailers:
Amazon US | Amazon UK | Smashwords
August 16, 2012
What Kills Me is on a tour (of the net)! Blog tour begins Monday.
Blog tours are fantastic. I get to connect with the reading community from the comfort of my home. I get to stay in my jammies and answer your questions without worrying about the Cheetos crumbs in my lap or the rat’s nest that is my unbrushed hair.
And you get to hear more about my debut novel, What Kills without leaving your couch or office! It’s a win-win.
Speaking of winning, follow me on the tour and you’ll have a chance to win some great prizes. Please Tweet, message, Facebook stalk me. It can get pretty lonely at home with only an empty bag of Cheetos to talk to.
Thanks for your support. See you on the tour! Here’s the SCHEDULE of where I will be stopping!
August 20th, 2012
Mind Reader
(Review, Author Interview, Giveaway)
August 21st, 2012
Beloved Books
(Giveaway, Excerpt)
August 22nd, 2012
Waiting On Sunday To Drown
(Review, Guest Post, Giveaway)
August 23rd, 2012
My Reading Addiction
(Review, Author Interview, Giveaway, Excerpt)
August 24th, 2012
Words In Sync
(Review, Guest Post)
August 27th, 2012
TToria
(Review, Guest Post, Excerpt)
August 28th, 2012
Miranda Stork
(Author Interview, Guest Post, Giveaway)
August 29th, 2012
Fictional Candy
(Review, Giveaway)
August 30th, 2012
Happy Tails & Tales
(Review, Excerpt, Giveaway)
August 31st, 2012
The Book Snoop
(Review, Giveaway)
September 3rd, 2012
Proserpine Craving Books
(Review, Giveaway, Excerpt)
September 4th, 2012
Picked By Poison
(Review, Guest Post, Giveaway, Excerpt)
September 5th, 2012
In Between
(Review, Giveaway)
September 6th, 2012
A Dream Within A Dream
(Review, Giveaway, Excerpt)
September 7th, 2012
Understanding Shae’s Story
(Giveaway, Excerpt)
September 10th, 2012
Romancing The Dark Side
(Review, Guest Post, Giveaway)
September 11th, 2012
Sweet Southern Home
(Giveaway, Excerpt)
September 12th, 2012
Keeping Up With The Rheinlander’s
(Review, Guest Post, Giveaway, Excerpt)
September 13th, 2012
Journey With Books
(Guest Post, Giveaway)
September 14th, 2012
My Miscellaneous Bookshelf
(Review, Author Interview, Giveaway, Excerpt)
September 17th, 2012
The Speculative Salon
(Guest Post)
September 18th, 2012
What’s Beyond Forks
(Review, Giveaway, Excerpt)
September 19th, 2012
Bornean Bookworm Reads
(Review)
September 20th, 2012
Chapter By Chapter
(Guest Post, Giveaway, Excerpt)
September 21st, 2012
Turning The Pages
(Review, Giveaway)
September 24th, 2012
Read-A-Holicz
(Review, Giveaway, Excerpt)
September 25th, 2012
Darkest Sins
(Review, Excerpt, Giveaway)
Thanks again to the ladies at Dark Mind Book Tours for taking such good care of me.
August 7, 2012
Passage from What Kills Me: Burning in the sun
He was burning in the sun. Smoke lifted upward from his writhing body. His face, his hands and chest, were dark red and wet like a skinned animal. Yellow blisters bubbled up all over him and then burst as the skin tore into open wounds. The pus, viscous like tomato pulp, hardened into a brown layer. The sun singed off his thick hair and scabs spread across his scalp.
Still in the shade, I pulled at my chains with all of my strength. Come on! The bolts loosened. I saw them spring up with every jerk.
He was now unrecognizable, covered in a smoldering, crackling charcoal crust. He had stopped moving. He was no longer screaming. Through the haze I could see that the door was already bathed in sunlight. I’m going to burn.
I let out a piercing cry and wrenched the chain from the wall. The metal plate shot off and hit him in the head, causing parts of his blackened face to crumble off. His body was starting to disintegrate, like a collapsing sand sculpture. I fell backward and wrestled my shackles under my butt and my legs so that my hands were at least in front of me, though still bound together by about a foot of heavy chain. I scrambled to my feet and reached for a handhold.
Behind me Paolo’s remains hissed and crackled. His ashes settled on my skin. I inhaled his smoke, held the burned taste in the back of my throat…Paolo was like an ancient statue, battered by time and the elements. You could still make out the shape of his legs, his crooked arm shielding his head. But he had stumps for hands and his face had caved in.
It’s too late.
I looked up and into the sunlight.
July 30, 2012
What Kills Me wins the Reader’s Choice Award for Young Adult book
Thanks to your votes, What Kills Me won the Reader’s Choice Award in the Young Adult Book category at the inaugural Blogger Book Fair!!! Thank you so much for your support. I am hugging my computer — and thus you — right now.
July 29, 2012
Who are your favourite monsters?
To close the inaugural Blogger Book Fair, I asked readers and writers, who their favourite monsters were. Here’s what you said:
The Abominable Snowman. I have such great memories of watching that show. When we were young, my sister and I used to hide behind the olive-colored rocking chair when the Abominable Snowman came on the screen. Now, of course, I know him as the lovable character he is! - Pam Stucky, author of the Wishing Rock series
Voldemort, without a doubt. I love his backstory. – H. Suthard
For me, it has to be the huge bronze statue that comes alive in Ray Harryhausen’s Jason and the Argonauts. No, correct that — make it ALL of the monsters in Jason and the Argonauts. - Tony Richards, author of such novels as The Harvest Bride, Postcards from Terri, and more recently Night of Demons
Kalessin: The eldest dragon from Le Guin’s The Farthest Shore (Earthsea trilogy). This is not a dragon a knight could slay, and human concepts of good and evil really don’t apply to it. Fortunately, to it humans are generally such inconsequential and short-lived creatures that we normally don’t have to spend time worrying about it. – Writer at E-Bookworm.
Mothra: Because the Mothra girls crack me up. - Joel Arnold, author of Northwoods Deep
The Fury from the old Captain Britain comics of the 1980s. - Cora Buhlert, author
Gamera, the giant flying turtle. – Todd Young
Cthulu. Any Lovecraft monster, in fact. Most of them were similar and all of them were terrifying. They weren’t your typical monsters that’d eat or just kill you, oh no. They did much, much worse things than kill you. - Tyler J. Vitt, author
