Megan Duke's Blog, page 4

March 15, 2015

Six Books That Changed My Life

I've listed my favorite novels before, but it's been awhile and things have changed. So, I want to share them again. Also, I wanted to share why I picked them. These books are not only my favorites, but they changed me. They made a huge impact, and I will never forget them.

Starting from the bottom...


6). Something Like Summer by Jay Bell

This book slaughtered my soul. I have so many feels I can't even register them. This is by far one of the best M/M coming of age love stories I've ever read! It was so powerful! And it spans over an entire decade! Jay Bell is amazing! 

Here's my reaction video : https://youtu.be/rD0XAD6if3I

5). Panic by Lauren Oliver

This book was incredible! Lauren Oliver's writing is beautiful. I've fallen in love with the way she tells a story. She always pulls me in from the first page. I am a huge fan of Before I Fall, and her newest novel Vanishing Girls is definitely a top 10 for me, but Panic did something the others didn't. The story is unique and enticing. I wanted more but got just enough! I've never read anything like this before. The concept was awesome! And Lauren told me herself that she's writing the screenplay for the movie! I'm super duper excited!


4). Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson

This book. THIS BOOK.
I am in love with this book and everything to do with it. Morgan Matson has written a summertime masterpiece. This is the ultimate feel good book. The plot was perfectly paced with just enough anticipation. Seeking out everything on the list was just as nerve-wracking and exciting for me as it was for Emily! And Frank Porter? Man. Love him. Framily = I ship it so hard. Great character development. Fun and quirky writing. The friendship between these characters, especially Sloane and Emily, is so strong! Reading this reminded me how important friendship is. It reminded me of a relationship I used to have with my best friend when we were younger. It was definitely a trip down memory lane. 

3). The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

I struggled at first to relate to this book. I wasn't sure what the narrator was going through or why he acted and spoke the way he did. I agreed with most people, thinking he was mentally handicapped. This would have explained a lot to me. By the end when everything was finally pulled together, it made so much sense and I was amazed. I didn't see it coming. Books like this are complicated for a reason. They're meant to make you think about things you normally don't think about. They give greater meanings to thinks you normally find insignificant. I think this book should be considered a classic. It has made an enormous impact on more than one generation. And also, the movie is the best adaptation I've ever seen. 

2). Looking for Alaska by John Green 

This book is a great example of what a true young adult novel is. I loved every second of it. Books like this are what make you believe what the characters believe. I am in search for "a great perhaps" because of Miles. Life is so much bigger than we think. Everything we do is so important, and John Green's writing is the closest thing to enlightenment I can find. Thank you.

1). I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson

I couldn't write this earlier. I was too full of emotion to even fathom what I would write down. I finished reading I'll Give You the Sun at 1 o'clock this morning, and it was the most beautiful work of literature I think I've ever read.

Mind you, I've read some pretty amazing books. I've got a list of favorites, and I'm pretty this just bumped everything back down a spot, taking number one.
It's not just the fact that the characters were so well developed. It's not just the fact that the story is being told at two different times yet somehow are parallel. It makes no difference that the amount of detail that went into the artwork and the passion blew my very mind. It's not even the idea that Jandy Nelson has created something within me that I don't think I can ever extinguish.

The pure fact of it is, I loved it.

I want to stress how much this book affected me. There are some books, when I read them, that I thoroughly enjoy. I think about them right after I'm finished, thinking it'll stick with me forever, but they never do. This book. I have no doubt in my mind that it has changed me. The two main characters are artists, and as I was reading, I couldn't help but think that this book was a piece of art in itself.
I'm not going to go into the spoilery bits, because I'll Give You the Sun is one of those books you are better off knowing nothing about. I will say this: I was moved the most by the relationship Noah and Jude shared. It might be because they are twins, but I feel like Jandy Nelson represented that bond so perfectly between a brother and sister. More so. And the ending? Let's just say: everyone has secrets.

Please, please, please go read this godsend of a book! I am begging you!

P.S. If there's an artist out there that can recreate at least half of the pieces mentioned in Noah's head, please do it. I need to see it.




 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on March 15, 2015 10:04

March 8, 2015

My Weekend in Atlanta

Hello all!
I wanted to share my weekend with you, mostly because it was freakin phenomenal!

I traveled to Atlanta Friday evening and had dinner with Katie (Katie as Victoria, @MrsFangirlRN), her husband, and Vania! We had the best time sharing thoughts over sushi! I have to say that I'm so thankful to have such wonderful people in my life that support me. Having so many people around to motivate me and encourage me to follow my dreams is a blessing! I didn't always have a lot of support when it came to being an independent author, but over the past two years I've met so many people that have changed that completely! You guys are all amazing!

Now, on to the good stuff...

Most of the day Saturday was filled with the photo shoot! We had three stunning models with high spirits ready to jump in a tub full of milk, and it was glorious! There were so many different elements to play with, including lights and flowers. Vania found tablets that turn the water different colors, and you already heard we used a lot of dairy...
I was happy to be there to witness everything coming together. I even got to help pose the models! Vania ended up shooting material for all three covers in the trilogy, along with some extra stuff for teasers and promos. We stayed up until 3 o'clock that evening working on edits. Vania is a master, and I felt honored to watch her work her magic!

The most important part of this little blurb you're getting is this: you'll be able to see the first cover next week! That's right! The cover reveal for the first book in the series, Without Me, is on March 19th! I guarantee you're all going to be blown away. I know I certainly was.

I have several videos from the shoot where we hosted a Google Hangout.
You can watch them here: Mind Breakers Cover Shoot

See you next Thursday!

-Megan.



 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on March 08, 2015 17:42

January 23, 2015

UtopYA Con (June 18-21)

I will be participating in the 4th annual UtopYA Con in Nashville at the Millennium Maxwell House Hotel! I'll have a table for signings Thursday, Friday, & Saturday. Thursday & Friday require tickets, but Saturday is FREE!

go to utopyacon.com for more info!


An uplifting, collaborative and educational conference for those who love supernatural and contemporary young adult and new adult fiction!
Panels filled with writers and experts in the publishing and entertainment industries will share with established and aspiring authors and screenwriters their tips to improve craft and advance careers, as well as FUN panels for fans where then can directly influence and interact with their favorite writers!
1 like ·   •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on January 23, 2015 10:11

January 7, 2015

Books I Read in 2014





in which I show you every book I read in the year 2014. I set my Goodreads challenge at 50 books, which I managed to achieve! Yay!

Books:

-Days of Blood & Starlight by Laini Taylor
-Dreams of Gods & Monsters by Laini Taylor
-These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman & Meghan Spooner
-Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
-Shatter Me, Unravel Me & Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi
-The Darkest Minds, Never Fade & In the Afterlight by Alexandra Bracken
-The Unbecoming/Evolution/Retribution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
-Something Like Summer by Jay Bell
-Legend by Marie Lu
-Panic by Lauren Oliver
-The Last Stand of the New York Institute by Cassandra Clare, Maureen Johnson, and  Sarah Rees Brennan
-The Maze Runner by James Dashner
-Gracling by Kristen Cashor
-Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
-The Giver by Lois Lowry
-If I Stay and Where She Went by Gayle Forman
-Across the Universe by Beth Revis
-We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
-Love Letters to the Dead by Ava Dellaira
-City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare
-Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins
-The Murder Complex by Lindsay Cummings
-Since You've Been Gone & Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson
-The Eighth Guardian by Meredith McCardle
-To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han
-The Sky is Everywhere & I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson
-Anna and the French Kiss, Lola and the Boy Next Door, & Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins
-Angelfall & World After by Susan Ee
-Blue Lily, Lily Blue by Maggie Steifvater
-Life By Committee by Corey Ann Haydu
-Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by  Benjamin Alire Sáenz
-My True Love Gave to Me edited by Stephanie Perkins
-Branded by Abi Ketner and Missy
-Thirteen Reason Why by Jay Asher
-After by Anna Todd


Link to Vania's photos : http://vlcphotoportfolio.com/tagged/c...
 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on January 07, 2015 16:52

January 1, 2015

2014: My Year in Review



I give to you all the things that made 2014 the best year of my life. I met so many amazing authors and bloggers. Some of which have become friends. I went on my first tour, visiting festivals and book stores throughout the southeast. I published two novels. Saw the TFIOS cast. Ventured milestones and created memories. I watched the people around me grow, and I like to say I grew a bit myself. Thank you to everyone that made my year so incredible. Here's to a fabulous 2015! 
Song: "Ready to Run" - One Direction

-Megan.
 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on January 01, 2015 15:25

December 27, 2014

Announcement Update

Today's announcement is more of a tweak to a previous update. The original plan for next year, along with releasing the first book in The Mind Breaker Accounts, was to release four Small Circles short stories on ebook.  These four novellas are still going to be released in 2015, but instead of staggering their release, they will be bound together in one paperback called Negative Spaces. This is set to be published in November!

Stay tuned for more on The Mind Breaker Accounts, and clues to the surprise novel in 2016!

-Megan.


 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on December 27, 2014 12:40

December 14, 2014

The Next Two Years...

I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season! I've said this at the beginning of nearly every post, but I can't believe the blog tour has gone by so quickly! This YEAR has gone by even faster! Infinite Limits will be available on Amazon and Kindle on TUESDAY! (So unreal.)

But that's not what I'm here to discuss. I participated in a Google+ Hangout with Ana (analoves.com) and Jaclyn (livinginaworldofbookquotes.wordpress.com) on Friday, and we had a lovely time discussing the Small Circles books!

You can go back and watch it here: http://youtu.be/qx4JEyWZwy0

During the live stream, I mentioned that I had a secret book project in the making, as well as a plan that I somewhat kind of already announced. So, I'll now take the time to properly tell you all the details.

First: In the year 2015, there will be 4 Small Circles short stories released on ebook. The first will be published in March and will be about when Silas and Larson first get reconnected. This story will mostly be from Larson's perspective but will also include a bit of Silas' POV as well. The second story will be available in May, and it will be about when Paxton and Audrina first lost their virginities to each other... from Paxton's POV! The last two will be revealed towards the beginning of the year, so stay tuned!

Second: The secret project is another novel. And it goes along with the Small Circles series. I can't say much about it just yet, but after Infinite Limits is released I'll be able to share more! Mostly, it's because the plot is a major spoiler for the final book. I can say this, it's set sixteen years after the end of Infinite Limits... and it will be the last book involving any of the characters from this series. It will be released in 2016.

Finally, I am still planning the release of the first installment in The Mind Breaker Accounts. That will be in May also, and I'm very excited to start working on the covers with Vania from VLC Photo. If you haven't seen her work, she did the cover design and photography for Silent Echo by Elisa Freilich. You can also view some of her other photos here.

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and New Years and everything else in between! No matter what you celebrate, this time of year is about being with family and friends, so share this season with the ones that mean the most!

It's okay to be happy!

-Megan.


 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on December 14, 2014 21:03

December 8, 2014

Paxton and Larson (#10InfiniteWeeks)

This will be my final post for the 10 Infinite Weeks blog tour! It's finally week 10, which means Infinite Limits comes out NEXT WEEK! I am on the edge of my seat waiting for you all to be able to read it!

Since I didn't have time to post about Paxton last week, I've decided to post about Paxton and Larson together. More or less, I'll be discussing their friendship.

We know that Paxton met Larson in elementary school. Their connection locked over a blue crayon and a sweater vest. What more can I say, right? Well, most of you that have read the series might think that Larson and Pax's friendship is a bit odd. They are very different. But for some reason it works. Really, it was Larson's extension to offer family that Paxton was so open to. Before, we know that Paxton didn't have the best home life. He didn't have a mother. His father was never around. And he had an arm's length relationship with his grandmother that did most of the providing. When Larson becomes his friend, he's brought into the Ashby home. He sees what a real family could be. Even if it's slightly screwed up in its own ways. I mentioned in previous posts that Paxton's connection with Jade is a healthy one, because she pushes him to face his problems instead of avoid them. That's sort of what Larson does as well. But instead of the girlfriend, his role is the best friend.

We first see the nature of their interactions at the beginning of Small Circles. Paxton is smoking a cigarette, and Larson plucks it from his fingers to remind him that he doesn't need to get another detention. It's those sort of moments that show Larson is there to guide Paxton. We all know he doesn't make the best choices. Let's be real. Paxton chooses (whether subconsciously or not) to surround himself with people that will push him in the right direction. Owen, too. He's a great influence on Paxton. It's the relationship that starts with Audrina that really throws him off. Derails him in a way from the path his should have been on.

It's sort of ironic that when 3 people in Paxton's life die, he assumes the worst. He thinks that the people still there are going to leave too. He pushes Jade away, thinking that eventually she'll just abandon him eventually. He distances himself from Larson because he thinks Silas will take his place. It's almost like he forgets that Larson is there. He complains about being alone and depressed and whatever, but he can't see that Larson has always been there. He's always been a friend, first and foremost. Eventually, this is something that Paxton will have to come to terms with. He will have to understand, first hand, that some people are never going to leave him.

As for Larson, he may act confident and tough all the time, but deep down he really cherishes the camaraderie he's found in his life. His friends are extremely important. That was one of the things that made Larson and Owen so similar. They were both very loyal to their friends. Owen was a bit more open about his willingness to listen and be the guy to lean on. Larson had those qualities too, it was just harder to expose. We see it mostly with Paxton - the person he's known the longest. Between the two of them, the reader can really see a true friendship that's grown solid and strong over time.


Welp. I think that's going to be it for me.  Follow the rest of this week with Ana over at analoves.com
On the Thursday, she will be revealing the final trailer for Infinite Limits, so be sure and check out her blog for the link! I'm also planning to do a live stream with her at some point this week, so stay tuned!

-Megan.

(Josh Brown as Larson Ashby / Drew Taylor as Paxton Graham)

 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on December 08, 2014 10:00

November 27, 2014

Thanksgiving: A Sneak Peek at Infinite Limits.

So, I guess I lied about there not being a post today...I was actually in the shower when the idea came to me. You see, I was trying to think of books that are either based around the Thanksgiving holiday, or at least mention it some significant way. Then I remembered that Infinite Limits does just that! So in order to help celebrate how thankful I am for all of you, here is a first look at Infinite Limits...


Jade slumped her shoulders in defeat. She adjusted her scarf more tightly around her neck. If she pulled hard enough, she might choke and pass out, avoiding the situation altogether.
Before she knew it, they were walking up the steps. They were in the front door. There was warm light filling the space in her head that had been dark for months. Mrs. Ashby was taking her coat. Asking her if she had a pleasant flight. Telling her she was the final guest to arrive, and assuring that no one was stuffed with turkey yet. Just alcohol.
“I’m so glad you came back to visit,” Mrs. Ashby cheered. She was escorting Jade into the dining room. “Larson has missed you dearly.”
Jade tried to remember the last time Larson’s mom was so attentive. He’d mentioned that things were different at home, but she hadn’t been expecting this. She noted that Mr. Ashby hadn’t made an appearance. Maybe that was it. They’d finally separated. Jade felt a lump form in her throat at the thought of just how much she and Larson needed to catch up.
“I’m glad to be back,” she said, returning Mrs. Ashby’s smile with one of her own.Jade was half-way lying. But it didn’t feel like it.
“Are you planning on going back to Vanderbilt? I know Larson mentioned you were taking time off.” She brushed a hand through Jade’s hair. “Don’t worry, dear. Everyone does it. I did. It took me a year before I finally kicked my rear back into gear, but I did it. Graduated on schedule, too.” She winked. “You’ve got the rest of your life to figure out what you want to do with it.”
This was by far the most astounding and inspiring thing Jade had ever heard come out of Mrs. Ashby’s mouth. She stood with her mouth agape and found herself leaning into the woman, feeling safe.
Mrs. Ashby lit up the room with another smile, then she faced the dining room before them. Everyone Jade had stumbled across in the past six years was now sitting at the table, including a few new faces. Silas was pulling out a chair for Larson as he entered the room through the kitchen. Larson was carrying the turkey on a silver platter. He placed it carefully on the cloth surface and took the seat provided for him. 

Pre-order Infinite Limits on Kindle HEREAvailable in paperback December 16th on Amazon and B&N.com! 
-Megan.
 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on November 27, 2014 10:19

November 26, 2014

Owen's iPod (#10InfiniteWeeks)

I present to you... a handful of songs that inspired Owen's character and struggles.I'm just going to let you all sit on these. Take some time to read over the lyrics and tell me what you think. (All Lyrics from AZlyrics.com)


1) "Keep Your Head Up"
Keep your mind set, keep your hair long.
Oh my my darlin' keep your head up, keep your heart strong.No no no no, keep your mind set in your ways, keep your heart strong.
I saw a friend of mine the other day,
And he told me that my eyes were gleamin'.
Oh I said I had been away, and he knew,
Oh he knew the depths I was meanin'.And it felt so good to see his face,Or the comfort invested in my soul.Oh to feel the warmth of a smile,When he said "I'm happy to have you home.Ooh I'm happy to have you home."
Yeah, keep your head up, keep your heart strong.
Oh, no, no, no, no.
Keep your mind set, keep you hair long.
Oh my my darlin', keep your head up, keep you heart strong.No no no no, keep your mind set in your ways,Keep your heart strong.'Cause I'll always remember you the same.Oh eyes like wild flowers within demons of change.
May you find happiness there,
May all your hopes all turn out right.
Ooh may you find happiness there,
May you find warmth in the middle of the night.Yeah, keep your head up, keep your heart strong.
Oh, no, no, no, no.
Keep your mind set, keep you hair long.
Oh my my darlin', keep your head up, keep you heart strong.No no no no, keep your mind set in your ways,Keep your heart strong.'Cause I'll always remember you the same.Oh eyes like wild flowers within demons of change.


2) "Please Don't Say You Love Me"
Summer comes, winter fades
Here we are just the same
Don't need pressure, don't need change
Let's not give the game away
There used to be an empty space
A photograph without a face
But with your presence, and your grace
Everything falls into place
Just please don't say you love me
'Cause I might not say it back
Doesn't mean my heart stops skipping when you look at me like that
There's no need to worry when you see just where we're at
Just please don't say you love me
'Cause I might not say it back
Heavy words are hard to take
Under pressure precious things can break
And how we feel is hard to fake
So let's not give the game away
Just please don't say you love me
'Cause I might not say it back
Doesn't mean my heart stops skipping when you look at me like that
There's no need to worry when you see just where we're at
Just please don't say you love me
'Cause I might not say it back
And fools rush in
And I've been the fool before
This time I'm gonna slow it down
'Cause I think this could be more
The thing I'm looking for
Just please don't say you love me
'Cause I might not say it back
Doesn't mean my heart stops skipping when you look at me like that
There's no need to worry when you see just where we're at
Just please don't say you love me
'Cause I might not say it back
Please don't say you love me
'Cause I might not say it back
Doesn't mean my heart stops skipping when you look at me like that
There's no need to worry when you see just where we're at
Just please don't say you love me
'Cause I might not say it back
Just please don't say you love me
'Cause I might not say it back


3) "Sooner Or Later"
We're all standing with our backs against the wall, Sooner or later
Waiting on a phone that never calls, at all
Heartbreak comes Rollin in like a storm, Sooner or later
Trying to swim but your sinking like a stone, Alone
and I can feel fire in the night
Waiting here
Baby its like we're
Walking on a wire thru the fear
Take my hand
We'll get there
Sooner or later I swear we're gonna make it, we're gonna make it,
Sooner or later I swear we're gonna make it, we're gonna make it
Milk and honey till we get our fill
I'll keep chasing it I always will
Sooner or later I swear
We'll make it there
Sooner than later
We're all waiting on dream thats hard to own, Sooner or later
trying to feel the high without the low, you know
you can feel fire in the night
lying here
Baby its like we're
Walking on a wire thru the fear
Take my hand
We'll get there
the fear inside
the hills we've climbed
the tears this side of heaven
all these dreams inside of me
i swear were gonna get there


4) "Ordinary Love"
I don't wanna be no star
Have fame on the Boulevard
No that's not what I'm looking for
I don't need shiny things
Or love from a movie screen
But I tell you what I really want
Oh oh, oh oh gimme an ordinary love
That I touch
That I hold
Gimme an ordinary love
I don't live in the hills
And I probably never will
But that won't keep me up at night
Cause she's dancing like a fool
Across my living room
Whenever I'm with you
my heart is singing
Oh oh gimme an ordinary love
That I touch
That I hold
Gimme an ordinary love
Keep those fancy things
Keep your magazine
I don't even want what I'm chasing
because all I know isn't ordinary love is what we're made for
Oh oh, oh oh gimme an ordinary love
That I touch
That I hold
Gimme an ordinary love
Oh oh, oh oh gimme an ordinary love
That I touch
That I hold
Gimme an ordinary love
Gimme an ordinary love
Yeah gimme an ordinary love

-Megan.
 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on November 26, 2014 10:47