Suzanne Schultz Pick's Blog: bookblogarama, page 9

Book Blitz for Some Kind of Tomorrow by Kay Blake

Some Kind of Tomorrow

by Kay Blake

Genre: YA Contemporary

Release Date: April 19th 2019

Summary:

17-year-old Libby Reid has always been told life can only be lived forward not backward. Libby’s chronically ill and she spends her time counting down the days until she has another flare. But that all changes when she meets Matt.

Matt Ramírez is an 18-year-old boy who loves music, games and having a good time. But underneath he wants the world to see him. Really see him. And Libby sees him in ways no one has ever seen him before.

Deciding to make their last summer as teens memorable, they make a bucket list of things to do. Together they find adventure, friendship, love and most of all understanding.

Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/Some-Kind-Tomorrow-Kay-Blake-ebook/dp/B07NQTSZQ8/ 


Excerpt: 


“What are you doing?” 


I raised an eyebrow, holding up my book. “Reading.” 


“What book?” 


I turned it to show him the cover. 


“Ah! A classic. Though I think I’ve outgrown Harry Potter.” 


My eyes narrowed. “What do you mean?” 


“I just feel that I’m too old for those books. It was fun when I was eleven,” he said with a shrug. 


That did it. He spouted ridiculous things, and I didn’t plan on spending my summer listening to them. 


“Well, Matthew, I’m sure the millions of other people who love Harry as much as I do would disagree. There is no age limit on the story or the friendship. You’re just saying absurd things. There is no age limit to enjoy what Harry Potter gave the world. So even if I’m seventy and want to read this book, I will do so proudly!” I said, my tone indignant. 


He studied me in a way that made me falter a bit under his stare. “You seem to take your Harry Potter very seriously.” 


“Yes, I do.” 


He nodded. “Okay. I get that, I guess. But I do think you need to loosen up a bit. You seem on edge.” 


“How do you know I’m on edge? I don’t even know you,” I said, my brow raised and disdain evident. 


A wide grin spread across his face. “No, but you will.” 


“What if I don’t want to get to know you?” 


His smile faltered a bit, then he straightened his shoulders. “Well, I would say that is pretty mean, but we will be friends. Count on it.” 


A part of me wanted to slap the confident look right off his face. He annoyed me something fierce. He was like a bug that kept flying around your face. No matter how many times you swiped at it, it kept coming back. 


“Do you read Harry all the time?” he asked, swiftly changing the subject. 


“Yes. It is one of my go-to books. I love the series. One of my favorite things is the superb world building. If I were a writer, I would love to dabble in that world.” I said it with so much conviction, I found myself smiling at his amused expression. 


“Well, with an argument like that, maybe I’m wrong. Maybe you can convince me otherwise.” 


I huffed. “Maybe I don’t want to.” 


“Are you always this mean?” 


“Are you always this irritating?” I retorted, one eyebrow raised. 


“I’m whatever a person needs me to be. Maybe I’m funny and you’re just too mean to admit it.” 


That made me chuckle. “You think really highly of yourself, don’t you? I can tell you right now that you are not funny. You’re a big pain in my ass. And I don’t know why you’re so focused on making me talk to you when I’m reading. Don’t you have something to do? It’s summer. I’m sure you have tons of friends and things to do in this nice weather.” 


“In the grand scheme of things, we all have something to do, don’t we? People to see. New things to try. We all want to be doing things, but do we ever stop and just take a minute to smell the roses? Enjoy the sunset? I can bet you most people don’t.” 


“And how can you say that when you don’t know most people?” 


“I know how people are. I know they tend to do a lot more worrying about life than actually living it.” 


I said nothing. In a strange way, he was right. We were all so worried about our problems. That was me almost every single day. 




About the Author


Kay is an award winning author who writes sassy, sexy and sweet contemporary and interracial romance. She is from arguably the greatest city in the world. (New York). She is a sarcastic sweetheart who prefers snuggling at home with a good book. Kay is a mom of 3 cubs and a wife. Kay indulges in strawberry cheesecake, horror movies, Harry Potter, The Walking Dead, wrestling and of course a happily ever after. She is also the creator of Bookish Brown Girls, a platform dedicated to promoting books written by women of color.  









Author Links:
Website: http://www.authorkayblake.wordpress.com
Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/authorkayblake
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/authorkayblake
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/authorkayblake
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00K5WCK38
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8187418.Kay_Blake
Newsletter Signup: http://eepurl.com/cY7XxLGIVEAWAY:

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Blog Tour and Author Interview for Tudor Rose by W.H. Doyle

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In 16th-century England, two teenage best friends find themselves on an exciting journey from the country to the Queen’s court in the hope of being named ladies-in-waiting. But Sybille and Rose soon discover they aren’t the only girls who have their sights set on attending Her Majesty.  The girls must compete against worldly and cunning opponents, among them mean-girl Avis and her entourage of back-stabbing co-horts, tipping the balance in their already-tenuous friendship.

Soon, the grand hall is more like the hallway of a prestigious finishing school, with girls fighting for the attention of a dashing, young earl, amid parties fueled by drinking and indiscriminate dalliances. As the tension between Sybille and Avis heats up, the focus on Rose wanes, allowing her to turn her attention to more important matters – like getting close enough to the Queen to learn her secrets.

But being close to the Queen is not without its challenges. And when rumors of Rose’s influence make their way around the castle, no one, not even the Queen, will be safe.

Buy on Amazon | Barnes and Noble

 Giveaway Info:

 One (1) winner will win a Starbucks Gift Card

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Link to Giveaway:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c08c9e8e752/?

Link to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32173384-tudor-rose   

 Purchase Links:

 BAM | Chapters | Indies | Amazon | B&N | Kobo | TBD

 Tour Schedule:

http://www.chapter-by-chapter.com/tour-schedule-tudor-rose-by-w-h-doyle/

Interview with the Author

Tell us about your writing process. Do you aim for a daily word count, page count, or a couple of scenes each day?

I’m a word count guy. If I get caught up in the “scene or two a day” mentality, I can lull myself into a false sense of accomplishment…and that’s an easy way to fall behind deadline, which is something I pride myself on (almost) never doing. You know what I  mean? Say I just wrote a quick scene that’s only a couple paragraphs long…does that get me off the hook for the day? No way. The same is true for page count…when you know all you have to do is get through the next page to meet your quota, your subconscious can step in and start some pretty creative paragraph breaking and tab action. Word count sees through all the tricks.

What gave you the inspiration for your book (and the series)?

When my sister was planning an after prom party with two friends, things went supremely sour and the trio went their separate ways…continuing to plan their own individual parties. Drama ensued, to say the least. I know it feels done and like an 80s movie, but once I combined it with my love all of the things Tudor it seemed to truly crackle. I couldn’t resist.

What sort of research did you do for this book?

Reading, reading, and more reading. I have two shelves filled with books. I also have a friend who’s a college professor, and her area of expertise overlaps with the world of my book. She was an invaluable resource and advisor.  

Are you a pantser or a plotter? A bit of both?

Ha! I’m so sad I’ve never heard the term “pantser” till now. Where’s it been all my life? Yes, I’m a bit of both. Of course, I have a picture of what the end might be. But as I’m writing I try not to jam the characters into the scenes…when you do that, you can damage them or misshape them…and no one wants that. I try to be as flexible as I can with this middle story-telling territory and with my image of the ending. All the while keeping my characters/plot on track and staying true to the major dramatic question.

Do you prefer at certain type of music to listen to when you’re writing, or are you better with silence?

Music! I was big into Vivaldi with TUDOR ROSE.

What book(s) are you reading now?

I just finished a Joe Hill book and have started THE DRY by Jane Harper.

Just for fun — what TV shows or movies have you really enjoyed (or disliked) recently?

Loved: SEX EDUCATION, BETTER CALL SAUL, and REIGN.

About the Author

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Author Bill Doyle was born in Michigan, and wrote his first mystery at the age of eight. He has gone on to write critically acclaimed and bestselling children’s books, including stories of real-life war heroes in “Behind Enemy Lines: True Stories of Amazing Courage”; the pick-your-own-adventure “Worst Case Scenario Ultimate Adventure: Everest”; the historical fiction mystery series Crime Through Time; the Henry & Keats series including “Attack of the Shark-Headed Zombie”; the Scream Team series about Bad News Bears-type monsters playing sports; and soon-to-be released series “The Prizewinners of Piedmont Place.”

Additionally, Bill has served as editor at Sesame Workshop, TIME for Kids and SI Kids. He’s written for LeapFrog, Weekly Reader, Rolling Stone, Comedy Central, National Geographic Kids, and the American Museum of Natural History. He is a graduate of Georgetown University and holds an MFA in Dramatic Writing from the film school at New York University where he was taught by the likes of Arthur Miller and David Mamet.

Bill lives with two dachshund-headed canines in New York City, and you can visit him online at www.BillDoyleBooks.com.

Website

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Cover Reveal for Her Crown of Fire by Renee April

Her Crown of Fire
by Renee April
Genre: YA Fantasy
Release Date: November 1st 2019
Write Plan
Summary:
In the dull, everyday world, seventeen-year-old Rose Evermore struggles to plan beyond her final year of high school. But when fire suddenly obeys her every command and her dreams predict the future, she becomes hungry for more of this strange power.
Under her dreams’ guidance, Rose lands in the fantasy realm of Lotheria–with a tagalong. Tyson, her best friend since childhood, winds up there with her, just as confused and a hell of a lot more vulnerable. In Lotheria, Rose is welcomed and celebrated as a fire mage at the Academy, while the very un-magical Tyson is forced into hiding under threat of death from the masters of Rose’s new school.
As Rose’s talent in fire magic draws unwanted attention and Tyson struggles to transition from high school student to blacksmith, Rose must find a way to return Tyson to their own world before the masters discover and execute him–no matter the cost.

















Pre-Order Links: 


Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Her-Crown-Fire-Renee-April/dp/1948115050/ref=sr_1_2?adid=082VK13VJJCZTQYGWWCZ&campaign=211041&creative=374001&keywords=Her+Crown+of+Fire&qid=1554340419&s=books&sr=1-2 


Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1130974577?ean=9781948115056 


Book Depository: https://www.bookdepository.com/Her-Crown-of-Fire-Renee-April/9781948115056 


IndieBound: https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781948115056 

About the Author
Renee April is the author of the young adult fantasy novel, Her Crown of Fire. 

Author Links:






Cover Reveal Organized by:

Book Blitz for The Game Changer by Jaqueline Snowe

The Game Changer

by Jaqueline Snowe

Genre: NA Romance

Release Date: April 2nd 2019

Finch Books

Summary:

Pretending to date your best friend is always a good idea…right? Wrong.

Greta Aske has a lot on her mind, and a string of bad dates has her giving up on men, at least for the time being. Her life contains a little too much drama, meaning she needs a break and to save money and get good grades. The perfect solution presents itself—pretend to date the campus playboy. That’ll keep the guys away for sure.

Aaron Hill is desperate to save his baseball career because, with his dad fighting cancer, he damn well knows he can’t ask for a single penny from his parents. Baseball is his past, present and future, so when a scandal threatens his chance in the MLB, he turns to his best friend for help. A fake relationship will keep him out of trouble. It’s perfect, really. Greta’s taking a break from dating and Aaron needs to focus on training.

Nothing could go wrong…as long as neither falls for the other. But when lines are crossed, what’s real and fake blurs and the two are forced to face their fears. Could Greta be the game changer Aaron needs?

Reader advisory: This book contains scenes of underage characters drinking and scenes of violence. There is also a family member with cancer.

Buy Links: 


Amazon –> https://www.amazon.com/Game-Changer-Cleat-Chasers-Book-ebook/dp/B07NVR7YNV/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=9781786517791&linkCode=qs&qid=1553956177&s=books&sr=1-1  


Barnes and Noble –> https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1130642527?ean=9781786517791&st=AFF&2sid=Goodreads,%20Inc_2227948_NA&sourceId=AFFGoodreads,%20Inc 


AppleBooks –> https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-game-changer/id1453542680?mt=11&ign-mpt=uo%3D4 


Google Store–> https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Jaqueline_Snowe_The_Game_Changer?id=UquIDwAAQBAJ 





First book in the Companion Series (click on image for Goodreads link):


Excerpt:  


  


The squealing tires informed me he was close. His dark SUV sped down the road on a mission, the headlights showcasing how wretched this place looked. He pulled up to the spot right in front of Dirty Matt’s and threw open his door. He stormed out, his anger evident on his handsome face.

“Aaron, look—”

“You asshole,” he said, yanking me into his arms. “You worried the hell out of me. I lost ten pounds on the drive here.”

“Aaron,” I managed to squeak out before he pressed my face into his chest. “I’m okay.”

“Just, let me be.”

So, we stood like that for at least three minutes. His ridiculously large frame towered over me, but not in the way Mr. Burly back there had. Aaron was different. His body was sculpted from hours and hours in the gym. My arms barely fit around his middle, but I tried anyway. He squeezed me one last time and broke our hug. His gray eyes still held on to some anger, but relief took over. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, G.” His lips turned white while he glanced at the sign. “Now, get in the car.”

I obeyed, not foolish enough to piss him off even more. He opened the passenger door and glared at me until I buckled myself in. Without a word, he shut it and pinched his nose walking to the driver’s side. His cologne clouded the car, the pleasant aroma of wood and leather comforting my nerves.

My body shook, the adrenaline wearing off. Aaron must’ve seen, because he turned on the heat despite the high July temperatures. I understood him well enough to let him stew. We had been close for over two years, but last year things were different. His dad being diagnosed with cancer had made the Aaron we all knew and loved change and we had grown closer and closer. Callie was my girl for life, but I couldn’t envision a future without knowing Aaron would be there. He understood me, respected me and pushed me to be better. He was allergic to feelings and emotions while I was forever giving up on men. Our friendship worked.

He drove the silent, dark path back to campus, one hand on the wheel and the other repeatedly making a fist. I blamed myself for his anger. He had enough to worry about and now picking me up… Remorse filled my chest and my eyes stung. “I’m fucking sorry. I’m an idiot. I don’t know why I went there. I wanted to have an adventure or something.”

He nibbled on his bottom lip, keeping his expression blank. Shit. Instead of remaining silent and letting him deal with it, I’d decided to ramble. Rambling was a favorite sport of mine and I couldn’t stop.

“He had a motorcycle…”

“I thought he would be a winner…”

“I want what Callie and Zade have…”

“I didn’t realize he was a felon or something and would get the shit beat out of him…”

“I had no fucking clue I would get manhandled…”

“Excuse me. What did you just say?” His jaw tightened.

“I didn’t have a clue—”

“No. You said manhandled. Someone hurt you?” His grip on the wheel tightened and I swallowed, loudly.

“Not hurt, no.” I tucked my arms further into myself. A bruise had already formed and Aaron was in no state to know that. “Forget I said anything.”

“I swear to God, Greta.” He pulled off the road and stopped the car. He shook, his large frame tight with pent-up rage. I wanted to crawl into a hole. Pissed-off Aaron could scare the boogeyman into retirement. “Don’t fucking lie to me. Are you hurt?”

I shook my head, but kept my arms crossed. His gaze flicked to my arms, and without asking, he grabbed them. I closed my eyes and knew he’d seen the bruise when he sucked in a breath. My lip trembled.

“Take off your shirt. I might have another one in the back.” He released my forearms and turned to grab something in the back of the car. He was too calm, too well-behaved. It freaked me the hell out. I expected him to lose his shit and break something. Calm Aaron was new.

“I-it’s okay.” My voice shook again.

“No,” he growled at me. “You have blood on you. Take it off now. I’m getting rid of it.”

He waited, staring daggers at me until I took my blood-soaked shirt off. He wasn’t lying. He whipped it out of my hands and chucked it out of the window. “I can’t find my gym bag. Take mine instead.”

Aaron Hill taking off his shirt should be photographed and made into a calendar. Or, better yet, a promotion for a porn video. He had always been hot as hell, and this was so not the time to ogle my friend. But I was human and his muscles rippled as he tugged off his shirt. “Put this on, Greta. Don’t argue.”

I didn’t. I took the warm black shirt and put it on. It was three sizes too big, but I felt loads better. It wrapped around me like my favorite childhood blanket. I sniffed it unabashedly and closed my eyes. Sleep took over, and it wasn’t until we pulled into Aaron’s driveway in the early hours of the morning when I woke up.

I yawned, not sure why he hadn’t dropped me off at my apartment. He ran his hand down his face, getting out of the car without a word. Okay then. I followed suit and tried not to stare at his back. His beautiful, sculpted back. “Aaron, why didn’t you drop me off?”

“We need to ice your bruise. I have stuff here.” His clipped tone told me he still wasn’t happy with me. I couldn’t blame him, though. “Come on.”

He put his hand on my shoulder, guiding me into his home without making a sound. I walked toward the kitchen, but he shook his head and pointed upstairs. The floor creaked with each step and I made a vow to myself then and there.

No more dating.

No more being a dumbass.

I am going to focus on school and my friends.

I needed to save as much money as I could, ensuring I could return my senior year, because one of the things that had triggered my spiral was my dad losing his job six years before retirement. My parents had had to sell our childhood home, retire three years before they’d planned, and most of their money had been spent helping my brother with his nasty divorce. Shame consumed me again at how selfish and foolish I had been. My eyes stung and I clenched my jaw, hoping to stop the waterworks.

I planned to delete my online dating apps and have someone change my password as soon as I woke up the next day. Tonight had crossed a line. Too fucked-up.

“Go ahead and sit on the bed. I’ll get my kit.” He held the door for me and disappeared down the hall. Aaron’s room fit him well—baseball legends and pinup models plastered on the walls. Clothes scattered across the floor made it appear messy, but I knew the closet was organized by colors. The bed welcomed me, the exhaustion of the night taking me. I lay on it, just closing my eyes for a little. I would leave after I’d iced my bruised arm. Dreams began to take over when I felt the softest touch on my cheek, like a feather.

“Greta?”

A deep, hushed voice forced me to open my eyes and Aaron’s gray ones were inches away from me. “Hm?”

“Sit up for a second. You can sleep right after.” He nudged my leg with his arm and sat next to me. He was still shirtless, the handsome devil. He carefully put my forearm in his left hand and used his other to hold the ice against it. “It hurts me seeing this bruise on you.”

I closed my eyes at his honesty. I leaned into his shoulder and sighed. “I’m so embarrassed. And sorry. And I hate myself a little right now.”

“We all make mistakes. Hell, you knew me when I went on a bender. You stood by me when I drank every night, slept with countless women, and chewed my ass out the one time I tried drugs. I haven’t forgotten that.”

I groaned into his shoulder. “I would do it again if I had to.”

“I know you would, G.” He laughed softly, the first time that night. I’d missed that sound.

“There it is. I wondered if your laughing part broke.”

“Okay, no need to be dramatic.” He picked up the ice and hissed at my arm. “Promise me something.”

“No need. I already made a vow to never online date again. No, to never date again. Or at least for five years. Don’t worry. This will never happen again.”

“It better fucking not.” His hand came around my leg, squeezing my knee. “Promise me you’ll call me if you need help. Any time. Any place. You’re one of the most important people in my goddamn life.”

“Okay.” I met his gaze and winced at the intensity in his eyes. “I promise.”

“Good.” He yawned, taking the bag off my arm. “I’m going to sleep. I’m beat.”

“Uh, should I call a cab?” I hesitated.

“Don’t be a dumbass. Sleep here. You’ve crashed on the couch countless times.” He leaned back, fluffing up the pillows and rolling over. Damn those back muscles. I want to bite them.

I pushed myself up to head downstairs when his arm wrapped around me. “Uh, Aaron?”

“Stay here. My bed is huge. Don’t make it weird.”

He pulled me back onto the bed but kept enough distance between us. He must’ve sensed my trepidation because he rolled over and mumbled, “You mean too much to me to try anything. Go to sleep.”

About the Author
Jaqueline Snowe lives in Arizona where the “dry heat” really isn’t that bad. She enjoys making lists with colorful post it notes and sipping on coffee all day. She has been a custodian, waitress, landscaper, coach, and a high school teacher. Her life revolves around 200 high school kids, her two dogs who don’t realize they aren’t humans, and her wonderful baseball-loving husband. 


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Book Blitz for Smoke and Key by Kelsey Sutton

SMOKE AND KEY IS OUT NOW!

Smoke and Key

by Kelsey Sutton

Release Date: April 2nd 2019

Entangled Teen

Summary:

A sound awakens her. There’s darkness all around. And then she’s falling…

She has no idea who or where she is. Or why she’s dead. The only clue to her identity hangs around her neck: a single rusted key. This is how she and the others receive their names—from whatever belongings they had when they fell out of their graves. Under is a place of dirt and secrets, and Key is determined to discover the truth of her past in order to escape it.

She needs help, but who can she trust? Ribbon seems content in Under, uninterested in finding answers. Doll’s silence hints at deep sorrow, which could be why she doesn’t utter a word. There’s Smoke, the boy with a fierceness that rivals even the living. And Journal, who stays apart from everyone else. Key’s instincts tell her there is something remarkable about each of them, even if she can’t remember why.

Purchase links can be found HERE!

About the Author
Kelsey Sutton is a young adult and middle grade author. She lives in Minnesota, where she received a dual bachelor’s degree in English and Creative Writing from Bemidji State University. She will soon have a master’s degree from Hamline University. Her work has received an Independent Publisher Book Award, an IndieFab Award, and was selected as a Kirkus Reviews Best Teen Book of 2013. When not writing, Kelsey can be found watching too much Netflix, ordering a mocha at the nearest coffee shop, or browsing a bookstore. You can visit her online at www.kelseysuttonbooks.com, like her on Facebook, and follow her on Twitter or Instagram.

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Blog Tour for The Circle: Taken by Sage Sask

Check out my stop on The Circle: Taken blog tour!

 

The Circle: Taken

by Sage Sask

Genre: YA Contemporary Fiction

Release Date: February 2019

Summary:

Abandoned at eleven with no memory of her family, Alexia yearns to learn her true identity. She embarks on a dangerous quest for the truth of her past. In the resulting battle between life and death, Alexia learns that sacrifice and revealing the gift she fought to keep hidden may be her only chance for survival.

A secret unearthed, a shocking betrayal, and a moment when lives hang in the balance leaves Alexia with only one choice. Will the decision determine her destiny or end her life?

 

 

 

Buy on Amazon!  

 

Excerpt

FIVE YEARS EARLIER

           

 

 

 

About the Author

Sage Sask is a team consisting of a Washington Post, USA Today and Amazon charts bestselling author and a group of young adult writers.

 

Author Links:

Website: sagesask.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SageSask

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecircletaken/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecircletaken/

GIVEAWAY:

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Author Interview with C Hope Clark on her latest novel Dying on Edisto

It is my great pleasure to welcome a special guest to the blog. I’ve been a fan and follower of C Hope Clark for longer than I can dare guess. She is the founder of Funds for Writers which is an awesome source for grants, publishers, agents, competitions, and jobs in the writing world.

Here to promote her latest novel, Clark has graciously offered to be interviewed for us here at bookblogarama.

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AUTHOR INTERVIEW

Q: Tell us about your writing process. Do you aim for a daily word count, page count, or a couple of scenes each day?

HOPE: When it comes to writing my novels (I write a lot of freelance and editorial material, too), I strive for 1,000 words per day. I go over and under, some days easy and other days like sludging through mud. For instance, I started writing on the current novel on March 2. So by March 31, I need 30,000 words. I’m behind due to the release of the current book, Dying on Edisto, but I have through Sunday to catch up. I keep track on a spreadsheet along with where the 25%, 50% and 75% marks are in the book, because those need to be major turning points. Sounds formulaic, but I don’t get more detailed than that. It helps maintain the pace and avoid the sagging middle so many writers struggle with.

Q: What gave you the inspiration for the book? Is it part of a series?

HOPE: Dying on Edisto is indeed past of a series – book five in the Edisto Island Mysteries. However, it is unique in that it is a crossover book. In other words, the protagonist of this series runs across the protagonist in my other Carolina Slade Mystery Series. The inspiration for this book came from my publisher, who wanted the fan bases for each series to learn more about the opposing series they might not have read. Smart, actually.

The Edisto Island protagonist is Police Chief Callie Morgan who used to be a top-notch Boston detective until the Russian mob killed her husband. She went crazy chasing the killer, took to the bottle, lost her job, and moved herself and son back down South, planting herself on South Carolina’s Edisto Beach, her childhood vacation place. Recognizing the talent, the beach offered her the badge, and there she resides and solves crime. . . crimes most of the lazy beach community  never knew it had.

Great detective, but still needs to work on herself.

Enter Carolina Slade, aka Slade because she hates the feminine sound of her first name which says a lot about her from the outset. Originally a Department of Agriculture bureaucrat, she once found herself in the middle of a bribery investigation, and after almost losing her job, family, and life, still decided she loved solving cases. Coupled with federal agent Wayne Largo, whom she met on that case, they travel the state of South Carolina handling department criminal activity. You haven’t seen crime until you see it in the country where you can more easily get away with all types of creative wrongdoing.

You haven’t ever seen crime solved Slade’s way.

The combination turned out to be so much fun to write, though the initial concept scared me to death. To keep the characters true to themselves, I wrote Slade in her stereotypical first person voice, and kept Callie in third. Worked beautifully.

Q: Are you a pantser or a plotter? A bit of both?

HOPE: I handwrite story ideas, a loose sort of outline, for three to five chapters at a time. Then I write the chapters. When I’m out of my handwritten notes, I go back to my porch and bounce ideas until I have enough scribble to go back to the computer for more chapters. I do not know the ending of the book until I’m within eight to ten chapters of it. (My books run about 30 chapters.) I like discovering the plot and unraveling the mystery just one step ahead of the protagonist. To have it all outlined sucks the energy out of the story, in my experience.

I have a notebook reserved for said notes, and a dry erase board on my wall to remind me of the ends that need tying up as well as the long list of characters so I don’t misspell names.

And I read chapters aloud. Every two to three chapters, I go on the porch and read aloud to my husband. At the end of the book, I read the entire manuscript aloud. Sometimes I hire an editor to go over it again, then I send it to my publisher. The publisher then puts it through at least three more detailed edits.

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Q: Do you prefer a certain type of music to listen to when you’re writing, or are you better with silence?

HOPE: Dead silence. If I can hear a television, I have to close my door. I used to reserve my fiction for the middle of the night, but when my parents were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and one parent entered the hospital for eight weeks, I learned I had to rise early and write whenever and wherever. But whenever I write, wherever I write, I much prefer silence so that I can dig deeper. I firmly believe that the best magic happens in silence, when nothing else steals your attention.

Q: What books are you reading now?

HOPE: I try to read at least two novels a month. I’m reading Jar of Hearts by Jennifer Hillier right now. I just finished The Woman in the Window by A. J. Finn. I have a TBR stack of forty books, but the next ones appear to be The Case for Jamie by Brittany Cavallaro (a YA, female Sherlock Holmes set in modern times….love this series), Behind Her Eyes as well as Cross Her Heart, both by Sarah Pinborough. In my to be Reread stack is The Lewis Man by Peter May and all the Paul Pine Mysteries by Howard Browne (yes, I spent $60 for that book). I like mystery, suspense, and especially love noir. I do not enjoy cozy or romance. I’m a believer in reading what you write to better your craft, and I firmly believe that nobody accidentally plagiarizes another author. It’s black and white – you do or you don’t.

Q: Anything else you’d like us to know about this book or any others (past or future)?

HOPE: Well, the Slade books originated from my own life with agriculture. I met my husband during a briber investigation, where I was offered the bribe and he was the federal agent assigned the case. The roller coaster was so crazy, I felt it deserved a book. . . which became a series.

Callie and the Edisto series originated because the publisher wanted me to diversify my portfolio. I’m glad they pushed me to write it. The Edisto Series does very well in the Carolinas.

There is a third series on the back burner, but I believe that to elaborate on a work-in-progress is to lose its power, so I’ll let folks know more about that one when it’s closer to a release. But….I love it! A female protagonist. . . again. Only she’s a private investigator.

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Q: Just for fun, what TV shows or movies have you really enjoyed or disliked recently?

HOPE: My favorite all-time series is Justified. Such fantastic story telling in that one. I binged on every episode, bought the DVDs, and intend to rewatch it one weekend when I want to veg in my recliner. I’m binging on Breaking Bad now, and I adore its plotting, loving the foreshadowing. Fantastic character development. I’ve seen 24 seasons of Midsommer Murders. Very nice series to learn how to plot. I love Lucifer for its dialogue. Terrific one-liners. I enjoy Blacklist for Raymond Reddington, but I can do without his daughter Elizabeth Keen. She has only two or three facial expressions and adds little to the story advancement, but Reddington…God, I love him. Fantastic dialogue lessons to be learned there. I can watch dark FX shows as well as Hallmark stories. I just want good storytelling, and when it rings plastic to me, I’m done with it.

As for movies, I’m a friggin’ comic book lover! Avengers, Marvel, etc. etc. I may not be an aficionado, but I have loved comics since I could read. But when it comes to movies that stick in my head, I can think of Casablanca (the best movie to teach storytelling and dialogue), Gone with the Wind, The Kingsmen (yep, both one and two), and too many others to name. The Maltese Falcon. Almost anything noir. Even Sin City. It’s all about the storytelling.

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Goodreads  |  Amazon  |  Website

 

On behalf of bookblogarama, I want to thank Hope for her time. You can find her at her website: chopeclark.com, her author bio on Goodreads, as well as her social media accounts on Facebook and Twitter. And if you don’t already subscribe to Funds for Writers, do yourself a favor and head over there as well for everything related to the writing community.

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Release Week Blitz for Eyes on Me by Rachel Harris

Release Week Blitz: Eyes on Me by Rachel Harris

 

Welcome to the Release Week Blitz for

Eyes on Me by Rachel Harris

presented by Entangled Teen!

Grab your copy today!

 

Look up the word “nerd” and you’ll find Lily Cooper’s picture. She’s got one goal: first stop valedictorian, next stop Harvard. Until a stint in the hospital from too much stress lands her in the last place a klutz like her ever expected to be: salsa dance lessons.

Look up the word “popular” and you’ll find Stone Torres’s picture. His life seems perfect—star of the football team, straight-A student, lots of friends. But his family is struggling to make ends meet, so if pitching in at the Torres dance studio helps, he’ll do it.

When Lily’s dad offers Stone extra cash to volunteer as Lily’s permanent dance partner, he can’t refuse. But with each dip and turn, each moment her hand is in his, his side job starts to feel all too real. But in dance, as in life, one wrong move and someone could get hurt.

Eyes on Me by Rachel Harris
Publication Date: March 26, 2019
Publisher: Entangled Teen

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GIVEAWAY

One (1) winner will receive a physical copy of Eyes on Me by Rachel Harris (US Only) a Rafflecopter giveaway

Link to Giveaway: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c08c9e8e749/?

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Rachel Harris writes humorous love stories about sassy girls-next-door and the hot guys that make them swoon. Vibrant settings, witty banter, and strong relationships are a staple in each of her books…and kissing. Lots of kissing. An admitted bookaholic and homeschool mom, she gets through each day by laughing at herself, hugging her kids, and watching way too much Food Network with her husband. She writes young adult, new adult, and adult romances, and LOVES talking with readers!

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Goodreads

 

 

 

What’s In My Mailbox? 16 Mar 2019

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I haven’t written an What’s In My Mailbox post in ages, so here goes:

Girl, Stop Apologizing by Rachel Hollis is the sequel to Hollis’ smash hit Girl, Wash Your Face. I pre-ordered it for Kindle when it was announced. I’m only 18% into it so far because I listen to Hollis’ podcast fairly regularly and a lot of the material is the same as she talks about on Rise.

Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton is one I just got from the library today. It’s one of those that is usually recommended in non-fiction along with books such as Holli’s, so I thought I’d give it a try. I also see this book on Instagram a lot, so I’m assuming it’s a good read for book bloggers.

In Pieces by Sally Field is one I have on audiobook through the library and I listen to it during my commute. I bought the hardcover book in the US but listening to Field read her story is way more engaging. She goes into detail a lot about her family history at the beginning which isn’t usually interesting for me, but to hear Field describe her grandparents, it makes it worth the time.

You by Caroline Kepnes is my book before bedtime. Again, this one is available from the library (the only one not available was the Hollis book and that was due to it not being popular in the U.K. and there being a lot of reservations on it via my American library Libby app). It’s pretty much like the Netflix series, but it’s still engaging because the main character, Joe, is just too crazy to ignore. Plus, he’s a bibliophile and a literary snob and what English major doesn’t admire that in their characters?

 

Book Blitz for Enlightenment by Reno Ursal

Enlightenment
by Reno Ursal

Genre: YA Paranormal Romance/Magical Realism

Release Date: November 20th 2018Summary:

Set in Las Vegas, 18-year-old Dorothy Dizon’s life takes an unexpected turn when the alluring Adrian Rosario peaks her curiosity by his knowledge of obscure Filipino folklore.

Adrian keeps his Danag secret society hidden knowing she’s embarked on a transformational journey tied to her Filipino ancestry. Together, they struggle through a supernatural ride that changes not only their lives, but of everyone they love.

Purchase Links: 

Barnes & Nobles 


https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/enlightenment-reno-ursal/1129441498 

Amazon: 


https://www.amazon.com/dp/098444081X 

Praise for Enlightenment :


Kirkus Reviews 


“For his fantasy series opener, Ursal provides a banquet of cultural textures about the Philippines without sacrificing a brisk pace and smooth prose.” – Kirkus Reviews, January 2019 

Readers Favorite Review 



“At each stage there are historical and cultural references to explain the antecedents to the coming crisis, putting the entire situation into the larger context of good versus evil. I found the best parts of the story to be the cultural wrappings Reno Ursal sprinkled so generously throughout the tale.” Dan Kalin, Readers Favorite, March 2019 

About the Author



Filipino American author and reader on a journey of self-discovery and reflection through the power of storytelling. No history, no self. Know history, know self.





Author Links: