Emily Godwin's Blog, page 8

My Sister's Newest Release - Falling From The Sky

Title: Falling From The SkyAuthor: Nikki GodwinDate of Publication: February 21, 2014Genre: LGBT contemporary YA

All stability in sixteen-year-old Ridge McCoy’s life crashed and burned in the plane crash that killed his dad. This summer-long basketball camp is his chance to improve his skills and escape his problems back home. But his summer plans take a turn in an unexpected direction when he meets Micah Youngblood, the guy who runs the carousel at the local mall and has a reputation for devouring straight boys’ heterosexuality for breakfast, alongside his chocolate chip pancakes.

Ridge needs a way to avoid the guys at camp, whose only quest for the summer is to drown in beer and hook up with girls. So when Micah offers to explain how the ten unique horses on the carousel are significant to his tribe, Ridge takes him up on it. Still, Ridge can't decide if this is a bad thing or not. All he knows is that he hasn’t felt this alive since his dad fell from the sky, and as the horse adventures come to an end, Ridge finds himself falling as well – for Micah.

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About Nikki GodwinNikki Godwin is a YA/NA/LGBT author. She can't live without Mountain Dew, black eyeliner, and music by Hawthorne Heights. When not writing, she internet-stalks her favorite bands and keeps tabs on surf competitions. She adores pro surfer John John Florence and has made it her life goal to meet David Desrosiers of Simple Plan.

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Where I've Been Lately

Hi! *waves awkwardly*

I've kind of disappeared for a while, and I'm sorry about that. I started a job, rewrote my first novel (which is still in another round of edits), and I have very, very slow internet, so I've totally slacked off of my 40 days of CFD posts (Sorry, Nik), but I plan to start back on them very soon.

I originally wanted to publish Mutilated Time in March, but it's not looking like that's going to happen. It is going to get written and published this year (hopefully before Summer), but I'm not going to guarantee any dates. Behind The Wooden Door will be republished with a pretty, shiny (not so shiny) new cover! So, maybe you guys who are waiting for the second Mutilated book can pass the time with BTWD (or one of Nikki's books. Any of them work for me!), or don't. It's really up to you. :)

But I love you guys and thank you all for your patience! <3

Excerpt Time!

So, it's no secret that I absolutely LOVE Miles Garrett! Today you guys are getting an excerpt from CHASING FOREVER DOWN that's all Miles-ish! Enjoy ;)
The maroon can grows smaller and smaller as it flies through the air. I don’t see where it lands, but I’m sure Miles will kick it again if we stumble across it. A group of people move in our direction, coming from beyond the collapsed pier.
“Who the hell are they?” Miles asks, like I’m supposed to know.
I don’t answer him. He stands as solid as those jagged rocks in the water. We stay right here on the shoreline until they come within a few feet of us. I feel like I’m on the front line in an ancient war, like I can’t fire until I see the whites of their eyes.
“Where do you think you’re going?” Miles asks.
There are two girls and three guys, two of whom are carrying surfboards. Both of them are taller than Miles, who is probably five-foot-six flat-footed. Still, Miles doesn’t move.
“To surf,” one of the guys says. “The waves are better down there.”
“I know,” Miles answers. “But that’s Hooligan territory. From the pier to those rocks – those waves are spoken for.”
I glance behind us to take in a panorama of ‘Hooligan territory.’ The waves are definitely better there.
The other guy laughs and rams the tip of his surfboard into the sand, letting it stand next to him. “I don’t see your Hooligan name anywhere on it. It’s a free country, so I’ll surf in whatever water I want to surf in.”
Miles laughs and shakes his head. “You’re either deaf or just fucking stupid. The pier to those rocks – my water. The pier and beyond – yourwater. Now get the fuck out of here or I’m gonna fuck you up and drown you in my water!”
I take a few steps back because I know with everything in me that Miles will hit this guy. He’ll get into a knock-down brawl before he’ll let these guys surf in Hooligan territory.
The first guy who spoke hurls his surfboard onto the ground. Oh, how I wish it would’ve snapped in half. He bulks up, standing a good six feet, and looks down at Miles. Part of me wants to scream for the other Hooligans, just for back up, but the smarter part of me knows not to dare insult Miles’ pride that way.I don’t have time to scream, though.

After seventeen-year-old Haley Sullivan meets a mysterious stranger who plays by his own rules, she's more than determined to learn every trick of the trade from the master himself. But her dream-chasing mentor disappears after that night, and according to the local newspapers, he's been dead for years. Knowing he's very much alive, Haley enlists best friend Linzi to join her on a scavenger-hunt-style road trip that ultimately lands them in the surf town of Crescent Cove, California. Mystery guy is no mystery here, though – he's Colby Taylor, the west coast's biggest professional surfer.


If Haley wants to talk to the wave rider again, she'll have to get past his four intimidating "bodyguards" who are highly skilled in the business of sending starstruck fangirls back to where they belong. Haley is up for the challenge if it means chasing her dreams and escaping the perfectly corporate future that's been planned for her. But dealing with these bodyguards isn't exactly what Haley imagined it'd be. Sure, being thrown off a jet ski sucks, but falling in love with one of them might just be worse.Buy a copy of the book (links below), and keep up with my blog to find out all kinds of things you did and didn't know about Chasing Forever Down!!  Amazon Kindle   Paperback Copy   Nook
Chasing Forever Down on Goodreads
Keep up with Nikki to find out about her 2014 book releases!

Nikki's Blog   Nikki's Twitter   Nikki's Facebook Author Page

Interview With the Author of CHASING FOREVER DOWN, Nikki Godwin.

What made you decide to write a book based in a surf town?I've never read any books about surfing or surf culture, and it sparked my interest. I decided I'd give it a try. I think it worked out quite well.
If you were a character in your book, would you rather live in Crescent Cove or Horn Island?I'm gonna have to go with Crescent Cove only because Horn Island is a bit scary, although I'd probably date a Horn Island boy. ;)
Where's your favorite place in Crescent Cove?This place isn't really explored a lot in CFD, but there's a rustic beach house a few houses down from where Reed, Alston, and A.J. live. It's where the beach party is held in chapter 8. It's where we first meet Topher, Miles, and Dominic at the pool table. This house is really special and will be in the other books in the series. It's my favorite place in the cove.
Who was the character you had the most fun writing?A.J. Gonzalez. He really came to life on the page and was one of those "anything goes" kind of characters. There are endless possibilities with him.
What would you say is the biggest difference and similarity in CFD compared to American Girl On Saturn?I always say that AGOS is more like cotton candy, and CFD is more like salsa. CFD is grittier, edgier, and a bit more serious. AGOS is just a lot of cute, sweet fluff. CFD goes deeper and has a real plot/journey, where AGOS is more romance and just sweetness.
If you could hang out with any character in CFD for one day, who would you choose and why?This question really depends on the day and how I'm feeling, but for now, I'll say Topher. He's very upbeat and fun, and I need more upbeat-ness and fun in my life right now. I think he's just a genuine person who would be a great person to have in your life.
What was the most difficult scene to write in CFD?The goodbye scene between Haley & A.J. destroyed me. I seriously cried until I was sick. It was a rough morning lol.

You've stated many times that this is your favorite book and the one closest to your heart. Would you say this book has more of yourself in it than AGoS does? If so, how?CFD was a book that I truly believed in 100%. I was working a day job from hell at the time I was writing it, so it took A YEAR to finish the first draft. It was draining, and I nearly gave up so many times. This book was really what brought me happiness and gave me an escape from the job from hell. I queried CFD, but it wasn't "enough" for the traditional industry. I knew this book was amazing and deserved to be read, so I made the decision to self-pub because of this book. This was a story that needed to be told. Too much of my heart had gone into it for it to be trunked. AGOS was something I wrote for fun, in a month & a half, hoping it'd be commercial enough to get my name out there. The book wasn't even my idea (HI EMILY). It's never truly felt like "mine" like CFD did. I love AGOS, but I love CFD much more.
Which book do you think has the more swoon worthy characters?For ME, CFD has more because I like edgier guys. For the majority of people, AGOS would have more swoon worthy guys. AGOS is very swoony. CFD is gritty. I like gritty boys LOL. What are you most excited to write about in the sequel to CFD?I'm super excited to write more with Colby Taylor "on screen." He was very important in CFD, but he was always an idea or a memory. He was rarely ever actually there on the page, live in the flesh... (words?) He's a huge part of CFD2 (Rough Waters), and I know his back story. I know why he's done the things he's done. I personally really love him as a character. He's one of my favorites. I understand why people hate him now, but hopefully he'll redeem himself well by the end of the series. Also, I'm just really excited to get back to my "old friends" on the west coast.


After seventeen-year-old Haley Sullivan meets a mysterious stranger who plays by his own rules, she's more than determined to learn every trick of the trade from the master himself. But her dream-chasing mentor disappears after that night, and according to the local newspapers, he's been dead for years. Knowing he's very much alive, Haley enlists best friend Linzi to join her on a scavenger-hunt-style road trip that ultimately lands them in the surf town of Crescent Cove, California. Mystery guy is no mystery here, though – he's Colby Taylor, the west coast's biggest professional surfer.

If Haley wants to talk to the wave rider again, she'll have to get past his four intimidating "bodyguards" who are highly skilled in the business of sending starstruck fangirls back to where they belong. Haley is up for the challenge if it means chasing her dreams and escaping the perfectly corporate future that's been planned for her. But dealing with these bodyguards isn't exactly what Haley imagined it'd be. Sure, being thrown off a jet ski sucks, but falling in love with one of them might just be worse.Buy a copy of the book (links below), and keep up with my blog to find out all kinds of things you did and didn't know about Chasing Forever Down!!  Amazon Kindle   Paperback Copy   Nook
Chasing Forever Down on Goodreads
Keep up with Nikki to find out about her 2014 book releases!

Nikki's Blog   Nikki's Twitter   Nikki's Facebook Author Page  

Logan Riley from CHASING FOREVER DOWN

Logan Riley is just a name in CHASING FOREVER DOWN. He is an East Coaster who is Colby Taylor's biggest competition. He's a great surfer and very much a pretty boy. Rumor in Crescent Cove is that Mr. Riley may just become the next guy sponsored by Drenaline Surf!


What will happen when he and Colby are on the same team? Well, that just may be discovered in CFD's sequel ROUGH WATERS!





After seventeen-year-old Haley Sullivan meets a mysterious stranger who plays by his own rules, she's more than determined to learn every trick of the trade from the master himself. But her dream-chasing mentor disappears after that night, and according to the local newspapers, he's been dead for years. Knowing he's very much alive, Haley enlists best friend Linzi to join her on a scavenger-hunt-style road trip that ultimately lands them in the surf town of Crescent Cove, California. Mystery guy is no mystery here, though – he's Colby Taylor, the west coast's biggest professional surfer.
If Haley wants to talk to the wave rider again, she'll have to get past his four intimidating "bodyguards" who are highly skilled in the business of sending starstruck fangirls back to where they belong. Haley is up for the challenge if it means chasing her dreams and escaping the perfectly corporate future that's been planned for her. But dealing with these bodyguards isn't exactly what Haley imagined it'd be. Sure, being thrown off a jet ski sucks, but falling in love with one of them might just be worse.Buy a copy of the book (links below), and keep up with my blog to find out all kinds of things you did and didn't know about Chasing Forever Down!!  Amazon Kindle   Paperback Copy   Nook
Chasing Forever Down on Goodreads
Keep up with Nikki to find out about her 2014 book releases!

Nikki's Blog   Nikki's Twitter   Nikki's Facebook Author Page  

Kale Nakoa from CHASING FOREVER DOWN

A guy with an incredible natural tan and long black hair meets us halfway across the clumpy sand.
"And I’m the honorary Hooligan,” Kale says. “Dominic won’t let me be official.”
Kale is the honorary West Coast Hooligan. Dominic Richardson won't let him be an official Hooligan because Kale is from Hawaii and not Horn Island like the other guys. He still hangs out with the WCH and surfs with them, though. Kale's a major flirt and loves to party and have fun. If there is a party in the Cove or Horn Island, you can be sure he's there! So if you guys ever find yourself at a party in Crescent Cove, make sure to keep an eye out for Kale!


After seventeen-year-old Haley Sullivan meets a mysterious stranger who plays by his own rules, she's more than determined to learn every trick of the trade from the master himself. But her dream-chasing mentor disappears after that night, and according to the local newspapers, he's been dead for years. Knowing he's very much alive, Haley enlists best friend Linzi to join her on a scavenger-hunt-style road trip that ultimately lands them in the surf town of Crescent Cove, California. Mystery guy is no mystery here, though – he's Colby Taylor, the west coast's biggest professional surfer.
If Haley wants to talk to the wave rider again, she'll have to get past his four intimidating "bodyguards" who are highly skilled in the business of sending starstruck fangirls back to where they belong. Haley is up for the challenge if it means chasing her dreams and escaping the perfectly corporate future that's been planned for her. But dealing with these bodyguards isn't exactly what Haley imagined it'd be. Sure, being thrown off a jet ski sucks, but falling in love with one of them might just be worse.Buy a copy of the book (links below), and keep up with my blog to find out all kinds of things you did and didn't know about Chasing Forever Down!!  Amazon Kindle   Paperback Copy   Nook
Chasing Forever Down on Goodreads
Keep up with Nikki to find out about her 2014 book releases!

Nikki's Blog   Nikki's Twitter   Nikki's Facebook Author Page  

Topher from CHASING FOREVER DOWN

“The hell you are,” a voice says from behind me. He dives past me, onto the pool table, and pops up like he would on a surfboard. He nails a perfect surfer stance, then waves the shaka sign with both hands. “Everyone knows Shark was the best…now it’s me.”Topher! I think it's safe to say that Topher is Nikki's favorite Hooligan. This kid has heart and talent. He is always hyped up on sugar cubes and a bottle of Ocean Blast Energy drink. His dream is to be signed by Drenaline Surf, and his best friend is my darling Miles Garrett. Topher will definitely become a huge character in the rest of the series, so when you read CHASING FOREVER DOWN, make sure to remember him. It won't be hard, though. Topher is memorable enough by himself!
After seventeen-year-old Haley Sullivan meets a mysterious stranger who plays by his own rules, she's more than determined to learn every trick of the trade from the master himself. But her dream-chasing mentor disappears after that night, and according to the local newspapers, he's been dead for years. Knowing he's very much alive, Haley enlists best friend Linzi to join her on a scavenger-hunt-style road trip that ultimately lands them in the surf town of Crescent Cove, California. Mystery guy is no mystery here, though – he's Colby Taylor, the west coast's biggest professional surfer.If Haley wants to talk to the wave rider again, she'll have to get past his four intimidating "bodyguards" who are highly skilled in the business of sending starstruck fangirls back to where they belong. Haley is up for the challenge if it means chasing her dreams and escaping the perfectly corporate future that's been planned for her. But dealing with these bodyguards isn't exactly what Haley imagined it'd be. Sure, being thrown off a jet ski sucks, but falling in love with one of them might just be worse.Buy a copy of the book (links below), and keep up with my blog to find out all kinds of things you did and didn't know about Chasing Forever Down!!  Amazon Kindle   Paperback Copy   Nook

Chasing Forever Down on Goodreads
Keep up with Nikki to find out about her 2014 book releases!

Nikki's Blog   Nikki's Twitter   Nikki's Facebook Author Page  

Miles Garrett (Best Hooligan Everrrrr) from CHASING FOREVER DOWN

“Pay up!” a blonde with nappy dreadlocks shouts out.
Ohhhh Lord! Miles Gray Garrett is my absolute favorite book boyfriend everrrrrrr!!!! He is one of those guys who never backs down from anything. He's the best West Coast Hooligan (yeah, yeah. I know that's 'my opinion' LOL) and the most reckless. He's the one who's going to take the most dangerous wave imaginable. He'd rather break every bone in his body than not be out in the water on his green and silver surfboard. (Fun fact: Miles's surfboard is green and silver like Aralie's, from American Girl On Saturn, Up Up and Away dress because I'm a Slytherin ((and emerald is my favorite color.)), and Nikki worked the house colors into both books because of it. #LoveHer) Miles is gritty and rough, but he can be really deep and thoughtful when he's not yelling and throwing punches like the Hooligan he is. He is extremely loyal to his friends and like the other WCHs he's very territorial of the Horn Island waters.


Miles laughs and shakes his head. “You’re either deaf or just fucking stupid. The pier to those rocks – my water. The pier and beyond – your water. Now get the fuck out of here or I’m gonna fuck you up and drown you in my water!”


Yeah, stay out of his waters. Miles becomes a huge character in the rest of the Drenaline Surf books and gets a really hot new girlfriend who sales non-evil voodoo dolls. ;) I hear she's kind of awesome!


Make sure you guys pick up a copy of CHASING FOREVER DOWN by Nikki Godwin!








After seventeen-year-old Haley Sullivan meets a mysterious stranger who plays by his own rules, she's more than determined to learn every trick of the trade from the master himself. But her dream-chasing mentor disappears after that night, and according to the local newspapers, he's been dead for years. Knowing he's very much alive, Haley enlists best friend Linzi to join her on a scavenger-hunt-style road trip that ultimately lands them in the surf town of Crescent Cove, California. Mystery guy is no mystery here, though – he's Colby Taylor, the west coast's biggest professional surfer.
 If Haley wants to talk to the wave rider again, she'll have to get past his four intimidating "bodyguards" who are highly skilled in the business of sending starstruck fangirls back to where they belong. Haley is up for the challenge if it means chasing her dreams and escaping the perfectly corporate future that's been planned for her. But dealing with these bodyguards isn't exactly what Haley imagined it'd be. Sure, being thrown off a jet ski sucks, but falling in love with one of them might just be worse.


Buy a copy of the book (links below), and keep up with my blog to find out all kinds of things you did and didn't know about Chasing Forever Down!!
  Amazon Kindle   Paperback Copy   Nook

Chasing Forever Down on Goodreads


Keep up with Nikki to find out about her 2014 book releases!



Nikki's Blog   Nikki's Twitter   Nikki's Facebook Author Page  

Colby Taylor from CHASING FOREVER DOWN

“Black tie affairs should make the top ten list of reasons why people commit suicide,” he says.
He tugs his tie to one side. “Noose provided.”


Colby Taylor certainly is a charmer, isn't he? If he hadn't walked up to Haley and said that, CHASING FOREVER DOWN wouldn't have happened. What Haley didn't know was that when he offered to take her to see a cover band, she was escaping with a guy that everyone thought had been dead for three years. He faked his death, changed his name, and chose to chase his forever down and become the West Coast's biggest surf star. 

All Haley wants to know...is how. And why did he come back to North Carolina if his forever is amazing there? Did he want to see his parents one last time if only at a glance? Did he need closure? Or did he come to inspire a girl in corporate prison to chase her forever down? And why was the only trace he left for her an origami paper star?

Find out all about Colby Taylor and his secrets as Haley journeys across the country to find him!



After seventeen-year-old Haley Sullivan meets a mysterious stranger who plays by his own rules, she's more than determined to learn every trick of the trade from the master himself. But her dream-chasing mentor disappears after that night, and according to the local newspapers, he's been dead for years. Knowing he's very much alive, Haley enlists best friend Linzi to join her on a scavenger-hunt-style road trip that ultimately lands them in the surf town of Crescent Cove, California. Mystery guy is no mystery here, though – he's Colby Taylor, the west coast's biggest professional surfer.

 If Haley wants to talk to the wave rider again, she'll have to get past his four intimidating "bodyguards" who are highly skilled in the business of sending starstruck fangirls back to where they belong. Haley is up for the challenge if it means chasing her dreams and escaping the perfectly corporate future that's been planned for her. But dealing with these bodyguards isn't exactly what Haley imagined it'd be. Sure, being thrown off a jet ski sucks, but falling in love with one of them might just be worse. 
Buy a copy of the book (links below), and keep up with my blog to find out all kinds of things you did and didn't know about Chasing Forever Down!!  Amazon Kindle   Paperback Copy   Nook
Chasing Forever Down on Goodreads
Keep up with Nikki to find out about her 2014 book releases!

Nikki's Blog   Nikki's Twitter   Nikki's Facebook Author Page  

Colby Taylor's 4th "bodyguard"...

Colby Taylor's fourth bodyguard has more secrets than the wave rider himself. This guy is the link between every person from a local surf gang to all the other bodyguards. He's the last person anyone has to go through to get to Colby Taylor himself, but no one has ever gotten to this fourth guy. Every girl has always been scared away by A.J., so what makes this guy so much more intimidating than A.J. Gonzalez? What is this guy hiding underneath that hard exterior?

Find out who this mystery bodyguard is and learn his secrets and how he connects everyone together. Go buy your own copy of CHASING FOREVER DOWN now!

  After seventeen-year-old Haley Sullivan meets a mysterious stranger who plays by his own rules, she's more than determined to learn every trick of the trade from the master himself. But her dream-chasing mentor disappears after that night, and according to the local newspapers, he's been dead for years. Knowing he's very much alive, Haley enlists best friend Linzi to join her on a scavenger-hunt-style road trip that ultimately lands them in the surf town of Crescent Cove, California. Mystery guy is no mystery here, though – he's Colby Taylor, the west coast's biggest professional surfer.
 If Haley wants to talk to the wave rider again, she'll have to get past his four intimidating "bodyguards" who are highly skilled in the business of sending starstruck fangirls back to where they belong. Haley is up for the challenge if it means chasing her dreams and escaping the perfectly corporate future that's been planned for her. But dealing with these bodyguards isn't exactly what Haley imagined it'd be. Sure, being thrown off a jet ski sucks, but falling in love with one of them might just be worse. 
Buy a copy of the book (links below), and keep up with my blog to find out all kinds of things you did and didn't know about Chasing Forever Down!! Amazon Kindle  Paperback Copy  Nook
Chasing Forever Down on Goodreads
Keep up with Nikki to find out about her 2014 book releases!

Nikki's Blog   Nikki's Twitter   Nikki's Facebook Author Page