G.R. Mannering's Blog, page 13
January 26, 2014
January 17, 2014
January 10, 2014
DARK DAYS by Kate Ormand
I am very excited to share the cover of Kate Ormand’s debut YA novel, DARK DAYS. It’s released later in 2014 and I can’t wait! The cover is absolutely beautiful and the story sounds right up my street. I’m looking forward to it so much that I included it in my video of 2014 books I’m most anticipating.
The future world has been divided into sectors–each the same as the other. Surrounded by thick steel fences, there is no way in and no way out. Yet a cyborg army penetrates each sector, picking off its citizens one by one, until no one is left. Behind the sectors’ thick walls, the citizens wait to die. Few will be chosen to survive what’s coming; the rest will be left behind to suffer. A new world has been created, and its rulers are incredibly selective on who will become a citizen. They want only those with important roles in society to help create a more perfect future.
Sixteen-year-old Sia lives in one of the sectors as part of a family that is far too ordinary to be picked to live. According to the digital clock that towers high above her sector, she has only fifteen days to live. Sia has seen the reports and knows a horrific death is in store for her, but she is determined to make the most of her final days. Sia refuses to mourn her short life, instead promising herself that she’ll stay strong, despite being suffocated by her depressed mother and her frightened best friend. Just when Sia feels more alone than ever, she meets Mace, a mysterious boy. There is something that draws Sia to him, despite his dangerousness, and together, they join a group of rebels and embark on an epic journey to destroy the new world and its machines, and to put an end to the slaughter of innocent people.
Don’t tell me that doesn’t sound amazing ;).
January 4, 2014
Writing Intentions
In 2013 I wrote the second half of ROSES, saw it published and then it became a real book. That was truly amazing and I don’t know if 2014 can top it. The thing about writing and publishing is that you can never tell. Another book that I also wrote in 2013, GIRL IN PARIS, sadly didn’t go anywhere when submitted for publication and that sucks. It feels like time and energy wasted – a whole summer spent writing and editing something that is still only a file on my laptop. But I’ve had plenty of setbacks before and so I’m trying not to dwell on the negatives. GIRL IN PARIS might have its time one day, but for now, it was a good exercise in sharpening and honing my writing skills.
Rather than make big writing resolutions for 2014, I’ve decided instead that I’m going to concentrate on smaller things. For example, I would really love to publicise ROSES as much as possible so that’s one thing that I intend to do. I would also like to enjoy the publication of my very first picture book with Bethany Straker: THE SPOTTY DOTTY DAFFODIL. In 2013 and even before that, I think that I didn’t understand that a writer’s job isn’t to produce books like they’re on some kind of conveyer belt. Before, I would feel guilty if I wasn’t writing my next thing, thinking that I needed to always have something in the works. But I’ve learnt that it’s okay to take your time – it’s good. Slow and steady all the way.
So this is a very long-winded way of saying that my writing resolution for 2014 is to enjoy my achievements thus far and not rush into anything else. Instead, I’m going to put my energy into promoting ROSES and SPOTTY DOTTY and see where 2014 takes me.
January 2, 2014
December 30, 2013
A Christmas Story by Alice Morgan
Christmas Day is over, but the 12 days of Christmas are not finished with yet! If you’re still craving some Christmasy magic then why not check out Alice Morgan’s beautiful short story? Allie is one of my best friends and a very talented writer, not to mention an incredibly strong person. Just before Christmas she won a short story competition with this wonderful tale. I’m so pleased for her and she’s shared it on her website so definitely go and check it out!
December 29, 2013
ROSES at Christmas
Again, I am really touched by the support of everyone. On Christmas Day and Boxing Day I had some wonderful messages and tweets from people saying that they had received ROSES for Christmas. Some of them were people that I haven’t spoken to in a long time and some of them were people that I have never actually met! All of them were amazing and I just wanted to write a short post to say thank you because it means the world to me.
You’re all awesome!
xxx
