David Pandolfe's Blog

The Young Adult “Big Box of Books” Giveaway!

Just a quick note to share this chance to win 50 free Young Adult books. As you can see, Streetlights Like Fireworks is also included here, so you probably read that one, but this is a great chance to start your own new paperback library.

To enter, click here: The Young Adult Big Box of Books Giveaway

Good luck!

October Book Fair!

I just want to touch base real quick to share that two of my books were chosen to be included in this amazing October Book Fair! This is a really fun list, very selective with regard to which books were included (and there were a lot submitted). The selection covers the spectrum, ranging from urban fantasy, sci-fi, and dystopian through contemporary romance and young adult. All books are $0.99 – $2.99 for the duration. Needless to say, I was very happy to have my books selected. One of them, you’ll spot right away as you scroll down the image at the link to the YA section. The other one, well, that might be something of an Easter egg hunt. Right, you guessed it, one of the Urban Fantasy novels is mine too. I’m leading quite the double-life these days. Which brings me to this…

My apologies for not being in touch for a while but, as I mentioned in an earlier newsletter, I sort of went down a rabbit hole and created a new urban fantasy series under a pen name. That project has kept me quite a bit more busy than I originally anticipated. For the time being, I’m going to keep that under wraps, since I’m not really sure how those books would mix with my YA books like the Streetlights Like Fireworks and Jump When Ready series. They’re quite a bit more dark and gritty, for one thing, more of a light R rating (mostly for language, mild violence and other themes) while my YA books are more in the PG-13 category (mostly for language). Anyway, I hope that’s okay and I promise to let you know more about that new series soon.

So, that’s it for now. I just wanted to let you know about this event. Have a look and I bet you’ll find some fantastic new books to read, written by some of most talented authors out there right now. Here’s the link to the October Book Fair again, just in case. I hope you’re all having a nice fall and I’ll be back in touch soon!

YA/NA Giveaway!

Well, summer is wrapping up and I’m literally writing this at the neighborhood pool, as I try to squeeze a last few hours out of the season. I lived in Seattle for years and, while Virginia summers can be miserably hot, humid and buggy, all those years of cloudy and cool left me a bit addicted to poolside living (I think I went swimming like three times while living in the Northwest).

Anyway, Streetlights Like Fireworks is included in this giveaway, but so are a bunch of other books. Evidently, someone will also be winning a $110 Amazon gift card. Not too shabby. Here’s the breakdown, as I understand it: There will be 1 Gift Card Winner, 11 Paperback Winners, and 1 ebook winner (who will get 13 ebooks), so a total of 13 winners.

I’ve never participated in one of these before, but I thought it might be fun as something new. I just figured I should let all of you know, since I’d love to see some of you guys claim the prizes!

I hope all of you here in the U.S. have a great Labor Day weekend, and that the rest of you have an equally fantastic weekend yourselves. I’ll be back in touch when there’s news.

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Classic Rock Ear-Worm and Other Summer Goings On…

It’s been a while since I posted here but I didn’t want you guys to think I haven’t been busy. Just the opposite, in fact, which is why I totally forgot to post to my blog. Sorry about that.

Anyway, on the writing side, I have a few things in the works. One is that I’ve outlined a new Streetlights Like Fireworks story and will start writing the actual book soon. As always, I look forward to hearing from Jack and Lauren again. It’s funny because the other night, while thinking about the new book, I imagined Lauren delivering a snarky comment to Jack. It actually made me chuckle and I had to email it to myself so I didn’t forget what she said (so, I guess that was Lauren’s way of saying, “Hello? What are we waiting for here? Let’s get moving!”).

On another front, I’ve kind of gone down a rabbit hole and created a new series. I have two books drafted so far and I’m currently drafting the third. I’ve never worked this way before. Usually, I outline, draft and then edit (and edit a few more times) before publishing. This time, I thought I’d just keep plowing ahead, which is what I’ve done. What this means is I’ll soon have three big messes to clean up as far as editing goes. As for the series, while it features some of the metaphysical aspects and themes I tend to be interested in (ghosts, psychics, the supernatural), this is not a young adult series and, compared to my others, it’s quite a bit darker. To be honest, I haven’t decided what I’m doing with it yet. My plan is to finish it and step back for a bit, then possibly publish it under a pen name since it doesn’t really fit with my YA books. Maybe. Like I said, I’m not really sure. Anyway, I’ll keep you posted on that in the future.

One last thing I thought I should share. I received a really nice note the other day from a reader who’d just finished reading the Streetlights books. As it turns out, she’s a teacher in Alaska and some of her students chose Streetlights Like Fireworks for a book report project last year. I thought that was one of the coolest things ever and I appreciate her taking the time to let me know (thanks, Sarah). It’s always exciting hearing from readers and occasionally I’ll hear from some half a world away in places like Alaska, UK or the Netherlands. There’s just something amazing about this to me and I found it really gratifying to learn that a group of students up in Alaska had actually not only heard about my books but had also chosen to work with one as a school project. Just really cool.

I hope you’re all having a great summer. Needless to say, it’s a bit warm here in Virginia but the upside is that sometimes I take my writing to the neighborhood pool. The downside is risking classic rock ear-worm since at our neighborhood pool, evidently, it’s still 1984. So, between the pool and the trailer for Suicide Squad, I’ve had Bohemian Rhapsody playing in my head for like three weeks. Scaramouch, scaramouch will you do the fandango? 

Distance Audiobook Release (and Other Goings On)

Just a quick post mainly to let folks know that the audiobook version of Distance (Streetlights Like Fireworks #3) is now out and available on Audible and iTunes! Once again, I couldn’t be more pleased with how this audiobook came out since the narrator/producer, Kerrie Seymour, really nailed this one. Not only does she voice Lauren perfectly, she also does a great job narrating Jack’s chapters. Pretty amazing, if you ask me, and I feel really lucky that we’ve been working together on these (Kerrie is currently working on the audiobook version of This Gem in My Hand).

In other goings on, the release of This Gem in My Hand (Streetlights Like Fireworks #4) went pretty spectacularly. The newest book in the series was featured as a Hot New Release in several categories on Amazon, which never gets any less exciting. This was an interesting book for me, quite a bit darker than others in the series, and I wasn’t really sure how it would go over. So far, so good, though, and I’ve been really happy to hear how much readers have enjoyed it. Thanks to all of you helped give the new book a boost by buying copies and posting reviews upon the book’s release!

On a side-note, the first book in the series, Streetlights Like Fireworks, will be available free for a while on Amazon, iTunes, Kobo and Barnes & Noble. This is  my first time with a “permafree” book, something I’ve been curious about trying for a while now. This might not end up being free permanently, of course, so if you’d like to snag a copy this might be a good time.

I’ve also been drafting a new novel in what I plan as a new series, something much different than my other two series in that it’s not YA. This new one also slots in more as Urban Fantasy with a touch of Sci-Fi and even a little bit of a mind-bender plotline. Like I said, I’m still in the drafting phase (meaning right now it’s a big 90,000 word mess) but I’m starting to think I might just like it. Honestly, I never really know until after I shape things up and edit since I usually let myself wander pretty freely while drafting. Anyway, more on that one in the future although I’ve considered publishing it using a penname; something I’ve also considered experimenting with. Not to worry, though, if you’re a Streetlights fan. I plan to write more in that series as soon as possible since I enjoy writing Jack and Lauren’s adventures so much.

Here’ that link to the new audiobook version of Distance, Streetlights #3. By the way, the first two audiobooks on this series are only $1.99 if you already own the ebook versions.

Here’s the link to ebook of Distance, Streetlights #3, in case you need it: Distance (Streetlights Like Fireworks, Book 3).

Lastly, here’s the link for This Gem in My Hand too just in case you missed that one when it came out.

Well, that’s about it for updates. I hope you’re all enjoying spring so far. Here in Virginia, that lasts maybe a month so things should be getting “muggy and buggy” again soon as another summer kicks into gear. Wish us luck as we spend a few months trying not to melt. But, hey, there’s always fireflies to look forward too. Not to mention that summer also means we’re getting closer to another season of Doctor Who. Can’t wait to meet the new companion!

BookTuber Kaitlyn Pendelton Features the Streetlights Books

Making an already fantastic week even more wonderful, Kaitlyn Pendleton (a name I really have to appropriate for a future character) of YouTube fame, got in touch asking if I’d be okay with her featuring the Streetlights Like Fireworks books on her YouTube show, iIMAGINEblank. As it turns out, Kaitlyn is a fan of the books and also subscribes to my newsletter, once again proving that my newsletter subscribers are probably the most amazing group of people in the world (I’m now subscribed to Kaitlyn’s YouTube vlog, of course). Needless to say, I was a million miles past being okay with the Streetlights series being featured (as in, this is one of the coolest things ever).

The video just came out today and I thought you might enjoy seeing it. Kaitlyn does an amazing job and her videos are really fun to watch. Take a look by clicking on the link and don’t forget to like or share! Books You Should Read: The Streetlights Like Fireworks Series.

In a side note, This Gem In My Hand, has hit the Hot New Releases lists thanks to all of you! Thank you for making this possibly the best book launch yet!

David

This Gem in My Hand (Streetlights Like Fireworks, Book 4)—Official Launch Day!

It’s been a few months while I’ve split my attention between writing this latest chapter in the Streetlights Like Fireworks series and working on another new project. As always, I’ve enjoyed every moment of creating another Jack and Lauren adventure. I’ve come to love writing these characters and intend to write more about them going forward (sometimes, though, I imagine the two of them suddenly looking up at me and asking, “Do you mind?” as I continue to peer into their lives). This time around, I have to admit I wasn’t quite sure how this new one would go over. I wondered if the story might be just a little too dark or some of the themes slightly too mature for what started off as  a purely YA series. So far, though, the word is good! Knock wood, of course, but I’ve been stunned to see how much positive feedback has come my way this week as this new book has hit the shelves. It’s immensely gratifying to learn how much readers care about these two characters—Jack and Lauren—as they continue to develop and change as more mature characters, come to terms with their psychic abilities and, as a result, take on greater risks. I’m really excited to have this new book out there and, from what I’ve been hearing, I’m not alone on that score.

A very special thanks to those of you who offered to read and review the ARC version! I was stunned to see that there are now 53 reviews (4.9 star average) on This Gem in My Hand on day one! This is definitely a first for me and I can’t thank all of you enough. Your reviews have made a huge difference in launching this new book!

Here’s what Jack and Lauren are up to this time:

A haunting vision of a forgotten girl. A house holding dark secrets. A spirit caught within a trap. Just when Jack and Lauren thought they were taking a vacation.

When Lauren first sees the forgotten girl, she does her best to ignore her vision. She and Jack are heading back to Richmond for the first time together and, right now, she just doesn’t need any ghosts following her around. As it turns out, ghosts aren’t that easy to shake.

Soon, a seeming coincidence gets Lauren and Jack involved in a paranormal investigation within a historic home. There are, in fact, poltergeists in the house but Lauren soon learns there are others remaining for much darker reasons. Now, she and Jack have just a few days to rescue a spirit caught within a trap. That would be tough enough but it’s even tougher when the one who’s kept him there will do anything, even kill, to keep things as they’ve been for nearly a century.

Click here to snag a copy of This Gem in My Hand (Streetlights Like Fireworks # 4). By the way, for this week the Kindle version will be $0.99 during the release launch.

If you’re in the UK, here’s that link to grab a copy of This Gem in My Hand (Streetlights Like Fireworks # 4) from Amazon UK.

Thanks to everyone who’s been part of this book launch!

Feeling some audio love…

I meant to share this nice review of the audiobook version  of The Dragonfly Season (Streetlights Like Fireworks #2) from blogger Got My Book a couple of weeks ago. I got  busy with editing a new book for you guys and totally forgot. Excuses, excuses. Anyway it’s a really nice review and from what I hear from the samples Kerrie Seymour has shared with me of the upcoming audiobook for Distance, that one should really get some rave reviews too. I’ll post that here as soon as it comes out.

In other news… Well, I think I’ll just save that since it might just be another week or so. Sorry I haven’t been posting much to the blog lately. Like I said, I got busy (ahem, lazy). Hope you’re all doing great!

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Thank You!

Some of you might remember this truly impressive holiday banner image I created last year at this time. It seems funny to think that, just one year ago, I had only the three books out. It’s definitely been an exciting and productive year. 2015 brought The Dragonfly Season (Streetlights Like Fireworks #2) and Distance (Streetlights Like Fireworks #3) and it was really exciting to see both of those books land in the Hot New Release and Best Rated categories on Amazon when they first came out. Actually, both of them stayed in the Best Rated categories for quite some time (thank you, readers, for posting reviews!).

There were also audiobooks! This was a first for me (something I’d only imagined beforehand) and it was such a great pleasure to work with pleasant and professional narrator/producers such as Adam Verner, Maxwell Glick and Kerrie Seymour. At year’s end, there are now audio versions of Streetlights Like Fireworks, The Dragonfly Season (Streetlights Like Fireworks #2), Jump When Ready and the audio version of Distance (Streetlights Like Fireworks #3) is currently being recorded. I’ll round those up with one link, in case you’re interested in having a look: those 2015 audiobooks.

2015 was definitely the year of Streetlights Like Fireworks. That series has done well and I’ve enjoyed the heck out of writing it. The funny thing is that, originally, I considered Streetlights to be a quirky and fun stand-alone novel. So, it came as a nice surprise when readers kept contacting me asking when I’d be adding more to the series. I was more than happy to do just that and I can’t thank those readers enough for talking me into it.

While 2015 saw my readership growing because of the Streetlights series (and my first ever BookBub ad definitely didn’t hurt), I actually kicked the year off by releasing the third book in the Jump When Ready series. Stepping into the Sky was “in the can” at this time last year and officially published in January 2015. It’s actually one of my favorites books (of those I’ve written, I mean). If you’ve read the Streetlights books, you might want to have a look at the Jump When Ready series. While it’s quite a bit different—in that all the characters are teenagers sharing a unique afterlife experience—it does share a similar tone and style with the Streetlights books and some aspects of Henry’s and Nikki’s relationship might even remind you a little bit of Jack and Lauren.

There were box sets too! That was a cool thing for me, to have written three books in two different series so I was able to create both the Streetlights Like Fireworks Books 1-3 and Jump When Ready Books 1-3 box sets. One other thing that came out of 2015 happened at the very end (just a week or so ago) when someone asked me if I’d ever considered creating a Streetlights Like Fireworks playlist. It was such a great idea since the Streetlights series is so infused with music. Here’s a link if you’d care to have a listen: Songs from Streetlights Like Fireworks.

 

As 2015 comes to a close, I’m drafting Streetlights Like Fireworks #4 (no title on that one yet), which is almost finished. Then I’ll have to start the editing process, of course. I’m also knocking around a couple of ideas and outlining for different books outside of the Streetlights series, although I’d like to add another one or two more there as well (I just love writing Jack’s and Lauren’s adventures).

Now, it’s time to kick back, relax and celebrate with my family. And, yes, we’ll definitely be tuning into the Doctor Who Christmas Special again this year on Christmas night. This has become one of our favorite traditions at this point. Christmas just wouldn’t feel the same without the Doctor. Okay, we’re kind of a weird family but I wouldn’t have it any other way. 

So, I guess that’s a wrap on 2015. Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and thank you for making 2015 such a fantastic year!

Jack and Lauren’s Infinite Playlist

One of the best things about being a writer is hearing from readers who’ve just discovered your books.  It’s a great way to gain new perspectives on the worlds and characters you created and sometimes reminds you of aspects you may not have thought of in a while. This happened to me the other day when someone got in touch after reading Streetlights Like Fireworks. Mainly, she just wanted to tell me how much she enjoyed the book and that she was recommending it to others but she also went on to ask  if I’d ever considered creating a playlist. Her question reminded just how infused that book is with music. Music is, after all, at the heart of Jack’s personal journey and the catalyst launching the actual journey he and Lauren share as they travel together across the country. A playlist seemed like a really great idea.

So, here’s the long overdue Jack and Lauren’s Infinite Playlist. Okay, maybe it’s not infinite but it keeps growing (and I wanted to borrow that movie title). By the way, the list is annotated so you can find out where each song fits in by reading the notes beneath each song title. I hope you like what you hear and I’d love to hear from you regarding whether you imagined Jack and Lauren’s soundtrack this way or if you imagine any other songs being included.

Click on the link to go along for the ride: Jack and Lauren’s Infinite Playlist