Robin Constantine's Blog, page 4
March 28, 2016
YA Scavenger Hunt - Spring 2016
Welcome to YA Scavenger Hunt! This bi-annual event was first organized by author Colleen Houck as a way to give readers a chance to gain access to exclusive bonus material from their favorite authors...and a chance to win some awesome prizes! At this hunt, you not only get access to exclusive content from each author, you also get a clue for the hunt. Add up the clues, and you can enter for our prize--one lucky winner will receive one book from each author on the hunt in my team! But play fast: this contest (and all the exclusive bonus material) will only be online for 72 hours!
Hi! I’m Robin, your host for this part of the hunt!
I own a Jack Russell named Max. I never get tired of You’ve Got Mail. Damon Salvatore is my favorite vampire. (Don’t tell Eric Northman!) I went to a private all girl high school. I’ve taken the Pottermore test twice – last time I was sorted into Slytherin! And at the end of this post, in addition to finding the clue, you can enter to win a paperback set of THE PROMISE OF AMAZING and THE SECRETS OF ATTRACTION!
Oh, and I'm on...
If you'd like to find out more about the hunt, see links to all the authors participating, and see the full list of prizes up for grabs, go to the YA Scavenger Hunt page. There are nine contests going on simultaneously, and you can enter one or all! There is also a red team, an orange team, a gold team, a green team, a teal team, a blue team, a silver team and a pink team for a chance to win a whole different set of books!
SCAVENGER HUNT PUZZLE
Directions: Below, you'll notice that I've hidden my favorite number. Collect the favorite numbers of all the authors on the PURPLE TEAM, and then add them up (don't worry, you can use a calculator!).Entry Form: Once you've added up all the numbers, make sure you fill out the form here to officially qualify for the grand prize. Only entries that have the correct number will qualify.
Rules: Open internationally, anyone below the age of 18 should have a parent or guardian's permission to enter. To be eligible for the grand prize, you must submit the completed entry form by Sunday, April 3, at noon Pacific Time. Entries sent without the correct number or without contact information will not be considered.
SCAVENGER HUNT POST
Today, I am hosting Kassy Tayler on my website for the YA Scavenger Hunt!
Kassy Tayler loves writing, rescuing animals and hiking. She lives in the foothills of NC with her hero, where all three come together to form a wonderful and happy life.
Find out more information by checking out Kassy's website or follow this link for ASHES OF TWILIGHT here!
And without further ado...
EXCLUSIVE CONTENT
Wren MacAvoy works as a coal miner for a domed city that was constructed in the mid-nineteenth century to protect the royal blood line of England when astronomers spotted a comet on a collision course with Earth. Humanity would be saved by the most groundbreaking technology of the time. But after nearly 200 years of life beneath the dome, society has become complacent and the coal is running out. Plus there are those who wonder, is there life outside the dome or is the world still consumed by fire? When one of Wren's friends escapes the confines of the dome, he is burned alive and put on display as a warning to those seeking to disrupt the dome's way of life. But Alex's final words are haunting. "The sky is blue."
What happens next is a whirlwind of adventure, romance, conspiracy and the struggle to stay alive in a world where nothing is as it seems. Wren unwittingly becomes a catalyst for a revolution that destroys the dome and the only way to survive might be to embrace what the entire society has feared their entire existence.
And don't forget to enter the contest for a chance to win a ton of signed books by me, Kassy Tayler, and more! To enter, you need to know that my favorite number is 23. Add up all the favorite numbers of the authors on the PURPLE TEAM and you'll have the secret code to enter for the grand prize!CONTINUE THE HUNT
To keep going on your quest for the hunt, you need to check out the fabulous Michelle Levy's blog! Good luck!
Psst...hey, you adorable book lover you...here's that contest I mentioned above! THE SECRETS OF ATTRACTION is out in paperback on May 10, 2016 but you can win a copy of it (along with THE PROMISE OF AMAZING) here!! One of the entries below requires you to answer a question, so I'll give you a head start...imagine you've won all 180 books from the scavenger hunt...omg...really, close your eyes... and picture ALL. THE. BOOKS. Okay...with that in mind WHERE IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO READ?! (yes, it's that simple and BOOM entry for my exclusive giveaway but make sure you check off the Rafflecopter thing below) Open internationally, anyone below the age of 18 should have a parent or guardian's permission to enter.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
February 8, 2016
The Secrets of Attraction E-Book on sale for $1.99!!
The Secrets of Attraction E-Book is on sale now through 2/15!! Grab a cup of cocoa, a warm blanket and snuggle up for a romantic read!!
The Secrets of Attraction E-Book SALE!! $1.99!!
Just in time for Valentine's day! The e-Book of The Secrets of Attraction will be on sale through 2/15!! Grab a cup of cocoa, a warm blanket and snuggle up for a romantic read!
January 25, 2016
2016 YA Contemporary Scavenger Hunt: Leah Konen
I'm so thrilled to be featuring Leah Konen, author of THE LAST TIME WE WERE US, for the 2016 YA Contemporary Scavenger Hunt hosted by The Book Belles! (follow the link for all the details!) Don't miss the giveaway at the bottom of the page!
1) What made you decide to write YA?
To be honest, I fell into it. When I was a senior in college, I signed up for a YA novel-writing class, mostly because this particular writing class didn’t require me to get up at seven a.m.—I found that I adored writing from a teen perspective. I really connected with the teen voice and loved how in high school even the smallest moments can carry such great weight. Not to mention how fun the romances are! I’ve been on the YA train ever since.
2) Has your writing process changed from your first book to this one?
Absolutely. I’ve gone from a writer who meandered through draft after draft to figure out the plot, to someone who lives for outlining, using beat sheets, and even tacking scenes up on my bulletin board. Writing is perhaps the one area of my life where I’m at least somewhat organized. Another big change—I now work with the best coworker of all time by my side: my adorable dog, Farley.
3) What is your favorite scene from The Last Time We Were Us?
When Liz and Jason first kiss. That may have something to do with the fact that I’ve been a huge fan of paint-streaked kisses ever since seeing the amazing Heath Ledger/Julia Stiles scene in 10 Things I Hate About You.
4) If you could meet any author (dead or alive), who would it be?
Jane Austen, without a doubt. I’d want to sit in her drawing room, drink tea, and listen to any gossip she’s collected about her day-to-day life. I’d also all but beg for an invite to one of the neighborhood balls.
5) Are you currently working on any new projects?
Yes! I can’t share firm details about my new project just yet, but let’s just say there’s a lot of romance and family drama, and I’m in love with the main character, who is far from perfect. I’m also wrapping up a fun YA rom-com called THE ROMANTICS, written under the name Leah Rowan—it’s coming out from Abrams in Fall 2016.
6) What’s your favorite book that you’ve read recently?
BIG LITTLE LIES by Liane Moriarty. In all her novels, she’s able to seamlessly interweave the lives of women in completely different situations. And her books keep getting better and better! She’s an absolute inspiration in the way she continually challenges herself to tackle difficult issues and create complex, nuanced characters.
THE LAST TIME WE WERE US
A passionate summer love story about a girl, her childhood best friend recently released from juvie, and the small-town lies that have kept them apart. A teen romance debut with a dark edge.
Liz Grant is about to have the summer of her life. She and her friend MacKenzie are getting invited to all the best parties, and with any luck, Innis Taylor, the most gorgeous guy in Bonneville, will be her boyfriend before the Fourth of July.
Local teen convict released early.
Jason Sullivan wasn’t supposed to come back from juvie. A million years ago, he was her best friend, but that was before he ditched her for a different crowd. Before he attacked Innis’s older brother, leaving Skip’s face burned and their town in shock.
“Everything is not what you think.”
Liz always found it hard to believe what they said about Jason, but all of Bonneville thinks he’s dangerous. If word gets out she’s seeing him, she could lose everything. But what if there’s more to that horrible night than she knows? And how many more people will get hurt when the truth finally comes out?
“You’re the one person who believes in me.”
Leah Konen’s southern romance swelters with passion as it explores the devastating crush of lies, the delicate balance of power and perception, and one girl’s journey to find herself while uncovering the secrets of so many others.
Leah Konen grew up in a two-stoplight farming town in Washington State before moving to suburban North Carolina, where there were many more stoplights and lots of sweet tea. After studying journalism at the University of North Carolina, she headed to New York City to pursue her dream of becoming a writer. When she’s not working on novels and articles or writing for fashion brands, she enjoys devouring new books, spoiling her dog, Farley, biking around Brooklyn, checking out live music, and binge-watching TV. Find her online at www.leahkonen.com.
Code word: when
Next Stop: To continue on with the scavenger hunt, head over to Anna Michels!
a Rafflecopter giveawayOctober 30, 2015
Escape to Hogwarts!
After a few weeks of intense revisions that almost went directly into copy edits, I had the opportunity to go to Universal Orlando for the weekend! I hadn't been there since before the Wizarding World opened. I'm not one for crowds, and tales of three-hour-long lines kept me away even though I love, Love, LOVE Harry Potter.
It was worth the wait.
I'm a planner when I travel and since I only had one day, I wanted to make the most of it. I joined Touringplans.com and mapped out a game plan. Disney I can do in my sleep, but Universal was completely new to me - where did we need to start? What did we have to see? What could we skip? How should I take my Butterbeer? So. Many. Questions.
We arrived at Universal before they opened to the public (it opens early for people staying on their property, which we weren't, drat) and were able to get in half an hour before official opening - but only to stay in a holding area, which was conveniently located next to a gift shop. The gift shop - THE GIFT SHOP! There were robes from each house! Wands! Scarves! Quaffles! A replica of Tom Marvolo Riddle's Diary! Basically an HP fan's dream. It was a pretty cool way to pass the time.
Finally, the park opened and we raced to Diagon Alley, right? Well, no. There are other rides in Universal and since we were on the One-Day-Two-Park-Whirlwind plan, our first stop was Minions. Followed by Transformers. And Mummy (2x!) Then we made our way to Diagon Alley. (Don't worry, this won't be a play by play!!)
We walked over to where it was on the map. Saw King's Cross Station. Saw the Knight Bus (with the talking shrunken head!). Then found ourselves on Grimmauld Place. I'd heard to look for Kreature peeking out the window - and we happened to catch him at the right time. I took a few pictures.
We could not find Diagon Alley. We were looking for Gringott's! It had a massive fire breathing dragon on the roof! How could we have missed it? Then we noticed an entrance next to the train station and walked over to it. The first thing we encountered was a brick wall, then we walked to the left (You can also walk to your right too, no tapping on bricks with your wand here) And then...
Diagon freaking Alley!
I knew it was going to be good but I was surprised by how overwhelmed I felt. (To add to the scene the movie soundtrack plays in the background.) My goofy grin got even goofier as we walked down the street, or um, alley. Weasley's Wizard Wheezes! Flourish and Blott's! Ollivander's! Gringott's! Knockturn Alley! The attention to detail was spectacular. We raced to the Gringott's ride and came face to face with he who shall not be named! The ride, in a word, is brilliant. My cheeks hurt from smiling. Then it was time for Butterbeer.
After careful research, I decided to try a frozen Butterbeer. I'd heard mixed reviews and since I don't really drink much sweet stuff, I was a little worried I'd hate it. Honest? It was perfect. Maybe the frozen factor toned down the sweetness a bit because I thought it was just right. It's topped with a toasted marshmallow foam too. #yum How many times can you say you had Butterbeer for breakfast?
We perused the shops, a certain member of our party was involved in the wand choosing ceremony, we explored all the twists and turns of the street, including Knockturn Alley, then went to lunch at The Leaky Cauldron.
Weasley's Wizard Wheezes was our stop after lunch. We purchased some Love Potion and a Chocolate Frog for our ride on the Hogwarts Express, then took off for Platform 9 3/4.
It was an action packed day.
Even though the ride on the Hogwarts Express was relaxing (except for the guy who had to explain to anyone who would listen how they made it look like we walked through the wall, ugh, Muggles), I would have liked to have taken a bit of a break. And by break I mean nap back in an air conditioned hotel room somewhere. Hogsmeade was hopping when we arrived.
We soldiered on and spent the afternoon much like we spent the morning - going to the other attractions first, and saving the best, Hogwarts, for last. We were all pretty exhausted by the time we reached the castle, but perked up the moment we walked through the gates and saw the Mirror of Esired. O...M...G. Again, the details are what made this attraction so wonderful. Any fan will be delighted - it was a forty-five minute wait for the ride, but it hardly felt that way because of the walk through the castle. I don't really want to spoil anything except to say - if you love HP, you will not be disappointed.
Feet sore, wallet a whole lot lighter, we made our way back to our car totally wiped, but happy. I loved my whirlwind, post copy-edits Wizarding World trip! I wonder if they can ship frozen Butterbeer?
October 15, 2015
THE SEASON OF YOU & ME
Cassidy Emmerich is reeling from a sudden, humiliating breakup. The last thing she wants to do is stick around and be reminded of her ex everywhere she goes. On impulse, she decides to spend the summer with her father and his family at their Jersey shore bed and breakfast. A different scene and a new job working as a camp counselor seem like the perfect recipe for forgetting Gavin as quickly as possible – not to mention avoiding him until he leaves for college. Bryan Lakewood is sick of nevers. You’ll never walk. You’ll never surf. You’ll never slow dance with a girl and have her put her head on your shoulder. Last year he made one false move – now he’s paralyzed and needs to use a wheelchair. But this summer, he’s back at his camp job and determined to reclaim his independence – and his confidence.Cass is expecting two months of healing her broken heart.Bryan is expecting a summer of tough adjustments.Neither is expecting to fall in love.I did a fun interview with HCCFrenzy for my cover reveal! Follow the link if you'd like to know how I feel about my cover. (spoiler: I love it!!)Thanks for stopping by!! The Season of You & Me is set to hit the shelves on May 10, 2016!! You can already pre-order at your favorite online retailer too!! <3
July 24, 2015
FLASHBACK FRIDAY - The Promise of Amazing ULTIMATE NEW JERSEY PLAYLIST
It’s My Life – Bon Jovi (Sayreville, NJ)
“It’s My Life” is an anthem for when you feel like no one understands you - which is exactly how Wren feels as the book opens. It’s about listening to your inner voice, standing up for who you are and what you believe in. It’s also a great song to sing at the top of your lungs. Seriously, try it.
Celebration – Kool & the Gang (Jersey City, NJ)
This song reminds me of my job as a catering waitress. It was the first song the band played after cocktail hour and wedding guests always crowded the dance floor. The Camelot band would definitely have this on their set list!
Teenagers – My Chemical Romance (New Brunswick, NJ)
I imagine “Teenagers” to be the kind of song Grayson loses himself in when he’s down in his basement pounding out his frustration on the drums. Especially after Wren walks home from the park instead of taking a ride from him.
Maybe Tonight – Nicole Atkins (Neptune, NJ)
“Maybe Tonight” is an upbeat, wistful song about yearning to meet a mysterious someone again. This is the perfect mood music as Wren pages through her brother’s yearbook to stalk…um…piece together information…on Grayson. Wren knows Grayson might not be the best person to get involved with, but she can’t help but be fascinated by him.
Close to You - The Early November (Hammonton, NJ)
Grayson’s attempts to charm Wren keep failing to bring them together yet he’s determined to keep trying. This song captures Grayson’s struggle to get beyond his past so he and Wren can be together.
One Way or Another – Blondie (Hawthorne, NJ)
The perfect song for Andy’s party - where everyone seems to have a hidden agenda. Bonus: Blondie drummer Clem Burke is from Bayonne, NJ!
Summer Wind – Frank Sinatra (Hoboken, NJ)
A classic. This is the song that’s playing when Grayson tucks a flower behind Wren’s ear and she decides to take matters into her own hands.
Because The Night – Patti Smith (Woodbury, NJ)
Sexiest. Song. Ever. Wren and Gray in Guinevere’s cottage. Need I say more?
Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You – Frankie Valli (South Orange, NJ)
Ah, young love. You know when you can’t get enough of each other? And you know how it can’t be that intense for that long, but it’s so great while it lasts? Yes, that.
Only a Memory – The Smithereens (Carteret/Scotch Plains, NJ)
Grayson’s past finally catches up to him. That hopeless feeling when you know it’s your fault and all you can do is watch as everything slips through your fingers. Author confession: The Smithereens are one of my favorite Jersey bands.
Born To Run – Bruce Springsteen (Freehold, NJ)
How could I have a NJ list and not include this song? This song epitomizes the restlessness of being stuck in a small town that “…rips the bones from your back…” It’s Luke going to Princeton, and what he means when he tells Grayson he’s “getting outta here for good”.
Having a Party – Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes (Ocean Grove, NJ)
I loved the role Wren’s family and her friends, Jazz and Maddie played in the book, and this song conveys the joyfulness at the end of the novel, when Wren is together with all the people she loves most in the world and everything is fine – even if it’s just for a night. That feeling when you don’t want the night to end!!
Bonus Song:
Sherry Darlin’ – Bruce Springsteen (Freehold, NJ)
Because one dose of Springsteen is never enough in NJ! Little bit of TPofA trivia: I named Wren’s school Sacred Heart because of a line in this song - “To all the girls down at Sacred Heart.” Yep, really.
Want to win a signed paperback of THE PROMISE OF AMAZING? Enter Goodreads Giveaway here!! Now through August 16th!!
July 23, 2015
#TBT Deleted scene from THE SECRETS OF ATTRACTION
A book goes through a lot of changes in the editing process and sometimes you are forced to cut a favorite scene. The scene below did not make the finished copy of The Secrets of Attraction. While I was disappointed to get rid of it, it made sense because the scene doesn’t move the story forward.
I loved it because I thought it showed how nervous Jesse was before he picked up Madison for their road trip. It also involved “Bart – the guy who could make Darth Vader and Yoda in foam” and I have to say, I loved this guy. Sometimes a character just pops into your head fully formed, and that was Bart. I’m not sure why I was so fascinated with him – he’s not even a secondary character, just one of the background players, but I loved his interaction with Jesse.
So, for your reading pleasure, here is a section from the original beginning of Chapter Sixteen in The Secrets of Attraction. It begins as Jesse walks into Mugshot to pick up some provisions for his road trip with Madison. Enjoy!
-------------------------------------------------- JESSE
Bart, the guy who could make Darth Vader and Yoda in foam, was sweeping the floor when I stormed through the front door. He stopped mid-stroke.“Dude, what are you doing in so early? I have the morning shift.”The place was empty, the first readers and walkers and neighborhood regulars not even out yet. Bart had the roaster going and the smell of coffee was strong and smooth, filling the café.“I’m not on today, just came by to get some drinks. Road trippin’.”“Awesome, where?”“Um, Pennsylvania. Kind of a birthday picnic sort of situation.” Behind the counter I could not for the life of me remember how to start a Mexican hot chocolate. Or should I make her a chai? My hands shook. I wasn’t even with her and my hands were freaking shaking. Jess, for real?He looked blank. “Picnic?”“This girl is—”“Say no more. I get it.” He leaned on his broom and smiled. I stood in front of the cappuccino maker, hands in my hair.“What are you trying to do?”“Mexican hot chocolate, her favorite. Or chai? Can’t decide.”“Cold, crisp morning . . . go for the chocolate . . . elixir of the Mayan gods . . . you can’t go wrong.”“Okay.” I grabbed the milk. Bart put the broom aside and shuffled next to me, holding out his hand for the steaming container.“Jess, let me. Breathe, dude.”“It’s that obvious?”“Nah, what else are you putting together in this breakfast . . . picnic . . . thing.”“What have we got?”I looked in the bakery case. We had the usual—three types of muffins with healthy-sounding names, croissants made with a stick of butter, and an array of pastries that could induce a sugar coma five minutes after being consumed. Not that I was looking for healthy, just . . . I had no clue what Madison liked to eat.“What kind of bagels do we have today?”“No, you are not eating a bagel with this drink. You need something . . . delicate.”I almost laughed, but he was serious. I’d rarely worked with the dude, but he never struck me as someone who would have opinions either way on what sort of food was delicate or not. Watching him make the hot chocolates with the same care and concentration I used to tune my guitar, made me think otherwise.“Ohhkay, what’s delicate? Croissant?” I said, taking some wax paper and getting ready to grab one.“Nah, too prosaic. I’d say beignets, but they’re best when they’re hot. With this? I’d go with . . . the brioche. Plain. Simple. Perfect.”I grabbed two brioche, and a croissant just in case. Then I grabbed some of the to-go containers with crackers, cheese cubes, and grapes.“What do you think of these?” I asked, holding them up.“Add a bottle of San Pellegrino and you are in like Flynn.”“Um, what?”“The girl will love it,” he said.I packed up the baked goods and the containers into a paper bag and grabbed a drink tray. I started tallying it up on the register. Bart stopped me.“Dude, that’s about thirty bucks’ worth of stuff.”He smiled. “I got it. Just go. Enjoy the day.”“Thanks, I owe you.”
WANT A SIGNED COPY OF THE SECRETS OF ATTRACTION? Enter the Goodreads Giveaway now through August 16th!!
July 22, 2015
Some of the real life inspiration behind THE SECRETS OF ATTRACTION!
Sacred Heart Academy
Sacred Heart is loosely based on my old, now defunct high school, Holy Family Academy. It wasn’t intentional, but when I went back for a reunion and roamed the halls, I realized it is very much the high school in my head while I write. This is the hallway that Madison leads Jesse down to get to the gym during the Sadie Hawkins dance.
The Good Doughnuts
While I don’t name the particular bakery in my book, I definitely had a certain delectable treat in mind. In Bayonne, Judicke’s sprinkled doughnuts are a staple at every school function and party. You can order different colored sprinkles for any occasion! The above picture was from my high school reunion and matched our school colors of purple and gold.
Mexican Hot Chocolate
There is a place in Asheville, NC named The ChocolateLounge. Think about that for a moment. A lounge. Devoted to chocolate. Smiling yet? I was working on the first draft of Secrets when I tried their hot drink called Oaxaca – Mexican style hot chocolate with chocolate, almonds, cinnamon and milk. It was love at first sip. When I was thinking up an alternative to coffee for Madison to order, I drew upon this as inspiration. Sweet with a little kick, kind of like Mads herself.
The Park
One of my favorite scenes in the book is when the Mads, Jazz and Wren scope out the St. Gabe’s lacrosse practice. It’s just a fun, silly scene, where Mads and Wren are there for morale support as Jazz approaches a guy she wants to ask out. We have a gorgeous park in our town that has a playground, jogging trails and lots of sports fields. Good-natured stalking of a crush was definitely the kind of thing my friends and I did in high school!
Tortilla Espanola
The first time I had tortilla espanola was at a writer’s retreat, made by fellow writer Kip Wilson Rechea. It’s a simple, yet satisfying meal. Add a little crusty bread and your beverage of choice and instant comfort food. Here’s the recipe: www.kipwilsonwrites.com/tortilla-espanola/ You know a dish leaves a lasting impression on you when you want to include it in a book! (And thanks Kip for letting me include it here!!)
Want to win a signed copy of THE SECRETS OF ATTRACTION? Enter the Goodreads Giveaway, now through August 16th!
July 21, 2015
THE SECRETS OF ATTRACTION - Madison's Style
Here are two of Madison's looks inspired by scenes in THE SECRETS OF ATTRACTION!
The Secrets of Attraction - Madison Style by graybarr2014 featuring a cocktail prom dress
The Secrets of Attraction - Madison Style by graybarr2014 featuring a black slouch beanie
Want to win a signed copy of THE SECRETS OF ATTRACTION? Enter the GOODREADS GIVEAWAY now through August 16th!!
