Crystal Collier's Blog, page 16
August 6, 2014
IWSG: Go on, Light Yourself on Fire
But don't burn yourself out.
I wish someone had uttered those words to me when I started into this writing gig, because they would have saved me a great deal of trauma.
We talk often about balance in this field, and when I first started out I was trying to do everything. I was on facebook all the time. I dabbled with twitter. I wrote like a fanatic, edited manically, critiqued anything people would let me handle, and read anything and everything about improving my art. I joined bloghops and contests. I attended conferences and and penned out every dream. I ran myself into the ground.
Years later, I've acquired a balance. We all have limits, and you must know yours. Mine now center around blogging once a week, writing daily, editing only in the daylight hours when my kids don't need me, critiquing at a pace that fits around my life (rather than the other way around), and participating in social media to taste. I still read like my life depends on it, but that reading has evolved more to fiction which I then review to support fellow authors. I don't participate in every cover reveal or blog tour because my blog is typically booked out 4 to 6 months, but given a chance to help, I do what I can--via a quick tweet, a share on Facebook, a book review, or a future feature date. We need to be generous to one another, but for heaven's sake, please don't kill yourself. No one wants that on their conscience.
Ready to guess the lie and win a book?
Last week, the awesome C. Lee McKenzie shared DOUBLE NEGATIVE with us, along with two truths and one lie. Those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win any one of her books: Sliding on the Edge, The Princess of Las Pulgas, Alligators Overhead or Double Negative.
Lee's game:
1. Lee's favorite sport is spelunking.
2. She irons her sheets.
3. She's going to Myanmar in November. And the lie is:
#1, and if you don't know what spelunking is, let me give you a hint:
(Aka caving. I used to do this with my dad all the time.)
Way to guess those of you who got it right! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Sarah Foster!
Congrats Sarah!
And now to today's feature:
SO many lovelies to choose from...SF/F/Paranormal/Suspense...
R. Mac Wheeler has jumped out of planes, driven motorcycles like an idiot, shot zillions of guns (never with ear protection--what?), ridden helicopters, rappelled down cliffs, explored mine shafts, skied, kayaked, had surgery on both knees and shoulders, and moved across the continent. You can bet he built all of those experiences in his writing.A native Texan, Mac has called South Florida home since 1987 where he and his wife spend their free time laughing at their three goofy dogs.
A former computer programmer and project manager, he now focuses full time on science fiction, fantasy, suspense and paranormal that leverages the quirkiness and emotions of real life more often than the far fetched.
You might find him munching on a three Mexican cheese mix over Jacked Doritos, bean dip, and jalapenos, in front of a football game.
Mac gave me two truths and one lie to test your "lie detector" skills. Those who figure out the lie will go into my magic hat for the chance to win your choice of any of his eBook's. YIKES!
You have until Tuesday, August 12th, at 1 p.m. EDT to guess--and be sure to come back for the answer on August 13th.
TRUTH OR LIE
1. Mac rarely steps out the door of his house without a camera in hand.
2. He has never taken a writing class.
3. He maxed out the 140 MPH speedometer on his GS 750 while racing down Mt. Franklin.
Only one more week to sign up for:
DO IT! (There will be cheese--otherwise known as prizes for the amazing people who help with the tour...which may involve cheese, or other amazing things.)
Which is the lie? Have you ever lit yourself on fire (figuratively)? Did you know what spelunking is? Are you a thrill seeker like Mac?
July 30, 2014
Because We're All Idiots...and like Free Stuff
Have you made any bad choices? Well no worries. Today I'm going to make you feel 100% better about yourself because chances are you've never done this:
Or this:
Or this:
This:
Maybe this:
Perhaps even this:
Or definitely not this:
See? Don't you feel so much better about yourself?
And now for THE NOT SO ACCIDENTAL BLOG TOURIST HOP. (OR SKIP TO AN AWESOME BOOK GIVEAWAY BELOW.)
This wandering tour is a quick flash of blogs by artists – writers, musicians, painters, photographers, and more. I was invited by Dianne Salerni:
DIANNE K. SALERNI is the author of The Eighth Day MG fantasy series (HarperCollins) and YA historical novels, The Caged Graves (Clarion/HMH) and We Hear the Dead (Sourcebooks). Dianne was a public school teacher for 25 years before leaving the profession to spend more time hanging around creepy cemeteries and climbing 2000 year-old pyramids in the name of book research.Now, for my part in the tour …1. What am I currently working on?Surviving. Yuppers. Between houses, prepping for a blog tour & book release, and occasionally working on TIMELESS (book 3 in the Maiden of Time series) or a mini series... Oh yeah, and minding those things that eat my food and dirty my house. In some realms they're known as "kids."2. How does my work differ from others of its genre?I'll refer you to one of my reviewers: "Certainly there is no new story under the sun, but some stories strike as original. Moonless is this kind of story ... The specific supernatural element is not really something I've seen before, though I'm sure some readers will draw a parallel with something. I have not seen it, though."3. Why do I write/create what I do?When life is unfair, I trap it in a book.4. How does your writing/creating process work?Dream. Write. Edit. Eat cheese.Now I’m going to pass the blog hop torch to the next artist – who will participate on Monday, August 4.
Nata Romeo a.k.a ArtistaDonna, is the author and illustrator of her first children's book titled Alphabet Wildlife A to Z.Originally from Toronto, Canada, she now brews and sprinkles her art and stories from the Philadelphia skies. She dreams that her work gets swept up and tangled into a massive storm front so that her world can travel across the universe and beyond.
Ready to guess the lie and win a book?
Last week, the hilarious T.C. Mckee shared THE BONE TREATY with us, along with two truths and one lie. Those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win her eBook.
T.C.'s game:
1. When T.C. was seventeen, her friend stole 50 plastic Easter bunnies from a nearby neighborhood and stuffed them in the back seat of her car. They rode around with them for a week. Sometime she can still see their faces staring at her from the rear view mirror.
2. She reads the labels of almost all products and if she can't pronounce the name or doesn't recognize the ingredients, she won't buy it. Her house really is all natural.
3. It took her one whole year and seventy-seven days to write The Bone Treaty. And the lie is:
#3. Surprise!
Way to guess those of you who got it right! (It was a tricky one.) And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Gina Stoneheart!Congrats Gina!
And now to today's feature:
Sixteen-year-old Hutch McQueen is a smart kid who can barely read. He makes one bad choice after another, trying to find a way to escape his rotten life at home and at school. Each time he gets into more trouble.Get your copy HERE.
C. Lee McKenzie is a native Californian who grew up in a lot of different places; then landed in the Santa Cruz Mountains where she lives with her family and miscellaneous pets. She writes most of the time, gardens and hikes and does yoga a lot, and then travels whenever she can.
She takes on modern issues that today's teens face in their daily lives. Her first young adult novel, Sliding on the Edge, which dealt with cutting and suicide was published in 2009. Her second, titled The Princess of Las Pulgas, dealing with a family who loses everything and must rebuild their lives came out in 2010. Her short story, Premeditated Cat, appears in the anthology, The First Time, and her Into the Sea of Dew is part of a collection, Two and Twenty Dark Tales. In 2012, her first middle grade novel, Alligators Overhead, came out.
Her favorite cheese Parmesan and ideally you'll find her munching on it in Venice.
Lee gave me two truths and one lie to test your "lie detector" skills. Those who figure out the lie will go into my magic hat for the chance to win your choice any of her eBook's: Sliding on the Edge, The Princess of Las Pulgas, Alligators Overhead or Double Negative.
You have until Tuesday, August 5th, at 1 p.m. EDT to guess--and be sure to come back for the answer on August 6th.
TRUTH OR LIE
1. Lee's favorite sport is spelunking.
2. She irons her sheets.
3. She's going to Myanmar in November.
You have one more chance to win today:a Rafflecopter giveawayLASTLY, sign up for my blog tour.
DO IT! (There will be cheese.)
Which is the lie? Have you seen anyone make one of those bad choices--or something like them? Have you ever worked with a troubled teen? Do you like books that deal with deep issues?
Or this:
Or this:
This:
Maybe this:
Perhaps even this:
Or definitely not this:
See? Don't you feel so much better about yourself?
And now for THE NOT SO ACCIDENTAL BLOG TOURIST HOP. (OR SKIP TO AN AWESOME BOOK GIVEAWAY BELOW.)
This wandering tour is a quick flash of blogs by artists – writers, musicians, painters, photographers, and more. I was invited by Dianne Salerni:
DIANNE K. SALERNI is the author of The Eighth Day MG fantasy series (HarperCollins) and YA historical novels, The Caged Graves (Clarion/HMH) and We Hear the Dead (Sourcebooks). Dianne was a public school teacher for 25 years before leaving the profession to spend more time hanging around creepy cemeteries and climbing 2000 year-old pyramids in the name of book research.Now, for my part in the tour …1. What am I currently working on?Surviving. Yuppers. Between houses, prepping for a blog tour & book release, and occasionally working on TIMELESS (book 3 in the Maiden of Time series) or a mini series... Oh yeah, and minding those things that eat my food and dirty my house. In some realms they're known as "kids."2. How does my work differ from others of its genre?I'll refer you to one of my reviewers: "Certainly there is no new story under the sun, but some stories strike as original. Moonless is this kind of story ... The specific supernatural element is not really something I've seen before, though I'm sure some readers will draw a parallel with something. I have not seen it, though."3. Why do I write/create what I do?When life is unfair, I trap it in a book.4. How does your writing/creating process work?Dream. Write. Edit. Eat cheese.Now I’m going to pass the blog hop torch to the next artist – who will participate on Monday, August 4.
Nata Romeo a.k.a ArtistaDonna, is the author and illustrator of her first children's book titled Alphabet Wildlife A to Z.Originally from Toronto, Canada, she now brews and sprinkles her art and stories from the Philadelphia skies. She dreams that her work gets swept up and tangled into a massive storm front so that her world can travel across the universe and beyond.
Ready to guess the lie and win a book?
Last week, the hilarious T.C. Mckee shared THE BONE TREATY with us, along with two truths and one lie. Those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win her eBook.
T.C.'s game:
1. When T.C. was seventeen, her friend stole 50 plastic Easter bunnies from a nearby neighborhood and stuffed them in the back seat of her car. They rode around with them for a week. Sometime she can still see their faces staring at her from the rear view mirror.2. She reads the labels of almost all products and if she can't pronounce the name or doesn't recognize the ingredients, she won't buy it. Her house really is all natural.
3. It took her one whole year and seventy-seven days to write The Bone Treaty. And the lie is:
#3. Surprise!
Way to guess those of you who got it right! (It was a tricky one.) And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Gina Stoneheart!Congrats Gina!
And now to today's feature:
Sixteen-year-old Hutch McQueen is a smart kid who can barely read. He makes one bad choice after another, trying to find a way to escape his rotten life at home and at school. Each time he gets into more trouble.Get your copy HERE.
C. Lee McKenzie is a native Californian who grew up in a lot of different places; then landed in the Santa Cruz Mountains where she lives with her family and miscellaneous pets. She writes most of the time, gardens and hikes and does yoga a lot, and then travels whenever she can. She takes on modern issues that today's teens face in their daily lives. Her first young adult novel, Sliding on the Edge, which dealt with cutting and suicide was published in 2009. Her second, titled The Princess of Las Pulgas, dealing with a family who loses everything and must rebuild their lives came out in 2010. Her short story, Premeditated Cat, appears in the anthology, The First Time, and her Into the Sea of Dew is part of a collection, Two and Twenty Dark Tales. In 2012, her first middle grade novel, Alligators Overhead, came out.
Her favorite cheese Parmesan and ideally you'll find her munching on it in Venice.
Lee gave me two truths and one lie to test your "lie detector" skills. Those who figure out the lie will go into my magic hat for the chance to win your choice any of her eBook's: Sliding on the Edge, The Princess of Las Pulgas, Alligators Overhead or Double Negative.
You have until Tuesday, August 5th, at 1 p.m. EDT to guess--and be sure to come back for the answer on August 6th.
TRUTH OR LIE
1. Lee's favorite sport is spelunking.
2. She irons her sheets.
3. She's going to Myanmar in November.
You have one more chance to win today:a Rafflecopter giveaway
LASTLY, sign up for my blog tour.
DO IT! (There will be cheese.)
Which is the lie? Have you seen anyone make one of those bad choices--or something like them? Have you ever worked with a troubled teen? Do you like books that deal with deep issues?
July 23, 2014
Epiphany, The Bone Treaty, and Easter Bunnies?
Some days you know you're maturing, right? Like the days you get slammed with a piece of wisdom that belongs with wrinkles and white hair? (Not that I've anything against my wrinkles or white hairs...)
I was teaching a group of teen girls, ages 12 to 18, about things that really matter in this life. Now I've accomplished some pretty cool stuff--been a studio singer, written a musical, finished nine full-length books (the second of which will be published this fall), rubbed shoulders with producers and lived through the big city AND small town experience. It's been amazing to hear people rave about my performances, music, and books, but in truth, it's terribly fleeting. I'm SUPER stoked about those things one day and down in the dumps the next. Do you know what gives me a lasting high?
My kids.
When one of them accomplishes something that was difficult for them, or does something nice for someone else, I swell up with pride. My heart nearly bursts with joy, and it doesn't go away.
Long after the accolades of professional accomplishment fade, I know where my happiness will stem--from seeing the little people I've devoted so many years and so much effort to succeeding in life. Will I be happy about my own successes? Sure. But nothing measures up to seeing them excel.
Ready to guess the lie and win a book?
Last week, we broke from tradition to celebrate my new cover reveal. Everyone was given the chance to share their favorite supernatural creature for a chance to win an eARC of SOULLESS, and the winner is...
...DRUM ROLL...
Gary And his supernatural creature, Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet superstar.
Congrats Gary! You'll be receiving your book as soon as ARCs July 28th.
And now to today's feature, from my amazing and incredibly supportive buddy:
A power as old as King Solomon awakens when a seventeen-year-old girl marks the brooding-hot abductor ordered to seize her.Addie Heaton’s not your average high school student. Orphaned at two, she’s spent most of her life reading the emotions of others. It’s a little trick she likes to call color-vision. But lately, a stranger has been trailing her, putting off shades of black and red—colors Addie hasn’t seen since the night her parents were killed—colors Addie never wanted to see again. But when Addie comes face to face with Conal Reed, owner of the terrifying shades, she learns her stranger’s a little different too. He’s brooding hot, mysterious, and all too elusive. Conal loves to materialize, and then vanish at all the wrong times. Nice. Not.After years of keeping her ability asecret, Addie’s found another person with gifts, someone who may know what she really is. But Conal’s not talking. He’s having more fun showing up uninvited, teasing her senses, and disappearing at all the wrong times. Instead of finding answers, Addie finds herself reconsidering ever being alone and naked again.This is where I confess I got to critique some of this book early on, and it was AWESOME. So much attitude and voice. I can't wait to get my copy. Add it now.
T.C.Mckee is the author of The Bone Treaty. She loves fiction, Great Danes, laughing babies, oatmeal cookies, and coffee. Owns two small business, one that has absolutely nothing at all to do with writing, and BookFish Books, a small publishing house that has everything to do with writing. She lives with her family in Virginia.
Her favorite cheese is Muenster. She can be found munching on it at home or at this local sandwich shop that melts two slices of it over a ham sandwich with cole slaw. (She says: "OHMIGOSH! It's heaven.")
T.C. gave me two truths and one lie to test your "lie detector" skills. Those who figure out the lie will go into my magic hat for the chance to win an eBook of The Bone Treaty.
You have until Tuesday, July 29, at 1 p.m. EDT to guess--and be sure to come back for the answer on July 30.
TRUTH OR LIE
1. When T.C. was seventeen, her friend stole 50 plastic Easter bunnies from a nearby neighborhood and stuffed them in the back seat of her car. They rode around with them for a week. Sometime she can still see their faces staring at her from the rear view mirror.2. She reads the labels of almost all products and if she can't pronounce the name or doesn't recognize the ingredients, she won't buy it. Her house really is all natural.3. It took her one whole year and seventy-seven days to write The Bone Treaty.LASTLY, sign up for my blog tour.
DO IT! (There will be cheese.)
Which is the lie? Have you had any epiphanies lately? Where do you find your greatest happiness? Doesn't The Bone Treaty sound great?
I was teaching a group of teen girls, ages 12 to 18, about things that really matter in this life. Now I've accomplished some pretty cool stuff--been a studio singer, written a musical, finished nine full-length books (the second of which will be published this fall), rubbed shoulders with producers and lived through the big city AND small town experience. It's been amazing to hear people rave about my performances, music, and books, but in truth, it's terribly fleeting. I'm SUPER stoked about those things one day and down in the dumps the next. Do you know what gives me a lasting high?
My kids.
When one of them accomplishes something that was difficult for them, or does something nice for someone else, I swell up with pride. My heart nearly bursts with joy, and it doesn't go away.
Long after the accolades of professional accomplishment fade, I know where my happiness will stem--from seeing the little people I've devoted so many years and so much effort to succeeding in life. Will I be happy about my own successes? Sure. But nothing measures up to seeing them excel.
Ready to guess the lie and win a book?
Last week, we broke from tradition to celebrate my new cover reveal. Everyone was given the chance to share their favorite supernatural creature for a chance to win an eARC of SOULLESS, and the winner is......DRUM ROLL...
Gary And his supernatural creature, Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet superstar.
Congrats Gary! You'll be receiving your book as soon as ARCs July 28th.
And now to today's feature, from my amazing and incredibly supportive buddy:
A power as old as King Solomon awakens when a seventeen-year-old girl marks the brooding-hot abductor ordered to seize her.Addie Heaton’s not your average high school student. Orphaned at two, she’s spent most of her life reading the emotions of others. It’s a little trick she likes to call color-vision. But lately, a stranger has been trailing her, putting off shades of black and red—colors Addie hasn’t seen since the night her parents were killed—colors Addie never wanted to see again. But when Addie comes face to face with Conal Reed, owner of the terrifying shades, she learns her stranger’s a little different too. He’s brooding hot, mysterious, and all too elusive. Conal loves to materialize, and then vanish at all the wrong times. Nice. Not.After years of keeping her ability asecret, Addie’s found another person with gifts, someone who may know what she really is. But Conal’s not talking. He’s having more fun showing up uninvited, teasing her senses, and disappearing at all the wrong times. Instead of finding answers, Addie finds herself reconsidering ever being alone and naked again.This is where I confess I got to critique some of this book early on, and it was AWESOME. So much attitude and voice. I can't wait to get my copy. Add it now.
T.C.Mckee is the author of The Bone Treaty. She loves fiction, Great Danes, laughing babies, oatmeal cookies, and coffee. Owns two small business, one that has absolutely nothing at all to do with writing, and BookFish Books, a small publishing house that has everything to do with writing. She lives with her family in Virginia.
Her favorite cheese is Muenster. She can be found munching on it at home or at this local sandwich shop that melts two slices of it over a ham sandwich with cole slaw. (She says: "OHMIGOSH! It's heaven.")
T.C. gave me two truths and one lie to test your "lie detector" skills. Those who figure out the lie will go into my magic hat for the chance to win an eBook of The Bone Treaty.
You have until Tuesday, July 29, at 1 p.m. EDT to guess--and be sure to come back for the answer on July 30.
TRUTH OR LIE
1. When T.C. was seventeen, her friend stole 50 plastic Easter bunnies from a nearby neighborhood and stuffed them in the back seat of her car. They rode around with them for a week. Sometime she can still see their faces staring at her from the rear view mirror.2. She reads the labels of almost all products and if she can't pronounce the name or doesn't recognize the ingredients, she won't buy it. Her house really is all natural.3. It took her one whole year and seventy-seven days to write The Bone Treaty.
LASTLY, sign up for my blog tour.
DO IT! (There will be cheese.)
Which is the lie? Have you had any epiphanies lately? Where do you find your greatest happiness? Doesn't The Bone Treaty sound great?
July 16, 2014
Catch Up
I'm playing catch up today. How about you? After an exciting first two days of cover reveal, I'm announcing the BLOG TOUR for SOULLESS.
SIGN UP FOR THE BLOG TOUR
Ready to win a book?
Last week, the fabulous Elizabeth Seckman shared BELLA'S POINT with us, along with two truths and one lie. Those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win her ebook. You can get a copy of her book HERE.
Elizabeth's game:
1. Elizabeth was a resident advisor at Marshall University.2. She is amazing at Call of Duty.3. The beach is her happy place.
And the lie is:
#2. Despite being a mom to four boys, she hasn't yet overtaken the world of Call of Duty.
Way to guess those of you who got it right! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Meradeth Houston!
Congrats, Meradeth!
NOT TO BREAK TRADITION, but I'm breaking tradition. No truth or lie today, but my giveaway this week continues from Monday. You don't have to guess a lie today to be entered! *gasp*
SOULLESS, Book 2 in the Maiden of Time trilogy
Alexia manipulated time to save the man of her dreams, and lost her best friend to red-eyed wraiths. Still grieving, she struggles to reconcile her loss with what was gained: her impending marriage. But when her wedding is destroyed by the Soulless—who then steal the only protection her people have—she’s forced to unleash her true power.
And risk losing everything.
COMING October 13, 2014
PREORDER your copy (and get TONZ of extras)orSign up for my newsletter to receive release news and freebies. (Seriously. I always give away awesome stuff with my newsletter.)
How would you like to win an eARC? (Advance Review Copy) Just tell me about your favorite supernatural creature in the comments below.
Oh, and to help celebrate, my publisher has put MOONLESS on sale now! (But get it quick. The price goes up on the 18th.)
So friendlies, what is your favorite supernatural creature? Are you into time manipulation? What's your favorite time-travel story? Are you catching up on anything today?
SIGN UP FOR THE BLOG TOUR
Ready to win a book?
Last week, the fabulous Elizabeth Seckman shared BELLA'S POINT with us, along with two truths and one lie. Those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win her ebook. You can get a copy of her book HERE.
Elizabeth's game:1. Elizabeth was a resident advisor at Marshall University.2. She is amazing at Call of Duty.3. The beach is her happy place.
And the lie is:
#2. Despite being a mom to four boys, she hasn't yet overtaken the world of Call of Duty.
Way to guess those of you who got it right! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Meradeth Houston!
Congrats, Meradeth!
NOT TO BREAK TRADITION, but I'm breaking tradition. No truth or lie today, but my giveaway this week continues from Monday. You don't have to guess a lie today to be entered! *gasp*
SOULLESS, Book 2 in the Maiden of Time trilogy
Alexia manipulated time to save the man of her dreams, and lost her best friend to red-eyed wraiths. Still grieving, she struggles to reconcile her loss with what was gained: her impending marriage. But when her wedding is destroyed by the Soulless—who then steal the only protection her people have—she’s forced to unleash her true power.And risk losing everything.
COMING October 13, 2014
PREORDER your copy (and get TONZ of extras)orSign up for my newsletter to receive release news and freebies. (Seriously. I always give away awesome stuff with my newsletter.)
How would you like to win an eARC? (Advance Review Copy) Just tell me about your favorite supernatural creature in the comments below.
Oh, and to help celebrate, my publisher has put MOONLESS on sale now! (But get it quick. The price goes up on the 18th.)
So friendlies, what is your favorite supernatural creature? Are you into time manipulation? What's your favorite time-travel story? Are you catching up on anything today?
July 14, 2014
My NEW Cover Reveal: SOULLESS (Win your copy)
IT'S FINALLY TIME TO SHARE MY GORGEOUS COVER!!!
Ahem, I may be just a little excited. (A tiny bit.)
Have you met the Soulless and Passionate? In the world of 1770 where supernatural beings mix with humanity, Alexia is playing a deadly game.
SOULLESS, Book 2 in the Maiden of Time trilogy
Alexia manipulated time to save the man of her dreams, and lost her best friend to red-eyed wraiths. Still grieving, she struggles to reconcile her loss with what was gained: her impending marriage. But when her wedding is destroyed by the Soulless—who then steal the only protection her people have—she’s forced to unleash her true power.
And risk losing everything.
What people are saying about this series:
"With a completely unique plot that keeps you guessing and interested, it brings you close to the characters, sympathizing with them and understanding their trials and tribulations." --SC, Amazon reviewer
"It's clean, classy and supernaturally packed with suspense, longing, intrigue and magic." --Jill Jennings, TX
"SWOON." --Sherlyn, Mermaid with a Book Reviewer
Crystal Collier is a young adult author who pens dark fantasy, historical, and romance hybrids. She can be found practicing her brother-induced ninja skills while teaching children or madly typing about fantastic and impossible creatures. She has lived from coast to coast and now calls Florida home with her creative husband, three littles, and “friend” (a.k.a. the zombie locked in her closet). Secretly, she dreams of world domination and a bottomless supply of cheese. You can find her on her blog and Facebook, or follow her on Twitter.
COMING October 13, 2014
PREORDER your copy (and get TONZ of extras)orSign up for Crystal Collier's newsletter to receive release news and freebies.
Lastly, SIGN UP FOR MY BLOG TOUR. =) (Please?)
How would you like to win an eARC? (Advance Review Copy) Just tell me about your favorite supernatural creature in the comments below. Have you read MOONLESS, book 1?
P.S. I'm over at Misha Gericke's place today discussing what makes a great cover. Come pitch in and tell us your opinion?
Ahem, I may be just a little excited. (A tiny bit.)
Have you met the Soulless and Passionate? In the world of 1770 where supernatural beings mix with humanity, Alexia is playing a deadly game.
SOULLESS, Book 2 in the Maiden of Time trilogy
Alexia manipulated time to save the man of her dreams, and lost her best friend to red-eyed wraiths. Still grieving, she struggles to reconcile her loss with what was gained: her impending marriage. But when her wedding is destroyed by the Soulless—who then steal the only protection her people have—she’s forced to unleash her true power.And risk losing everything.
What people are saying about this series:
"With a completely unique plot that keeps you guessing and interested, it brings you close to the characters, sympathizing with them and understanding their trials and tribulations." --SC, Amazon reviewer
"It's clean, classy and supernaturally packed with suspense, longing, intrigue and magic." --Jill Jennings, TX
"SWOON." --Sherlyn, Mermaid with a Book Reviewer
Crystal Collier is a young adult author who pens dark fantasy, historical, and romance hybrids. She can be found practicing her brother-induced ninja skills while teaching children or madly typing about fantastic and impossible creatures. She has lived from coast to coast and now calls Florida home with her creative husband, three littles, and “friend” (a.k.a. the zombie locked in her closet). Secretly, she dreams of world domination and a bottomless supply of cheese. You can find her on her blog and Facebook, or follow her on Twitter.COMING October 13, 2014
PREORDER your copy (and get TONZ of extras)orSign up for Crystal Collier's newsletter to receive release news and freebies.
Lastly, SIGN UP FOR MY BLOG TOUR. =) (Please?)
How would you like to win an eARC? (Advance Review Copy) Just tell me about your favorite supernatural creature in the comments below. Have you read MOONLESS, book 1?
P.S. I'm over at Misha Gericke's place today discussing what makes a great cover. Come pitch in and tell us your opinion?
July 9, 2014
Romance Eats Sand
Does 7-11 (July eleventh) have any significance to you?
I won't be blogging that day, but it's held a special place in my heart for 17 years. That's the day I met a wonderful man who keeps me laughing, fixes my computer when I do things like this
and tells me every day he loves me. We met while doing this:
SourceAnd have been doing this ever since:
SourceI love you, my Matthew!
(And now for those of you who love to chuckle, a volleyball fail.)
Ready to guess the lie and win a book?
Last week, the fabulous Ally Malinenko shared THIS IS SARAH with us, along with two truths and one lie. Those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win her ebook. You can get a copy of her book HERE.
Ally's game:
1. Ally fell off a waterfall in high school and cracked her skull open.
2. She was kicked out of the country of Monaco when she was 16 for "trespassing."
3. She's stepped foot on nearly every continent in the world.
And the lie is:
#3. Ally would desperately like that to be a truth, one day.
Way to guess those of you who got it right! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
J.L. Campbell!
Congrats J.L.!
And now to today's feature:
Isabella Troy Stanley
is a divorced, slave freeing pariah surviving in the shattered post Civil War south the only way a fallen debutante knows how.
She heads to a Yankee prison and buys herself a husband.
Jack Byron is the former Troy plantation stable boy and object of young Bella's affection. He rejected her then, and he's still not sold on the idea of marrying her now.
It’s complicated.
Though to Bella, it’s simple: make Jack love her, marry her, and live happily ever after. The plan seems to work...at least until her secret is revealed.
Get your copy on JULY 15th.
Elizabeth is a wife, a mom, and a writer. She has four wonderful boys, one dusty house, and three published books to her credit. Feel free to check them out and buy them HERE! Erm, the books, not the kids or the house...though all things in life are negotiable ;)
She loves too many cheeses to pick a favorite, but she'll take mozzarella in a stick at the beach any day.
You can find her here: Blog // Facebook // Twitter
Elizabeth gave me two truths and one lie to test your "lie detector" skills. Those who figure out the lie will go into my magic hat for the chance to win an eBook of BELLA'S POINT.
You have until Tuesday, July 15 (RELEASE DAY!!!), at 1 p.m. EDT to guess--and be sure to come back for the answer on July 16th.
TRUTH OR LIE
1. Elizabeth was a resident advisor at Marshall University.2. She is amazing at Call of Duty.3. The beach is her happy place.
Which is the lie? Is July 11th significant to you? Do you like volleyball? Are you as excited as me about Elizabeth's book? (And Ally's?)
I won't be blogging that day, but it's held a special place in my heart for 17 years. That's the day I met a wonderful man who keeps me laughing, fixes my computer when I do things like this
and tells me every day he loves me. We met while doing this:
SourceAnd have been doing this ever since:
SourceI love you, my Matthew!(And now for those of you who love to chuckle, a volleyball fail.)
Ready to guess the lie and win a book?
Last week, the fabulous Ally Malinenko shared THIS IS SARAH with us, along with two truths and one lie. Those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win her ebook. You can get a copy of her book HERE.
Ally's game:1. Ally fell off a waterfall in high school and cracked her skull open.
2. She was kicked out of the country of Monaco when she was 16 for "trespassing."
3. She's stepped foot on nearly every continent in the world.
And the lie is:
#3. Ally would desperately like that to be a truth, one day.
Way to guess those of you who got it right! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
J.L. Campbell!
Congrats J.L.!
And now to today's feature:
Isabella Troy Stanley
is a divorced, slave freeing pariah surviving in the shattered post Civil War south the only way a fallen debutante knows how.She heads to a Yankee prison and buys herself a husband.
Jack Byron is the former Troy plantation stable boy and object of young Bella's affection. He rejected her then, and he's still not sold on the idea of marrying her now.
It’s complicated.
Though to Bella, it’s simple: make Jack love her, marry her, and live happily ever after. The plan seems to work...at least until her secret is revealed.
Get your copy on JULY 15th.
Elizabeth is a wife, a mom, and a writer. She has four wonderful boys, one dusty house, and three published books to her credit. Feel free to check them out and buy them HERE! Erm, the books, not the kids or the house...though all things in life are negotiable ;)
She loves too many cheeses to pick a favorite, but she'll take mozzarella in a stick at the beach any day.
You can find her here: Blog // Facebook // Twitter
Elizabeth gave me two truths and one lie to test your "lie detector" skills. Those who figure out the lie will go into my magic hat for the chance to win an eBook of BELLA'S POINT.
You have until Tuesday, July 15 (RELEASE DAY!!!), at 1 p.m. EDT to guess--and be sure to come back for the answer on July 16th.
TRUTH OR LIE
1. Elizabeth was a resident advisor at Marshall University.2. She is amazing at Call of Duty.3. The beach is her happy place.
Which is the lie? Is July 11th significant to you? Do you like volleyball? Are you as excited as me about Elizabeth's book? (And Ally's?)
July 2, 2014
Don't Move My Cheese IWSG
IT'S MOVING DAY!!!
(Or it was two days ago and I may or may not have a functional internet connection.)
So how about some moving funnies, eh?
Is it just me, or is this guy moving a wedge of stinky cheese?
This is about how I feel right now. (Like the dog.) My insecurity this month is simple: will I lose my mind around this move? And will I be able to make any writing progress while wrangling the kids at our two month "vacation rental" while the new house is being built? Send some virtual love to keep me going, eh?
Ready to guess the lie and win a book?
Last week, the amazing Tara Tyler shared BROKEN BRANCH FALLS with us, along with two truths and one lie. Those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win her ebook.
Tara's game:
1. When Tara was young, she and her classmates would have recess in the snow and once made a dragon as long as the school.
2. When she was growing up, she and her family were the victims of burglars two times in two different houses.
3. When she was young, a huge St Bernard tackled her, causing her to be afraid of dogs.
And the lie is:
#1. The dragon they made was only half as long as the school, but it was huge! In Massachusetts, they had blizzard days rather than snow days and had to wear heavy layers to school and leave them in a big walk-in coat closet. Additional truth - Tara was once sent to the coat closet at school for laughing too loudly! She's always had a big mouth.
Way to guess those of you who got it right! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Hilary Melon-Butcher!
Congrats Hilary!
And now to today's feature:
When Colin Leventhal leaned out his bedroom window on the night of May 12th and said goodbye to his girlfriend, he never expected it would be forever. But when Sarah Evans goes missing that night, Colin's world unravels as he transforms from the boyfriend next door to the main police suspect. Then one year later, at her memorial service, Colin makes a phone call that could change everything. Is it possible that Sarah is still alive? And if so, how far will he go to bring her back?
As Colin struggles with this possibility, across the street, Sarah’s little sister, Claire learns how to navigate the strange new landscape of life without her sister. While her parents fall apart, Claire remains determined to keep going, even if it kills her.
THIS IS SARAH serves as a meditation on loss, love, and what it means to say goodbye.Get your copy on Friday.
Ally Malinenko is the author of the poetry collection, The Wanting Bone (Six Gallery Press) and the children’s fantasy Lizzy Speare and the CursedTomb (Antenna Books). She lives in Brooklyn with her husband.
Her favorite cheese is camembert and her favorite place to eat it is the Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris - which is also the only place she's eaten it. She's also cool with extra sharp cheddar and would even break her "no eating food on the subway" rule for it.
Ally gave me two truths and one lie to test your "lie detector" skills. Those who figure out the lie will go into my magic hat for the chance to win an eBook of THIS IS SARAH.
You have until Tuesday, July 8, at 1 p.m. EDT to guess--and be sure to come back for the answer on July 9.
TRUTH OR LIE
1. Ally fell off a waterfall in high school and cracked her skull open.2. She was kicked out of the country of Monaco when she was 16 for "trespassing."3. She's stepped foot on nearly every continent in the world.
Which is the lie? What's your favorite/least favorite part about moving? What's the best place you've ever lived? Have you ever made a snow dragon? Do you read tear-jerkers?
(Or it was two days ago and I may or may not have a functional internet connection.)
So how about some moving funnies, eh?
Is it just me, or is this guy moving a wedge of stinky cheese?
This is about how I feel right now. (Like the dog.) My insecurity this month is simple: will I lose my mind around this move? And will I be able to make any writing progress while wrangling the kids at our two month "vacation rental" while the new house is being built? Send some virtual love to keep me going, eh?
Ready to guess the lie and win a book?
Last week, the amazing Tara Tyler shared BROKEN BRANCH FALLS with us, along with two truths and one lie. Those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win her ebook.
Tara's game:1. When Tara was young, she and her classmates would have recess in the snow and once made a dragon as long as the school.
2. When she was growing up, she and her family were the victims of burglars two times in two different houses.
3. When she was young, a huge St Bernard tackled her, causing her to be afraid of dogs.
And the lie is:
#1. The dragon they made was only half as long as the school, but it was huge! In Massachusetts, they had blizzard days rather than snow days and had to wear heavy layers to school and leave them in a big walk-in coat closet. Additional truth - Tara was once sent to the coat closet at school for laughing too loudly! She's always had a big mouth.
Way to guess those of you who got it right! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Hilary Melon-Butcher!
Congrats Hilary!
And now to today's feature:
When Colin Leventhal leaned out his bedroom window on the night of May 12th and said goodbye to his girlfriend, he never expected it would be forever. But when Sarah Evans goes missing that night, Colin's world unravels as he transforms from the boyfriend next door to the main police suspect. Then one year later, at her memorial service, Colin makes a phone call that could change everything. Is it possible that Sarah is still alive? And if so, how far will he go to bring her back? As Colin struggles with this possibility, across the street, Sarah’s little sister, Claire learns how to navigate the strange new landscape of life without her sister. While her parents fall apart, Claire remains determined to keep going, even if it kills her.
THIS IS SARAH serves as a meditation on loss, love, and what it means to say goodbye.Get your copy on Friday.
Ally Malinenko is the author of the poetry collection, The Wanting Bone (Six Gallery Press) and the children’s fantasy Lizzy Speare and the CursedTomb (Antenna Books). She lives in Brooklyn with her husband.
Her favorite cheese is camembert and her favorite place to eat it is the Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris - which is also the only place she's eaten it. She's also cool with extra sharp cheddar and would even break her "no eating food on the subway" rule for it.
Ally gave me two truths and one lie to test your "lie detector" skills. Those who figure out the lie will go into my magic hat for the chance to win an eBook of THIS IS SARAH.
You have until Tuesday, July 8, at 1 p.m. EDT to guess--and be sure to come back for the answer on July 9.
TRUTH OR LIE
1. Ally fell off a waterfall in high school and cracked her skull open.2. She was kicked out of the country of Monaco when she was 16 for "trespassing."3. She's stepped foot on nearly every continent in the world.
Which is the lie? What's your favorite/least favorite part about moving? What's the best place you've ever lived? Have you ever made a snow dragon? Do you read tear-jerkers?
June 25, 2014
Awards for Me=Awards for You
Friendlies! As I am want to do, I've stored up a couple awards/whatevers and now it's time to unload.
#1 To the AMAZING and so personable Janie Junebug, thank you for the Versatile Blogger!
I'm supposed nominate 15 bloggers I've discovered recently or follow, and then tell seven random things about myself. (To come.) Nominations are hard when I've got so many AMAZING bloggy pals, but even if I didn't nominate you, I wanted to. Congrats to:
1. S.P. Bowers who relaxes me with her laid back background every time I visit. (And her great words too.)
2. Michelle! Who is easily one of the nicest, wittiest people I know. (Check out her A to Z Challenge!)
3. Meradeth Houston who not only inspires me with her amazing book reviews, but that woman is unstoppable. Seriously. She's a brain and a go-getter.
4. Liz Blocker, who must the be the most tolerant person in the world to let me butt heads with her, and still call me a friend.
5. River Fairchild. I totally die over her amazing book covers, and she's such a gracious blogger.
6. H.R. Sinclair. Her posts are fascinating, bursting with great info, and always worth dropping in for.
7. Keith, my optimistic buddy who muses about this strange world and always brings a smile to my face.
8. Jennifer L. Hawes--one of my favorite newer blogging buddies. She admits a fear of technology, but she's doing awesome where blogging is concerned.
9. Stephanie Faris, who writes to influence young minds for the best. She's amazing.
10. Kristin Smith. *squeal* She's probably new newest blogging bestie, and not just because she raved about my book. (Although that might have some sway... Love you, Kristin!) From her sense of design to the words she types, this gal is epic.
11. Krystal Jane. I seriously want to high five this woman after every post. She's a writer after my own heart.
12. Jenni Enzor. I just love Jenni, and that's all there is to say. She's awesome. Like cheese.
13. Kathy Combs who must be THE most supportive blogger I've ever met. This woman shares EVERYTHING with the world. You rock, Kathy!
14. Juliette who has me busting a gut every time I stop by. Unless she's got me crying. I wonder why this woman isn't pursuing a career because she sure knows how to make you feel through the written word.
15. Sia Mckye who must be the MOST professional looking blogger I know, yet she always condescends to visit me.
I was also tagged in the My Writing Process hop thinger by S.A. Larsen (thank you, lady of awesomeness!) and so I'm going to mix the two up a bit by sharing 4 answers about my writing process, then adding 3 random things about me--to finish off the Versatile Blogger.
My Writing Process:
What am I working on now?
BELLEZZA: a serial story. TIMELESS: book 3 in the Maiden of Time trilogy.
How does my book differ from others within its genre?
You've never met the Soulless or Passionate before, and you've certainly never met them in the 1760's of England--not unless you've read Moonless. I wanted a modern feel or voice (for paranormal) mixed into a time period that oppressed women's rights, importance, and value. How else could a female protagonist truly shine?
Why do I write what I do?
Initially, I started writing because I was suffering. I'd torture my characters and make their lives ten times more miserable than mine--so I could count my blessings. My stories have always been about people in unfair circumstances, societies or plagued with tragedy, who eventually overcoming.
How does my writing process work?
I start with a dream, pen what I dreamed, then leave it. While the story is sitting, my subconscious works through plot, character, etc, and when I come back to it, I plot loosely, followed by steady writing over the course of one to three months (to orchestral music), then months and months of editing, critique partners, beta readers, and finally my editor.
What's your writing process like?
NEXT UP ON THE WRITING PROCESS TOUR: Misha Gericke, Robyn Elana Engle, & Madeline Jane.
My 3 additional random facts...
1. I can quote Serenity almost as fluently as The Princess Bride.
2. We don't have pets, but we do have a pet ficus tree--that we've named Benjamin.
3. I got my first patch of white hair--stress induced--when I was 23 from coordinating Girl's Camp.
Ready to guess the lie and win a book?
Last week, the fabulous Melissa Maygrove shared COME BACK with us, along with two truths and one lie. Those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win her either a signed print or ebook.
Melissa's game:
1. Melissa has touched a real piranha--even its sharp little teeth.
2. Somewhere out there in the world, there's an orchid named after her.3. She absolutely, totally and completely hates broccoli.
And the lie is:
#3. Melissa loves broccoli, especially lightly steamed. She likes brussel sprouts, too. She actually touched a piranha, but it was a stuffed one her dad brought back from one of his trips to South America, and her dad used to raise and crossbreed orchids. The name 'Melissa Ann' was taken, so he registered his prized hybrid as 'Phalaenopsis Prissy Missy.'
Way to guess those of you who got it right! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Carol Kilgore!
Congrats Carol!
And now to today's feature:
Gabe is an average fifteen-year-old goblin. He’s in the marching band, breezes through calculus, and gets picked on daily by the other kids at school, especially the ogres. He's tired of being a goblin – he’d like to try other things. And he has his eye on the new ogress at school. It’s against all beastly rules, but there’s just something about her.
When a prank goes wrong, Gabe is forced to join the football team as punishment, but finds a way to make it work. Soon the whole school is getting in on the fad of mingling with other species. Too bad the adults decide to step in and ruin things, threatening to destroy the school and split up Broken Branch Falls. And Gabe is their scapegoat. With help from other outcast friends, Gabe sets out on a quest hoping to saving Broken Branch Falls. After all this trouble, it better work.
Get your copy HERE.
Tara Tyler has had a hand at everything from waitressing to rocket engineering. After living up and down the Eastern US, she now writes and teaches math in Ohio with her three active boys and Coach Husband. Currently, she has two series, The Cooper Chronicles (techno-thriller detective capers) and Beast World (MG fantasy) She's an adventure writer who believes every good story should have action, a moral, and a few laughs!
Her favorite cheese is baby swiss and I like to eat it rolled up with roast beef - a great low-carb/hi-protein snack!
Also by Tara Tyler, techno-thriller detective series:The Cooper Chronicles, Book One: POP TRAVEL
a Rafflecopter giveawayTara gave me two truths and one lie to test your "lie detector" skills. Those who figure out the lie will go into my magic hat for the chance to win an eBook of BROKEN BRANCH FALLS.
You have until Tuesday, July 1, at 1 p.m. EDT to guess--and be sure to come back for the answer on July 2.
TRUTH OR LIE
1. When Tara was young, she and her classmates would have recess in the snow and once made a dragon as long as the school.
2. When she was growing up, she and her family were the victims of burglars two times in two different houses.
3. When she was young, a huge St Bernard tackled her, causing her to be afraid of dogs.
Which is the lie? What's your writing process like? Have you ever dealt with bullies?
#1 To the AMAZING and so personable Janie Junebug, thank you for the Versatile Blogger!
I'm supposed nominate 15 bloggers I've discovered recently or follow, and then tell seven random things about myself. (To come.) Nominations are hard when I've got so many AMAZING bloggy pals, but even if I didn't nominate you, I wanted to. Congrats to:
1. S.P. Bowers who relaxes me with her laid back background every time I visit. (And her great words too.)
2. Michelle! Who is easily one of the nicest, wittiest people I know. (Check out her A to Z Challenge!)
3. Meradeth Houston who not only inspires me with her amazing book reviews, but that woman is unstoppable. Seriously. She's a brain and a go-getter.
4. Liz Blocker, who must the be the most tolerant person in the world to let me butt heads with her, and still call me a friend.
5. River Fairchild. I totally die over her amazing book covers, and she's such a gracious blogger.
6. H.R. Sinclair. Her posts are fascinating, bursting with great info, and always worth dropping in for.
7. Keith, my optimistic buddy who muses about this strange world and always brings a smile to my face.
8. Jennifer L. Hawes--one of my favorite newer blogging buddies. She admits a fear of technology, but she's doing awesome where blogging is concerned.
9. Stephanie Faris, who writes to influence young minds for the best. She's amazing.
10. Kristin Smith. *squeal* She's probably new newest blogging bestie, and not just because she raved about my book. (Although that might have some sway... Love you, Kristin!) From her sense of design to the words she types, this gal is epic.
11. Krystal Jane. I seriously want to high five this woman after every post. She's a writer after my own heart.
12. Jenni Enzor. I just love Jenni, and that's all there is to say. She's awesome. Like cheese.
13. Kathy Combs who must be THE most supportive blogger I've ever met. This woman shares EVERYTHING with the world. You rock, Kathy!
14. Juliette who has me busting a gut every time I stop by. Unless she's got me crying. I wonder why this woman isn't pursuing a career because she sure knows how to make you feel through the written word.
15. Sia Mckye who must be the MOST professional looking blogger I know, yet she always condescends to visit me.
I was also tagged in the My Writing Process hop thinger by S.A. Larsen (thank you, lady of awesomeness!) and so I'm going to mix the two up a bit by sharing 4 answers about my writing process, then adding 3 random things about me--to finish off the Versatile Blogger.My Writing Process:
What am I working on now?
BELLEZZA: a serial story. TIMELESS: book 3 in the Maiden of Time trilogy.
How does my book differ from others within its genre?
You've never met the Soulless or Passionate before, and you've certainly never met them in the 1760's of England--not unless you've read Moonless. I wanted a modern feel or voice (for paranormal) mixed into a time period that oppressed women's rights, importance, and value. How else could a female protagonist truly shine?
Why do I write what I do?
Initially, I started writing because I was suffering. I'd torture my characters and make their lives ten times more miserable than mine--so I could count my blessings. My stories have always been about people in unfair circumstances, societies or plagued with tragedy, who eventually overcoming.
How does my writing process work?
I start with a dream, pen what I dreamed, then leave it. While the story is sitting, my subconscious works through plot, character, etc, and when I come back to it, I plot loosely, followed by steady writing over the course of one to three months (to orchestral music), then months and months of editing, critique partners, beta readers, and finally my editor.
What's your writing process like?
NEXT UP ON THE WRITING PROCESS TOUR: Misha Gericke, Robyn Elana Engle, & Madeline Jane.
My 3 additional random facts...
1. I can quote Serenity almost as fluently as The Princess Bride.
2. We don't have pets, but we do have a pet ficus tree--that we've named Benjamin.
3. I got my first patch of white hair--stress induced--when I was 23 from coordinating Girl's Camp.
Ready to guess the lie and win a book?
Last week, the fabulous Melissa Maygrove shared COME BACK with us, along with two truths and one lie. Those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win her either a signed print or ebook.
Melissa's game:
1. Melissa has touched a real piranha--even its sharp little teeth.
2. Somewhere out there in the world, there's an orchid named after her.3. She absolutely, totally and completely hates broccoli.
And the lie is:
#3. Melissa loves broccoli, especially lightly steamed. She likes brussel sprouts, too. She actually touched a piranha, but it was a stuffed one her dad brought back from one of his trips to South America, and her dad used to raise and crossbreed orchids. The name 'Melissa Ann' was taken, so he registered his prized hybrid as 'Phalaenopsis Prissy Missy.'
Way to guess those of you who got it right! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Carol Kilgore!
Congrats Carol!
And now to today's feature:
Gabe is an average fifteen-year-old goblin. He’s in the marching band, breezes through calculus, and gets picked on daily by the other kids at school, especially the ogres. He's tired of being a goblin – he’d like to try other things. And he has his eye on the new ogress at school. It’s against all beastly rules, but there’s just something about her.When a prank goes wrong, Gabe is forced to join the football team as punishment, but finds a way to make it work. Soon the whole school is getting in on the fad of mingling with other species. Too bad the adults decide to step in and ruin things, threatening to destroy the school and split up Broken Branch Falls. And Gabe is their scapegoat. With help from other outcast friends, Gabe sets out on a quest hoping to saving Broken Branch Falls. After all this trouble, it better work.
Get your copy HERE.
Tara Tyler has had a hand at everything from waitressing to rocket engineering. After living up and down the Eastern US, she now writes and teaches math in Ohio with her three active boys and Coach Husband. Currently, she has two series, The Cooper Chronicles (techno-thriller detective capers) and Beast World (MG fantasy) She's an adventure writer who believes every good story should have action, a moral, and a few laughs!
Her favorite cheese is baby swiss and I like to eat it rolled up with roast beef - a great low-carb/hi-protein snack!
Also by Tara Tyler, techno-thriller detective series:The Cooper Chronicles, Book One: POP TRAVEL
a Rafflecopter giveawayTara gave me two truths and one lie to test your "lie detector" skills. Those who figure out the lie will go into my magic hat for the chance to win an eBook of BROKEN BRANCH FALLS.
You have until Tuesday, July 1, at 1 p.m. EDT to guess--and be sure to come back for the answer on July 2.
TRUTH OR LIE
1. When Tara was young, she and her classmates would have recess in the snow and once made a dragon as long as the school.
2. When she was growing up, she and her family were the victims of burglars two times in two different houses.
3. When she was young, a huge St Bernard tackled her, causing her to be afraid of dogs.
Which is the lie? What's your writing process like? Have you ever dealt with bullies?
June 18, 2014
Torturing Characters into Giving Away Books
Do you like tortured/torturing characters?
As I wrap up final edits on my sequel, I'm struggling with all the horrible things I've put my characters through. I mean, their lives were difficult enough before, right? My editor cried--and it's not just because she's pregnant. (Although that may have had something to do with it...) But seriously, I wonder sometimes if tearing people down so far is just cruel and uncalled for.
At the same time, it's all about extremes. Those who suffer the hardest blows and hit rock bottom have the possibility of soaring to amazing heights. And who can appreciate the perspective more than someone whose nose has been mashed into the grime?
I think that's one of the things I struggle with most in life--watching people suffer. My kids. My hubby. Friends. I just want them to be happy. But then, I know from personal experience that happiness springs from overcoming trials, and the greater the struggle, the greater the joy.
Speaking of joy...
It's your last chance to get in on the
cover reveal. (Book 2 in the Maiden of Time Trilogy July 14-19.)Sign up HERE.
Ready to guess the lie and win a book?
Last week, the fabulous Kimber Leigh Wheaton shared SHADOW FIRE with us, along with two truths and one lie. Those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win her eBook AND two different bookmarks.
Kimber Leigh's game:
1. When she was nine, Kimber Leigh made it through several call backs auditioning for the Broadway show Annie.
2. She won third place is a city-wide Super Mario Bros. video game contest when she was a teenager.3. While in college, she spent a summer playing Ariel, the Little Mermaid, at Disneyland.
And the lie is:
#3. Kimber Leigh did audition and made it most of the way through the interview process before for Disneyland before she backed out. Those poor princesses don’t make enough money to justify wearing 20 lbs of makeup in 90 degree weather, while being manhandled by kids.
The upside of being Ariel: you get carried everywhere, 'cause she has a tail. The downside, the costume is rather skimpy up top.
Annoying fact: one interviewer worried she might be too pale (she's a natural redhead) and could appear sickly to some guests. They weren’t planning to cover her entire body in makeup, just her face. And she happens to like herself the way she is, sickly pale and all. (Jerkfaces!)
So ultimately she decided to do summer school at UCSB rather than the stint at Disneyland, and she thinks she made the right decision. It was one WILD summer!
Way to guess those of you who got it right! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Krystal Jane!
Congrats Krystal!
And now to today's feature:
Sometimes a single choice alters the course of a person's life forever.
Left behind by everyone she loves...
Rebecca Garvey had the promise of a California future dreams are made of, until the wagon train her family was traveling with left her behind. Now she’s slowly dying in the wilderness, abandoned and stripped of her self-worth. Once the shock of her desertion turns to embittered despair, she doesn’t want to be found. Then a handsome stranger challenges her convictions and changes her mind.
Headed for Texas, chased by the demons of his past...
Seth Emerson knows exactly what he wants. Working to save for a cattle ranch of his own keeps him busy and keeps his pain buried. Rescuing a stubborn woman from the hills of New Mexico Territory isn’t part of his plan—but she’s exactly what he needs.
Making greater sacrifices than either of them could foresee...
Seth and Rebecca set off on a risky journey and a quest for truth, each healing the other’s love-starved soul along the way. Will they give in to their growing attraction? Or will they honor their commitments when Seth returns Rebecca to civilization... and her betrothed?
Pick up your copy HERE.
Now let me introduce you to the incredible author:
Native Texan Melissa Maygrove is a wife, mother, nurse, freelance editor, and romance writer. When she's not busy caring for her tiny nursery patients or shuttling teenagers back and forth to after-school activities, she's hunched over her laptop, complicating the lives of her imaginary friends and playing matchmaker. Melissa loves books with unpretentious characters and unforgettable romance, and she strives to create those same kinds of stories for her readers.
She loves grated cheddar on top of homemade macaroni and cheese, all golden brown and bubbly.
Melissa gave me two truths and one lie to test your "lie detector" skills. Those who figure out the lie will go into my magic hat for the chance to win a signed paperback copy of COME BACK (US only) OR a signed eBook (for an international winner).
You have until Tuesday, June 24, at 1 p.m. EDT to guess--and be sure to come back for the answer on June 25.
TRUTH OR LIE
1. Melissa has touched a real piranha--even its sharp little teeth.
2. Somewhere out there in the world, there's an orchid named after her.
3. She absolutely, totally and completely hates broccoli.
Which is the lie? What are your feelings on people suffering? Wasn't that cool getting some insight into the whole Disneyland experience? Doesn't Melissa's book sound awesome?
As I wrap up final edits on my sequel, I'm struggling with all the horrible things I've put my characters through. I mean, their lives were difficult enough before, right? My editor cried--and it's not just because she's pregnant. (Although that may have had something to do with it...) But seriously, I wonder sometimes if tearing people down so far is just cruel and uncalled for.
At the same time, it's all about extremes. Those who suffer the hardest blows and hit rock bottom have the possibility of soaring to amazing heights. And who can appreciate the perspective more than someone whose nose has been mashed into the grime?
I think that's one of the things I struggle with most in life--watching people suffer. My kids. My hubby. Friends. I just want them to be happy. But then, I know from personal experience that happiness springs from overcoming trials, and the greater the struggle, the greater the joy.
Speaking of joy...
It's your last chance to get in on the
cover reveal. (Book 2 in the Maiden of Time Trilogy July 14-19.)Sign up HERE.
Ready to guess the lie and win a book?
Last week, the fabulous Kimber Leigh Wheaton shared SHADOW FIRE with us, along with two truths and one lie. Those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win her eBook AND two different bookmarks.
Kimber Leigh's game:
1. When she was nine, Kimber Leigh made it through several call backs auditioning for the Broadway show Annie.
2. She won third place is a city-wide Super Mario Bros. video game contest when she was a teenager.3. While in college, she spent a summer playing Ariel, the Little Mermaid, at Disneyland.
And the lie is:
#3. Kimber Leigh did audition and made it most of the way through the interview process before for Disneyland before she backed out. Those poor princesses don’t make enough money to justify wearing 20 lbs of makeup in 90 degree weather, while being manhandled by kids.
The upside of being Ariel: you get carried everywhere, 'cause she has a tail. The downside, the costume is rather skimpy up top.
Annoying fact: one interviewer worried she might be too pale (she's a natural redhead) and could appear sickly to some guests. They weren’t planning to cover her entire body in makeup, just her face. And she happens to like herself the way she is, sickly pale and all. (Jerkfaces!)
So ultimately she decided to do summer school at UCSB rather than the stint at Disneyland, and she thinks she made the right decision. It was one WILD summer!
Way to guess those of you who got it right! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Krystal Jane!
Congrats Krystal!
And now to today's feature:
Sometimes a single choice alters the course of a person's life forever.
Left behind by everyone she loves...
Rebecca Garvey had the promise of a California future dreams are made of, until the wagon train her family was traveling with left her behind. Now she’s slowly dying in the wilderness, abandoned and stripped of her self-worth. Once the shock of her desertion turns to embittered despair, she doesn’t want to be found. Then a handsome stranger challenges her convictions and changes her mind.
Headed for Texas, chased by the demons of his past...
Seth Emerson knows exactly what he wants. Working to save for a cattle ranch of his own keeps him busy and keeps his pain buried. Rescuing a stubborn woman from the hills of New Mexico Territory isn’t part of his plan—but she’s exactly what he needs.
Making greater sacrifices than either of them could foresee...
Seth and Rebecca set off on a risky journey and a quest for truth, each healing the other’s love-starved soul along the way. Will they give in to their growing attraction? Or will they honor their commitments when Seth returns Rebecca to civilization... and her betrothed?
Pick up your copy HERE.
Now let me introduce you to the incredible author:
Native Texan Melissa Maygrove is a wife, mother, nurse, freelance editor, and romance writer. When she's not busy caring for her tiny nursery patients or shuttling teenagers back and forth to after-school activities, she's hunched over her laptop, complicating the lives of her imaginary friends and playing matchmaker. Melissa loves books with unpretentious characters and unforgettable romance, and she strives to create those same kinds of stories for her readers.She loves grated cheddar on top of homemade macaroni and cheese, all golden brown and bubbly.
Melissa gave me two truths and one lie to test your "lie detector" skills. Those who figure out the lie will go into my magic hat for the chance to win a signed paperback copy of COME BACK (US only) OR a signed eBook (for an international winner).
You have until Tuesday, June 24, at 1 p.m. EDT to guess--and be sure to come back for the answer on June 25.
TRUTH OR LIE
1. Melissa has touched a real piranha--even its sharp little teeth.
2. Somewhere out there in the world, there's an orchid named after her.
3. She absolutely, totally and completely hates broccoli.
Which is the lie? What are your feelings on people suffering? Wasn't that cool getting some insight into the whole Disneyland experience? Doesn't Melissa's book sound awesome?
June 15, 2014
Paperclips, Tomatoes, and Fathers
I've got news! We're moving. Yuppers. We sold our house and are packing like maniacs to get out of here on time. Because of that, I don't have a brain left, so I invited a very special friend here to share her thoughts for Father's Day.
Take it away Kelley Hicken!
I know a man who repaired a broken windshield wiper in the middle of a hailstorm with nothing but a paperclip. While his ingenuity earned him the title “MacGyver,” the memory that stands out most is his calm endurance. I call this man Dad, and he has taught me that I can be at peace even when life’s storms are pummeling me.
I know a man who always grew the first ripe tomato in the neighborhood. He had a sixth sense for what it means to nurture and reap a bountiful harvest. I saw it in his garden as well as his devotion to his family. I call this man Grandpa, and he taught me that what I give attention to will grow – whether that be a tomato plant, an idea or a relationship.
I know a man who impregnated his then 15-year-old girlfriend. After agonizing over the decision, he agreed to place the child for adoption. He later went on to serve in the military and continues to work to be a good example to his son. This man is my adopted son’s birth father. He taught me that being a parent means letting go of my selfish desires to provide the best opportunities for my kids, even when it hurts.
I know a boy who will someday become a father. He has an overwhelming love for all people, and has shown me what it means to love someone more than myself. Because of him, now I know how my dad feels about me. I call this boy my son, and he has awoken me to a sense of global responsibility because I want the world to be a better place for him.
I know a man who reads books on how to be a gentleman. That says everything you need to know about his values. I am eternally blessed to call this man my husband, and he teaches me that every small decision we make shapes our character. It’s never too late to be kinder, healthier, or to achieve our dreams.
To all the men out there who influence others in a positive way – thank you.
Happy Father’s Day!
Kelley Hicken recently published Bojo the Boogery Bugger, a picture book about a cat who is allergic to everything. However, her deepest love for writing centers on YA fantasy, and her current (never-ending) novel might actually kill her. She thrives in the gorgeous Pacific Northwest with her husband and two kids.
Do you have an wonderful memory of a father you'd like to share? Who are you celebrating today?
Take it away Kelley Hicken!
I know a man who repaired a broken windshield wiper in the middle of a hailstorm with nothing but a paperclip. While his ingenuity earned him the title “MacGyver,” the memory that stands out most is his calm endurance. I call this man Dad, and he has taught me that I can be at peace even when life’s storms are pummeling me.
I know a man who always grew the first ripe tomato in the neighborhood. He had a sixth sense for what it means to nurture and reap a bountiful harvest. I saw it in his garden as well as his devotion to his family. I call this man Grandpa, and he taught me that what I give attention to will grow – whether that be a tomato plant, an idea or a relationship.I know a man who impregnated his then 15-year-old girlfriend. After agonizing over the decision, he agreed to place the child for adoption. He later went on to serve in the military and continues to work to be a good example to his son. This man is my adopted son’s birth father. He taught me that being a parent means letting go of my selfish desires to provide the best opportunities for my kids, even when it hurts.
I know a boy who will someday become a father. He has an overwhelming love for all people, and has shown me what it means to love someone more than myself. Because of him, now I know how my dad feels about me. I call this boy my son, and he has awoken me to a sense of global responsibility because I want the world to be a better place for him.
I know a man who reads books on how to be a gentleman. That says everything you need to know about his values. I am eternally blessed to call this man my husband, and he teaches me that every small decision we make shapes our character. It’s never too late to be kinder, healthier, or to achieve our dreams.
To all the men out there who influence others in a positive way – thank you.
Happy Father’s Day!
Kelley Hicken recently published Bojo the Boogery Bugger, a picture book about a cat who is allergic to everything. However, her deepest love for writing centers on YA fantasy, and her current (never-ending) novel might actually kill her. She thrives in the gorgeous Pacific Northwest with her husband and two kids. Do you have an wonderful memory of a father you'd like to share? Who are you celebrating today?
