Crystal Collier's Blog, page 17

Deep Thoughts for a Wednesday...Plus FREE STUFF

I don't know about you, but I'm in the mood for some deep thoughts:


And now that we have that out of the way...

GUESS WHAT?!? I was asked to contribute to a really awesome SUPER HERO anthology, and you can get your hands on it
FOR FREE.(Soon to be free on Amazon.)

Heroes of PHENOMENA is a global, cross-industry collaborative campaign encouraging the next generation of authors, artists & musicians! 

Epic motion picture advertising music production house, audiomachine, will make a donation to the Los Angeles Youth Orchestra with every download of the PHENOMENA album companion collection. 

A dedicated youth section showcases talented aspiring artists and authors from Elevate’s Life & Art Studios, alongside inspiring industry professionals and the winning entries of PHENOMENA's Epic Heroes Event!

Contributing authors include Darynda Jones, Amy Michele, Susan Kaye Quinn, M. Pax, Jessica Bell, Alex J. Cavanaugh, Crystal Collier (That's me!!!), C. Lee McKenzie, Ruth Long, & Samantha Redstreake Geary.

Yuppers. Is that epic or what?


Ready to guess the lie and win a book? 
Last week, the fashionable Anna Soliveres shared VIOLET STORM 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.
Anna's game:

1. Anna is an accomplished vocal performer.
2. She was a Police Cadet.
3. She had nine different jobs while in college.
And the lie is: 
#1. Anna says sadly, she is not an accomplished singer, but she swears she sounds AMAZING…alone in her bathroom…and in her head when she's not singing out loud. 

Way to guess those of you who got it right! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...

Melanie Crouse!
Congrats Melanie! 

And now to today's feature:
Ashlyn – a free-spirited teenager whose peaceful life is shattered when the village elders honor her with a perilous quest to recover a stolen relic.
Zane – a jaded mercenary, torn by his undeniable desire for Ashlyn and the dark secret that could make her hate him forever.
Delistaire – a malevolent sorcerer driven by an insatiable lust for power.
All three are bound together by an ancient relic supposedly infused with the power of a Goddess.
Shadow Fire – adventure, passion, secrets, and betrayal
As Ashlyn and Zane race to stay one step ahead of the evil lurking in the shadows, their passions are ignited and their bond strengthens. But will they find the relic before Delistaire? Or has their entire quest been orchestrated from the very beginning by a madman in pursuit of ultimate power?

Each installment of the Light Chronicles is a standalone story.
Pick up your copy HERE.
Now let me introduce you to the incredible author: 
Kimber Leigh Wheaton is a bestselling YA/NA author with a soft spot for sweet romance. She is married to her soul mate, has a teenage son, and shares her home with three dogs, four cats, and lots of dragons. No, she doesn’t live on a farm, she just loves animals. Kimber Leigh is addicted to romance, videogames, superheroes, villains, and chocolate—not necessarily in that order. (If she has to choose, she’ll take a chocolate covered superhero!) She currently lives in San Antonio, TX but has been somewhat a rolling stone in life, having resided in several different cities and states.

She is a cheese-aholic. (After my own heart.) Her favorite is Colby Jack—doesn’t have to be sliced, a giant chunk will do. She enjoys eating it curled up in bed watching TV or a movie. 
Kimber Leigh 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 SHADOW FIRE (open internationally), and two bookmarks (US and Canada only). 

You have until Tuesday, June 17, at 1 p.m. EDT to guess--and be sure to come back for the answer on June 18.
TRUTH OR LIE
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. 

Which is the lie? Do you have any deep thoughts to add? Do you love stories about superheroes (and did you pick up your free copy)? 

The Long Game

Playing the Long Game
Are you a distance runner or a sprinter? Once, many many years ago (before I knew I had asthma) I ran track. Many of my friends were in it for the sprint. I could do the short runs, and I tied with the fastest girl on our team, but where I really excelled was in distance. It wasn't because I was fast, it was because I knew how to set a pace and stick to it.

As I get older I've noticed the people who seem to succeed in life are the ones who have figured out the long game.

So how does that apply to writing, and what the heck does it have to do with being insecure?

Diagram AWell, I write in the long term. My debut novel is part of a trilogy which is a partner series to two others trilogies that all tie up together in a capstone series. (See diagram A, for Amazingly Insane.) Yes, we're talking 10 to 12 books. Because there's so much story, it's impossible to tell all of it in a single book, or even a single series, and this is where the pacing comes in.

Now the insecurity. There is a TON of world/character building that goes into a project like this. SO MUCH. When beta readers (or my editor) come back and ask certain things I reply, "Do you want to be surprised in the next book, or do you want me to spoil it for you?" I guess it all comes down to impatience. I want to scream, "Dude, I've got reasons for EVERYTHING and you are going to freak out when you learn them!" But I can't. Nope. I have to sit back and grimace because I can see the long game, but I'm the only one. On the flip side, I'm constantly biting my nails as to whether I should have given away more. How do we reconcile and find a balance?



Ready to meet a new author and enter to win an amazing book? 
Last week, the spunky Sheena-Kay Graham shared SACRIFICE HER 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 a book of their choice from the grab pool.
Sheena-kay's game:

1. Sheena-kay has written song lyrics but can’t sing at all.2. She won a three legged race against her brother at a family picnic.3. She thinks it's creepy burying someone at sea without permission, even if it’s a terrorist.
And the lie is: 
#2. Sheena-kay says, one, she doesn't do running, and two, she wished she had family picnics.

Way to guess those of you who got it right! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...

Catherine Stine!
Congrats Catherine! 

And now to today's feature:
I am a champion athlete with all the skills of a fighter. I should have been untouchable.
A brilliant surgeon known for his invention of Modi’s—the only cure for the deadly disease, vaincre—has gone rogue with his experiments, and the Monarchy is desperate to shut him down. That's where Aeva Storm comes in, a champion athlete with an ego to match. Aeva is the surgeon's secret weapon against the Monarchy. And they'll never know what hit them. After reconstructing her body to become a Modi unlike any he's ever created, Aeva is forced into a fight against all odds. She'll have to break loyalties, hurt family, and turn her back on newly awakened love. Thousands of lives hang in the balance in a battle that will set forth a new era.
Join Aeva on her quest to see whether she's got what it takes to go up against the most powerful humans ever created.
Pick up your copy HERE.
Now let me introduce you to this fashionable and very kind author: 
Anna Soliveres has always been a storyteller but it wasn't until her early twenties when she began writing novel length works. The result was an enthusiasm to get better at the craft until her work could be shared with the world. Releasing in March 2014, Violet Storm is her debut novel. Anna is currently working on another young adult science fiction series, titled Snow Dolls, set to release in late 2014.

Her favorite cheese is goat cheese (with jam) and you can find her eating it outdoors on a picnic blanket with a glass of wine.


AND IT'S HER BIRTHDAY!!!(Wish her happy birthday, eh?)

Anna 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 to win an eBook of VIOLET STORM. 

You have until Tuesday, June 10, at 1 p.m. EDT to guess--and be sure to come back for the answer on June 11.
TRUTH OR LIE
1. Anna is an accomplished vocal performer.
2. She was a Police Cadet.
3. She had nine different jobs while in college.

Help me with the cover reveal (book 2 in the Maiden of Time Trilogy)  July 14-19. Sign up HERE. (This is just a logo.)

OH! And I should mention, the first page of SOULLESS is up for review/critique today @
Dianne Slerni's place&Mainewords
Pop in and voice your opinion, eh? 

Which is the lie? Doesn't the concept for Anna's book sound fabulous? Are you a distance runner? What long game are you working toward? Are you insecure about projects you're working on? Oh hey, and wish Anna a great birthday, eh? 

Sacrifice a Faery to the Hunger Games, and a Giveaway

Are you up for a laugh? (Aka, some cheese?)




And now it's time to meet a new author and enter to win an amazing book. 
Last week, the very cool Mary Waibel shared FAERY MARKED 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 a book of their choice from the grab pool.
Mary's game:
1. When Mary was little she got her head stuck in the fence around the White House, and although they were able to get her out without issue, it makes for a great story.2. She has a ton of useless facts stored in her mind that make for interesting conversations at the dinner table. (Like the reason weddings are in June is that was when everyone took their yearly bath.) 3. She wanted to be a nurse until she learned you had to work in the ER and decided she couldn't handle seeing someone she knew come through the doors.
And the lie is: 
#1. While this is a true story, it was actually Mary's cousin who stuck her head inside the fence and got it stuck. They were able to get her out, without any issues, but it's sure made for a funny story to tell.

Way to guess those of you who got it right! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...

C. Lee Mckenzie!
Congrats Lee! 

And now to today's feature:
When a city is at stake, is the life of one sixteen-year old girl worth risking thousands? 

Deidra Moore goes on the run after escaping from a group of human sacrifices for Bane: God of Gore. She doesn't believe he exists and sees uncertainty in the scorching desert as a better alternative. But Faux City isn't finished with her and their leader Lord Brinn is ordered by Bane - through one of his maiden worshipers- to bring her back or face dire consequences. 

In the desert Deidra meets a wanderer named Kale and as feelings spark can they find a safe place to lead a new life before Lord Brinn and his soldiers catch up with them? Yet the question remains. Does Bane really exist and if he does what will happen if either side succeeds or fails? 

Told in alternating perspectives of both the runaway servant girl and the blonde strong willed leader.
This is book one in a YA Dystopian novella series set to release Fall of 2014. Add it on Goodreads HERE.
Now let me introduce you to this spunky author: 
Sheena-kay Graham was never meant for a traditional job behind a desk. Her childhood career plans included becoming a ballerina, actress or someone who helped people. So naturally she decided to be a writer who writes from her bed. Yes, no desk for this Jamaican book lover. No matter if it’s reading, writing or using the computer....you get the gist. The love of the written word has always been with her, leading to stories, novels, poetry and way too much fan fiction. This Christian woman can be found trolling Amazon online, in local book bookstores, watching movies on the big screen, or in her bed reading/writing/on the laptop. Sheena-kay mainly writes YA fiction and is ready to unleash her creativity to wow the masses.
Her favorite cheese is good old Cheddar, and she loves eating it (surprise, surprise) in bed. Yes, she enjoy doing a lot of things in bed. 
Sheena-Kay 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 to win one of these books*: 



(*US participants only. If the winner lives elsewhere, I have two alternate eBooks the winner may choose from.)You have until Tuesday, June 3, at 1 p.m. EDT to guess--and be sure to come back for the answer on June 4.
TRUTH OR LIE
1. Sheena-kay has written song lyrics but can’t sing at all.2. She won a three legged race against her brother at a family picnic.3. She thinks it's creepy burying someone at sea without permission, even if it’s a terrorist.

Sign ups are still open for the (This is just a logo.)

cover reveal (book 2 in the Maiden of Time Trilogy)  July 14-19. Sign up HERE
(Revealers will have first dibs on ARC's as soon as they're available, and one lucky participant will win their choice of $10 to Amazon or a signed copy of MOONLESS.) 

Which is the lie? Does book logic ever astound you? Did you read Hunger Games? Love it? Hate it? Do you like dystopian books? Looking forward the Sheena-kay's awesome novella? 

In Memory

To anyone who has ever sent a family member to war, this is for you.


I can't say too much good about the wonderful men and women willing to lay down their lives to protect others. You are loved. And to the families who send your loved ones to serve the rest of us, thank you. 

Giveaway and How I Found the Write Path

Are you ready for a boatload of awesomeness?

Today I'm participating in a hop/endeavor I hope will benefit writers, or really anyone in their journey. I've given permission for this piece to be published in a book to help up and coming authors, but I think you'll find the advice applies to anyone with a life-long goal. 
Sprinting Vs. Jogging
Dear Past Self,
I know you're excited about this publishing thing, I mean, you did it! You finally finished writing a novel. That is by far the hardest step. BUT, before you jump off a proverbial bridge make sure you've got a bungee cord attached, because you're going to do a TON of springing back and forth. I hope you're ready for the emotional roller coaster that comes with the rest of the journey, although I know there's no way you can be.
If I told you you've got another 11 years before your first book is published, and this won't be it, would you be discouraged? If I told you you're going to write six more books before you get published, would you give up? If I told you you're going to completely rewrite THE book 7 times and go through over 100 minor drafts, learning a new principle with each one, would you grow too agitated about the road ahead? 
What if I told you about the amazing critique partners you will meet? About the way your heart will break with each well-meaning suggestion as you learn how to take criticism? About the the wonderful bloghops and online support groups you will come to know? About the beta readers who will cheer you? About the literary agent who will encourage you to keep going? About the contests you will enter and lose? About the queries for short stories that will end in rejection? About other literary agents who will kindly refuse, not so kindly refuse, or not answer at all? 
And after all that, life will get in the way. You'll look for fulfillment in other ways, but you'll always come back to your writing. 
Regardless, here's what I really want to tell you: enjoy this path. Once you cross the finish line, you'll find there's another line over the next hill, and another, and another. The race never ends once you're officially entered, and all this jogging beforehand will give you the stamina, skills and fortitude to press through the downpours and steep inclines ahead. They will get steeper. The demands will feel nearly unbearable. You'll watch friends pass you by on all sides. You'll question why you can't be more like them, what you lack, and how you can possible do better. 
Persist, and you will find that golden moment of triumph. 
You have a difficult and long road ahead, but it's a journey worth taking. I hope you know that, and I think you do. Don't rush. Savor each step. Be patient with yourself and your circumstance. You'll never be in this place again. Face the trials bravely, and when all else fails, eat cheese and be happy. 
Sincerely,
Crystal CollierAuthor of the Maiden of Time Series
Find all the participants HERE. 

Are you ready to meet a new author and enter to win an out of this world book? 
Last week, the genuinely nice Kurt Springs shared PRICE OF VENGEANCE 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 a $5 Amazon giftcard.
Kurt's game:

1. Kurt originally wrote a fantasy novel entitled the Queen of Thieves. 2. He doesn't like beer, but not for a lack of trying. 3. He loves tequila. 
And the lie is: 
#3. Kurt thinks that tequila is vile stuff. 

Way to guess those of you who got it right! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...

Le&ndra Wallace!
Congrats Leandra! 

And now to today's feature:

When Callie Rycroft wakes to purple flames on the ceiling, she discovers that not only does the Faery realm exist, but she is the human who must save it. Chosen as Champion by the Faery Queen, Callie is tasked with finding the Cordial, a magical elixir needed to prevent a dangerous curse from bringing war to the Human and Faery realms.
The upside? Reece Michaels, the boy she's been crushing on for years, is assigned as her Guardian. Callie hopes by spending time together, he'll start to see her as more than just his best friend's sister.

The downside? She's in a race not only against time, but another Champion and Guardian-a Guardian who stands to threaten her developing relationship with Reece.

Magic, mistaken identities, and hidden agendas are the least of Callie's worries when she learns the Cordial requires a sacrifice. Will Callie be willing to risk all, even Reece, to complete her task as Champion, or will she let the curse free?
Faery Marked releases this summer! Add it on Goodreads HERE.
Now let me introduce you to the sweet and very cool author: 
Mary Waibel lives with her husband, son and two cats. When she isn't twisting fairytales, she enjoys reading, playing games, watching hockey, and camping. Her Princess of Valendria series (Quest of the Hart, Charmed Memories, Different Kind of Knight) are available from MuseItUp Publishing and other major retailers. Her Faery Marked (book 1 in the Faery Series) will be available from BookFishBooks this summer.
She loves all kinds of cheese (except Swiss which she only likes in fondue) and will eat it anywhere she can, but enjoys it most when sharing with the good company of family and friends. 
Mary 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 to win one of these books*: 


(All rated 4 star and up by me.)(*US participants only. If the winner lives elsewhere, I have two alternate ebooks the winner may choose from.)
You have until Tuesday, May 27, at 1 p.m. EDT to guess--and be sure to come back for the answer on May 28.
TRUTH OR LIE
1. When Mary was little she got her head stuck in the fence around the White House, and although they were able to get her out without issue, it makes for a great story.2. She has a ton of useless facts stored in her mind that make for interesting conversations at the dinner table. (Like the reason weddings are in June is that was when everyone took their yearly bath.) 3. She wanted to be a nurse until she learned you had to work in the ER and decided she couldn't handle seeing someone she knew come through the doors.

Sign ups are still open for the (This is just a logo.)

cover reveal. (Book 2 in the Maiden of Time Trilogy.) Sign up HERE for any day the week of  July 14-19.
(Revealers will have first dibs on ARC's as soon as they're available, and one lucky participant will win their choice of $10 to Amazon or a signed copy of MOONLESS.) 

Which is the lie? Are you running the race and feeling discourage/encouraged? What major goal are you trying to reach? Are you going to help with my cover reveal? Are you as excited as me about Faery Marked? 

Out of this World Announcement, Writerly Wednesday, and a Laugh

HUGE NEWS!!!! 
(At the end of the post, but first...)

Kiren is being interviewed at Kimber Leigh Wheaton's place.

And...
A laugh for you today--if you get into a dry and somewhat sadistic sense of humor: Portal 2, the most hilarious game I've ever seen. You wake up in testing center where humanity is dead and all that's left are the machines running the place, one of which is arguably evil. This is the song from the end credits, and it totally cracks me up. (The lyrics, oh the lyrics...)


Have you played/seen any video games that make you chuckle?


Are you ready to meet a new author and enter to win an out of this world book? 

Last week, the fabulous Medeia Sharif shared SNIP, SNIP, REVENGE 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 a Kindle copy of her awesome new book.

Medeia's game:

1. Medeia used to be terrified of the Wicked Witch of the West. 2. Her favorite number is eight and she counts everything in eights. 3. Her first unfinished drawer manuscript was about a magical Rubik's cube. 
And the lie is: 

#2. As cool as counting 8's would be, it's just not true. 

Way to guess those of you who got it right! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...

Mason T Matchak!
Congrats Mason! 

And now to today's feature:

What is the Price of Vengeance? One could understand why Liam was angry. He was orphaned at a the age of two by a group of giant carnivorous insects called the chitin. Taken in by High Councilor Marcus and his wife, Lidia, Liam was raised with their older son, Randolf in New Olympia, the last remaining city on the planet Etrusci. As an adult, Liam becomes a soldier. After being cut off from the city, Liam finds that there is an alien intelligence behind the chitin. To defeat it, he must discover who he is and how to use his powers. Then, Liam discovers that a traitor, responsible for his birth parents’ deaths, had murdered his beloved foster parents. Will the price he has to pay in his quest for vengeance prove to be an even more unbeatable foe?
Pick up your copy HERE.
I had the opportunity to review this book, and I really really enjoyed it. See my review HERE. Now let me introduce you to the wonderful and genuinely nice author: 

Kurt D. Springs is presently an adjunct professor of anthropology and archaeology in New Hampshire. He holds a PhD. in anthropology from the State University of New York at Buffalo, as well as a Master of Literature in archaeology from the National University of Ireland, Galway, and a Master of Liberal Arts in anthropology and archaeology from the Harvard University Extension School. His main area of interest is megalithic landscapes in prehistoric Ireland.

Kurt also writes reviews on Kurt's Frontier for Invincible Love of Reading.

Professor Springs currently lives in Manchester, New Hampshire, where you might run across him consuming mass quantities of Kerrygold Dubliner while tucked discretely away in his kitchen. 
Kurt 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 a chance to win a $5 gift card to Amazon. You have until Tuesday, May 20, at 1 p.m. EDT to guess--and be sure to come back for the answer on May 21.
TRUTH OR LIE
1. Kurt originally wrote a fantasy novel entitled the Queen of Thieves. 2. He doesn't like beer, but not for a lack of trying. 3. He loves tequila.


ANNOUNCEMENT!!! 
The day has come. It's time to break out the cover reveal for (This is just a logo.)

book 2 in the Maiden of Time Trilogy, and I'd love your help! Sign up HERE for any day the week of July 14-19.
The post will be prewritten in HTML and easy to adapt, but it's more than a "cover reveal." Each participant will receive an exclusive FUN FACT, SINGLE LINER, or UNEXPECTED DETAIL at the end of their post. Revealers will also have first dibs on ARC's as soon as they're available, and one lucky participant will win their choice of $10 to Amazon or a signed copy of MOONLESS. 
So what are you waiting for? Go sign up! (After you guess the lie.)

Which is the lie? Have you played any laugh out loud games? Are you going to help with the cover reveal? What do you think makes a really great cover? Any favorites? Do you like Sci-fi?

Hairless Dragon Bunnies, IWSG, and Writerly Wednesday

Here thar be dragons! Or the figurative variety. So I survived the A to Z Challenge, I think. I still have brain cells that may or may not recover. 
Have you ever been to the point where your brain completely burns out and you literally crash, mentally speaking? I'm not talking for a day or two, I'm talking months. The first time that happened to me was while living in NYC, with an infant, a 2 year old, and 6 year old home schooler, no family nearby, 850 square feet of living space, being in charge of a HUGE charitable undertaking for Christmas, and some pursuit of a musical and book career. 
After the holidays I completely crashed. It was like a dragon had trounced across my brain and charred everything that didn't get smashed. Yeah, think 6 months to get back to not feeling tired ALL the time, 2 months before I could really write again. I don't advise ever running yourself that far into the ground.
SourceNYC was when I really learned to say "no." I'm still not great at it, but we have to realize each of us has limits. They may not be the same as neighbor Bob (who appears to be the energizer bunny), but it's important to know where your limits are and not push beyond them. At the same time, it's good to stretch yourself, try new things, and take a chance.
This is why I say to anyone fostering a writing career, take your time. Don't rush to publication. Enjoy the early part of the journey because once you add "author" to your writing career, life can get pretty, erm, overwhelming. It's good, so good, but there's a reason the scientists locked in my basement are now working on harnessing the power of the sun so that I can feed it directly into my veins. 

Are you ready to meet a new author and enter to win an awesome book? 

Last week, the funny Heather Letto shared IMPERVIOUS 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 a signed ARC of her awesome new book.

Heather's game:
1. Heather has abnormally large feet and is afraid to get pedicures because women will laugh at her in their native tongue.
2. As a preschooler, she was the self-appointed guard of their front yard. She yelled at the mailman to, "Get off my property!" He told on her. A lot. She got spanked. A lot.
3. Her cat's name is Charlie... 'cuz he bit her finger.
And the lie is: 

#1. Sorry, no large feet and fear of pedicures. 

Way to guess those of you who got it right! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...

Elizabeth Seckman!
Congrats Elizabeth! 

And now to today's awesome feature:

Beautiful, confident Tabby Karim has plans for the winter: nab a role in her school’s dramatic production, make the new boy Michael hers, and keep bigoted Heather—with her relentless Ay-rab comments—at bay. When a teacher’s lie and her father’s hastiness rob her of her beautiful hair, her dreams are dashed. The fastest barber in Miami Beach has made her look practically bald. 
With all her pretty hair gone, Tabby doesn’t believe she fits the feminine role she’s auditioning for. Michael is still interested in her, but he’s playing it cool. Heather has taken to bullying her online, which is easier to do with Tabby’s ugly haircut. Tabby spearheads Operation Revenge, which proves satisfying until all of her problems deepen. After messing up, she sets to make things right.
Pick up your copy HERE.
Let me introduce you to the amazing author, one of my wonderful blogging friends who reviews Middle Grade books like a boss: 

Medeia Sharif is a Kurdish-American author who was born in New York City, who presently calls Miami home. She received a master’s degree in psychology from Florida Atlantic University. After becoming a voracious reader in high school and a relentless writer dabbling in many genres in college, she found her niche writing for young people. Today she's a MG and YA writer published through various presses. In addition to being a writer, she's a middle school English teacher. Her memberships include Mensa, ALAN, and SCBWI.
Medeia loves cheddar and can be found munching on the perfect avocado-cheddar-tomato sandwich at one of her favorite restaurants. 
She 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 a chance to win a Kindle copy of SNIP, SNIP, REVENGE. You have until Tuesday, May 13, at 1 p.m. EDT to guess--and be sure to come back for the answer on May 14.
TRUTH OR LIE
1. Medeia used to be terrified of the Wicked Witch of the West. 2. Her favorite number is eight and she counts everything in eights. 3. Her first unfinished drawer manuscript was about a magical Rubik's cube. 

Which is the lie? Have you ever completely burned yourself out? Any tips for recovery? Doesn't SNIP, SNIP REVENGE sound awesome? How far have you gone for revenge? Met any dragons lately? 

A to Z: 26 True Heroes in One Place

Wow. Was that an amazing challenge or what? I had such a blast visiting everyone's blogs and learning so many amazing things. It was also a wonderful experience sharing my true life heroes with everyone--finding inspiration, encouragement, and something to aspire for. Thank you to everyone who shared your heroes with me.

If you missed it, you can read about it all here:

A: Strength under fire with Abraham LincolnB: Visionary Facing Extermination, Brigham YoungC: Chivalry isn't dead, Collier, MattD: Dare to Dream with Disney, WaltE: Is Okay to be Strange with Einstein, AlbertF: Founding Father of Fabulousness, Franklin, BenjaminG: King of America, George WashingtonH: It's the Little Things that Matter with Hicken, SteveI: Courage, Torture, and Awe with Irene SendlerJ: Johnson, Sofe and the Gift of MusicK: Tough as Nails Kasper, PatriciaL: Lowe, Alva and Forever ForgivingM: Serving the One with Monson, ThomasN: Nicola Tesla's Amazing BrainO: Osm (sound that out) Olsons, AKA AngelsP: Fighting the Good Fight with PaulQ: Teen made of Awesomeness, Quin CollierR: CHEESE courtesy of Randy HickenS: Smith, Joseph, the Young MartyrT: Truth is Worth Fighting for with Tyndale, WilliamU: Uhuru Gonja Houston and the American DreamV: Vivaldi, Antonio and His Orphans W: Wadell, Jodi, True Friends, and HIJACKING with WifeX: X-Factor AKA Leonardo Da VinciY: Yousafzia, Malala and Taking a StandZ: Zang, Lili, Would You Sacrifice Your Legs?
I've been thinking about compiling these into an inspirational book. What do you say? Yes, no? 
Did you follow along for the challenge? Did you have a favorite hero post? 

A to Z: Z and Writerly Wednesday (Including free stuff)

True heroes are all around us, in our every day lives, but some people stand out. During this A-Z Challenge I hope to share several of my real life heroes, and invite you to share yours in the comments.

hang, Lili. I'm always inspired by someone who would put the welfare of others before themselves. In May, 2012, this woman risked her life by shoving her students out of the way of an oncoming bus, but in the process, she couldn't save herself. Her legs ended up under the wheels of the bus.

Zhang Lili was already greatly loved by students and staff alike at the school where she taught, but on this occasion she showed her true character. The accident resulted in losing both her legs and being in a coma for a time. After several months of rehabilitation, she was able to go home, and now faces life without use of those limbs.

We talk about being willing to give our lives for others, but would you be willing to give your legs? I don't think those thoughts flashed through her mind when Lili saw those kids in danger's way. She simply acted, and revealed her true character.

I would hope, in a similar circumstance, I'd be just as quick to act, and just as selfless. I can't imagine how this woman faces each day and challenge, but I imagine she never looks down and wishes she hadn't acted.

 
Are you ready to meet a new author and enter to win an awesome book? 
 Last week, the lovely Ashley Nixon shared CUTLASS 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 awesome new book.

Ashley's game:

1. Ashley memorized all the lines to The Two Towers after watching the movie for about 30 days straight.

2. She has a really weird scar on her neck that looks like she was stabbed by a fork...or bitten by a vampire.3. When she was little, she had an imaginary friend monster named Petie.
And the lie is: 

#3. Ashley's FRIEND had the imaginary monster affectionately named Petie. 

This one was tricky and in fact, only 3 people guessed it right. Way to guess Jennifer Chandler, Liz Blocker and Chrys Fey! And the winner is:
 ...DRUM ROLL...

Chrys Fey!
Congrats Chrys! And to the rest of you, YOU STILL HAVE A CHANCE TO WIN VIA RAFFLECOPTER!!! And now to today's defying feature:
The residents of Impervious are the remnant—survivors of the War of Annihilation. And though the city is chockfull of pleasures to tantalize and entertain, a beast lurks in its corners haunting the residents with its presence. The Beast—a mysterious and terminal illness--has killed off most of Generations One, Two and Three. And as Gen-Four prepares to take the stage a provocative, yet questionable, new method to avoid an untimely death becomes a cultural rage.
But Fran is counter-cultural. And living off the grid in true rebel fashion, her life is far from opulent. Scurrying through dark tunnels, searching for hot meals and ditching the holographic security team encompass most of her day. However, she views it as a healthy trade-off. Unaccountability means The Council can’t steal her sliver of hope--a belief that she’ll see The Epoch arrive before the beast can pull her into its fetid embrace.
After losing her mother and then her Rebel mentor, however, she grasps painfully onto the splintered sliver, until a new hope is born. First through Pete. And then through a miraculous discovery.
But the question still haunts her… Can she outrun The Beast? Pick up your copy HERE. Let me introduce you to the amazing author: 

Heather Letto—mom of two strapping young men and the wife of a brilliant computer programmer—is a follower of Christ and worker in the kingdom. She’s active in her home church, The Chapel, a non-denominational, multi-site Christ centered church which spans several counties in the Chicago suburban area, and has a long history of freelance writing projects beginning in the early 1990’s. Her first published articles appeared when she worked as a Stringer for the Daily Herald, a daily newspaper covering the Chicago-suburban area. Since then, she’s penned articles for The Fit Christian, WHOAwoman Magazine, Devotion Magazine as well as Tween Girls and God. As well she writes curriculum for the Swagga4Christ ministry.
When asked her favorite cheese, she responded: Burnt. I'll pick off (and snack on) freshly burnt cheese from just about any clean surface. :D
Yes! I was given the opportunity to review this wonderful book, and you can read my thoughts HERE.
Heather 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 a chance to win your choice of an eBook of IMPERVIOUS. You have until Tuesday, May 6, at 1 p.m. EDT to guess--and be sure to come back for the answer on May 7.
TRUTH OR LIE
1. Heather has abnormally large feet and is afraid to get pedicures because women will laugh at her in their native tongue.
2. As a preschooler, she was the self-appointed guard of their front yard. She yelled at the mailman to, "Get off my property!" He told on her. A lot. She got spanked. A lot.

3. Her cat's name is Charlie... 'cuz he bit her finger.
 Which is the lie? Have you ever seen an act of true valor? Do you have any scars you live with as the result of a good decision? What would you be willing to sacrifice for another person?

Raining Cheese on Introverts...or A to Z: Z and Writerly Wednesday (Including free stuff)

True heroes are all around us, in our every day lives, but some people stand out. During this A-Z Challenge I hope to share several of my real life heroes, and invite you to share yours in the comments.

hang, Lili. I'm always inspired by someone who would put the welfare of others before themselves. In May, 2012, this woman risked her life by shoving her students out of the way of an oncoming bus, but in the process, she couldn't save herself. Her legs ended up under the wheels of the bus.

Zhang Lili was already greatly loved by students and staff alike at the school where she taught, but on this occasion she showed her true character. The accident resulted in losing both her legs and being in a coma for a time. After several months of rehabilitation, she was able to go home, and now faces life without use of those limbs.

We talk about being willing to give our lives for others, but would you be willing to give your legs? I don't think those thoughts flashed through her mind when Lili saw those kids in danger's way. She simply acted, and revealed her true character.

I would hope, in a similar circumstance, I'd be just as quick to act, and just as selfless. I can't imagine how this woman faces each day and challenge, but I imagine she never looks down and wishes she hadn't acted.


This is the LAST DAY to get MOONLESS at $1.99.

Jane Eyre meets Supernatural
I have a treat for you. Miles is a favorite of most people who read Moonless. He agreed to an interview during the blog tour, and here's a SHORTENED bit. You can read the entire thing HERE. (And you should. It's AWESOME.)
How would you describe yourself? An introvert or an extrovert?*shifty eyes*
Okay. How about tell me how your friends would describe you–three words.*tilts his head* I’m having a hard time getting a read on you.
Funny. I was thinking the same thing. What’s an ideal day like for you? Why?*blows limp hair out of his eyes* Ideal? *shrugs* Maybe a deserted island—including no animals, or insects, or fish. One that’s quiet.
But you like to be around Kiren, right?*nods* I like him.
How long have you known him?*runs a hand through his hair* Almost my whole life. I mean, he rescued me from the Soulless when I was four, but he probably knew about me before that. That’s what he does.
Do you always find it easy to trust him?Yes.
Does he have any habits that annoy you?*huffs* Only when he’s around Alexia.
How old were you the first time you saw her? What did you think of Alexia at first?Six. She was trying to bandage a frog’s leg and couldn’t keep a grip on the thing. She was sweet, even all covered in frog slime.
Is she as likeable as she seems?She’s as naïve as she seems. *shaking his head* It’s a miracle she’s still alive, but I’m glad she is.
What’s your greatest fear?That I’ll give into the Soulless. That I’ll betray the people who care about me. That I’ll fall to everything that’s dark and angry and then it’ll be over. I’ll be one of them—the most powerful weapon against my friends.

Are you ready to meet a new author and enter to win an awesome book? 

Last week, the lovely Ashley Nixon shared CUTLASS 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 awesome new book.

Ashley's game:

1. Ashley memorized all the lines to The Two Towers after watching the movie for about 30 days straight.
2. She has a really weird scar on her neck that looks like she was stabbed by a fork...or bitten by a vampire.3. When she was little, she had an imaginary friend monster named Petie.
And the lie is: 

#3. Ashley's FRIEND had the imaginary monster affectionately named Petie. 

This one was tricky and in fact, only 3 people guessed it right. Way to guess Jennifer Chandler, Liz Blocker and Chrys Fey! And the winner is:

...DRUM ROLL...

Chrys Fey!
Congrats Chrys! And to the rest of you, YOU STILL HAVE A CHANCE TO WIN VIA RAFFLECOPTER!!!
And now to today's defying feature:

The residents of Impervious are the remnant—survivors of the War of Annihilation. And though the city is chockfull of pleasures to tantalize and entertain, a beast lurks in its corners haunting the residents with its presence. The Beast—a mysterious and terminal illness--has killed off most of Generations One, Two and Three. And as Gen-Four prepares to take the stage a provocative, yet questionable, new method to avoid an untimely death becomes a cultural rage.
But Fran is counter-cultural. And living off the grid in true rebel fashion, her life is far from opulent. Scurrying through dark tunnels, searching for hot meals and ditching the holographic security team encompass most of her day. However, she views it as a healthy trade-off. Unaccountability means The Council can’t steal her sliver of hope--a belief that she’ll see The Epoch arrive before the beast can pull her into its fetid embrace.
After losing her mother and then her Rebel mentor, however, she grasps painfully onto the splintered sliver, until a new hope is born. First through Pete. And then through a miraculous discovery.
But the question still haunts her… Can she outrun The Beast?
Pick up your copy HERE.
Let me introduce you to the amazing author: 

Heather Letto—mom of two strapping young men and the wife of a brilliant computer programmer—is a follower of Christ and worker in the kingdom. She’s active in her home church, The Chapel, a non-denominational, multi-site Christ centered church which spans several counties in the Chicago suburban area, and has a long history of freelance writing projects beginning in the early 1990’s. Her first published articles appeared when she worked as a Stringer for the Daily Herald, a daily newspaper covering the Chicago-suburban area. Since then, she’s penned articles for The Fit Christian, WHOAwoman Magazine, Devotion Magazine as well as Tween Girls and God. As well she writes curriculum for the Swagga4Christ ministry.
When asked her favorite cheese, she responded: Burnt. I'll pick off (and snack on) freshly burnt cheese from just about any clean surface. :D
Yes! I was given the opportunity to review this wonderful book, and you can read my thoughts HERE.

Heather 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 a chance to win your choice of an eBook of IMPERVIOUS. You have until Tuesday, May 6, at 1 p.m. EDT to guess--and be sure to come back for the answer on May 7.
TRUTH OR LIE
1. Heather has abnormally large feet and is afraid to get pedicures because women will laugh at her in their native tongue.
2. As a preschooler, she was the self-appointed guard of their front yard. She yelled at the mailman to, "Get off my property!" He told on her. A lot. She got spanked. A lot.
3. Her cat's name is Charlie... 'cuz he bit her finger.

Which is the lie? Have you ever seen an act of true valor? Do you have any scars you live with as the result of a good decision? What would you be willing to sacrifice for another person? Have you bought Moonless? Or shared the sale? (I promise cheese will shower you for such a kind gesture.)