Sara Hantz's Blog, page 5

GCC Presents…………………… Amanda Ashby!!!

I’m so excited to be touring my very good friend and critique partner Amanda Ashby and her latest (and most fabulous) book DEMONOSITY : (And don’t you just LOVE the cover!!)

The Black Rose–a powerful ancient force–has been let loose and has taken up residence in Celeste Gibson, popular girl at Cassidy Carter-Lewis’ high school. Thomas Delacroix is the spirit of a fourteenth-century knight who is devoted to protecting the Black Rose, but he needs a contemporary living being to take on the challenge. That’s where Cassidy comes in.

She’s a quirky high school junior who just wants to dress in her vintage clothes, hang out with her best friend, and take care of her father, who is recovering from surgery. She’s the last person who would ever volunteer for such a task, but no one actually asked her. Now, like it or not, she finds herself training before dawn and battling demons at parties, the mall, and even at school. But hey, no one ever said high school was going to be easy.

And now for the usual questions:

What inspired the plot for your book?

Like so many things in life, Demonosity was a total accident! I was researching something else and stumbled across an article on a secret society, a bit like the Freemasons, called Rosicrucians. Anyway, it had such a cool sounding name that I was intrigued and started reading more about it. It had a lot to do with alchemy (and secrets) and was hooked on trying to include it in a book. It took quite some time before I finally found a plot, but the start definitely came from

Why did you decide to write in this genre?

Short answer is Buffy! I’ve always loved fantasy books but when I first watched Buffy many moons ago I fell in love with the idea of paranormals because it was like a secret that was sitting right under our noses. I’ve been hooked ever since!

What is your writing process like?

As my critique partner you will know that I’ve very structured, very organized and once I make up my mind I never change it under any circumstances. I am also prone to lying about certain things!

What are you working on now?

I’m working on a new MG idea and two YA ideas that have been sitting in my mind for a long time.

What do you do when you’re not writing?

Talk to Sara Hantz on the phone and watch television!

Who do you like to read?

My must reads are Richelle Mead, Raymond E Feist, Janet Evanovich, George R. R. Martin, Jill Mansell, JK Rowling

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

“With interesting characters and a fresh plot, this absorbing read addresses everything from peer pressure to intelligent guy pals to self-reliance, with just enough paranormal activity to maintain an edge. The message never overwhelms the fun in this frothy paranormal romp.” Kirkus Reviews

“Ashby’s frothy romp percolates with lighthearted humor and droll dialogue, while an involving plot and themes exploring friendship and self-reliance add satisfying substance.” School Library Journal

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Amanda Ashby was born in Australia and after spending the last sixteen years dividing her time between England and New Zealand, she’s finally returned home for some sunshine. When she’s not moving country, she likes to write books (okay, she also likes to eat chocolate, watch television and sit around doing not much, but let’s just keep that amongst ourselves, shall we?)

She has a degree in English and Journalism from the University of Queensland and is married with two children. Her debut book, You Had Me at Halo was nominated for a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice award. Zombie Queen of Newbury High was listed by the New York Public Library’s Stuff for the Teen Age 2010. Fairy Bad Day was selected by Voya as one of their Top Shelf Fiction for Middle School Readers 2012 and was a SCBWI Crystal Kite Award finalist for the Australia/NZ region.

FIND HER

http://www.amandaashby.com

https://twitter.com/amandaashby

 

Favorite Character Moments

Author Sherry Soule, who is celebrating the release of her latest novel, IMMORTAL ECLIPSE provides today’s post. If you like supernatural suspense mingled with a dash of chick-lit and a healthy dose of paranormal romance, then this is the book for you! Sherry is sharing two of her favorite moments from her new novel.

Enjoy the teasers!



Passage 1

Dorian pulls me to my feet and I find myself pressed against the tree. I raise my hands to push him away, but his strong fingers imprison mine above my head. I stare into those hypnotic eyes. My knees tremble. Blood springs from my heart and pounds in my brain. Desire flares in his bold stare, and I’m lost. I can’t move. I can’t think. The world has vanished. Nothing exists outside of this thrilling moment. Dorian leans in close, and a spark of response leaps between us. His fingers tighten on my wrists.

“I should do what’s right”—he inclines his head and places his mouth near my ear—”and leave you alone.”

Oh, I hope he does what’s wrong.

I’m unsure whether to step away or invade his personal space. After a moment’s hesitation, I lean into him and his hold loosens. The heat of his body enters mine, and his vibrant masculine presence overwhelms and robs me of breath. Things like that will do something funny to a girl’s head. They must. Because after swallowing twice, I say huskily, “Oh, Dorian…Dorian…” Kiss me.

Passage 2

Victor Pratt steps even closer, almost invading my space, eyeing the amulet resting between my breasts for a long second, before his gaze lingers on my boobs. His stare is downright creepy. There’s no way Victor thinks I’m a hottie—we can’t be less each other’s type. And the guy makes my skin crawl. But while I might not know how to handle the spooky stuff, I do know how to handle lecherous men.

“Y’know, being stalked isn’t really a big turn-on for most women.”

He doesn’t answer, just stares at my lady lumps.

“My eyes are up here, Victor.” I put a finger under his chin and tilt his head upward.

Victor looks down again and licks his lips.

Ewww! Annoyed, I flick his forehead with my index finger and thumb, making him blink sharply.

He rubs the red spot. “Hey!”

I glare. “Stop it then!”

His expression turns wolfish. “Why? Is it affecting you?”

I cross my arms. “Of course not. You’re being a pig.”

“Am I? So sorry.” He doesn’t even have the decency to act regretful. He has that air about him that says he knows who he is and doesn’t care what anyone else thinks of him. I envy that.

 

Places you can cyberstalk Sherry Soule:

Official Blog:

Twitter:

FACEBOOK:

goodreads:

Read an excerpt:

BUY IMMORTAL ECLIPSE:

Amazon Paperback:

Kobo:

Amazon Kindle:

Barnes & Noble:

Amazon UK:

Thank you so much for letting me chat up my NA novel with all of you. It’s been an honor to share my favorite moments. If you haven’t seized your copy of IMMORTAL ECLIPSE yet, please do so. I hope everyone enjoyed this post, now go feed your mind and read a book! Preferably mine.

FREE – The Second Virginity of Suzy Green!!!!!

Hop over to Amazon for your free copy of The Second Virginity of Suzy Green!!

Hurry as the offer only lasts until May 17!

The Second Virginity of Suzy Green – Five Free Copies Up For Grabs!!!!!!

To celebrate the Kindle edition of The Second Virginity of Suzy Green I’m giving away 5 free copies. All you have to do is link to this blog either through Twitter or Facebook or your website (or all three, to give you three chances of winning) and email me the link sarahantz(@)hotmail.com

After seven days, five winners will be randomly selected and listed on this blog – so remember to check back!

Cover Reveal – The Second Virginity of Suzy Green

 

I am very excited to reveal the new cover for The Second Virginity of Suzy Green, which is being republished on Amazon. I LOVE it so much. And can’t thank Threedoorsup enough for such an amazing job! It is now available through Amazon.

 

 

Review………… Dear Cassie

I’m thrilled to write a review for my fellow Entangled author Lisa Burstein and her latest book Dear Cassie

After being arrested on prom night (which you can read about in Pretty Amy, another awesome book) Cassie is sent to Turning Pines wilderness camp. Here she rooms with two other girls who have just as many problems as she does. She also meets Ben, who despite being attracted to she initially keeps pushing away.

Dear Cassie is beautifully written, with depth and understanding. We see all facets of Cassie’s character, from the snarky to the desperately vulnerable. It’s an emotional rollercoaster of a read. I couldn’t put it down and would one hundred percent recommend it to anyone.

GCC Presents………….. Jessica Brody!!!

I’m thrilled to be touring Jessica Brody and her amazing new book UNREMEMBERED which is part of a compelling, romantic, and suspenseful new sci-fi trilogy for teens.

The only thing worse than forgetting her past…is remembering it.

When Freedom Airlines flight 121 went down over the Pacific Ocean, no one ever expected to find a single survivor; which is why the sixteen-year-old girl discovered floating amid the wreckage—alive—is making headlines across the globe. She has no memories of boarding the plane. She has no memories of her life before the crash. She has no memories…period. As she struggles to piece together her forgotten past and discover who she really is, every clue raises more questions. Her only hope is a strangely alluring boy who claims to know her. Who claims they were in love. But can she really trust him? And will he be able to protect her from the people who have been making her forget?

Check out the Trailer

And now for the usual questions:

What inspired the plot for your book?

A few years ago, I read a newspaper article about a teen girl who was the sole survivor of a plane crash. I was instantly fascinated by the story. Namely because they had no idea why she survived when no else did. I started brainstorming reasons as to why she was so lucky. One particular reason (a rather intricate, science-fiction-inspired one) stuck in my mind and refused to leave. It continued to grow and blossom until I had an idea for an entire trilogy. A trilogy that starts with a mysterious plane crash and a single survivor.

Why did you decide to write in this genre?

I’ve always wanted to try my hand at sci-fi. It’s a genre that has fascinated me for years. And I’ve been very influenced by shows like Fringe and Lost and movies like Gattaca. When a previous series concept didn’t end up selling to a publisher, I took a very key aspect of that series (something I can’t reveal here as it’s a major spoiler for the book!) and turned it into this new trilogy.

What is your writing process like?

For the first 100 pages, I feel like a Disney Princess, floating out of bed and prancing to my writing desk while the birds chirp merrily outside and little furry raccoons make my coffee. For the second 100 pages, I feel like I’m trapped in the “pit of despair” from the Princess Bride movie, strapped to a torture machine that’s been set to maximum pain, while I haven’t seen the light of day for weeks. Then for the last 100 pages, I’m suddenly Snow White again.

What are you working on now?

I just finished writing book 2 of the Unremembered Trilogy, which is called UNFORGOTTEN. And I’m gearing up to start working on book 3, which is called UNTITLED. Haha! But seriously, I’m thinking of keeping that title. What do you think? It works for me!! Sara

What do you do when you’re not writing?

When I’m in the middle of a book, there’s not much else I can do when I’m not writing because my brain is always totally preoccupied with my story…even after I’ve finished my daily word count. Really, the only thing I can do is watch TV. It’s nice to focus on other people’s stories for a while.

Who do you like to read?

I’m obsessed with reading YA. It really is the best genre out there! But right now I’ve gotten really into Gillian Flynn. I’m reading Gone Girl and it’s truly AMAZING!

Reviews

“Unremembered is a story brimming with mystery and suspense, star-crossed love and mad scientists. I felt like a detective putting together the pieces of Seraphina’s forgotten past right along with her, and the masterful way the puzzle was finally revealed left me speechless.”—Marissa Meyer, New York Times bestselling author of Cinder

“Unremembered is an awesome book! I was pulling for Seraphina from the opening chapters, and couldn’t wait to read what happened next—and I LOVED the twist at the end.” —P.C. Cast, New York Times Bestselling author of the House of Night series.

“Gripping story…harrowing action…The first in Brody’s new science-fiction series should snare enough attention to have folks tapping their feet for the sequel.”

- Booklist

“Unremembered” is the first in a young adult sci-fi trilogy that is a page-turning adventure of self-discovery.” – Deseret News

“Fast-paced and sure to satisfy romance-oriented readers”

- Kirkus

Bio

JESSICA BRODY knew from a young age that she wanted to be a writer. She started self “publishing” her own books when she was seven years old, binding the pages together with cardboard, wallpaper samples and electrical tape. She is the author of 52 Reasons to Hate My Father, My Life Undecided, The Karma Club, and now, Unremembered. Her books have been translated and published in over 15 countries. She currently splits her time between California and Colorado. www.jessicabrody.com

Readers can download the first five chapters FREE! (Link below)

http://www.jessicabrody.com/books/teen-fiction/unremembered-series/unremembered/free-sample/

Like the Unremembered Trilogy on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/unrememberedtrilogy

Meet Jessica on tour this month!

http://www.jessicabrody.com/2013/02/the-unremembered-tour/

GCC Presents……………… Melissa Walker

It gives me great pleasure to be touring SMALL TOWN SINNERS by the fabulous Melissa Walker.

Does falling in love mean falling out of faith?

“Lacey Anne Byer is a perennial good girl and lifelong member of the House of Enlightenment, the Evangelical church in her small town. With her driver’s license in hand and the chance to try out for a lead role in Hell House, her church’s annual haunted house of sin, Lacey’s junior year is looking promising. But when a cute new stranger comes to town, something begins to stir inside her. Ty Davis doesn’t know the sweet, shy Lacey Anne Byer everyone else does. With Ty, Lacey could reinvent herself. As her feelings for Ty make Lacey test her boundaries, events surrounding Hell House make her question her religion.”

Read an excerpt.

A few reviews:

“Walker has written a credible and tender evocation of the moment when a young person’s beliefs begin to emerge and potentially diverge from the teachings of a family’s religion… Near the end, Lacey contemplates a verse from the prophet Isaiah: ‘Come now and let us reason together.’ It’s a good summation of what Walker asks of her characters and, by extension, of her readers.” –The New York Times Book Review

“A non-judgmental, nuanced, fascinating look at the teenage religious right… Walker writes an outstanding contemporary novel with a cast of characters who, far from being portrayed as hateful zealots, are relatable for readers of all faiths. The extremism of Hell House is tempered by the perfectly understandable attitudes and intentions of Lacey Anne, who struggles with what it means to grow up, to question and to think for herself.” –Romantic Times

“Both tender and provocative… Walker creates an astutely balanced portrait of a conservative congregation’s in-your-face response to perennial issues of domestic abuse, teen pregnancy, and suicide, as well as of those who struggle to fit the prescribed Christian mold.” –Publishers Weekly

“This secular story about religious people could easily devolve into camp mockery, but because Walker takes her character’s crisis of faith seriously and sensitively, readers will, too.” –Kirkus Reviews

Extra stuff:

Before Melissa writes the book, she does little interviews with her main characters. That information almost never makes it into the manuscript, but she likes having it. Here’s a tiny bit from Starla Joy, the best friend:

What makes you mad?

People who judge on looks. I really hate that. My sister’s the pretty one, but I’m smarter. And both of us know it.

What makes you happy?

Laughing. I love to laugh and I do it a lot. I can find the bright side of things. I do hate it when people fake laugh. Or when the say,“That’s funny,” but don’t laugh.

Favorite childhood memory?Probably just hanging out with Lacey and Dean. We played in the woods, went down by the river, just hung out together all the time. Lately adults give us looks for spending so much time with Dean—me and Lacey. He’s going through a darker phase and sometimes paints his nails. We know it’s no big deal but other people give him a hard time. And our parents suddenly don’t want us in the room together—like they’re expecting something bad from us. That bugs me.

What do you love about your mom?

That she stays out of my way.

What you hate about your mom?

See above.

Bio:

Melissa has worked as ELLEgirl Features Editor and Seventeen Prom Editor. She is the author of the Violet on the Runway series as well as Lovestruck Summer. Melissa manages I Heart Daily, an e-newsletter and blogs for ReaderGirlz, an online community for teens. Check out her website www.melissacwalker.com

GCC Presents…………….. Lucienne Diver!!!!

I’m pleased to be touring Lucienne Diver and her latest book FANGTABULOUS

Gina Covello and her band of federal fugitives are on the run after taking down a secret (and sinister) government facility. Strapped without cash or credit cards—a fate worse than death for Gina—the rebels must find a place to lay low. They roll into Salem, Massachusetts, the most haunted town in America and the only place they have friends flying under the radar. But within a day, Gina and her gang are embroiled in a murder mystery of the supernatural kind.

Someone—or something—is strangling young women, and it’s rumored to be the ghost of Sheriff Corwin, late of the Salem Witch trials. Is it the ghostly Sheriff or is someone on this side of the veil using the famous story as a cover up? Gina is determined to get to the bottom of this mystery, and she needs to do it before a paranormal reporter on the scene exposes them for what they are…fanged federal fugitives.

And now for the usual questions:

What inspired the plot for your book?

The plot for Fangtabulous was completely inspired by the setting (Salem, Massachusetts). When my publisher contracted me for the fourth book in the Vamped series, I didn’t really have an idea in mind, but I knew where I wanted to take my characters—to the most haunted town in America. But how could I take them somewhere I’d never been myself? The answer is: I couldn’t. I had to visit. Luckily, I had a native guide—an actor and gothic magician I knew from way back in my old stomping grounds of Wappingers Falls, which I featured in the second book in the series, Revamped. Once in Salem, the town itself spoke to me. I’ve never been sensitive to these sorts of things…or believed in ghosts at all…but the history of Salem just seems to linger on its streets and in its alleyways. It can’t help but affect you. That was when the plot for Fangtabulous began to form, complete with unsettled spirits, some with murderous intent and, of course, someone in the land of the living stirring them up.

Why did you decide to write in this genre?

I didn’t decide to write in a genre; I decided to write these characters. Stories always begin with characters for me. My main character from the beginning happened to be a seventeen-year-old girl whose human life was cut short when she didn’t survive her senior prom. Luckily or unluckily, depending on what day you ask her, she did rise from the dead, having to claw her own way out of the grave only to face an eternity with no way to fix her hair and make-up. The voice and the events decided that the story was for the young adult market, but I know plenty of adults who read and enjoy the series as well!

What is your writing process like?

I’m a pantser, pure and simple. I’ll have a general idea of where I’m going and maybe some of the high points of the plot, but not generally any idea of how I’m going to get to them. Thankfully, my characters have minds of their own and they lead the way.

What are you working on now?

Right now I’m working on the third book in my Latter-Day Olympians series of urban fantasy novels (for the adult market). It’s due February 15th, and I’m biting my nails hoping that I make it! The first two of the series, Bad Blood and Crazy in the Blood are already out.

What do you do when you’re not writing?

Read, hang out with my family, ride coasters, eat, worry that I’m not writing, scrapbook, bead, read, worry some more about the fact that I’m not writing. Kick the worry and grab a notebook so that I can get back to what I love.

Who do you like to read?

Lately I haven’t had a ton of time to read books that I don’t represent, but in general I love Janet Evanovich, Suzanne Collins, Rick Riordan, Sharyn McCrumb, Joshilyn Jackson, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Rex Stout and a whole host of others. 

Bio:

Lucienne Diver writes the humorous, suspenseful Vamped series of young adult vampire novels for Flux Books, including Vamped, Revamped, Fangtastic and the most recent, Fangtabulous. Her short stories have been included in the Strip-Mauled and Fangs for the Mammaries anthologies edited by Esther Friesner (Baen Books), and her essay on abuse is included in the anthology Dear Bully: 70 Authors Tell Their Stories (HarperTeen). She also writes the Latter-Day Olympians urban fantasy series for Samhain (Bad Blood, Crazy in the Blood and the forthcoming Rise of the Blood).

Check out Lucienne’s blog: http://luciennediver.wordpress.com

and website: www.luciennediver.com

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