Mark Noce's Blog, page 9
November 28, 2016
Speaking at a Book Club
I had the pleasure of speaking at a book club the other night…a book club that just finished reading my novel! Pretty cool, right? Needless to say, I had a stellar time and the wonderful ladies who read Between Two Fires are all jazzed up for the sequel when it comes out.I’d never spoken at a book club gathering before, let alone one where they had read my debut novel. I was honored to be invited and everyone had really great questions for me. It was definitely surreal to hear people discuss characters and events from my novel with such conviction and accuracy…characters and places that previously only existed in my imagination. This has turned out to be one of the benefits of being a writer that I’ve found a lot of joy in, the coming alive of my characters in other people’s minds and perspectives.
Anyhow, the book tour keeps growing, a bit more than I anticipated, but all for the best. I keep getting invited to events in which to speak and share my book. I’ll update you once I get a few more dates confirmed, but it looks like I’ll be speaking at gatherings well into next summer at this rate. Yay for book readings!
November 23, 2016
Catalyst!
Catalyst!
Title: Catalyst (The Deception Game, Book One)Author: Kristin SmithRelease Date: November 21, 2016Publisher: Clean Teen PublishingGenre: YA near-future thriller
Book Synopsis:
Too pretty.
Too smart.
Too perfect.
In a crumbling, futuristic Las Vegas where the wealthy choose the characteristics of their children like ordering off a drive-thru menu, seventeen-year-old Sienna Preston doesn’t fit in. As a normal girl surrounded by genetically modified teens, all of her imperfections are on display. But after the death of her father, everything she's ever known and loved changes in an instant.
With little skills to help provide for her family, Sienna clings to the two things that come easily—lying and stealing. But not all thief-for-hire assignments go as planned. When a covert exchange of a stolen computer chip is intercepted, she becomes entangled with a corrupt government official who uses her thieving past as leverage, her mother as collateral, and the genetically modified poster boy she’s falling for as bait.
In order to rescue her mother, there may only be one option—joining forces with the Fringe, an extremist group, and their young leader who’s too hot to be bad. Problem is, these revolutionaries aren’t what they seem, and the secrets they’re hiding could be more dangerous than Sienna is prepared for. In the end, she must be willing to risk everything to save the one thing that matters most.
About the Author:
Kristin Smith writes young adult contemporary and science fiction novels with enough kissing to make her mother blush. She's a beach lover and a Just Dance guru who enjoys belting out karaoke (from the comfort of her own home). As a self-professed chocoholic, Kristin is a firm believer that if a dessert doesn't have chocolate in it, then it's not considered a dessert. (Except for crème brûlée. She can always make an exception for crème brûlée.) Kristin currently resides in the middle-of-nowhere North Carolina with her husband and five incredibly loud but extremely cute boys. To read more about her obsession with YA novels or her addiction to scarves, you can connect with her at the links below.
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Title: Catalyst (The Deception Game, Book One)Author: Kristin SmithRelease Date: November 21, 2016Publisher: Clean Teen PublishingGenre: YA near-future thriller
Book Synopsis:
Too pretty.
Too smart.
Too perfect.
In a crumbling, futuristic Las Vegas where the wealthy choose the characteristics of their children like ordering off a drive-thru menu, seventeen-year-old Sienna Preston doesn’t fit in. As a normal girl surrounded by genetically modified teens, all of her imperfections are on display. But after the death of her father, everything she's ever known and loved changes in an instant.
With little skills to help provide for her family, Sienna clings to the two things that come easily—lying and stealing. But not all thief-for-hire assignments go as planned. When a covert exchange of a stolen computer chip is intercepted, she becomes entangled with a corrupt government official who uses her thieving past as leverage, her mother as collateral, and the genetically modified poster boy she’s falling for as bait.
In order to rescue her mother, there may only be one option—joining forces with the Fringe, an extremist group, and their young leader who’s too hot to be bad. Problem is, these revolutionaries aren’t what they seem, and the secrets they’re hiding could be more dangerous than Sienna is prepared for. In the end, she must be willing to risk everything to save the one thing that matters most.
About the Author:
Kristin Smith writes young adult contemporary and science fiction novels with enough kissing to make her mother blush. She's a beach lover and a Just Dance guru who enjoys belting out karaoke (from the comfort of her own home). As a self-professed chocoholic, Kristin is a firm believer that if a dessert doesn't have chocolate in it, then it's not considered a dessert. (Except for crème brûlée. She can always make an exception for crème brûlée.) Kristin currently resides in the middle-of-nowhere North Carolina with her husband and five incredibly loud but extremely cute boys. To read more about her obsession with YA novels or her addiction to scarves, you can connect with her at the links below.
Newsletter Sign-upAuthor WebsiteBlogTwitterFacebookInstagram
November 18, 2016
Timeless!!!
TIMELESS (#3 Maiden of Time) by Crystal Collier
Book Title: TIMELESS (Maiden of Time #3)Author: Crystal CollierGenre: YA Paranormal HistoricalRelease Date: November 1, 2016
TIME IS THE ENEMY
In 1771, Alexia had everything: the man of her dreams, reconciliation with her father, even a child on the way. But she was never meant to stay. It broke her heart, but Alexia heeded destiny and traveled five hundred years back to stop the Soulless from becoming.
In the thirteenth century, the Holy Roman Church has ordered the Knights Templar to exterminate the Passionate, her bloodline. As Alexia fights this new threat—along with an unfathomable evil and her own heart—the Soulless genesis nears. But none of her hard-won battles may matter if she dies in childbirth before completing her mission.
Can Alexia escape her own clock?
Crystal Collier is an eclectic author who pens clean fantasy/sci-fi, historical, and romance stories with the occasional touch of humor, horror, or inspiration. She practices 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, four 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, Facebook, Goodreads, or follow her on Twitter.
Book Title: TIMELESS (Maiden of Time #3)Author: Crystal CollierGenre: YA Paranormal HistoricalRelease Date: November 1, 2016
TIME IS THE ENEMY
In 1771, Alexia had everything: the man of her dreams, reconciliation with her father, even a child on the way. But she was never meant to stay. It broke her heart, but Alexia heeded destiny and traveled five hundred years back to stop the Soulless from becoming.
In the thirteenth century, the Holy Roman Church has ordered the Knights Templar to exterminate the Passionate, her bloodline. As Alexia fights this new threat—along with an unfathomable evil and her own heart—the Soulless genesis nears. But none of her hard-won battles may matter if she dies in childbirth before completing her mission.
Can Alexia escape her own clock?
Crystal Collier is an eclectic author who pens clean fantasy/sci-fi, historical, and romance stories with the occasional touch of humor, horror, or inspiration. She practices 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, four 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, Facebook, Goodreads, or follow her on Twitter.November 14, 2016
Speaking at My Old High School
Last week, I got a chance to speak about my book to students at my old high school. Needless to say, it was a blast talking to hundreds of kids about Between Two Fires, and how I had once been sitting in the very same seats they’re in now. A couple of my old teachers were still there as well!The students asked some really great questions about books and writing, but some of the funniest questions occurred when they asked me about what my grades had been and what some of their teachers were like when I had them. It was a little surreal, but definitely a lot of fun recalling my years there and how it can seem at once like yesterday, but also a while ago. What really stood out for me though, was the overwhelming fact that so many kids are genuinely interested in reading and writing, and that the arts are alive and well in the hearts and minds of young students.
I spoke for about four hours straight, as they kept sending in classes two at a time to the school library where I spoke. Today my voice has still not recovered (I’ve had four speaking events in the last week alone), but it’s all of a good cause. Of all the great places I’ve spoken on my book tour so far, talking to students at my former high school has definitely been one of the highlights.
November 1, 2016
Book Signing at Green Apple Books on Sunday, Nov.6!!!
Hey, everybody! I'm gearing up for my next Bay Area book signing event. I'll be speaking, reading, and signing books at Green Apple Books in San Francisco! Come on by on Sunday, November the 6th at 7pm if you're around.Green Apple Books is one of my favorite independent bookshops in the City, and has been a familiar haunt of mine over the years. Its winding aisles are just crammed with books from floor to ceiling, and the place has that lovely old book smell that only old independent shops have got. But don't just take my word for it.
If you're around San Francisco on Sunday, please come on by and say 'hello!' Thanks!
October 21, 2016
Great Time at San Luis Obispo Books Signing!!!
I had a great time this last weekend at my books signing at the Barnes and Noble in San Luis Obispo! We had a pretty decent rainstorm to contend with, but still got a nice turnout of familiar and new faces. Students from Cal Poly came by and a bunch of my former professors stopped in. Needless to say, it was like reliving a bit of my past while presenting my book.The staff at the Barnes and Noble in SLO were great, some of them even buying my book and asking for an autographed copy. It means a lot to me because my wife and I have so many fond memories of this particular Barnes and Noble. To see my book on the shelf there feels like a real milestone.
The book tour marches on, with a bunch of Bay Area stops coming up in a few weeks. Green Apple Books in San Francisco and my former high school will be part of the November leg of my journey. All lots of fun stuff to look forward to!
October 11, 2016
Book Signing This Weekend!
I'll be at the downtown Barnes & Noble in sunny San Luis Obispo this weekend reading from Between Two Fires and signing books! The event starts at 2pm this Saturday (Oct.15). If you're in the area, stop on by!
SLO is where I went to college, and my wife and I have a lot of fond memories of the town. A bunch of my former professors and fellow students will be in attendance, so I'm definitely looking forward to the reunion too. I've spent many hours of my youth and young adulthood in this Barnes & Noble store, so it's sort of a homecoming for me as well.
The book tour for Between Two Fires is going strong, with great turnout throughout the state, especially in the Bay Area and Sacramento. I can't wait to share my novel with my friends in SLO this weekend. Wish me luck!
October 5, 2016
Wine & Book Pairings
Ok, I'm taking a break from all my serious book promo stuff just to be me today. I've had this odd idea in my head about wine and book pairings - You know, like why not put good wine and good books together? We do it with cheese, right? The below list may seem like unusual pairings, but I've found that they work well for me.
Anyhow, here's some of my half-baked ideas so far...at least for red wines...
1. Cabernet Sauvignon lets you bring out the angst with Grapes of Wrath, For Whom the Bell Tolls, and The Hunger Games.
2. Chianti will allow you to savor romance and intrigue with the Alexandrian Quartet, Shakespeare, Arthurian, and even The Godfather.
3. Zinfandel for adventure with books like Treasure Island and anything by George R. R. Martin.
4. Pinot Noir for the more esoteric, and also what I like to call "dark wine mysteries," like anything by Agatha Christie or Ian Fleming or even The Great Gatsby.
5. Malbec works best with "for fun" reads like the Harry Potter series or Dune.
Anyhow, it's a work in progress, but I figured I'd share my wine and book pairing thoughts. Which wine and book pairings work best for you?
September 29, 2016
Last Chance Giveaway!
Last chance to snag a free copy of my novel, Between Two Fires, as part of my publisher's Goodreads and The Reading Room giveaways! Enter for a chance to win today!
Also, just for fun, I had to share one of my favorite John Oliver clips. The whole segment rocks, but you can also just check it out about 2 minutes in...you will not be disappointed. Enjoy!
Also, just for fun, I had to share one of my favorite John Oliver clips. The whole segment rocks, but you can also just check it out about 2 minutes in...you will not be disappointed. Enjoy!
September 23, 2016
Mega Giveaway from My Publisher Today!
St. Martin's Press is doubling down on giveaways this week by running not one, but two simultaneous giveaway contests for my new novel Between Two Fires! You can sign up for the chance to win a copy at Goodreads and/or The Reading Room. They're giving away a good amount of copies this round, so sign up today!
Also, I've been getting pings and emails from folks across the country when they've purchased my book, and it's been exhilarating to say the least. So far I've confirmed that my novel has sold in at least 33 different states of the union (including Washington D.C.). I'm sooo thrilled and humbled by the outpouring of support and interest in Between Two Fires, and I can't wait to see how many more customers in the remaining states end up sporting a copy of my debut novel in the days to come!
Also, I've been getting pings and emails from folks across the country when they've purchased my book, and it's been exhilarating to say the least. So far I've confirmed that my novel has sold in at least 33 different states of the union (including Washington D.C.). I'm sooo thrilled and humbled by the outpouring of support and interest in Between Two Fires, and I can't wait to see how many more customers in the remaining states end up sporting a copy of my debut novel in the days to come!
