Kim Baccellia's Blog, page 5
June 30, 2012
ALA recap
My recap of ALA is here: http://kimbacceliasweblogfantasy.blogspot.com/2012/06/ala-recap.html
June 15, 2012
Friday Five
Been posting over at: http://kimbacceliasweblogfantasy.blogspot.com/
1. Was able to get back to my own writing after over a month! Pushing self to just write and also telling self it's ok to be selfish and give myself permission to do this.
2. Also finding this whole parenting gig thing is hard stuff. I actually had someone tell me that her 'me' time involved her children. To me though I need to get away for a few just to regroup or I lose it. I personally don't think there is anything wrong with doing this. My mother's best friend Dee told us that if you don't give yourself permission to take care of yourself, no one else will.
3. Bummed that See's candy is going to discontinue it's chocolate caramel suckers. I ended up buying a whole box. Each sucker is 2 WW points.
4. Saw a link to this one self-help book that actually says to stay in an abusive situation. I was speechless at first, then very angry. Someone mentioned I should write my own blog post about my feelings on the article. I've been pondering doing something like this for some time. I need to take a chill pill right now so I don't come across as being angry but rather show why I feel the way I do.
5.
**Guilty pleasure:
Who knew #3 of this series would be so much fun to watch?
***Also so happy for latest Obama ruling that young people won't be deported:
https://apps.facebook.com/theguardian/world/2012/jun/15/dream-act-dreamers-immigrants
As a bilingual teacher I had students who lived in fear of being deported. I think I did have a few that were deported. Also my own great-grandmother's family were Mexican migrant workers. I'm happy for this news today.
1. Was able to get back to my own writing after over a month! Pushing self to just write and also telling self it's ok to be selfish and give myself permission to do this.
2. Also finding this whole parenting gig thing is hard stuff. I actually had someone tell me that her 'me' time involved her children. To me though I need to get away for a few just to regroup or I lose it. I personally don't think there is anything wrong with doing this. My mother's best friend Dee told us that if you don't give yourself permission to take care of yourself, no one else will.
3. Bummed that See's candy is going to discontinue it's chocolate caramel suckers. I ended up buying a whole box. Each sucker is 2 WW points.
4. Saw a link to this one self-help book that actually says to stay in an abusive situation. I was speechless at first, then very angry. Someone mentioned I should write my own blog post about my feelings on the article. I've been pondering doing something like this for some time. I need to take a chill pill right now so I don't come across as being angry but rather show why I feel the way I do.
5.
**Guilty pleasure:
Who knew #3 of this series would be so much fun to watch?
***Also so happy for latest Obama ruling that young people won't be deported:
https://apps.facebook.com/theguardian/world/2012/jun/15/dream-act-dreamers-immigrants
As a bilingual teacher I had students who lived in fear of being deported. I think I did have a few that were deported. Also my own great-grandmother's family were Mexican migrant workers. I'm happy for this news today.
May 29, 2012
Summer Teen Reading Party Guest: Jan Fischer Wade
Thanks for hosting me today Kim! I am having a blast with the Summer Teen Reading Party and I am so excited about this month long event! We’ve got lots of great books and authors there – many for $1.99 or less. I hope everyone visits! Make sure to read the rest of this post to find out how you can enter to win a $50 Barnes & Noble gift card!
Here is a bit about my novel, Veiled Virtues:
When Paige Stewart left America to house-sit in England, her only thoughts were to get away from her controlling mother and to have fun. Little did she know that her working holiday would find her hearing eerie voices, experiencing alarming dreams and bleeding from old scars. Although Paige's differences confuse and disgust her, she opens up to the shopkeeper of a strange metaphysical store in town, where she finds much more than tarot cards and crystals. Soon, Paige is stalked like prized game. Relentlessly pursued, her holiday takes a turn for the eerie and dangerous. Her only saving grace may be a modern-day English knight who sweeps her off her feet and recognizes the true virtues the American teen unknowingly possesses.
Veiled Virtues is available at the following sites: Amazon Barnes & Noble OmniLit Smashwords MuseItUp Publishing Diesel Kobo BookStrand AmazonUK iTunes
I usually love reading in the summer, but this year, I will be working on the finishing touches to the sequel to Veiled Virtues so I won’t have time to read much else! The sequel is entitled Latent Legacy and you can read more about it on my website listed below!
Excerpt from Veiled Virtues: (from Nathaniel’s point of view – the first time he sees Paige)
I don’t recall ever being stunned speechless, that is, until an unfamiliar American girl with shimmering auburn hair walked through the doors of the shop one day.
I first noticed her looking into the shop with a curious eye. She tipped her head in deliberation, and with a determined nod, she pulled the door open and stepped into my life. She was stunning — tall and slender with curves where it counted. The sunlight streaming in through the window lit up golden-copper strands of her auburn hair. Intelligent green eyes glanced around, taking in the variety of merchandise in our shop.
I stepped out of the shadows, about to ask if she needed help. But when she turned my way, our gazes locked. All of my senses awakened, yet time stood still. With each beat of my heart, lively, serene, courageous, and even silly images of this woman flashed in my mind’s eye. Then my vision darkened. This beauty was terrified, entwined with a maniacal entity. My muscles tensed, and my protective instinct intensified. I would not fail her.
When she left the shop after our first encounter, I discussed my immediate impressions of Paige with Avery.
“We looked at each other, for a mere second, and I sensed a hundred wonderful things about her. But, then a totally different scene inserted itself into my head — she was fighting off some evil, forceful power. What do you make of it?”
“Well, you’ve never possessed a third eye, but maybe there’s a connection with her that runs on a higher plane.”
“But why? And why do I feel like I have to protect her?”
“I have a feeling we’ll learn more; because when I came in and saw Paige, an intriguing aura surrounded her. It was the color of a sunrise, something very special. She seeks a fresh horizon, but something in her past affects her future greatly, and I think you or me, or both of us, may be a part of it. I can tell.”
When Avery was really sure of something she ‘felt,’ she always said it with a particular squint to her eyes. It was there just then.
Avery’s deep inner perception of others was an uncanny ability she always had. She could also somehow see a person’s aura—a kind of glowing light which radiates their soul outward, as Avery put it. She described Paige’s as ‘an aura of a sunrise.’ Avery told me on many occasions my aura reminded her of a sunset, one with calming, peaceful, and dependable characteristics. Maybe Paige and I would complement each other more than I hoped.
“But Avery, what of the dark scene I saw?” I had asked her. “It automatically appeared in my head, like something intruded into my thoughts.”
“I don’t know,” she said. “If you didn’t see the future, then it could be some unknown, outside presence.” That did not comfort me in the least.
“I find her absolutely stunning,” I admitted.
“Maybe we should leave well enough alone,” she warned.
“But I can’t stop thinking about her.” It was crude enough that I couldn’t quit looking at Paige’s outward beauty, but even worse, a feeling washed over me that her heart was mine to seek and protect. I wanted her.
About Jan’s giveaway:
Enter to win a $50 Barnes & Noble gift card!!! One lucky winner will be chosen from the commenters on her blog (including emails to her from non-Book Blogs members), "Likes" and "Shares" on Facebook and Tweets about her book, Veiled Virtues, or the Summer Reading Party site (include @veiledvirtues in your tweets!). It's that easy!!! She will be having other giveaways during the month on her blog as well, so make sure to visit it!
Jan can be found online at:
Twitter @veiledvirtues
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Veiled-Virtues/163489290375669
Blog: http://bookblogs.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?user=1iroqwhwlmsmg
Website: http://www.veiledvirtues.com
May 20, 2012
Summer Teen Ready Party Guest: Kate Fuentes
Greetings! Thank you for allowing me to be a guest on your site today Kim! I’m looking forward to having a tremendous time sharing posts and having “Giveaways” on various blogs with the Summer Teen Reading Party event! There will be amazing book titles and fabulous interviews with authors from all genres participating! Be sure to stop by and check it out!
When I look back to when I had less wrinkles and a smaller backside, I remember the excitement of summer! To be free from the confines of school and ready to make memories with my friends over the summer break, but I also recall having time to relax and read a good book. Whether it was on a vacation we had taken to the beach or a lazy afternoon in the backyard, I found the time to sit and experience the fantasy realms of some of my favorite stories. I’m a BIG fan of Greek Mythology and the legendary heroes of yesteryear. I believe this type of ‘epic adventure ‘writing help mold my own form of literary style and created a vast foundation of imagination outlets to pull from when I’m constructing my young adult series ELEMENTS. I have written and published two books in the series thus far and plan to release the third in the series just before summer begins in 2012.
The ELEMENTS novels follow the lives of fraternal twin brothers Gage and Talon Thorn. They were born from an ancient prophecy and have the extraordinary elemental abilities of fire and water. A wicked underworld emperor is determined to destroy the ‘Brothers of Prophecy’ and claim the earth realm for his own if the brothers don’t learn how to control their gifts and save humanity from the clutches of evil. The twins must experience tragedy, loss and defeat before they try to push forward and live up to what destiny has asked of them. The challenge has been set forth by dark forces and the world must put their faith in a pair of young brothers. The future is uncertain.
To find out more about the ELEMENTS series please visit Kate Fuentes webpage for more details.
Elements: The Beginning, Book One
AMAZON BARNES&NOBLE GOODREADS SMASHWORDS
Elements: Veil of Darkness, Book Two
AMAZON BARNES&NOBLE GOODREADS SMASHWORDS
Elements: Kingdom of Aqueous, Bk 3
I’m also quite excited to include a giveaway for your readers today! One reader can win an ebook copy of my first book, ELEMENTS: The Beginning, FREE! Answer a question, ‘like’ the Elements Facebook page and follow me on Twitter to begin earning points! A random winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter! Good Luck!
Also, check back throughout the month of May on the Summer Reading Party site and see if you could win ALL three books!
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/NmU4N2NlZDVhYjdiOGU4NmYyNWVhYzc2MjJkYzkzOjA=/
Thank you for having me as a guest on your blog! I really appreciate having the opportunity to speak with your readers!
Warm Regards,
Kate
To contact the author, Kate Fuentes, visit the following social media sites:
Kate Fuentes , Twitter , Sired Scribblings , Facebook , Pinterest
Author picture:
Author Bio: Kate Fuentes
My name is Kate Fuentes, author of a young adult fantasy series called Elements. I modeled the characters after my two sons and created the fantasy realm as a story to read to my children at night. I'm fascinated at the enormity of endless imagination that we humans are capable of having, and enjoy being able to write fiction for others to appreciate as well.
My series includes: Book one, Elements: The Beginning, Book two, Elements: Veil of Darkness, and soon to be released in the summer of 2012, Book three, Elements: Kingdom of Aqueous. I plan to continue the installments and have not decided how many books will complete the series. I, like so many of my author counterparts, aspire to create more books and characters for my readers to enjoy. I have two projects currently in the beginning phases of conception and will release details in the fall of 2012 on my webpage KateFuentes.com
I attended college in Arizona and transferred to California where I finished my studies in business marketing and advertising while progressively composing short stories in the foreground. Research and development is one of my favorite aspects of writing along with the actual creation of the story from imagination to the novel itself.
I am quite passionate about writing but also enjoy helping those that are underprivileged, forgotten, and oppressed by working in a global reach department during the week in the hopes that I may bring attention to the causes which will, in effect, inspire others to volunteer or champion for those less fortunate both locally and around the world.
On a personal note, I am happily married to my junior high sweetheart and we have two glorious children. We appreciate our time spent with one another and always make sure we set aside a day for family fun night.
Crossed posted at: http://kimbacceliasweblogfantasy.blogspot.com/2012/05/summer-teen-reading-party-guest-kate.html
When I look back to when I had less wrinkles and a smaller backside, I remember the excitement of summer! To be free from the confines of school and ready to make memories with my friends over the summer break, but I also recall having time to relax and read a good book. Whether it was on a vacation we had taken to the beach or a lazy afternoon in the backyard, I found the time to sit and experience the fantasy realms of some of my favorite stories. I’m a BIG fan of Greek Mythology and the legendary heroes of yesteryear. I believe this type of ‘epic adventure ‘writing help mold my own form of literary style and created a vast foundation of imagination outlets to pull from when I’m constructing my young adult series ELEMENTS. I have written and published two books in the series thus far and plan to release the third in the series just before summer begins in 2012.
The ELEMENTS novels follow the lives of fraternal twin brothers Gage and Talon Thorn. They were born from an ancient prophecy and have the extraordinary elemental abilities of fire and water. A wicked underworld emperor is determined to destroy the ‘Brothers of Prophecy’ and claim the earth realm for his own if the brothers don’t learn how to control their gifts and save humanity from the clutches of evil. The twins must experience tragedy, loss and defeat before they try to push forward and live up to what destiny has asked of them. The challenge has been set forth by dark forces and the world must put their faith in a pair of young brothers. The future is uncertain.
To find out more about the ELEMENTS series please visit Kate Fuentes webpage for more details.
Elements: The Beginning, Book One
AMAZON BARNES&NOBLE GOODREADS SMASHWORDS
Elements: Veil of Darkness, Book Two
AMAZON BARNES&NOBLE GOODREADS SMASHWORDS
Elements: Kingdom of Aqueous, Bk 3
I’m also quite excited to include a giveaway for your readers today! One reader can win an ebook copy of my first book, ELEMENTS: The Beginning, FREE! Answer a question, ‘like’ the Elements Facebook page and follow me on Twitter to begin earning points! A random winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter! Good Luck!
Also, check back throughout the month of May on the Summer Reading Party site and see if you could win ALL three books!
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/NmU4N2NlZDVhYjdiOGU4NmYyNWVhYzc2MjJkYzkzOjA=/
Thank you for having me as a guest on your blog! I really appreciate having the opportunity to speak with your readers!
Warm Regards,
Kate
To contact the author, Kate Fuentes, visit the following social media sites:
Kate Fuentes , Twitter , Sired Scribblings , Facebook , Pinterest
Author picture:
Author Bio: Kate Fuentes
My name is Kate Fuentes, author of a young adult fantasy series called Elements. I modeled the characters after my two sons and created the fantasy realm as a story to read to my children at night. I'm fascinated at the enormity of endless imagination that we humans are capable of having, and enjoy being able to write fiction for others to appreciate as well.
My series includes: Book one, Elements: The Beginning, Book two, Elements: Veil of Darkness, and soon to be released in the summer of 2012, Book three, Elements: Kingdom of Aqueous. I plan to continue the installments and have not decided how many books will complete the series. I, like so many of my author counterparts, aspire to create more books and characters for my readers to enjoy. I have two projects currently in the beginning phases of conception and will release details in the fall of 2012 on my webpage KateFuentes.com
I attended college in Arizona and transferred to California where I finished my studies in business marketing and advertising while progressively composing short stories in the foreground. Research and development is one of my favorite aspects of writing along with the actual creation of the story from imagination to the novel itself.
I am quite passionate about writing but also enjoy helping those that are underprivileged, forgotten, and oppressed by working in a global reach department during the week in the hopes that I may bring attention to the causes which will, in effect, inspire others to volunteer or champion for those less fortunate both locally and around the world.
On a personal note, I am happily married to my junior high sweetheart and we have two glorious children. We appreciate our time spent with one another and always make sure we set aside a day for family fun night.
Crossed posted at: http://kimbacceliasweblogfantasy.blogspot.com/2012/05/summer-teen-reading-party-guest-kate.html
Summer Teen Ready Party Guest: Helene Prevost
I'm really excited to be hosting YA author Helene Prevost today. Her YA novel Desert Fire takes place in the Middle East. As you all know my brother-in-law Eihab and his family live in Qatar. My own sister has visited this country numerous times and is in love with the country and the people.
The trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_A06MNB_GO8
Bio:
H.M. Prévost is a writer, photographer, teacher and avid reader of YA fiction. Thrillers, fantasy and paranormal romances (that’s right, pretty much anything with a vampire in it!) are her favorite genres. She also loves to paint and has covered her house with murals. For many years, she worked abroad in the United Arab Emirates, which provided an exotic setting for her debut YA thriller, Desert Fire. She lives in Québec with her husband, two rambunctious daughters, and Ginger the cat.
Blurb:
Nick stared at the mini-CD. It gleamed under the streetlights. Only the dying American pilot could have slipped it into his pocket. . . .
After running to the scene of a plane crash in Abu Dhabi, Nick Chevalier stumbles across classified military secrets. A ruthless terrorist will stop at nothing to get them. As Nick investigates the cover-up behind the downed plane, he crosses paths with an agent from a covert espionage agency and makes the leap from high school senior to teen spy. But he realizes too late that he put more than his own life at risk—his mother and sister are also in danger. Does he have what it takes to outwit a terrorist who wants him dead and save the two people he loves?
Q: How long did it take you to write this book?
It took about ten months, and then a few months of intense revision after that.
Q: Do you have a specific genre that you always write in or do you try writing in different genres?
Let’s see. . . Desert Fire is a thriller. I have a middle grade fantasy novel called The Erlkin’s Lair coming out next April. I have a YA urban fantasy novel titled Bonded, which I am shopping around at the moment. I am trying to write a YA paranormal romance as well. I guess you can say I like variety!
Q: What do you like to do when you're not writing?
Most of my spare time is spent writing. Since I have two kids, spare time is at a premium! I also do some photography and I enjoy painting.
Q: One food you would never eat?
Horsemeat. I saw some at the grocery store and I wanted to throw up!
Q: Are you a morning person or night owl?
I’m not really a morning person, but I like to get up early to get things done. When I sleep in, the day goes by way too fast, and I feel like I haven’t accomplished anything.
Q: If a genie granted you 1 wish, what would it be?
Tough question! I think I’d wish for a Victorian mansion on a sprawling 500-acre estate, complete with a stable filled with Warmblood horses.
Links:
Website: www.hmprevost.com
Desert Fire is now on sale for $1.99 on Amazon and MuseItUp Publishing.
Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Desert-Fire-ebook/dp/B0062UNUG8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1324087827&sr=8-1
MuseItUp Publishing: http://museituppublishing.com/bookstore2/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=254&category_id=53&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/HM-Pr%C3%A9vost/310873478952732
The trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_A06MNB_GO8
Bio:
H.M. Prévost is a writer, photographer, teacher and avid reader of YA fiction. Thrillers, fantasy and paranormal romances (that’s right, pretty much anything with a vampire in it!) are her favorite genres. She also loves to paint and has covered her house with murals. For many years, she worked abroad in the United Arab Emirates, which provided an exotic setting for her debut YA thriller, Desert Fire. She lives in Québec with her husband, two rambunctious daughters, and Ginger the cat.
Blurb:
Nick stared at the mini-CD. It gleamed under the streetlights. Only the dying American pilot could have slipped it into his pocket. . . .
After running to the scene of a plane crash in Abu Dhabi, Nick Chevalier stumbles across classified military secrets. A ruthless terrorist will stop at nothing to get them. As Nick investigates the cover-up behind the downed plane, he crosses paths with an agent from a covert espionage agency and makes the leap from high school senior to teen spy. But he realizes too late that he put more than his own life at risk—his mother and sister are also in danger. Does he have what it takes to outwit a terrorist who wants him dead and save the two people he loves?
Q: How long did it take you to write this book?
It took about ten months, and then a few months of intense revision after that.
Q: Do you have a specific genre that you always write in or do you try writing in different genres?
Let’s see. . . Desert Fire is a thriller. I have a middle grade fantasy novel called The Erlkin’s Lair coming out next April. I have a YA urban fantasy novel titled Bonded, which I am shopping around at the moment. I am trying to write a YA paranormal romance as well. I guess you can say I like variety!
Q: What do you like to do when you're not writing?
Most of my spare time is spent writing. Since I have two kids, spare time is at a premium! I also do some photography and I enjoy painting.
Q: One food you would never eat?
Horsemeat. I saw some at the grocery store and I wanted to throw up!
Q: Are you a morning person or night owl?
I’m not really a morning person, but I like to get up early to get things done. When I sleep in, the day goes by way too fast, and I feel like I haven’t accomplished anything.
Q: If a genie granted you 1 wish, what would it be?
Tough question! I think I’d wish for a Victorian mansion on a sprawling 500-acre estate, complete with a stable filled with Warmblood horses.
Links:
Website: www.hmprevost.com
Desert Fire is now on sale for $1.99 on Amazon and MuseItUp Publishing.
Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Desert-Fire-ebook/dp/B0062UNUG8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1324087827&sr=8-1
MuseItUp Publishing: http://museituppublishing.com/bookstore2/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=254&category_id=53&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/HM-Pr%C3%A9vost/310873478952732
May 17, 2012
Guest YA Author Emerald Barnes
Hi, Kim! Thanks for having me today! I’d like to introduce my character, Marion James, from my latest release, Read Me Dead!
I’m Marion James. My niece is Alexia Wheaton. She saw my sister and brother-in-law, her parents, murdered at the hand of a man we thought was a random mugger. Little did we know it was for more than their jewelry and money.
I teach English at the local high school, Bakersville High in Mississippi. I have a daughter, Alisa, and a wonderful husband, Dave. We took in Alexia and her twin brother, Matt, when their parents died. I don’t regret my decision. What I do regret is that I didn’t know Alex was hiding a terrible secret about the death of them. I didn’t even try to figure it out. All I did was sit back and let her deal with the death with her psychiatrist and her dad’s best friend, Dr. Carey Finnegan.
I regret the mistakes I’ve made, and I regret the decisions I made about dealing with Alex’s secret. How was I supposed to know who the real murderer was? How was I supposed to know that her life was in danger and I’m at risk of losing her forever?
Read Me Dead a YA Romantic Suspense
Alexia Wheaton’s problems go beyond picking a dress and a date for homecoming.
For seven years, Alex has lived with a painful memory - her parents' horrific murder. As the sole witness, she has kept quiet to protect herself, but when the local newspaper reveals her secret, Alex is plagued with fear that her parents' murderer will soon find her - and silence her forever.
Alex is catapulted into a race against time to save her own life and bring her parents' murderer to justice.
Excerpt:
There is a quick knock on the door. “Alex,” Aunt Marion says.
“Come in.”
Marion turns the doorknob and slowly pushes the door open. She peeks in first and then walks inside. She’s dressed in a blue tank top and black pajama pants with little blue hearts on them. Her hair is curled and her makeup immaculate.
“Good morning, sweetie,” she says hugging me.
I return the hug, and then Marion takes a seat on the edge of the bed. I turn to face her.
“You look just like Audrey,” she starts.
“Thanks,” I mumble.
“There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think of her.”
“Me either.”
“Matty looks like Cameron too, don’t you think?”
I nod. Marion smiles warmly, and when she smiles, I see my mother. Marion and Mom were close, and at times, they looked almost identical.
“Alex, I’m really sorry about everything that’s happened. I know I was upset last night, but I worry. And now, I worry even more since that story’s out. I wanna talk to that Max guy and give him what for.”
I know that if anyone can make someone cower in fear, it’s Marion. I want her to be there, but she can’t get out of school as easily as Dave can take off work.
“Will you forgive me?” Aunt Marion asks when I don’t say anything.
“What for?” I ask.
“Acting like that last night.”
“Of course,” I say, “but I don’t really need to.”
“Good, but I do want to say that you aren’t allowed to leave the house without someone by your side. Preferably one of us.”
“I have a feeling Landon and Christian won’t let me out of their sight.”
She kind of laughs and asks, “What’s going on there?”
“I think they both want to date me. Christian even kissed me yesterday.”
“Does Landon know?”
“No.”
“Are you going to date either one?”
“I don’t know.”
“How come?”
“I just don’t think I need a boyfriend right now given everything that’s happened.”
“You do know that this will eventually pass, and you’ll have to make a decision.”
“I know.”
“You’ll make the right one, honey. They’re both good boys.”
Buy Links:
Piercing Through the Darkness: http://www.amazon.com/Piercing-Through-the-Darkness-ebook/dp/B004P1IYLW/
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Read Me Dead: http://www.amazon.com/Read-Me-Dead-ebook/dp/B007WMQK3A/
Connect with Emerald Barnes:
Website: http://www.emeraldbarnes.us
Blog: http://ebarnes23.wordpress.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/fanpageforemeraldbarnes
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/emeraldbarnes
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/emerald_barnes
Google + : https://plus.google.com/101744242812023382698/posts
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Emerald-Barnes/e/B004PL38QS/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1
Cross posted at http://kimbacceliasweblogfantasy.blogspot.com/2012/05/guest-ya-author-emerald-barnes.html
I’m Marion James. My niece is Alexia Wheaton. She saw my sister and brother-in-law, her parents, murdered at the hand of a man we thought was a random mugger. Little did we know it was for more than their jewelry and money.
I teach English at the local high school, Bakersville High in Mississippi. I have a daughter, Alisa, and a wonderful husband, Dave. We took in Alexia and her twin brother, Matt, when their parents died. I don’t regret my decision. What I do regret is that I didn’t know Alex was hiding a terrible secret about the death of them. I didn’t even try to figure it out. All I did was sit back and let her deal with the death with her psychiatrist and her dad’s best friend, Dr. Carey Finnegan.
I regret the mistakes I’ve made, and I regret the decisions I made about dealing with Alex’s secret. How was I supposed to know who the real murderer was? How was I supposed to know that her life was in danger and I’m at risk of losing her forever?
Read Me Dead a YA Romantic Suspense
Alexia Wheaton’s problems go beyond picking a dress and a date for homecoming.
For seven years, Alex has lived with a painful memory - her parents' horrific murder. As the sole witness, she has kept quiet to protect herself, but when the local newspaper reveals her secret, Alex is plagued with fear that her parents' murderer will soon find her - and silence her forever.
Alex is catapulted into a race against time to save her own life and bring her parents' murderer to justice.
Excerpt:
There is a quick knock on the door. “Alex,” Aunt Marion says.
“Come in.”
Marion turns the doorknob and slowly pushes the door open. She peeks in first and then walks inside. She’s dressed in a blue tank top and black pajama pants with little blue hearts on them. Her hair is curled and her makeup immaculate.
“Good morning, sweetie,” she says hugging me.
I return the hug, and then Marion takes a seat on the edge of the bed. I turn to face her.
“You look just like Audrey,” she starts.
“Thanks,” I mumble.
“There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think of her.”
“Me either.”
“Matty looks like Cameron too, don’t you think?”
I nod. Marion smiles warmly, and when she smiles, I see my mother. Marion and Mom were close, and at times, they looked almost identical.
“Alex, I’m really sorry about everything that’s happened. I know I was upset last night, but I worry. And now, I worry even more since that story’s out. I wanna talk to that Max guy and give him what for.”
I know that if anyone can make someone cower in fear, it’s Marion. I want her to be there, but she can’t get out of school as easily as Dave can take off work.
“Will you forgive me?” Aunt Marion asks when I don’t say anything.
“What for?” I ask.
“Acting like that last night.”
“Of course,” I say, “but I don’t really need to.”
“Good, but I do want to say that you aren’t allowed to leave the house without someone by your side. Preferably one of us.”
“I have a feeling Landon and Christian won’t let me out of their sight.”
She kind of laughs and asks, “What’s going on there?”
“I think they both want to date me. Christian even kissed me yesterday.”
“Does Landon know?”
“No.”
“Are you going to date either one?”
“I don’t know.”
“How come?”
“I just don’t think I need a boyfriend right now given everything that’s happened.”
“You do know that this will eventually pass, and you’ll have to make a decision.”
“I know.”
“You’ll make the right one, honey. They’re both good boys.”
Buy Links:
Piercing Through the Darkness: http://www.amazon.com/Piercing-Through-the-Darkness-ebook/dp/B004P1IYLW/
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Read Me Dead: http://www.amazon.com/Read-Me-Dead-ebook/dp/B007WMQK3A/
Connect with Emerald Barnes:
Website: http://www.emeraldbarnes.us
Blog: http://ebarnes23.wordpress.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/fanpageforemeraldbarnes
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/emeraldbarnes
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/emerald_barnes
Google + : https://plus.google.com/101744242812023382698/posts
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Emerald-Barnes/e/B004PL38QS/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1
Cross posted at http://kimbacceliasweblogfantasy.blogspot.com/2012/05/guest-ya-author-emerald-barnes.html
May 10, 2012
Friday Five
This week's been crazy...as usual with my 4th grade scoring project. This gig is up on May 22nd. Then I accepted another project to help score KY reading passages in June. I love reading the student's writing and it also helps me keep a foot in the educational field.
So other than scoring I've been reading too. My finds this week:
1. SEE YOU AT HARRY'S
Totally loving this story. YA Books Central review:
http://www.yabookscentral.com/kidsfiction/12238-see-you-at-harrys
2. UNTIL I DIE:
This is the second book in the series and what can I say? It's a paranormal set in Paris. Love it!
YA Books Central review coming soon!
3.
Been hearing great buzz on this book about a girl that is captured during WW2. She's forced to either tell what she knows of the resistance movement or die a horrific death. Coming out next Tuesday! Ginger Clark told me to have tons of kleenex handy!
4. Buffy The Vampire Slayer #10
Wow, didn't see that ending coming! I'm a huge Buffy fan and really enjoying this season.
5. And finally my treat for this weekend:
I'm a huge Meg Cabot fan and can't wait to read her second book in the ABANDONED series.
**Guilty pleasure:
Husband and son going off to a father/son camping trip with others in our church. I'll be scoring as I have to get my 20 hours in for the week. I also hope to get some Wahoo Tacos. Love their fish tacos. Nom.
And tomorrow will get a piece of yummy Cheesecake Factory cheesecake. Yes, it's pricey but hey, it's Mother's Day and I so deserve!
So other than scoring I've been reading too. My finds this week:
1. SEE YOU AT HARRY'S
Totally loving this story. YA Books Central review:
http://www.yabookscentral.com/kidsfiction/12238-see-you-at-harrys
2. UNTIL I DIE:
This is the second book in the series and what can I say? It's a paranormal set in Paris. Love it!
YA Books Central review coming soon!
3.
Been hearing great buzz on this book about a girl that is captured during WW2. She's forced to either tell what she knows of the resistance movement or die a horrific death. Coming out next Tuesday! Ginger Clark told me to have tons of kleenex handy!
4. Buffy The Vampire Slayer #10
Wow, didn't see that ending coming! I'm a huge Buffy fan and really enjoying this season.
5. And finally my treat for this weekend:
I'm a huge Meg Cabot fan and can't wait to read her second book in the ABANDONED series.
**Guilty pleasure:
Husband and son going off to a father/son camping trip with others in our church. I'll be scoring as I have to get my 20 hours in for the week. I also hope to get some Wahoo Tacos. Love their fish tacos. Nom.
And tomorrow will get a piece of yummy Cheesecake Factory cheesecake. Yes, it's pricey but hey, it's Mother's Day and I so deserve!
Yes, I'm still around but...
I'm posting now over at:
http://kimbacceliasweblogfantasy.blogspot.com/
Live Journal has been giving me tons of spam so I thought I'd try another blog stop. Please come over and friend me!
http://kimbacceliasweblogfantasy.blogspot.com/
Live Journal has been giving me tons of spam so I thought I'd try another blog stop. Please come over and friend me!
May 9, 2012
The Vicious Deep by Zoraida Cordova
Unique Twist on Mermaid Tale
Tristan finds out he's a little different than other teens after he's almost killed during a riptide. What happens next takes him on an adventure not for the faint of heart.
I have to admit this story kind of took me off guard. For one it's different than the usual mermaid YA stories out there right now. It's told through the POV of a guy, which gives this story an unique twist. The author nails the voice so it's believable and not forced.
I liked Tristan. His humor was refreshing. I did buy the whole clueless thing when he was around girls. Tristan kind of reminded me of that guy in high school I knew that hid his insecurities behind humor and off the wall comments. It was fun to see what really goes on behind that kind of behavior.
The dialogue is snappy and fast-paced. Another plus to this story has to be the world Zoraida Cordova created. It's very vivid with details of the mermaid's world to how they can shape shift around humans. Also we learn more about merman which hasn't really been addressed in recent mermaid stories.
Layla, Tristan's friend, at times is over the top strong willed but I think she does that to hide how she really feels around Tristan.
I did feel some of the plotting was a tad bit slow especially right after he finds himself in the hospital after his near death experience in the riptide. Also the story at times feel a little disjointed at times. Later, though the author weaves in more action that helps even that out.
Engaging, vivid tale that shows the mermaid world in a whole different light told through the eyes of a guy.
Good Points
1. Unique twist with a boy's POV
2. Good worldbuilding
3. Snappy dialogue
Do You Recommend?
Yes
Cross posted at:
http://kimbacceliasweblogfantasy.blogspot.com/2012/05/vicious-deep-by-zoraida-cordova.html
May 7, 2012
My Guest Post
Today I'm at
http://barbaraehrentreu.blogspot.com/2012/05/meet-kim-baccellia-summer-teen-reading.html
My post:
Helpless No More
Strong Heroines in YA
It never ceases to amaze me when you mention YA, some people automatically think of the book Twilight by Stephanie Meyer. They think all YA books have what I call the Bella syndrome—a teenage girl that whines about how life means nothing unless she has a guy in her life. In the second book of the Twilight series, Bella spends most of the book in a depressed funk after Edward leaves. She even tried to jump off a bridge to end her life. She did all of this because her life meant nothing if she didn’t have Edward. In other words, life without a boyfriend means you are nothing.
What a bad message for teens out there.
Another heroine had to be Buttercup in The Princess Bride, who besides being annoying, waited for love and kind of gave up toward the end. It was Westley who saved the day.
Thankfully not all YAs do this. The teens I’ve spoken to love strong heroines that are happy with themselves with or without a significant other.
In TV one strong heroine has to be Buffy the Vampire Slayer:
She’s the one who kicks vampire butt and doesn’t mess around with anyone. Though the TV series came out in 1997, she now has a cult following. It’s so big that there’s now a comic book series that can expose a whole new generation to her.
I admit I’m more of a Faith fan:
Yes, she’s slightly disturbed but she’s also multilayered with her own vulnerabilities. The last season of Buffy showed this. And yes, even Faith now has her own spin-off comic book series where she’s the one helping Angel find redemption.
Hermione in the Harry Potter series is another strong protagonist who doesn’t wait for Harry but rather does her own part of standing up to the dark side.
In recent YA novels there’s some great strong heroines:
One great example of this has to be Katniss in Hunger Games. She’s not only strong but it’s not a guy but rather the love of her family that motivates her. She volunteers to be a tribute for the games so her younger sister won’t have to do it. There is a love triangle but only later on in this series.
Tamora Pierce’s books alway have very strong heroines. One of my favorites has to be Beka Cooper:
She’s a rookie with the law-enforcing Provost's Guard, and she's been assigned to the Lower City to help fight crime. She’s tough but also has her own vulnerabilities. Got to love that!
Another outstanding heroine has to be in the recent YA release Grave Mercy:
Ismae flees a brutal arranged marriage and goes to a convent where she’s trained to be an assassin nun. This is in 1488 when most women didn’t have choices. An amazing tale.
In my own story Crossed Out, Stephanie doesn’t wait around for someone to help her with her little ability of helping guide the dead to the Otherside. Even when she does get sidetracked by one hot guy, it’s up to her to stop evil.
With the recent influx of stronger heroines has also come an argument. If a heroine is strong, will this put the rest of the story in the background? On a Twitter chat the other day, I asked author Robin LaFevers how to take care of this from not happening. She said, “Make sure and give the heroine vulnerabilities and areas in her life where she isn’t strong and in charge.” Basically give the character layers. This is one reason why I love these characters so much. They’re much more than one dimensional.
Are there any other strong protagonists in recent YAs you can think of?
http://barbaraehrentreu.blogspot.com/2012/05/meet-kim-baccellia-summer-teen-reading.html
My post:
Helpless No More
Strong Heroines in YA
It never ceases to amaze me when you mention YA, some people automatically think of the book Twilight by Stephanie Meyer. They think all YA books have what I call the Bella syndrome—a teenage girl that whines about how life means nothing unless she has a guy in her life. In the second book of the Twilight series, Bella spends most of the book in a depressed funk after Edward leaves. She even tried to jump off a bridge to end her life. She did all of this because her life meant nothing if she didn’t have Edward. In other words, life without a boyfriend means you are nothing.
What a bad message for teens out there.
Another heroine had to be Buttercup in The Princess Bride, who besides being annoying, waited for love and kind of gave up toward the end. It was Westley who saved the day.
Thankfully not all YAs do this. The teens I’ve spoken to love strong heroines that are happy with themselves with or without a significant other.
In TV one strong heroine has to be Buffy the Vampire Slayer:
She’s the one who kicks vampire butt and doesn’t mess around with anyone. Though the TV series came out in 1997, she now has a cult following. It’s so big that there’s now a comic book series that can expose a whole new generation to her.
I admit I’m more of a Faith fan:
Yes, she’s slightly disturbed but she’s also multilayered with her own vulnerabilities. The last season of Buffy showed this. And yes, even Faith now has her own spin-off comic book series where she’s the one helping Angel find redemption.
Hermione in the Harry Potter series is another strong protagonist who doesn’t wait for Harry but rather does her own part of standing up to the dark side.
In recent YA novels there’s some great strong heroines:
One great example of this has to be Katniss in Hunger Games. She’s not only strong but it’s not a guy but rather the love of her family that motivates her. She volunteers to be a tribute for the games so her younger sister won’t have to do it. There is a love triangle but only later on in this series.
Tamora Pierce’s books alway have very strong heroines. One of my favorites has to be Beka Cooper:
She’s a rookie with the law-enforcing Provost's Guard, and she's been assigned to the Lower City to help fight crime. She’s tough but also has her own vulnerabilities. Got to love that!
Another outstanding heroine has to be in the recent YA release Grave Mercy:
Ismae flees a brutal arranged marriage and goes to a convent where she’s trained to be an assassin nun. This is in 1488 when most women didn’t have choices. An amazing tale.
In my own story Crossed Out, Stephanie doesn’t wait around for someone to help her with her little ability of helping guide the dead to the Otherside. Even when she does get sidetracked by one hot guy, it’s up to her to stop evil.
With the recent influx of stronger heroines has also come an argument. If a heroine is strong, will this put the rest of the story in the background? On a Twitter chat the other day, I asked author Robin LaFevers how to take care of this from not happening. She said, “Make sure and give the heroine vulnerabilities and areas in her life where she isn’t strong and in charge.” Basically give the character layers. This is one reason why I love these characters so much. They’re much more than one dimensional.
Are there any other strong protagonists in recent YAs you can think of?
