S.A. Larsen's Blog, page 37
October 7, 2015
IWSG~The world is a WE
Recently I read a status on a social media site that set me aflame. The information shared wasn't pleasant; frankly it disturbed me for days later. It wasn't the words the writer chose to use that hit me, but the subject matter of a real-life event that happened in her world - her local community.
This particular incident dealt with the suicide of a young tween at a local school. A middle grader. It's as heartbreaking to write here as it was to originally read.
But what I mostly want to focus on is the message at the end of that status. The author wrote What are we doing?
Yes, what are WE doing? Not them or those people, but WE.
The headlines are flooded with gut-wrenching stories of school shootings, accidents, threats, and more of the like. We all hear about tragedies like these, read about them on social media or wherever. And then what happens?
Someone tugs the blame game out and thrusts it back into the spotlight, and we hear that this one is at fault or it's because that one didn't do this. Whatever, already. Accountability is a lost art. In accountability there is honor - a duty to oneself and others to do what is right and just.
My #IWSG insecurity for this week: our society (not a particular nation, race, religion, culture, etc...), where it's headed, and how we as writers can contribute in positive ways to spread acceptance, diversity, and belief in the greater good.
Ideas?Feel free to spread this conversation by tweeting: How can #writers contribute in positive ways 2 spread acceptance, #diversity, & belief in the greater good. #IWSG http://bit.ly/1Mb7hGy
The purpose of the IWSG is to share and encourage, posting on the first Wednesday of each month. You'll find writer doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Support and a common understanding spread throughout the group as many fellow writers can relate. JOIN in anytime.
This particular incident dealt with the suicide of a young tween at a local school. A middle grader. It's as heartbreaking to write here as it was to originally read.
But what I mostly want to focus on is the message at the end of that status. The author wrote What are we doing?
Yes, what are WE doing? Not them or those people, but WE.
The headlines are flooded with gut-wrenching stories of school shootings, accidents, threats, and more of the like. We all hear about tragedies like these, read about them on social media or wherever. And then what happens?
Someone tugs the blame game out and thrusts it back into the spotlight, and we hear that this one is at fault or it's because that one didn't do this. Whatever, already. Accountability is a lost art. In accountability there is honor - a duty to oneself and others to do what is right and just.
My #IWSG insecurity for this week: our society (not a particular nation, race, religion, culture, etc...), where it's headed, and how we as writers can contribute in positive ways to spread acceptance, diversity, and belief in the greater good.
Ideas?Feel free to spread this conversation by tweeting: How can #writers contribute in positive ways 2 spread acceptance, #diversity, & belief in the greater good. #IWSG http://bit.ly/1Mb7hGy
The purpose of the IWSG is to share and encourage, posting on the first Wednesday of each month. You'll find writer doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Support and a common understanding spread throughout the group as many fellow writers can relate. JOIN in anytime.
September 28, 2015
MMGM~WESTLY: A Spider's Tale by Bryan Beus & a GIVEAWAY!
I've been away from my middle grade spotlights for a while, but this is my SECOND released post in the same month. (my earlier post) It's great to be back in the lineup for Shannon Messenger's MMGM! Click HERE for the other participants.Now those of you who've stalked the Alleyway for a while know that I like all that's spooky, eerie, and goose bump-worthy. I seek out the strange, the silence in the dark, and the squiggly. All except for one majorly, disgusting creepy crawler...Spid... Honestly, I can't even type the word. I do not like those eight-legged thingys. They can turn on a dime and always hide in places you can't quite see into, yet need to get something inside of.
However ... I just don't have those same feelings when I think about Westly's sweet middle grade tale, which is having his book birthday tomorrow! CONGRATULATIONS to Brian!!!
AMAZON | B&N | DESERET BOOKS | GOODREADSWESTLY: A Spider's Tale by Bryan Beus
Publisher: Shadow Mountain PublishingGenre: Fantasy AdventureReleased: September 29th, 2015Pages: 176
I'd like to thank the publisher for supplying me with an eCopy in exchange for an unbiased review.
Favorite Line/Passage: Finally, Westly glanced down and as he did, his eyebrows rose to the top of his head. His hands were not the delicate, elegant hands of a butterfly. His belly was not the soft fuzzy belly of a monarch. His feet were not tapered and clean, but pointy and sharp. His tail was not sleek and long, but bulbous and round. Worst of all, when he looked at his back he saw he was entirely without wings.
With a scream, Westly realized that his change had gone horribly, terribly, wickedly wrong. (Kindle 18%)
Description: This is tale of a caterpillar named Westly who is destined to be a Monarch butterfly and the next king of the butterfly kingdom. But sometimes things don't turn out the way we plan. When Westly emerges from his cocoon he is nothing like he expected. As a spider he must rediscover who he is. Adopted by the "dirt eaters," Westly is determined to make a difference. He is determined to belong, to be loved, and most importantly, to become who he was born to be.
COVETED! MUST HAVE!
My Splats: While you were a child growing up, ever believe you were one thing (type of person, likes, dislikes, etc...), and then, due to some event or circumstance, you came to discover you were not? This pretty much sums up Westly's sudden journey from child to tween.
The writing is very visual, which I especially noted from the first few words of the opening. Any reader will instantly become immersed within the world of these caterpillars. They have a home, a routine, and a hierarchy - on that Westly is very much a part of. He has a distinct voice. It's intelligent, but a little abrasive at first. His view of their world is much different from the butterflies and other caterpillars. He is the prince, after all, which is a lot to shoulder. And being responsible for protecting the Chandelier - their home - is quite a serious job. As the son of the Monarch, he's expected to behave accordingly, when in truth he'd like to be normal and fit in with his friends. Or as his father calls them 'subjects'.
But if Westly is honest with himself, being son of the king is not the only thing that makes him different. He's always had better physical strength than his friends, jumping higher and enduring longer. And when he wakes up from his cocoon he realizes why.
The doubts and insecurities that have always plagued him squelch his hopes and dreams, as the crowd stares at him. He's always feared disappointing his friends and mostly his father. This surely must be a great disappointment to them. So he makes the decision to leave, thinking he's saving them from such pain.
Along the way, Westly meets fascinating characters from grasshoppers to moths to dragonflies. He learns the world is much larger than the existence he's been living. (It kind of reminded me of when a child leaves and goes off to college. It was that sort of eye-opening adventure.) He undergoes trials and struggles trying to find where he fits in, to find his place in the world. But along this journey, there are also dangers he could have never dreamed of. Westly will learn to decipher these dangers, the people (of nature) involved, and decide how to handle them. He discovers that embracing oneself and one's own talents is where one's importance in life and to others truly lies.
This story is just adorable, filled with rights of passage, the art of true sacrifice, and the love of family. I would recommend this to any middle schooler, really. Any who like a sweet tale that still has some adventure. Oh, and it's also for you, of course! And I believe it would be a fantastic read-a-loud for a classroom!
TOUR SCHEDULEAuthor Bryan Beus Bryan Beus – which rhymes with Zeus – is the winner of the Kirchoff/Wohlberg Award from The New York Society of Illustrators. He works full time as an illustrator for magazines, book covers, film and game conceptual art, and more. When not writing and drawing, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Amanda, mindful meditation, drinking root beer floats, and eating far too many Sour Patch Watermelons. Westly is his debut novel. Website * Twitter$25 Blog Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon eGift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 10/15/15 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com eGift Card or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
So, have you read a middle grade story with a creepy crawly character you just couldn't resist?
September 23, 2015
PRECIPICE by M. Pax~Meet Craze & Rainly, plus a giveaway!
Here on Writer's Alley, Wednesdays are mostly reserved for exploring, celebrating, and challenging all that we've come to know as young adult literature. But just as in other areas of life, pushing beyond our comfort zone can bring us new unexpected life and growth.
MOVE OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE.you can only grow if you are willing to feel awkwardand uncomfortable when you try something new. ~Brian Tracey
In the literary world, that applies to both writer and reader. So for today let's step out of our Alleyway comfort zone and welcome a couple of out-of-this-world peeps written into an adult world.
GOODREADS | AMAZONPRECIPICE by M. Pax
Genre: Sci Fi Series: The Backworlds #6 Released: May 2015 Pages: 255
Description: In the far future, humanity settles the stars, bioengineering its descendants to survive in a harsh universe. This is the sixth book in the science fiction series, The Backworlds. A space opera adventure.
The Backworlds hang by a Quantum string, a thread about to snap. Annihilation is coming if Craze can’t stop it.
The genocidal alien he had trapped breaks free, destroying a ship belonging to the Backworlds’ oldest enemy, the Fo’wo’s. The murderous alien wants to overtake the galaxy. The Fo’wo’s want another war.
The Backworlds’ best chance to survive is to overcome a century of hate and forge an alliance with the Fo’wo’s. Because of his history with the alien, Craze is recruited to represent his people. Now he’s the most hated man in the galaxy.
The looming war will be a holocaust unless Craze can stop it, knowing salvation comes at a price.
Hi Craze & Rainly! It's been a bit of a wait to feature you, but you're finally here. Woot! Welcome to the Alleyway. Want to share a tidbit about yourselves before we begin?
Craze: Sure. Usually I run a bar on the edge of human expansion in the galaxy. This time, I've been recruited as an envoy to broker an alliance with our most hated enemy.
Rainly: He serves a good drink. I wish I was with him right now. Before I ran off, I repaired ships. Now I'm among the enemy, growing a brain in a box, finding out I am the enemy.
Ooh, ... an alliance with an enemy and growing a brain in a what? Geez, let's get this interview started. Your most desired job in the universe would be..? Craze: Easy. I'd be the biggest business magnet in all the Backworlds. Rainly: I'm happy wherever the man I love is. Craze is my closest, bestest friend, but not my man. Craze: Yeah, let's get that straight.
Ow-kay... So i f you could be any other fictional character, who would it be and why? Craze: That billionaire guy with all the control. Control and money. What's not to love? Rainly: Sleeping Beauty has an appeal to me.
Haha! Tell-tale opposites - makes for some serious tension, I'm sure. #cheekygrin
Rainly: Not really.
No? So what do you really think of each other? Rainly: I don't see why the rest of the galaxy hates Craze. He has the biggest, gooiest heart. He'd do anything for those he loves. I suppose that's why he's working on the alliance with the enemy. None of us will survive without it.
Craze: She talks a lot, but Rainly is too sweet not to love. If she is the enemy, well, that's hard for me to believe. Yeah, I'm seeing some conflict and tension, but if you two say no we'll move on. What do you both see as your (other) biggest challenge in life? Craze: Well, since my father threw me out of the house, the village, and my home planet, I've been scrambling to establish a good life. It's hard to build something with nothing. Also that gooey center Rainly mentioned gets in my way. Rainly: I'm part cybernetic with programming and protocols. I fear losing my free will and control of my actions. If I lose those, am I still me or someone else?
Aw, Rainly, you sound conflicted.
Craze: What about me?
I'm sure she's conflicted about you, too. #snort
Rainly: *chuckles*
Craze: Hey....
Just kidding. *bumps Craze in the shoulder* Fun fact: What's you favorite snack? Craze: Roasted ricklits. I like when the wings and legs get all crunchy. Rainly: Rootbagger stew is more up my alley.
Uh...on that disgusting visual that will haunt me all day long... No really, it's been a blast having you splatter your signatures on the Graffiti Wall. Thank you so much for joining us and a HUGE thanks goes out to your creator, M. Pax!
Mary has been gracious enough to offer up one (1) eCopy of one of her books - winner chooses between any in her Backworlds series (The Backworlds, Stop Over At The Backworlds' Edge, Boomtown Craze, Beyond The Edge, Worlds On Edge, Precipice), Rifters series (The Rifters, The Initiate), The Renaissance of Hetty Locklear, or Semper Audacia!
To ENTER: tell us what your favorite space-age snack would be. Mary will choose a winner, which I'll announce next week! Contest ends 09/29/15.
MOVE OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE.you can only grow if you are willing to feel awkwardand uncomfortable when you try something new. ~Brian Tracey
In the literary world, that applies to both writer and reader. So for today let's step out of our Alleyway comfort zone and welcome a couple of out-of-this-world peeps written into an adult world.
GOODREADS | AMAZONPRECIPICE by M. Pax Genre: Sci Fi Series: The Backworlds #6 Released: May 2015 Pages: 255
Description: In the far future, humanity settles the stars, bioengineering its descendants to survive in a harsh universe. This is the sixth book in the science fiction series, The Backworlds. A space opera adventure.
The Backworlds hang by a Quantum string, a thread about to snap. Annihilation is coming if Craze can’t stop it.
The genocidal alien he had trapped breaks free, destroying a ship belonging to the Backworlds’ oldest enemy, the Fo’wo’s. The murderous alien wants to overtake the galaxy. The Fo’wo’s want another war.
The Backworlds’ best chance to survive is to overcome a century of hate and forge an alliance with the Fo’wo’s. Because of his history with the alien, Craze is recruited to represent his people. Now he’s the most hated man in the galaxy.
The looming war will be a holocaust unless Craze can stop it, knowing salvation comes at a price.
Hi Craze & Rainly! It's been a bit of a wait to feature you, but you're finally here. Woot! Welcome to the Alleyway. Want to share a tidbit about yourselves before we begin?
Craze: Sure. Usually I run a bar on the edge of human expansion in the galaxy. This time, I've been recruited as an envoy to broker an alliance with our most hated enemy.
Rainly: He serves a good drink. I wish I was with him right now. Before I ran off, I repaired ships. Now I'm among the enemy, growing a brain in a box, finding out I am the enemy.
Ooh, ... an alliance with an enemy and growing a brain in a what? Geez, let's get this interview started. Your most desired job in the universe would be..? Craze: Easy. I'd be the biggest business magnet in all the Backworlds. Rainly: I'm happy wherever the man I love is. Craze is my closest, bestest friend, but not my man. Craze: Yeah, let's get that straight.
Ow-kay... So i f you could be any other fictional character, who would it be and why? Craze: That billionaire guy with all the control. Control and money. What's not to love? Rainly: Sleeping Beauty has an appeal to me.
Haha! Tell-tale opposites - makes for some serious tension, I'm sure. #cheekygrin
Rainly: Not really.
No? So what do you really think of each other? Rainly: I don't see why the rest of the galaxy hates Craze. He has the biggest, gooiest heart. He'd do anything for those he loves. I suppose that's why he's working on the alliance with the enemy. None of us will survive without it.
Craze: She talks a lot, but Rainly is too sweet not to love. If she is the enemy, well, that's hard for me to believe. Yeah, I'm seeing some conflict and tension, but if you two say no we'll move on. What do you both see as your (other) biggest challenge in life? Craze: Well, since my father threw me out of the house, the village, and my home planet, I've been scrambling to establish a good life. It's hard to build something with nothing. Also that gooey center Rainly mentioned gets in my way. Rainly: I'm part cybernetic with programming and protocols. I fear losing my free will and control of my actions. If I lose those, am I still me or someone else?
Aw, Rainly, you sound conflicted.
Craze: What about me?
I'm sure she's conflicted about you, too. #snort
Rainly: *chuckles*
Craze: Hey....
Just kidding. *bumps Craze in the shoulder* Fun fact: What's you favorite snack? Craze: Roasted ricklits. I like when the wings and legs get all crunchy. Rainly: Rootbagger stew is more up my alley.
Uh...on that disgusting visual that will haunt me all day long... No really, it's been a blast having you splatter your signatures on the Graffiti Wall. Thank you so much for joining us and a HUGE thanks goes out to your creator, M. Pax!
Mary has been gracious enough to offer up one (1) eCopy of one of her books - winner chooses between any in her Backworlds series (The Backworlds, Stop Over At The Backworlds' Edge, Boomtown Craze, Beyond The Edge, Worlds On Edge, Precipice), Rifters series (The Rifters, The Initiate), The Renaissance of Hetty Locklear, or Semper Audacia!
To ENTER: tell us what your favorite space-age snack would be. Mary will choose a winner, which I'll announce next week! Contest ends 09/29/15.
September 14, 2015
MMGM~JANITORS: Heroes of the Dustbin & A Giveaway!
TOUR SCHEDULEI've been away from my middle grade spotlights for a while and decided it was time to join in, again. It's great to me back in the lineup for Shannon Messenger's MMGM! Click HERE for the other participants.When I heard the next book in this middle grade series was coming out I just had to get on board and at least give it a promo boost from the Alleyway.
This is such a fun series with twists and turns and cleaning products.... #winkyeye Any MGer would love to read!
JANITORS 5: Heroes of the Dustbin by Tyler Whitesides
Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishing
Released: September 8, 2015
Pages: 416
Description: Spencer knew that from the moment the Founding Witches had returned, the Rebel Janitors had begun disappearing. So many schools were defenseless now, the students' minds rotting from Toxite breath while the janitors vanished without a trace. Then it became personal.
Although their enemies are powerful, their allies few, Spencer and his team of Rebels are not giving up! But what chance do a handful of kids and one rescued janitor have against the combined evil of the Founding Witches and the Sweepers? Can the Rebels close the source of all Glop and stop the Toxites once and for all-or is the world doomed to fall under the control of the sinister Bureau of Educational Maintenance? This explosive series finale is a gripping ride through conflicted loyalties and daring escapes, unexpected alliances and betrayals, and an ending you will never forget!
Amazon * Deseret Book
Author Tyler Whitesides worked as a janitor at a middle school while attending college. It was there he discovered the many secrets and mysteries that can be hidden in a dusty school. Tyler graduated from Utah State University with a degree in music. He enjoys fly fishing in the mountains, cooking, and vacuuming. Tyler and his wife, Connie, live in beautiful northern Utah.
Website * Facebook * Twitter
$25 Blog Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon eGift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 9/25/15 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com eGift Card or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Okay, so don't you just love how Tyler used his 'college J.O.B.' to come up with this series? Have you ever used a former job as inspiration for a story?
September 9, 2015
What Past Would You Escape From?
Chapter 1
TOUR SCHEDULEIt was exactly 9:32 p.m. when I settled into my favorite chair, the one with the ripped Mexican blanket that serves as a cushion. Little did I know I’d be gone within the hour. I mean gone as in disappeared. (First sentence excerpt from ESCAPE From The PAST, YA historical novel.)
Time travel in any genre or animal of literature is pretty cool. At least in my book, anyway. #cheekygrin But in YA lit it's even more so. Young adults read for many reasons; one being to escape. They read to escape current worries and doubts, problems and challenges. They read to hope, dream, and expand their minds. Thus, I think you'll all find my next spotlight fascinating.
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
The Book DepositoryEscape From the Past: The Duke's Wrath
Genre: YA Historical
Publisher: Lodestone Books
Released: July 2015
Pages: 300
Description: When fifteen-year-old nerd and gamer Max Anderson thinks he's sneaking a preview of an unpublished video game, he doesn't realize that 1) He's been chosen as a beta, an experimental test player. 2) He’s playing the ultimate history game, transporting him into the actual past: anywhere and anytime. And 3) Survival is optional: to return home he must decipher the game's rules and complete its missions—if he lives long enough. To fail means to stay in the past—forever.
Now Max is trapped in medieval Germany, unprepared and clueless. It is 1471 and he quickly learns that being an outcast may cost him his head. Especially after rescuing a beautiful peasant girl from a deadly infection and thus provoking sinister wannabe Duke Ott. Overnight he is dragged into a hornets' nest of feuding lords who will stop at nothing to bring down the conjuring stranger in their midst.
Praise for the Book "Fast-paced compelling YA debut." Giselle Green, #1 bestselling author of A Sister's Gift" "
A wonderfully crafted romp to the time of lords, ladies, and knights." Lee Ann Ward, author and former Senior Editor of Champagne Books "
Escape from the Past is chock-full of the tiny details that make a story feel realistic and immersive, from the leather ribbons used to fasten shoes to the slimy gruel that formed the bulk of the peasants' diet....those who love historical fiction or medieval fantasy will certainly enjoy Escape from the Past." Mike Mullin, author of the Ashfall trilogy
Here's the rest of the excerpt I began this post with:
Powering up my high-speed Cyber Xtreme and 32-inch monitor, a guilt gift from my dad and the only valuable thing I own, I stared at the blank disc in my hand. According to my friend, Jimmy, it contained some secret new game his father had invented. Jimmy said his dad thought the game was faulty and I wondered why his dad would have given it to him.
Most people consider Jimmy the lucky one. He lives in a mansion because his father runs some ginormous tech company. My mom and me share space with a thousand spiders in a two-bedroom cottage with a thatched roof. Who in the twenty-first century lives in a house covered with a bunch of straw?
Anyway, I digress. The tower purred as it swallowed the disc, the best sound in the world. It took a long time to boot which should’ve given me the first clue something was wrong. If there’s one thing that drives me crazy it’s slow processors and I knew it wasn’t my equipment. I’ve been gaming since I was six and consider myself pretty good. Especially when it comes to debugging stuff. I was stoked to figure it out, maybe make a few bucks in the process. I’m still American enough to think of dollars instead of Euros because we’ve only lived in Germany for two years.
I was scrounging for a candy bar in my desk when a flame shot across the screen, burning yellow, red and blue. Not that I smoke, but it looked real enough to light a cigarette. In slow motion the fire edged letters into the screen. EarthRider. Cool name. Of course I didn’t get it then. Stupid me.
Below the fire appeared a globe, the kind librarians have on their desks. The thing rotated slowly, zooming closer and closer like Google Earth. Jimmy was right, this was the coolest thing I’d ever seen, the graphics as realistic as if I’d been standing there.Bornhagen, the place we live, was marked with a front door.
Enter here flashed below.
I was pretty fed up waiting, my fingers twitching to hit the keys. First it took ages to load, then it showed a map? But I didn’t have much else to do except review a few algebra problems— unlike Jimmy I’ve got no trouble with math—so I clicked.
On the screen giant boulders shaped themselves into a gate, opening onto a bunch of hills and a shadowy forest. In the distance, high on the mountain, I saw a castle with two towers, a pale banner fluttering limply on top. It looked vaguely familiar, but at the time I didn’t really think much about it. An ox cart moved slowly across a country road toward the castle.
I sniffed. Something reeked like boiled manure. I looked around to find the source when I noticed a man on the screen scurrying along a bumpy trail. He wheezed, dragging his bare feet. He was obviously injured, the filthy rags on his right shoulder dark with blood. The screen zoomed to follow as the man darted into the woods. Giant oaks swallowed the sun, a patchwork of shadows and light in the undergrowth.
At the time I remember thinking how lame this game was despite the graphics—no dragons, no monsters, nothing exciting whatsoever. Besides, I was slightly worried my mom would come in. The whiskey she likes usually puts her to sleep on the couch, but you never know. Luckily, most of the time, she doesn’t know when I pull an all-nighter.
Horse gallop thudded out of nowhere. Visibly trembling the grimy-looking man hesitated for a moment before thrashing his way through bushes and undergrowth. At the edge of the forest three riders in chainmail and helmets came into view, their chestnut horses whinnying and covered in sweat. The clang of metal sliced the air as the men drew swords.
At that moment my cell rang.
Author Annette OppenlanderAnnette Oppenlander writes historical fiction for teens. Whenshe isn’t in front of her computer, she loves indulging her dog, Mocha, and traveling around the U.S. and Europe to discover amazing histories. “Nearly every place holds some kind of secret, something that makes history come alive. When we scrutinize people and places closely, history is no longer a number, it turns into a story.”
Website * Facebook * Twitter
Rafflecopter giveaway
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com eGift Card or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
So, do we have any time travel lovers out there?
TOUR SCHEDULEIt was exactly 9:32 p.m. when I settled into my favorite chair, the one with the ripped Mexican blanket that serves as a cushion. Little did I know I’d be gone within the hour. I mean gone as in disappeared. (First sentence excerpt from ESCAPE From The PAST, YA historical novel.)Time travel in any genre or animal of literature is pretty cool. At least in my book, anyway. #cheekygrin But in YA lit it's even more so. Young adults read for many reasons; one being to escape. They read to escape current worries and doubts, problems and challenges. They read to hope, dream, and expand their minds. Thus, I think you'll all find my next spotlight fascinating.
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo The Book DepositoryEscape From the Past: The Duke's Wrath
Genre: YA Historical
Publisher: Lodestone Books
Released: July 2015
Pages: 300
Description: When fifteen-year-old nerd and gamer Max Anderson thinks he's sneaking a preview of an unpublished video game, he doesn't realize that 1) He's been chosen as a beta, an experimental test player. 2) He’s playing the ultimate history game, transporting him into the actual past: anywhere and anytime. And 3) Survival is optional: to return home he must decipher the game's rules and complete its missions—if he lives long enough. To fail means to stay in the past—forever.
Now Max is trapped in medieval Germany, unprepared and clueless. It is 1471 and he quickly learns that being an outcast may cost him his head. Especially after rescuing a beautiful peasant girl from a deadly infection and thus provoking sinister wannabe Duke Ott. Overnight he is dragged into a hornets' nest of feuding lords who will stop at nothing to bring down the conjuring stranger in their midst.
Praise for the Book "Fast-paced compelling YA debut." Giselle Green, #1 bestselling author of A Sister's Gift" "A wonderfully crafted romp to the time of lords, ladies, and knights." Lee Ann Ward, author and former Senior Editor of Champagne Books "
Escape from the Past is chock-full of the tiny details that make a story feel realistic and immersive, from the leather ribbons used to fasten shoes to the slimy gruel that formed the bulk of the peasants' diet....those who love historical fiction or medieval fantasy will certainly enjoy Escape from the Past." Mike Mullin, author of the Ashfall trilogy
Here's the rest of the excerpt I began this post with:
Powering up my high-speed Cyber Xtreme and 32-inch monitor, a guilt gift from my dad and the only valuable thing I own, I stared at the blank disc in my hand. According to my friend, Jimmy, it contained some secret new game his father had invented. Jimmy said his dad thought the game was faulty and I wondered why his dad would have given it to him.
Most people consider Jimmy the lucky one. He lives in a mansion because his father runs some ginormous tech company. My mom and me share space with a thousand spiders in a two-bedroom cottage with a thatched roof. Who in the twenty-first century lives in a house covered with a bunch of straw?
Anyway, I digress. The tower purred as it swallowed the disc, the best sound in the world. It took a long time to boot which should’ve given me the first clue something was wrong. If there’s one thing that drives me crazy it’s slow processors and I knew it wasn’t my equipment. I’ve been gaming since I was six and consider myself pretty good. Especially when it comes to debugging stuff. I was stoked to figure it out, maybe make a few bucks in the process. I’m still American enough to think of dollars instead of Euros because we’ve only lived in Germany for two years.
I was scrounging for a candy bar in my desk when a flame shot across the screen, burning yellow, red and blue. Not that I smoke, but it looked real enough to light a cigarette. In slow motion the fire edged letters into the screen. EarthRider. Cool name. Of course I didn’t get it then. Stupid me.
Below the fire appeared a globe, the kind librarians have on their desks. The thing rotated slowly, zooming closer and closer like Google Earth. Jimmy was right, this was the coolest thing I’d ever seen, the graphics as realistic as if I’d been standing there.Bornhagen, the place we live, was marked with a front door.
Enter here flashed below.
I was pretty fed up waiting, my fingers twitching to hit the keys. First it took ages to load, then it showed a map? But I didn’t have much else to do except review a few algebra problems— unlike Jimmy I’ve got no trouble with math—so I clicked.
On the screen giant boulders shaped themselves into a gate, opening onto a bunch of hills and a shadowy forest. In the distance, high on the mountain, I saw a castle with two towers, a pale banner fluttering limply on top. It looked vaguely familiar, but at the time I didn’t really think much about it. An ox cart moved slowly across a country road toward the castle.
I sniffed. Something reeked like boiled manure. I looked around to find the source when I noticed a man on the screen scurrying along a bumpy trail. He wheezed, dragging his bare feet. He was obviously injured, the filthy rags on his right shoulder dark with blood. The screen zoomed to follow as the man darted into the woods. Giant oaks swallowed the sun, a patchwork of shadows and light in the undergrowth.
At the time I remember thinking how lame this game was despite the graphics—no dragons, no monsters, nothing exciting whatsoever. Besides, I was slightly worried my mom would come in. The whiskey she likes usually puts her to sleep on the couch, but you never know. Luckily, most of the time, she doesn’t know when I pull an all-nighter.
Horse gallop thudded out of nowhere. Visibly trembling the grimy-looking man hesitated for a moment before thrashing his way through bushes and undergrowth. At the edge of the forest three riders in chainmail and helmets came into view, their chestnut horses whinnying and covered in sweat. The clang of metal sliced the air as the men drew swords.
At that moment my cell rang.
Author Annette OppenlanderAnnette Oppenlander writes historical fiction for teens. Whenshe isn’t in front of her computer, she loves indulging her dog, Mocha, and traveling around the U.S. and Europe to discover amazing histories. “Nearly every place holds some kind of secret, something that makes history come alive. When we scrutinize people and places closely, history is no longer a number, it turns into a story.”
Website * Facebook * Twitter
Rafflecopter giveaway
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com eGift Card or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
So, do we have any time travel lovers out there?
September 2, 2015
IWSG~The Art of Not Going NUTS While Learning About Book Marketing
image creditAs I scan over this image, I see words I've never had to pay attention before. Pricing. Target, Market. I guess it hasn't been so much that I haven't paid them attention, but that I've avoided them. Thus #IWSG major fear - MARKETING.
Now I know most authors have been in my position. Just sold your first book, thinking about edits, book cover, blurbs, etc... Not to mention you're pretty excited to dress, sparkle, and shine your first book baby.
But then your brain shifts. The reality gears between your ears begin to rotate and make an awful squealing noise. (Trust me, it's fingers-on-a-chalkboard worthy.) New questions form and coil into slithering eels of doubt that slink over all your gray matter.
How will I enhance my website to promote my first release? What sort of games, gifts of services, and swag related to the story should I offer up? And then there's this monthly newsletter thing I can't avoid anymore. What do I include in that? How do I get folks interested enough to sign up to receive it?
What about the color palette for the book cover and image ideas I have? I'll need to prepare my dedication and acknowledgement pages soon - even those will tell people about me, who I am and what's important to me. Then there will be interviews. Promoting myself is as important as promoting my work. But I stink cheese doodles when it comes to talking about me.
Holy make my head explode! I knew this would be a learning curve, but I fear I'll lose my sanity. Or what's left of it after having four kids.
How did you handle this stress? Any insight to offer?
The purpose of the IWSG is to share and encourage, posting on the first Wednesday of each month. You'll find writer doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Support and a common understanding spread throughout the group as many fellow writers can relate. Feel free to JOIN in anytime.
September 1, 2015
THE BODY INSTITUTE by Carol Riggs & A Giveaway!
So today Carol Riggs is celebrating her book blitz with us. I think the book's premise is fascinating and really makes the reader think. Instead of following regular book blitz protocol, I've decided to switch things up a bit. But first, let's peek at Carol's fabulous book!
Amazon│Barnes & NobleKobo Books | GoodreadsTHE BODY INSTITUTE by Carol Riggs
Publisher: Entangled TeenRelease Date: September 1, 2015
Description: Meet Morgan Dey, one of the top teen Reducers at The Body Institute.
Thanks to cutting-edge technology, Morgan can temporarily take over another girl’s body, get her in shape, and then return to her own body—leaving her client slimmer, more toned, and feeling great. Only there are a few catches…
For one, Morgan won’t remember what happens in her “Loaner” body. Once she’s done, she won’t recall walks with her new friend Matt, conversations with the super-cute Reducer she’s been text-flirting with, or the uneasy feeling she has that the director of The Body Institute is hiding something. Still, it’s all worth it in the name of science. Until the glitches start…
Suddenly, residual memories from her Loaner are cropping up in Morgan’s mind. She’s feeling less like herself and more like someone else. And when protests from an anti–Body Institute organization threaten her safety, she’ll have to decide if being a Reducer is worth the cost of her body and soul…
Writers: ever make a list of all the changes made to your manuscript before it hit the shelves? Or after your umpteenth draft? Readers: ever wonder what your favorite character was like on initial creation? It can be intriguing to mull over such a list, especially for the writer. And Carol's decided to share a few changes this manuscript went through before it was finalized.
1. BOYFRIEND NO MORE. The main character, Morgan Dey, used to have a boyfriend named Aaron in the beginning of the novel—until 8 months before the book was published. He got slashed by Carol’s Entangled Teen editor. In the original version, Morgan broke up with him by walloping him in virtual paintball.
2. BEST FRIEND TWEAK. Morgan’s best friend, Blair McClure, was called Bunny in the first drafts. Blair sounds more serious and fits her better, now that she’s Morgan’s science-minded friend.
3. TITLE CHANGE. The previous title of THE BODY INSTITUTE used to be SHAPERS. This was changed by Strange Chemistry when the book was under contract with them, before they went out of business and Entangled Teen picked up the book. ET liked the new title and kept it.
4. EVEN EARLIER TITLES. Back in 1990 when the novel was just an idea, the working title was FARRADAY’S FAT FARM. In 2010 when Carol started the actual writing, this morphed into EMRT. (Electromagnetic Resonance Transfer—the process of downloading one person’s brainmap into another person’s body.) An editor at an SCBWI conference wisely suggested that Carol change this to SHAPERS. (Now the body-swapping process is more simply called ERT, which is more reader-friendly.)
5. INSTITUTE WORKERS. When the book was called SHAPERS, the weight loss was performed by workers called Shapers, instead of being called Reducers as they are now.
6. AVATARS NO MORE. In early versions, Morgan had a holographic princess warrior avatar that popped up on her phone; she used this instead of the texts and voice-to-text that appear in the final version of the book. Bunny communicated using a (duh) bunny avatar, and Krista used a slinky clown. Morgan’s ex-boyfriend Aaron was a troll.
Hosted by YA Bound Books Tours
Want more Carol? Connect with her here ! Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Amazon│Barnes & NobleKobo Books | GoodreadsTHE BODY INSTITUTE by Carol Riggs
Publisher: Entangled TeenRelease Date: September 1, 2015
Description: Meet Morgan Dey, one of the top teen Reducers at The Body Institute.
Thanks to cutting-edge technology, Morgan can temporarily take over another girl’s body, get her in shape, and then return to her own body—leaving her client slimmer, more toned, and feeling great. Only there are a few catches…
For one, Morgan won’t remember what happens in her “Loaner” body. Once she’s done, she won’t recall walks with her new friend Matt, conversations with the super-cute Reducer she’s been text-flirting with, or the uneasy feeling she has that the director of The Body Institute is hiding something. Still, it’s all worth it in the name of science. Until the glitches start…
Suddenly, residual memories from her Loaner are cropping up in Morgan’s mind. She’s feeling less like herself and more like someone else. And when protests from an anti–Body Institute organization threaten her safety, she’ll have to decide if being a Reducer is worth the cost of her body and soul…
Writers: ever make a list of all the changes made to your manuscript before it hit the shelves? Or after your umpteenth draft? Readers: ever wonder what your favorite character was like on initial creation? It can be intriguing to mull over such a list, especially for the writer. And Carol's decided to share a few changes this manuscript went through before it was finalized.
1. BOYFRIEND NO MORE. The main character, Morgan Dey, used to have a boyfriend named Aaron in the beginning of the novel—until 8 months before the book was published. He got slashed by Carol’s Entangled Teen editor. In the original version, Morgan broke up with him by walloping him in virtual paintball.
2. BEST FRIEND TWEAK. Morgan’s best friend, Blair McClure, was called Bunny in the first drafts. Blair sounds more serious and fits her better, now that she’s Morgan’s science-minded friend.
3. TITLE CHANGE. The previous title of THE BODY INSTITUTE used to be SHAPERS. This was changed by Strange Chemistry when the book was under contract with them, before they went out of business and Entangled Teen picked up the book. ET liked the new title and kept it.
4. EVEN EARLIER TITLES. Back in 1990 when the novel was just an idea, the working title was FARRADAY’S FAT FARM. In 2010 when Carol started the actual writing, this morphed into EMRT. (Electromagnetic Resonance Transfer—the process of downloading one person’s brainmap into another person’s body.) An editor at an SCBWI conference wisely suggested that Carol change this to SHAPERS. (Now the body-swapping process is more simply called ERT, which is more reader-friendly.)
5. INSTITUTE WORKERS. When the book was called SHAPERS, the weight loss was performed by workers called Shapers, instead of being called Reducers as they are now.
6. AVATARS NO MORE. In early versions, Morgan had a holographic princess warrior avatar that popped up on her phone; she used this instead of the texts and voice-to-text that appear in the final version of the book. Bunny communicated using a (duh) bunny avatar, and Krista used a slinky clown. Morgan’s ex-boyfriend Aaron was a troll.
Hosted by YA Bound Books ToursWant more Carol? Connect with her here ! Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads
a Rafflecopter giveaway
August 24, 2015
The Duality Bridge ~ Is There More Beyond Here?
Wistful YA is my reoccurring spotlight, giving young adult literature center stage.
Have you heard of Susan Kaye Quinn? Of course some of you have. Well, Susan was probably one of the first ten bloggers I ever met online. She's wife, mom, rocket scientist (no joke), and the brain behind the bestselling young adult science fiction series MINDJACK Trilogy. She also has published young adult steampunk fantasy romances, adult urban fantasies, stories in anthologies, and even a middle grade novel.
Yeah, she's been busy.
Today I have THE DUALITY BRIDGE: Singularity 2, the second book in her latest young adult series, to share with you. Plus, if you scroll to the end, you can enter her giveaway!
GOODREADS | AMAZONTHE DUALITY BRIDGE by Susan Kaye Quinn
Genre: YA Science FictionReleased: August 17, 2015Formats: Paperbook; eBookPages: 426
I'd like to thank the author for supplying me with an eCopy in exchange for an unbiased review.
Favorite Lines/Passage: She drops her voice to a whisper. "You didn't choose to be this, Eli."I nod, but there's a fury on her face that keeps me quiet."And if there's anyone I've ever met who I'm certain has a soul... it's you."I have no idea what to say to that.She peers into my eyes, and I wonder if she's searching for it--as if she can see my soul through the black of my irises if she looks hard enough. (54%, ebook)
Description: What does it mean to be human?
Elijah Brighton is the face of the Human Resistance Movement. He’s the Olympic-level painter who refused an offer of immortality from the ascenders—the human/machine hybrids who run the world—in solidarity with the legacy humans who will never get a chance to live forever.
Too bad it’s all a complicated web of lies.
Worse, Eli’s not even entirely human. Few know about the ascenders’ genetic experiments that left him… different. Fewer know about the unearthly fugue state that creates his transcendent art—as well as a bridge that lets him speak to the dead. But the Resistance is the one place he can hide from the ascender who knows everything the fugue can do. Because if Marcus finds him, he’ll either use Eli for his own nefarious purposes… or destroy him once and for all.
The Duality Bridge is the second book in the Singularity series and the sequel to The Legacy Human. This thrilling new young adult science fiction series explores the intersection of mind, body, and soul in a post-Singularity world.
NIGHTSTAND WORTHY +2
My Splats: Our first peek into book II is fraught with tension as Elijah and the legacy humans' fight for independence and right to 'life' continues. But it does more than simply continue. This sequel thrusts Eli into his new self, the self he knew nothing about in book I. Family and friends are put in harms way. The Resistance is jeopardized. His 'weirdness' is even called into question and suspected of making him a traitor. All of which forces Eli to come to terms with who he is, how he was created, and decide whether he's man enough to battle against what his true nature was intended for.
The world created is genuine. There's a tangibility about it that is truly plausible; as you read you can feel it. The characters are so invested in it that nothing else seems to have existed. Unique terminology breaths more life into the world of legacy humans and ascenders - the ascenders who have a unified home or connection base, where all ascenders cognitions link. Think telepathy, but with downloading and storage capabilities. Words and phrases such as holo grid, nanites, bodyforms, and mechanized military sentries color each page.
Now I'm not a huge sci fi buff, but there was enough emotional material, enough character development that bridged any gap of speculation I had before reading. Action-packed scenarios of internal emotions conflict with outward operations and decisions. Camouflaged convictions twist outward choices. Threatens lives. And as Eli grows more in tune with his purposes, his 'ability' to tap into what some feel is a true connection with God, his already complicated world goes haywire.
One aspect I really enjoyed was how the author didn't necessarily separate science and God. Not religion, but the theme that a higher power has a hand in everything and all, even science. The idea that there is more. A hinged connection is created throughout the story that makes one ponder human existence and what's after. Then again, just like in real life, there are those radicals whose beliefs extend beyond any godly mercy, which begs more questions about a higher creator, what lies beyond these ascenders, and what Eli can really tap into.
If you're looking for a tale to sweep you into another world all while peeling away layers of its characters' to reveal hopes and dreams, fears and dangers, than this book - and the entire series - is absolutely for you.
For your own interest, here's the first book in the series:
What would you give to live forever?
Seventeen-year-old Elijah Brighton wants to become an ascender—a post-Singularity human/machine hybrid—after all, they’re smarter, more enlightened, more compassionate, and above all, achingly beautiful. But Eli is a legacy human, preserved and cherished for his unaltered genetic code, just like the rainforest he paints. When a fugue state possesses him and creates great art, Eli miraculously lands a sponsor for the creative Olympics. If he could just master the fugue, he could take the gold and win the right to ascend, bringing everything he’s yearned for within reach… including his beautiful ascender patron. But once Eli arrives at the Games, he finds the ascenders are playing games of their own. Everything he knows about the ascenders and the legacies they keep starts to unravel… until he’s running for his life and wondering who he truly is.
Giveaway ends 9/6/15
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com eGift Card or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
So I know it can be a touchy subject, but what do you think about something beyond ourselves? A guiding hand far beyond our minute human frailty?
Have you heard of Susan Kaye Quinn? Of course some of you have. Well, Susan was probably one of the first ten bloggers I ever met online. She's wife, mom, rocket scientist (no joke), and the brain behind the bestselling young adult science fiction series MINDJACK Trilogy. She also has published young adult steampunk fantasy romances, adult urban fantasies, stories in anthologies, and even a middle grade novel.
Yeah, she's been busy.
Today I have THE DUALITY BRIDGE: Singularity 2, the second book in her latest young adult series, to share with you. Plus, if you scroll to the end, you can enter her giveaway!
GOODREADS | AMAZONTHE DUALITY BRIDGE by Susan Kaye Quinn
Genre: YA Science FictionReleased: August 17, 2015Formats: Paperbook; eBookPages: 426
I'd like to thank the author for supplying me with an eCopy in exchange for an unbiased review.
Favorite Lines/Passage: She drops her voice to a whisper. "You didn't choose to be this, Eli."I nod, but there's a fury on her face that keeps me quiet."And if there's anyone I've ever met who I'm certain has a soul... it's you."I have no idea what to say to that.She peers into my eyes, and I wonder if she's searching for it--as if she can see my soul through the black of my irises if she looks hard enough. (54%, ebook)
Description: What does it mean to be human?
Elijah Brighton is the face of the Human Resistance Movement. He’s the Olympic-level painter who refused an offer of immortality from the ascenders—the human/machine hybrids who run the world—in solidarity with the legacy humans who will never get a chance to live forever.
Too bad it’s all a complicated web of lies.
Worse, Eli’s not even entirely human. Few know about the ascenders’ genetic experiments that left him… different. Fewer know about the unearthly fugue state that creates his transcendent art—as well as a bridge that lets him speak to the dead. But the Resistance is the one place he can hide from the ascender who knows everything the fugue can do. Because if Marcus finds him, he’ll either use Eli for his own nefarious purposes… or destroy him once and for all.
The Duality Bridge is the second book in the Singularity series and the sequel to The Legacy Human. This thrilling new young adult science fiction series explores the intersection of mind, body, and soul in a post-Singularity world.
NIGHTSTAND WORTHY +2My Splats: Our first peek into book II is fraught with tension as Elijah and the legacy humans' fight for independence and right to 'life' continues. But it does more than simply continue. This sequel thrusts Eli into his new self, the self he knew nothing about in book I. Family and friends are put in harms way. The Resistance is jeopardized. His 'weirdness' is even called into question and suspected of making him a traitor. All of which forces Eli to come to terms with who he is, how he was created, and decide whether he's man enough to battle against what his true nature was intended for.
The world created is genuine. There's a tangibility about it that is truly plausible; as you read you can feel it. The characters are so invested in it that nothing else seems to have existed. Unique terminology breaths more life into the world of legacy humans and ascenders - the ascenders who have a unified home or connection base, where all ascenders cognitions link. Think telepathy, but with downloading and storage capabilities. Words and phrases such as holo grid, nanites, bodyforms, and mechanized military sentries color each page.
Now I'm not a huge sci fi buff, but there was enough emotional material, enough character development that bridged any gap of speculation I had before reading. Action-packed scenarios of internal emotions conflict with outward operations and decisions. Camouflaged convictions twist outward choices. Threatens lives. And as Eli grows more in tune with his purposes, his 'ability' to tap into what some feel is a true connection with God, his already complicated world goes haywire.
One aspect I really enjoyed was how the author didn't necessarily separate science and God. Not religion, but the theme that a higher power has a hand in everything and all, even science. The idea that there is more. A hinged connection is created throughout the story that makes one ponder human existence and what's after. Then again, just like in real life, there are those radicals whose beliefs extend beyond any godly mercy, which begs more questions about a higher creator, what lies beyond these ascenders, and what Eli can really tap into.
If you're looking for a tale to sweep you into another world all while peeling away layers of its characters' to reveal hopes and dreams, fears and dangers, than this book - and the entire series - is absolutely for you.
For your own interest, here's the first book in the series:
What would you give to live forever?Seventeen-year-old Elijah Brighton wants to become an ascender—a post-Singularity human/machine hybrid—after all, they’re smarter, more enlightened, more compassionate, and above all, achingly beautiful. But Eli is a legacy human, preserved and cherished for his unaltered genetic code, just like the rainforest he paints. When a fugue state possesses him and creates great art, Eli miraculously lands a sponsor for the creative Olympics. If he could just master the fugue, he could take the gold and win the right to ascend, bringing everything he’s yearned for within reach… including his beautiful ascender patron. But once Eli arrives at the Games, he finds the ascenders are playing games of their own. Everything he knows about the ascenders and the legacies they keep starts to unravel… until he’s running for his life and wondering who he truly is.
Giveaway ends 9/6/15
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com eGift Card or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
So I know it can be a touchy subject, but what do you think about something beyond ourselves? A guiding hand far beyond our minute human frailty?
August 21, 2015
Need A Middle Grade Read? Look No Further & A GIVEAWAY!
Welcome to this week’s M9B Friday Reveal!This week, we are revealing Tantrum Books - 2015 Releases presented by Tantrum Books/Month9Books! Be sure to enter the giveaway found at the end of the post!
The Brotherhood And The Shield: The Three Thorns by Michael Gibney
Three brothers born to a powerful fallen king were abandoned at birth and cast out as orphans. By order of the false king, three of the most lethal assassins have been sent to kill the children before they come of age and plot to avenge their father’s throne. No one knows where the children are, and the children have no knowledge of one another. But that all changes when Benjamin, Tommy, and Sebastian join together to face adversity, an unspeakable evil, and the temptations of magical powers. This is the first installment of an exciting children’s fantasy series about the power of family.
Google Play | BAM | Chapters | IndieBound | Amazon | B&N | Kobo | TBD | iBooks
Connect with the Author: Twitter | Facebook | GoodreadsBorn in Belfast, Ireland, in 1982, Michael Gibney is a writer whose interests in world politics, literature and the love of film encouraged him to do his studies at the early age of sixteen within the media and journalism field. Through his studies at college and the BBC, he developed an instant passion for creative writing that exceeded his love for media, art and music. Taking his influences from Irish writers like W. B. Yeats, and Belfast Born writers such as author C.S. Lewis and lyricist and poet Van Morrison, Gibney’s somewhat emotionally-charged storytelling is derived from his personal heroes and experiences in his own childhood having grown up in Belfast during the country’s dark history. Combining these influences with recent testing times of the world we live in today has helped create the world of Abasin that is introduced in The Three Thorns, his debut novel and first story in the epic The Brotherhood and the Shield Series. In addition to having a strong way with words and using descriptive text to captivate readers, (both young and old), Gibney combines fantasy with horror and pure escapism to strive to make his story as original and unique as possible. He spends most of his time writing and painting within the United States and the United Kingdom. He is currently working on books 4, 5 and 6 of The Brotherhood and the Shield Series.
Joshua And The Lightning Road by Donna Galanti
Stay away from the window, don’t go outside when it’s storming and whatever you do, do not touch the orb. Twelve-year-old Joshua Cooper’s grandpa has always warned him about the dangers of lightning. But Joshua never put much stock in his grandpa’s rumblings as anything more than the ravings of an old man with a vast imagination. Then one night, when Joshua and his best friend are home alone during a frightful storm, Joshua learns his grandpa was right. A bolt of lightning strikes his house and whisks away his best friend—possibly forever. To get him back, Joshua must travel the Lightning Road to a dark place that steals children for energy. But getting back home and saving his friend won’t be easy, as Joshua must face the terrifying Child Collector and fend off ferocious and unnatural beasts intent on destroying him. In this world, Joshua possesses powers he never knew he had, and soon, Joshua’s mission becomes more than a search for his friend. He means to send all the stolen children home—and doing so becomes the battle of his life.
Google Play | BAM | Chapters | IndieBound | Amazon | B&N | Kobo | TBD | iBooksAuthor Links: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest | Instagram | YouTubeDonna is the author of the Joshua and The Lightning Road series and the Element Trilogy. She is a contributing editor to International Thriller Writers the Big Thrill magazine and blogs at www.project-middle-grade-mayhem.blogs..., a cooperative of published middle grade authors. Visit her at www.donnagalanti.com andwww.ElementTrilogy.com. Donna wanted to be a writer ever since she wrote a murder mystery screenplay at seven and acted it out with the neighborhood kids. She attended an English school housed in a magical castle, where her wild imagination was held back only by her itchy uniform (bowler hat and tie included!). There she fell in love with the worlds of C.S. Lewis and Roald Dahl, and wrote her first fantasy about Dodo birds, wizards, and a flying ship (and has been writing fantasy ever since). She’s lived in other exotic locations, including her family-owned campground in New Hampshire and in Hawaii where she served as a U.S. Navy photographer. She now lives with her family and two crazy cats in an old farmhouse and dreams of returning one day to a castle.
Strange Country Day by Charles Curtis
Alexander Graham Ptuiac, the son of an inventor, wants to play for the school’s football team. During tryouts, and under the watchful eye of the team’s coach, he suddenly manifests mysterious superhuman powers. Alexander makes the team, but not before the some ill-intended adults take notice, putting his life in danger. Alex struggles to suppress and control his strange new abilities, worried about exposing his secret and being kicked off the football team. Then he befriends Dex, a diminutive classmate who can somehow jump as high as ten feet in the air. Seems Alex isn’t the only one at school with a secret. As the school year unfolds, Alex will find himself the target of bullies, holding hands with his first crush and discovering the shocking truth about himself and his parents.
Amazon | B&N | BAM | Chapters | Kobo | TBD | iBooks Connect with the Author: Website | Twitter | Facebook | InstagramCharles Curtis is a writer and journalist based in New York City. He has reported and written for publications including NJ.com (where he is currently the site’s sports buzz reporter), The Daily, ESPN.com, ESPN the Magazine, Bleacher Report, TV Guide and Entertainment Weekly. Charles has covered the NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, golf, tennis and NASCAR. He has also written about television, film and pop culture. In addition, Curtis has also written, produced and was featured in videos for ESPN.com and The Daily. He has made radio appearances on stations including 92.9 The Ticket in Bangor, Maine, WLIE 540 AM in Long Island and on morning shows across Canada via the CBC. He can be reached on Twitter: @charlescurtis82.
Super Freak by Vanessa BargerThirteen-year-old Caroline is a freak. Her parents have uprooted her to a town full of Supernaturals. You'd think she'd be thrilled. But, with someone without a magical bone in her body, this daughter of tree sprites feels like even more of an outcast than she has ever before. To make matters worse, her new home is cursed. But when Caroline takes to investigating the mysterious and strange happenings of Harridan House, her BFF goes missing. Seems someone doesn't want Caroline sticking her non-magical nose where it most certainly does not belong. Determined to prove herself, Caroline uncovers a plot to destroy her new hometown. Undeterred, Caroline can't give up. But what's a human without magical powers to do? Caroline better figure it out fast, before she loses everything she has ever loved and the whispers she's heard all her life prove true: Caroline is a useless superfreak.
Coming October 2015TBDConnect with the Author: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest | YouTubeVanessa Barger was born in West Virginia, and through several moves ended up spending the majority of her life in Virginia Beach, Virginia. She is a graduate of George Mason University and Old Dominion University, and has degrees in Graphic Design, a minor in Medieval and Renaissance Literature, and a Masters in Technology Education. She has had articles published in Altered Arts Magazine, has had some artwork displayed in galleries in Ohio and online, and currently teaches engineering, practical physics, drafting and other technological things to high school students in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. She is a member of the SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) and the Virginia Writer's Club. When not writing or teaching, she’s a bookaholic, movie fanatic, and loves to travel. She has one cat, who believes Vanessa lives only to open cat food cans, and can often be found baking when she should be editing.
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August 19, 2015
Wistful YA~Girls Can't Be Knights
Wistful YA is my reoccurring spotlight, giving young adult literature center stage.
My next featured young adult tale comes with a ton of excitement from me. When I was first approached to highlight this story, I was struck by the idea of a 'Spirit Knight' sweeping in and helping a troubled teen see the world in a different light. Read the book's blurb below to see what I mean:
GOODREADS | AMAZONGIRLS CAN'T BE KNIGHTSby Lee French
Genre: Young Adult FantasyPublisher: Myrddin PublishingReleased: June 12, 2015Pages: 228
Description: Sixteen-year-old Claire wants her father back. His death left her only memories and an empty locket. After six difficult years in foster care, her vocabulary no longer includes “hope” and “trust.”
Everything changes when Justin rides his magical horse into her path and takes her under his wing. Like the rest of the elite men who serve as Spirit Knights, he hunts restless ghosts that devour the living.
When an evil spirit threatens Claire’s life, she’ll need Justin’s help to survive. And how could she bear the Knights’ mark on her soul? Everybody knows Girls Can’t Be Knights.
“’Girls Can’t Be Knights’ is a story of camaraderie and friendship,” French said. “It’s a story about finding your place in the world with people who understand you, but it’s also about finding inner strength and being whoever you want – even a girl who’s a knight.”
Not that I have you intrigued, let's meet the author. Hi, Lee! It's great to have you here.
Let's begin with what would you say is the inner theme of this story and why was it important for you to explore? There are two primary themes. One is about how important family is and how that word doesn't necessarily mean 'people you're related to'. This is a theme I often delve into, because the dynamics of relationships between people without romantic love bonding them are interesting and complex. In this case, the primary relationship is teacher/apprentice and also father/daughter at the same time. The positive relationship between Claire and Justin is both mirrored and echoed by others in the story, and their respective fathers play a minor but important role.
The second major theme is about being who you are no matter who tells you not to. The very title describes one of Claire's biggest problems, that of being something she's not "supposed" to be. Her struggles pit her against norms and expectations that she has to have the strength to resist. As a woman, I've dealt with this a time or two myself, and as a parent, I've caught myself saying it a few times.
I love spreading the idea that a family can be more than just blood related. What makes “GIRLS Can’t Be KNIGHTS” different from others within its genre? A lot of ghost hunting stories are interested in exploring religion, romance, or history. Or just being action-packed smashing romps. While there's a smidget of each in this story, the ghosts are more of a metaphor for memories, nostalgia, our darker impulses, and changing social mores. That said, it's really not about the ghosts, it's about the living, and these people have complicated lives.
Being a veteran author, what writing skill-set of yours do you think has grown/changed the most? Do you believe this is typical of most authors? The mechanics of my writing has grown immensely. I cringe now when I read my first novel (not my first published book, but rather the first novel length story I completed).
Oh gosh, I think most of us have the same reaction to our first full-length work.
There's only a few things wrong with the story, but the writing is rife with very amateurish mistakes to the degree that I'd have to rewrite the entire thing to use it. I'm hardly perfect now, of course. However, my editor says she likes to work on my manuscripts because they're so much cleaner than some of the other stuff she works on.
How do you see the success of so many Indie authors changing the face of book selling and creating? The wrecking ball is still swinging and the dust hasn't even begun settling yet. I suspect that we're going to see more battles between the giants, and I think the professional associations that authors belong to will wind up playing a greater role in title visibility than they currently do. My experience so far is that one author standing alone, regardless of publishing method, fails. Groups of writers are probably going to rise up as the force that propels titles into visibility.
What do you feel is a new writer’s greatest challenge in today’s publishing world? Writing. The rest of it, while necessary, can be highly distracting and draining. Every writer needs to find the right balance of time spent writing and time spent doing everything else, on top of living a life. My motto is: Write words. Lots of words.
Perfect motto! Thank you for being here to share yourself and this story with the Alleyway. All the best to you always...
~About the Author~Lee FrenchAuthor, Gamer, Squirrel Aficionado
Lee French lives in Olympia, WA, and is the author of several books, most notably the Maze Beset Trilogy, The Greatest Sin series (co-authored with Erik Kort), and assorted tales in her fantasy setting, Ilauris. She is an avid gamer and active member of the Myth-Weavers online RPG community, where she is known for her fondness for Angry Ninja Squirrels of Doom. In addition to spending much time there, she also trains year-round for the one-week of glorious madness that is RAGBRAI, has a nice flower garden with one dragon and absolutely no lawn gnomes, and tries in vain every year to grow vegetables that don’t get devoured by neighborhood wildlife.
She is an active member of the Northwest Independent Writer’s Association and the Pacific Northwest Writer’s Association, and serves as the co-ML for the Olympia region of NaNoWriMo.
What are your thoughts on the mixture of modern-day knights and ghosts in YA?
My next featured young adult tale comes with a ton of excitement from me. When I was first approached to highlight this story, I was struck by the idea of a 'Spirit Knight' sweeping in and helping a troubled teen see the world in a different light. Read the book's blurb below to see what I mean:
GOODREADS | AMAZONGIRLS CAN'T BE KNIGHTSby Lee French
Genre: Young Adult FantasyPublisher: Myrddin PublishingReleased: June 12, 2015Pages: 228
Description: Sixteen-year-old Claire wants her father back. His death left her only memories and an empty locket. After six difficult years in foster care, her vocabulary no longer includes “hope” and “trust.”
Everything changes when Justin rides his magical horse into her path and takes her under his wing. Like the rest of the elite men who serve as Spirit Knights, he hunts restless ghosts that devour the living.
When an evil spirit threatens Claire’s life, she’ll need Justin’s help to survive. And how could she bear the Knights’ mark on her soul? Everybody knows Girls Can’t Be Knights.
“’Girls Can’t Be Knights’ is a story of camaraderie and friendship,” French said. “It’s a story about finding your place in the world with people who understand you, but it’s also about finding inner strength and being whoever you want – even a girl who’s a knight.”
Not that I have you intrigued, let's meet the author. Hi, Lee! It's great to have you here.
Let's begin with what would you say is the inner theme of this story and why was it important for you to explore? There are two primary themes. One is about how important family is and how that word doesn't necessarily mean 'people you're related to'. This is a theme I often delve into, because the dynamics of relationships between people without romantic love bonding them are interesting and complex. In this case, the primary relationship is teacher/apprentice and also father/daughter at the same time. The positive relationship between Claire and Justin is both mirrored and echoed by others in the story, and their respective fathers play a minor but important role.
The second major theme is about being who you are no matter who tells you not to. The very title describes one of Claire's biggest problems, that of being something she's not "supposed" to be. Her struggles pit her against norms and expectations that she has to have the strength to resist. As a woman, I've dealt with this a time or two myself, and as a parent, I've caught myself saying it a few times.
I love spreading the idea that a family can be more than just blood related. What makes “GIRLS Can’t Be KNIGHTS” different from others within its genre? A lot of ghost hunting stories are interested in exploring religion, romance, or history. Or just being action-packed smashing romps. While there's a smidget of each in this story, the ghosts are more of a metaphor for memories, nostalgia, our darker impulses, and changing social mores. That said, it's really not about the ghosts, it's about the living, and these people have complicated lives.
Being a veteran author, what writing skill-set of yours do you think has grown/changed the most? Do you believe this is typical of most authors? The mechanics of my writing has grown immensely. I cringe now when I read my first novel (not my first published book, but rather the first novel length story I completed).
Oh gosh, I think most of us have the same reaction to our first full-length work.
There's only a few things wrong with the story, but the writing is rife with very amateurish mistakes to the degree that I'd have to rewrite the entire thing to use it. I'm hardly perfect now, of course. However, my editor says she likes to work on my manuscripts because they're so much cleaner than some of the other stuff she works on.
How do you see the success of so many Indie authors changing the face of book selling and creating? The wrecking ball is still swinging and the dust hasn't even begun settling yet. I suspect that we're going to see more battles between the giants, and I think the professional associations that authors belong to will wind up playing a greater role in title visibility than they currently do. My experience so far is that one author standing alone, regardless of publishing method, fails. Groups of writers are probably going to rise up as the force that propels titles into visibility.
What do you feel is a new writer’s greatest challenge in today’s publishing world? Writing. The rest of it, while necessary, can be highly distracting and draining. Every writer needs to find the right balance of time spent writing and time spent doing everything else, on top of living a life. My motto is: Write words. Lots of words.
Perfect motto! Thank you for being here to share yourself and this story with the Alleyway. All the best to you always...
~About the Author~Lee FrenchAuthor, Gamer, Squirrel AficionadoLee French lives in Olympia, WA, and is the author of several books, most notably the Maze Beset Trilogy, The Greatest Sin series (co-authored with Erik Kort), and assorted tales in her fantasy setting, Ilauris. She is an avid gamer and active member of the Myth-Weavers online RPG community, where she is known for her fondness for Angry Ninja Squirrels of Doom. In addition to spending much time there, she also trains year-round for the one-week of glorious madness that is RAGBRAI, has a nice flower garden with one dragon and absolutely no lawn gnomes, and tries in vain every year to grow vegetables that don’t get devoured by neighborhood wildlife.
She is an active member of the Northwest Independent Writer’s Association and the Pacific Northwest Writer’s Association, and serves as the co-ML for the Olympia region of NaNoWriMo.
What are your thoughts on the mixture of modern-day knights and ghosts in YA?
