P.J. Hoover's Blog, page 20
August 20, 2012
Young Adult Giveaway Hop Winner!
Happy Monday! Thank you to everyone who visited the blog and entered to win these three awesome books!
The winner of
An ARC of
DIE FOR ME by Amy Plum (Harper Teen, May 10, 2011)
A paperback copy of
REALITY ALI by Christine Marciniak (Zumaya, August 2011)
A hardcover copy of
COURTSHIP & CURSES by Marissa Doyle (Henry Holt, August 7, 2012)
is
Erma Hurtt!
The winner of
An ARC of
DIE FOR ME by Amy Plum (Harper Teen, May 10, 2011)
A paperback copy of
REALITY ALI by Christine Marciniak (Zumaya, August 2011)
A hardcover copy of
COURTSHIP & CURSES by Marissa Doyle (Henry Holt, August 7, 2012)
is
Erma Hurtt!
August 17, 2012
Chainmail Making for Dummies, Part 1
In what may be a series of posts over some great amount of time, I give you Chainmail Making for Dummies. And for the record, until two weeks ago, I never had any intention of making chainmail in my life.
*** And I don't claim to be an expert at all, so if you are looking for expert chainmail instructions, you are totally in the wrong place! This is just a new hobby for me, nothing else. ***
So yes, I've started making my own chainmail. It's the perfect poolside activity while whiling away your last few days of summer, your Friday evenings, or your time on boring conference calls.
Anyway, here are just a few pics for how to get started. As my piece comes together, I'll post more on technique and the finished product, but this is just to show how much fun I've already been having!
***
Tools you will need:
(You probably have most of the required tools sitting in your garage.)
Drill (that will fit the dowel), needle-nose pliers, nippers, gloves,a wooden dowel (mine is just under 1/2")
Wire - Available at Home Depot
***
How I'm going about doing this :)
Step (1) - Wind the wire around the dowel using your drill. These are not my best coils. I've already snipped most and these are what's left.
Step (2) - Snip each ring off the wound coil using the nippers. I recommend a second set of nippers and gloves, and an assistant with strong hands.
Step (3) - Close half the rings and open half the rings.
Step (4) - Attach 4 closed rings to 1 open ring and then close that ring. Do lots of these sets of 5.
Step (5) - Link the sets of 5 rings together using open rings (which you then close). You should now have long strands that look really cool!
Step (6) - Link the long strands together using open rings. Now you are really getting somewhere! (these are just short strands linked together, fyi.)
***
Okay, I'll post more pics and details as I get them, but this is about where I am so far. My goal is to make an awesome outfit for the Renaissance Festival in October, so I still have about 2 months to go.
Are you confused? Excited? Ready to make your own? I hope so!
*** And I don't claim to be an expert at all, so if you are looking for expert chainmail instructions, you are totally in the wrong place! This is just a new hobby for me, nothing else. ***
So yes, I've started making my own chainmail. It's the perfect poolside activity while whiling away your last few days of summer, your Friday evenings, or your time on boring conference calls.
Anyway, here are just a few pics for how to get started. As my piece comes together, I'll post more on technique and the finished product, but this is just to show how much fun I've already been having!
***
Tools you will need:
(You probably have most of the required tools sitting in your garage.)
Drill (that will fit the dowel), needle-nose pliers, nippers, gloves,a wooden dowel (mine is just under 1/2") 
Wire - Available at Home Depot***
How I'm going about doing this :)
Step (1) - Wind the wire around the dowel using your drill. These are not my best coils. I've already snipped most and these are what's left.
Step (2) - Snip each ring off the wound coil using the nippers. I recommend a second set of nippers and gloves, and an assistant with strong hands.
Step (3) - Close half the rings and open half the rings.
Step (4) - Attach 4 closed rings to 1 open ring and then close that ring. Do lots of these sets of 5.
Step (5) - Link the sets of 5 rings together using open rings (which you then close). You should now have long strands that look really cool!
Step (6) - Link the long strands together using open rings. Now you are really getting somewhere! (these are just short strands linked together, fyi.)
***
Okay, I'll post more pics and details as I get them, but this is about where I am so far. My goal is to make an awesome outfit for the Renaissance Festival in October, so I still have about 2 months to go.
Are you confused? Excited? Ready to make your own? I hope so!
August 16, 2012
WIN A PERSONALIZED SKETCH!
It's always all about the books! But what about the art, right? So today I'm giving away something a bit different on the blog.
A sketch!
Of anything you want!
No, not a sketch by me (for which you should be very thankful. My sketching abilities leave a bit to be desired). But my friend Ben Bender of Bender Comics does happen to know how to draw which is a good thing.
This is not just any sketch.It will be a 9x12 sketch of your choosing.Any character you want.Black & white or colored.
Pretty awesome, right?
And I've included the below as a sample. Ben says the below was just one of his daily sketches and that your sketch will have more detail with most of the detail in the character.
You can check more of Ben's work out here and here.
Right, so how to enter?
It's easy! Two things to note...
1) This giveaway is open until 12:01 am on August 25, 2012
2) Contest is US only!
To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter form below.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
**
Thanks and good luck!
A sketch!
Of anything you want!
No, not a sketch by me (for which you should be very thankful. My sketching abilities leave a bit to be desired). But my friend Ben Bender of Bender Comics does happen to know how to draw which is a good thing.
This is not just any sketch.It will be a 9x12 sketch of your choosing.Any character you want.Black & white or colored.
Pretty awesome, right?
And I've included the below as a sample. Ben says the below was just one of his daily sketches and that your sketch will have more detail with most of the detail in the character.
You can check more of Ben's work out here and here.
Right, so how to enter?
It's easy! Two things to note...
1) This giveaway is open until 12:01 am on August 25, 2012
2) Contest is US only!
To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter form below.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
**
Thanks and good luck!
August 15, 2012
FORMER DEBUT: Bonnie Doerr, Class of 2k10
Hey Everyone! Thank you all for helping me celebrate former debut authors here on the blog. It's been such fun! And today I am happy to feature Bonnie Doerr. Bonnie and I met a few years back while doing panels at the Virginia Festival of the Book in Charlottesville, VA. We had an amusing time sharing a dinner of Tapas (which apparently means "very small portions")!
Anyway, Bonnie joins us here today to catch us up on what she's been doing!
*****
Name: Bonnie J. Doerr
Debut Group: Class of 2k10
Debut novel: ISLAND STING (Leap Books)
Hi, Bonnie! It's so great to have you here!
PJH: Okay, so it’s been 2 years since you graduated from your debut class. Personally, I miss the heck out of knowing what my classmates are up to. So give us the low-down. What have you been up to in the last few years? New books? New degrees? New pets? What has been going on, and what do we have to look forward to from you in the future?
BD: PJ, it’s a pleasure to talk with you about the debut experience. One of the joys of being part of a class is meeting members of other classes, like you! But it’s sad when you spend a year in close communication with a group, travel to conferences and signings together, and then you gradually lose touch with so many. Thanks for helping keep us in touch.
These days I often feel adrift in a sea without a life jacket. For a year you had a tight support group and then, you find yourself alone again. Still, classmates are available when you need to reach out, and that’s a gift that keeps on giving. It’s fun and inspiring to follow your fellow authors’ public and/or personal successes. Writers for young readers are fascinating folks whose gifts help create a better world whether they go about it quietly or with a big bang.
So, what’s been going on with me? The year after Island Sting was traditionally pubbed, the book was released as an eBook. I was thrilled when it received the 2011 EPIC Children’s eBook Award. By then I’d returned to a quiet life of gardening, reading, and travel. Much of my travel was devoted to working on my eco-adventure/mystery series. The second book, StakeOut, a sea turtle mystery, was published in 2011. StakeOut was one of six finalists for the 2012 Green Earth YA Book Award. Seeing StakeOut on the shortlist for the Green Earth Award was a wonderful honor for my ecologically themed novel.
So far, 2012 has been a quiet year for me. I wore myself out traveling and speaking in far away places during 2010-2011. Lately, I’ve managed to visit schools, writer camps, conferences, and libraries close to home.
I’m working on my third and final book in the series, tentatively titled Tangled. In it, teens Kenzie and Angelo deal with a mysterious series of animal tortures and battle the development of an ecologically fragile island. They also finally resolve their complicated relationship. Exactly how they work things out remains to be seen. But at that point, it will be time to allow them peace and privacy. I’m confident they can continue their green agendas without my help.
STAKE OUT (Leap Books, April 8, 2011)
PJH: If you could summarize to a debut novelist the best part of being a member of an author group like the “Class of” groups, what would you say?
BD: It’s group therapy. You are suddenly not alone, and it’s so much fun when you attend events together! You always have a group people who really get what you’re going through. Your class is a big caring family sharing expertise. Each member understands your periods of daydreaming, quirky habits, frustrations, fears, and hopes. It’s like belonging to a sorority or fraternity without the horrid hazing. You make lifelong connections. It’s difficult to suss out any one best part.
PJH: Though I absolutely loved being a debut author, I’m really thrilled with all the experience I’ve gained since. What advice would you give to those who are debuting now? What do you wish you had known when you started out?
BD: I’ll pass on the best advice that was given to me. Don’t weigh your success or what you may consider “lack thereof” against that of any other author. Your path will be unique. While on that path revel in the journey. Don’t dwell on the destination. It rarely turns out to be where or what you expect it to be.
ISLAND STING (Leap Book, December 15, 2009)
PJH: In addition to writing the next mega-million bestselling novel, what do you want to accomplish in the next five years? Do you want to write five more books? Get your black belt in Kung Fu? Walk the Great Wall of China? Let’s hear it.
BD: After my third book in the eco-mystery/adventure series is released, I plan to work with an inspiring Kenyan woman to write and publish the story of her personal journey. She has lived in the USA for over twenty years. Recently, she established a 501c international organization to support forgotten and neglected women. She returns often to her native land to aid suffering women and their children. Her goal is to “bring wholeness into the lives of broken women from all walks of life.” Hers is a true story of faith and how she found her own strength and uses it to empower women wherever she sees a need.
PJH: Anything else you want to add? Five reasons to read your book? A picture of your writing space? How you celebrated when you signed your contract? Your choice!
BD: Five reasons to read Island Sting, StakeOut, and the forthcoming Tangled:
1. You’ll feel like you’re on a vacation in the Florida Keys and—
2. You won’t have to pay for the vacation or deal with heat and mosquitoes.
3. You’ll learn cool stuff about endangered species without feeling like you’re learning.
4. You’ll meet some quirky, colorful characters.
5. You’ll have fun!
A really great writing space!
PJH: Thank you so much for being here! And good luck with everything in the future!
BD: Thanks so much for sharing class member updates. If only we could share these stories in person. What a party that would be!
Bio:
A retired educator, Bonnie J. Doerr has taught students from kindergarten to college. An M.Ed. in reading education, combined with a brief post as a science teacher, inspired her to write ecological mystery/adventures for ages ten and up. Ms. Doerr’s work has been recommended by NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) for use in environmental education and has been included in Milkweed Editions literary field guides. Titles include, Island Sting, Danger in the National Key Deer Refuge (Leap Books, 2010), winner of the EPIC 2011 Outstanding Children’s eBook Award, StakeOut, A sea turtle mystery, (Leap Books 2011), Green Earth YA Book Award finalist, and the forthcoming Tangled. When not researching and writing in the Florida Keys, she lives in a log cabin in North Carolina. Get to know her better here!
***
Thanks for helping me celebrate former debuts! And if you are a former debut and are interested in being featured, check out this post here!
Anyway, Bonnie joins us here today to catch us up on what she's been doing!
*****
Name: Bonnie J. Doerr
Debut Group: Class of 2k10
Debut novel: ISLAND STING (Leap Books)
Hi, Bonnie! It's so great to have you here!
PJH: Okay, so it’s been 2 years since you graduated from your debut class. Personally, I miss the heck out of knowing what my classmates are up to. So give us the low-down. What have you been up to in the last few years? New books? New degrees? New pets? What has been going on, and what do we have to look forward to from you in the future?
BD: PJ, it’s a pleasure to talk with you about the debut experience. One of the joys of being part of a class is meeting members of other classes, like you! But it’s sad when you spend a year in close communication with a group, travel to conferences and signings together, and then you gradually lose touch with so many. Thanks for helping keep us in touch.
These days I often feel adrift in a sea without a life jacket. For a year you had a tight support group and then, you find yourself alone again. Still, classmates are available when you need to reach out, and that’s a gift that keeps on giving. It’s fun and inspiring to follow your fellow authors’ public and/or personal successes. Writers for young readers are fascinating folks whose gifts help create a better world whether they go about it quietly or with a big bang.
So, what’s been going on with me? The year after Island Sting was traditionally pubbed, the book was released as an eBook. I was thrilled when it received the 2011 EPIC Children’s eBook Award. By then I’d returned to a quiet life of gardening, reading, and travel. Much of my travel was devoted to working on my eco-adventure/mystery series. The second book, StakeOut, a sea turtle mystery, was published in 2011. StakeOut was one of six finalists for the 2012 Green Earth YA Book Award. Seeing StakeOut on the shortlist for the Green Earth Award was a wonderful honor for my ecologically themed novel.
So far, 2012 has been a quiet year for me. I wore myself out traveling and speaking in far away places during 2010-2011. Lately, I’ve managed to visit schools, writer camps, conferences, and libraries close to home.
I’m working on my third and final book in the series, tentatively titled Tangled. In it, teens Kenzie and Angelo deal with a mysterious series of animal tortures and battle the development of an ecologically fragile island. They also finally resolve their complicated relationship. Exactly how they work things out remains to be seen. But at that point, it will be time to allow them peace and privacy. I’m confident they can continue their green agendas without my help.
STAKE OUT (Leap Books, April 8, 2011)PJH: If you could summarize to a debut novelist the best part of being a member of an author group like the “Class of” groups, what would you say?
BD: It’s group therapy. You are suddenly not alone, and it’s so much fun when you attend events together! You always have a group people who really get what you’re going through. Your class is a big caring family sharing expertise. Each member understands your periods of daydreaming, quirky habits, frustrations, fears, and hopes. It’s like belonging to a sorority or fraternity without the horrid hazing. You make lifelong connections. It’s difficult to suss out any one best part.
PJH: Though I absolutely loved being a debut author, I’m really thrilled with all the experience I’ve gained since. What advice would you give to those who are debuting now? What do you wish you had known when you started out?
BD: I’ll pass on the best advice that was given to me. Don’t weigh your success or what you may consider “lack thereof” against that of any other author. Your path will be unique. While on that path revel in the journey. Don’t dwell on the destination. It rarely turns out to be where or what you expect it to be.
ISLAND STING (Leap Book, December 15, 2009)PJH: In addition to writing the next mega-million bestselling novel, what do you want to accomplish in the next five years? Do you want to write five more books? Get your black belt in Kung Fu? Walk the Great Wall of China? Let’s hear it.
BD: After my third book in the eco-mystery/adventure series is released, I plan to work with an inspiring Kenyan woman to write and publish the story of her personal journey. She has lived in the USA for over twenty years. Recently, she established a 501c international organization to support forgotten and neglected women. She returns often to her native land to aid suffering women and their children. Her goal is to “bring wholeness into the lives of broken women from all walks of life.” Hers is a true story of faith and how she found her own strength and uses it to empower women wherever she sees a need.
PJH: Anything else you want to add? Five reasons to read your book? A picture of your writing space? How you celebrated when you signed your contract? Your choice!
BD: Five reasons to read Island Sting, StakeOut, and the forthcoming Tangled:
1. You’ll feel like you’re on a vacation in the Florida Keys and—
2. You won’t have to pay for the vacation or deal with heat and mosquitoes.
3. You’ll learn cool stuff about endangered species without feeling like you’re learning.
4. You’ll meet some quirky, colorful characters.
5. You’ll have fun!
A really great writing space!PJH: Thank you so much for being here! And good luck with everything in the future!
BD: Thanks so much for sharing class member updates. If only we could share these stories in person. What a party that would be!
Bio:
A retired educator, Bonnie J. Doerr has taught students from kindergarten to college. An M.Ed. in reading education, combined with a brief post as a science teacher, inspired her to write ecological mystery/adventures for ages ten and up. Ms. Doerr’s work has been recommended by NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) for use in environmental education and has been included in Milkweed Editions literary field guides. Titles include, Island Sting, Danger in the National Key Deer Refuge (Leap Books, 2010), winner of the EPIC 2011 Outstanding Children’s eBook Award, StakeOut, A sea turtle mystery, (Leap Books 2011), Green Earth YA Book Award finalist, and the forthcoming Tangled. When not researching and writing in the Florida Keys, she lives in a log cabin in North Carolina. Get to know her better here!
***
Thanks for helping me celebrate former debuts! And if you are a former debut and are interested in being featured, check out this post here!
August 14, 2012
ANASTASIA FOREVER Winner!
I hope you all had a great weekend! This week's book and winner is:
ANASTASIA FOREVER by Joy Preble (Sourcebooks, August 7, 2012)
Dana Cuadrado!
****
Don't forget I'm also giving away...
(CLICK HERE TO ENTER!)
An ARC of
DIE FOR ME by Amy Plum (Harper Teen, May 10, 2011)
A paperback copy of
REALITY ALI by Christine Marciniak (Zumaya, August 2011)
A hardcover copy of
COURTSHIP & CURSES by Marissa Doyle (Henry Holt, August 7, 2012)
ANASTASIA FOREVER by Joy Preble (Sourcebooks, August 7, 2012)
Dana Cuadrado!
****
Don't forget I'm also giving away...
(CLICK HERE TO ENTER!)
An ARC of
DIE FOR ME by Amy Plum (Harper Teen, May 10, 2011)
A paperback copy of
REALITY ALI by Christine Marciniak (Zumaya, August 2011)
A hardcover copy of
COURTSHIP & CURSES by Marissa Doyle (Henry Holt, August 7, 2012)
August 13, 2012
It's a great big Beautiful new Website
Hey! I hope you all had a fantastic weekend and are looking forward to a great week ahead!
Somehow, I got it into my head on Friday that I wanted to finally redesign the look of my website, so that's what the bulk of my weekend was spent doing (with the exception of the candid photo below*). I learned lots about fancy css stuff, and now, here is what I've come up with.**
MY NEW WEBSITE!
Okay, here's the thing. I've spent way too much time on it already. So if you happen to buzz around and find a broken link or something yucky with it, please let me know. I'll mail you an ARC from my shelf. I'll even give you your choice of five to pick from because I am that grateful!
* Making chain-mail.This is what else I spent time on this weekend.I look so serious.
** My blog is slowly catching up, so I know it doesn't match exactly. But it will get there soon.
Somehow, I got it into my head on Friday that I wanted to finally redesign the look of my website, so that's what the bulk of my weekend was spent doing (with the exception of the candid photo below*). I learned lots about fancy css stuff, and now, here is what I've come up with.**
MY NEW WEBSITE!
Okay, here's the thing. I've spent way too much time on it already. So if you happen to buzz around and find a broken link or something yucky with it, please let me know. I'll mail you an ARC from my shelf. I'll even give you your choice of five to pick from because I am that grateful!
* Making chain-mail.This is what else I spent time on this weekend.I look so serious.** My blog is slowly catching up, so I know it doesn't match exactly. But it will get there soon.
August 7, 2012
YOUNG ADULT GIVEAWAY HOP!
It's that time of year again for the YOUNG ADULT GIVEAWAY HOP hosted by Inspired Kathy at I am a Reader, Not a Writer. It's simple. Lots of blogs. Lots of giveaways. Visit them all, and you're bound to win something. May the odds be ever in your favor.
To enter other awesome contests, visit all the blogs listed on I am a Reader, Not a Writer!
***
Today, up for giveaway, are two BRAND NEW, JUST RELEASED young adult booksand one ALREADY RELEASED and AWESOME young adult ARC, all to one lucky winner!
Three books. One winner!
An ARC of
DIE FOR ME by Amy Plum (Harper Teen, May 10, 2011)
A paperback copy of
REALITY ALI by Christine Marciniak (Zumaya, August 2011)
A hardcover copy of
COURTSHIP & CURSES by Marissa Doyle (Henry Holt, August 7, 2012)
*****
It's easy to win! Two things to note...
1) This giveaway is open until 12:01 am on August 15, 2012
2) Contest is US only!
To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter form below.
To enter other awesome contests, visit all the blogs listed on I am a Reader, Not a Writer!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
And while you're at it, please follow me on Twitter!
Good luck!
*****
And don't forget I'm also giving away an ARC of...
(CLICK HERE TO ENTER!)
ANASTASIA FOREVER by Joy Preble (Sourcebooks, August 7, 2012)
To enter other awesome contests, visit all the blogs listed on I am a Reader, Not a Writer!
***
Today, up for giveaway, are two BRAND NEW, JUST RELEASED young adult booksand one ALREADY RELEASED and AWESOME young adult ARC, all to one lucky winner!
Three books. One winner!
An ARC of
DIE FOR ME by Amy Plum (Harper Teen, May 10, 2011)
A paperback copy of
REALITY ALI by Christine Marciniak (Zumaya, August 2011)
A hardcover copy of
COURTSHIP & CURSES by Marissa Doyle (Henry Holt, August 7, 2012)
*****
It's easy to win! Two things to note...
1) This giveaway is open until 12:01 am on August 15, 2012
2) Contest is US only!
To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter form below.
To enter other awesome contests, visit all the blogs listed on I am a Reader, Not a Writer!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
And while you're at it, please follow me on Twitter!
Good luck!
*****
And don't forget I'm also giving away an ARC of...
(CLICK HERE TO ENTER!)
ANASTASIA FOREVER by Joy Preble (Sourcebooks, August 7, 2012)
FORMER DEBUT: Marissa Doyle, Class of 2k8
I adore Marissa Doyle! And that's why I'm so happy to feature her today as my former debut. Marissa was not only a co-president of the Class of 2k8, it was also my class. Thanks for being here, Marissa! And if having Marissa here isn't good enough, today she launches a brand new book, COURTSHIPS & CURSES! Woot!
Okay, here we go...
*****
Name: Marissa Doyle
Debut Group: Class of 2k8
Debut novel: BEWITCHING SEASON
Hi, Marissa! It's great to see you again!
PJH: Okay, so it’s been 4 years since you graduated from your debut class. Personally, I miss the heck out of knowing what my classmates are up to. So give us the low-down. What have you been up to in the last few years? New books? New degrees? New pets? What has been going on, and what do we have to look forward to from you in the future?
MD: I totally know what you mean--I went into withdrawal after the Class of 2k8 wrapped up. I tried to get over it by being one of the founders of the Enchanted Inkpot, and now I'm an Admin at the Blueboards (Verla Kay's Children's Writers and Illustrators Message Board) which I love, because it keeps me plugged into the kidlit world, and I've also been busy with the YA chapter of RWA. Oh yeah...and writing. :) Betraying Season came out in 2009 and actually got a lot of recognition in the YA romance world, winning several awards, and now Courtship and Curses, which is a prequel to my first two books, launched August 7. I don't want to say too much about what might be coming down the road from me because I'm superstitious that way, but let's just say that there will be more. Oh..and since you asked, new pets! We adopted another rescued bunny to keep our bun Saffron company, and it's been a hoot watching them--they're totally in love and adorable as anything. I talked a little bit about it on my history blog, just for fun, here and here.
COURTSHIP & CURSES (Henry Holt, August 7, 2012)
PJH: If you could summarize to a debut novelist the best part of being a member of an author group like the “Class of” groups, what would you say?
MD: Having a group of people who understand all your anxieties and share your questions was wonderful. You can ask questions that you might be afraid to ask elsewhere, and share information about process, and never be alone. You'll also have a group of writers with whom you share a bond that never really goes away, and when you happen on each other at conferences or whatever, you'll smile and hug and remember what you went through together.
PJH: Though I absolutely loved being a debut author, I’m really thrilled with all the experience I’ve gained since. What advice would you give to those who are debuting now? What do you wish you had known when you started out?
MD: Oh, I agree--though it was fun being the "bride", I'm definitely enjoying the benefits of experience and gained knowledge. I would say not to let the excitement of your debut year derail your writing. It's so easy to get wrapped up in the excitement of this new experience (and I'm not saying you shouldn't enjoy it--you only have a first book once!) But it's important to remember that your next book, and the book after that, have to get written, and they have to be good. Do your best to maintain discipline, and keep writing.
BETRAYING SEASON (September 29, 2009)
PJH: In addition to writing the next mega-million bestselling novel, what do you want to accomplish in the next five years? Do you want to write five more books? Get your black belt in Kung Fu? Walk the Great Wall of China? Let’s hear it.
MD: Oh, more books, definitely...and I'd like to slip in some adult and tween fiction as well as YA. I'm also looking forward to doing some travel, as my younger kids will be in college and I'll have more time free...there are a bunch of places I'd love to use as settings for future stories. I'd also like to spend more time in volunteer work for my local rabbit rescue, because rabbits are wonderful creatures but don't get as much attention as cats and dogs do.
PJH: Anything else you want to add? Five reasons to read your book? A picture of your writing space? How you celebrated when you signed your contract? Your choice!
MD: Only that I'll be continuing on my sooper sekrit stealth mission to get more readers interested in the rich stories of the past by writing more historical fiction and fantasy...but you didn't hear me say that, did you?
BEWITCHING SEASON (Henry Holt, April 28, 2008))
PJH: Thank you so much for being here! And good luck with everything in the future!
***
BIO: Marissa Doyle graduated from Bryn Mawr College and went on to graduate school intending to be an archaeologist but somehow got distracted. After working in a nursing home, in fundraising, and as a stay-at-home mom, she finally figured out what it was she really should be doing (apart from the mom part), and started writing a romance novel. Three books later a perceptive contest judge told her that her story would make a great young adult book, and she hasn’t looked back since.
Her young adult books Bewitching Season, Betraying Season, and Courtship and Curses, all from Henry Holt Books for Young Readers/Macmillan, blend history (remember that archaeology background?) with a dash of magic and a heaping tablespoon of romance, and have won multiple awards and recognition in both the romance and children’s literature worlds. She lives in her native Massachusetts with her family, including a pair of litterbox-trained pet rabbits, and loves making quilts, sailing, and antiques. With fellow author and history geek Regina Scott she hosts the long-running (in its sixth year!) teen history blog NineteenTeen, is an Administrator on the Children’s Writers and Illustrators Message Board, and sits on the board of the New England Chapter/RWA.
Please visit her at her website, and at NineteenTeen.
***
Thanks for helping me celebrate former debuts! And if you are a former debut and are interested in being featured, check out this post here!
Okay, here we go...
*****
Name: Marissa Doyle
Debut Group: Class of 2k8
Debut novel: BEWITCHING SEASON
Hi, Marissa! It's great to see you again!PJH: Okay, so it’s been 4 years since you graduated from your debut class. Personally, I miss the heck out of knowing what my classmates are up to. So give us the low-down. What have you been up to in the last few years? New books? New degrees? New pets? What has been going on, and what do we have to look forward to from you in the future?
MD: I totally know what you mean--I went into withdrawal after the Class of 2k8 wrapped up. I tried to get over it by being one of the founders of the Enchanted Inkpot, and now I'm an Admin at the Blueboards (Verla Kay's Children's Writers and Illustrators Message Board) which I love, because it keeps me plugged into the kidlit world, and I've also been busy with the YA chapter of RWA. Oh yeah...and writing. :) Betraying Season came out in 2009 and actually got a lot of recognition in the YA romance world, winning several awards, and now Courtship and Curses, which is a prequel to my first two books, launched August 7. I don't want to say too much about what might be coming down the road from me because I'm superstitious that way, but let's just say that there will be more. Oh..and since you asked, new pets! We adopted another rescued bunny to keep our bun Saffron company, and it's been a hoot watching them--they're totally in love and adorable as anything. I talked a little bit about it on my history blog, just for fun, here and here.
COURTSHIP & CURSES (Henry Holt, August 7, 2012)PJH: If you could summarize to a debut novelist the best part of being a member of an author group like the “Class of” groups, what would you say?
MD: Having a group of people who understand all your anxieties and share your questions was wonderful. You can ask questions that you might be afraid to ask elsewhere, and share information about process, and never be alone. You'll also have a group of writers with whom you share a bond that never really goes away, and when you happen on each other at conferences or whatever, you'll smile and hug and remember what you went through together.
PJH: Though I absolutely loved being a debut author, I’m really thrilled with all the experience I’ve gained since. What advice would you give to those who are debuting now? What do you wish you had known when you started out?
MD: Oh, I agree--though it was fun being the "bride", I'm definitely enjoying the benefits of experience and gained knowledge. I would say not to let the excitement of your debut year derail your writing. It's so easy to get wrapped up in the excitement of this new experience (and I'm not saying you shouldn't enjoy it--you only have a first book once!) But it's important to remember that your next book, and the book after that, have to get written, and they have to be good. Do your best to maintain discipline, and keep writing.
BETRAYING SEASON (September 29, 2009)PJH: In addition to writing the next mega-million bestselling novel, what do you want to accomplish in the next five years? Do you want to write five more books? Get your black belt in Kung Fu? Walk the Great Wall of China? Let’s hear it.
MD: Oh, more books, definitely...and I'd like to slip in some adult and tween fiction as well as YA. I'm also looking forward to doing some travel, as my younger kids will be in college and I'll have more time free...there are a bunch of places I'd love to use as settings for future stories. I'd also like to spend more time in volunteer work for my local rabbit rescue, because rabbits are wonderful creatures but don't get as much attention as cats and dogs do.
PJH: Anything else you want to add? Five reasons to read your book? A picture of your writing space? How you celebrated when you signed your contract? Your choice!
MD: Only that I'll be continuing on my sooper sekrit stealth mission to get more readers interested in the rich stories of the past by writing more historical fiction and fantasy...but you didn't hear me say that, did you?
BEWITCHING SEASON (Henry Holt, April 28, 2008))PJH: Thank you so much for being here! And good luck with everything in the future!
***
BIO: Marissa Doyle graduated from Bryn Mawr College and went on to graduate school intending to be an archaeologist but somehow got distracted. After working in a nursing home, in fundraising, and as a stay-at-home mom, she finally figured out what it was she really should be doing (apart from the mom part), and started writing a romance novel. Three books later a perceptive contest judge told her that her story would make a great young adult book, and she hasn’t looked back since.
Her young adult books Bewitching Season, Betraying Season, and Courtship and Curses, all from Henry Holt Books for Young Readers/Macmillan, blend history (remember that archaeology background?) with a dash of magic and a heaping tablespoon of romance, and have won multiple awards and recognition in both the romance and children’s literature worlds. She lives in her native Massachusetts with her family, including a pair of litterbox-trained pet rabbits, and loves making quilts, sailing, and antiques. With fellow author and history geek Regina Scott she hosts the long-running (in its sixth year!) teen history blog NineteenTeen, is an Administrator on the Children’s Writers and Illustrators Message Board, and sits on the board of the New England Chapter/RWA.
Please visit her at her website, and at NineteenTeen.
***
Thanks for helping me celebrate former debuts! And if you are a former debut and are interested in being featured, check out this post here!
August 4, 2012
Winner - UNDER THE NEVER SKY by Veronica Rossi
Thank you to all who entered!
The winner of
UNDER THE NEVER SKY by Veronica Rossi (HarperCollins, January 3, 2012)
is...
Bridget Howard!
**
And don't forget I'm also giving away
(CLICK HERE TO ENTER!)
ANASTASIA FOREVER by Joy Preble (Sourcebooks, August 7, 2012)
The winner of
UNDER THE NEVER SKY by Veronica Rossi (HarperCollins, January 3, 2012)
is...
Bridget Howard!
**
And don't forget I'm also giving away
(CLICK HERE TO ENTER!)
ANASTASIA FOREVER by Joy Preble (Sourcebooks, August 7, 2012)
August 2, 2012
DARK COMPANION by Marta Acosta
I've been dying to read this book, so I jumped at the chance when I got an ARC! The cover is gorgeous, and the premise sounded amazing!
DARK COMPANION by Marta Acosta (Tor Teen, July 3, 2012)
What did I love about this book? And why should you read it?
1) Well, it's kind of like a "not vampire" book. Like the general mythology of vampires is there and yet...there are no vampires. And even if there were not so many other awesome things to say about the book, this would be enough of a draw for me.
2) The other things. I'll start with the writing. First, just to get it out there, I've never read Jane Eyre. I think I saw the movie on TV ages ago (oooh, note to self to watch movie again). So nothing I say about DARK COMPANION can be compared to Jane Eyre since I haven't read it. But the writing in DARK COMPANION is beautiful in such a compelling manner. It drew me in and the pages kept turning faster. I'd reach the end of one chapter, sure I would turn out the light and go to bed, but I just couldn't put the book down. For us writers, it's a great lesson in making the reader want to turn the next page and keep reading.
3) The main character: Jane. She's from this completely rough and tough background. She's had nothing handed to her ever. And now, all of a sudden, she is being given everything...except answers. So of course Jane wants to stay in her rich plush new fancy-pants life. She's come from world of drug dealers and prostitutes. There is every reason for her to never to back to that life, right? :)
4) The story moves quickly, and there comes this place where Jane makes such an awesome, powerful decision (not telling what because no spoilers). But I wanted to stand up and cheer for her. It was the ultimate in powerful, kick-butt heroine moves. Go, Jane!
5) Okay, and check out this awesome book trailer! *love*
DARK COMPANION is completely readable with characters and relationships you truly care about. It blends in with the market and yet is unique enough to stand out. It's great for anyone who loves young adult, paranormal, or (I'm guessing) Jane Eyre. I loved this one! Highly recommended for 7th grade and up.
Source of book: From publisher by request
From Amazon:
Orphaned at the age of six, Jane Williams has grown up in a series of foster homes, learning to survive in the shadows of life. Through hard work and determination, she manages to win a scholarship to the exclusive Birch Grove Academy. There, for the first time, Jane finds herself accepted by a group of friends. She even starts tutoring the headmistress’s gorgeous son, Lucien. Things seem too good to be true.
They are.
The more she learns about Birch Grove’s recent past, the more Jane comes to suspect that there is something sinister going on. Why did the wife of a popular teacher kill herself? What happened to the former scholarship student, whose place Jane took? Why does Lucien’s brother, Jack, seem to dislike her so much?
As Jane begins to piece together the answers to the puzzle, she must find out why she was brought to Birch Grove—and what she would risk to stay there….
DARK COMPANION by Marta Acosta (Tor Teen, July 3, 2012)
What did I love about this book? And why should you read it?
1) Well, it's kind of like a "not vampire" book. Like the general mythology of vampires is there and yet...there are no vampires. And even if there were not so many other awesome things to say about the book, this would be enough of a draw for me.
2) The other things. I'll start with the writing. First, just to get it out there, I've never read Jane Eyre. I think I saw the movie on TV ages ago (oooh, note to self to watch movie again). So nothing I say about DARK COMPANION can be compared to Jane Eyre since I haven't read it. But the writing in DARK COMPANION is beautiful in such a compelling manner. It drew me in and the pages kept turning faster. I'd reach the end of one chapter, sure I would turn out the light and go to bed, but I just couldn't put the book down. For us writers, it's a great lesson in making the reader want to turn the next page and keep reading.
3) The main character: Jane. She's from this completely rough and tough background. She's had nothing handed to her ever. And now, all of a sudden, she is being given everything...except answers. So of course Jane wants to stay in her rich plush new fancy-pants life. She's come from world of drug dealers and prostitutes. There is every reason for her to never to back to that life, right? :)
4) The story moves quickly, and there comes this place where Jane makes such an awesome, powerful decision (not telling what because no spoilers). But I wanted to stand up and cheer for her. It was the ultimate in powerful, kick-butt heroine moves. Go, Jane!
5) Okay, and check out this awesome book trailer! *love*
DARK COMPANION is completely readable with characters and relationships you truly care about. It blends in with the market and yet is unique enough to stand out. It's great for anyone who loves young adult, paranormal, or (I'm guessing) Jane Eyre. I loved this one! Highly recommended for 7th grade and up.
Source of book: From publisher by request
From Amazon:
Orphaned at the age of six, Jane Williams has grown up in a series of foster homes, learning to survive in the shadows of life. Through hard work and determination, she manages to win a scholarship to the exclusive Birch Grove Academy. There, for the first time, Jane finds herself accepted by a group of friends. She even starts tutoring the headmistress’s gorgeous son, Lucien. Things seem too good to be true.
They are.
The more she learns about Birch Grove’s recent past, the more Jane comes to suspect that there is something sinister going on. Why did the wife of a popular teacher kill herself? What happened to the former scholarship student, whose place Jane took? Why does Lucien’s brother, Jack, seem to dislike her so much?
As Jane begins to piece together the answers to the puzzle, she must find out why she was brought to Birch Grove—and what she would risk to stay there….
