P.J. Hoover's Blog, page 9
June 24, 2013
Happy SOLSTICE Release Party!
The true summer solstice seemed the perfect day for a book release party, so we decided to host a party at the house, on the actual summer solstice. It was the perfect excuse to get the kitchen remodel finished at last, get the house in order, and have a party!
I'll recap in pictures, but I want to offer a huge thank you for the amazing group of friends who came to help me celebrate the release of SOLSTICE. I am awed by your friendship and support, and I cannot thank you enough! You guys are the best in the world and I am so fortunate to have each and every one of you in my life!
And now on to the pics!
I happened to have a fun Greek column (plant stand) that Danny Woodfill from The Book Spot turned into the perfect SOLSTICE display stand!And SOLSTICE was written up in the Sunday Austin American Statesman, so I laminated the article and hung it on the wall above.
Me with SOLSTICE!
So this was our first party where we hired a bartender, and it was THE BEST THING IN THE WORLD! Above is Bartender James, all set up and ready for the people.
Along with Bartender James was his wife, Melody, who was like a superwoman. She manned the wine, took drink orders, filled food trays, and cleaned up. Seriously loved this woman!
Cupcakes were care of Cupprimo here in Austin! They made up three special kinds, two featuring pomegranate, and one that was chocolate with cutout covers of SOLSTICE on top!
And here is the full dessert table. I forgot to take a picture of the snacks and sandwiches, but we had tons and tons of food. I always tend to overestimate this kind of thing.Also, thank you to Jessica Lee Anderson for the GAPS/GLUTEN-FREE treats!And with pitchers full of candy, you can never go wrong :)
Danny built a Greek temple of copies of SOLSTICE! A huge thank you to Danny and Julie at The Book Spot for coming out and selling books at the event!
OMG thank you to everyone who brought flowers and wine! You guys are amazing, and I love having the flowers to look at. They make me smile :)
While decorating for the party, I found the perfect thing for my art guy to hold!
I forgot to take any more pics at the event, but here are a few I snagged off Facebook and Twitter.
Me with Ariane Felix who drove up from San Antonio for the event!
And me with Jessica Lee Anderson!
L to R: Gene Brenek, Tim Crow, and Greg Leitich Smith Thanks to Cynthia Leitich Smith for the pictures!
L to R: Mari Mancusi, Madeline Smoot, and Jo Whittemore
E. Kristin Anderson and Stephanie Pellegrin
Cynthia Leitich Smith and Shana Burg
And the finished kitchen! I am so happy it finally all came together! A party is a good motivator.
I'll recap in pictures, but I want to offer a huge thank you for the amazing group of friends who came to help me celebrate the release of SOLSTICE. I am awed by your friendship and support, and I cannot thank you enough! You guys are the best in the world and I am so fortunate to have each and every one of you in my life!
And now on to the pics!
I happened to have a fun Greek column (plant stand) that Danny Woodfill from The Book Spot turned into the perfect SOLSTICE display stand!And SOLSTICE was written up in the Sunday Austin American Statesman, so I laminated the article and hung it on the wall above. 
Me with SOLSTICE!
So this was our first party where we hired a bartender, and it was THE BEST THING IN THE WORLD! Above is Bartender James, all set up and ready for the people. 
Along with Bartender James was his wife, Melody, who was like a superwoman. She manned the wine, took drink orders, filled food trays, and cleaned up. Seriously loved this woman!
Cupcakes were care of Cupprimo here in Austin! They made up three special kinds, two featuring pomegranate, and one that was chocolate with cutout covers of SOLSTICE on top! 
And here is the full dessert table. I forgot to take a picture of the snacks and sandwiches, but we had tons and tons of food. I always tend to overestimate this kind of thing.Also, thank you to Jessica Lee Anderson for the GAPS/GLUTEN-FREE treats!And with pitchers full of candy, you can never go wrong :)
Danny built a Greek temple of copies of SOLSTICE! A huge thank you to Danny and Julie at The Book Spot for coming out and selling books at the event! 
OMG thank you to everyone who brought flowers and wine! You guys are amazing, and I love having the flowers to look at. They make me smile :)
While decorating for the party, I found the perfect thing for my art guy to hold!I forgot to take any more pics at the event, but here are a few I snagged off Facebook and Twitter.
Me with Ariane Felix who drove up from San Antonio for the event!
And me with Jessica Lee Anderson!
L to R: Gene Brenek, Tim Crow, and Greg Leitich Smith Thanks to Cynthia Leitich Smith for the pictures!
L to R: Mari Mancusi, Madeline Smoot, and Jo Whittemore
E. Kristin Anderson and Stephanie Pellegrin 
Cynthia Leitich Smith and Shana Burg
And the finished kitchen! I am so happy it finally all came together! A party is a good motivator.
June 22, 2013
Houston Woodlands Barnes & Noble Sunday
Hey, Houston peeps!
In case you're looking for the perfect way to spend your Sunday afternoon, I will be at The Woodlands Barnes & Noble on Sunday at 2:00 for a great YA Panel with authors Joy Preble and Mary Lindsey!
We would love to see you there! I have cupcakes...
In case you're looking for the perfect way to spend your Sunday afternoon, I will be at The Woodlands Barnes & Noble on Sunday at 2:00 for a great YA Panel with authors Joy Preble and Mary Lindsey!
We would love to see you there! I have cupcakes...
June 21, 2013
Celebrating a SOLSTICE Book Release!
Thank you all for such a wonderful SOLSTICE Release week!
So what did I do to celebrate the release? Let's see....
First, I went with my pal, Jessica Lee Anderson, to Mehndi Time get Mehndi done.
This is me waiting for it to dry.And no, it is not permanent. It lasts 10-15 days.
Next, I headed to Cupprimo (best cupcakes in Austin) and got this delicious cupcake. I took a bite before remembering to take a picture.
Italian Creme! Delicious!
Next, it was a tasty lunch. Sadly they were out of Soylent Green.
Chisholm Trail Icehouse! Great food. Great atmosphere!
Okay, then it was time to seek out my book around Austin and sign some copies!
The Book Spot had this beautiful poster displayed up front!
And Danny at The Book Spot made this Greek temple out of copies of SOLSTICE!
BookPeople had SOLSTICE prominently displayed along with some rock star books!
And here, of course, is the necessary picture of me actually signing books at BookPeople!
Then it was off to Barnes & Noble in the Arboretum where I found SOLSTICE nicely displayed on the shelf!
And yes, I also had to get a picture of me signing copies at Barnes & Noble :)
*****
In case you want a chance to win SOLSTICE, here are a couple places you can check that have giveaways going on, including my blog tour which is giving away 25 copies of SOLSTICE! The odds are great!
Joy Preble is offering up a signed copied of SOLSTICE!
My blog tour has 25 copies to give away. Scan to the bottom and look for the Rafflecoptor!
*****
I have a few interviews to mention, too!
Manga Maniac Cafe Interview
The Enchanted Inkpot Interview
What 3 things do you need to survive a dystopian adventure? And my favorite cupcake!
My teen pic today on Dear Teen Me cracks me up every time I see it!
*****
And as for Blog Tour Posts, here's what we have so far!
SOLSTICE Blog Tour, Day 1, TEAM MYTH.
Find out all about Shayne!
SOLSTICE Blog Tour, Day 1, TEAM DYSTOPIA
Find out all about Piper!
SOLSTICE Blog Tour, Day 2, TEAM MYTH
Myth Depicted, featuring my puppy!
SOLSTICE Blog Tour, Day 2, TEAM DYSTOPIA
Dystopia Depicted, featuring Pok-E-Jo's BBQ!
SOLSTICE Blog Tour, Day 3, TEAM DYSTOPIA
The scoop behind the SOLSTICE cover!
*****
That's it for now! Thank you all, and I hope the Summer Solstice is good to you!
So what did I do to celebrate the release? Let's see....
First, I went with my pal, Jessica Lee Anderson, to Mehndi Time get Mehndi done.
This is me waiting for it to dry.And no, it is not permanent. It lasts 10-15 days.Next, I headed to Cupprimo (best cupcakes in Austin) and got this delicious cupcake. I took a bite before remembering to take a picture.
Italian Creme! Delicious!Next, it was a tasty lunch. Sadly they were out of Soylent Green.
Chisholm Trail Icehouse! Great food. Great atmosphere!Okay, then it was time to seek out my book around Austin and sign some copies!
The Book Spot had this beautiful poster displayed up front! 
And Danny at The Book Spot made this Greek temple out of copies of SOLSTICE! 
BookPeople had SOLSTICE prominently displayed along with some rock star books!
And here, of course, is the necessary picture of me actually signing books at BookPeople! 
Then it was off to Barnes & Noble in the Arboretum where I found SOLSTICE nicely displayed on the shelf!
And yes, I also had to get a picture of me signing copies at Barnes & Noble :)*****
In case you want a chance to win SOLSTICE, here are a couple places you can check that have giveaways going on, including my blog tour which is giving away 25 copies of SOLSTICE! The odds are great!
Joy Preble is offering up a signed copied of SOLSTICE!
My blog tour has 25 copies to give away. Scan to the bottom and look for the Rafflecoptor!
*****
I have a few interviews to mention, too!
Manga Maniac Cafe Interview
The Enchanted Inkpot Interview
What 3 things do you need to survive a dystopian adventure? And my favorite cupcake!
My teen pic today on Dear Teen Me cracks me up every time I see it!
*****
And as for Blog Tour Posts, here's what we have so far!
SOLSTICE Blog Tour, Day 1, TEAM MYTH.
Find out all about Shayne!
SOLSTICE Blog Tour, Day 1, TEAM DYSTOPIA
Find out all about Piper!
SOLSTICE Blog Tour, Day 2, TEAM MYTH
Myth Depicted, featuring my puppy!
SOLSTICE Blog Tour, Day 2, TEAM DYSTOPIA
Dystopia Depicted, featuring Pok-E-Jo's BBQ!
SOLSTICE Blog Tour, Day 3, TEAM DYSTOPIA
The scoop behind the SOLSTICE cover!
*****
That's it for now! Thank you all, and I hope the Summer Solstice is good to you!
June 19, 2013
Solstice Tour Dates!
Happy Solstice! And thank you for all the Solstice support!
So I have lots of great signings and events coming up in the next few months. I can't wait! And if I'm coming to a city near you, I would love to see you! Seriously. It would make my day!
Q: Should you go to an author's book signing?
A: Yes! I am grateful for every single person who comes. There is nothing quite so awesome as seeing a happy face and talking books with people who love them.
Yes, I want to see you!
Anyway, here's what's going on with me and Solstice as far as in person visits for the next few months. And please check my schedule page on my website for any new events that may arise.
*****
June 23, 2013, 2:00 pm - SOLSTICE Signing with authors Joy Preble and Mary Lindsey, The Woodlands Barnes & Noble, Houston, TX
June 28 - July 2, 2013 - ALA Annual Conference, Chicago, IL
Saturday, June 29, 2:30-3:30 pm - SOLSTICE Signing
July 13, 2013, 3:30-5:00 pm - "Love & Legend" YA Author Panel, SOLSTICE Signing, with Diana Peterfreund, April Lindner, and Bennett Madison, Hooray for Books, Alexandria, VA
July 14, 2013, 4:00 pm - SOLSTICE Signing, Tysons Corner Barnes & Noble, McLean, VA
July 25, 2013, 5:30-6:45 pm - Teen Summer Reading Program Author Visit, Jackson Country Memorial Library, Edna, TX
July 26, 2013, 6:30 pm - SOLSTICE Signing with Joy Preble, Mary Lindsey, and Martha Wells, Murder by the Book, Houston, TX
July 27, 2013, 2:00 pm - SOLSTICE Signing, Alamosa Books, Albuquerque, NM
August 31, 2013, 11:00 - Cedar Park Library Teen Book Club, Austin, TX
September 7, 2013, 2:00 pm - SOLSTICE Release Party with author Mari Mancusi (SCORCHED, Sourcebooks), BookPeople, Austin, TX
September 14, 2013, 2:00 pm - SOLSTICE Signing with author Mari Mancusi, Blue Willow Bookshop, Houston, TX
September 21, 2013, 2:00 pm - SOLSTICE Signing with author Mari Mancusi, The Twig Book shop, San Antonio, TX
September 28, 2013 - Austin Teen Book Festival, Austin Convention Center, Austin, TX
October 29, 2013 - NASA Young Adult Book Club, Houston, TX
November 2, 2013 - Houston BOOKRAVE, Zotz Education Center, Houston, TX
November 9, 2013, 2:00-4:00 pm - SOLSTICE Signing with author Cynthia Leitich Smith, Barnes & Noble, Round Rock, TX
November 19, 2013 - Region 12 Library Jubilee, Waco, TX
November 22-24, 2013 - Austin Comic Con, Writing Ninjas of Texas Booth
*****
See you around I hope!
So I have lots of great signings and events coming up in the next few months. I can't wait! And if I'm coming to a city near you, I would love to see you! Seriously. It would make my day!
Q: Should you go to an author's book signing?
A: Yes! I am grateful for every single person who comes. There is nothing quite so awesome as seeing a happy face and talking books with people who love them.
Yes, I want to see you!Anyway, here's what's going on with me and Solstice as far as in person visits for the next few months. And please check my schedule page on my website for any new events that may arise.
*****
June 23, 2013, 2:00 pm - SOLSTICE Signing with authors Joy Preble and Mary Lindsey, The Woodlands Barnes & Noble, Houston, TX
June 28 - July 2, 2013 - ALA Annual Conference, Chicago, IL
Saturday, June 29, 2:30-3:30 pm - SOLSTICE Signing
July 13, 2013, 3:30-5:00 pm - "Love & Legend" YA Author Panel, SOLSTICE Signing, with Diana Peterfreund, April Lindner, and Bennett Madison, Hooray for Books, Alexandria, VA
July 14, 2013, 4:00 pm - SOLSTICE Signing, Tysons Corner Barnes & Noble, McLean, VA
July 25, 2013, 5:30-6:45 pm - Teen Summer Reading Program Author Visit, Jackson Country Memorial Library, Edna, TX
July 26, 2013, 6:30 pm - SOLSTICE Signing with Joy Preble, Mary Lindsey, and Martha Wells, Murder by the Book, Houston, TX
July 27, 2013, 2:00 pm - SOLSTICE Signing, Alamosa Books, Albuquerque, NM
August 31, 2013, 11:00 - Cedar Park Library Teen Book Club, Austin, TX
September 7, 2013, 2:00 pm - SOLSTICE Release Party with author Mari Mancusi (SCORCHED, Sourcebooks), BookPeople, Austin, TX
September 14, 2013, 2:00 pm - SOLSTICE Signing with author Mari Mancusi, Blue Willow Bookshop, Houston, TX
September 21, 2013, 2:00 pm - SOLSTICE Signing with author Mari Mancusi, The Twig Book shop, San Antonio, TX
September 28, 2013 - Austin Teen Book Festival, Austin Convention Center, Austin, TX
October 29, 2013 - NASA Young Adult Book Club, Houston, TX
November 2, 2013 - Houston BOOKRAVE, Zotz Education Center, Houston, TX
November 9, 2013, 2:00-4:00 pm - SOLSTICE Signing with author Cynthia Leitich Smith, Barnes & Noble, Round Rock, TX
November 19, 2013 - Region 12 Library Jubilee, Waco, TX
November 22-24, 2013 - Austin Comic Con, Writing Ninjas of Texas Booth
*****
See you around I hope!
June 18, 2013
Happy SOLSTICE Release Day! It's a Giveaway of Epic Proportions!
It's finally here! SOLSTICE, my debut young adult novel, releases today! Woot! Woot!
So yes, I am totally going to the bookstore to look for it on the shelves. And I am going to celebrate big!
I am so thankful to all the people who have made this day possible. SOLSTICE is a book I love, and I could not have done it without you all!
In honor of the release of SOLSTICE...
I AM GIVING AWAY 42 BOOKS!
Why 42?
Because it's the answer to Life, The Universe, and Everything, so it only seems right.
42 Books!Twinkies and Girl Scout Cookies!6 Winners!
I divided the books into 6 groups of 7 books a piece. That means there are six chances to win!
Each group has:
7 books, including 2 books by one author1 Tasty Treat1 Swag collection featuring postcards and 6 SOLSTICE character trading cards2 Texas Sweethearts & Scoundrels buttons: 1 sweetheart and 1 scoundrel
GROUP 1:
1 Box of 10 Twinkies*
1 Awesome Swag Set
Original paperback of SOLSTICE back before it was edited by Tor
Signed hardcover of INVISIBILITY by David Levithan and Andrea Cremer (yes, signed by both authors)
ARC of RAGS & BONES by Melissa Marr and Tim Pratt
ARC of TEMPEST by Julie Cross
Hardcover of VORTEX by Julie Cross
Signed Paperback of THE MARBURY LENS by Andrew Smith
ARC of EVERNEATH by Brodi Ashton
GROUP 2:
1 box of 10 Twinkies*
1 Awesome Swag Set
Signed ARC of SCORCHED by Mari Mancusi
ARC of SHARDS & ASHES by Melissa Marr, Kelly Armstrong, Veronica Roth, and Kami Garcia
ARC of HOURGLASS by Myra McEntire
ARC of TIMEPIECE by Myra McEntire
ARC of UNRAVEL ME by Tahrerah Mafi
Signed Hardcover of DOOMED by Tracy Deebs
ARC of BREATHE by Sarah Crossan
GROUP 3:
1 Box of Girl Scout Thanks a Lot cookies
1 Awesome Swag Set
ARC of SHADOWS by Robin McKinley
ARC of SERAPHINA by Rachel Hartman
Paperback of REALITY ALI by Christine Marcniniak
Paperback of RIPTIDE by Lindsey Scheibe
Paperback of DEAR TEEN ME edited by E. Kristin Anderson and Miranda Kenneally
Paperback of BUT I LOVE HIM by Amanda Grace
Paperback of IN TOO DEEP by Amanda Grace
GROUP 4:
1 Box of Girl Scout Thanks a Lot cookies
1 Awesome Swag Set
ARC of SCHOOL SPIRITS by Rachel Hawkins
Signed Paperback of THE SELECTION by Kiera Cass
ARC of THE ELITE by Kiera Cass
Paperback of CALLI by Jessica Lee Anderson
Signed Paperback of SWEET VENOM Tera Lynn Childs
ARC of ETIQUETTE AND ESPIONAGE by Gail Carringer
ARC of HEMLOCK by Kathleen Peacock
GROUP 5:
1 Box of Girl Scout Thanks a Lot cookies
1 Awesome Swag Set
ARC of ASHES ON THE WAVES by Mary Linsdey
ARC of BURN BRIGHT (DARK STAR) by Bethany Frenette
ARC of SHADOWLANDS by Kate Brian
ARC of HEREAFTER by Kate Brian
Signed Paperback of FIRELIGHT by Sophie Jordan
Signed Paperback of THE FARM by Emily McKay
ARC of IF I SHOULD DIE by Amy Plum
GROUP 6:
1 Box of Girl Scout Thanks a Lot cookies
1 Awesome Swag Set
ARC of FERAL NIGHTS by Cynthia Leitich Smith
ARC of GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS by Rae Carson
ARC of CROWN OF EMBERS by Rae Carson
ARC of GILT by Katherine Longshore
ARC of THE LEGACY OF TRIL: SOULBOUND by Heather Brewer
Paperback of ONYX by Jennifer Armentrout
ARC of GODDESS by Josephine Angelini
*Okay, so the Twinkies are past their expiration date! If you win this set and prefer Girl Scout Cookies, please let me know!
*****
It's easy to win! Two things to note...
1) This giveaway is open until 12:01 am on July 3, 2013
2) Book prizes are US only.
To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter form below.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Good luck!
So yes, I am totally going to the bookstore to look for it on the shelves. And I am going to celebrate big!
I am so thankful to all the people who have made this day possible. SOLSTICE is a book I love, and I could not have done it without you all!
In honor of the release of SOLSTICE...
I AM GIVING AWAY 42 BOOKS!
Why 42?
Because it's the answer to Life, The Universe, and Everything, so it only seems right.
42 Books!Twinkies and Girl Scout Cookies!6 Winners!
I divided the books into 6 groups of 7 books a piece. That means there are six chances to win!
Each group has:
7 books, including 2 books by one author1 Tasty Treat1 Swag collection featuring postcards and 6 SOLSTICE character trading cards2 Texas Sweethearts & Scoundrels buttons: 1 sweetheart and 1 scoundrel
GROUP 1:
1 Box of 10 Twinkies*
1 Awesome Swag Set
Original paperback of SOLSTICE back before it was edited by Tor
Signed hardcover of INVISIBILITY by David Levithan and Andrea Cremer (yes, signed by both authors)
ARC of RAGS & BONES by Melissa Marr and Tim Pratt
ARC of TEMPEST by Julie Cross
Hardcover of VORTEX by Julie Cross
Signed Paperback of THE MARBURY LENS by Andrew Smith
ARC of EVERNEATH by Brodi Ashton
GROUP 2:
1 box of 10 Twinkies*
1 Awesome Swag Set
Signed ARC of SCORCHED by Mari Mancusi
ARC of SHARDS & ASHES by Melissa Marr, Kelly Armstrong, Veronica Roth, and Kami Garcia
ARC of HOURGLASS by Myra McEntire
ARC of TIMEPIECE by Myra McEntire
ARC of UNRAVEL ME by Tahrerah Mafi
Signed Hardcover of DOOMED by Tracy Deebs
ARC of BREATHE by Sarah Crossan
GROUP 3:
1 Box of Girl Scout Thanks a Lot cookies
1 Awesome Swag Set
ARC of SHADOWS by Robin McKinley
ARC of SERAPHINA by Rachel Hartman
Paperback of REALITY ALI by Christine Marcniniak
Paperback of RIPTIDE by Lindsey Scheibe
Paperback of DEAR TEEN ME edited by E. Kristin Anderson and Miranda Kenneally
Paperback of BUT I LOVE HIM by Amanda Grace
Paperback of IN TOO DEEP by Amanda Grace
GROUP 4:
1 Box of Girl Scout Thanks a Lot cookies
1 Awesome Swag Set
ARC of SCHOOL SPIRITS by Rachel Hawkins
Signed Paperback of THE SELECTION by Kiera Cass
ARC of THE ELITE by Kiera Cass
Paperback of CALLI by Jessica Lee Anderson
Signed Paperback of SWEET VENOM Tera Lynn Childs
ARC of ETIQUETTE AND ESPIONAGE by Gail Carringer
ARC of HEMLOCK by Kathleen Peacock
GROUP 5:
1 Box of Girl Scout Thanks a Lot cookies
1 Awesome Swag Set
ARC of ASHES ON THE WAVES by Mary Linsdey
ARC of BURN BRIGHT (DARK STAR) by Bethany Frenette
ARC of SHADOWLANDS by Kate Brian
ARC of HEREAFTER by Kate Brian
Signed Paperback of FIRELIGHT by Sophie Jordan
Signed Paperback of THE FARM by Emily McKay
ARC of IF I SHOULD DIE by Amy Plum
GROUP 6:
1 Box of Girl Scout Thanks a Lot cookies
1 Awesome Swag Set
ARC of FERAL NIGHTS by Cynthia Leitich Smith
ARC of GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS by Rae Carson
ARC of CROWN OF EMBERS by Rae Carson
ARC of GILT by Katherine Longshore
ARC of THE LEGACY OF TRIL: SOULBOUND by Heather Brewer
Paperback of ONYX by Jennifer Armentrout
ARC of GODDESS by Josephine Angelini
*Okay, so the Twinkies are past their expiration date! If you win this set and prefer Girl Scout Cookies, please let me know!
*****
It's easy to win! Two things to note...
1) This giveaway is open until 12:01 am on July 3, 2013
2) Book prizes are US only.
To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter form below.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Good luck!
June 17, 2013
My Article in the Tor Newsletter
In case you don't subscribe to the Tor newsletter (which you totally should! They have the best articles.), I have an article in today's edition.
It's all about why we should let kids read dystopian novels.
Check it out here!
And thank you!
It's all about why we should let kids read dystopian novels.
Check it out here!
And thank you!
ENTER THE RED ZONE! Announcing the SOLSTICE BLOG TOUR!
It's almost here! In honor of the release of Solstice , I have an amazing blog tour planned! Huge Thank You to Mod Podge Blog Tours and Tor Teen for coordinating this fantastic line up. And a huge thank you to all the book bloggers taking part in the tour. You guys are the best in the world, and I really appreciate you!
Since Solstice is heavy in both mythology and dystopia, the tour is split down the middle. Half the posts will focus on the mythology aspects of the story, and half on dystopia. Bloggers will be either on Team Myth or Team Dystopia! How fun is that :)
Each day there will be two posts, one for Team Myth and one for Team Dystopia. And here are the tour details!
I'd love for you to join me on this super-fun tour! There are all sorts of cool posts, like my favorite myths and the path to publication for Solstice .
And before I forget, thank you for all your Solstice support!
Would you be Team Myth or Team Dystopia? :)
*****
Solsticeby P.J. HooverSummer 2013June 18th-30th
Team Myth:
18th Character Spotlight: Shayne @ JessaBella Reads19th Solstice Depicted @ In Bed With Books20th Solstice: The Publishing Journey Guest Blog @ Water Color Moods21st Setting Spotlight: Elysian Fields @ Books Beside My Bed22nd Solstice Excerpt @ Through the Looking Glass23rd Character Spotlight: Melina @ Evie Bookish24th Author Interview @ Cuts of Paper25th Author Writing Process Guest Blog @ Best Books Ever26th 5 Inspirations @ Ruby Reads27th Setting Spotlight: Asphodel Meadows @ A Dream Within A Dream28th 5 Favorite Myths @ Book Swoon29th Character Spotlight: Tanni @ Leanna30th Playlist @ Unofficial Book Addiction
Team Dystopia:
18th Character Spotlight: Piper @ Swoony Boys Podcast19th Solstice Depicted @ Girls in the Stacks20th Cover Changes Guest Blog @ Gobs & Gobs of Books21st Setting Spotlight: Botanical Haven @ Books, Bones & Buffy22nd Excerpt @ ReadingTeen23rd Character Spotlight: Chloe @ Paperback Princess24th Author T-Shirt Addiction Guest Blog @ Addicted Reader25th The Character of Names @ The Mod Podge Bookshelf26th 5 Inspirations @ Readergirls27th Setting Spotlight: The Drag @ The Bookish Daydreamer28th 5 Favorite Dystopians @ Frellathon29th Character Spotlight: Reese @ YA Midnight Reads30th Playlist @ Reviewing Shelf
*****
Myth or Dystopia? GRAB YOUR WIDGET!
June 15, 2013
My First Google+ Hangout
So I am a total newbie to this Google+ stuff, but I was fortunate enough to be invited to be part of a Google+ hangout sponsored by Candlewick Press.
The theme of the hangout was "OTHER TIMES, OTHER WORLDS in YA LIT" and I was joined by some amazing other authors!
Here's the DL on it:
Other Times, Other Worlds in YA Lit Google+ Hangout On Air
Young adult authors Cynthia Leitich Smith (FERAL NIGHTS), P. J. Hoover (SOLSTICE), Janet Fox (SIRENS), Joy Preble (THE SWEET DEAD LIFE), and Candlewick Press editor and fellow YA author Deb Noyes (PLAGUE IN THE MIRROR) on a Google+ Hangout On Air. The authors partake in a dynamic discussion, exploring the challenges and joys of world-building, creating romantic elements, writing gender roles, and the parallel between fantasy and historical writing.
Deb Noyes: http://www.deborahnoyes.com
Cynthia Leitich Smith: http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com
P.J. Hoover: http://www.pjhoover.com
Janet Fox: http://www.janetsfox.com
Joy Preble: http://www.joypreble.com
And now for your viewing pleasure, here it is!
I hope you enjoy!
The theme of the hangout was "OTHER TIMES, OTHER WORLDS in YA LIT" and I was joined by some amazing other authors!
Here's the DL on it:
Other Times, Other Worlds in YA Lit Google+ Hangout On Air
Young adult authors Cynthia Leitich Smith (FERAL NIGHTS), P. J. Hoover (SOLSTICE), Janet Fox (SIRENS), Joy Preble (THE SWEET DEAD LIFE), and Candlewick Press editor and fellow YA author Deb Noyes (PLAGUE IN THE MIRROR) on a Google+ Hangout On Air. The authors partake in a dynamic discussion, exploring the challenges and joys of world-building, creating romantic elements, writing gender roles, and the parallel between fantasy and historical writing.
Deb Noyes: http://www.deborahnoyes.com
Cynthia Leitich Smith: http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com
P.J. Hoover: http://www.pjhoover.com
Janet Fox: http://www.janetsfox.com
Joy Preble: http://www.joypreble.com
And now for your viewing pleasure, here it is!
I hope you enjoy!
June 14, 2013
SOLSTICE Book Trailer!
I'm so excited to share with you guys a brand new book trailer for SOLSTICE!
And for those who don't remember, I made one myself a while back which I'm including here, too!
What do you think?
And for those who don't remember, I made one myself a while back which I'm including here, too!
What do you think?
June 13, 2013
Summer Survival Tips for Writers with Kids
Happy summer! The summer solstice fast approaches, so I'm taking a brief moment today to talk about:
The transition into summer
During the school year my kids are in school which is all great and provides me some semblance of a normal schedule. But when summer starts, everything changes. All of a sudden, the kids are home with me most of the time. Our evenings are scattered, and activities like baseball and football start to fall off the calendar. And most days, the kids want to grab their friends and head to the pool.
What is a writer to do? There are so many things that need to be done, from writing new words to preparing for a book release. From taking care of stuff around the house to packing for vacations.
Here are five basic summer survival tips for those writers who have kids:
1) Embrace the video games
Maybe this sounds horrible, but my kids get two hours of video games a day. These two hours become my golden writing time. I tell them I'm busy in my office and that they should do their very best to take care of themselves.
2) Multitask
Heading to the pool? I bring my laptop along and take it as the perfect opportunity to get some blog posts done. If I copy interview questions into a Word doc ahead of time, I don't even need WiFi.
3) Wake early
It's worth it. This quiet time around the house can be used for checking email, exercising, or writing. Whatever the case, find that silence and live just a moment in it.
4) Set expectations
Make a list of every daily activity you want to get accomplished, and do the same for your kids. Make a list of everything you expect them to do each day. Things like (1) be active, (2) work on math, (3) reading, etc. Setting the expectations ahead of time will encourage them to get those things marked off their list.
5) Have fun
It's summer. Take some time to chat by the pool or head to the park. It's not all about the work. Those days with your children will soon be gone.
The transition into summer
During the school year my kids are in school which is all great and provides me some semblance of a normal schedule. But when summer starts, everything changes. All of a sudden, the kids are home with me most of the time. Our evenings are scattered, and activities like baseball and football start to fall off the calendar. And most days, the kids want to grab their friends and head to the pool.
What is a writer to do? There are so many things that need to be done, from writing new words to preparing for a book release. From taking care of stuff around the house to packing for vacations.
Here are five basic summer survival tips for those writers who have kids:
1) Embrace the video games
Maybe this sounds horrible, but my kids get two hours of video games a day. These two hours become my golden writing time. I tell them I'm busy in my office and that they should do their very best to take care of themselves.
2) Multitask
Heading to the pool? I bring my laptop along and take it as the perfect opportunity to get some blog posts done. If I copy interview questions into a Word doc ahead of time, I don't even need WiFi.
3) Wake early
It's worth it. This quiet time around the house can be used for checking email, exercising, or writing. Whatever the case, find that silence and live just a moment in it.
4) Set expectations
Make a list of every daily activity you want to get accomplished, and do the same for your kids. Make a list of everything you expect them to do each day. Things like (1) be active, (2) work on math, (3) reading, etc. Setting the expectations ahead of time will encourage them to get those things marked off their list.
5) Have fun
It's summer. Take some time to chat by the pool or head to the park. It's not all about the work. Those days with your children will soon be gone.
