Young Adult Novel Reader

Two new blog tours with open spots!

May 22nd, 2013 § 0 comments § permalink

I have two cover reveal blog tours coming up that need hosts to participate!

Cover Reveal for Emerald Isle (Fascination Island #1) by Kate Hinderer on May 27th.

If you are interested in participating please fill out this form.

Title: Emerald Isle (Fascination Island #1)
Author: Kate Hinderer
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance
Book Description:

To escape a bad break-up and fighting parents Audyn takes a job as a lifeguard at Fascination Island. The posh five-star resort lives up to its name in every way, including the strange rules the owner has about entering the water at night.

Despite declaring it a boy-free summer, it isn’t long before the shy, endearing Levi and the mysterious, tattooed Tristan begin vying for her attention. When Levi tries to push his advantage and Tristan comes to the rescue, Audyn realizes there is more to both these boys and the island they inhabit. Suddenly, she’s forced to acknowledge a reality she’d never considered and to pick a side in the conflict that has been waging for decades.

Cover Reveal for A Closer Look by Karen DellaCava on May 31st.

If you are interested in participating please fill out this form.
Title: A Closer Look
Author: Karen DellaCava
Genre: YA Contemporary Romance
Book Description:

“…and there were these moments—when we laughed on the phone, or met for a kiss-and-run, when I noticed the sweet way he looked at me—well, I felt so good I could almost forget about my secret. But in the back of mind, it was like an invisible fist was lurking, one that followed me around, just waiting for the chance to rip out more hair.”

High school freshman, Cassie Donavan, is a stand-out sprinter about to move up to varsity track. Mom, a former teen model and Robin Lakewood, a competitive teammate are more than enough to handle when Cassie discovers her body is turning against her. On New Year’s morning she awakens to her pillow covered with her long hair. Mom and Dad explain alopecia areata—a secret they’ve kept from Cassie since she was three. And now it’s happening again. Cassie is losing her hair.

Life gets even more complicated when Cassie falls for jazz sax player, Tommy Sweeny.

Every day Cassie battles with her reflection, desperate to keep her hair loss a secret. Only her family and best friend, Tara Speziale, know the truth. With her rapidly changing appearance, relationships with Mom and Tommy are strained, damaged. And when Tara urges Cassie to race at a crowded track meet, Cassie is trapped in her worst nightmare. Shattered, she hides at home embarrassed and ashamed. Does she dare renew her trust in her family and friends? Will Cassie have the courage to take a closer look?

Blog Tour: First by Chanda Stafford

May 20th, 2013 § 2 comments § permalink

Author Chanda Stafford has stopped by today for an interview and an excerpt of her new book First!

About the book:

Describe your book in one sentence.

First is a young adult dystopian that centers on a young woman’s choices between love, life, and making a difference in a world destroyed by greed and government control.

Give me a quick blurb about the book and pitch on why you think readers will enjoy it.

Have you ever asked yourself, “What would you be willing to do to live forever?” Mira, the novel’s protagonist, is ripped from her home and chosen by Socrates, a man who does just that. Through her adventures, she falls in love, learns about the true brutality of her world, and has to make the ultimate choice: is her life worth that of her family and her people?
Readers who enjoy YA with more layers than an onion (thanks, Shrek) will appreciate the adventure, romance, and deeper meanings in this book.

How did you come up with the idea for the book?

I was actually daydreaming while watching a movie at a friend’s house. The idea just hit me and I grabbed a napkin to write as much of it down as I could before it disappeared!

When did you start writing it, and how long did it take you to finish it?

I started writing this book for NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) a couple years ago and finished it in about ten days.

About you as writer:

When did you begin writing?

I’ve been writing for as long as I remember. Storytelling has always been a part of who I am and is as essential as breathing.

When did you first think, wow I have made it as a writer?

For me, I think it was when my publisher told me the publication date for my book. Before that, it felt like it was happening so far in the future, it almost wasn’t real.

Do you have any special rituals you do when you sit down to write?

Usually, I have to turn off my Wi-fi. I get so distracted by the internet and Facebook that if I don’t turn it off or go into a separate room, I can’t concentrate.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers out there?

Don’t give up. Even when others tell you you’re not good enough, or that you’ll never make it, just keep going.

Silly questions:

Favorite color?

It depends on the day! Sometimes I like green better, other times, gray. My favorite today is Tardis blue, but then again I’ve been on a Doctor Who kick for a while now.

Salty or Sweet?

Salty, definitely. Especially if it involves peanuts or peanut butter. Peanut butter is my kryptonite.

Favorite author?

I have too many to count! There are some authors who, frankly, I stalk online, waiting for a new book to come out. It’s more the writing style that I love, though. When I find an author whose writing style engages and absorbs me, I can’t wait to read all of his or her books!

Favorite book?

Like the previous question, I have too many to count! It really depends on my mood or whatever I have downloaded to my Kindle at the moment.

Vampire or werewolf?

Neither. One sparkles too much and the other runs around half the time without a shirt on. If I had to choose supernatural, I’d choose witch. Not the fluffy kind, either, but the hard-core, kick-butt kind who can take care of her own problems and doesn’t jump off a cliff because she can’t be with the man she loves.

Excerpt

“Don’t say a word.”

Adrian

The room smells musty, unused. Kind of like the back storage buildings on the farm, or the old cellar the Chesanings don’t use any more where we explore and play games. Shafts of sunlight slant through the cracks in the heavy, dark red curtains, and when I take a step, more puffs of dust cloud the air. Chairs covered in white blankets line the walls and tower over me in stacks almost as high as the ceiling.

“What do you think they’re doing out there?” I whisper, but it’s so quiet, I could be shouting.

My servant, Will, shushes me. “If you listen closely, I bet you can hear your First talking.”

I creep over to the door and press my ear against it. Nothing. As if no one’s on the other side. “Isn’t this the Release Ceremony? Shouldn’t I be out there with him?”

Will nods, leaning against the wall, crossing his arms in front of him. “That’s normally how it happens. This is… odd.”

“Did I do something wrong? Did I make Thoreau mad?” I bite my lip to keep it from trembling. Grow up, Adrian. Stop acting like a baby.

“No, of course not.” He flashes me a quick grin, but I can tell he’s nervous.

“Are you sure?” I hate it when my voice is all shaky like a little baby’s.

“Definitely. I would know if there was a problem.” He shrugs, and a bar of light illuminates his carefree smile. “I bet it’s to save you from having to sit out there for the whole ceremony. Some of them can get pretty long.”

On the other side of the door, I hear clapping. An old man’s voice rises up as the applause dies.

“There, you see?” Will says. “Nothing to worry about.” I turn away and tune him out so I can listen to Thoreau.

“Thank you, my friends, for this most welcome reception. As a First, I’ve lived for hundreds of years, influenced this country in ways the average person can’t even begin to comprehend. With your continued support, and that of Princeton, I will use your gift to change the future and create a better tomorrow. Thank you.”

A dull roar follows his words, and I fidget in my seat, watching the door. My eyes dart to Will.

“This doesn’t make any sense, Will. I should be out there.”

“I’m sure they’ll call you shortly, Adrian. Maybe the usual waiting room was unavailable and—”

A loud boom shakes the room, and I almost fall down. The chairs weave back and forth in their towers, and millions of dust particles rain down. Will shoves me away from the wall and pushes me toward the back of the room.

“Move, now!” he shouts, but my ears are ringing, and I cough from the dust. He looks behind us at the door and forces me to move faster.

“Murderer! Child killer! Free the Second!” a loud, mechanical voice shouts from the other room. “Free the Second! Free the Second!”

There’s more yelling, but I can’t make out what they’re saying. Another, quieter boom. Will pushes me to a narrow closet.

“In here,” he hisses and shoves me inside. We stay like that for what feels like a couple hours before the door to our main room bangs open, and I hear the heavy clomping of boots.

“You in here with the Second, boy?” Will stays silent. There is a general grumbling outside, some swearing my mother would never approve of, then the deep, gravelly voice speaks again. “Alpha Code One, this is Underground Robin. Is the cargo safe and accounted for? I repeat, is the cargo safe and accounted for?”

Apparently these are magic words for Will because relief washes over his features.

“Who wants to know?”

“Papa bird.” The men march over to our closet and slide open the door. “Good spot, boy.” The head guard, an older man with a pinched face and a permanent frown sheaths his Artos. The other guards keep theirs out. Why? Is it still dangerous?

“What’s going on out there?” Will asks.

“Nothing we didn’t expect. Stupid rebels, always doing things half-assed.” He grins. “Let’s go.” One of them reaches out for me, but I jerk away.

Will touches my shoulder, reassuring me. “It’s okay, Adrian. We’re safe now.”

I shake my head and step back. “Where are we going?”

“Someplace safe.” The head guard takes my arm roughly in his. “Don’t worry. We won’t let anything happen to you.” One of the other guards laughs, as if that’s somehow funny.

“Is… my First all right?”

“He’s fine, boy.” He drags me from the closet. “Now let’s go.”

“Where?” My feet skitter, trying to find purchase as the guard forces me to follow him. The other men glance at each other, at me, then away again. Even Will won’t meet my eyes. Fear freezes me, and I dig my shoes into the thick carpeting. “Will? What’s going on?”

“Nothing,” he answers too quickly. “Just a trip down to the medical center, to make sure you’re all right.” He tries to give me another smile, but he’s lying about something. I can feel it.

“But I’m fine,” I protest as the guard pulls me to the side of the room, behind the curtains where, instead of a window, there is another door. “Can’t you just tell them that? I’m fine. I just want to go back to my room.”

Will shakes his head, sadly. “I’m sorry, Adrian, I really am.”

“What’s going on? Why are you sorry? Will?”

“Let’s go,” one of the other guards growls from the rear of our group. “We don’t have all day. Some of us have work to do.”

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author

Chanda Stafford teaches middle and high school English. She loves traveling and currently lives in Michigan with her husband and a menagerie of rescued dogs and cats.

When she’s not reading or writing, Chanda enjoys old zombie movies, authentic Italian food, and comic books.

Links

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/First-Live-Once-ebook/dp/B00CPRO2QE/

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1046632684?ean=2940016614328

Kobo: http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/First/book-VDufk0zdIEadOEzpMNIfYw/page1.html?s=RK3bQO33oUWrdwHJNaR0BA&r=1

The First Tour page: http://redadeptpublishing.com/the-first-tour/

Book page on RAP: http://redadeptpublishing.com/firsts-book-one-of-the-live-once-trilogy-by-chanda-stafford/

Author page on RAP: http://redadeptpublishing.com/chanda-stafford/

Author Blog: http://chandastafford.com/

Goodreads Page: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17742946-first

Trail of Bones by Chris Salisbury Blog Tour

May 20th, 2013 § 0 comments § permalink

Tour Schedule

Trail of Bones

Ready for a new adventure? Are you a fan of fantasy, young adult, science fiction and action stories?

“No mercy, No rules – Welcome to the Trail of Bones!”

Run with Purpose – battle cry of the Shade Wolves

Magnus, the runt of a litter of Shade Wolves, wants nothing more than to be a loyal, strong member of the pack. But when an ancient enemy threatens his friends and family, he faces a choice that could tear him from all he’s known and loved.

Born in captivity, the giant panther Kelor knows nothing but suffering and loss. He struggles to find his place in this world of terror, and he battles to protect his family without succumbing to the darkness lurking inside him.

Falling captive to the evil Warden, the two are forced to fight in the battle of the beasts known as ‘The Trail of Bones’. How will Kelor and Magnus learn to work together? How will they escape a fate of despair and death? How will their choices affect their comrades? Their enemies? And the forgotten magic that could doom all life of their world?

Let the adventures begin!

A fun, exciting, clean read for teens, young adults, adults and readers of all ages. Pick up your copy of this fantasy adventure today!

Are you a fan of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Robert Jordan, Orson Scott Card, Jim Butcher and other fantasy and science fiction authors? You’ll feel right at home with Trail of Bones. This fantasy story offers a strong moral message, suspense, action, and mystery, in a world full of magic, unlikely heroes, and devious villains.

Book Trailer

Excerpt

“Entula tuulo’ i’ba, Beleger!” the Storm Elf shouted as he looked into the starless black cloak of the night sky.

He threw his head back, squinted until his beady eyes shut, and extended his arms with his hands open and up-turned. He stood motionless and waited for something, anything to happen; a strike of lightning, a gale-force wind, a violent shake of the ground beneath his feet that were shod in pointed shoes. But nothing came, and the forest was as quiet as the darkest tomb in the catacombs of Cordale. Not even the trees made a sound, and their boughs remained rigid and eerily silent. It was as if the very world held its breath, refusing to offer even the slightest submission to the elf’s magical request.

A few moments passed in awkward stillness while the elf remained frozen in his posture of anticipation. Finally, an acorn fell and struck the ground. There was no blaze of fire or magical waves of energy. Nothing.

The Storm Elf slowly opened one eye and peered down his narrow nose at an object resting before him. A large black, furry beast lay quiet and lifeless on a large altar chiseled from a dark gray stone. Like the trees, sky, wind, and everything else in the forest clearing, the beast made no movement.

“Ugh!” said the elf as he exhaled an exasperated sigh. His shoulders slumped to his side.

“Why isn’t this working? I know those are the right words!” he grumbled. His frustration grew as he knelt and rummaged through a small pack sitting near the foot of the stone altar.

“Come all this way for nothing? I think not!” He argued with himself. “Korwin Widestep does not give up so easily. They’ll see.”

Editorial Reviews

Salisbury is a rising star in genre fiction. This book makes a unique and exciting contribution in the fantasy realm. The first of great things to come. –Jake Black, “The Authorized Ender Companion” “Smallville” “Ender’s Game: Recruiting Valentine”

Amazon Reviews

Conclusion:
A fantasy adventure that features lots of action and intrigue that is geared to a YA audience.
There are moments in this tale that are especially well done… story telling at a level that I’d be interested to see what this author would do with an adult orientated fantasy work.
As a dedicated YA work… 5 Stars.
~ Ray Nicholson

The beginning of a great adventure!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the first book of the Trail of Bones series. It is an unpredictable adventure, with heartwrenching acts of love and friendship. The story ended before I was prepared to put my Kindle down, and now I will wait anxiously for the second book to be published. In the meantime, I think I’ll read it again with my eleven-year-old son; I’m sure he’ll love it as much as I do. Give it a read!
~ HRL

Enthralling story line that really pulls you in
…The characters were some that I will not easily forget because he explains their background in a way that makes the reader really connect and believe they are real. He creates a world that I long to see. I really grew to both love and hate different characters. I think that is a sign of a really great author when they can make us feel so much emotion towards a character.
~ Janason

About Chris Salisbury

Chris Salisbury has been writing fantasy, science fiction, suspense, and action thrillers for years in independent films. Now he’s expanded his love of good movies, such as Gladiator, Counte of Monte Cristo, Saving Private Ryan, Braveheart, Star Trek, to the world of books. Trail of Bones is the first book in a planned four part fantasy, young adult series targeted at readers of all ages.

The father of four enjoys a wide range of interests from scuba diving to softball, coaching basketball to playing Battlefield 3 on his Xbox 360 or NCAA Football with his sons. He is also a big advocate for literacy and reading for young boys. There seem to be few titles that appeal to young boys and young men to hold their attention, trigger their imaginations and create a love of reading. Chris is out to change that.

In addition to the Trail of Bones series, he also has a number of other titles in development including historical fiction, action, suspense thrillers, and several science fiction properties. There’s a lot more on the horizon, so enjoy Trail of Bones but be sure to look for more captivating titles from Chris Salisbury in the near future.

Blog * Website * Twitter

Blog Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 5/31/13

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Escaping Darkness Book Blast

May 10th, 2013 § 5 comments § permalink

Title: Escaping Darkness (A Stone Legacy Series Novella)

Author: Theresa McClinton

Book Description:

She may have spent years in an asylum, but that didn’t make her crazy–just fearless.

Dropped in Moscow with her friends on an impossible mission against underworld forces, Tara is left to her feelings of overwhelming inadequacy. Her boyfriend is a healer, her best friend is “the Guardian,” and everyone else is a powerhouse of awesome strengths. The only thing she has been able to contribute are her memories, which has left her with nightmares of her time spent at the mercy of the evil Sarian–who everyone has gone to fight.

Alone with her emotions, Tara finds herself falling into a city of depravity and corruption. And amidst all this evil is a young man with an agenda of his own, who leads her down a road that will either prove she is a hero at heart, or drag her into a world she’s always feared.

He wants revenge, she wants redemption. And in an underground rings of missing girls and bloody sacrifices, only the fearless can survive…

Excerpt

Rays of morning sun crept through the windows of Tara’s hotel room. She was already awake, frozen in bed and staring at the entrance. Harsh whispers echoed from the hall paired with rushed footsteps on the carpeted floors beyond the door. She gripped the blanket, her heart pounding in anticipation.

She flung the covers aside and hurried across the room. The knob rattled followed by several sharp pounds. She peered through the peephole before swinging open the door. Renato rushed in with a limp Hawa hanging in his arms.

“Oh my god! What happened?”

Renato laid Hawa on the bed. Black hair spilled over her face as she moaned.

Peter stumbled into the room, his eyes glossed over with sleep. Renato glanced over his shoulder and waved him over. “We need your help.”

Tara’s chest tightened while she stared at them. “Where’s Ashley?” Renato glanced at her and then back to Hawa without a word. Tara stepped forward, a knot forming in her stomach. She gripped the bedpost, her legs beginning to feel like mush. “Mr. Renato, what happened to Ashley?”

“She’ll be fine,” Peter said while examining Hawa’s bandaged leg. “I don’t sense any breaks or fractures. No lesions.” He stared up at Renato. “What the hell happened?”

Renato paced, rubbing the five o’clock shadow that darkened his chin and jawline. “Sarian was much stronger than we anticipated. When Ashley tried to retrieve the stone, he somehow sensed her, even with the masking spell.”

Figures. Tara knew it was bad news when that witch offered to help. She hated the idea from the start, but being outnumbered and a girl with no abilities to contribute, she thought it better to keep her mouth shut and let Renato and Ashley make the final decision. The masking spell could have been a dud. For all they knew, Contessa might have wanted Ashley dead to take her stone. The witch only helped to get revenge on Sarian in the first place. Who knows what other motives she had. Tara still wasn’t sure of the extent of the stone’s power, but since every underworlder seemed to want to get their hands on it, it had to be capable of some unworldly things.

“Who healed Hawa?” Peter asked.

“Contessa. At her home.” Renato glanced at his watch. “We arrived back less than an hour ago.”

“Well, it looks like she did a decent job.” Peter laid the back of his hand against Hawa’s forehead. “No fever. I think she’s just exhausted. We should let her sleep.”

Tara let go of the bedpost, anger peeling away her layers of patience. There was no way she’d let them keep ignoring her. With her fists perched on her hips, she glared at them. “If someone doesn’t answer me in the next two seconds, I swear I’m going to flip the hell out.” They both stopped and stared at her. Tara swallowed. “Where’s Ashley?”

Anger was as good as any other emotion right now—better even, since it kept her blood rushing fast enough to prevent her from passing out if the news was grim.

Renato gave a deep exhale. “Tara.”

The way he said her name sucked the heat right out of her body.

She wound her fingers into her mess of red curls. “Oh God. What?”

“Please don’t panic,” he continued. “She is not hurt.”

Tara exhaled a calming breath and gestured toward the door. “I’m gonna go talk to her.” When she took a step forward, Renato stepped to the side, cutting off her path. She stared up at his tight face. “I’ll be right back. I just want to go see how she’s holding up.”

“Tara.” But when he said her name the second time, his tone hadn’t changed, and the look in his eyes told her something was wrong. He ran his fingers through his hair, smoothing it down. “She’s not here.”

“What do you mean she’s not here? You said she’s all right.”

“Yes, that’s true.”

Tara shifted her weight. “Well, where is she?”

“She and Arwan left to get Jayden back.”

“Back?” Tara scanned the room. In all of the chaos, she hadn’t noticed Jayden wasn’t there. “Is he pulling another stunt to win Ashley over?”

“I don’t think that’s what’s going on this time,” Peter said.

“Sarian is stronger than we realized.”

“But…” Tara shook her head. “I don’t understand.”

“Jayden was killed in battle.”

She felt like someone had kicked her in the chest. “What?” She gasped, her bottom lip quivering with her voice. She had known Jayden almost as long as Ashley, and even if they weren’t as close, he was her friend. She swallowed past the ache in her throat.

Peter took her hand.

“She and Arwan rushed to Guatemala,” Renato continued. “To the caves of Naj Tunich.”

She tightened her grip on Peter’s hand while suspicion crawled over her. “Ashley hates caves. Why would she want to go there?”

“Ashley was determined. I attempted to convince her it was a dangerous, reckless idea, but she insisted. She and Arwan traveled to the caves to find Houn—the Guardian of Souls. She has the insane thought that they can get Jayden’s soul back in time.”

Tara pulled away from Peter, grabbed Renato’s collar, and jerked him forward. “Are you trying to tell me that my best friend is going to meet up with the Grim Reaper?”

Renato stared down at Tara’s fingers clenching his shirt.

She let go of his collar. “I want proof. Ashley wouldn’t just take off like that. Not without telling me first.”

Renato straightened his posture while smoothing out the wrinkles in his clothes. “I managed to rent a cold chamber for Jayden’s body in the local morgue.” He paused, watching her skeptical stare. His lips pressed tightly together. “If escorting you to see his body is the only way to convince you I am being honest, that is certainly an option.”

Tara took a step back. “Oh my God. You’re serious.”

“Unfortunately, yes. If Ashley and Arwan cannot retrieve his soul before Houn places it, the morgue is where Jayden’s body belongs. Either way, we need to preserve it the best we can.”

“Preserve?” She choked on the word and slowly lowered herself to the mattress beside Hawa’s feet.

Peter tucked a curl behind Tara’s ear. “It’ll be all right.”

She wanted to believe him, but something in her gut told her it wouldn’t be that simple. “Jayden’s dead and…Ashley didn’t even say goodbye. What if—” Her breath caught in her throat. “What if I never see her again?”

About The Author

A long time enthusiast of things that go bump in the night, Theresa began her writing career as a journalism intern—possibly the least creative writing field out there. After her first semester at a local newspaper, she washed her hands of press releases and feature articles to delve into the whimsical world of young adult and new adult paranormal and contemporary romance.

Since then, Theresa has been married, had three terrific kids, moved to central Ohio, and was repeatedly guilt tripped into adopting a menagerie of animals that are now members of the family. But don’t be fooled by her domesticated appearance. Her greatest love is travel. Having traveled to over a dozen countries and explored dozens of U.S. states—including an extended seven-year stay in Kodiak, Alaska—she is anything but settled down. But wherever life brings her, Theresa will continue to weave tales of adventure and love with the hope her stories will bring joy and inspiration to her readers.

Author Links

Paranormal Romance Guild gave Escaping Darkness 4 stars!

Here is the link to the review: http://www.paranormalromanceguild.com/reviewstheresamcclin.htm

Here are the buy links for Escaping Darkness:

Kobo

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

All Romance E-books

Giveaway

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Underground Witch by Debbie Dee Release Day Blitz!

May 2nd, 2013 § 0 comments § permalink

Today is the release day for the second book in the Incenaga Trilogy : Underground Witch by Debbie Dee! Make sure you check it out!!

Summary:

As the last of the Incenaga Witches, Emmeline has been tortured, abused, and forced to use her power to kill. But unlike the Incenagas before her, she has survived. With her freedom restored, she should feel safe, invincible even. After all, she has the protection of Erick’s army and a power strong enough to obliterate any enemy. Yet Emmeline lives in fear for the next person who will try to control her, and no one can seem to find the tyrant threatening to claim her.

Until it’s too late.

With everything on the line, and the enemy at her throat, Emmeline has no choice but to convince Erick she no longer loves him (or risk him following her) and disappear with the one person she vowed to hate. But when she finds a way to take back her freedom and fight for Erick, will Emmeline be able to use her power like never before? Even if it kills her?

In The Underground Witch, the second novel of the Incenaga Trilogy, Debbie Dee delivers enough adventure, heartbreak, and suspense to captivate readers at every turn.

About Debbie Dee

Debbie Dee recently moved to southern Idaho with her husband and three children where she is learning how to be a country girl in her favorite pair of blue heels. She adores fairy tales and happy endings, but secretly crushes on the bad guy now and then. As a dedicated musician who practices way too much, she never expected writing would sweep her off her feet until she jotted down a scene from a daydream, which turned into two scenes, which turned into a messy house and her first novel. Since then she hasn’t been able to let a day go by without writing.

Links

Purchase on Amazon
Purchase on B&N
Website
Goodreads
Facebook
Twitter

Self Published Authors Giving Traditional Publishers A Run For Their Money

May 2nd, 2013 § 0 comments § permalink

With the introduction of e-readers like the Kindle and the Nook it is no surprise that self publishing began. At first self publishing was not a threat to traditional publishing but now with record sales and several self published authors ending up on the New York Times Best Sellers lists, self published authors are giving traditional publishers a run for their money. Jeremy Greenfield has a great article about this up on Forbes.

Here is my take on where the industry is going to end up going. Self publishing is not going to go away. With the large success of self published authors like Amanda Hocking, Colleen Houck and the current two leaders in the DBW best sellers list, H.M. Ward and Rachel Van Dyken, I think we are going to see more and more self published authors rocket in ebook sales.

So what does this mean for traditional publishers? Well I think they are going to have to start making some choices. They can either continue with what they are doing and see self published authors as just another form of competition or they can start to embrace this new tidal wave in the book industry.

Personally, I think they should embrace it. Take Amanda Hocking for example. She started out as a self published author and once her sales started to sky rocket St. Martin’s Press decided to pick her up. I think that if more publishers don’t start to thinking like St. Martin’s Press traditional publishing as we now know it might start to become something of the past.

As an avid reader do I still purchase traditionally published books along with my self published favorites? Of course I do. However being the avid reader that I am the 99¢ price of most self published books is a lot better for my bank account than some of the $7.99 prices for traditional published e-books.

It will certainly be an interesting road ahead for self published and traditionally published authors. Either way I will still continue to read books regardless if they are self published, indie published or published through a big publisher.

Trail of Bones Book Blast

May 2nd, 2013 § 0 comments § permalink

Trail of Bones

Ready for a new adventure? Are you a fan of fantasy, young adult, science fiction and action stories?

“No mercy, No rules – Welcome to the Trail of Bones!”

Run with Purpose – battle cry of the Shade Wolves

Let the adventures begin!

A fun, exciting, clean read for teens, young adults, adults and readers of all ages. Pick up your copy of this fantasy adventure today!

Book Trailer

Editorial Reviews

Amazon Reviews

About Chris Salisbury

Blog * Website * Twitter

Tour Schedule

Book Blast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 5/24/13

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Author Interview: Janine Southard

May 1st, 2013 § 0 comments § permalink

Author Janine Southard has stopped by today for interview for the Queen & Commander Blog Tour!

About the book:

Describe your book in one sentence.

Queen & Commander is a young adult space opera with an ensemble cast of smart teens who work hard to create the lives they want to live.

Give me a quick blurb about the book and do pitch on why you think readers will enjoy it.

On a world where your future is determined by your standardized test scores, disaffected teenagers run from society as fast as their questionably-obtained spaceship will take them. Readers who enjoy spaceships, ensemble interactions, and science fiction adventures should enjoy the characters and situations.

How did you come up with the idea for the book?

Six years ago, I wanted to make a major career switch (from economic consulting), but wasn’t sure where to make my new home. So I did a zillion personality and aptitude tests to get ideas. A lot of these tests gave unhelpfully broad results. I wished for a clear path, but had to wonder exactly how that would play out.

I mixed that with a knowledge of standardized testing in other countries (e.g. Korea’s Test Day for high school students is closest to the one in my book—businesses close!).

And, boom!, there’s the premise for a society that takes its tests too seriously.

When did you start writing it, and how long did it take you to finish it?

I started this book, in one form, about six years ago, just after that slew of personality testing I did. For a while, Gwyn was the main character (Rhiannon’s best friend). Everyone had different names and backstories. The only things that stayed the same to the published version were: testing, the Hive system, the Ceridwen’s Cauldron.

Somehow things just came together for this book in 2012. I outlined the entirety of the novel in a few months, thanks to K.M. Weiland’s Outlining Your Novel. And then wrote the first draft in about four weeks.

So, four weeks, a few months, or six years. Take your pick.

If your book was made into a movie, who would you want to play the main characters?

Warning: This is a really hard question for me because I don’t cast actors as my characters. Sometimes I cast a friend in my head. Sometimes just a person whose “look” I like. (All of Luciano’s expressions are based on a South African soccer player.)

That said, here’s who I’d like to play my six main characters (assuming we can de-age them a bit):

Rhiannon – Shannen Doherty – Face it, she’s awesome on the screen.

Luciano – Lorenzo Lamas (from his 80s phase) – He’s hot shirtless, has working man’s muscles, and does better with fewer lines. (Because Luciano thinks a lot, but he never says much.)

Gwyn – Either Liv Tyler or Gina Torres – They both do that “sweet and somewhat mysterious with hidden depths” thing so well.

Alan – Mario Lopez (from his little-known romcom Holiday in Handcuffs)…. or Peter Wingfield. Because every movie should include Peter Wingfield. He is my acting celebrity crush ZOMG.

Victor – Ian Bohen

Gavin – Andrew Lee Potts (who was beautifully over-the-top in Alice) or Jackson Rathbone (who’s just beautiful)

About you as writer:

When did you begin writing?

I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember. Kids always tell stories, right? But mine had a lot of character and plot and pivotal scenes. Back when computer screens were black with white (or orange!) writing on them, I began so many novels.

But I only started finishing projects (the mark of a true writer) in high school.

And it’s only in the last few years that I’ve made creative fiction my full-time thing. Largely thanks to having a S.O. with a stable job who makes sure we don’t fall into economic ruin when I’m busy writing. (Thanks, baby!)

When did you first think, wow I have made it as a writer?

Ummmm, never?

I’ll know I’ve made it whenever I first:

get invited to speak at a convention,
win a big-name award, or
make enough money in royalties to equal an entry-level salary.

Do you have any special rituals you do when you sit down to write?

I go over all my notes (there’s a lot of them). Does that count?

Actually, I do a lot of my draft writing in coffee shops, so I guess my ritual is: “Buy a latte and find a table.”

What advice would you give to aspiring writers out there?

Finish your stories and submit them. You can’t become a published author unless you submit. It doesn’t matter whether you believe “submit” means querying agents, self-publishing, or sending stories to magazines. The point is getting your work to the public.

Silly questions:

Favorite color? Green.

Salty or Sweet? Sweet.

Favorite author? Gordon Korman.

Favorite book? Young Miles by Lois McMaster Bujold.

One thing you cannot live without? Internet.

Vampire or werewolf? Vampire. Though I feel guilty to admit it because I’m addicted to Teen Wolf fanfiction right now.

Title: Queen and Commander

Author: Janine Southard

Summary:

On a world where high school test scores determine your future career, six students rebel.

A pair of star-crossed lovers plot to stay together, rather than be separated by the system’s college plans. A former off-worlder instigates: there’s a ship in orbit, he says. We could take it and run away.

But to take the ship, the three conspirators need more friends. Enter Rhiannon, the girl who set herself up for the ultimate success on this planet. She made sure her test would give the desired result: Queen. But her best friend begs her to take control of this plan to run away. So she drafts a would-be doctor who believes in following his Queen with all his heart. She finds a genius who can’t seem to make the system work for him.

And then she gets them qualified for the ship in orbit. The ship to freedom. Now what will they do with it? And was freedom what they really wanted?

Excerpt

Winning a ship means surpassing the competition.

The three competing Queens swiveled their heads, hare-quick, to home in on new prey. They’d ignored her until she’d made that noise. Now they had the scent of fresh insecurity and would peck away until they laid her meager confidence bare for the massacre.

“What a sweet little girl,” gushed the one in red. “Where’s your mother?”

Dead, actually. Well, if this Queen planned to come after her for her age, she’d show her appreciation in the way only a younger person could. She raised her eyebrows and furrowed them down the middle, then pulled her head back onto her neck as though repulsed or doing a proper sit-up.

From the way the older woman cringed back, Rhiannon knew she’d succeeded in making the derisive Did you seriously just say that to me? face that she’d seen on her more critical peers.

A teenager can out bitch-face you any time, Queenie. Don’t try that tactic with me.

The eldest cocked her head, more curious than cruel. Perhaps she found it as difficult to gauge Rhiannon’s age as the other way around. As far as Rhiannon knew, this woman had been one of Dyfed’s first Queens, self-made and just as untrained as herself. “Why do you think you deserve Ceridwen’s Cauldron?”

About the Author

Janine A. Southard writes speculative fiction and videogame dialogue from her home in Seattle, WA. She sings with a Celtic band and is working on the next book in the Hive Queen universe. She’s also been known to read aloud to her cat.

The cat appreciates all of these things. Maybe.

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Book Cover Reveal: Just One Cup by Cassandra Giovanni

April 30th, 2013 § 0 comments § permalink

Book Info-

Title- Just One Cup

By-Cassandra Giovanni

Genre-New Adult

Publication Date-June 20, 2013

Blurb-

Emma Walker was a writer who’d lost herself to someone else’s anger–who had given up on ever feeling like herself again.

Evan Levesque was a rock-god–the one all the woman wanted, but he’d never gotten used to the loneliness between the stage and real life.

With just one cup of coffee they’ll begin a journey of self-discovery at each others sides, but can Emma handle Evan’s fame while dealing with her own demons? Emma’s checkered personal past, a bad relationship that haunts the edges of her memories, threatens to make everything implode on them when Evan takes matters into his own hands.

Sticks and stones may break my bones, but your words…they’ll destroy my soul–Can Emma handle being put back together and facing who she’s become because of it?

Cover Reveal

About the Author-

Cassandra doesn’t remember a time when she wasn’t writing. In fact, the first time she was published was when she was seven years old and won a contest to be published in an American Girl Doll novel. Since than Cassandra has written more novels than she can count and put just as many in the circular bin. Her personal goal with her writing is to show the reader the character’s stories through their dialogue and actions instead of just telling the reader what is happening. In 2012 she became a published Young Adult author, releasing In Between Seasons (The Fall, #1) and Walking in the Shadows. In 2013 she branched out by using her artistic illustrating talents to publish her first Children’s novel, The Adventures of Skippy Von Flippy: Tales of Friendship (Skippy Tales, #1). Cassandra will also release her first New Adult novel, Just One Cup, in the Spring of 2013.

Cassandra is a freelance professional photographer known for her automotive, nature and architectural shots. She is the owner of Gio Design Studios, a photography and publication marketing company that designs covers and marketing materials for authors utilizing the company’s photography. She is currently studying to receive her associates degree in Marketing. Cassandra is happily married to the man of her dreams and they live in the rolling hills of New England with the other loves of her life their dogs, Bubski and Kanga.

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Strangely Normal By Tess Oliver Cover Reveal

April 29th, 2013 § 1 comment § permalink

Title: Strangely Normal

Author: Tess Oliver

Book Description:

A unique summer job lands eighteen-year-old Eden Saxon into a lifestyle completely different than her own. She becomes a companion for nineteen-year-old Finley King, the daughter of a rock legend. Finley suffers from severe anxiety, and her father fears her being alone. Eden leaves her loving, but wildly dysfunctional, parents and dreary apartment and enters a world where no luxury is overlooked. She instantly adores Finley and her charming, quirky personality. The whole situation has only one flaw– Finley’s older brother, Jude. Jude King is cocky, arrogant and irritating. Unfortunately, he’s also completely irresistible.

Eden realizes she’s underestimated the depth of Finley’s problems, and suddenly her dream job turns out to be a lot more than she’d expected. Eden soon finds herself in over her head . . . and her heart.

Teaser

He placed down his pencil and walked across the floor toward me. The crackling energy I’d felt between us the night before when he’d stood over my bed returned now and grew with hot intensity as the space between us disappeared. I was not the only one noticing the sudden charge in the atmosphere between us. He stopped directly in front of me, and even with loud music bouncing off the walls, I could hear the unnaturally fast rhythm of his breathing.

He hesitated a moment and then his hand came up slowly and brushed the hair off my face. His fingertips had only grazed my cheek, but I felt the sensation of his touch through my entire body. He looked back at me as if he’d smoothed his hands over every inch of my skin. The air between us heated and what had started out as a casual session between an artist and his subject had somehow erupted into something completely different.

About Tess Oliver

Tess Oliver is a teacher and writer who lives in California with her husband, kids, a small pack of pampered dogs, and the recent addition of three ridiculously cute pygmy goats. She loves horses, chocolate and Jane Austen books. She has a BS of Nutrition Science, and a MA in Curriculum and Instruction. She is also an author published by Barron’s Educational Publisher.

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