Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Author Interview: Suzanne Young




I’m so excited to welcome Suzanne Young to the blog today! Her newest book, A Need So Beautiful, is available now!



Did you enjoy writing any one character more than the others?

I really enjoyed writing her brother Alex and Onika. They offer something different (funny vs. sinister) and it was great to explore both sides of my writing.
Do you feel if Charlotte hadn’t had such a loving group of friends and family it would have been easier to accept her fate, or would she still have been reluctant to give into "the need"?
I think she would have fought no matter what, but having her family, friends and Harlin were definitely a reason to fight harder. I think different surroundings would have affected her decision, although I’m not sure the choice would have ever been easier.
The ending of A Need So Beautiful literally took my breath away. Did you know how the story would end when you started writing?
Yes, I always knew the way I wanted it to end. But there were some additions to the final scenes that really helped up the emotional payoff.
Any plans to turn this into a series, or will the sequel wrap up Charlotte’s story?
The sequel should wrap up the Forgottens and the Shadows. It’s definitely heavy on the creepy factor, which I thought was a nice contrast to the light of book 1.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
Sure, I have a new series THE PROGRAM coming out Spring of 2013 from Simon Pulse. It’s about a suicide epidemic and the treatment that can “save” them. But at what cost?


Thank you so much for stopping by, Suzanne! If you haven’t read A Need So Beautiful you really must! You can check out my review here!
Watch the trailer:




Tuesday, June 28, 2011

YA Book Battle 2011 - Best Overlooked Book


I was a round 2 judge for the Best Overlooked Book Battle hosted by Alyssa from The Shady Glade. My partner for this round was Haley from Life (and lies) of an inanimate flying object. We had to read and choose between:


Intrinsical by Lani Woodland

And


Academy 7 by Anne Osterlund

Deciding between the two was not an easy task because I really enjoyed reading both.

Academy 7 features writing, that as a reader, I found downright enchanting. The world in which Academy 7 takes place was also very intriguing. While the descriptions were beautiful, some scenes felt like they had been cut short. I never felt the connection to the characters that I craved, and was longing for more details about the futuristic place they called home. I just wanted a bit more meat which isn’t a bad thing. When an author can create a world and characters that I long for more of, they have done something right.

Intrinsical is a book that excelled in the character development department. I enjoyed the mystery the book featured and found the entire premise fascinating. The author has taken a great idea and ran with it. Unfortunately, the first quarter of the book felt a little slow at times. I’m almost positive it was an unfortunate victim of the world building that can sometimes weigh down the plot of a series debut. While I found the beginning on the slow side, the second part really picked up the pace and I was hooked.

Both books featured a romance that developed at a pace that just might be considered slow by YA standards. This was so refreshing and an element I truly appreciated. One other thing these books have in common is they left me wanting more. I know Intrinsical is a series debut, and I hope that becomes the case with Academy 7 as well.

Unfortunately, there can only be one winner! 

Drumroll Please
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Moving on to the next round is Intrinsical!!

Both these books were enjoyable reads. Even though Intrinsical is moving on, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend both books to readers.
Monday, June 27, 2011

Author Guest Post: Cayla Kluver (& A Giveaway)





When I was a kid, I had to choose between reading and writing.  I didn’t have time for both, with school and friends and life.  So I chose writing. 
I used to think I was a horrible excuse for an author, because authors are supposed to be bookworms and I wasn’t one growing up.  I was too busy creating my own places and people, putting my own words on paper.  Then I realized why writers and bookworms are so often the same people – we share an obsession with words.  And although as a kid I let slip one of the two best ways to explore language, the need to explore was still the most powerful influence in my life.  I may not have been a bookworm, but I was a word nerd. 
Of course, there were exceptions.  It’s not like I never read a book as a child.  There was Junie B. Jones when I was little, and Nancy Drew, and Captain Underpants.  Then I moved on to Harry Potter,Artemis FowlThe Outsiders, and then the classics, To Kill a MockingbirdLes MiserablesA Separate Peace.  Unlike my older sister though, I hadn’t mowed through all the classics by ninth grade, and I read hardly any contemporary authors at all. 
Now that I’m out of school and I have more control over my own time, I’ve discovered how much I really love reading.  Because I’m finally becoming the bookworm hidden away inside, I want to share with you some of my favorite books that I’ve read recently, and why they’re my favorites. 
The Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory.  The Other Boleyn Girl was a fantastic book, but this is the one that made me cry.  Philippa Gregory’s depiction of Katharine of Aragon as an indomitable woman placed in an impossible position is beyond captivating – it made me examine the way I view myself.  Even with the most powerful people in England turned against her, Katharine did not break, she did not compromise, and she held to what she believed.  This book empowered me as a woman, and encouraged my love of historical fiction. 
Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson.  This YA novel is stark, honest, and emotional.  It tackles the difficulties of anorexia head-on, and I am forever grateful to Laurie Halse Anderson because her book enabled someone I care about very deeply to see that she was hurting herself.  This is a perfect example of a book that can shape and change lives.  Nobody understands the power of words like Halse Anderson. 
The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson.  This book didn’t absorb me because it was frightening.  Hauntings and the supernatural don’t really scare me (I’m the most annoying person ever to watch horror movies with).  I think the phrase “lyrical prose” is used far too lightly in general, but not in the case of Shirley Jackson.  The opening paragraph of this book is one I refer to regularly – it’s sheer brilliance, with a million and a half layers and meanings.  I cannot get enough of this woman’s genius. 
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson.  If any of you are familiar with my blog, I’m always talking about RLS.  This was the first work of his I read, and since then I’ve been consistently impressed with his ability to say exactly what he means in English that’s proper, but not coddling.  He doesn’t make it easy, he makes it intellectual.  Robert Louis Stevenson has been a huge influence on me, and it was fascinating to finally read the story that started the Jekyll-Hyde “franchise”, if you will.  It’s dark, it’s twisted, it’s psychological – which is what I find magnetic in books – whatever that says about me. 
The Italian Renaissance by J. H. Plumb.  I picked this book up for research, and ended up reading it for fun.  When I was younger, I didn’t read a lot, but when I did, I always read fiction.  I guess I got enough non-fiction in school.  But this book reawakened an interest for me in non-fiction across the board.  Some of the best books I’ve read since have been non-fiction.  J. H. Plumb, however overused this phrase may be, actually brings the Italian Renaissance to life. 
What books have changed the way you look at reading and writing?  What books have changed the way you look at yourself?  I know I wouldn’t be the same without these five books. 
Giveaway Details:
I have 1 copy of Legacy up for grabs!
Open to residents of the U.S & Canada
To enter leave a comment with a way to contact you (Twitter, email addy, etc.)
Ends 7/4
& that’s not all!

Follow along on the LEGACY Blog Tour for a chance to win an iPod Nano! For every one, legitimate comment made on the tour posts you will receive an extra entry in the giveaway. The final giveaway form will be posted on the last stop of the tour. Good luck!


This or That with author Elizabeth Isaacs (& A Giveaway)


Please welcome Elizabeth Isaacs, author of the Kailmeyra series, to the blog today!

Desktop or Laptop?
Laptop!

Black Ink or Blue?
Have no idea why, but I love blue ink. I think it has something to do with the fact that I live in Kentucky.

Sunrise or Sunset?
Sunrise, any day of the week. There is something about watching the birth of a new day that gives me hope.

Heels or Flats?
Flats … I hate heels.

Cooking or Takeout?
If there’s someone else to clean up the mess, then cooking. If not, takeout!

Hardback or Paperback?
Paperback. My books look read when I’m done with them. I lay them open, break the spine, take them with me wherever I go. I re-read them until their pages fall out, and then I get a replacement copy.

eBook or Dead Tree Book?
I love Dead Tree Books, but I’m trying to adapt to the times and am reading more on line. I just love the smell of a book. The pages, the ink, the glue … it’s the embodiment of home.

Cats or Dogs?
I have two dogs. One is a rescue hound, the other a retriever/shepherd mix we got from a farm. I wouldn’t trade them for the world.

Regular or Diet?
Diet. Regular just makes me thirstier.

Call or Text?
Calling, hands down. I’m too verbose, and, as texting is a form of writing, I find that I edit as I go. My daughter razzes me about it all the time.  

Twitter or Facebook?
I have an addiction to twitter. I love the fast pace of it and the way that the 140 characters force people to say what the mean to say.

Stay up late or Wake up early?
Both. I average about 4-6 hours of sleep a night, but if I had to choose, I’d say I love the mornings. I’m rested, and it’s my time (I get up at 4:30 every morning to write)

Elizabeth, Thank you so much for playing “This or That” with me!

Giveaway Time!

I also have 1 e-book copy of The Light of Asteria up for grabs!

International!
To enter please leave a comment with a way to contact you (Twitter, email addy, etc.)
Ends 7/4



Character Guest Post: Frannie from the Personal Demons Series (& A Giveaway)


My name is Frannie Cavanaugh and I’m a senior at Hades—I mean Haden High. Mr. Snyder assigned an interview for English class. He said we could interview anyone, real or fictional. I’m interviewing Luc and Gabe and I’ll leave it up to him decide which they are, real or not.


Me: First off, how did you both know the deal with me. I didn’t even know the deal with me…
Gabe: *raises an eyebrow and quirks half a smile* Either did Mr. Arrogant. *tips his head at Luc*
Luc: *glares at Gabe* What featherface means to say is that we have our ways.
Gabe: *leans back in chair* And my ways are far superior to his ways. *smirks*
Luc: *red lightning crackles over knuckles*
Me: Okay. *panicking a little* Play nice. I was just asking. So…tell me about how you guys met.
Luc: *barks out a laugh* Go ahead, Gabriel. Fill her in.
Gabe: *shifts in chair as eyes narrow* He *juts his chin toward Luc* shows up in Pompeii after Vesuvius, thinking he’s all that. Going to collect all these souls—
Luc: *laughs again* No, idiot. The first time. *leans in and winks* You’ll have to excuse him. Brain damage from breathing all that ozone. What he meant to say was that I kicked his ass in the Colosseum.
Gabe: Stop telling her what I mean. *shakes head*
Me: Hold up! Did you say Colosseum? As in Rome?
Luc: I did. *eyes flash* *slow grin* And I also said I kicked his ass.
Gabe: *rolls eyes* In your dreams.
Luc: If memory serves me, I left the Colosseum under my own power.
Gabe: You don’t think Caesar would have thought it a bit strange that I should get up and walk out—
Luc: *grinning*—after I kicked your ass? Yeah, that might have raised suspicion.
Gabe: *glares*
Me: Okay! Okay…I got it. So…changing the subject…what are your respective jobs in Heaven and Hell.
Luc: I work in—
Gabe: I believe she said Heaven first, dude. But I’m sure with your limited intellectual capacity, that flew right over your head.
Luc: *leans back and laces fingers behind head* I assumed it was an oversight.
Gabe: *turns his back to Luc* I’m a Protector of the Second Sphere. It’s my job to protect innocent people…*leans forward and covers my hand with his* special people…from him *jerks head toward Luc* and his kind.
Luc: …and, as I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted, I work in Acquisitions—mostly in high school. I get them going on the little ones. Starter sins, if you will. Not enough to tag their souls for Hell, but enough to send them in our direction eventually.
Me: Sounds…interesting…
Luc: *smiles wickedly* It has it’s perks.
Gabe: *rolls eyes*
Me: So, I’m still not really sure what the big deal is and why you both want to tag my soul, but what will happen if you fail?
Luc: *shifts uncomfortably in his chair* *eyes flash* I never fail.
Me: Okay, but hypothetically, if you did…
Luc: *shifts again and won’t look at me* I’d spend eternity burning in the Fiery Pit.
Me: That sounds…not good.
Gabe: *scowls at Luc* You’re a demon. How bad can it be?
Me: What about you? *turns toward Gabe* What would happen if Luc wins?
Gabe: *staring hard into my eyes* The end of the world as you know it.
Me: *clears throat and squirms a little* Oh… Is that all… *clears throat again* Okay, so…last question. Can you guys, like, read minds, and transport and stuff like that?
Gabe: One of us can read minds, *smiles smugly* and it’s not brimstone breath.
Luc: *glares at Gabe* But we both can transport. *eyes shift to me* And one of us can possess people, *grins* which, really, is much more fun than reading minds.
Me: *trying hard not to think of anything totally embarrassing* Oh…okay…well, that’s all I had, so—
Luc: *pushed back from table* *holds hand out to me* Let’s go.
Gabe: *stands* *glares at Luc* Not going to happen.
Me: *splits a glare between them* I’m not going anywhere. Gotta write this interview up.
Luc: *grabs my wrist* *glares at Gabe* She’s coming with me.
Gabe: *grabs my other arm* Not even in your dreams.
Luc: Back off. *shoves glowing red fist in Gabe’s face*
Me: *shakes off Gabe’s hand* *grabs Luc’s arm* *throws Luc over my shoulder onto the floor* *glares down at him* Don’t let the door hit you on the way out.
Luc: *stands* *glares at Gabe* *storms out*
Gabe: Later. *follows Luc out*
Me: *rolls eyes* Well, that was fun.


Giveaway Details!

I also have 1 signed galley of Original Sin up for grabs courtesy of awesome author Lisa Desrochers (who I had the chance to meet yesterday at ALA YAY!).

Rules:

Open to U.S & Canada
Ends 7/4
Please leave a comment with a way to contact you (twitter, email, etc.) to enter.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011

ALA 2011 Blogger Dinner!


pm
Are you attending ALA in New Orleans this weekend? If so, don’t miss the chance to hang and chat with fellow bloggers on Saturday evening. I for one am so freaking excited to finally meet some of my favorite bloggers in person!

When: June 25th
When: 5:30 p.m

Hope to see you there!


Waiting On Wednesday ~ June 22nd

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we can’t wait for.


This week I’m waiting on,

The Jewel and the Key
by Louise Spiegler
Releases: July 2011

Synopsis via Goodreads


An earthquake and the discovery of a mysterious antique mirror unleash forces that jolt sixteen-year-old Addie McNeal back to 1917 Seattle, just as the United States is entering World War I. Addie finds herself shuttling back and forth between past and present, drawn in both times to the grand Jewel Theater. In both decades the existence of the Jewel is threatened and war is looming . . . and someone she cares about is determined to fight.

Eventually, Addie realizes that only she has the key to saving the Jewel—and the lives of her friends. But will she figure out how to manipulate the intricately woven threads of time and truly set things right?

Why I’m waiting on this? It is no secret I love historical fiction, but I also recently read a book involving time travel that just blew my mind. Put those two elements together, and I hope I’ll be one very satisfied reader.

What are you waiting on? Leave me a link & I’ll stop by :)
Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Teaser Tuesday - Eden by Keary Taylor

Teaser Tuesday is hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Make sure you check out her blog for all the details! My teaser this week comes from Eden by Keary Taylor.




“They were there, just as West told me they would be. Rows of Fallen inside the building, facing the windows, watching with inactive eyes. There were children with cybernetic legs, women with half faces, men with bare metallic chest. And they were just standing there inside. Waiting.”


p. 72
Monday, June 20, 2011

Trailer & Giveaway: The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making


The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making 
by Catherynne M. Valente 
Available: Now



Twelve-year-old September lives in Omaha, and used to have an ordinary life, until her father went to war and her mother went to work. One day, September is met at her kitchen window by a Green Wind (taking the form of a gentleman in a green jacket), who invites her on an adventure, implying that her help is needed in Fairyland. The new Marquess is unpredictable and fickle, and also not much older than September. Only September can retrieve a talisman the Marquess wants from the enchanted woods, and if she doesn?t . . . then the Marquess will make life impossible for the inhabitants of Fairyland. September is already making new friends, including a book-loving Wyvern and a mysterious boy named Saturday.
With exquisite illustrations by acclaimed artist Ana Juan, Fairyland lives up to the sensation it created when the author first posted it online. For readers of all ages who love the charm of Alice in Wonderland and the soul of The Golden Compass, here is a reading experience unto itself: unforgettable, and so very beautiful.


Trailer:


Catherynne Valente on the web:


Add on Goodreads

Giveaway:

I also have one copy of The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making courtesy of Macmillan Children's Publishing Group.

Open to residents of the U.S & Canada
Please leave a comment with a way to contact you to enter
Ends 6/28

Thanks: Macmillan & Zeitghost Media

Author Interview & Giveaway: Zoe Winters - Save My Soul Blog Tour


I’m excited to welcome Zoe Winters to the blog today! Zoe is the author of Preternaturals series. Thanks for being here, Zoe!


If you had to tweet a brief synopsis of your book what would it say (140 characters or less)?

I’d probably just tweet the tag line and a link. The tag line is: “All he’s asking for is her soul”.

Why will main characters, Anna and Luc, draw readers in and keep them reading?

Luc is a bad boy and alpha male who also has a sweet/sensitive side. He’s dangerous in that he’s a demon who can literally kill you by having sex with you, but he also is protective, caring, and makes a mean omelet. Oh, and he’s an antiques fiend. Those last two bits make him a little less scary.

Anna is a snarky smartass who has a softer side in there somewhere. She’s brave and determined to keep her dream house and get Luc exorcised from it.


What fictional couple would you send Anna and Luc on a double date with?

I think double dates in general are evil torture methods, so I don’t think I would do that to Luc and Anna. Plus, Luc is like five hundred. He’s past the dating phase of life. I can’t even see him and Anna on a “normal date”.


Is there a song that comes to mind when you think of Save My Soul?

Oh, yes. A fellow author, Edie Ramer, actually gave me a link to this song and said it reminded her of Save My Soul. I definitely agree. Everything about it just... fits.  The song is: “Jar of Hearts” by Christina Perri. Here’s the link on Youtube: http://youtu.be/8v_4O44sfjM

What is your favorite part about writing Paranormal Romance?

Having an outlet for my snark. In real life people just get very angry. In fiction, when it’s a character saying it, it’s okay.


Do you see yourself ever writing any other genre?

Not as Zoe Winters. I’m a big believer in the importance of branding. Zoe Winters needs to “mean” paranormal romance. Anything else I write needs to be under a different name to protect brand identity.


What are you currently reading?

“Just Stop Having Problems, Stupid!”  It’s a spoof-satire of self-help books. It’s freaking hilarious!

Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself or your books?

I’d like to share the book trailer for Save My Soul if that’s okay.  There is a lot of snark/humor in the novel, but there is also a lot of drama and angst. I think the trailer captures the drama/angst side of things.


I wanted to put the book trailer on Youtube as well, but it kept coming up grainy and pixelated on youtube, so I didn’t end up publishing it there. Vimeo allows for better video quality, and I didn’t want my book trailer to look pixelated and crappy, lol.

Author Bio: Zoe Winters writes quirky and sometimes dark paranormal romance. She lives with her husband and two cats, and her favorite colors are rainbow and clear. For more information visit http://www.zoewinters.org or her blog at: http://zoewinters.wordpress.com

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Books in this series:

Blood Lust (Preternaturals Book 1)Save My Soul (Preternaturals Book 2)

Buy from:

Barnes & Noble | Amazon


Giveaway:

I also have a paperback copy & e-book of Save My Soul up for grabs courtesy of fab author Zoe Winters.

Please leave a comment to enter with a way to contact you (email/twitter/etc)
Giveaway is international
In your comment please let me know if you are entering to win the e-book, paperback, or if you have no preference.
Giveaway ends 6/30

Visit the next stop on the Save My Soul Blog Tour tomorrow


Find all the stops on the Save My Soul Blog Tour here!