Friday, December 18, 2015

Author Spotlight: Samantha Joyce on the process of writing FLIRTING WITH FAME

I'm super excited to have the opportunity to interview the amazing Samantha Joyce, author of FLIRTING WITH FAME which will be released on Februrary 29th 2016! Check out the interview and then enter the rafflecopter below to win a $5 Amazon Gift Card so you can preorder your copy today!

And in case you haven't read the blurb...

From Goodreads:

FLIRTING WITH FAME:  
Elise Jameson is the secret author behind the bestselling, cult hit Viking Moon series. But when a stranger poses as Elise, the painfully shy, deaf nineteen-year-old starts to see how much she’s missing. Can she really hide in the shadows forever? This clever, coming-of-age debut is for anyone who has ever felt unsure in their own skin.

After a freak childhood accident leaves her deaf and physically scarred, nineteen-year-old Elise Jameson retreats into a world of vibrant characters she creates on her laptop. She is shocked when her coping mechanism turns into a career as a phenomenal bestselling novelist. Fans are obsessed with Elise’s Viking Moon series and its author—a striking girl with zero resemblance to Elise who appears on the back covers. Elise sent the randomly Googled photo to her editor following a minor panic attack. Now, horrified to learn she is expected on set of the television pilot based on her novels, Elise tracks down her anonymous stand-in. To Elise’s surprise, Veronica Wilde has been taking credit for Viking Moon for years. She eagerly agrees to keep up the charade if Elise will pose as her assistant.

It’s hard for Elise to watch a stranger take credit for her work and get all the perks she desires, including admiration from the show’s heartthrob star. Edged onto the sidelines of her own life, Elise reconsiders her choice to stay anonymous. Is she ready to come to terms with her true identity—and with the long-buried secrets that could cost her her career, her fans, and the few precious friendships she’s made?

What Authors Are Saying: 
 
"A charming story of learning to embrace and love those things about ourselves that set us apart from others. I don’t think I stopped smiling once throughout Elise's journey except during the moments that squeezed painfully at my chest."
- Molly McAdams, New York Times bestselling author of To the Stars

"With a sprinkle of book fandom and dash of yummy romance, Flirting with Fame is the perfect story for every book lover."
- USA Today bestselling author, Tiffany King


Samantha Joyce was cool enough to indulge all my questions because after reading the book I couldn't NOT talk to her! Not only is she an amazing writer, she's an absolute awesome person! Check out our conversation below :)

1) What inspired you to write FLIRTING WITH FAME?

 
The idea actually formulated when I was giving a (very bad) audition for a production of Cyrano De Bergerac. I started mulling the idea of writing a modern take on the famous play about the man with the big nose, but I wasn’t sure how to go about it. The story came fully to fruition when I read about famous authors who’d hidden behind new pen names, and I started to think about an author so shy that, not only did she use a pen name, she used a fake photo as well. The rest of the story took off from there.

What a cool way the story evolved!

2) What made you decide to write a deaf character?


I didn’t actually set out to write one. The first line of the book I wrote (which isn’t the actual first line of the book) was when Elise says to Gavin, “The world was silent all the time and I couldn’t stand it. Except, when I was writing it wasn’t quiet anymore because, all of a sudden, there were all these voices in my head. I feel like the only time I’m able to hear the world clearly is when I’m creating a new one.”


I knew then that Elise was deaf, but it was just an aspect of her—like I knew she had blonde hair and was painfully shy. The book was never about her being deaf, it was just a part of her.


That is one of my absolute favorite lines from the book and that is awesome it was the first one you wrote :) 



3) How was the process writing from the perspective of a deaf character? 
What steps did you take to try to keep it authentic?


It was a challenge, for sure. One of the things we’re taught as writers is to incorporate the five senses into our worlds, but I was restricted to four. I needed to be aware of lighting and body placement, so Elise could see who she was talking to. And I needed to make sure sound words weren’t used, since I’m so used to including them.

I did a lot of research. I stalked a ton of Deaf forums and read up on the difference in being born Deaf and losing your hearing later in life (Elise loses her hearing in an accident at thirteen). I read about the process of reading lips. One of my critique partners had a Deaf roommate, so we ran everything by her to make sure Elise’s reactions/actions were as authentic as possible. In fact, she was the one who gave Elise her sign name, which I was honored by. Sign names are very special to the Deaf community, and must be chosen for you. I was very touched she felt Elise was worthy of one.

One other thing I did was walk around my city and take public transit with earplugs in. That was an eye-opening experience. I have one of those faces that makes everyone come up and ask me directions (even in cities that aren’t mine, and I’m just as lost as them). At one point, I looked up to see a very angry lady in my face, and I realized she’d been trying to ask me something, but I hadn’t heard her. I shook my head and pointed to my ears, and she walked away quite mad. That was when I realized we automatically assume everyone else can hear. I remember just sitting there and letting that realization hit me—how we believe anyone who looks able is able—and I resolved to never get angry like that woman because someone can’t answer me in the way I want or perform a task I want them to do. It was a very powerful moment.


Wow! That’s a ton of research and I’m blown away you got so into character in order to help keep Elise’s authentic. It’s amazing what we learn when attempting to walk in another person’s shoes. 




4) Were you worried writing a deaf character not being deaf yourself?


Absolutely. I’m still terrified of how people will react to me writing this book. But I am comforted by the fact that I treated everything as respectfully as possible, and I know I did not write this character to be offensive or a stereotype. I hope I succeeded. With every book, of course, there is the possibility of getting some things wrong, even after painstaking research. And I take ownership of any errors. My mistakes are my own.



I admire that. Every time an author sits down to write a novel they run the risk of getting something wrong because they don’t always live the lives of the characters they write, but the ones who take every effort possible to keep it as true to heart as they can, end up with one amazing story. And having had the honor to read FLIRTING WITH FAME, I can say with certainty it is incredible :)


5) As writers there are always artistic liberties we have to take in order to comprise the best story possible. Were there things you had to compromise on for the sake of the story?

 
Yes, definitely. Especially when it came to Elise’s lip-reading or the use of ASL. Lip-reading is not a perfect art form. There are people that are very good at it, but it’s pretty tough to get it 100% correct. This is where Elise’s ability as an author comes in. While she seems to be able to read most of what is being said, some of it is her author brain filling in the gaps for the reader.

ASL, like any language, has its own grammar and set of rules. It is not signed the same way we speak English. For example, “What is your favorite book?” would probably look more like Book, your favorite, what? Or Book, your favorite title? in ASL. I went back and forth on whether to write ASL the way it is signed, or use traditional English. While I wanted the book to be authentic, I also didn’t want to pull the reader from the story. After all, the book was not about Elise being deaf; that was never meant to be the focus. I scouted out forums to see how people felt about this aspect of writing a Deaf character (there were many discussions out there on the subject with differing opinions). In the end, I made the decision to use traditional English when she signs, though I tried to keep it somewhat basic, for the most part. It was one of the tougher sacrifices I made for the sake of moving the story along.


That would definitely be a hard battle. Pulling the readers out of the story is one of the biggest author no no’s. I’m glad you were able to find a balance between the two extremes in order to keep the readers engaged as well as the world authentic. 




6) In the book, the actor/film world is also incredibly authentic and gives readers a cool backstage pass to a world most aren't familiar with, did you have to do much research for that environment as well?

I’m kind of known among my friends as the girl who stalks celebrities, haha, so I’ve spent some time watching film sets in my area. But I also lucked out that another one of my CPs is an actress and has spent plenty of time on set. She called me out on anything I got wrong (this is why having multiple CPs is important! They all come with different life experiences).



That is awesome! Learning this new tidbit, I have to ask, who was your all time favorite celebrity to meet?

I can only choose one? Well, I suppose the most life-changing one was Joss Whedon, just because Buffy the Vampire Slayer is my favorite show of all time, and my love for it and Joss' writing runs deep. Also, I waited six hours in the rain, so when I finally got a pic and autograph, I felt like it was worth it. But I do have to give a brief shout out to Alexander Skarsgard and John Barrowman, who were two other favorites to meet. Alex is even better looking in person, and Barrowman made me laugh so hard, my sides hurt.


*Picks jaw up off of floor* *Fans self* Well, now I'm totally jealous and want to be BFF's for life at the same time :)


7) Gavin is such an awesome and surprising character, showcasing as a famous hot actor with a good heart and dark past, how easy did his character come to you?

Gavin actually came super easy to me. I’ve met a lot of actors I’ve had crushes on (see: celebrity stalker, above), and have always been surprised how kind many of them are. These men literally have women weeping in their presence, yet they somehow remain humble and sweet. After all, they’re just human like the rest of us (even if they are crazy hot).
And Gavin is so insanely hot! 




8) Who is your dream cast for the main characters?

Oooh! This is such a fun question! I love these!

I think Katie Leclerc from Switched at Birth would be an amazing Elise. She actually looks exactly like her. She’s also Hard of Hearing, which I feel would be important when casting that role. I’d want Elise to be as authentic to her character in the book as possible.

You already know I based Gavin on Ian Somerhalder, from Vampire Diaries. I needed a guy hot enough to smolder off of TV and movie screens, but also seem sweet and down to earth (Ian loves animals!). Oh, and he had to have a HOT bod, since Gavin spends a lot of the book shirtless. Ian definitely fit that bill. Whew. *fans self*

Elise’s Broadway-bound bff, Jin, would be played by Harry Shum Jr., of Glee. Jin’s a dancer and actor, and Harry is one of those dancers I could watch for hours.

And I’d probably want Rebel Wilson as Elise’s sassy roommate, Reggie. Reggie is everything Elise isn’t. Forward and unapologetic. Rebel comes across the same way.

Chris Carmack, from Nashville fame, would make the perfect wannabe cowboy (and classmate to Elise), Clint. He has that boyish charm you can’t help but swoon over.

For Veronica, the villain, I’d probably cast Leighton Meester. She is beautiful and she showed us on Gossip Girl she’s good at playing bad.

Hmmm….all these answers clearly show I watch far too much TV. Now I know why I wrote a book about people making a television show.


Wonderful! Always cool to see who the author had in mind when they wrote the novel!




9) What are your plans for the future of this series? Other books?

Well, I’ve been hard at work on the second book in the series, which is sort of a companion to FLIRTING WITH FAME, but I’m not sure how much I’m allowed to say yet. So I’ll just say it takes place a few years later and revolves around one of the other characters in the book—and it has some surprising twists.

I’m also currently revising a young adult book I’m super excited about. All I can say about that now is it has a little bit of magic. ;)


I can’t wait to see more of your work! Thanks for stopping by to share your thoughts and process and fun celebrity stories! 

Remember, FLIRTING WITH FAME releases February 29th 2016 so enter the rafflecopter below to win a $5 Amazon Gift Card so you can preorder it! 

About the Author:
Samantha has wanted to be an author since she picked up her first book and realized authors get to create new worlds with just a pen and paper (or laptop, if you will). She loves to write about romance because, as someone who married her high school sweetheart, she absolutely believes in true love. She also loves making people laugh and feels love and laughter go hand in hand. If she can make someone both swoon and giggle with her words, she considers that a success. When not writing or at her day job, Samantha can be found either singing and dancing on stage in local musicals, or at home watching geeky television shows with her husband and their pet rabbit.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, December 17, 2015

THIEF OF LIES by Brenda Drake EXCERPT!

I'm SO excited for this release and after reading this excerpt I'm even more pumped! Be sure to pre-order this one asap and check out the excerpt below!!!


Title: Thief of Lies (Library Jumpers, #1) Release date:  1/5/16
Author: Brenda Drake

About the book:

Gia Kearns would rather fight with boys than kiss them. That is, until Arik, a leather clad hottie in the Boston Athenaeum, suddenly disappears. While examining the book of world libraries he abandoned, Gia unwittingly speaks the key that sucks her and her friends into a photograph and transports them into a Paris library, where Arik and his Sentinels—magical knights charged with protecting humans from the creatures traveling across the gateway books—rescue them from a demonic hound.

Jumping into some of the world's most beautiful libraries would be a dream come true for Gia, if she weren’t busy resisting her heart or dodging an exiled wizard seeking revenge on both the Mystik and human worlds. Add a French flirt obsessed with Arik and a fling with a young wizard, and Gia must choose between her heart and her head, between Arik's world and her own, before both are destroyed.

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Library-Jumpers-Brenda-Drake/dp/1633752216
B&N:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/library-jumpers-brenda-drake/1121817874
iTunes:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/thief-of-lies/id1000566034
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/thief-of-lies
Amazon.co.uk: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Library-Jumpers-Brenda-Drake/dp/1633752216
Amazon.ca:
http://www.amazon.ca/Library-Jumpers-Brenda-Drake/dp/1633752216
Powell’s: http://www.powells.com/book/thief-of-lies-9781633752214/72-1
Books-a-Million: http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Thief-Lies/Brenda-Drake/9781633752214
The Book Depository: http://www.bookdepository.com/Thief-Lies-Brenda-Drake/9781633752214
Walmart: http://www.walmart.com/ip/46127498
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17669243-library-jumpers?ac=1

Author Bio

Brenda Drake, the youngest of three children, grew up an Air Force brat and the continual new kid at school. Her fondest memories growing up is of her eccentric, Irish grandmother’s animated tales, which gave her a strong love for storytelling. So it was only fitting that she would choose to write stories with a bend toward the fantastical. When Brenda’s not writing or doing the social media thing, she’s haunting libraries, bookstores, and coffee shops or reading someplace quiet and not at all exotic (much to her disappointment).

Website: http://www.brenda-drake.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/brendadrake
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Brenda-Drake/171424269657164

Excerpt:
I pressed the screen, and it went dark. “How do we know he’s not being forced to say this?”
    “The password, May Agnes guide you,” Lei replied. “She’s the patron saint of Asile.”
    Agnes? That was the silver woman’s name that formed from my globe. Did the saints have something to do with the Chiavi?
    I faced Ricardo. “How did you know I was here?”
    “The werehounds tracked your scent from a shirt Katy…excuse me, your nana…gave us.”
    “Can your pack help us save Couve?” Arik asked him.
    “They will, but Gia must go with me.” He noticed the protest forming on my lips. “Merlin said no exceptions. I’m to get you to the shelter.”
    From the corridor came yells, scuffles, and the continual wail of the warning siren.
    “I can’t go with you,” I said. “I have to fight with them.”
    “She can’t fight with us,” Lei said, glancing at the door. “She almost killed Kale.”
    I turned to Sinead. “You know what I can do.”
    Sinead gave me a pity smile. “Yes, but you have no control over it. Let Ricardo take you to your father and friends.”
    I thought of Kale lying motionless, near death, and I hated that she was right. As much as I wanted to stay, I might be more hindrance than help. I caved. “Okay,” I said, defeated. Lei flew out of the room with the Laniars on her heels.
    Sinead hugged me, then rushed after them. Arik moved over to me and cupped my face gently in his hands. His eyes held the intensity that always drew me to him.
    I swallowed my breath in anticipation. All the sounds around us went silent.
    He bent and lightly brushed my lips with a kiss. His lips were soft and oh, so tender. Butterflies swooped and curled inside me, and it felt like the ground disappeared from beneath my feet. He pulled back a little and said, “Regardless of the fact that you’re a royal pain in the arse, I fancy you. Listen to Ricardo and don’t do anything rash.”
    He gave me another kiss and rushed out the door. My heart twisted in my chest as he disappeared. I touched my mouth and exhaled. He liked me. It was against the laws, but he told me he fancied me. Maybe we had no future, but we had now.
    “What a sweet display,” Ricardo said, dragging me out of my haze. “I’m not one for rules or laws, but I’d be careful there. The punishment would be much worse for him than you.”
    “Why?” I stared at the door as if I’d see Arik there.
    “He’s a leader. He knows better.” Ricardo headed to the window. “Are you ready to fly?”
    “Did you say fly?”



Friday, December 11, 2015

Cover Reveal!! HALLOWED GROUND by Rebecca Yarros

New Military Romance from Rebecca Yarros in Hallowed Ground (Book Four) of the Flight & Glory Series releasing January 25th!

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1OVPJ0w
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1Y05StF
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1NeMPn1
iBooks: http://apple.co/1lywj8A
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1QhPU9O

I'm SO excited to be a part of this cover reveal! HALLOWED GROUND is an amazing conclusion to the Flight & Glory series and the cover is absolutely gorgeous! Be sure to pre-order it from any of the links above! 





                                                                      About the Author:

                                                              
Rebecca Yarros is a hopeless romantic and lover of all things chocolate, coffee, and Paleo. In addition to being a mom, military wife, and blogger, she can never choose between Young Adult and New Adult fiction, so she writes both. She's a graduate of Troy University, where she studied European history and English, but still holds out hope for an acceptance letter to Hogwarts. Her blog, The Only Girl Among Boys, has been voted the Top Military Mom Blog the last two years, and celebrates the complex issues surrounding the military life she adores.
When she's not writing, she's tying on hockey skates for her kids, or sneaking in some guitar time. She is madly in love with her army-aviator husband of eleven years. They finally can call Colorado home along with their gaggle of rambunctious kiddos and snoring English Bulldog.

Stalk Rebecca here:
Website: http://www.rebeccaelizabethyarros.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RebeccaElizabethYarros
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/327562767450842/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RebeccaYarros
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebeccayarros/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7539785.Rebecca_Yarros
Amazon Page: http://www.amazon.com/Rebecca-Yarros/e/B00HYKBU1W/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1449029619&sr=8-2-ent

 

Monday, November 30, 2015

Cover Reveal & Giveaway! FLIRTING WITH FAME by Samantha Joyce






I love this book and the author so much!!! It's truly an incredible read no one should miss!



FLIRTING WITH FAME releases on February 29, 2016 from Pocketstar/Simon & Schuster.

Description (from Goodreads):

Elise Jameson is the secret author behind the bestselling, cult hit Viking Moon series. But when a stranger poses as Elise, the painfully shy, deaf nineteen-year-old starts to see how much she’s missing. Can she really hide in the shadows forever? This clever, coming-of-age debut is for anyone who has ever felt unsure in their own skin.

After a freak childhood accident leaves her deaf and physically scarred, nineteen-year-old Elise Jameson retreats into a world of vibrant characters she creates on her laptop. She is shocked when her coping mechanism turns into a career as a phenomenal bestselling novelist. Fans are obsessed with Elise’s Viking Moon series and its author—a striking girl with zero resemblance to Elise who appears on the back covers. Elise sent the randomly Googled photo to her editor following a minor panic attack. Now, horrified to learn she is expected on set of the television pilot based on her novels, Elise tracks down her anonymous stand-in. To Elise’s surprise, Veronica Wilde has been taking credit for Viking Moon for years. She eagerly agrees to keep up the charade if Elise will pose as her assistant.

It’s hard for Elise to watch a stranger take credit for her work and get all the perks she desires, including admiration from the show’s heartthrob star. Edged onto the sidelines of her own life, Elise reconsiders her choice to stay anonymous. Is she ready to come to terms with her true identity—and with the long-buried secrets that could cost her her career, her fans, and the few precious friendships she’s made?


Teaser:

If the Queen of England booked a gig at Fernbrooke’s only theater to do a lyrical jazz routine with a unicorn, I might’ve had an easier time finding parking than I did that night.

I dashed down Main Street, stumbling over my own feet as I texted Jin that I’d be there soon. Conveniently, I left out the part where I’d sat in the driveway for twenty minutes, covered in sweat, visualizing either a mob scene or an empty building. Neither possibility stopped the hum vibrating through my skin or made it easier to start the car. That took a few deep breaths, and the knowledge that if I backed out, Jin would show up and drag me there anyway.

The screen lit up with Jin’s reply—mostly expletives in all caps—and I glanced at the time.

Eleven fifty-five.

Crap. I had five minutes.

Picking up speed, I shoved my phone into my jeans. Perspiration beaded along my neck and snaked down my back as I pressed against the thick August air. I swerved around the crumbling town library, then skidded to a halt.

Hundreds of people lined the wall of the mini mall. They wound in front of the darkened stores and around another corner. The start of the line wasn’t in sight. My fingers instinctively traced the scar that ran from my temple to my jaw as I surveyed the crowd. Many sported horned hats or fur stoles. A boy wielding a foamy mug of beer saw me and grinned.

Yeah, there was no freaking way I was doing this.

***

Author Bio:

Samantha has wanted to be an author since she picked up her first book and realized authors get to create new worlds with just a pen and paper (or laptop, if you will). She loves to write about romance because, as someone who married her high school sweetheart, she absolutely believes in true love. She also loves making people laugh and feels love and laughter go hand in hand. If she can make someone both swoon and giggle with her words, she considers that a success. When not writing or at her day job, Samantha can be found either singing and dancing on stage in local musicals, or at home watching geeky television shows with her husband and their pet rabbit.

Samantha is represented by Kathleen Rushall from Marsal Lyon Literary Agency, LLC.

FLIRTING WITH FAME is her debut novel.


Links:

Website: http://www.samanthajoyce.com
Twitter: @Samjoycebooks
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Samantha-Joyce-Author/648911275228614
Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13979798
Goodreads Book Page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25531669-flirting-with-fame
Publisher Buy Links: http://books.simonandschuster.com/Flirting-with-Fame/Samantha-Joyce/9781501126833


The Giveaway!

I’m giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

Enter the Rafflecopter Draw below!

Here’s the link code:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, November 16, 2015

Cover Reveal!! INSPIRE & INFLICT by Cora Carmack!

I'm so excited to be a part of sharing this insanely awesome series by Cora Carmack! I absolutely loved INSPIRE (check out my review here to hear me gush over it) and I'm waiting on the edge of my seat for INFLICT. These covers are stunning and sexy and intriguing---everything that the series stands for :) Be sure to snag INSPIRE before INFLICT comes out! 

 

We are absolutely thrilled to bring you the dual cover reveal for Cora Carmack’s Muse Series! INSPIRE and INFLICT are New Adult Paranormal Romance novels and are book 1 and 2 in the Muse Series. INFLICT is due to be released in January 2016! These beautiful covers were designed by Regina Wamba of Mae I Design. Be sure to grab your copy of INSPIRE today!

  Inspire - cover

Amazon eBook ** Amazon Paperback

INSPIRE (Book 1):

Kalliope lives with one purpose. To inspire. As an immortal muse, she doesn’t have any other choice. It’s part of how she was made. Musicians, artists, actors—they use her to advance their art, and she uses them to survive. She moves from one artist to the next, never staying long enough to get attached. But all she wants is a different life— a normal one. She’s spent thousands of years living lie after lie, and now she’s ready for something real. Sweet, sexy, and steady, Wilder Bell feels more real than anything else in her long existence. And most importantly… he’s not an artist. He doesn’t want her for her ability. But she can’t turn off the way she influences people, not even to save a man she might love. Because in small doses, she can help make something beautiful, but her ability has just as much capacity to destroy as it does to create. The longer she stays, the more obsessed Wilder will become. It’s happened before, and it never turns out well for the mortal. Her presence may inspire genius. But it breeds madness, too.  

Inspire - full cover wrap

 

 And check out the gorgeous cover for INFLICT, coming January 2016!

  Inflict -cover  

About INFLICT (Book 2):

Wilder Bell made a dangerous bargain... For a chance at love, he gave up his life. History knew Kalliope as an ancient Greek muse, but to Wilder, she was simply the woman he wanted to fall asleep with every night and wake up next to every morning. He made a deal with Hades, but the only thing the Lord of the Underworld deals in is death. Now Wilder is wasting away in a cold and wretched afterlife, waiting for Kalli to come for him. She will come. He has to believe that. Because the alternative is worse than death. Kalliope lived her entire existence knowing that she was both a blessing and a curse to anyone she encountered. Wilder was no different. She loved him, and she got him killed. Now to get him back, she’ll have to face a scheming god, a perilous task, and death itself. But before it’s done, the Underworld will take more from her than she ever thought possible. To be made whole, all must first be lost.     Inflict - full cover wrap  


Cora Carmack - author picAbout Cora Carmack: Cora Carmack is a twenty-something writer who likes to write about twenty-something characters. She’s done a multitude of things in her life– boring jobs (like working retail), fun jobs (like working in a theatre), stressful jobs (like teaching), and dream jobs (like writing). Raised in a small Texas town, she now lives in New York City and spends her time writing, traveling, and marathoning various television shows on Netflix. In her books, you can expect to find humor, heart, and a whole lot of awkward. Because let’s face it . . . awkward people need love, too. Her first book, LOSING IT, was a New York Times and USA Today bestseller.      

Website ** Twitter ** Facebook **Newsletter **Author Goodreads**

INSPIRE Goodreads ** INFLICT Goodreads

  InkSlinger PR Blogger Banner - New

Saturday, November 14, 2015

Spotlight & Giveaway! POET ANDERSON...OF NIGHTMARES by: Tom Delonge & Suzanne Young


 
 
I'm so excited to help spread the word about this intriguing, action packed YA novel! The concept is unique, the young male point of view authentic and refreshing, and the stakes are set incredibly high. It's a fascinating read fueled by fantastical elements and woven together with a bond that can never be broken: brotherly love. If you're looking for a fresh YA fantasy to sink your teeth into, this is it! 

Check out the awesome book trailer below, read about the authors, and then enter to win one of TWO signed copies of the novel and a t-shirt! 

  
***From the critically acclaimed transmedia project Poet Anderson: The Dream Walker, comes one of the most anticipated collaborations in YA literature this year: a thrilling, edge of your seat story written by award-winning musician, producer and director Tom DeLonge and New York Times bestselling author Suzanne Young.***

Poet Anderson…Of Nightmares follows the epic journey of two orphan brothers, Jonas and Alan, who are Lucid Dreamers. After a tragic car accident lands Alan in a coma, Jonas sets out into the Dream World in an attempt to find his brother and wake him up. What he discovers instead is an entire shared consciousness where fear comes to life as a snarling beast called a Night Terror, and a creature named REM is bent on destruction and misery, devouring the souls of the strongest dreamers to get closer to the Waking World. With the help of a Dream Walker—a guardian of the dreamscape, Jonas must face his fears, save his brother, and become who he was always meant to be: Poet Anderson.


About the Authors:
Tom DeLonge is an award-winning American musician, producer and director best known as the lead vocalist, guitarist and songwriter for the platinum selling rock bands Blink-182 and Angels & Airwaves. His home is San Diego, where he focuses on creating entertainment properties that bridge music, narrative and film through his multimedia company To The Stars. For the full experience of Tom’s work, visit www.tothestars.media.


Suzanne Young is the New York Times bestselling author of The Program series. Originally from Utica, New York, Suzanne moved to Arizona to pursue her dream of not freezing to death. She is a novelist and an English teacher, but not always in that order. Suzanne is the author of THE PROGRAM, THE TREATMENT, THE REMEDY, and HOTEL RUBY.

 








a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, October 12, 2015

TOUCHING FATE by BRENDA DRAKE

 


Release Date: 10/12/15
Entangled Teen: Crave

Today is the day! TOUCHING FATE by Brenda Drake released today! I'm so beyond excited! Brenda is not only an amazing author who can spin one incredible story, but she's one of the coolest people on the planet! Snag a copy quick! Also enter the rafflecopter below to win a Kindle Fire HD or $50 Amazon giftcard!

Summary from Goodreads: Aster Layne believes in physics, not psychics. A tarot card reading on the Ocean City Boardwalk should have been a ridiculous, just-for-fun thing. It wasn't. Aster discovers she has a very unscientific gift—with a simple touch of the cards, she can change a person's fate. Reese Van Buren is cursed. Like the kind of old-school, centuries-old curse that runs in royal families. Every firstborn son is doomed to die on his eighteenth birthday—and Reese's is coming up fast. Bummer. He tries to distract himself from his inevitable death...only to find the one person who can save him. Aster doesn't know that the hot Dutch guy she's just met needs her help–or that he’s about to die. But worst of all…she doesn't know that her new gift comes with dark, dark consequences that can harm everyone she loves.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25151797-touching-fate

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Touching-Fate-Brenda-Drake-ebook/dp/B014CS5NI4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1441292530&sr=8-1&keywords=touching+fate+brenda+drake 

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/touching-fate-brenda-drake/1122566790?cm_mmc=AFFILIATES-_-Linkshare-_-je6NUbpObpQ-_-10:1 

Entangled: http://www.entangledpublishing.com/touching-fate/ 

About the Author: Brenda Drake grew up the youngest of three children, an Air Force brat, and the continual new kid at school. Her fondest memories growing up is of her eccentric, Irish grandmother’s animated tales, which gave her a strong love for storytelling. So it was only fitting that she would choose to write stories with a bend toward the fantastical. When she’s not writing or hanging out with her family, she haunts libraries, bookstores, and coffee shops, or reads someplace quiet and not at all exotic (much to her disappointment).

Author Links: WebsiteGoodreadsTwitterFacebook

GIVEAWAY: Fire HD 7, 7" HD Display, Wi-Fi, 8 GB US/Canada or $50 Amazon Card if the winner is international Rafflecopter: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Tour Organized by: YA Bound Book Tours

Thursday, October 8, 2015

Cover Reveal + GIVEAWAY! HYBRID by KT HANNA

Hybrid is finally almost ready for release. S.P. McConnell worked magic again here.
Hybrid (The Domino Project #2) is the sequel to Chameleon. It's set in the wasteland of earth after a meteor shower causes ecological disaster, damages the atmosphere, and gives the gift of an alien parasite to the world. Book two furthers Sai, Bastian, and Dom's journey in their fight to live free from GNW imposed rules.
The goodreads blurb is as follows:
As Sai recovers from her life-threatening injuries, she struggles to piece together her damaged relationship with Dom. He fights the parasite within, suddenly freed from the interference of the other Dominos in his head.
Inside Central, Bastian’s Shine dosing has become a dangerous dance. Enhanced security protocols and endless meetings have him on a tightrope, with little room to move without revealing himself. When the GNW release the Damascus to begin their systemic hunt of the Exiled, the noose closes around the rebels and their allies. If they can’t disable the threat, the Exiled won’t be the Damascus’ only agenda
Without further ado - here's a teaser of the cover by the amazingly talented S.P. McConnell.


Go see the full cover at YA Interrobang!

Isn't it GORGEOUS!?!?!
Sit back and bask in this for a moment.
It's available for pre-order for $3.99 and will be available on November 10th, 2015!
Amazon Link
It will also be available in print via CreateSpace, Amazon, but best of all, the local indie is supporting me again and it's available for pre-order in print there!

Watermark Books

 

Haven't read Chameleon? There's still time to catch up!

Get it HERE!

About the Author
Me
KT Hanna has a love for words so extreme, a single word can spark entire worlds.
Born in Australia, she met her husband in a computer game, moved to the U.S.A. and went into culture shock. Bonus? Not as many creatures specifically out to kill you.
When she's not writing, she freelance edits for Chimera Editing, interns for a NYC Agency, and chases her daughter, husband, corgi, and cat. No, she doesn't sleep. She is entirely powered by the number 2, caffeine, and beef jerky.
Note: Still searching for her Tardis

Celebration!

To celebrate, we're giving away a copy of books 1 & 2! With an Amazon e-card, and a SWAG pack!
Winners will be announced on Monday October 19th!

Monday, September 28, 2015

BEYOND WHAT IS GIVEN by Rebecca Yarros is LIVE! Excerpt + GIVEAWAY!!!


ryblitz It's LIVE!
  I can't even tell you how excited I am about this book! It's absolutely epic and there are a million reasons why you should read it (amazing characters, high stakes, hot passion, and incredible realistic and raw military setting) Check out my in depth review here or simply go one-click this incredible novel and discover two characters who explode like fireworks off the page! Rebecca Yarros nails it...Every Time!!!

Purchase Links

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1iyHpIC
B&N: http://bit.ly/1PzI07U
iTunes: http://apple.co/1FxnYuv
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1Fxo5Gr 
 

Synopsis

Lt. Grayson Masters is focused on graduating the Apache helicopter course, and the last thing he needs is his gorgeous new roommate Samantha Fitzgerald distracting him. While her smart mouth and free spirit are irresistibly irritating, he can’t deny their off-the-charts chemistry, no matter how hard he tries. Having just been expelled from college, Sam has no business digging for Grayson’s secrets while she’s hiding her own, but that doesn’t stop her from trying to tear down his walls. Each barrier she busts through drops one of her own, though, and she’s not prepared for the truth: another woman laid claim to Grayson’s heart long ago. Falling in love is something neither Grayson nor Sam can afford, and when that line is crossed and secrets are exposed, they’ll learn that sometimes it’s the answered prayers that will put you through hell.    

Goodreads

 
12021731_1644978062448125_1144355343_n
   

Excerpt

“Samantha?” His eyes softened, revealing the give in him, and it cracked my own defenses. “Have you ever made a mistake, Grayson? And I don’t mean the kind that costs you an apology. I mean one that destroys you? Where you lie awake at night, unable to sleep, because you’re terrified of what’s going to happen the next day, and the one after that? Where you’d give anything, and I do mean anything to go back and make a different a choice? Where you’re sick all the time at the thought of what you’ve done? Because I have. I’ve crumbled my entire future, shredded any hope of finishing college, and killed off who I used to be. And I don’t…I don’t know how to come back from something like that.” “You don’t.” I jerked back, but he held me immobile against him. “Stop, and listen to me. I’m not going to belittle you by saying nothing is that bad, because some things are. Things happen that change who we are, and what we’re capable of. So you’re not going to ‘come back’ from that any more than you’re going to erase whatever you did. You have to decide if you’re going to try to keep patching yourself up or if you’re going to tear down and rebuild.” “I don’t know how to do that.” “You wade through the pain, and the guilt, and the excuses you make to yourself. Stop drowning in alcohol to numb the fear, and suck up the bitter taste of accountability. You move on with who you are now. It’s not easy. If you think you screwed up that badly, then maybe you did, but you also have to leave room for the chance that you didn’t. Have you talked about it?” I shook my head. There were two of us who knew the whole truth, and that circle was big enough. “I’m not sure I’m ready to let go of everyone’s vision of who I am. It’s so much prettier than the truth.” “Not even Ember?” “Definitely not think-through-everything-twice Ember. She wouldn’t understand, and I’m not sure I could handle her reaction.” He swallowed and broke our stare like it had become too much because we both knew the truth—it had. “That’s the hardest part, letting someone see who you really are—scars and all. I’m…” He cleared his throat. “You need to trust someone enough to tell them the truth. Make peace with it before it eats you alive. I listen really well if you don’t have anyone else.” I scrambled to throw up a wall between us. It was safer when he was hurling snotty comments at me. That, I knew how to handle. But this Grayson? The one holding me carefully, keeping me warm while the storm raged outside, offering to help carry the crippling weight destroying me? I didn’t know what the hell to do with that one. “Why would you even offer? Everything you know about me is a mess. I drink too much, wear too-little clothes, dance on bars, and impose on everyone around me because I can’t get my shit together.” “You can get your shit together, you’ve just chosen not to up until now. You took that first step with Maggie. I’m offering because I’ve made that kind of mistake, Sam, the one you don’t come back from. I look at you, and I see what I went through. It’s too late for me.” He took a deep breath. “But you? You’re going to spring back, so yeah, I’m offering.” “As friends?” I held my breath, needing to hear it. The push and pull, the attraction, it was all there on my side, but I wasn’t sure about his, and I wasn’t about to make an ass out of myself. We were roommates, and this could get complicated really quickly. Our eyes locked, and heat skimmed down my limbs, leaving chills in its wake. “We’re both adults—” “Well, trying to be,” I joked. His lips quirked up at the corners. Almost a smile. “Right. I’m not going to say that I’m not insanely attracted to you. I don’t lie. Ever. Plus, I’d have to be dead not to realize the way you affect me. But I’m also not in any position to act on it, and let’s be honest—you’re not, either. But I think we can stop picking each other apart and be friends.” “Friends that are insanely attracted to each other?” He inhaled sharply, like my attraction to him had been some secret. Yeah right. I’m pretty sure my body threw out “screw me now” signals the minute he walked into a room, even when I was angry with him. Hell, perversely, especially when I was angry with him. The siren wailed again, and I jumped, despite the exhaustion pummeling me. “An hour to go,” I muttered, looking at my iPad. “Relax and try to get some sleep.” “Like there’s a chance of that.” But he tucked the comforter up to my chin and drew me closer, so my head rested on his chest. “Just try. Some of us have to get up for work in the morning.” His tone was light and teasing, so I didn’t jump his case about giving me shit. I yawned, feeling my body betray me and start to shut down like he’d flipped some magic Sam-sleep button. “I’m glad we can be friends.” Sleep slurred my words. “Me, too.”  
12037751_1644978065781458_1441040306_o

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rebecca Yarros Bio

Rebecca Yarros is a hopeless romantic and lover of all things chocolate, coffee, and Paleo. In addition to being a mom, military wife, and blogger, she can never choose between Young Adult and New Adult fiction, so she writes both. She's a graduate of Troy University, where she studied European history and English, but still holds out hope for an acceptance letter to Hogwarts. Her blog, The Only Girl Among Boys, has been voted the Top Military Mom Blog the last two years, and celebrates the complex issues surrounding the military life she adores. When she's not writing, she's tying on hockey skates for her kids, or sneaking in some guitar time. She is madly in love with her army-aviator husband of eleven years, and they're currently stationed in Upstate NY with their gaggle of rambunctious kiddos and snoring English Bulldog, but she would always rather be home in Colorado.  

Connect with Rebecca

Website: http://www.rebeccaelizabethyarros.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RebeccaElizabethYarros Twitter: https://twitter.com/RebeccaYarros    
cropped-SSFprLogo3.png

Friday, August 7, 2015

COVER REVEAL!!! BEYOND WHAT IS GIVEN by Rebecca Yarros

BWiG_500 

 

I'm so excited to share Rebecca Yarros' Cover Reveal for BEYOND WHAT IS GIVEN! This is such an amazing novel by an incredible author! And the cover is gorgeous!!! Check out the synopsis and then enter the giveaway below!

Rebecca Yarros New Adult Entangled: Embrace Publishing Release Date: September 28, 2015

 

Synopsis

Lt. Grayson Masters is focused on graduating the Apache helicopter course, and the last thing he needs is his gorgeous new roommate Samantha Fitzgerald distracting him. While her smart mouth and free spirit are irresistibly irritating, he can’t deny their off-the-charts chemistry, no matter how hard he tries. Having just been expelled from college, Sam has no business digging for Grayson’s secrets while she’s hiding her own, but that doesn’t stop her from trying to tear down his walls. Each barrier she busts through drops one of her own, though, and she’s not prepared for the truth: another woman laid claim to Grayson’s heart long ago. Falling in love is something neither Grayson nor Sam can afford, and when that line is crossed and secrets are exposed, they’ll learn that sometimes it’s the answered prayers that will put you through hell.    

Goodreads

  BWIG teaser 2    

Giveaway

 

Rebecca Yarros Bio

Rebecca Yarros is a hopeless romantic and lover of all things chocolate, coffee, and Paleo. In addition to being a mom, military wife, and blogger, she can never choose between Young Adult and New Adult fiction, so she writes both. She's a graduate of Troy University, where she studied European history and English, but still holds out hope for an acceptance letter to Hogwarts. Her blog, The Only Girl Among Boys, has been voted the Top Military Mom Blog the last two years, and celebrates the complex issues surrounding the military life she adores. When she's not writing, she's tying on hockey skates for her kids, or sneaking in some guitar time. She is madly in love with her army-aviator husband of eleven years, and they're currently stationed in Upstate NY with their gaggle of rambunctious kiddos and snoring English Bulldog, but she would always rather be home in Colorado.  

Connect with Rebecca

Website: http://www.rebeccaelizabethyarros.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RebeccaElizabethYarros Twitter: https://twitter.com/RebeccaYarros    
cropped-SSFprLogo3.png

COVER REVEAL: TOUCHING FATE by Brenda Drake

Touching Fate
Release Date: 10/13/15
Entangled Teen: Crave

I'm so pumped to be sharing this gorgeous cover for TOUCHING FATE by Brenda Drake! Drake is an incredible author and I'm counting down the days until this release!!!

Summary from Goodreads:
Aster Layne believes in physics, not psychics. A tarot card reading on the Ocean City Boardwalk should have been a ridiculous, just-for-fun thing. It wasn't. Aster discovers she has a veryunscientific gift—with a simple touch of the cards, she can change a person's fate.

Reese Van Buren is cursed. Like the kind of old-school, centuries-old curse that runs in royal families. Every firstborn son is doomed to die on his eighteenth birthday—and Reese's is coming up fast. Bummer. He tries to distract himself from his inevitable death...only to find the one person who can save him.

Aster doesn't know that the hot Dutch guy she's just met needs her help–or that he’s about to die.


But worst of all…she doesn't know that her new gift comes with dark, dark consequences that can harm everyone she loves.


About the Author
Brenda Drake, the youngest of three children, grew up an Air Force brat and the continual new kid at schooluntil her family settled in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Brenda’s fondest memories growing up is of hereccentric, Irish grandmother’s animated tales, which gave her a strong love for storytelling. So it was onlyfitting that she would choose to write young adult and middle grade novels with a bend toward thefantastical. When Brenda’s not writing or doing the social media thing, she’s haunting libraries, bookstores,and coffee shops or reading someplace quiet and not at all exotic (much to her disappointment).

Author Links:
 photo iconwebsite-32x32_zps1f477f69.png  photo icongoodreads32_zps60f83491.png  photo icontwitter-32x32_zpsae13e2b2.png  photo iconfacebook-32x32_zps64a79d4a.png

Monday, August 3, 2015

PitchWars Bio & Wish List !!!!


Below is my Bio and Interests for PITCH WARS! After that you'll find the information on how to submit to me :) 

Bio: 
I'm a YA/NA author represented by the amazing Jamie Bodnar-Drowley from Inklings Literary Agency for my YA Paranormal Romance novel entitled Judges and my NA Contemporary Romance novel Edge of Chaos. I'm a military spouse who married her best friend and have a beautiful baby girl named Lexi, a precious baby boy named Lincoln, and a spoiled english bulldog named Whiskey.

I love falling into books and losing track of time. Some of my favorite books (I say some because there is NO way to list them all) are--THE BODY FINDER and THE PLEDGE series by Kimberly Derting, THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS and THE INFERNAL DEVICES series by Cassandra Clare, the SOUL SCREAMERS series by Rachel Vincent, and THE FLIGHT & GLORY series by Rebecca Yarros.

I’m BEYOND excited to have the honor of being a mentor since 2012! Seriously I don’t know how I’ve gotten so lucky :) 



What I'm looking for: 

YA: I’m looking for ANY genre! I love anything with a supernatural twist, the fantastical, and yes contemporary too! 

NA: ANY genre! I’ve really fallen in love with this genre over the past few years and would love to see it branch out...Fantasy, Supernatural, etc. 

I really love a strong romance aspect to any story, so that is a really strong selling point for me. What can I say? I enjoy the kissing!


There is just something so powerful about two characters who come together under special circumstances and end up bringing the best out of each other. I like the relationships to have meaning, not just be convenient, and for the actions within it to act as a driving factor in moving the story forward. 


That being said, I don’t need romance in the story to enjoy it. I’ve enjoyed many books that aren’t romance driven, like thrillers that focus more on the suspense than a romantic relationship. 

I’m open to a variety of stories, what I’m really looking for is good writing. I know, shocker right? 


This competition is about helping aspiring authors with a nearly-there manuscript to get it polished and ready for agent’s/editor’s eyes. This isn’t about submitting a 300k manuscript you wrote three days ago and hoping I can sharpen it in a month. 


And this leads into the kind of mentor I am. 

I am NEVER malicious in my critiques. I will never PERSONALLY attack your writing. I do my absolute best to separate personal preference from a broad spectrum market appeal and if I ever do mark something that is from a place of personal taste, then I will state that fact. BUT, I will critique your work. 



I will not sugar coat the critique. And honestly, you really don’t want me to. 


The only way we learn in our craft besides practice is through trusted and respected critique. One of the best pieces of advice I can ever give any aspiring author is to be able to take constructive criticism and learn from it. Is every critique you ever receive going to be spot on? No. Will each critique you receive offer you a learning experience? Yes. Even a critique you absolutely don’t agree with can offer a line of perspective  you never thought of before and that is a good thing. Every reader is different and it would be good to know right now that you’ll never be able to please each and every one of them. The best you can do, is write the best book possible. And you do that by taking critique and using the information to enhance the quality of your work. Notice I said enhance not change. 

Yes, yes, I know, Leo, writing changes us. But what I’m talking about, from my mentor’s perspective, is enhancement. I’m never going to look at your work and say “let’s change everything!” That is not my intention. My critique will always be for what I believe is good for the book. I will never try to turn it into something it’s not meant to be. I only want to help you polish and sharpen the beautiful gem that you’ve spent months working on in order to have it sparkle so much the agent’s won’t be able to NOT look at it! 


I understand the hardships of querying and being rejected (a number of times) and I know how subjective this business is. Some agents will hate the query + pages and others will absolutely fight for it! 


The key is to never giving up.





Now that you know I’ll give you an honest critique I’d like to take this time to talk about my past mentees. I’ve been a part of this competition since 2012 and I absolutely love doing it! I’ve met some of the most amazing people throughout the years and honestly, we’ve had a lot of fun! 


We work hard together, but we also have moments of complete hilarity when trying to figure something out...like, for instance, a certain word to use in place of a naughty one that wasn’t originally working...(you know who you are and just...yeah...lol)

I will place a disclaimer here: The mentees I’m about to brag on were all incredible writers when they came to me and I take no responsibility for their success in any way....I just like to talk about them because they’re some of my favorite authors!

Mindy Ruiz: Her novel ENCHANTED HEART is incredible and I'm salivating for the next one! Check her out here!
 

Rebecca Yarros: Author of the FLIGHT & GLORY series. These books make you laugh, cry, swoon, and pant! Be sure to check out her site here and watch for the third installment coming out in September! 





Samantha Joyce: Keep watch for this author's upcoming contemporary, FLIRTING WITH FAME, soon! This book is off the charts amazing with all the feels and the perspective from a unique and fresh character. Check out all her amazingness here!

Emily Wheeler: Wheeler's debut novel, THE HAUNTING OF SPRINGETT HALL, just released last month! An intriguing ghost story with a historical twist! Check it out here! 

Barbara Britton: My latest mentee, Britton signed a deal for the novel we worked on, PROVIDENCE. I was blown away by this story with a biblical twist and ancient setting and can't wait to see it out in the world! Keep watch for its release here!

I can’t even begin to explain the joy I’ve had working with everyone who has been a part of PitchWars and I hope you check out their work! 

And if any of the above has appealed to you I hope you give me a chance at being your mentor. And if not, that is totally fine! Check out the links below this post, or on Brenda's site, to check out all the other mentors to find your perfect fit! 

It’s hard being a writer, it’s hard finishing a novel, and it’s even harder to allow other people to actually read it, but you should be very proud of yourself for coming this far! Can’t wait to see what you’re made of!




Mister Linky's Magical Widgets -- Auto-Linky widget will appear right here!This preview will disappear when the widget is displayed on your site.If this widget does not appear, click here to display it.