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Recommended for ages 9-14.Author-illustrator
Marissa Moss has two excellent new historical fiction novels for young people out this fall:
Mira's Diary: Lost in Paris and
A Soldier's Secret. Today I will be reviewing the first of these, and a review of the Civil War historical thriller
A Soldier's Secret will be coming next week in my blog.
In
Mira's Diary, Moss creates a time travel story melding the exciting artistic world of 19th century Paris with the shocking political intrigue and anti-Semitism of the infamous Dreyfus affair. Although the Dreyfus affair is well known to those interested in French history, it's certainly not a topic most young people in the U.S. will be at all familiar with, and I applaud Moss for choosing to set her story around this important tale of corruption and scapegoats.
Our story begins when young Mira receives a strange postcard of a gargoyle from Notre Dame in Paris from her mother, who has been missing without any explanation for many months. Not only is the black and white postcard very old-fashioned looking, so is the faded French stamp. And "who sends postcards anymore?," wonders Mira.
With the postcard their only clue, Mira, her father, and her 16-year old brother take off to Paris, hoping to find her mother. They check into a quaint hotel in the Marais, Paris' historic Jewish quarter, before going off to explore the famous cathedral. Mira can't help looking everywhere for her mother, but it's not until she touches a gargoyle on the top gallery of the cathedral that she realizes she's been looking in the wrong century! Magically transported to April, 1881, Mira not only befriends a good-looking young man who turns out to be an assistant to the famous French artist Degas, she also finds herself embroiled in the Dreyfus affair, a political scandal that involved the French army and virulent anti-Semitism in the French military and society at large. Mira spots her mother several times, and receives several mysterious and secret notes from her. It's clear that her mother is in danger, and Mira must step up to try to keep Dreyfus, a Jewish army officer, from being unjustly punished as a traitor.
This novel manages to mix very serious topics such as prejudice and anti-Semitism with an up-close look at late 19th century Parisian artistic life, letting us visit Giverny, Montmartre, the Impressionists Exhibition, and Parisian salons populated by famous artists such as Degas, Monet, Seurat, and Mary Cassatt. Moss even throws in a hint of romance between Mira and Degas' handsome young assistant Claude. Although readers will learn a lot about history and art through this book, they will also be entertained by the suspenseful story featuring a likable heroine who finds herself in a difficult--and certainly unusual--situation.
In the manner of her
Amelia's Notebook series and her
historical journals, Moss gives this new book the feel of a real journal or diary, from the cover with its mock journal binding to the charming small pencil sketches distributed liberally throughout the novel and the endpapers decorated with Mira's notes to herself, a map of France, and French vocabulary.
An extensive author's note provides a detailed explanation of the complexities of the Dreyfus affair (geared for tween readers) and the military corruption and anti-Semitism it exposed in 19th century Paris. Moss also provides brief notes on Paris in the late 19th century, the impressionist art movement, and author Emile Zola, who wrote the famous "J'accuse" newspaper article in favor of Dreyfus. A bibliography lists other resources and books consulted by the author.
Concept alone should be enough to make you pick up this book! Add that to the fact that Gretchen McNeil is just pretty much awesome, and this book should move to the top of your TBR stack!
TEN by Gretchen McNeil (Balzer & Bray, September 18, 2012)
FIVE THINGS ABOUT TEN:1) There is nothing better than when a book keeps you up late, late, late into the night reading. Such is the case with TEN. Seriously, as I got closer to the end, I honestly could not stop reading. I had to know what was going to happen. I had to know who the killer was!
2) No, I didn't guess the killer ahead of time. At all. And do you realize how cool that is? Sure, looking back, the clues were dribbled in beautifully, but I completely fell for the red herring. Really well done, Gretchen!
3) Concept is boss! Ten Teens. Three Days. One Killer. Yes, I know, this book will sell on concept alone. But then the book completely delivers a bundle of awesomeness.
4) I love the fact that Gretchen was not afraid to take risks with her characters. These people have some serious hardships and flaws, and they play into the story beautifully.
5) In short, TEN is Agatha Cristie's AND THEN THERE WERE NONE meets 13 REASONS WHY. It's perfect for boys and girls and a great fit for almost any genre of interest. It's mystery. It's realistic. It's drama. It's romance. TEN has something for everyone. Highly recommended!Source of Book: From author by request
****
About
TEN:
And their doom comes swiftly.It was supposed to be the weekend of their lives – three days on Henry Island at an exclusive house party. Best friends Meg and Minnie each have their own reasons for wanting to be there, both of which involve Kamiak High’s most eligible bachelor, T.J. Fletcher. But what starts out as a fun-filled weekend turns dark and twisted after the discovery of a DVD with a sinister message: Vengeance is mine.
Suddenly, people are dying and the teens are cut off from the outside world. No electricity, no phones, no internet, and a ferry that isn’t scheduled to return for two days. As the deaths become more violent and the teens turn on each other, can Meg find the killer before more people die? Or is the killer closer to her than she could ever imagine?
By: Adventures in YA Publishing,
on 9/19/2012
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Adventures in YA Publishing
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Talia Vance is a practicing litigation attorney living in Northern California with her real life love interest, two-point-five kids, and a needy Saint Bernard named Huckleberry. Talia has been writing since she could talk, making up stories for every doll, stuffed animal and action figure she could get her hands on. She grew up hoping to write the great American novel, but her life ran more along the lines of tortured romance and fast paced thrillers, so that's what she writes. Catch her on her website, her blog, on Twitter, or with the fabulous YA Muses.
NETWORKING CAN GIVE YOU AN EDGE
by Talia Vance
The single most important factor in getting published is the work. No matter who you are, who you know, or where you come from, a great book at the right time will get published, right? Maybe.
That’s the mysterious and elusive nature of publishing. It’s a subjective business, and often times there is no clear rhyme or reason to why one manuscript gets published, while another, of equal or even better quality does not.
I want to qualify this post by pointing out that I didn’t know the agent I signed with before I queried her. I didn’t know anyone who knew her either. She picked my book straight out of the slush pile. I think the vast majority of writers find agents this way. And, I’m willing to bet that the vast majority of book deals do not involve personal connections. This leads me to conclude that networking is not mandatory.
Still, while it’s true that you don’t have to know people in this business to get an agent or a book deal, a positive experience with an agent or editor can tip the scales in your favor when it’s a close call. I am living proof.
I had some connection to each of the two editors I work with before we sent Silver out on submission. I met Brian Farrey, acquiring editor at Flux, at my local SCBWI conference in Spring 2010. I had just signed with my agent, and was working on a significant revision before going out on submission. I had submitted the first fifteen pages of my work in progress, the manuscript that would become Spies and Prejudice, for a critique. At this point, I had never met an editor.
The night before the conference, I received an email from the organizers, reminding me not to commit conference faux paux like following editors into the restroom or handing them a writing sample.
“Do people really do that?” I asked my husband.
“They must, or they wouldn’t need to send the email, right?”
“I hope I don’t do something stupid.”
My husband smiled. “Don’t worry. You’ll probably have editors chasing you down.”
I laughed, but I was still worried about embarrassing myself somehow.
The next day at the conference, I was walking down the hall, oblivious to the world. I was vaguely aware of someone calling “Talia!” but I didn’t turn around, because I was not used to be called Talia in real life (Talia is a pen name I adopted for my work).
Finally, someone tapped me on the shoulder, and I turned around to come face to face with none other than Brian Farrey. I nearly fell over.
Turns out that Brian had read my 15 page sample, and really liked the voice. He asked me to send him the entire manuscript as soon as it was ready. I told him that I had just signed with an agent and that we would be going on submission soon with a different book, and he told me to have my agent contact him.
I did.
And, a week after we went on submission, Flux made a multi-book offer on the series.
Coincidence? I don’t think so. Because of the interaction at the conference, Brian already knew he liked my writing style and was interested in seeing the manuscript. My agent and I made sure Brian was on the list of initial editors we submitted to because of his interest. It was an opportunity that I might’ve missed if not for that interaction. I have to admit, the best part was coming home from the conference and telling my husband that a editor did chase me down in the hall.
My other publisher is Elizabeth Law at Egmont USA. I made sure that Elizabeth was on the initial submission list for Silver, because I “knew” her from Twitter. As I was revising Silver, I would post updates on the #amwriting hashtag. One day in May 2010, out of nowhere, Elizabeth Law replied to one of my tweets: “Everything you post about your WIP makes me want to read it. Shirtless guys in opening scene, and lots of dead bodies.”
WHA?? Yeah, it freaked me out a bit. In a totally good way.
I started following Elizabeth’s tweets, and participated in a few #AskYAEd chats. I loved that Elizabeth seemed so willing to share information with writers, and I could tell that she really loved books. Just before I left for a trip to NYC, I saw her tweet about an off-Broadway musical she enjoyed about Andrew Jackson. As it happened, my husband and I had been joking about writing a musical about James K. Polk (don’t ask) and I tweeted Elizabeth to find out more about the show. I ended up getting tickets, and when I returned from my trip, I tweeted her again to tell her how much I enjoyed it. This small interaction may not seem like much, but we had connected over an unusual show, and that sealed it for me. I knew I wanted to work with Elizabeth if at all possible.
Flash forward to the submission of Silver. Elizabeth read it and liked it, but was on the fence about it because Egmont already had a healthy amount of paranormal on its list. My agent of awesome knew how much I wanted to work with Elizabeth, so she sent her the first 50 pages of Spies and Prejudice and asked her to read them before she made a final decision. Two hours later, I was on the phone talking to Elizabeth about the direction I planned to take Spies, and an hour after that we had an offer, not for Silver, but for Spies. Elizabeth took a chance on a debut author with an unfinished manuscript. This was an unusual situation to say the least. Elizabeth acknowledges that while she loved Spies, the factor that pushed her over the edge was that we knew each other from Twitter. She even tweeted about it!
So yeah, I do think networking matters. While a relationship alone won’t get you a book deal, it can tip the scales in your favor. And In this business, we need every edge we can get!
Synopsis:
Sixteen-year-old Maddie Dunn is special, but she needs to figure out how to use her new abilities before somebody else gets hurt. Ganzfield is a secret training facility full of people like her, but it's not exactly a nurturing place. Every social interaction carries the threat of mind-control. A stray thought can burn a building to the ground. And people's nightmares don't always stay in their own heads. But it's still better than New Jersey, especially once she meets the man of her dreams...
My thoughts:
Maddie is a character that you can't help liking right from the start. She discovers she has the ability to read minds, but with that comes the power to overload people's minds with her own thoughts. She's dangerous to others when she's awake and when she has nightmares. But things get better when she meets Trevor. She instantly feels a connection to him, and since she can read his mind, she knows he feels the same way about her. Trevor makes her abilities calm down, and considering other Minders like Maddie have been so overwhelmed by the ability that they had to leave Ganzfield and try to abandon their powers, Maddie is grateful for the way Trevor can ground her. But Trevor does so much more for her, too. The connection they have goes so far beyond high school sweethearts, and there are some truly swoon-worthy moments.
Romance aside, Kaynak really knows how to hike up the tension. The climax of this book had me on the edge of my seat, and at one point I realized I was holding my breath. The action and the emotions were incredible.
I'd give this book more than 5 stars if I could.
Just for fun: If you found out you could read people's thoughts, whose thoughts would you want to read most?
Emotobooks: The Fusion of Written Fiction and Expressionistic Art
Ron Gavalik
Thank you to Uniquely Moi Books for allowing me to guest post.
As a writer and publisher, it’s always been a goal to bridge the gap between the cerebral gratifications of well-plotted fiction writing and the visual stimulation of illustrative art. The one day I had a mini-epiphany. Insert expressive, emotionally representative imagery in written stories, during moments of emotional consequence. By delivering a visual of what a character feels, the reader becomes more intensely immersed in the story.
Emotobooks are written fiction stories, not comics or graphic novels. The few emotional abstract images woven in the stories are the dream-like visuals each of us experience in the middle of the night. The term Emotobook is a portmanteau word I conjured as a memorable label for the very first fiction medium for smartphones and tablets. For the first time, readers can now see actual representation of character emotions right on the page for a fun, interactive experience.
Stories are published as EmotoSerials or EmotoSingles. EmotoSerials are monthly-released, continuing stories, much like TV dramas or miniseries that continue until their climactic ends. EmotoSingles are individual experiences. I launched Grit City Publications in July of 2011, with the first Emotobook series titled Grit City, a seven-part story about Dillon Galway, an idealistic freelance journalist, who scrapes out a living reporting on corruption. Since then, we’ve grown the Emotobooks Catalog into an array of fun genre fiction titles in Sci-Fi, Romance, Fantasy, Mystery, Thriller, and Horror. Each Emotobook title consists of three creators: the author, editor, and illustrator. It’s our philosophy that three contributors on each Emotobook delivers a richer, more flavorful story. The creators even offer Autograph Cards and suggest mood settings, such as food, drink, and music. This way our fans can achieve a full-bodied experience.
Emotobooks accommodate a new audience, who desire a fast “full story experience” on smartphones, iPods, computers, or tablet readers in about 30 to 60 minutes. They can be purchased from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other retailers. Now that you’ve been introduced to the Emotobooks Revolution, I hope you’ll join our Readers Cult and begin collecting the coolest titles. We even offer free Autograph Cards to our fans. What it really comes down to is we write, edit, and illustrate the best modern fiction for our fans. Without you, we wouldn’t be here. Thank you.
Ron Gavalik’s Bio:
Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Ron Gavalik is a seasoned freelance journalist and fiction author of the successful Grit City thriller series. As Publisher for Grit City Publications, he oversees the Emotobooks Revolution. Ron holds an M.A. in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University and a B.S. in Marketing Communications from Point Park University. When not writing, you can find him in the outdoors of Southwestern Pennsylvania on his trail bike, hiking, or fishing.
Welcome to Author Ashley Townsend
Ashley Townsend is a twenty-year-old college student and author whose greatest passion lies in creating stories that captivate and entertain her audience. Born in Southern California and raised in Colorado Springs, Ashley dedicated her free time between homeschool classes with her mom to devouring adventure novels and defending ice castles in her backyard. Her thirst for books expanded until she began to run out of options at her local library, and the lack of reading choices ultimately drove her to write her own stories and adventures for entertainment.
Rising Shadows is her first book, and she hopes that God will use her wild imagination and love of storytelling to further entertain and encourage readers in their walk with God. She currently lives in Southern California with her parents and three sisters.
Links:Kirkdale Press :
http://lgs.to/MkgHCSAmazon :
http://lgs.to/MzCGRLFacebook:
http://www.facebook.com/ashleytownsend.authorTwitter:
https://twitter.com/TownsendQuips15Barnes and Noble :
http://lgs.to/T3HylNGoodreads :
http://lgs.to/MS5pWlAshley’s Blog :
http://ashley-townsend.com/
Interview:
If you could invite any 5 people to dinner who would you choose?
However cliché it sounds, Jesus. I don’t care if people think I’m just saying it because it’s expected, like a Miss America contestant saying, “World Peace.” But I think it would be incredible to have dinner with the Son of God, ask Him questions, listen to parables like the disciples did, and just say thank you for everything.
And since you said any 5 people, dead or alive (even fictional), I would also love to have Ronald Reagan attend. It’d be amazing to meet my favorite president, and we could discuss politics and God over a monstrous bowl of jellybeans! I’m pretty sure he and Jesus would hit it off, too.
Number three would be my favorite author, Francine Rivers. I would love to pick apart her brain and ask her so many questions—how she manages to get so much emotion and depth into a story and suck the life from her readers until they finish said story. I wouldn’t even know where to begin!
Tim Tebow. Yes, I wouldlove to set him up with one of my sisters—hopefully they won’t read this, and neither will he—but I also really respect him for his outspokenness about his relationship with God. The impact that he’s had on people’s lives and the things he has done for the community is honestly incredible, and I would just like to talk with him about that and encourage him to keep fighting for what he believes. Plus, he played for my family’s favorite football team, the Broncos, and he actually made us believe in them again, so I would probably get something signed too. Hey, I’m only human.
Last but not least, William Taylor (as always when I mention his name: *swoon*). It’s not just because he’s my favorite character that I’ve written; you’re just going to have to trust me when I say having him for dinner would be amazing. Not only would he cook the meal for our little group of dinner guests, but he would do the dishes, eventually get up the chutzpah to talk to Jesus and be glad he did—hallelujah!—volunteer to walk Francine home—such a gentleman—and then Will and I would go for a moonlit walk and have cheesecake by a lake, and he would give me his coat while we discussed our deepest secrets and hopes for the future. Phew! I managed to do all that in one breath.
Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book.
“Rising Shadows” has everything that I love as a reader—adventure, mystery, romance, enigmatic blacksmiths *wiggles eyebrows*, excitement, a little sarcasm, and characters who pull your heart in every direction and who are totally realistic as they try to find their way out of the darkness and into the light.
What inspired you to want to become a writer?
When I was thirteen, I actually ran out of books at the library and was simply dying to read something new. My oldest sister was kind enough to lend me her “Christy Miller” series, which I proceeded to devour in four days. I have always loved to write, but when I ran out of options, it suddenly clicked then that I could write larger stories and series for entertainment, and the first thing I ever seriously wrote was a mystery series that I hope to share with you all someday.
Who are your favorite authors of all time?
Francine Rivers is, quite possibly, my favorite author ever! I only hope that someday I can weave such incredibly intricate and gripping stories that cut straight to my heart, or create so many fantastic and memorable characters that break and mend that same heart, no matter how many times I read their stories. Jane Austen is my favorite author of classic literature; it’s absolutely incredible that her books have stood the test of time and been such iconic pieces of literature from which nearly every author tries to glean a little guidance and inspiration.
Who or what inspired you to become an author?
Ever since I was eight years old, I knew I had to be an author. I don’t remember the exact moment or what I was doing when I decided on my career, but being an author was “it” for me when I realized that I could make people happy with my writing. My grandma loved to write, as well, and she always encouraged me to pursue my dream of being an author. I loved having that in common with my favorite lady, and her excitement over my writing has inspired me over the years to keep moving toward my goal. I know she would be proud to see me living our dream.
What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
I have some seriously spastic dancing moves? Most people know I’m a spaz, though I only feel comfortable dancing like a complete idiot with certain people and usually rein it in at public dances. Only my family knows that I honestly cannot sit still during Justin Bieber and Ludacris singing “Baby.” Yes, I hang my head in shame. But in my defense, I must move!
What's the craziest writing idea you've had?
Which to choose?! Well, there were plenty of those in the earlier stages of my “career,” like when I was nine and killed everyone in a freak castle explosion caused by some sort of fluffy bunny—I blocked most of it out. Recently, though, I’ve been reading and watching a ton of sci-fi and really want to write a series about a school of “special” kids, kind of like something Profession Xavier would have created. But the next novel I am dyingto write after I finish “The Shadow” trilogy is set in a dystopian future about genetically engineered soldiers who seem to be the best thing for the fallen world—saving families from loss—but they turn out to be something entirely different.
If you could jump in to a book, and live in that world, which would it be?
How to choose?! Well, probably “Emma” because I absolutely love the witty banter, balls, dresses, and I’m a sucker for a gentleman. I don’t think my seizure-like moves would be welcome at the choreographed dances, though, so that could pose a problem...
What's the best advice anyone has ever given you?
“Don’t give up, Kiddo. If you believe in it, then it’s worth fighting for.” These words have stuck with me over the years and have given me constant encouragement when the odds seem stacked against me.
If you could meet one person who has died who would you choose?
It’s a tie between Abraham Lincoln and Alexander Graham Bell. Abe was a fellow book-lover and did so many incredible things during his presidency—and his life—but my sister wrote this amazing paper on Bell that I got to proof-read; I was crying by the end of it and just wanted to give Alexander a pat on the back for all that he had done. I know my dad would have liked me to say Steve McQueen, so maybe I can throw him in there too?
What is one book everyone should read?
Nonfiction—the Bible; fiction—“Redeeming Love ” by Francine Rivers. This book is pretty heavy, but absolutely incredible when you look at the representation of God in the story. Powerful stuff.
What is your dream cast for your book?
For Will Taylor, probably a younger version of Tom Welling—tall, broad-shouldered, dark hair, killer grin. There’s this picture I found of him in a tan hoodie and black coat, and that is very Will. For Sarah, though? Hmm. Off-hand, maybe Jennifer Lawrence or Leighton Meester? They can pull off the sarcasm and hair, and I could really go with either face for Sarah. Emma Watson has the kind of soft voice, sweet face, and fairy-like look that I imagined for Karen. And Max Irons (gosh, I just love him!) could really go for either Seth with Eddie Redmayne’s hair, or Will with dark hair. I would be perfectly satisfied to just cast him. Period! Freddie Stroma could also play Seth, just in case we get Max for Will (crossing fingers!). Oh, and Chris Pine for the cocky and ever-present Allan Miller.
If you could choose only one time period and place to live, when and where would you live and why?
Darn, that’s really hard. As much as I would love to find myself a Texas Ranger from the late nineteenth century or meet Robin of Locksley in the twelfth or find myself an Irish lumberjack from any era, my dream is to live in the time of suit coats and pocket watches on some rolling hillside in Bath sometime in the nineteenth century.
Rising Shadows
Sarah Matthews is nearing the end of another eventless summer in the small town of Bethany, Oklahoma, bringing her closer to the start of her freshman year of college. Disheartened over the reality that yet another unexciting season is coming to an end, Sarah wishes for an unforgettable adventure. When mysterious circumstances transport Sarah and her younger sister back in time, she gets more of an adventure than she could have ever imagined. The two sisters find themselves trapped in the twelfth century in a place shrouded with mystery and deception. Assassination plots, kidnappings, and tumultuous adventures force Sarah to rely on the Shadow, a masked hero who comes to her aid numerous times. In order to uncover a conspiracy and save those closest to her, Sarah requests help from the Shadow and also from Will, the handsome and equally intriguing blacksmith she befriends. Sarah is strangely drawn to the excitement that seems to follow the town hero and begins to look forward to their secret encounters. She also finds herself caught in a romance with Will, despite the fact that their equally fiery personalities have a tendency to clash as they attempt to work together. But Will’s past is filled with secrets and pains, and Sarah finds it difficult to break through the walls he has built around him. Can the faith and love of God that Sarah exhibits in her own life cause his hardened facade to fall away as he discovers that forgiveness and mercy are never too far from reach?
Use the coupon code SHADOWS to receive 20% off Rising Shadows at the Vyrso Bookstore . Use this link: http://lgs.to/MzCX7bGiveaway Details:1 Ebook of Rising Shadows
Open Internationally
Ends 10/7/12
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Reading Level: | Mature New Adult |
Format: | EBook |
Publisher: | Atria 9/18/12 |
Parasols: | 4 |
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SLAMMED is undoubtedly one of my favorite books this year. I went in reading it as a self-published e-book, and that soon after it was picked up by Simon & Schuster. This book had me laughing, cringing, crying and raising my fist in appreciation. It also introduced me to poetry slams, which I was ignorant of. I am now dying to go to one!
Layken Cohen and her family (sans deceased father) have left Texas and moved up north to Ypsilanti, Michigan. Upon arriving at the rental house, Kel has met a boy his age and Layken has met a guy. He just happens to be the hunky brother of the 9 yo.
Will Cooper is dreamy. I mean, Will Cooper is a great character and has a lot of heartache and secrets that Lake will soon find out. The two of them become closer within a few short days and the two younger brothers become fast friends. Layken's mother takes an instant like to Will and encourages Lake to give him a chance.
Will takes Lake out on a date a few days after arriving and brings her to a poetry slam. Lake is amazed by what she is seeing and listening to. She's never done anything like this before and is mesmerized. Will agrees to perform one of his poems. It's there that she finds out that Will's mother and father were killed in a horrible car accident three years ago and he has been raising his little brother ever since. Lake is moved to tears and finds herself actually falling for Will.
That is until Monday rolls around. Lake's first day of school is interesting. She meets Eddie (a girl) her boyfriend, Gavin. And her English elective teacher, one Mr.Will Cooper. Will realizing that he cannot jeopardize his job, informs Layken that they can no longer see each other because it will cause problems and taking care of his brother is the most important thing right now. Lake is torn between what is right and what she wants.
As much as the two try to stay away from each other, they find it more and more difficult. The pull to bring them closer grows stronger. It also becomes more stronger when Layken finds out the reason why they moved to Michigan. Julia Cohen has been diagnosed with Stage four lung cancer and before her father passed, they had decided to move to Michigan for Julia's treatment. Lake is horrified to realize that she'll be left alone and that her mother wants a family friend to care for Kel.
Because Lake is losing her mother and Will and Caulder (Will's brother) have grown close to the Cohen's, Will takes in Lake to work through her feelings. Lake is angry at her mother, well more like pissed. But she feels safe with Will as well. As much as those two try to hide their feelings, they just can't. Pretty much everything comes to a head when Lake is being accosted by a classmate at the poetry slam, and Will punches out his student. He immediately resigns from the school and is transferred to another school district.
You would think that it would work out for Will and Lake to get together, but it sort of does the opposite. Because he is so busy with traveling and relying on the Cohen's to help with Caulder, Will and Lake don't see enough of each other.
However Will realizes that he cannot live in a world without Lake and after she comes clean in a poetry slam, he does the same declaring his love for her.
I have no clue who the Avett Brothers are, but they are quoted at the beginning of each chapter. Lake and Will's favorite group is the Avnett Brothers and they fall in love over their words of wisdom. This book opened up so many emotions for me. And I cried, boy did I cry when I read this. I was literally pulled into the story, the poems, the little one's halloween costume. Will and Lake's romance was so brittle and beautiful. When he realizes that he doesn't want the ocean, but the lake, you can't help but sigh because you know that he is finally coming to terms with his feelings. When he kisses her in the laundry room, when she carves pumpkins because she can't deal with what is going on around her. Even when she organizes and alphabetizes everything because she can't stop the stress, Will is falling for her.
If there is one book you read this year, I suggest you read this one. It will leave you breathless and happy and sad, and amazed. Colleen Hoover wrote a fantastic book and thankfully there is a wonderful sequel as well.
By: Adventures in YA Publishing,
on 9/18/2012
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I'm very excited to announce an agent-judged contest that's just pure fun--no pressure, no angst, just a great learning opportunity with a fantastic agent who is willing to give us all a big chunk of her time. Say thank you to the fabulous Natalie Fischer Lakosil from the Laura Bradford Agency, everyone!
And Now for the Contest
Ideally, the first few lines tell us a lot about the book we are about to read. They are our invitation to go on an adventure, a thrill ride, a steamy romp of a romance. They are also part of our bargain with our readers, our way of saying: this is what kind of a book I'm going to offer you. In last week's post, I went through some great tips about concept from some of my favorite craft book authors, and one of the best tips is to get your concept on the page as fast as you can.
In that spirit, let's give it a try. See how well you can convey a concept in just the opening lines of your book. But in case you think that's too easy--here's the kicker. You have to start with one of the ten books Natalie and I have chosen, and then twist it from one genre to another. If it's a paranormal, twist it into horror, or comedy, or a spy thriller, whatever. Change up the beginning and have some fun with it. See how creative you can be!
You have a week to get your entries in. Just put there here in the comments on this post. We'll post the winner in two weeks, and I have a lovely prize pack of books for the winner.
Eligible Books
What's Left of Me, Kat Zhang, Dystopian
"Addie and I were born into the same body, our souls' ghostly fingers entwined before we gasped our very first breath. Our earliest years together were also our happiest. Then came the worries--the tightness around our parents' mouths, the frowns lining our kindergarten teacher's forehead, the question everyone whispered when they thought we couldn't hear."
Anna Dressed in Blood, Kendare Blake, Paranormal
"The grease-slicked hair is a dead giveaway—no pun intended.
So is the loose and faded leather coat, though not as much that as the sideburns. And the way he keeps nodding and flicking his Zippo open and closed in rhythm with his head."
The Scorpio Races, Maggie Stiefvater, Fantasy
"It is the first day of November and so, today, someone will die.
Even under the brightest sun, the frigid autumn sea is all the colors of the night: dark blue and black and brown. I watch the ever-changing patterns in the sand as it’s pummeled by countless hooves."
The Sky is Everywhere, Jandy Nelson, Contemporary Romance w/ Elements of Magical Realism
"Gram is worried about me. It’s not just because my sister Bailey died four weeks ago, or because my mother hasn’t contacted me in sixteen years, or even because suddenly all I think about is sex. She is worried about me because one of her houseplants has spots."
Divergent, Veronica Roth, Dystopian
"There is one mirror in my house. It is behind a sliding panel in the hallway upstairs. Our faction allows me to stand in front of it on the second day of every third month, the day my mother cuts my hair."
The Wood Queen, Karen Mahoney, Fantasy/Paranormal
"Donna sat up straight in her chair and tried not to look as though the last half-hour hadn't already nailed up her coffin good and tight. Listening to Simon Gaunt drone on as he listed her 'crimes' was almost as bad as being forced to listen to a lecture on Hermetic literature.
Almost."
Happy Families, Tanita S. Davis, Contemporary/GLBT
"The Surge of chattering, pointing, gawking people pours into the massive auditorium, and I feel a shiver crawl up my arms. Rather than stand here, watching the watchers, I'm going to do some torchwork.
There's a table set up at the back of mu booth, covered with a square of galvenized metal and lit with a desk lamp."
The Sharp Time, Mary O'Connell, Contemporary
"Anyone can tell that the pretentious ass who runs the Pale Circus fancies himself an artiste of sorts: a purveyor of poplin and mohair, an architect of nostalgia. A man of his station can't be bothered with the workaday minutiae of references and social security numbers, and so instead of regular xeroxed job application, he gives me a Big Chief tablet and a handful of pastel-colored pencils.
'I want to know who you are ... your essence ..., your, your thing ...,' he says, his voice cryptic, trailing off."
(Don't Expect Magic, Kathy McCullough, Fantasy/Paranormal)
"Of course I'm cursed with the most uncomfortable seat on the plane. The cushion's deflated in this bizarrely lopsided way, like somebody with one butt cheek exponentially bigger than the other sat there before me and crushed it. My overhead light's burned out and the bald guy in front of me dropped his diet Dr Pepper, splashing sticky soda all over my backpack, which I had wedged under the seat."
Bitterblue, Kristin Cashore, Fantasy
"When he grabs Mama’s wrist and yanks her toward the wall-hanging like that, it must hurt. Mama doesn't cry out. She tries to hide her pain from him, but she looks back at me, and in her face, she shows everything she feels."
About NatalieNatalie is an agent and Laura’s assistant at the Bradford Literary Agency. An honors graduate of the University of San Diego, California, Natalie holds a B.A. in Literature/Writing. After nearly four years at the Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency and a brief dabble in writing author profiles and book reviews for the San Diego Union Tribune, Natalie joined the Bradford Agency in February of 2011.
Her interests include talented, hard-working new authors with a fresh, unique voice and hook.
Her specialty is commercial fiction, with an emphasis in children’s literature (from picture book-teen), romance (contemporary, paranormal and historical), upmarket women’s fiction and select nonfiction. Specific likes include historical, multi-cultural, paranormal, sci-fi/fantasy, gritty, thrilling and darker contemporary novels, middle grade with heart, and short, quirky picture books. She is always drawn to an open and positive attitude in an author, good grammar, and fantastical, engaging and sexy plots.
Agency Website:
http://www.bradfordlit.com/about/natalie-fischer-lakosil/Blog:
www.adventuresinagentland.blogspot.comTwitter
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Bec McMaster is the author of Kiss of Steel, a sexy steampunk romp that blazes with action and romance. Bec dropped by the virtual offices to chat about her book, and she brought along a copy for one of you to win! Check out what she has to say, and then enter for your chance to win a copy of Kiss of Steel!
[Manga Maniac Cafe] Describe yourself in 140 characters or less.
[Bec McMaster] Dreamer, adventurer, glass half-full kind of gal with an addiction to paranormal romance, steampunk and alpha heroes. Wannabe world traveler.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] Can you tell us a little about Kiss of Steel?
[Bec McMaster] Kiss of Steel is set in a steam-fuelled London where the aristocratic Echelon rule with an iron fist and crush any and all who oppose them. With their puppet queen, blood taxes and automaton army, the only man they don’t dare touch is Blade, the notorious Devil of Whitechapel – and one of their own.
Fleeing from the Duke of Vickers with a secret he’d kill for, Honoria Todd is forced to accept Blade’s protection. Infected with the craving virus that makes the Echelon what they are, Blade has his own vendetta against the duke. When Honoria comes into his life she could be the key to bringing down his old enemy – or the very salvation he never dared dream of.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] How did you come up with the concept and the characters for the story?
[Bec McMaster] I’ve always had this idea about an aristocratic race – almost like a corruption of the ton – that rule a dark and dangerous world. Then this image sprang to mind of the steamy surrounds of Whitechapel and a desperate woman hurrying through the crowds, glancing over her shoulder. Watching her from the shadows was a dangerous man with his own intentions and secrets. I couldn’t wait to find out who they were.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three words best describe Honoria?
[Bec McMaster] Uptight, fierce, protective.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] What are three things Blade would never have in his pocket?
[Bec McMaster] 1. A plain white cotton handkerchief. It would be silk and most likely something garish, like red, or gold.
2. A book. Raised in the rookeries, he’s never had the time to learn to read.
3. A pistol. He prefers something that will get him up close and personal in a fight – like brass knuckles or a cut-throat razor.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] What is Blade’s single most prized possession?
[Bec McMaster] Blade doesn’t really care about material things, but his most prized possession would be his home – and the adopted family of strays he’s gathered over the years. He never really had a home growing up, and he lost his sister at a young age, so the instinct to create his own family and to protect them is a strong one. He’ll fight to the death to keep it all.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] What are your greatest creative influences?
[Bec McMaster] My grandfather used to read to me every time I stayed at his place, and they would be wonderful, exciting stories that let my imagination roam as a child. He was the one who made me fascinated with reading and all of the amazing worlds out there in books.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three things do you need in order to write?
[Bec McMaster] 1. Tea and copious amounts of it. Preferably English Breakfast.
2. My ugg boots to keep my feet warm – and because writing is such a glamorous job.
3. Two cushions to prop me up nice and straight and keep my back comfortable.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] What is the last book that you read that knocked your socks off?
[Bec McMaster] Wicked as They Come by Delilah S. Dawson. I finished it last week and it was such pure steampunky-fun with blud-bunnies, an interesting take on the vampire mythos and a charming hero who has spent years waiting for his love to come to him.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] If you had to pick one book that turned you on to reading, which would it be?
[Bec McMaster] Wow, this is really tough. As I said above, my grandfather read to me from a really early age (I can’t ever remember not reading or being read to), so it’s hard to know what grabbed my attention the most. A quick list of my favorite childhood books includes Brer Rabbit, Nicky and his Forest Friends, Hiawatha, the Children of Cherry Tree Farm, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and The Hobbit. I could go on. I obviously liked talking animal stories. And witches.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] What do you like to do when you aren’t writing?
[Bec McMaster] As any writer will probably tell you, this doesn’t happen very often. I love to read, though I need to make more opportunity for this (my TBR shelves groan in agreement), I love cooking, walking the dog, going to the gym, playing netball, hanging with my boyfriend, reading travel brochures and plotting my next trip.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] How can readers connect with you?
[Bec McMaster] At my website at www.becmcmaster.com, @BecMcMaster on Twitter and Facebook www.facebook.com/BecMcMaster. I love to hear from readers!
Thank you so much for having me!
[Manga Maniac Cafe] Thank you!
GIVEAWAY TIME!!
Thanks to Sourcebooks, I have a copy of Kiss of Steel to give to one of you! Just fill out the widget to enter! Earn extra entries for following. US and Canadian mailing addresses only, please.
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Didn’t win? You can purchase Kiss of Steel from your favorite bookseller or by clicking the widget below. Available in both print and digital.
KISS OF STEEL BY BEC MCMASTER – IN STORES SEPTEMBER 2012
A brilliantly creative debut where vampires, werewolves, and clockwork creatures roam the mist–shrouded streets of London…
When Nowhere is Safe
Most people avoid the dreaded Whitechapel district. For Honoria Todd, it’s the last safe haven. But at what price?
Blade is known as the master of the rookeries—no one dares cross him. It’s been said he faced down the Echelon’s army single–handedly, that ever since being infected by the blood–craving he’s been quicker, stronger, and almost immortal.
When Honoria shows up at his door, his tenuous control comes close to snapping. She’s so…innocent. He doesn’t see her backbone of steel—or that she could be the very salvation he’s been seeking.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Award-winning author Bec McMaster lives in a small town in Australia and grew up with her nose in a book. A member of RWA, she writes sexy, dark paranormals and steampunk romance. When not writing, reading, or poring over travel brochures, she loves spending time with her very own hero or daydreaming about new worlds. For more information, please visit http://www.becmcmaster.com/ or follow her on Twitter, @BecMcMaster.
By: Shelbie, Amanda and Jenni,
on 9/17/2012
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Release Date: Jan. 22nd 2008
Publisher: Walker & Company
Age Group: Middle Grade/Young Adult
Pages: 256
Flirt Factor: Chaste
Overall: 3/5 stars
Two Juliets,both alike in desperation. . . Seventeen-year-old Mimi Wallingford, of the Broadway Wallingfords, has a life most girls can only dream of—complete with the starring role in her family’s production of Romeo and Juliet. But acting is not her dream, and she’s fighting for the right to trade her script for a scalpel and become a doctor.Fourteen-year-old Juliet Capulet, of the Verona Capulets, has lived a lonely life—imprisoned by the feud that consumes her family and by her iron-fisted mother’s forcing her into an unwanted marriage. She will do anything to avoid her betrothed, even if it requires faking a boil on her bottom—or something more dangerous. During the play’s final performance, Mimi’s wish to get away actually comes true when she and her heartthrob costar, Troy Summer, are magically transported into Shakespeare’s Verona. Now that she knows the real Juliet, Mimi doesn’t want to stand by and allow the play to reach its tragic end. But if saving her new friend means changing the ending of the greatest love story of all time, will she and Troy ever make it back to Broadway? (blurb taken from Suzanne Selfors Website)
I picked up this book during my last trip to the library in the mood for a good romance book. I figured since it was based on Romeo and Juliet, the most famous love story of all time, I wouldn't be disappointed. While I did enjoy the story, it did disappoint in the whole romance department. There was maybe two actual romantic scenes. Enough with me ranting though, let's get to what I actually thought about the book.
While the book was hard to get into, once I got to the part where they enter Shakespeare's world I was hooked. I loved that Selfors took shakespeare's story and provided her own spin on things and made it more relatable to the modern teenager. She did a great job at not making the twists too predictable either, and while this is definitely no tragedy, there were a few surprises along the way. One of those suprises was when you met Juliet she was a spunky and adventurous girl who the nurse referred to as Beastie. In contrast when you meet Romeo he is completely love sick over Rosealine and mopes around for most of the book.
Selfors also did a good job at keeping the setting accurate to what you would find during the time period Romeo and Juliet was written. I think the constant setting helped keep some similarities to the original Romeo and Juliet.
All in all the book had a great idea for a story line, but the events that happened only needed 100 pages, not 256. I actually enjoyed it more then I thought I would after reading the first 20 pages and would recommend for anyone in the mood for a twist on a classic to read it.
Writing: 3/5 stars
Characters: 3/5 stars
Plot/Setting: 4/5 stars
Ending: 5/5 Stars
Cover: 3/5 stars
XOXO,Jenni
Samantha Young took the top spot on our Self-Published Bestseller List today with her adult romance, On Dublin Street.
To help GalleyCat readers discover self-published authors, we have compiled lists of the top eBooks in three major marketplaces for self-published digital books: Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Smashwords.
We update these lists every week, tracking how writers perform inside these booming marketplaces. You can read all the lists below, complete with links to each book. If you are an author, check out our Free Sites to Promote Your eBook post and our How To Sell Your Self-Published Book in Bookstores post and our How to Pitch Your Book to Online Outlets post.
continued…
New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.
Welcome to Author Michele PoagueBorn Michele Rae Jeffryes in Newman Grove, Nebraska, Michele Poague has spent most of her life in Colorado, South Dakota and Nevada, and has lived in Denver, Colorado, since 1984. When she is not writing novels, researching a story, traveling, or working at her full time job as a nightclub manager, Michele volunteers her time as an advocate for the Libertarian Party.
For more information and to connect with Michele Poague please visit any or all of the following network links:
Interview:
If you could travel in a Time Machine would you go back to the past or into the future?
That’s a tough decision. On one hand, I’d like to know if the history books got it right; on the other, technology advances so quickly I might not recognize the future. I don’t think I’d choose to stay in any other time but the present.
If you could invite any 5 people to dinner who would you choose?
Thomas Jefferson, Mark Twain, Will Rogers, Jesus Christ, Mahatma Gandhi.
If you were stranded on a desert island what 3 things would you want with you?
I’m going to assume there is food and fresh water; if so, I would want a good machete, matches, and my man.
If you could have any superpower what would you choose?
I would love to have the power to heal others.
One food you would never eat?
I might starve to death if spiders were the only source of protein.
Any other books in the works? Goals for future projects? I have two novels in the works after The Healing Crystal Trilogy, Book Three, Ransom, is published. Last Kiss is a paranormal mystery/romance involving a woman who discovers a ghost while remodeling an old house. The Candy Store is a time-travel light romance.
What inspired you to want to become a writer?
I have all the characters walking around in my head, telling me their story. I guess I wanted to know how the stories would end.
What's one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors?
It sounds simple, but I’d tell them to keep writing. Let the stories fill the pages and don’t worry about whether anyone will like what you have written. Write for yourself. Live in your stories and they will come to life on the page.
If a movie was made about your life, who would you want to play the lead role and why?
Sandra Bullock because I identify with so many of the characters she’s played. She’s sometimes smart, sometimes a little confused, but always strong and optimistic.
Who are your favorite authors of all time?
Mark Twain, Connie Willis, Anne McCaffrey, David Brin, Michael Crichton, J.R.R. Tolkien, Jack Whyte, Shakespeare.
Can you see yourself in any of your characters?
There’s a little bit of me in each of my characters, but if I were to identify with one, it would be Kairma’s grandmother, Isontra.
You have won one million dollars what is the first thing that you would buy?
I’d buy a house for my little sister. Nothing fancy; a million dollars doesn’t go very far. I’d probably want to pay off the rest of my sibling’s houses as well.
TV or Movies?
I love movies. I rarely watch TV. I pretty much boycotted TV when they took Firefly off the air. I think that was one of the last really good shows on network TV, although Once Upon a Time was great that fist year.
Harry Potter or Twilight?
The Twilight series was a fun read but it doesn’t even come close to the Harry Potter series. The complexity and imagination in Harry Potter rivals Tolkien's Lord of the Rings series. Twilight was more like a dime-store romance.
Spontaneity or Planning Ahead?
I always try to plan ahead but it never works out so I’m adaptable.
What is you favorite way to spend a rainy day?
Reading, writing, or baking some fabulous dessert with a million calories.
The Healing Crystal: Fall of Eden
Myths are but shadows of a greater truth.What is the Healing Crystal and who is the rightful heir? Is it a religious object or a powerful weapon? Does it belong to a fallen line of kings or to the colonists of Survin? Should its fate be left in the hands of the young and inexperienced Kairma or to Narvin, the last descendent of a line of kings?Kairma holds the Crystal and believes she will become the next leader of Survin, while her younger sister Kinter, believes she, not Kairma, is the rightful heir. Narvin believes the Healing Crystal is the Star of Genesis, a powerful relic his ancestors have been seeking for centuries.Determined to possess the object that will return him to his glory, Narvin is unwavering in his quest to possess it, and Kairma is caught in a fierce race across barren deserts and rugged mountains to a shattering finish where the winner must decide the fate of the world.
Tour Giveaway:As part of the tour, Michele is generously offering 3 AMAZING giveaways to blog readers. The first winner will receive signed copies of the entire Healing Crystal trilogy. The second place winner will receive a signed copy of Fall of Eden as well as a $10 gift certificate and the third place winner will receive a signed copy of Fall of Eden.
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I'm thrilled to be one of the very first to show you the cover of the highly anticipated SOLSTICE by PJ Hoover coming from Tor Teen in June 2013. I can't wait to read this one. Take a look at the cover...
It's literally smoking, isn't it? If you're a fan of dystopia, mythology, and romance, you won't want to miss this one. Here's a sneak peak about the book:
Each day brings hotter temperatures and heat bubbles that threaten to destroy the earth. Amid this global heating crisis, Piper lives under the oppressive rule of her mother, who suffocates her even more than the weather does. Everything changes on her eighteenth birthday, when her mother is called away on a mysterious errand and Piper seizes her first opportunity for freedom. Piper discovers a universe she never knew existed—a sphere of gods and monsters—and realizes that her world is not the only one in crisis. While gods battle for control of the Underworld, Piper’s life spirals out of control as she struggles to find the answer to the secret that has been kept from her since birth. An imaginative melding of mythology and dystopia, Solstice is the first YA novel by talented newcomer P. J. Hoover.
Are your juices flowing yet? If that's not enough, Cynthia Leitich Smith, New York Times bestselling author says, “Solstice is one red-hot read—it intrigues, sizzles, and satisfies.”
I don't know about you, but I can't wait to get my hands on this one and it will be a wonderful addition to the Young Adult section on your bookshelf! To celebrate the SOLSTICE cover reveal, PJ Hoover will be running a contest
on her blog today in which she'll be giving away a handful of books, so be sure to visit her blog and
enter for a chance to win!
I'm thrilled to be one of the very first to show you the cover of the highly anticipated SOLSTICE by PJ Hoover coming from Tor Teen in June 2013. I can't wait to read this one. Take a look at the cover...
It's literally smoking, isn't it? If you're a fan of dystopia, mythology, and romance, you won't want to miss this one. Here's a sneak peak about the book:
Each day brings hotter temperatures and heat bubbles that threaten to destroy the earth. Amid this global heating crisis, Piper lives under the oppressive rule of her mother, who suffocates her even more than the weather does. Everything changes on her eighteenth birthday, when her mother is called away on a mysterious errand and Piper seizes her first opportunity for freedom. Piper discovers a universe she never knew existed—a sphere of gods and monsters—and realizes that her world is not the only one in crisis. While gods battle for control of the Underworld, Piper’s life spirals out of control as she struggles to find the answer to the secret that has been kept from her since birth. An imaginative melding of mythology and dystopia, Solstice is the first YA novel by talented newcomer P. J. Hoover.
Are your juices flowing yet? If that's not enough, Cynthia Leitich Smith, New York Times bestselling author says, “Solstice is one red-hot read—it intrigues, sizzles, and satisfies.”
I don't know about you, but I can't wait to get my hands on this one and it will be a wonderful addition to the Young Adult section on your bookshelf! To celebrate the SOLSTICE cover reveal, PJ Hoover will be running a contest
on her blog today in which she'll be giving away a handful of books, so be sure to visit her blog and
enter for a chance to win!
By: Molly,
on 9/17/2012
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It’s just two days before the beginning of your junior year when you’re hit by a pickup truck. And killed. And brought back to life. And somehow, you know that it was the loner you’ve never spoken to before that did it. And then, as impossible as it seems, things get even weirder. Sucked in yet? We certainly were. Welcome to UNRAVELING, the debut thriller/sci-fi/romance by Elizabeth Norris.
Let’s hear from Elizabeth’s editor, Kristin Rens, about how she knew immediately that UNRAVELING was something really special:
“I knew I wanted to publish Unraveling before I even finished reading the first page.
From the moment I met Janelle, the main character, I was pulled in by her lively, no-nonsense voice and her take-no-prisoners style—she’s tough, and she’s strong, and she’s loyal to the folks she loves—and her voice is so vivid that I knew within minutes that this was a character I would follow to the ends of the earth. And the fact that she’s up against a clock-ticking countdown that just might lead to the end of life as she knows it? Well, that was the icing on the cake.
In the current wave of paranormal and dystopian YA, Unraveling feels refreshing and different—it’s a high-stakes thriller, a Veronica Mars-esque mystery…and it’s got a light sci-fi twist that would even appeal to readers who don’t necessarily consider themselves sci-fi fans (I know, because I’m one of them). And holy cow, does Liz Norris know how to write a love story—because at the heart of Unraveling is the sweeping romance between Janelle and Ben Michaels, who in many ways are the ultimate star-crossed lovers.
Liz was a high school teacher for a couple of years before she became an author—and it shows in her writing, and in her characters. Because more than anything else what makes Unraveling such a compelling read is that she’s a writer who knows teens—knows how they talk, how they act, what they want. And this comes through in every page of the book—in Janelle’s relationship with her brother Jared, which is heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time; in her sarcastic yet fiercely supportive dynamic with her best friend Alex; in the romance between Janelle and Ben, which is sweet, and tender, and completely believable. And there’s a depth and complexity to the characters and to their story that makes Liz a very special writer indeed.
I like to call Unraveling the love child of I Am Number Four and the TV show Fringe. But it’s also very much its own story, one that keeps surprising you as you read. And the result is a breathtakingly romantic sci-fi thriller about one girl’s fight to save her family and her world.
I absolutely love it.”
Thanks Kristin! We also want to share a few of the great reviews that UNRAVELING has received:
“Leav[es] the reader wanting more and begging for a sequel to this multilayered debut.”
— Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) |
“Readers will enjoy the nonstop action and romance.”
— School Library Journal
“A satisfying puzzle full of novel twists and provocative clues.”
— Publishers Weekly
Read a hearty excerpt of UNRAVELING here– the book is out in bookstores now. And come back tomorrow for an interview with Elizabeth herself!
By: Evil Editor,
on 9/17/2012
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Guess the PlotSpunk1. The Hunger Games meets
Steel Magnolias as one spunky girl gets stranded in post-apocalyptic Queens, New York with two dozen Guatemalan lesbians.
2. After years of abuse and humiliation, a mattress at a seedy motel tells its story in its own wo-- [Insert Another Quarter To Continue]
3. Spunk is the worst band in Liverpool. Maybe that's because they've got a musical imbalance: three drummer guys, one guitar chick, and that kilted bagpiper. Whatever. The 19th Battle of the Bands is still a good excuse to spend an intoxicated week in London.
4. New ]ork model Davendra Fetlock inherits her uncle Spud's Kentucky farm. Once a top Thoroughbred breeding facility, the farm now has only one stallion, swaybacked old Hunk o' Love. But Hunk harbors the rare Man-o-War gene, and Davendra seizes the chance to restore the farm to its former glory — by selling Spud's old stud Hunk's spunk.
5. A major furniture company, buys 5000 acres of Alleghany Valley’s cherry tree forest. They begin clear cutting. Spunk, a porcupine, organizes a resistance movement. They fail to stop the timbering but strike back at the retail outlets. After dark, Spunk’s porcupine patrols break into stores and chew up their finest furniture. It’s a prickly situation.
6. When class brain Maria got stuck with class clown Travarious for their Science Fair project, she knew it was going to be a long weekend. And when he came up with the idea of analyzing spermatozoa, she knew they were in for a rough go--until he demonstrated his technique. Now she can't wait for their presentation on Monday.
7. The knowledge that Todd thinks she's no good for him does nothing to dissuade Tiffany's pursuit of his love. She is a cute spunky witch and she loves a challenge. When all else fails, will she wear that magical miniskirt?
Original VersionDear Evil Editor:
If you're the sort of person your blog indicates that you are, then you are the perfect person to entrust with negotiating my six-figure publishing deals.
[The sort of person I am will gladly see that you get published if you're willing to fork over six figures.] I know people; and I like you.
Me? That's easy.
I'm the sort of person who, after a career publishing educational books and rhyming poetry for children, would write a post-apocalyptic, dystopian fantasy and call it Spunk. (Yes. That kind of spunk.)
[Yes, which kind of spunk?]Synopsis:
Sex, cannibalism, infanticide, and boozing it up are all comme il faut
[Not everyone is up on their French, so you might want to go with de rigueur.] in the world in which our heroine, Senga, finds herself stranded, along with a troop of Girl Scouts, some lapsed Catholic peace demonstrators, and two dozen Guatemalan lesbians.
[This list sounds comedic. Does it have to be in the same sentence as the one that describes a world where cannibalism and infanticide are acceptable?] Senga and the Abbess, her nemesis, engage readers in a classic confrontation between good and evil,
[I'm guessing they engage each other in this confrontation, rather than readers.] [Although it might be cool to be confronted by some characters in a book you're reading, especially if you read erotic romance novels and not dystopian novels about marauding gangs of serial killers.] set among the survivors of a global cataclysm in one small pocket of Queens, New York in the 1970s and 80s. Black humor and brutal violence coexist in this story, along with explicit sex and a poetic narrative lyricism.
[I predict bestseller. You've got the big three: brutal violence, explicit sex and poetic lyricism.] Think of it as The Hunger Games meets Steel Magnolias.
[I have to confess I wouldn't mind seeing the women from Steel Magnolias participate in a death match. I see Daryl Hannah and Sally Field getting killed in the opening melee at the cornucopia. Olympia Dukakis would take out Dolly Parton with an ax to the head, but would then be bludgeoned to death by the Julia Roberts/Shirley MacLaine alliance. The winner would be Julia because she has the most spunk. Also because it's my blog so I get to choose.]NotesWe need to know something about what happens in your book. We know Senga's situation: She's stranded in Queens with Girl Scouts and lesbians. Now we need to know her goal and what happens if she doesn't reach it and how she plans to defeat . . . The Abbess. Tell us the story.
Possibly you should call this alternate history if it's set in New York after a global cataclysm in the 1970s. Of course, I was a little out of it in the 70's, so maybe I missed the apocalypse.
The Rose of York. Love & War. Sandra Worth. 2003. End Table Books. 340 pages.
The messenger tore through the night. The desolate, snowy streets of London posed little danger in the comforting dark, but at London Bridge he reined in his nervous mount. I have mixed feelings on this first volume in Sandra Worth's Rose of York trilogy. First, you should know that I love this period in history. I have read half-a-dozen or so novels set during this time period. Some treat Richard III sympathetically, others not so much. Though Shakespeare, in my opinion, treats him the worst of all that I've read. I do like Richard III. I do like books who treat him sympathetically. Which is one reason this one was an enjoyable read. But does it take Richard III to the other extreme? Is he too perfect? too saintly? too heroic? I'm not sure. Is the romance between Anne and Richard too much of a fairy tale? I don't know.
Was Love and War an easy read for me because I am so familiar with the story? Or has Worth just simplified the story for her audience? Would others find it confusing and complex? I'm not sure. The truth is there are dozens of players in this royal drama. And the story itself is detailed and quite complex. It didn't feel that way in Love and War, at least not to me. It seems the characters have been simplified. Each falls quickly into either being "good" or "bad."
The writing was simple, a bit rushed in places, but overall simple and straightforward.
Is it fair to compare this one to Sunne in Splendour by Sharon Kay Penman? True, not every reader would find Sunne in Splendour one of the best, best historical novels ever. True, some might be intimidated by a 900 page novel. Love & War, unlike Sunne in Splendour, doesn't try to tell a comprehensive, complex story. It is primarily a novel solely focused on romance--the romance between Richard and Anne. Yes, Richard's relationship with his brother, the King, and his relationship with Anne's father, "the Kingmaker," enter into it. As does his relationship with his other brother, George. But mainly as complications or obstacles to his one true love. Sunne in Splendour, on the other hand, really is about the time period, the politics, the society, the royal family and the nobility, the drama and chaos of war and love and loss and betrayal.
Read Love & War
- If you like historical fiction with a strong emphasis on romance
- If you like simple, sweet historical romances
- If you are interested in Richard III and this time period (late fifteenth century)
And this is not to be missed:
© 2012 Becky Laney of
Becky's Book Reviews
5 oatmeal butterscotch chip cookies.
Cover Love:
I like that it matches the other one, and I love the color scheme, but it's not really my favorite. Although the wolf looks like it is anguish and that is appropriate for the book.
Why I Wanted to Read This:
I LOVED
Hold Me Closer Necromancer, the first book in this series. I had to get my hands on this one! Here's the synopsis from GoodReads:
With the defeat of the evil Douglas behind him, Sam LaCroix is getting used to his new life. Okay, so he hadn’t exactly planned on being a powerful necromancer with a seat on the local magical council and a capricious werewolf sort-of-girlfriend, but things are going fine, right?
Well . . . not really. He’s pretty tired of getting beat up by everyone and their mother, for one thing, and he can’t help but feel that his new house hates him. His best friend is a werebear, someone is threatening his sister, and while Sam realizes that he himself has a lot of power at his fingertips, he’s not exactly sure how to use it. Which, he has to admit, is a bit disconcerting.
But when everything starts falling apart, he decides it’s time to step up and take control. His attempts to do so just bring up more questions, though, the most important of which is more than a little alarming: Is Douglas really dead?
Romance?: Yes!
My Thoughts:
I just love this world. I would stay in it forever if I could. There are so many wonderful characters--Sam, Brid, all her brothers, Haley, Frank, Brooke, Ramon, Brannoc, Ashley, even James. I would want anyone of them for my best friend. There seriously is not a character that I dislike in these books.
I had checked the first book out from the library but during the course of reading this one I had to go buy the first one because I wanted to re-read scenes and heck, probably the whole book.
One thing I LOVE is that Sam is really powerful. He is still trying to learn how to use his powers effectively, but he is super strong with his necromancing powers. And towards the end of the book he started to accept what he is, and how he needed to become stronger and take his place in this new world he was thrust into.
I am glad he met his Uncle Nick and can't wait for Sam and Nick to forge a relationship together.
I liked the ending a lot and was glad for some resolutions, but also was glad that there were some loose ends. I would follow this series wherever it takes me!
To Sum Up: I think this series is a smidge old for my library which makes me sad. But I am giong to make sure that the high school libraries have copies so when I find a more mature reader I can have him/her read these. LOVE them!
Book requested and received from Macmillan! Thanks so much!
The Age of Miracles, by Karen Thompson Walker, has a fascinating premise. What if the rotation of the earth gradually began to slow? What effects would this have on the environment, on the social and economic fabric of society, and, most particularly, on the life of one eleven year old girl, Julia?
Short answer: nothing good. Before the slowing began, Julia led an uncomplicated life of California suburban-ness. But the disruption of the slowing, with its cascade of catastrophes, destroys the old normal irrevocably. Through Julia's eyes we see the birds falling from the sky...onwards to near total environmental collapse. In this new abnormal, Julia's personal life and hope of happiness is stretched gossamer thin--her's is a pretty hellacious version of seventh grade.
The Age of Miracles is tremendously gripping. At the start of the book, I was so wrapped up in the beginning of the catastrophe that it was hard not to turn on the news myself, and sit riveted while scientist after scientist explained that they had no explanation. It's clear from the beginning that the story is narrated by a future Julia---it's full of dark premonitions ("we didn't know then that...."). And along with Julia, caught up in her life, we see these premonitions come to pass.
Though the heroine is a child, this isn't a children's book; it was written for the adult market. And it reads as such--there is a cold adult overlay over Julia's experience. Children's books have an immediacy of emotion to them, and the child character almost invariably has agency. The intrusion of the adult Julia into the story is a distancing, and I never felt truly privy to the depths of her feelings. And the poor girl has almost no agency whatsoever. She is like an oil-slicked bird, with a life that goes on, but senselessly darkened by circumstance over which she has no control whatsoever. So for me personally, inveterate reader of children's books that I am, it's a book I enjoyed, but didn't take to my heart.
But boy, is it riveting as all get out. I read it in two hours straight through, unable to put it down, and now I've passed it on to my husband, who, when given the choice, would rather read a book for grown-ups than a book for children, and he is enjoying it lots.
So if you, or a teen for whom you procure books, are looking for a dystopian read with no paranormal elements, where teen romance isn't a major plot point (although there is a bit of it), where the sci fi premise is the driving force of the story, and a block of time to spare (because of the strong possibility of not being able to put it down), give it try. I wouldn't be at all surprised if this ended up getting attention from the Alex Award committee (books written for adults that have teen appeal). This is the author's debut novel--I will be very interested indeed to see what she writes next!
Thoughts on the title--the perky Paul Simon song ran through my head as a sound track to the book, an ironic contrast to Julia's life. And the title itself read as ironic to me--adolescence is (if you chose to look at it in an optimistic way), supposed to be a miraculous time of becoming adult, with first love, unlimited possibility, and hope for the future front and center; here the miracles are those of end times, not beginning times.
Disclaimer: review copy received from the publisher.
Jill Archer is the author of Dark Light of Day, an urban fantasy about a law student who is training to represent demons. I think the premise is brilliant! I don’t know what’s scarier – lawyers or demons! (Just kidding!) Jill dropped by the virtual offices to introduce herself and to chat about her new book.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] Describe yourself in 140 characters or less.
[Jill Archer] Eclectic night owl who loves Sour Patch kids, Twizzlers, organic salads, Vitamix smoothies, my Keurig coffee brewer, wine, books and movies.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] Can you tell us a little about The Dark Light of Day?
[Jill Archer] In a nutshell, Dark Light of Day is about Noon Onyx, a first year law student who is being trained to represent demons. But the story’s as much about Noon’s magical and romantic struggles as it is about her academic ones. I should also mention that, even though the book is considered "urban fantasy," the setting is not contemporary. The story mostly takes place in New Babylon, a city with a circa 1900′s technology level that was built on top of the ancient battlefield of Armageddon in a country called Halja.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] How did you come up with the concept and the characters for the story?
[Jill Archer] Noon Onyx is very loosely inspired by the librarian Evelyn "Evie" Carnahan from the movie, The Mummy.
I used to be a lawyer. A few years ago, I was at a writer’s group event and sat next to a librarian during one of the lunches. We each commiserated with the other about how dull we felt our day jobs were, a feeling each of us couldn’t believe the other had. It led to a discussion about Evie’s character and I got the idea to see if I could somehow create a similarly bookish lawyer character who lived in some sort of "otherworld."
Around the same time, I came across my old copy of Scott Turow’s ONE L ("the turbulent true story of a first year at Harvard Law School") and thought, "Hey, how cool would it be to write a story about a first year law student who is being trained to represent demons?"
[Manga Maniac Cafe] What was the most challenging aspect of writing the book?
[Jill Archer] Weaving together the sub-plots. Dark Light of Day has fantasy, romance, and mystery elements. I tried to tie the sub-plots together with common themes, motifs, and/or plot nexuses.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three words best describe Noon?
[Jill Archer] Strong, smart, and kind
[Manga Maniac Cafe] What are three things Ari would never have in his pocket?
[Jill Archer] A cell phone, a match, and a flower. (No boutonnieres for Ari either!)
[Manga Maniac Cafe] What is Noon’s single most prized possession?
[Jill Archer] Despite her privileged background, Noon’s not that into material possessions. She does love her collection of high necked sweaters, cloaks, and wraps though because they allow her to hide the telltale "demon mark" of a waning magic user.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] What are your greatest creative influences?
[Jill Archer] My love of nature, forests, and flowers helped me to create two of the main types of magic in the book: waning magic, the dark, destructive, fiery magic that’s used to control demons, and waxing magic, the soft, creative, nurturing magic that’s used to grow gardens and heal people. The idea evolved from my fascination with the duality of nature’s forces (forest fires versus summer blooms, tsunamis versus spring rains).
Other creative influences: demons and deities from around the world, Christian mythology, pagan holidays, even legal concepts. I played fast and loose with all of them. I tried to be respectful of my sources, while at the same time staying true to my primary goal, which was to write an entertaining story. I thought it would be interesting to create a world within which the traditional sides of bad and good were more muddied than they are in our world.
I’ve also been influenced by other authors. I admire writers such as Lois McMaster Bujold, S.M. Stirling, Colleen McCullough, Naomi Novik, and Elizabeth Peters. I would never, and could never, emulate their style, but just reading their work and knowing there are writers out there writing such fantastic novels influences me to put out the best work that I can. When I read the work of someone I admire, it’s an invigorating feeling!
[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three things do you need in order to write?
[Jill Archer] An idea, a computer, and coffee.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] What is the last book that you read that knocked your socks off?
[Jill Archer] The Lover’s Dictionary by David Levithan. Last summer, I attended a writer’s workshop presented by him and Simone Elkeles. It was tearfully funny, but the point is the moment David described that book, I knew I would like it. I left the session and went straight to the temporary bookstore that had been set up in the hotel for the conference and bought it. When I finally read it, I didn’t just like it — I loved it.
I love that the story is told out of order. I love that it’s not told in chapters but in dictionary entries like "kerfuffle" and "cocksure." I love its ending, its humor, and its honesty. But most of all, I love how the reader has to work a little to get it. It’s not a story that’s spoon fed to you. And yet, it’s very light and easy to digest. You can read it in a night if you want or easily before bed over the course of a few. It was in my TBR pile for a year, but it was worth the wait.
If you had to pick one book that turned you on to reading, which would it be?
Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O’Brien. My fourth grade teacher read it aloud to the class that year and I was hooked from that point on. What a story! I just read it to my kids this past year and then we all watched the movie. So fun!
[Manga Maniac Cafe] What do you like to do when you aren’t writing?
[Jill Archer] I like to hike and bike, although I don’t have as much time to do those things as I would like. Of course, I love to read. I also love to watch movies and, occasionally, TV (I’ve been known to go on a streaming binge if I find a series I particularly like). I love to hang out with friends and family. We take a lot of day trips. My husband is a recreational pilot and we have a small Cessna that we fly around in on the weekends.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] How can readers connect with you?
[Jill Archer] I have a website and blog through WordPress, which people can find at www.jillarcher.com. I blog about books, movies, interesting people I’ve met, day tripping in our little Cessna, and miscellaneous things I find interesting. Although it’s time consuming, I enjoy blogging. I like to write shorter pieces on a variety of topics just to keep things fresh and I love connecting with other people who have blogs on subjects that interest me. Recently, I experimented with a summer romance guest blog series and that’s been tons of fun! I’m also on Twitter (@archer_jill) and Facebook.
I appreciate your interest in Noon Onyx and Dark Light of Day. Thank you, Julie, for interviewing me for Manga Maniac Cafe. Best wishes and happy reading to you and your readers!
[Manga Maniac Cafe] Thank you!
Dark Light of Day can be pre-ordered from your favorite bookseller or by clicking the widget below:
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Lucky Break by Carly Phillips – $2.99
Jason Corwin knows he should resist his attraction to Lauren Perkins. After all, it was one of her ancestors who came up with the curse that had haunted every Corwin male since. But after one night of mind-blowing sex with his supposed–and very seductive–enemy, he can’t bring himself to stay away.
All Lauren wants is to sell her late grandmother’s old house and leave the past behind forever. But that’s not an easy thing to do with gorgeous contractor Jason Corwin whispering sweet, sexy somethings in her ear. About staying. Then a saboteur and the promise of hidden treasure change everything, and one lucky break that just might put an end to the Corwin curse.
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The contractor Maddie hires is a tall, dark-haired hottie whose eyes-and mouth-are making it hard for her to remember that she’s sworn off men. Even harder will be Maddie’s struggles to overcome the past, though she’s about to discover that there’s no better place to call home than Lucky Harbor.
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By: Evil Editor,
on 9/16/2012
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Evil Editor
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Guess the Plot
My Bazillions —and Yours1. Hector Crawford, once the richest man in the world, died lonely and estranged in a one-room shack on an isolated island. Now his family is after the money. Can Sean McMillan, Crawford's lawyer and the trustee of his estate, convince them there is nothing left . . . while he searches the island for the treasure he knows Crawford hid?
2. This novel/memoir/how-to book features the story of "Lucky" Ned Crump, a Las Vegas gambling guru who becomes a cult figure after winning and losing fortunes. Complete with illustrations, charts, superstitions, and the constant exhortation to “Go With Guts."
3. What will happen to the sanity of real estate speculator Harvey Jones when billions of giant worm-things from space rain down on Malibu and make trails of toxic acid slime on everything he owns? Plus, an amazing cheerleader and her pony.
4. When Elmer Fudd decides to become a major player in the South American slave trade, he discovers his biggest competitor is none other than Bugs Bunny. Not content to let that wabbit spoil another one of his pwomising enterpwises, Elmer dukes it out with Bugs in a series of madcap antics, until they finally settle their diffewences and agwee to go into business together. Now they just have to find a way to wound up those wascally Bazillions.
5. Candice Matisse is rightly proud of her bazillions. What started as a modest endowment when she was a teenager has grown to towering proportions. Now, charmingly obnoxious entrepreneur Max Difford has his eyes on Candice's bazillions. But can he get his
hands on them?
6. Gilbert Peachtree, inventor of a time machine, goes back in time, invests in a sure thing, and returns to the present to find himself a bazillionaire. Unfortunately, his meddling caused uncontrollable inflation, so
everyone is now a bazillionaire.
Original VersionDear Agent:
You can win in Las Vegas, enjoy a more fulfilling life, and score a free photo keychain!
[I'm considering offering a free photo key chain to anyone who purchases Novel Deviations. You need a clever gimmick to make it as a small business these days. When you press a button on the key chain my laser-beam eyes light up, helping you find the right key in the dark.]My Bazillions—And Yours is a novel of 110,000 words presented as a combination memoir/how-to.
[If it's presented as a memoir/how-to, I don't see how it can be a novel. It's like saying, My book is an atlas presented in the form of a romance novel/sheet music.] [Maybe call it a fictional memoir/how-to or a novel/memoir/how-to. Or just admit that it's a bunch of loosely related stuff you threw together.] Subtitled What It Means To Be “Lucky,” it is the idiosyncratic story of “Lucky” Ned Crump, the self-styled gambling guru whose IncrediSystems have garnered a cult following since their first appearance in 1998. A guileless man subsumed by the Las Vegas dream, Ned wins and loses fortunes, guest-stars on The World Series of Poker, pursues his true love, spends time in jail, vanishes in the Alaskan wilderness, and finally finds something akin to transcendence.
[A brief list of subplots is okay in a query, but what is the main story? The Alaska vanishing is intriguing, but the other items on the list need elaboration to interest me. What was he in jail for? Who is his true love? What does he find, and what does it transcend? If this is a novel, you want us to care about Ned. Here's how a man captures and loses the American dream, all in pursuit of true love is more compelling than Here's a bunch of things that happen to a character I made up.]Because Ned wants nothing more than to share his logic-defying success with you, his tale is punctuated with gambling advice, complete with illustrations, charts, superstitions, fallacies, and the constant exhortation to “Go With Guts.”
[As gambling advice is readily available in a format more easily studied than a novel, I assume (or suggest) that Ned's advice is amusing, and not mathematically sound.As I lay in bed next to Jolene, caressing her white skin, it occurred to me: I never should have gone all in hoping for an inside straight on the river. Even if no one else had one as a hole card, my chances of drawing an 8 were only 4 in 32. For once, Going with Guts let me down. See appendix 32 for my chart on when to stick around after the flop when looking for a straight or a flush. Anyway, back to . . . Hey, where'd Jolene go?]
My own fascination with Las Vegas, its games, and its characters comes from countless visits and experiences that have grown into creative work and part ownership of CheapoVegas.com, a travel website, and BigEmpire.com, its sister humor site. Together, these sites welcome a million unique visitors each year. Bazillions is my second novel based on this body of writing and collaboration. The humor in this book stems from my award-winning comedy writing and performance. Its literary quality reflects my M.F.A. in poetry plus twenty years of writing both professionally and avocationally.
[I think the whole book should be written in verse;I think that I shall never seeA draw as lovely as a 3.It's not so hard to understand:I've got three more 3s in my hand.Here's a haiku you can use on the back cover:Beating Las Vegas:It's not difficult to doIf your name's Ned Crump.]Since you represent innovative fiction, pop-culture topics, and new novelists, you stand out as an agent who can make this book project a success. Please allow me to introduce you to “Lucky” Ned. Sample chapters (print and audio),
[Audio? You have an audio version? Is it read by Morgan Freeman?] [What you really need is a video version. I would much rather watch a manuscript acted out on TV than read it. Especially if you can get some A-listers to play Ned and Jolene. I'm thinking Nick Nolte and Paula Abdul.] a synopsis, and my bio are enclosed. The full manuscript is available now at your request.
Thank you for your time—and good luck always.
Sincerely,
NotesCalling it a novel is a stretch. If you're selling it as a novel, focus on the plot.
If your target audience is gamblers, they may not want to wade through a 110,000-word novel to get tips from a fictional character. And if your target audience is fiction lovers, only those with a keen interest in gambling will not be annoyed by frequent pauses to provide charts and statistics. Either target may be big enough, but I suggest choosing one and tailoring the book to their preferences. You can't be all things to all people.
Selected CommentsSarah said...This is a hard one. It does sound like you could have an interesting story in there or a how-to book in there, but both?
Like EE said, it's trying to appeal to both crowds but you end up appealing to neither.
And then you mention this is the second novel that you've written. This implies to me that this other novel is published, but I don't think it is as you don't give the title and you talk about being a new novelist.
We all have a bunch of things written, it does nothing to add that to our list of credits except to make you sound unprofessional.
Perhaps you really do have 2 books here. The novel and then a follow on how-to book once your novel takes off and the character becomes popular. Or, if the publisher's interested, they come out as a set.
Anonymous said...The variety might be more appealing in the setting of your blog than it would be in the form of a printed book. Translating a story from one medium to another often involves structural changes because of the ways various media work and don't work. Or maybe it would do well on the "graphic novel" shelf. Cannot tell. Bending genres and reinventing the novel is a dangerous business. Think of the poor slush monkeys, faced with piles of mail to sort through. Whenever they read a query and wonder wtf is that?? they're most likely to pass.
blogless_troll said...I'd get rid of the last two paragraphs and tell us more about the story. Let your award winning comedy writing speak for itself.
Dave F. said...This reminds me of those "tell all" books about restaurants. Like Anthony Bourdain's Kitchen Confidential or Daniel Boulud's The Fourth Star.
They aren't marketed as novels but as "industry insider" books that reveal secrets and gossip about the industry.
Lyz said...I get the concept, I just don't think it is communicated as effectively. It gets confused when you define it as the memior/how to. Just say novel. And then later you can say, the first-person narrative is structured the main character's hip-tips on gambling.
It sounds fun and I get it. But I also agree with what the other commenters say. Tighten it up. Focuse on plot and less on execution.
iago said...There's way too much of The Author in the query, and not nearly enough of the story. Fix the balance and the odds might start rolling in your favour.
talpianna said...This is a book by someone obsessed with Las Vegas. The query letter is signed, "Sincerely." That's where you lost me.
I recently watched the first season of the BBC Robin Hood series. While I didn't exactly LOVE it, I did find it compelling enough to keep watching. I'm not sure when I'll try to watch the rest of the series. But at some point, I probably will go back to the show. I like quite a few things about the show. For one, it has Richard Armitage. He plays Guy of Gisbourne. I like the action, in many ways. Though it doesn't really compare to Errol Flynn and Basil Rathbone. Much (played by Sam Troughton) was probably my favorite character overall. I enjoyed him even more than Robin Hood (played by Jonas Armstrong). In some ways the show does improve after the initial episodes, in other ways, however, I thought the show declined. There was definitely promise and potential. Overall, I liked the basic idea of the series, but individual episodes disappointed or frustrated me. The costume design definitely disappointed me.
Have you seen this series? Did you like it? Should I watch season 2?
Watch Robin Hood, the BBC series
- If you enjoy the story/legend of Robin Hood and don't mind modern changes to the story (dialogue, costumes, stories and plot twists)
- If you enjoy BBC dramas
- If you enjoy action with a little bit of romance
- If you enjoy action, adventure stories. Lots of chasing, fighting, escaping, etc.
© 2012 Becky Laney of
Becky's Book Reviews
Publisher: Entangled Publishing (Indulgence) August 18, 2012
ebook: 133 Pages
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Christine Bell's Website | Blog | Twitter
From Goodreads. He needs a wife for three weeks…
Owen Phipps is out for revenge. His mission? To expose the man who stole his sister’s money and dignity. All he needs is a “wife” who can play along. Too bad his last best hope is an actress who tries to mace him with perfume when he offers her the role of a lifetime.
Lindy Knight is a real sap. She loves too hard, feels too deep, and often finds herself saying yes when she should be saying “Let me think about it.” She can’t believe her good fortune when Owen offers her more than enough money to hold off foreclosure until she can find a job. Three weeks at a resort, money she desperately needs, and she gets to help bring a criminal to justice? Score.
It seems easy enough until the first time a couples bonding game turns intimate, and they realize how dangerous their mutual attraction could be. Can they keep their hands to themselves long enough to find the evidence Owen needs? Or are the close quarters more temptation than they can handle?
Review by Kate
WIFE FOR HIRE, by Christine Bell, is a fun contemporary romance that I enjoyed from the start. Even though a bad situation brought these two together, they definitely made the most of it!
I enjoyed the characters that Bell created. Lindy is an extremely kind and quirky woman who can't say no to a lost cause (and $20,000 didn't hurt either), and Owen is a hot accented alpha male who will stop at nothing to hurt the man who wronged his sister. This book jumped into the action right from the start and I loved how these two characters fell for each other in the process.
At times novel was a bit wordy but Bell definitely has her own voice to share with the reading community. She has a gift of creating likeable and sexy characters that keep fingertips glued to the book. I will definitely be checking out more titles from her in the future. For anyone looking for a romantic read from this amazing Entangled line,
Wife for Hire is the next book for you.
By: Elizabeth,
on 9/16/2012
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Of Blood and Bone (The Minaldi Legacy, #1) by Courtney Cole
Expected Pub: September 16, 2012 by Lakehouse Press
“I’m a monster, Eva. There is no saving a monster. But I love that you want to try.”
My heart constricts at the expression on his face. He has no hope for himself, so I have to hope for him.
“You’re not a monster,” I argue softly. “You’re a man, Luca. A man like any other, you’re made of blood and bone.”
As a little boy, Luca Minaldi was told he was a monster.
As an adult, he knows it is true.
He
lives in Malta, a fairytale-like place filled with sunshine and sea,
beauty and secrets. And Luca’s darkest of secrets is the best kept of
them all.
Eva
Talbot is spending the summer in Malta to finish up her doctoral
dissertation. When she meets Luca, a mysterious and handsome shipping
tycoon, there is an instant attraction, a disturbing and beautiful
energy that she has never felt before. But she senses the darkness that
lives within him.
Eva
is hired to care for his mother, who suffers from dementia, but it is
Luca who Eva will eventually risk everything to save. Her life becomes a
swirling chaos of darkness and romance, of secrets and mystery. And the
question that emerges will become the most important answer of all.
Can she save Luca from the darkness that plagues him without losing herself?
The answer is a matter of life or death.
Teaser Three: Eva’s point of view
Luca crosses the room in three strides and pours two glasses of what looks to be Scotch. He walks back and hands me a glass. I can practically feel the power emanating from him. He’s the type of person who has been born into it. It has been cultivated in him from the time he was an infant and it shows. Power and money are in every molecular strand in his body.
“To sanity,” Luca says, tipping his glass toward mine. And then he downs his in one gulp.
I take a tentative sip and realize quickly that I was correct. It’s Scotch. Neat. Without one ounce of tonic or even an ice cube to dilute it. It burns my mouth and warms my chest as it slides smoothly down. But for some reason, I don’t want him to know that it makes me want to gag and cough. I want to seem unfazed, so I drink the rest in two gulps and hand Luca back the empty glass.
It is worth my numb lips because there is approval in his eyes as he takes it.
“Aren’t you going to ask?” he says as he sets the glasses down on a heavy wooden side table. He is still staring at me and his gaze makes me feel like my skin will be ablaze soon.
“Ask what?” I feel slightly woozy from the Scotch. And to be honest, I’m also woozy from being so near to Luca Minaldi. For several different reasons, he has an interesting effect on me.
“Wouldn’t you like to ask me if you’re safe here with me?”
I look at him, remembering his mother’s startling words. My son is evil.
“Am I?” I ask and my voice is barely a murmur.
“Probably not.”
Luca’s voice is quiet in the study, as dark as the night surrounding us, and I suddenly feel like I should run, somewhere far away from here. But at the same time, I know that I won’t. I am ridiculously drawn to this man and the more I find out about him, the more I want to know. So I shake my head.
“I’m not afraid.”
Luca looks at me again and I don’t see one ounce of the vulnerability that I have seen there before. Instead, he is expressionless once more and darkly handsome.
“Well, that’s the rub,” he answers. “You should be.”
Author Links:Twitter: https://twitter.com/courtwritesYA
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It sounds like a really interesting read and I like the time travel aspect to really make it seem real.
Sounds rather masterful!