Jean BookNerd

Imagine if you will, a dark and stormy night. The fog rolling into the cemetery in waves. You pull your jacket a little tighter around you as you stumble through the blackness, desperately searching for an exit.

Suddenly you hear a noise—to your left and another to your right. Two guys step in front of you. Both, you realize, have just risen from their graves. Both have no pulse. And both are interested in imbibing your bodily fluids.

So how come the vampire is making you swoon...and the zombie is making you scream?

Poor zombies. They get such a bad rap, even in the world of the undead. I mean, everyone freaking loves their cousins, the vampires, who dress in debonair outfits, live in luxurious mansions, and sometimes even get to sparkle. And best of all—they’re way popular with the ladies. But every time a poor zombie tries to get up close and personal with a girl he likes? She starts running in the other direction.

At least the zombies have each other. Unlike vampires, who tend to live lonely lives in dreary castles or wander the Earth alone, zombies are rather social creatures, preferring to live and work in large numbers. In fact, their numbers are their greatest strength, seeing as they lack the vampires’ superpowers. They’re slow, kind of dumb, and definitely single-minded. Thank goodness they get a little help from their friends or they’d die of starvation in no time!

OKAY now that I think about it, zombies might not make the best boyfriends. (Even though they are very interested in a girl with brains!) But I have to say, they do make really terrifying bad guys and are a lot of fun for an author to use in her books.

Like with my post-apocalyptic novel, Tomorrow Land. Best described as a post-apocalyptic pilgrimage to Disney World in a zombie infested wasteland, the story follows two teens who had fallen in love before the apocalypse and then separated, Casablanca style, only to be reunited four years later and forced to find a way to trust one another again. (All the while trying to deal with those pesky, flesh eating zombies!) As an author who traditionally writes vampire stories—where the monsters are actually the good guys—it was fun to take on another kind of undead this time...one that’s a lot more scary than sexy.

About Tomorrow Land

Can true love survive the end of the world?

Imagine finding your first love, only to be ripped apart by the apocalypse. Peyton Anderson will never forget the day she was forced to make a choice--between her family--and Chris Parker, the boy she'd given her heart. And now, four years later, as she steps from the fallout shelter and into a dead and broken world, he's the only thing on her mind.

All Chris "Chase" Parker wanted was to take Peyton away and keep her safe from harm. But he waited for hours in the rain on judgment day and she never showed--breaking his heart without ever telling him why.

Now the two of them have been thrown together once again, reluctant chaperones of a group of orphan children in a post-apocalyptic world where the dead still walk...and feed. As they begin their pilgrimage to the last human outpost on Earth, can they find a way to let go of old hurts and find the love they lost--all the while attempting to save what's left of the human race?

Add Tomorrow Land to Good Reads:
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13501083-tomorrow-land

About Mari Mancusi

Two time Emmy award winner Mari Mancusi used to wish she could be a vampire back in high school. But she ended up in another bloodsucking profession--journalism--instead. Today she works as a freelance TV producer and author of books for teens, including the award winning Blood Coven Vampire series published by Penguin Books. When not writing about creatures of the night, Mari enjoys traveling, cooking, goth clubbing, watching cheesy horror movie and her favorite guilty pleasure--videogames. A graduate of Boston University , she lives in Austin , Texas with her husband Jacob, daughter Avalon and dog Mesquite .

Website: www.marimancusi.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bloodcovenvampires
Twitter: @marimancusi

Can true love survive the end of the world?

Imagine finding your first love, only to be ripped apart by the apocalypse. Peyton Anderson will never forget the day she was forced to make a choice--between her family--and Chris Parker, the boy she'd given her heart. And now, four years later, as she steps from the fallout shelter and into a dead and broken world, he's the only thing on her mind.

All Chris "Chase" Parker wanted was to take Peyton away and keep her safe from harm. But he waited for hours in the rain on judgment day and she never showed--breaking his heart without ever telling him why.

Now the two of them have been thrown together once again, reluctant chaperones of a group of orphan children in a post-apocalyptic world where the dead still walk...and feed. As they begin their pilgrimage to the last human outpost on Earth, can they find a way to let go of old hurts and find the love they lost--all the while attempting to save what's left of the human race?

"A high-stakes, high-octane tour through a devastating and deftly imagined future. This is Mancusi at the top of her game."
Diana Peterfreund, author of For Darkness Shows the Stars

And now, The Giveaways.

Thank you Mari for making this giveaway possible.

2 Winners will receive one e-book copy of Tomorrow Land Mari Mancusi.

Amber Argyle Author Interview

2012-03-01T21:17:00.002-08:00

Book Nerd Interview

Amber Argyle grew up with three brothers on a cattle ranch in the Rocky Mountains. She spent hours riding horses, roaming the mountains, and playing in her family’s creepy barn. This environment fueled her imagination for high fantasy.

She has worked as a short order cook, janitor, and staff member in a mental institution. All of which has given her great insight into the human condition and has made for some unique characters.

She received her bachelor’s degree in English and Physical Education from Utah State University.

She currently resides in Utah with her husband and three small children.

Her debut novel, Witch Song, came out Sept 1st 2011 by Rhemalda Publishing.

You can find Amber on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and Shelfari.

Social Media

What’s one thing that readers would be surprised to find out?

I’m writing a sequel to Witch Song, called Witch Born. It should be out this fall.

Also, I dislocated a girl’s shoulder this week. BUT I DIDN’T MEAN TO! We were just playing basketball and both went up for the rebound. I’m not even sure how it exactly happened.

What are the most important attributes to remaining sane as a writer?

Chocolate. Lots of it.

Just kidding. Too much chocolate leads to muffin top, which has never made me happy. ;)

Writers have to find a way to balance what, for most of us, is a second job. The key is prioritization, and you can’t sacrifice the essential for the frivolous. It also helps to block out certain times. From 9-10 every MWF, I work out. I do housework/kids until 1 every day (and if I don’t get all the housework done, it simply doesn’t get done). From 1—3:40, I’m a writer. From 4 on, I’m a Mommy/cook/private tutor/chauffer. I also try to fit in at least one marketing event a month (be it a signing, school visit, conference, etc). More than that and I feel too stressed and miss my kids too much.

Basically, that means my house is never as clean as I’d like, I don’t cook elaborate meals, or watch TV. Sometimes I don’t even change out of my yoga pants.

When/how did you realize you had a creative dream or calling to fulfill?

For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to be a writer. But I was busy with other dreams until after college. I had my second son, who cried 16 hours a day. Writing literally saved my sanity, and I realized I had a natural talent for it. It took 5 years and 6 manuscripts before I finally found a publisher.

For those who are unfamiliar with your series; Witch Song, how would you introduce it?

In Witch Song, Witches control nature by singing to call in storms, shifting the seasons, and growing plants. But all the Witches have been captured by one of their own. Shy, untrained Brusenna is the only remaining free Witch, but can she’ll have to overcome her lack of training and self esteem to become what the world needs.

If you could introduce Brusenna to any character from another book, who would it be and why?

Harry Potter. I’d love to hear a debate between the two of them over wands versus singing to create magic, etc, and compare notes on growing up being bullied, having your arch nemesis kill your family, etc.

You have the chance to give one piece of advice to your teen readers. What would it be?

Love yourself. Respect yourself. Because if you don’t, no one else will.

List 3 of your all time favorite books?

Hunger Games, The Hollow Kingdom, and Eon.

What is your most memorable travel experience?

My high school trip to Washington DC.

What’s the worst job you’ve had?

That’s a toss up between working at the mental institution and flipping burgers.

Where can your readers stalk you?

https://twitter.com/#!/amberargyle
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Amber-Argyle
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4629065.Amber_Argyle
http://www.amberargyle.blogspot.com

The world is changing.

Once, Witch Song controlled everything from the winds to the shifting of the seasons. But not anymore. All the Witches are gone, taken captive by a traitor. All but Brusenna. As the echo of their songs fade, the traitor grows stronger. Now she is coming for Brusenna. Her guardian has sworn to protect her, but even he can't stop the Dark Witch. Somehow, Brusenna has to succeed where every other Witch has failed. Find the traitor. Fight her. Defeat her.

Because if Brusenna doesn't, there won't be anything left to save.

Amber Argyle’s debut novel, Witch Song, is an interesting look into the secret world of witches. Spells, magic, and hexes are all here. The world that Argyle created for these remarkable witches are so vivid and darkly beautiful. Filled with characters that are likable, it’s a formula that will surely hook readers from the first page.

The writing style that Argyle presents in this novel is simply stunning. Whether it is people, events or the setting, she does not leave out any description. The story moved along brilliantly and left no space in between. I love the twist that Argyle incorporated with the witch culture: Spells are casted by singing it. The emotions drawn by the characters are so vibrant that you feel every sensation they go through.

We are treated with a grand adventure with a highly spirited protagonist named Brusenna (Senna), who goes against a nearly unbeatable powerful witch. Along the way, we are introduced to the most fascinating characters. Each of them carried their own personality, whether its liked or not, it produced a great cast of memorable people.

I honestly enjoyed every page of this charming tale. A delight read for anyone who loves to read about the paranormal. It satisfies your thirst for out-of-this-world escapades with characters who continually serves up an endless amount of fun.

You can purchase Witch Song at these following Retailers:

And now, The Giveaways.

Thank you Amber for making this giveaway possible.

1 Winner will receive one Copy of Witch Song
& one Signed Bookmark by Amber Argyle.
3 Winners will receive one Signed Bookmark by Amber Argyle.

George Dalphin Author Interview

2012-02-29T15:00:00.003-08:00

Book Nerd Interview

“George Dalphin is an underground Renaissance Man, a writer, musician, filmmaker, philosopher, and visual artist whose output is as prolific as it is obscure." - The Bollard, 2009.

George Dalphin received a bachelor's degree in Studio Art from Indiana University at the age of 19. While there, he exhibited his artwork in a one-man show at the age of 16 and in the annual, juried Whitewater Regional Art Competition three years in a row, in two of which he had winning pieces.

At 18, he began making electronic music as Headphoneboy, and has thus far produced nine albums of original material as well as twenty-six mix albums of other artists' work uniquely married.

At 19, he began writing feature screenplays with Joe Foster, including X-COM:UFO Defense, Bridges and Tierra Del Fuego, and has written several on his own as well since then, including I Was Jesus and Dracula, which he directed, shot and edited in 2008, Doubting Thomas, which he directed, starred in and edited in 2010, and the scripts for his next two upcoming films: the short sci-fi drama Upload and the feature-length metaphysical anti-romance thriller Nobody. He has also written, directed and edited three films for the 48 Hour Film Project: Don't Be, "Payment"(which was an official selection at the 2010 SNOB Film Festival) andManifest Destiny.

At 24 George completed his first novel, Thirsty & Drowning, which is self-published, and he has just recently finished and released his second novel, the modern-fantasy adventure-comedy Bob Wacszowski, Necromancer.

Recent press about Man-Like Machines:
George Dalphin's Parellel Reality, The Bollard April 2009
Thomas Doubts, Dalphin doesn't, Portland Press Herald, August 2010
What Would You Say To Your Future Self ... naked?, Dispatch Magazine, February 2011
Try Making a Film From Scratch in 48 Hours, Portland Press Herald, June 2011
Filmmaker/Author George Dalphin, Good Day Maine live interview, September 2011

Social Media

Tell us your latest news.

This winter, I’m spending my weekends shooting my next short film: a science-fiction romance about identity-metaphysics, called Upload. The actors I’m working with are really great, and it should be my best-shot work yet, since I’ve recently upgraded my camera equipment. The plan is to edit it this spring and send it out to film festivals later in the year. I’m also expecting to shoot another short film later in the spring and I’m writing the script for what will hopefully be my first feature-length film, another sci-fi piece called Neurophreak.

At the same time, I’ve spent the past few months laying out the plans for my three next novels--Bob Wacszowski, Archlich, a sequel to this novel; Zooville, about a community of people kept in a recreation of their town which is actually an alien zoo, after the Earth has been destroyed; and The Histories: the Complete First Season, in which Herodotus of Halicarnassus is captured from the past in order to commentate a time-travel reality-game-show in the early Twenty-Second Century--all of which compete to be my third.

How would you describe yourself in three words?

Optimistic futurist psychonaut

Where were you born and where do you call home?

I was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and lived there until I was only two, so I don’t remember the place. I spent my childhood in Vermont, but moved back to Indiana when I was nine, at which point I skipped the fifth and sixth grades. I went to the Indiana Academy for Math, Science and the Humanities, a boarding school for gifted students, for high school, and then Indiana University for my painting degree. I now live in Portland, Maine, and call home wherever my wife Annie lives.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

My parents both having been teachers, I always saw that as a backup possibility. I also always knew I wanted to do some form of artistic or creative work, and since I’ve become an adult I’ve realized that I don’t actually need to pick only one medium. As a child I wanted to be a journalist, a game-designer, a National Geographic photographer, an astrophysicist, a philosopher, a painter … but of course I probably didn’t have a realistic sense of any of those jobs. When I was twelve I wrote two early science-fiction novels, and since then I’ve always figured I would write at least a few novels in my life, whatever else I was doing.

Who or what has influenced your writing, and in what way?

I’m very interested in science and history and philosophy - in the Unbelievably Ornate Truth and its many selves’ perspectives. I’m particularly interested in the evolutionary force that has gradually crystallized the universe into this evermore beautiful and complex thing. I’ve invested myself in doing my little part to advance the world of human ideas, since the future course of evolution in our solar system would seem to have everything to do with what humans think. I’m particularly interested in the yet-unexplored corners of humanism, the nature and limits of identity, and the nature of language and the difference that wording makes.

In terms of who--I tend to antisocialize and instead huddle in my imagination around the liminal ideology-fire and see across its flames phantoms of the artists I admire who are not nearby, such as Philip K. Dick, Vladimir Nabokov, Nikos Kazantzakis, Jimi Hendrix, Henry Miller, Jean Michel Basquiat … I feel a sort of tele-camaraderie with them all, as if we share a space psychically.

Beyond your own work (of course), what is your all-time favorite book and why? And what is your favorite book outside of your genre?

It is too tough a decision to designate my very favorite book, so I will name a few. As for genre, I strive to transcend it in my writing; I often find the most interesting among that which is least classifiable.

Ada, or Ardor, by Vladimir Nabokov--the most beautifully-written semi-sci-fi book I’ve ever read, it made me an acolyte of maximalist wording excesses

VALIS, by Philip K. Dick--the most fascinating piece of science-fiction/philosophy I have ever read, it made me start keeping an exegesis and for a long time was the book I was attempting to recreate in a sprawling, excessive, semi-autobiographical novel called The Subtle Physics that I have left dying in bed

Tropic of Cancer, by Henry Miller--a gorgeous prose poem, it gave me the courage to come out as a poeterosexual.

The Odyssey: a Modern Sequel, by Nikos Kazantzakis--the most aesthetically rewarding remix of a fable imaginable, a work of monstrous creativity, it helped developed my pantheistic sense of artistic authorship

The Histories, by Herodotus of Halicarnassus--it’s the most interesting and readable work of non-fiction, peppered with fiction, and every time I read it anymore I simply open it to a random page and am always fascinated and charmed

For those who are unfamiliar with your novel; Bob Wacszowski, Necromancer, how would you introduce it?

It’s the story of a mild-mannered, unemployed, 30-year old ex-janitor named Bob Wacszowski who stumbles across an ancient tome of Atlantean necromancy and decides to make full use of its powers for good, despite the world’s increasingly negative reaction to his expanding army of skeleton minions.

Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book.

Because it is a young, smart and hilarious exploration of the upending of modern America’s expectations.

What were your feelings when your first novel was accepted/when you first saw the cover of the finished product?

Bob Wacszowski, Necromancer is my second novel, so seeing the cover of my first finished novel happened for me back in 2007, when I finally self-published my first novel Thirsty & Drowning. As an artist, I designed the cover artwork myself, and the moment of finally receiving my published, hardcover novel for the first time was a culmination of several years of work and excitement. Certainly, holding your own hardcover novel in your hands, feeling its weight, opening it to a random page, is immensely satisfying for someone who has long imagined being a ‘real’, ‘accepted’ writer. The other side of the question, however--about my novel being ‘accepted’--is an interesting wording and I can’t necessarily say that I’ve experienced it yet. When I first finished Thirsty & Drowning in 2006, I spent over a year sending copies out to publishers and agents to no avail before I finally decided to publish it myself. Beyond the reviews of critics like yourself and my own half-hearted attempts at self-promotion, I’ve yet had no ‘official’ acceptance of my work.

To be perfectly honest, I have mixed feelings of trepidation at ever being officially sanctioned, though deep down I definitely long for the encouragement and to be a more significant part of our larger cultural conversation.

If you could introduce Bob and Tony to any character from another book, who would it be and why?

That is a very interesting question. I can think of a wide variety of hilarious and fascinating possibilities. It’s a tough choice. Since Bob and Tony naturally come with the shock and awe of an army of skeletons, pretty much any situation I consider tends to lead to high jinks. I think Bob and Tony and Raoul Duke and Doctor Gonzo fromFear and Loathing in Las Vegas are a certain type of match, and would probably be the ones most able to actually get along with Bob and his group.

What was your inspiration for your novel?

My good friend and collaborator Joe Foster and I were just having one of our open-ended conversations and the notion came up of a regular guy getting access to unfathomable necromantic powers. We liked the notion that he would be a nice fellow, and particularly make a struggle, against all odds, to remain regular-dude-ish. Really, the initial inspiration was for the story that will be the second novel in this series - Bob Wacszowski, Archlich - and it was originally conceived as an HBO sitcom where Bob, the everyman/lich, tried to manage a skeleton-run hotel-resort while also exploring distant dimensions and having to keep his non-necromancer girlfriend happy. So this first book is essentially the character’s origin story.

What’s one thing that readers would be surprised to find out about Bob?

Bob knows what happens to us when we die. He knows that gravity affects souls, which is why the Underworld is at the center of the physical planet. He also knows that our universe, like all universes that cohere into matter, is a spiritual trap devised by a hyperdimensional cosmic spider-being, who will be back one day to check its trap.

What chapter was the most memorable to write and why?

I knew I was going to finish the novel, and more or less how that would happen, when I was writing the tenth chapter, in which Tony tries to deflect Officer Kierny from checking their basement for skeletons. I finally knew what kind of vibe the story was going to have, and that being funny was my ultimate goal, and in so deciding I ended up having a lot of fun writing that chapter.

What is the single worst distraction that kept you from writing this book?

I wrote this novel over the course of about two years, and while doing so I was also writing and directing several short films. I tend to have several projects in various media going at any given moment, which is a way that I like to work. Also, writing for comedy is hard sometimes, and I wasn’t always in the mood to write for this book even if I had the time. I would usually wait until I had just come up with something that had made me laugh, and I would write as long as I was in that tickled mood.

You have the chance to give one piece of advice to your readers. What would it be?

Please acknowledge the complexity, the details; be accurate. Even atoms are not so simple as we articulate even some people, sometimes, to be. The more accurately you communicate, the closer you are to God (by which I only mean the further you are from Nothingness). Do not confuse current norms for human nature. Let’s suspend disbelief and consider that all one single piece of advice.

Can you share a little of your current work with us?

I just wrote a short story called Sings to Crows. Here are the first three paragraphs:

The fifteenth Dalai Lama, fifty-seventh President of the United States, and seventh Consul of the Free Noösphere, Sings to Crows died today in Turkeyturn, the location of the Oneida Indian Reservation in the New York region of North America where he was born in the year -66.

The lifelong advocate of happiness and Humanity began his life in a world closer in form to the Industrial Age than to our own, before the Noösphere and Emergence, and times were hard in America. Everything was changing - Humanity was beginning to build the first versions of a global network while the old medieval systems of governance and finance around the world inexorably turned from relevant to revenant - and if it hadn’t been for the kind-eyed Oneida boy from Turkeyturn, who knows what our species would have made of itself.

As a spiritual leader, he modernized pre-Emergent Buddhism and managed its reconciliation with the knowledge and practices of Science, following his previous iteration’s efforts in leading the way for the old religions finally to wander out of the dark ages while providing Science language with which to excavate the spiritual. As President of the United States, he took the ultimate risk with the Grand Gesture, deconstructing the American military complex, which over two decades succeeded through example in ridding essentially the entire Earth of its old nationalistic military system. As Consul of the Free Noösphere, he was instrumental in the adoption of the Edict of Freewill and Individuation, setting a precedent for the liberty of individuals of any form from the unwanted influence of metamind conglomerates, without which legislation there would likely not be biological life left in the solar system.

What question are you never asked in interviews but wish you were?

I’m new at being interviewed, so I’m not really sure how to answer this question. I would love to have rigorous conversations about metaphysics and philosophy and the future.

When asked, what’s the one question you always answer with a lie?

Everything I say is a lie.

Which author would you love to co-author a book with?

Pliny the Elder. I love the idea of doing ancient science, both physical and theoretical.

If you could have written one book in history, what book would that be?

I’m trying to consider all the various reasons why I might wish that it had been I that had written a certain historical book, and not its original author, and all that surrounds that change in the timeline. Like, did I quantum-leap into the author’s body during the period of the writing, though I’m still who I am, or was I that person in a previous life, or did that book’s authorship have to wait until I was around? Either way considering that writing a book equates to the process of shoveling through rooms full of all the thoughts involved in said book, I would like to have gone through the mental process of whatever it took to write the (Philosophiae Naturalis) Principia (Mathematica), within the full context and lack of precedent that it was actually written.

If you could be any mythology creature, what would you be?

I would unquestionably be a manticore, with the body of a lion, the tail of a scorpion and a human face. In fact I actually am just a tailless manticore with a weirdly human body.

Favorite places to travel?

I backpacked through Europe in the summer of 2001, and was an exchange student in Rome in 1994, when I was 13. I miss the age of Europe, by which I mean the oldness. But, really, Mars is my favorite place to travel. I’ve not been yet, though.

Do you have any fun Halloween experiences you can tell us?

I do not experience Halloween.

What do you normally eat for breakfast?

I normally don’t eat until the afternoon, and more often than not the first thing I eat is a bowl of raisin bran. Out and about, I’ll usually get the biscuits and gravy, if it’s available.

What was a time in your life when you were really scared?

More or less between the ages of nine and twenty-two or so I was existentially scared in a menagerie of nihilistic/agnostic/heretical-theological ways, but now I am relatively certain that there is not nothing, and that I am not the second coming of Christ, and I have a Great Love in my life, so I’m not particularly scared of anything anymore. If you want knee-jerk, chemical-response type fear, then once when I was young there was a huge spider in my canoe.

If you could trade places with any other person for a week, famous or not famous, living or dead, real or fictional. with whom would it be?

Considering that we would be trading places, I have to consider whom I’m bringing into my wife’s life for a week as well as whose life I’d want to fill. In that case, I will say - Salvador Dali.

Where can your readers stalk you?

I maintain a website - http://www.man-likemachines.com - where the vast majority of my work is available, mostly for free, including my novels, short films, albums of music as Headphoneboy, visual artwork and more.

I also have just started back up keeping a blog - http://art-enlightenment-thefuture.blogspot.com/ - about my experiences, thoughts and processes as a working independent author/artist/filmmaker/musician

Bob Wacszowski, Necromancer is the harrowing and hilarious tale of a regular guy who stumbles across an ancient tome of Atlantean necromancy and decides to make full use of his new powers for good, despite the world's increasingly negative reaction to his expanding army of skeletal minions.

On his way home from being broken up with by his girlfriend Anna for the nth time, mild-mannered, unemployed janitor Bob Wacszowski stumbles into an undeground chamber where he finds a huge, leathery codex of ancient death magic. After he and his best friend Tony use it to animate and command a graveyard full of skeletons, Bob becomes determined to use the magic to make a living for himself, while also proving to Anna that he can be a force for good in the world. Unfortunately, Bob lives in the heartland of America, and despite his assurances of goodwill he finds much difficulty convincing his countrymen that he is not the Antichrist and that it is not the End Times.

Bob Wacszowski, Necromancer tackles a range of topics from contemporary American politics and culture to religion and metaphysics, all with a modern comedic voice.

George Dalphin’s Bob Wacszowski, Necromancer is about a regular guy who suddenly discovers that he can raise the dead. His newfound talent makes him a target of fright and frenzy. But really, he just wants to prove to his girlfriend that he is worthy, strong, and independent. He finds himself strengthening his confidence while his own principles are stirred.

The novel touches several sensitive subjects, specifically religion. It begs to differ that religious leaders may not have all the answers or not have anything at all. Dalphin then goes on to the idea that these leaders may hold the answers to the greatest questions in life. However, the answers are willfully withheld from society in fear of losing their top power.

The writing style used in Bob Wacszowski, Necromancer was unique and without a doubt, amazing. The characters presented in this book are remarkable and unforgettable. I love a book that generates a lot of questions. It make room for my imagination to explore and run wild. Dalphin has put out a well thought out book that will make its readers ask the “what ifs” in life. There are moments that will make you laugh out hysterically and moments that are serious. It’s a roller-coaster ride of emotions. A highly recommended read if you are looking for something fun and quirky.

You can purchase Bob Wacszowski, Necromancer at these following Retailers:

And now, The Giveaways.

Thank you George for making this giveaway possible.

2 Winners will receive one Signed Copy of Bob Wacszowski, Necromancer by George Dalphin.

Kenneth Weene Author Interview & Dreaming of Books Hop

2012-02-28T13:50:00.005-08:00

BookNerd Interview

Dreaming of Books Hop

Co-Hosted by Jinky is Reading

Book Nerd Interview

Kenneth Weene is a New Englander by birth and disposition. He grew up outside of Boston and spent his summers in Maine. Although he lived for many years in New York and now resides in Arizona, Ken has never lost his accent nor his love of the northeast.

Having gone to Princeton, where he studied economics, Ken went on to train as a psychologist and to become an ordained minister. Over the years he has worked as an educator, pastoral counselor, and psychotherapist.

Married to Roz Weene, artist and jewelry creator, for over forty years, Ken is a strong believer in the joy of love.

Kens writing started with poetry, and his poetic work has appeared in numerous publications most recently featured in Sol and publication in Spirits, and Vox Poetica.

An anthology of Kens writings, Songs for my Father, was published by Inkwell Productions in 2002. His short stories have appeared in Legendary, Sex and Murder Magazine, The New Flesh Magazine, and The Santa Fe Literary Review.

In 2009 a novel, Widows Walk, was published by All Things That Matter Press. All Things, which has also just published Kens second novel, Memoirs From the Asylum.

Social Media

Tell me a bit about yourself. Where were you born and where do you call home?

I’m a New Englander through and through. I grew up in Massachusetts and Maine. Even though I spent almost my entire working life in New York, I still feel that Down East connection. Now, however, I enjoy the dry heat of Phoenix, Arizona.

Tell us your latest news.

At my age one avoids the latest news as it may be ones own obituary. However, I can share that I’ve been working on a movie script; it is for claymation or animation and is for kids. Lots of songs and animals and elves. I’m also researching a new novel, Red and White, reflecting some of the Native American experience at the beginning of the twentieth century.

What’s one thing that readers would be surprised to find out about you?

My wife says most people would be surprised that I’m actually so easygoing and conventional. My writing would belie that, but she’s right. The worlds I create and the characters I birth are not very like me. Now Santa Clause, maybe.

How long have you been writing?

About twenty years ago I started writing poetry. However the more serious side of my efforts began about ten years ago, when we moved to Arizona. Without a busy practice as a psychologist, I had the time to pursue the career that I had always wanted as a kid, being a novelist.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

Steinbeck influenced by social sensibility. Conrad helped me to understand the glory of language. Vonnegut put the use of humor and absurdity into perspective.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

Three have been published: Widow’s Walk, Memoirs From the Asylum, and Tales From the Dew Drop Inne. Of those my favorite is Memoirs because it helped me to deal with a long-standing trauma, the suicide of my cousin and closest friend. I always say that it took over forty years for that book to be written.

There are two other novels written. Times to Try the Soul of Man is a coming of age/conspiracy theory novel which is at my agent. It will need a special publisher – one willing to go with some facts that are a bit uncomfortable. The Stylite is written; I finished it at the Writers’ Colony at Dairy Hollow, which is in Arkansas, this past fall. Now it is being edited, which is no small process in good writing. It is unquestionably the most interesting from a writing and style perspective.

For those who are unfamiliar with your novel; Tales From the Dew Drop Inne, how would you introduce it?

Set in a small bar in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Tales From the Dew Drop Inne tells the collective stories of the people who make the place their home - people who have not fallen off the social ladder but who are hanging on desperately at the bottom.

It is a tale full of emotion, pathos, and humor. I hope it will leave readers laughing through their tears.

Where did you get the idea to do a collection of short stories instead of a full-length novel?

The idea of interconnected stories that form an organic novel came to me after I read a book published by my current publisher, All Things That Matter Press. It was a series of mystery stories with a common thread that the entire series of stories brings into clarity. I liked the format. Then I wrote the first chapter as a stand-alone short. A friend, also from All Things That Matter, asked me to write a piece of flash, and I figured that I would use the same setting and characters. With two great stories as a start, the book simply took off.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in writing Tales From the Dew Drop Inne?

I did a lot of it in a writing group to which I belong. I had never realized how much people enjoyed my writing – especially my use of humor. Seriously, it was not just a great ego boost but also writing and sharing Dew Drop with that group helped me to see another side of my writing. Until then I had not appreciated my own dark and often ironic humor.

What chapter was the most memorable to write and why?

In Tales From the Dew Drop Inne there are a number of outstanding chapters, chapters that still evoke strong emotions in me. Certainly Chapter 6, Picnic, is one of the most powerful. The sheer humanity of the characters, the pathos of those who have nothing but still manage to care for one another. I just cannot get the images of Cal and Ephraim sharing what little they have with Lucile and her ragtag children out of my thoughts.

Then there is In the Army. Who doesn’t feel for the veteran who has given his mind for his country? You can hear me read that short chapter at http://soundcloud.com/kenneth-weene/in-the-army

How did you come up with the title and cover design?

Publishers usually design book covers. However, hard as they tried, the folks at All Things That Matter Press couldn’t come up with a good cover for Tales From the Dew Drop Inne. Then my wife and I tried. She is an excellent photographer and artist, but still no go.

Then my wife suggested I go on line and look for suitable drawings to use. I found a couple and wrote to the artists. Maggie Evans was kind enough to not only write back but, having checked out my writing a bit, also give me permission to use her drawing. What you can’s appreciate on-line is that the drawing provides an excellent wraparound cover. It is the first such cover that All Things has used, but I think given its great appearance that they will do more of those in the future.

Do you read all the reviews of your book/books?

Honestly not. If someone sends me one or I get a link to a site, yes. However, searching them out is not my thing. While I want people to love my writing and want to learn from informed criticism, working on the next project and the unending marketing that authors must do are more important activities than reading reviews.

What was the greatest thing you learned at school?

I assume you mean as a writer. I didn’t learn much about writing in school. I read a lot, but most of it was not part of the curriculum. I did attend one writers’ workshop with Ron Rash. It was a week long. Ron told me that my characters had to have enough good in them that readers would want to know about them, would want to read their stories. I think that was very helpful as I began to think more about creating better-rounded characters. I think you can see that in the wonderful characters whose stories play out in the pages of Tales From the Dew Drop Inne. They really are people whose stories you will want to know.

When asked, what’s the one question you always answer with a lie?

I try to not lie. I simply convince myself that everything I say is true. More importantly, there is often more truth in fiction than in nonfiction, more to learn from imagination than from reality.

What question are you never asked in interviews but wish you were?

Nobody ever asks how I learned to love to read. I have to say that is a good story. I asked my father where babies came from. He, as he usually did, said he was too busy to tell me. Since it was clear that I wasn’t going to get the information from him, I decided to read my uncle’s medical books. He was in the army and many of his books were stored in our attic. They were beautiful books, with great transparency overlays, something extraordinary in those days.

I worked very hard to learn the alphabet and started sounding our words. I was good at it, very good. The problem was that those wonderful books were written in Latin; so all my reading did little good in my quest.

I must add that I got married at age twenty-seven. Two days before my wedding, my father asked if I wanted to know about sex. Obviously he was a bit late.

What book are you reading now?

I’m working on my new novel Red and White so I am reading a lot about Native Americans. Right now I am reading Education For Extinction, a history of the “Indian Schools.” I am trying to stay away from reading for pleasure until the research is nearly finished.

What is your favorite Quote?

There is so much good in the worst of us and so much bad in the best of us that it ill behooves any of us to find fault with the rest of us.

I frequently have to remind myself of that quote, which I memorized as a schoolboy. When I find myself being overly nasty, I repeat it ten times, like a good non-Catholic doing penance.

What is a movie or TV show that you watched recently and really enjoyed?

Actually I’ll mention a stage play, 9 Circles by Bill Cain. Performed by a small local company in Phoenix, it blew me away.

Do you have any fun Halloween experiences you can tell us?

Think about my last name. I tell people that Halloween is my family holiday, that it started when the Weene’s left Transylvania and the people ran out into the street yelling, “Hallelujah, hallelujah, the Weenes are gone.” Yes, my father’s family did come from Transylvania.

My personal favorite holiday is Groundhog Day because it just keeps on coming around. However, Sal, the barkeep in Tales From the Dew Drop Inne goes with Buddha’s birthday. I’ll let you read the book to find out why.

Where can readers stalk you?

I’m on Facebook, and the only Kenneth Weene so searching for me is very easy. I accept as many friend requests as I get unless it is clearly somebody who is looking for sexual thrills – my wife wouldn’t mind but I really don’t have the energy at this point – or someone who is a spam artist. I actually interact with my Facebook friends.

I’m also on Twitter @Ken_Weene.

Tales from the Dew Drop Inne" reads like a darkly humorous sitcom. The tone is both heartfelt and deliciously irreverent, showing that one does not need to hate humanity to appreciate the humor of life. Here are tales of drifters, alcoholics, religious renegades, veterans, and drag queens set in pub that is at once a confessional, a circus, and a psychiatric hospital.

--Marina Julia Neary, author of Martyrs & Traitors: a Tale of 1916

Tales from the Dew Drop Inne by Kenneth Weene certainly had its dark and comical side. It will grab your attention from the first story all the way to the last. Each story is jam-packed of surprises with characters that are unique and full of personalities. The tales follow the lives of veterans, alcoholics, drag queens, drifters, and religious rebels. Weene provides a great insight into the psychological minds of these exceptional characters but manages to do it in an entertaining way.

The tales within this book are something that at one time, we all can relate to. Each one was intriguing and held my interest with every turn of the page. I really like to think that there is such a place called The Dew Drop Inne. With each word in the book, I wanted to know more about the patrons of this local bar. I found myself loving some and others I could care less but it made the reading that much more fun.

I like books that stop me on my tracks just to scratch my head and think and Weene had me scratching my head many times. It is a fun read and an exceptionally well-written compilation of tales.

You can purchase Tales from the Drew Drop Inne at these following Retailers:

Ken's Other Published Novel

And now, The Giveaways.

Thank you Kenneth for making this giveaway possible.

1 Winner will receive one Signed Copy of Tales from the Dew Drop Inne (US Only), one e-book of Tales from the Dew Drop Inne (INT) by Kenneth Weene.

Click >>>>HERE<<<< for the rest of the Hop.

Best Selling Lauren Oliver Author Interview

2012-02-27T15:02:00.004-08:00

Book Nerd Interview

I was born in Queens and raised in Westchester, New York, in a small town very similar to the one depicted in Before I Fall. My parents are both literature professors, and from a very early age, my sister and I were encouraged to make up stories, draw, paint, dance around in costumes, and essentially spend much of our time living imaginatively. Our house was old and full of art and towers and towers of books, and that’s still the kind of house I like best.

I started writing as a way of extending my love of reading; when I read a book I loved, I would continue to write sequels for it (I was inadvertently a fan fic writer, before “fan fiction” was even a term!). Later on, I began working on my own stories, and keeping company with a lot of imaginary friends.

I pursued literature and philosophy at the University of Chicago, and then moved back to New York to attend NYU’s MFA program in creative writing. I simultaneously began working at Penguin Books, in a young adult division called Razorbill, and while there, I started work on Before I Fall. I left in 2009 to pursue writing full-time, and now I happily work in my pajamas every day.

I have a variety of interests apart from writing, including reading, cooking, traveling, dancing, running, and making up weird songs. Some of my favorite things are: being cozy; fires; autumn; fuzzy slippers; very high heels; great wine; dark chocolate; ketchup; pasta. Things I hate: practical shoes, liars, and bananas. I live in Brooklyn, New York, with my best friend and fiancé, Michael.

Social Media

Tell us your latest news.

Well, I'm very excited because PANDEMONIUM, my newest book and the sequel toDelirium, comes out in exactly a week! I'm about to embark on an international tour, too, which is very exciting. I'm also busy planning my wedding.

How would you describe yourself in three words?

Disciplined, passionate, fun.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I wanted to be a ballet dancer for a very long time; but I also always knew that I would try and write novels.

Who or what has influenced your writing, and in what way?

My father was a great influence on me. He, too, is a writer, and although he writes nonfiction, his work ethic and his great love of reading have been continued inspirations.

What was your first introduction to YA literature, the one that made you choose that genre to write?

I didn't choose it so much as stumble into it; I got a job working as a YA editor at Penguin, and because my reading shifted so substantially, I think my influences began to shift as well. I liked the idea of untangling some of the themes (such as love, partnership, identity) that predominate YA lit.

How many books have you written?

Well, I've written a few books that have never been published and never will be published! But I just completed my sixth (publishable) book.

For those who are unfamiliar with your series, Delirium, how would you introduce it?

Delirium is about a world in which love has been declared a contagious disease, and scientists have figured out how to cure it. It's big and epic and scary and romantic!

How did you come up with the title and cover design?

Actually, it's a common misconception that authors actually design their own covers. We don't! I have the wonderful art directors at HarperCollins, my publisher, to thank for that. :) Delirium, the title, springs from the name of the "disease" of love: amor deliria nervosa. The other two books in the series, Pandemonium and Requiem, were actually named by my bloggers and fans!

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating the Delirium Series?

I got very tired of my characters after living with them for so many years. But then I really missed them, and found it very difficult to start a new project!

What’s one thing that readers would be surprised to find out about Alex?

He often wears the same pair of socks two or three days in a row. :/ It's gross, but he lived in the Wilds for a long time and is used to conserving!

What is the single worst distraction that kept you from writing this book?

I was writing Delirium while touring for and promoting Before I Fall, so it was difficult to juggle both tasks.

Who is your favorite character in this book, and why?

Well, I love Lena, of course--it's important to connect with your main character! But I'm also a big fan of Hana, even though she's a difficult character, in some ways. I recently wrote an e-short story entirely in Hana's POV, and I really enjoyed it.

What was your inspiration for the series?

The idea for DELIRIUM came from an essay I read by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, in which he wrote that all great books were about love or death. The next day I was thinking about that quote--particularly about how and in what form a modern love story could be told--while I was on the treadmill at the gym. I was simultaneously watching a news story about a flu outbreak that had everyone freaking out about the possibility of a pandemic, and I was kind of marveling that people so easily go into panics about reports of these diseases, and at some point the two trains of thought--love, and disease--just sort of combined in my head.

Beyond your own work (of course), what is your all-time favorite book and why? And what is your favorite book outside of your genre?

I have so many favorite books, in a variety of genres! I love Roald Dahl and Phillip Pullman; I devoured Agatha Christie as a child; I love Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Ian McEwan and F Scott Fitzgerald and Virginia Woolf. But everything I've ever read has influenced me in some way.

Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published.

Everything about being published is rewarding! I love being able to connect with my fans, and I love being able to do what I love for a living. I feel hugely blessed.

Any recent appearances that you would like to share with us about/any upcoming ones?

I'm soon embarking on a long tour to promote Pandemonium--I'm even heading to Australia and the Philippines! Please
check out www.laurenoliverbooks.blogspot.com for details.

When asked, what’s the one question you always answer with a lie?

Yikes. There are probably a lot of them, depending on the context!

What are 4 things you never leave home without?

Phone, chapstick, keys (hopefully), and something to read.

Where and when do you prefer to do your writing?

I prefer to do my writing in the morning, at home at my dining room table. But I travel a lot, and more often than not am forced to write on my blackberry, or in the back of a car, or on a plane!

What is your favorite food?
Pasta, pasta, pasta.

Who was your first boyfriend?

This guy Jay who got fired from Starbucks for stealing from the register. Whoops!

Which author would you love to co-author a book with?
Um, JK Rowling. Please.

If I came to your house and looked in your closet/attic/basement, what’s the one thing that would surprise me the most?

Either how disorganized I am, or the fact that my books have been published in a whole lot of countries! That still surprises ME every day.

Where can your readers stalk you?
Twitter: @OliverBooks
Web: www.laurenoliverbooks.com
FB: Lauren Oliver Books
See you there!

Love. The deadliest of all deadly things: It kills you both when you have it and when you don’t.

In Lauren Oliver’s stunning second novel, love has been declared a dangerous disease, and the government forces everyone who reaches eighteen to have a procedure called the cure. Lena Haloway is very much looking forward to being cured and living a safe, predictable life. But then she meets enigmatic Alex, who lives under the government’s radar. What will happen if they do the unthinkable and fall in love?

Lauren Oliver follows up her incandescent debut, the New York Times bestseller Before I Fall, with this extraordinary novel about a high-stakes romance set in a dystopian United States. Delirium presents a world as terrifying as The Hunger Games and a romance as true as Romeo and Juliet.

Delirium was one of my favorites in 2011. Imagine a world where love is deemed illegal? I couldn’t even phantom the idea but that’s exactly the world Lena lives in. What’s worst, at age 18, each person receives an operation that prevents them from feeling love. The government then pairs them up with a spouse spending the remainder of their life in an unfeeling stillness.

Lauren Oliver’s creation of a world where true feelings are not allowed presented a lot of interesting concepts about how humans feel towards one another. The plot is simply amazing and truly a unique idea. Oliver’s descriptive writing of the people, environment and scenery were completely fleshed out that it was so easy to visualize everything that was described. Lena, Hana and the other characters were intricate and convincing.

The book contained a lot of action and each one was thrilling. Oliver sure had a surprise for us in the end. It was a cliffhanger that I have not experienced in a long time. It was remarkable having an internal experience of a dystopian society who has outlawed love. I am fully satisfied with this book despite having that cliffhanger. It just adds more suspense and anticipation for the upcoming sequel.

You can purchase Dilirium at these following Retailers:

Available February 28, 2012

I’m pushing aside the memory of my nightmare,
pushing aside thoughts of Alex,
pushing aside thoughts of Hana and my old school,
push,
push,
push,
like Raven taught me to do.
The old life is dead.
But the old Lena is dead too.
I buried her.
I left her beyond a fence,
behind a wall of smoke and ?ame.

Lauren Oliver delivers an electrifying follow-up to her acclaimed New York Times bestseller, Delirium. This riveting, brilliant novel crackles with the fire of fierce defiance, forbidden romance, and the sparks of a revolution about to ignite.

And now, The Giveaways.

Thank you Lauren for making this giveaway possible.

1 Winner will receive one Signed Copy of Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver.
1 Winner will receive one Copy of Delirium & Signed Bookplate by Lauren Oliver.

Janiera Eldridge Author Interview

2012-02-27T14:01:00.003-08:00

Book Nerd Interview

I'm 20 years old and not always sure where I want to go in life all I know is that I love to write! I've worked as a freelance writer for the past 2 years which mixes what I love to do with something I have to do, work! I write entertainment news when I'm not reading or studying at Entertainmentparadise.net.

Even though my first book is non-fiction my next book will be fiction. There are a lot of crazy characters in my head just dying to get out! I'm a reading and movie addict and nothing makes me happier than a good book or movie (except for the love of my wonderful family). I'm currently pursuing a business management degree although my dreams to make a career writing will never fade.

Social Media

Tell me a bit about yourself.

I’m a 20-year old writer who just realized college really, really wasn’t for me. I also own a book tour company named Fierce Reading Virtual Book Tours, running this website and writing is where my passion lies. I’m also a book blogger and a self proclaimed book addict.

Tell us your latest news.

My book company Fierce Reading Virtual Book Tours is starting to do really well. I love being able to provide a place for authors to have fun and affordable options to promote their books. I’m also in the editing phase for my first urban fantasy novel Soul Sisters. Which is about two twin sisters: one who is a human and one who is a vampire.

What inspired you to pen your first novel?

I was inspired to write this non-fiction read because my family was really affected by the economic crisis and we had to get real creative in order to have some fun. I learned some really great tips over the last few years and knew that I had to share them so, I wrote this book.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I really cannot think of when exactly I knew I wanted to be a writer. I flirted with it a lot in high school writing poetry. Since I developed Fibromyalgia writing has really been a great blessing and outlet for me.

Who or what has influenced your writing, and in what way?

The financial analyst Clark Howard. He has amazing money advice that everyone can use and he never talks down to people. He was a big inspiration for my book.

Beyond your own work (of course), what is your all-time favorite book and why? And what is your favorite book outside of your genre?

My all time favorite book which I read just last year is The Help. It’s brilliantly written from 3 different POV’s. The story is a great display of what it is like to truly be human and love each other.

For those who are unfamiliar with your novel; Having Fun While Saving Money, how would you introduce it?

Having Fun While Saving Money is all about the ways you can have using little to no money at all. It never talks down to you but always keeps you having fun.

Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book.

Because it is going to save you a lot of money, need I say more?

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in writing your book?

How fun it is to make a rice crispy treat!

What was your inspiration for writing Having Fun While Saving Money?

Not having a lot of money when the economy was going to hell…..

What is the single worst distraction that kept you from writing this book?

My favorite show American Horror Story.

Why do you feel you had to tell this story?

It is really hard to have a good time when funds are limited. I really felt the need to share my ways of having fun with little money with others to help them smile a little bit more.

You have the chance to give one piece of advice to your readers. What would it be?

Honestly, no matter what is going on in your life there is always a better tomorrow.

What question are you never asked in interviews but wish you were?

If I’m writing out of passion or for money.

When asked, what’s the one question you always answer with a lie?

How much I weight!

Which author would you love to co-author a book with?

Stephanie Meyers she is such a sweet heart and I’m a huge twilight fan.

What do you normally eat for breakfast?

Eggs, bacon and tater tots…I’m pretty boring, yeah.

What are 4 things you never leave home without?

Lip gloss, mascara, wallet and my celly

Where and when do you prefer to do your writing?

On the couch or in my bed. Unfortunately, never at the beautiful desk my parents spent money on.

What is a movie or TV show that you watched recently and really enjoyed?

Hell on Wheels. Anson Mount is a great actor and pretty sexy but yeah, it’s a kick ass western.

Where can your readers stalk you?

I’m on my twitter the most and ya’ll can reach more on my book blog. I love all my stalkers lol

A book packed with ways for you to have fun with your family, friends or by yourself without spending a lot of money. It even gives you ways to have fun and make some money while you do it! There are no get rich quick schemes, just ways to have fun and earn rewards while doing it!You also will keep plenty of money in your wallet along the way!

What is so amazing about Having Fun While Saving Money by Janiera Eldridge is that she is a fellow blogger. Just like what the title suggests, she shares modern ways to amuse ourselves for less with social media and ebooks. This guide reminds us that we should always enjoy the simplest pleasures in life. Even activities of yesteryears that produce a lot of entertainment without breaking the bank like movie night at home.

There are many suggestions in this book that are easy to follow. Eldridge’s writing style was straightforward and you can immediately put her guide into practice. With the state of the economy and most people living on a budget, this is a great read to stretch out your dollars.

A quick read that is full of wonderful ideas for entertainment. It basically pays for itself. It lists four reward programs that Eldridge uses that are proven to work. It provides a great guide for anyone looking for ways to have fun and save money.

You can purchase Having Fun While Saving Money at these following Retailers:

And now, The Giveaways.

Thank you Janiera for making this giveaway possible.

2 Winners will receive one Copy of

Having Fun While Saving Money by Janiera Eldridge.

NYT Best Selling Author Melissa Marr

2012-02-24T10:26:00.002-08:00

Book Nerd Interview

Melissa Marr grew up believing in faeries, ghosts, and various other creatures. After teaching college literature for a decade, she applied her fascination with folklore to writing. Wicked Lovely was her first novel. Currently, Marr lives in the Washington, D.C., area, writes full-time, and still believes in faeries and ghosts.

Social Media

What’s one thing that readers would be surprised to find out about you?

If they follow my Twitter or FB page, they probably wouldn’t be surprised by anything. I’m pretty wide-open with my readers. The one thing a couple readers have commented on in person was that they didn’t expect me to be so short. I’m 5’2” (which is a fabulous height, IMO!)

What was your first introduction to YA literature, the one that made you choose that genre to write?

I don’t read OR write in any particular genre. I love everything from classic lit to SFF or romances. Likewise, I simply write. I think focus on genre is too akin to self-imposing limits. I dislike limits.

I have YA books (the Wicked Lovely series & the upcoming Carnival of Souls), but I had an adult release in 2011 (Graveminder), an anthology I co-edited with Kelley Armstrong (Enthralled; 2011), a collection of my short stories (Faery Tales & Nightmares; 21 Feb 2012), a manga series (Desert Tales; 2009-2011), and an upcoming children’s series with Kelley (The Blackwell Pages; 2013).

What was the greatest thing you learned at school?

I always fail at the superlative questions. I’m simply not an –est fan. Experiences are so vast that choosing any one as the best/favourite/most/least feels too limiting to me. I loved school. Even in the depths of my party stages or years of exceedingly bad choices, learning was one of the things that I clung to. It still is. Life, IMO, is about learning—both in classrooms and in the world at large. I crave new information and experiences and have an ever-expanding list of things I’d like to try/know/see.

If you could introduce one of your characters to any character from another book, who would it be and why?

I wouldn’t. Every change in a text has ripples, and I’m not good with even pondering ripples in someone else’s text. I’m okay with fanfiction because it’s a fun “what if” exercise, but I reallllly dislike when people mess with other folks’ books (the whole “just add monsters” to classics). I taught classic lit for twelve years, so the appropriation of or interference with other authors’ texts sends me into rants.

Can you share a little of your current work with us?

All I’m allowed to share right now is that Carnival of Souls releases 4 September 2012. The only real info my publisher has put out there is what it says in the Publisher’s Weekly Preview—the book is “about three teens forging their own destinies in the daimon dimension” (http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-book-news/article/50717-fall-2012-sneak-previews.html)

What was a time in your life when you were really scared?

In chronological order-- when my son broke his arm, when my spouse was overseas for OIF (back before there was regular email/phone contact), when my mother was in the cardiac unit, when my daughter texted from China “just saw a dead body in the river,” when my father had a heart attack . . . They’re all fine, but almost every fear in my life is tied to those I love.

If I came to your house and looked in your closet/attic/basement, what’s the one thing that would surprise me the most?

There’s nothing of note in my basement or attic. Until 3 years ago, we were a Marine Corps family. That means we donated or discarded everything we didn’t need (& in some of my moods, I discarded things we did need too). I’ve kept a few things—a few baby clothes and picturebooks, letters from my husband when he was deployed—but for the most part if I could get rid of it, I will.

My closet . . . the most unusual thing there is my shoe collection. I love shoes and boots, so there are far too many of them in there.

What are 4 things you never leave home without?

iPhone, ID, money, water. I’m pretty practical on this front. I’m not a make-up person, but I require music/note taking/snapshot taking so my iPhone is my all around writer-and-living tool. I have book notes, photos, & playlists on it. I’m strict on making sure I have hydration, & I’m picky about my water because I drink so much of it. I like a high silica content (Volvic or Fiji) because it feels better (smoother). It sounds silly, but if I don’t have my water, I end up drinking things like juice or soda instead. So I carry my water everywhere.

You have the chance to give one piece of advice to your teen readers. What would it be?

Being a writer requires living a full life. Try new things (with appropriate safety measures in place!). You can’t write if you don’t experience life. Keep your phone/notebook with you to jot down notes. Keep a camera (or phone) in hand to snap images you might use later. Talk to people; try foods or films or exhibits you might not usually; read/see/listen to things you wouldn’t normally. It’s in the widely lived life that I discover new stories & characters.

Dangerous promises and beguiling threats swirl together in a dozen stories of enchantments, dark and light, by New York Times bestselling author Melissa Marr. Uncanny and unexpected creatures appear from behind bushes, rise from under the seas, or manifest from seasonal storms to pursue the objects of their attention—with amorous or sinister intent—relentlessly.

From the gentle tones of a story-teller’s cadences to the terror of a blood sacrifice, tales of favorite characters from Marr’s Wicked Lovely novels mix with accounts of new characters for readers to fall in love with . . . or to fear.

We all know how captivating Melissa Marr’s books are. So when I found out that she would be releasing a collection of short stories, I was more than eager to get my hands on it. Faery Tales & Nightmares is compiled of twelve short stories, half of which follow the characters from Marr’s Wicked Lovely series.

I am a sucker for anything with the name Melissa Marr attached to it. The Wicked Lovely Series and Graveminder are all in my list of favorite reads. This compilation of short stories was like a treat for a fan like me. It offered sights of adored characters such as Irial, Nial, Seth, Devlin, Ani, and others. I really miss these remarkable people and it was a treat to have them back, even if it was for a short time.

The Summer King, Love Struck, Old Habits, Winter’s Kiss, and The Sleeping Girl were among my favorites in this assemblage. These short literary works of fiction were full of riveting emotions and truly original. I have to say that Faery Tales & Nightmares was beautifully put together and each story held its own. The vibrant descriptions that Marr incorporate in her writing are just one of the reasons I love her works. Even with short stories, Marr always manages to take her readers to new levels like no other.

You can purchase Faery Tales & Nightmares at these following Retailers:

Wicked Lovely Series by Melissa Marr

Melissa & I at The Kepler's Event. She is as amazing as she is a writer.

Fellow Book Nerd Courtney

And now, The Giveaways.

Thank you Melissa for making this giveaway possible.

1 Winner will receive one Signed Copy of Faery Tales & Nightmares
(this can be personalized) by Melissa Marr.

Brea Essex Author Interview

2012-02-23T22:34:00.003-08:00

Book Nerd Interview

Brea Essex was born Gilroy, California, called the “Garlic Capital of the World”. She graduated college with a degree in Medical Assisting. She lives near San Jose, California with her husband, their dog, three cats, and enough books to start a library.

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Tell me a bit about yourself.

I'm 30, and I live in the Bay Area of California. I have three cats and a very fluffy dog.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I changed my mind a million times. First I wanted to be a veterinarian. Then I wanted to write. I actually wanted to act for a while. I obviously eventually returned to writing.

Where were you born and where do you call home?

I was born in Gilroy, CA. It's called “The Garlic Capitol of the World”. They are well-known for their garlic products, and also their yearly Garlic Festival. I suppose I would call San Jose, CA “home”. I've lived in the area for a long time.

What inspired you to pen your first novel?

I've been writing for as long as I can remember. I had never finished anything. I had actually given up on the idea of writing. Then, my husband and I moved several hours away from our family and friends. I couldn't find a job, so I started writing again. Several months later, I fractured my foot and was stuck in bed. I had nothing to do but write. When I first got the idea for Foreshadow, I just knew it had to be set in Capitola, CA. It's always been one of my favorite towns.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

Finishing. It's usually easy to start, the middle isn't too bad, but finishing? It always seems to take me forever.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

It was Jennifer Roberson who really inspired me to write. She's a fantasy author, not YA, but she's been my favorite author for a very long time. Her writing continues to inspire me and I hope to one day write as well as she does.

For those who are unfamiliar with your novel; Foreshadow, how would you introduce it?

Foreshadow is about a girl who loses her mother, and has to move to another state to live with her mother's friend and her family. Once there, she meets two boys: one who is a fallen angel—or devil, as he calls himself—and likely wants to kill her, and another who is her guardian angel.

Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book.

Because my characters are real and relatable.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating Foreshadow?

That I could actually finish writing a full-length book! Actually, one of the most surprising things I learned was that there is an old quicksilver mine in the same town I live in. It closed down several years before I was born, and I had no idea there was anything like that here!

If you could introduce Rae to any character from another book, who would it be and why?

I think I'd introduce her to Rose from the Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead. Rose could teach Rae how to fight. Although, they both have somewhat short tempers. They might end up screaming at each other.

What’s one thing that readers would be surprised to find out about Andrei?

There's definitely a lot more to Andrei than he shows. He has a lot of secrets. You'll have to read book two, Overshadow, and book three, Queen of Shadows, to really understand Andrei. His motivations and actions change a lot over the series. However, surprising...Andrei says in Foreshadow that he used to play piano “all the time”. What he doesn't say is that he's classically trained. His favorite song to play is Beethoven's “Moonlight Sonata”.

What is the single worst distraction that kept you from writing this book?

School. Not that going to school is a bad thing, but I had a hard time writing while I was trying to focus on papers and studying. I did the majority of my writing when I was on breaks.

Who is your favorite character in this book, and why?

I've been saying Father Matthias, because he comes across as a little crazy. However, I just finished writing Overshadow, Foreshadow's sequel. I have to say, I'm really enjoying writing Andrei. He's so unpredictable. Even I don't know what he's going to do or say sometimes.

Why do you feel you had to tell this story?

When I was younger, my dad always wanted me to read books with strong female characters. I wanted to give other young women a strong female character to read about. Rae is flawed and far from perfect, but she's strong.

You have the chance to give one piece of advice to your readers. What would it be?

Don't give up on your dreams. Even if people tell you they will never come true, don't listen to them. I spent a lot of years listening to all those people who told me that I could never make it as an author, and that I needed a “real job”. I can't imagine how much further I might be today if I hadn't listened to them.

What question are you never asked in interviews but wish you were?

I've never been asked why I chose to write YA books. I chose YA because when I was a teenager, there weren't many YA books. Even before the YA market started growing, I wanted to help fill that gap.

If you could be any mythology creature, what would you be?

That's a tough one! There are a lot of different creatures I would like to be. I suppose I'd choose a shifter. It would be amazing to be able to take on an animal form.

Which author would you love to co-author a book with?

There are a lot of authors I would love to work with. If I had to pick just one, I would say David Eddings. Unfortunately, he passed away a few years ago, so that's now impossible.

Can you share a little of your current work with us?

Of course! I just finished writing Overshadow, the sequel to Foreshadow. Here's the very beginning of it (I edited it a little for spoilers):

I woke even before my alarm went off. I sat up and stretched, as did my black cat Nuada who always slept next to me. She turned around, plopped back on the bed and promptly went to sleep again, while I climbed out of the covers and headed to the window. I pulled back my curtains and smiled when I saw how lovely the weather was. Summer had passed, and school was in session again—I was officially a senior. Despite the cooling of weather, we still had a lot of sun.

The horrible dreams had stopped. My nightmares had given way to my usual fantasies of Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom. So I love the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. Sue me. But let me just say that I would give just about anything to be Keira Knightley in those movies. Hello, she got to kiss both of them! Just don’t tell anyone I said that.

My next project (the one I'm currently writing) is a new series called The Zayin Chronicles. Here's an excerpt from the first book, called Ouroboros:

I heard a crackling noise. “Is it getting hot in here?”

Zac coughed. “I think I smell smoke.”

Glancing around, I noticed a light in one corner of the library that hadn’t been there a moment ago. As we watched in horror, an entire bookcase burst into flames. One by one, the fire began to encroach on the other bookcases—and it was heading for us.

I stumbled to the side, shoved by Zac’s hand. “Run,” he ordered.

He looked horrified. The flames were reflected in his pupils, the dancing of the fire making his eyes look as if they were alive in and of themselves. They had dilated almost completely, engulfing his irises in a sea of black. I could barely make out a thin line of blue rimming the edge.

“Rhiannon,” his voice broke into my thoughts. I glanced down, noticing that one of his hands was pulling at my upper arm. “We have to go.”

What book are you reading now?

The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter. I read pretty fast, though. By the time people are reading this, I might be done with it. I'm also re-reading Shapechangers by Jennifer Roberson. I re-read that series about once a year.

List 3 of your all time favorite books?

Castle of Wizardry by David Eddings, Daughter of the Lion by Jennifer Roberson, and Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick. There are a lot more, though.

What was a time in your life when you were really scared?

There have been a lot of times! I have really bad nightmares, so I get scared easily. I can't really think of a specific instance. However, I was really scared (nervous-scared) when I began submitting Foreshadow. After spending so much time writing it, the prospect of someone turning it down (which it was, before it found a home with Astraea Press) was terrifying.

What is a movie or TV show that you watched recently and really enjoyed?

I've been pretty disappointed in both movies and TV shows recently. “Once Upon a Time” is pretty good. I watched “Red Riding Hood” (the one with Amanda Seyfried and Gary Oldman) not too long ago. I enjoyed that one.

Where can your readers stalk you?

I'm pretty much everywhere! Here are my main links:

Website: http://breaessex.com/
Blog: http://breaessex.wordpress.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/breaessexfanpage
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/BreaEssex
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/breaessex

Imagine discovering that your boyfriend was out to kill you—and that the annoying boy from school was your guardian angel.

Rae Davenport has already lost her mother. The only thing keeping her sane is her new boyfriend, Andrei—that is, until she finds out that he wants to kill her. Andrei is a devil, and he wants to use Rae as a sacrifice to get back into Heaven. The only one who can save her is Logan, her guardian angel. He’s only annoyed her in the past, but now he will be her savior.

Angel novels have been my kind of reads as of late. So when I downloaded Foreshadow by Brea Essex, I couldn’t wait to start on it. Brea’s presentation of the angels in her story is a fresh approach from the usual. It was exciting and very interesting.

I thought it was great that Foreshadow had that olden time feel but yet the characters carried conventional thinking. The development of the characters was brilliantly done and came off as people that you want to care about. When Raena realizes she tragically lost her mom and is placed into a family that fails to lend a helping hand, you can’t help but feel for what she is going through. Brea presents us with a cast that is so different and full of personalities. Each one was beautifully created to provide their purpose in the story.

The writing screams excellence and provided just the right amount of description to allow my imagination to run wild. I felt a variety of emotions flipping through the pages. The read goes from one character to another, yet it wasn’t all over the place and it was very easy to follow. Creating a tale this incredible is hard to believe but Brea’s writing style, creativity, and imagination allowed for this story to come to life. It was an awesome read and I truly cannot wait for the next installment.

You can purchase Foreshadow at these following Retailers:

And now, The Giveaways.

Thank you Brea for making this giveaway possible.

2 Winners will receive an e-book of Foreshadow by Brea Essex.

Syrie James & Ryan M. James Author Interview

2012-02-22T10:47:00.004-08:00

First and foremost, I would like to wish

Ryan M. James a Happy, Happy Birthday!

BookNerd Interview

Dreaming of Books Hop

Co-Hosted by vvb32 Reads

Book Nerd Interview

Syrie James

Syrie James is an author and screenwriter. Her name is pronounced "Sear-ee" (rhymes with Dearie.) Apparently, her first name was inspired by a character in a radio show her mother listened to as a little girl--at least that's what her mom told her. Her mom loved the sound of the name so much, she vowed that when she grew up, if she had a daughter, she'd name her Syrie. Having no idea how to spell it, she made it up.

Although it was a challenge growing up with a name that no one could pronounce or spell, Syrie eventually grew fond of it, finding it fun to be different. She still finds herself spelling out her name to everyone she meets.

Syrie was born in Poughkeepsie, New York, and moved west at age one because her father didn't like shoveling snow. She has lived most of her life in California, if you don't count the two years as a child when she lived in France.

After a successful career in Hollywood, in which she sold nineteen screenplays and teleplays in a variety of genres to Tri-Star Pictures, Fox Family Films, ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX TV and the Lifetime Network, Syrie decided to follow her passion and write a novel. Syrie was thrilled when her first work of historical fiction (about one of her favorite authors), The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen, sold at auction after a two-day bidding war between three major publishing houses, received critical acclaim, and became a bestseller. To date, her books have been translated into sixteen foreign languages.

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Ryan M. James

With his production company, Ryan has co-written two screen plays, edited several shorts, and directed an online game demo, the independent feature film REAL, and the popular machinima webseries A CLONE APART. These experiences have attracted interest of game developers PANDEMIC STUDIOS and later NAUGHTY DOG, where Ryan has spent over a decade crafting trailers, cinematics, behind-the-scenes and recruiting material, and is always up for a new creative challenge.

Most recently, that challenge was his first novel, co-written with his mother, award-winning author SYRIE JAMES. Their book, entitled FORBIDDEN, is due out in winter 2012.

Ryan welcomes visitors to follow him or his production company on whatever social media suits their fancy. He and his wife live in Los Angeles, about a stone’s throw away from Syrie.

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Syrie James & Ryan James

discuss their new paranormal romance Forbidden

Syrie: Tell us your latest news.

Forbidden, the new paranormal romance that I co-wrote with my son Ryan, hit the shelves on January 24th, and we’re excited to report that it’s been flying off the shelves and onto eReaders! The reviews from readers and critics have been incredibly positive. The book is a blend of wit, mystery, suspense, danger, pop-culture, fantasy, and romance, that offers a unique look at angel mythology. We’re thrilled to share it with the world, and that it seems to appeal to readers of any age or gender.

Syrie: This is your first co-authoring book. How did that come about?

Several years back, I had an idea for a book full of suspense, danger, and romance, about a teenage girl who starts getting psychic visions from a mysterious source, who enlists the help of a boy at school to help her figure out who’s sending the messages and why. One day, I was thinking about a screenplay that Ryan and I had written, about a young superhero who was tired of his slayer-like job and dreamt of having a normal life, passing for human. It occurred to me: what if I combined the male character from that story with my psychic girl. Ryan wanted to write the book together, and since he’s extremely talented and imaginative, and has a great sense of story and character, I thought it would be fun to work together again.

Ryan: For those who are unfamiliar with your novel, Forbidden, how would you introduce it?

It's a paranormal romance about a 16-year-old girl whose life begins to implode when she comes into unusual psychic powers—which turn out to have a heavenly source—while the new guy at school with whom she falls in love seems to have special abilities of his own. When her very existence turns out to be forbidden, be becomes her most powerful ally in a confusing and increasingly dangerous world.

Syrie: When/how did you realize you had a creative dream or calling to fulfill?

In sixth grade, my teacher divided us into small groups and had us adapt a children’s book for the stage. Turning that novel from prose into a theatrical piece was a pivotal moment in my life. It was so exciting to bring the story to life and to see the audience’s reaction. I knew at that moment that I wanted to be a writer. I made my first attempt at writing a book in that same year, and became the kid who wrote all the school plays and skits.

If you could introduce Claire to any character from another book, who would it be and why?

RJ & SJ: Can we please pick a play instead of a book? Because Romeo and Juliet could really have used a psychic to warn them to not poison themselves.

…Oops, was that a spoiler?

Did you learn anything from writing Alec and what was it?

SJ: It was fun to get into the head of a superhero make us care about him—to understand his heart and feel his joy and pain. He became very real to us.

RJ: However, I wanted to ensure that his voice and thoughts were unique from Claire’s and were the [PG-13] thoughts that young men actually think. It was important to keep him masculine, strong, and not too sappy.

Why do you feel you had to tell this story?

Forbidden was a chance to tell the type of teen paranormal romance that we would want to read. A story that had:

-A new, fresh take on its supernatural creatures that acknowledged all of the wonderful, multicultural mythologies of this planet we live on.

-A grounded romance where the characters actually take time to get to know each other and slowly fall in love based on conversation and personality.

-A strong amount of humor mixed with newfound love, a little badass action along with the relationship drama, and an intriguing mystery to keep the reader guessing.

-Characters that—though they are teenagers—are capable of acting and reasoning like adults. And therefore a book that people of all ages would like it because it doesn’t talk down to them.

-To that end, a story where the kids don’t freak out when they encounter something supernatural. We live in a culture so saturated with films/TV/books/comics/games about vampires and other things that go bump in the night, we believe people wouldn’t be shocked to learn that “X” is real. Instead we believe they’d wonder “is X in reality like the ones I see on TV?”

Did we succeed in doing this? Who knows, but we tried to do it just a little bit, and we hope folks enjoy it.

What chapter was the most memorable to write and why?

SJ & RJ: The entire last third of the book, which is jam-packed with action and emotion, moving back an forth between Claire and Alec’s point of view at a rapid pace. The final, climactic battle was especially fun to write.

Do you have a book trailer?

No, but if we did, Ryan would be the one to edit it. He’s a video editor by profession, and cut a trailer for my book Dracula: My Love.

What question are you never asked in interviews but wish you were?

SJ: “Please, tell us what your readers can do to help spread the word about your books in this jam-packed marketplace?”

Syrie: Where were you born and where do you call home?

I was born in Poughkeepsie, New York, but my father moved us to California when I was one year old because he was tired of shoveling snow. I’ve lived there my entire life, and specifically in Los Angeles for the past 24 years.

Ryan: How would you describe yourself in three words?

Ambitiously stubborn romantic.

When asked, what’s the one question you always answer with a lie?

SJ: Anytime my husband asks: “Did you take breaks today while you were writing?”

RJ: Anytime anyone asks: “What time did you go to bed last night?”

Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published.

SJ: The feedback that I get from readers, telling me how much my books have meant to them.

If you could have written one book in history, what book would that be?

SJ: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (and all the sequels).

RJ: The Lord of the Rings. Except shorter, with less singing.

What’s the worst job you’ve had?

SJ: My first job fresh out of college was doing advertising & PR for a manufacturer of leather products (like gun holsters and police duty belts). My office was in the smelly basement adjacent to the dyeing department and one day I found a cockroach the size of Manhattan in my desk drawer.

RJ: Refereeing floor hockey in college. Hard cylindrical objects were continually being slapped by my head. I spent entire evenings running up and down the court, trying to avoid losing an eye, while supposedly paying attention to the game.

What do you normally eat for breakfast?

SJ: Eggs, toast, fruit & juice. Then I forget to eat lunch because I’m so engrossed in what I’m writing.

RJ: A green smoothie with protein powder and coconut oil. It’s tastier than it sounds.

What book are you reading now?

SJ: I have a stack of six or seven books on my nightstand. One of them is Second Impressions by Ava Farmer, a sequel to Pride & Prejudice.

RJ: A bunch—check my Goodreads to keep up to date!

Where can readers stalk you?

SJ & RJ: syriejames.com, ryanmjames.com & illusive-entertainment.com. We hope you’ll stop by and leave us a message, we’d love to hear from you. We also invite readers to follow us—and the book!—on Facebook and Twitter.

She should not exist.

He should not love her.

Claire Brennan has been attending Emerson Academy for two years now (the longest she and her mom have remained anywhere) and she’s desperate to stay put for the rest of high school. So there’s no way she’s going to tell her mom about the psychic visions she’s been having or the creepy warnings that she’s in danger.

Alec MacKenzie is fed up with his duties to watch and, when necessary, eliminate the descendants of his angelic forefathers. He chose Emerson as the ideal hiding place where he could be normal for once. He hadn’t factored Claire into his plans. . . .

Their love is forbidden, going against everything Alec has been taught to believe. But when the reason behind Claire’s unusual powers is revealed and the threat to her life becomes clear, how far will Alec go to protect her?

Syrie & Ryan James’ Forbidden was an interesting take on the Angel genre. Its about the story of Claire who, once again, in on the move with her mother. She never thought she would ever make friends but finally has at her new school. She then meets Alec who would ultimately change her life.

The characters were very unique and will grow on you. The love triangle between Claire, Alec, and Neil was fun to read. Its not because I like to read about jealousy but it was a nice change to read it from the guys’ point of view. The paranormal aspect of the story was different from the norm. I loved reading about the strict lives of angels and how they cope with it.

The conclusion offered a really great twist. By the way it ended, it only promised that the following book would contain more action and the move to be more intense. The events are fast paced and exciting and is highly recommended to young adult/teen readers. This is a must read. It has definitely been added to my top 24 of all time favorite books.

You can purchase Forbidden at these following Retailers:

And now, The Giveaways.

Thank you Syrie & James for making this giveaway possible.

1 Winner will receive one Copy of Forbidden by Syrie James & Ryan M. James.

2 Winners will receive one Bookmark by Syrie James & Ryan M. James.

Meg Rosoff Author Interview

2012-02-21T10:41:00.002-08:00

Book Nerd Interview

Meg Rosoff was born in 1956 in Boston, USA. She studied at Harvard University and left for England in 1977 to enter St Martin's School of Art, later returning to finish her degree at Harvard. She worked in New York City for 10 years in publishing and advertising, before moving to England.

She wrote her first novel, HOW I LIVE NOW, in 2004. It won several awards, including the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize and was shortlisted for the Whibread Children's Book Award and the Orange First Novel Prize.

Her second novel, JUST IN CASE (2006), about a hunted 15-year-old boy, won the 2007 Carnegie Medal and was shortlisted for the Costa Children's Book Award and the Booktrust Teenage Prize

Her latest novel, WHAT I WAS (2007), is a love story and coming of age novel told by a 16-year-old boy expelled from two boarding schools and placed in a third. It was shortlisted for the 2008 Carnegie Medal and the 2007 Costa Children's Book Award.

Meg Rosoff lives in North London. She is also the author of MEET WILD BOARS (2005), a picture book, and co-author of a book of non-fiction,LONDON GUIDE: YOUR PASSPORT TO GREAT TRAVEL (1995).

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How would you describe yourself in three words?

Reads, writes, talks.

Where were you born and where do you call home?

Born in Boston, home is London.

Tell us your latest news.

I've nearly finished my next novel.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

Very early. And then again at 46.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

Going on nine. I couldn't possibly have a favourite. The others would cry.

For those who are unfamiliar with your novel, There is no Dog, how would you introduce it?

Hello dear reader, I'd like you to meet Bob. He's 19. And God.

How did you come up with the title and cover design?

The title comes from a joke about a dyslexic atheist walking up and down in front of a church with a sign that reads "THERE IS NO DOG."

The cover design comes from the amazing Katie Finch at Penguin.

Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book.

It's pretty funny.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating Lucy?

Having sex with God isn't all it's cracked up to be.

If you could introduce Bob to any character from another book, who would it be and why?

He should probably meet Eloise at the Plaza. She'd be more than a match for him.

What’s one thing that readers would be surprised to find out about Bob?

He's not real.

[Jean] - Ha! Lol

Why do you feel you had to tell this story?

I started it, so I had to finish it. Otherwise I wouldn't have known how it ended.

What’s the most interesting comment you have received about your books?

Someone wrote and told me that my joy at writing There Is No Dog shone through on every page.

All I could say to that was, "Phew. Got away with it."

What chapter was the most memorable to write and why?

There's a chapter towards the end of There Is No Dog in which Mr B has a huge, life-changing epiphany that changes everything about the book.

I had no idea it was going to happen until the words appeared on the page.

I love it when that happens.

Can you share a little of your current work with us?

I'm finishing a book called Picture Me Gone. It's set in America (at last) and involves a man who walks out on his family one day -- and the father and daughter who go to look for him.

I'd written about five drafts before I began to figure out why he left.

Beyond your own work (of course), what is your all-time favorite book and why? And what is your favorite book outside of your genre?

My all time favourite book IN the genre is A Wrinkle In Time. The heroine's called Meg (yay) and it's a wise and brilliant book.

Outside the genre maybe...Lolita, by Nabokov. Or Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel. Or Duck Death and the Tulip by Wolf Ehrlbruch. Or anything by Shaun Tan.

Or Dostoevsky. Or Samuel Beckett. Or MFK Fisher. Margo Lanagan. Pride and Prejudice? Is there a right answer to this? I'm not very good at narrowing it down.

Any recent appearances that you would like to share with us about/any upcoming ones?

I've just come back from a book tour of Holland and Belgium. All the kids there speak about five languages. It's incredibly humbling.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in any of your books?

Maybe a word here or there, but nothing big. I'd rather not do it all over again, though.

What question are you never asked in interviews but wish you were?

"Tell us more about learning to ride horses. That sounds FASCINATING."

When asked, what’s the one question you always answer with a lie?

I worked in advertising for 15 years. I don't lie anymore.

If you could leave your readers with one legacy, what would you want it to be?

World peace, if at all possible.

Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published.

Every day since being published has been amazing. Really.

Which author would you love to co-author a book with?

A. A. Milne.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I've spent the last five years learning dressage. Would you like to hear all about it?

What is your favorite Quote?

"If you set out to take Vienna, take Vienna." -- Napoleon

What do you normally eat for breakfast?

Two boiled eggs and two cups of strong coffee. Not before 11am.

What are 4 things you never leave home without?

Keys, a book to read on the bus, a credit card, shoes.

Where can your readers stalk you?

http://www.megrosoff.co.uk

What if God were a teenaged boy?

In the beginning, Bob created the heavens and the earth and the beasts of the field and the creatures of the sea, and twenty-five million other species (including lots of cute girls). But mostly he prefers eating junk food and leaving his dirty clothes in a heap at the side of his bed.

Every time he falls in love, Earth erupts in natural disasters, and it's usually Bob's beleaguered assistant, Mr. B., who is left cleaning up the mess. So humankind is going to be very sorry indeed that Bob ever ran into a beautiful, completely irresistible girl called Lucy . . .

The premise is simply “What if God were a teenage boy?” This almost sounds like a great plot for a silly comedy like Jim Carrey’s Bruce Almighty. However, Meg Rosoff uses this premise and surprisingly presents us with an amazing and delightful treat.

Forest Gump once said, “Life is like a box of chocolates, you’ll never know what you’re gonna get”. And that is the pleasure of picking up a Meg Rosoff novel. You never really know what kind of story is in between the pages. With a title like There is No Dog, it couldn’t be any truer.

Although the characters are immortal beings, they possess real human feelings. Rosoff demonstrates with witty words and daily circumstances that even the godly divines can be human. Moreover, it illustrates how humans carry on faith with each other and the certainty in miracles that maintains us complete and overflowing with life.

There is No Dog is full of in-your-face comedy with characters that are unforgettable. It has a deep meaning about life. Rosoff has created an incredible world in which she explores the answer to What if God were a teenage boy.

You can purchase There is No Dog at these following Retailers:

And now, The Giveaways.

Thank you Meg for making this giveaway possible.

1 Winner will receive one Copy of There is No Dog by Meg Rosoff.

Melissa Lemon Author Interview

2012-02-16T11:08:00.001-08:00

BookNerd Interview

Dreaming of Books Hop

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Book Nerd Interview

Melissa has had many imaginary friends (and enemies) since she was a child. Her vivid imagination had her writing stories and jotting down book ideas for years until she finally sat down and finished a novel. She is married to an awesome man and the proud mother of three children. Music is also an important part of her life and she shares time with her music students teaching them piano, cello or guitar. Melissa is a graduate of the University of Utah and currently resides in the Salt Lake area.

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How would you describe yourself in three words?

Mommy, mommy, mommy. Because I have three kids and that’s what I hear all day.

Where were you born and where do you call home?

Wherever my husband is.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I went through phases. For a long time I wanted to be an architect, but I married one so I figured that was good enough. When I was much younger I wanted to be a teacher. Teaching is something I enjoy immensely, but I’m 110% happy as a writer, so I guess it takes some trial and error.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

I think Chrales Dickens is my greatest influence, which is funny because while I love his stories, sometimes his attention to detail drives me nuts.

For those who are unfamiliar with your novel, Cinder and Ella, how would you introduce it?

I would tell them it is the most twisted Cinderella story they’ve ever read.

If you gave some of your characters an opportunity to speak for themselves, what would they say?

Cassandra would say she was hungry. Again.

How did you come up with the title and cover design?

The title just came along with the main characters, so I didn’t have to think a lot about it. Fortunately, it had never been used by anyone else. When the time came to give cover ideas to the design team at my publishing company, I gave them several options; one was to do something with the trees. I couldn’t be more pleased with how it turned out.

If you could introduce one of your characters to any character from another book, who would it be and why?

I would introduce Katrina to Voldemort. Maybe he could put her in her place.

What was your inspiration for the series?

I think just having a strong connection to the character Cinderella helped. I’ve always loved Cinderella stories. But as I got older and learned more about the challenges of life, I decided that Cinderella stories are devastatingly flawed. So I fixed that problem. Cinder and Ella has more of a real life feel to it.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating Cinder and Ella?

I learned how characters really come to life as I’m writing, as if they’re demanding attention and a place in the world and I’m the only one who can give it. Kind of fun.

Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series?

I have hopes for other fairy tales and would even love to finish Cinder and Ella with a sequel. We’ll see. Right now I’m working on a Snow White story.

Why do you feel you had to tell this story?

This is something probably any true writer will tell you: once a story gets in your head, there is only one way to get it out. I thought about it for months before I began writing. And that’s how my ideas are—they keep coming up again and again until I give them the attention they’re demanding.

You have the chance to give one piece of advice to your teen readers. What would it be?

Surround yourself with good, positive people.

Has a review or profile ever changed your perspective on your work?

Yes! I love reading what other ideas and meanings people pull from my work. I even enjoy the criticisms (within moderation J) because I know it will help improve my writing.

When asked, what’s the one question you always answer with a lie?

Um, none. I have a condition called Overactive Conscience Syndrome (OCS).

If you could be any mythology creature, what would you be?

Anything that could fly. Except for a bug. Are there mythological bugs?

What do you normally eat for breakfast?

I love chunky peanut butter on whole wheat toast. I also love Cheerios with fruit and apple cinnamon oatmeal.

What are 4 things you never leave home without?

At least one kid, comfortable shoes, a drink of water and a plan.

Where and when do you prefer to do your writing?

No preference as long as I’m completely alone and it’s totally quiet. I’m not picky or anything.

What is a movie or TV show that you watched recently and really enjoyed?

MONK—something about that show just makes me feel understood. J

Where can your readers stalk you?

I blog here, but only on Tuesdays. Actually, it’s a little more random than that, but stop by and say hello. http://lemoninkwell.blogspot.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authormelissalemon
Twitter: http://www.facebook.com/authormelissalemon
Website: http://cinderandellabook.com/

After her father's disappearance, Cinder leaves home for a servant job at the castle. But it isn't long before her sister Ella is brought to the castle herself. What Ella finds there starts a quest that will change her life and the entire kingdom. Cinder and Ella is a Cinderella story like no other, and one you'll never forget.

Melissa Lemon’s Cinder and Ella is a unique and different twist on the classic fairy tale, Cinderella. Don’t be expecting to distinguish the classic in this book. Lemon has done a tremendous job in using Cinderella as the source and making a whole new story. Regardless of the numerous Cinderella connections there may be, we are offered a brand new adventure.

The story follows Cinder and Ella, two completely opposite siblings who leave their hometown. After Cinder comes home, she discovers that Ella has left and no one knows where she is. Cinder confides with the castle, the place where she once worked as a maid, and a knight offers to help her. This is the point where the story takes a turn and quickly develops into an unpredictable adventure. The story has good messages regarding the need for independence and facing responsibility. It did not lack the cute love story because without it, it just wouldn’t be a fairy tale.

So if you are looking for something totally different from the norm, or just looking for something familiar with a different perspective, Cinder and Ella will fill in nicely for that need. Lemon’s attempt to bring something new in the classic tale delivers and we are treated to a whole new perspective. It is cute, extremely interesting, and will also bring out some laughter.

You can purchase Cinder and Ella at these retailers:

And now, The Giveaway.

Thank you Melissa for making this giveaway possible.

1 Winner receive one Copy of Cinder and Ella and

one Signed Bookplate by Melissa Lemon.

Click >>>>HERE<<<< for the rest of the HOP.

Karen Sandler Author Interview

2012-02-15T11:15:00.003-08:00

Book Nerd Interview

Karen Sandler has published seventeen books, ranging from adult romance novels to middle-grade time travel. With Unforgettable and Night Whispers, published back in 1999, Sandler first explored the world of paranormal novels.

Sandler’s newest novel, Tankborn, is her first YA science fiction dystopia. Released by LEE & LOW BOOKS in fall 2011 under their Tu Books imprint, Tankborn is the story of Kayla and Mishalla, two genetically engineered slaves on the planet Loka. When both develop friendships with higher-status boys through their work assignments, they must learn who to trust and what it means to be human. Kirkus Reviews called Tankborn “a good option for science-fiction fans interested in genetic engineering, rebellion and class issues.”

“I’ve been intrigued by genetic engineering since the mid-80s,” says Sandler, “back when the concept was nothing more than science fiction.” Sandler began working on a screenplay called Icer that toyed with the idea of genetic engineering, but later decided that the concept might be a good fit for a young adult novel. “Along the way,” she says, “my fascination with Indian culture and the caste system became interwoven into the story, as well as the notion of how skin color can so stratify a society.”

Sandler, a former software engineer of fifteen years, worked on the Space Shuttle Program and communications satellites. She is now a full time writer, though she tries to make time to ride her horse, Belle, at least four days a week. Sandler has two grown sons and a new granddaughter, and lives with her husband in Northern California.

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Tell me a bit about yourself.

I’m a native Californian, and I dreamed of being a writer since I was nine years old. I took a circuitous route, changing my major in college from English to math with a physics minor, then ended up working as a software engineer. I also have an MS in computer science. I figure all that science background makes me a perfect fit for writing science fiction.

Tell us your latest news.

Not all the i’s are dotted and the t’s crossed, but I can now announce that there will be two sequels to Tankborn from Tu Books. The current titles are Tankborn Awakening and Tankborn Revolution.

Where were you born and where do you call home?

I was born in Southern California, in the Los Angeles area. I now live near Sacramento, California.

What inspired you to pen your first novel?

My first novel was a romance. I’d been reading romance novels and found I really enjoyed them, so I thought I’d try my hand at one. I’d been writing poetry and short stories for years. My first effort at a novel never sold (it was probably dreadful), but I did have an agent friend show it around.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

The closest I’ve had to a writing mentor would be my good friend Barbara McMahon, who writes romance. She took me under her wing when I was starting out. I’d tell her my latest, greatest story idea and she’d ask, “What’s the conflict?” Used to drive me crazy because I had no idea what a conflict was.

What were your feelings when your first novel was accepted/when you first saw the cover of the finished product?

I was bouncing off the walls with excitement when I got “the call.” The summer before I sold my first book I was close to being ready to give up. Then the Friday before Labor Day weekend an editor at Kensington called to ask for my full manuscript (she’d read a partial). The following Tuesday, they made an offer.

I loved my first cover. Believe it or not, John DeSalvo (the “Cover King”) portrayed my hero, and it was drawn by well-known romance cover artist Pino.

For those who are unfamiliar with your novel; Tankborn, how would you introduce it?

Genetically engineered slaves and life-long friends Kayla and Mishalla are separated by their Assignments when they turn 15. But a despicable plot in which children are being stolen from their families brings Kayla and Mishalla back together. With the help of two higher status boys, the two girls must put their lives at risk to save the children. Along the way, they discover secrets about their creation they’d just as soon stay hidden.

How did you come up with the title and cover design?

Well, I didn’t come up with either. I do use the term “tankborn” in the book, but my original title was completely different and far too generic. It was my editor who suggested the title, and the cover artist came up with the cover design.

Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book.

You should read Tankborn because it’s both an entertaining read and a thought-provoking premise.

If you could introduce one of your characters to any character from another book, who would it be and why?

Since most of my books are set in the “real world” and Tankborn isn’t, this is a hard question to answer. I suppose it would be cool if Kayla’s techie brother, Jal, could meet the main character, Kevin, in my middle grade book, Timewrecked.

What’s one thing that readers would be surprised to find out about Kayla and Mishalla?

Mishalla’s scared of sewer toads. Kayla just thinks they’re disgusting.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in writing Tankborn?

The depth of editing necessary for a book as complex as Tankborn was unexpected.

Why do you feel you had to tell this story?

I started out wanting to write a YA book and to develop one of my scripts into a novel. I ended up with a book filled with diverse characters and thought-provoking themes that I’m proud to have written.

What is the single worst distraction that kept you from writing this book?

The Internet.

What’s the most interesting comment you have received about your books?

The quote from Mette Ivie Harrison about Tankborn was pretty fabulous: “Read this book and be changed.”

Beyond your own work (of course), what is your all-time favorite book and why? And what is your favorite book outside of your genre?

I don’t think I have one favorite, but one book that stands out and happens to be outside my genre is Red Sky at Morning by Richard Bradford. It’s a marvelous coming of age novel (I suppose these days you’d call it YA). I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve read it.

What question are you never asked in interviews but wish you were?

Tell us all about your horse, Belle.

If you couldn’t be an author, what would your ideal career be?

Teaching writing to children.

Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published.

I don’t think there’s one rewarding experience I could name. In general, it’s every time I have a chance to speak to a hopeful writer about publishing and am able to teach them something they didn’t know.

Which author would you love to co-author a book with?

It would be pretty darn cool to co-author a book with Scott Westerfeld.

What are 4 things you never leave home without?

Tums, lip balm, ibuprofen, and my glasses.

Where and when do you prefer to do your writing?

I prefer to do most of my work in the mornings in my office. Sometimes it’s fun to take a “field trip” over to Starbuck’s.

What is your favorite food?

Chocolate. Ice cream is a close second.

Where can your readers stalk you?

My website is http://www.karensandler.net, my blog is http://karensandler.wordpress.com and you can follow me on Twitter at @karensandlerYA.

Best friends Kayla and Mishalla know they will be separated for their Assignments. They are GENs, Genetically Engineered Non-humans, and in their strict caste system, GENs are at the bottom rung of society. GENs are gestated in a tank and sent to work as slaves as soon as they reach age fifteen.
When Kayla is Assigned to care for Zul Manel, the patriarch of a trueborn family, she finds secrets and surprises—not least of which is her unexpected friendship with Zul’s great-grandson. Meanwhile, the children that Mishalla is Assigned to care for are being stolen in the middle of the night.
After weeks of toiling in their Assignments, mystifying circumstances enable Kayla and Mishalla to reunite. Together they hatch a plan to save the disappearing children. Yet can GENs really trust humans? Both girls must put their lives and hearts at risk to crack open a sinister conspiracy, revealing secrets no one is ready to face.

The energy behind Tankborn’s intriguing story had me glued to the pages from the beginning. We are introduced to a world where Genetically Engineered Non-humans, or GENs, are produced to perform designated jobs. In reality, they are slaves that are obligatory into subjection and at the mercy of a brutal caste system putting them at the very bottom. Karen Sandler’s very detailed and well thought-out society and the two different religions to which humans and GENs follow were very fascinating. The development of the characters was solid and there were moments I felt compassion and grief for them.

The story follows two GEN friends, Kayla and Mishalla. They are reaching the age when they will find out their assignments. During this transition, they ultimately discover who they really are and they really stand for. Meanwhile, there is an unhurried romance build up for the two GENs.

This is a very pleasant dystopian novel with memorable characters living in a complex story. The words within the pages paced nicely. Sandler’s description of the struggle of the lower class, the present status of the human race, and the explanation of the GENs were genius. I certainly hope that a sequel will come forth because I was saddened when I turned the last page. I would like to just even get a glimpse of where the story takes Kayla and Mishalla beyond the last page.

You can purchase Tankborn at these following Retailers:

And now, The Giveaways.

Thank you Karen & Hannah for making this giveaway possible.

3 Winners will receive one Signed Copy of Tankborn by Karen Sandler.

3 Winners will receive one Signed Bookmark by Karen Sandler.

Winners:

Britney W. , Melissa H. & Nyles @Book Quotes and Lyrics

3 Winners will receive one Signed Copy of Tankborn by Karen Sandler.

Lisa H., Lydia M. & Thilde E.

3 Winners will receive one Signed Bookmark by Karen Sandler.

IMM - Week of February 13, 2012

2012-02-14T17:01:00.000-08:00

Carrier of the Mark Provided & Signed by Leigh Fallon.

The Metalmark Contract Provided by David Batchelor.

Waterfall by Lisa T. Bergren Purchased at B&N.

Dreamless ARC by Josephine Angelini Provided by Harperteen.

Touch Series Swag Provided & Signed by Laurie Faria Stolarz.

D.C. Grace Author Interview

2012-02-14T14:21:00.001-08:00

Book Nerd Interview

D.C. Grace has studied various cultures of Native American society for well over twenty years. She has three daughters. The girls, being half Chiricahua Apache and Cherokee respectively, have been raised to know as much about their heritage as possible. D.C. has also been fascinated with all things supernatural since childhood. She wrote her first vampire story at the ripe old age of nine.
When she’s not trying out a new recipe or digging into a good book, D.C. can be found driving her daughters around town in her Mom Cab. She’s also a lover of music, and has passed that trait on – her middle child is the drummer in a rock band.
D.C. lives just outside Louisville, KY. She shares a home with her daughters, two crazy kitties and a neurotic Chihuahua. She considers herself lucky they let her live with them.

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Tell me a bit about yourself. Where were you born and where do you live now?

I was born and raised in the south - Louisville, KY to be exact. I grew up a stone's throw away from Shelbyville! I've lived in Texas and Chicago during my adulthood, but eventually, I came back home. :)

When/how did you realize you had a creative dream or calling to fulfill?

When I was in the 2nd grade. I was always writing poems and short stories and giving them to my teacher for fun. On the last day of school, she gave me a scrapbook with all my work in it, and a note on the first page that read, "You're going to be a great writer some day! I can't wait to see your first best seller." That was the day that I knew.

What genre are you most comfortable writing?

Well, I started in YA as you know, but have transitioned to the new genre, New Adult. For those who don't know, that's a step above YA - for readers 16 and up, I think it is. Anyway, I'm very comfortable in this new genre. There's more freedom with "situations" that a writer might get flack for in YA, and I feel like I can comfortably allow my characters to do and be the things they would really do, were they real.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

Wow! I'd have to go back to a favorite from my youth, John Steinbeck. He wrote in such a colorful way, I was always inspired by his work.

What is needed for a story to be good?

Of course plot, but something else that's just as important is the pace. You could have the best plotline in the world, but if the book starts to drag, you can lose your reader. Keeping the imagery going in your reader's mind is vital, because they feel connected. And when the story and the reader connect, that's when the magic happens!

For those who are unfamiliar with your series; The Amethyst Dragon Series , how would you introduce it?

The Amethyst Dragon series is a new twist on the faerie tales of old. It is so much more than your average "boy meets girl" story. The series is about remembering a time when chivalry and honor were very much alive. It examines our world and the world of Avalon, and how the two worlds are so very different, yet people can still coexist. It pulls from the Shakespearian era, then throws you into today's popular musical trends. And in some ways, parts of the story that are a social statement - I'll leave it to the reader to define those moments for themselves. And, of course, it's about love. The Amethyst Dragon is packed with action, adventure, mystery and romance. In a nutshell, it's a lot of fun!

If you could introduce Dade and Shelby to any character from another book, who would it be and why?

Oh boy! I would say Romeo and Juliet. Dade is a Shakespeare fanatic, and Shelby can't help but compare their romance to Romeo and Juliet's. I think they'd love to meet another couple as in love as they are! ;)

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating Leo?

That I really enjoy messing with my audience, hahaha! Seriously, Leo is like an onion - there are a lot of layers to him. As we peel away those layers throughout the series, the readers will get a more clear view of who he is and why he's taken the path he's on. For me, the most surprising thing I learned is that, if we're all honest with ourselves, there's a little bit of Leo in us all. We all have our moments that we excuse or justify because we feel so strongly, right or wrong.

Why do you feel you had to tell this story?

When it began to take shape in my mind, I knew it was going to be amazing. This is the first piece of fiction ever to feature the Dragon Fae. They are exciting, and as amazing and supernatural as they are, they're also easy to relate to. The characters aren't so far off the Richter scale that they're an impossibility, but they're not so humanized that they're soft, or lost that element of fantasy.

What’s one thing that readers would be surprised to find out about Dade?

That Dade's one wish as a "sprout" was to have his father love him.

What’s the most interesting comment you have received about your books?

Oh my gosh, I have to think about that one! Hmmm... oh, I know! Someone predicted that Dade Blue-Therror would be the #1 fantasy hero of the decade! :)

Is there a song you could list as the theme song for Dragin Wings or any of your characters?

The Rain Song by Led Zeppelin - that should be the theme song for the series. It fits the mood of the whole series.

What chapter was the most memorable to write and why?

Chapter 22, First Time For Love, definitely! That was the first love scene I've written that encompassed more than kissing and gave a bit more description, I guess you could say. ;) But I promised myself I wouldn't go graphic, and am proud to say I kept that promise to myself!

What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 30 or less words, what would you say?

That I've written? Season of Destruction was the last book before Dragon Wings. 30 words or less... "Accusations, suspicion, kidnapping, bonds break and bonds mend, and the Guardians may meet with the devil himself."

Which author would you love to co-author a book with?

Easy - my buddy Julie Kagawa! Can you imagine what would happen if our two minds met?

What question are you never asked in interviews but wish you were?

I don't think anyone's asked what actors I'd like to see playing my characters. I could give a list! ;)

When asked, what’s the one question you always answer with a lie?

Hahaha! How old are you?

If you could be any mythology creature, what would you be?

Wow, depends on what day it is, hahaha! Probably a bean sidhe... or a siren.

What was a time in your life when you were really scared?

When I was pregnant with my fourth child, and we were told she hadn't survived. The most terrifying time of my life.

Who was your first boyfriend?

Tony Leonard - we're Facebook friends now, hehehe. Hi, Tony!

What’s the worst job you’ve had?

Slinging hash at a diner.

What would I find in your refrigerator right now?

Energy drinks, Coke, taquitos, three kinds of cheese, leftovers, a pizza box with one piece of pizza, and a couple of mystery containers that might now be deemed science projects!

What's the loveliest thing you have ever seen?

I think that I shall never see a sight so lovely as a tree... sorry, lol! My oldest daughter in her cap and gown on graduation day, and a double rainbow over the Smoky Mountains.

Where can your readers stalk you?

Come stalk me on Twitter, @authorDCGrace, www.theguardiansseries.com, www.theamethystdragon.webs.com, and on Facebook, just search The Amethyst Dragon Series or The Guardians series - I'm always around! :)

Welcome to the world of Dade Blue-Therror, the AmethystDragon. For Dade, chivalry is not dead, and Avalon still exists on a planethat holds fast to simple truths. Fairy magic is real, Morgan le Fay is real,and with Dade's help, Camelot could rise again. That is, as long as Shelby Mercy doesn't distract Dade from his duties.

Stationed in small town Kentucky in the earthly realm,Shelby could prove a deadly preoccupation for Dade. Sojoin him as the tale unfolds, and enter a world that few haveglimpsed. Welcome to Avalon, the world of the elusive Dragon Fae. Slip throughthe gates, and fall in love with the Amethyst Dragon, his best friend Leo, theSunrise Dragon, and Dade's aunt Tryamon, Keeper of the Forest. There's plentyof room, so bring your silver bough for the Ferryman.

But remember, with dragons, you can get burned...

Dragon Wings is one of those books that you will take a long time to finish, just so the story will not end. You are sucked into this magical world from the beginning and D.C. Grace continually cooks up new recipes aimed to satisfy every type of reading hunger.

The cast of characters are well developed and you are treated to different points of view throughout the book. It was great reading about each character’s thoughts, which added more depth to the already sophisticated story. The romantic link between Dade and Shelby was very strong, yet sweet.

Dade is this super romantic guy with a not-so-normal talent (he can turn into a dragon. 16 year-old Shelby has a prominent intellectual attribute and will fight for what she feels is right. When these two are together, it is a perfect chemistry of romance.

This book will turn on all of your emotions. One chapter you are excited, and it quickly turns to sadness or shock within the next chapter. I enjoyed reading about Dade and Shelby. Their love story is unique and like most people, our fascination with dragons certainly makes it that much better.

You can purchase The Amethyst Dragon >>>>HERE<<<<

And now, The Giveaways.

Thank you D.C. for making this giveaway possible.

1 Winner will receive one Signed Copy of The Amethyst Dragon by D.C. Grace.

1 Winner will receive one Signed Bottle by D.C. Grace.

1 Winner will receive one e-cbook Copy of The Amethyst Dragon by D.C. Grace.

Robert Louis Smith Author Interview

2012-02-13T08:00:00.001-08:00

Book Nerd Interview

Robert Louis Smith, author of Antiquitas Lost: The Last of the Shamalans, has numerous degrees, including psychology (B.A.), applied microbiology (B.S.), anaerobic microbiology (M.Sc.), and a Medical Doctorate (M.D.). He serves as an interventional cardiologist at the Oklahoma Heart Institute. He is married and the father of two young children. He began writing Antiquitas Lost in 2003 while studying at Tulane University in New Orleans.

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How would you describe yourself in three words?
Persistent, determined, stubborn.

Where were you born and where do you call home?

I was born in Oklahoma and grew up there. As an adult, I have lived in Atlanta, New Orleans, Nashville, and Florida, though my family and I moved back to Oklahoma about 5 years ago.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

Become President or a billionaire entrepreneur. I also contemplated becoming a writer or a heart surgeon. Kids think they can do anything.

What, in your opinion, are the most important elements of good writing?

As a reader, I appreciate authors that are good at creating tension. I think this trumps everything else. As a writer, I appreciate authors who write clever prose and can texture their writing with nice sensory imagery.

For those who are unfamiliar with your novel, Antiquitas Lost, how would you introduce it?

Antiquitas Lost is a bildungsroman and classic quest fantasy about an American teenage boy who begins an impossible journey with the goal of saving his dying mother. There are creepy, flesh-eating monsters and one of the principal characters is a Bigfoot. I have read some twenty or thirty reviews of my book, but the reviewer who best 'gets me' summed it up as follows: "Antiquitas Lostis a nostalgic trip to another world. It borrows much from an earlier period of books, comics, and movies and comes off as an original homage to everything loved about youth . . . " (From the Seattle Post-Intelligencer January 17th, 2012).

How did you come up with the title and cover design?

Geof Isherwood (the illustrator) and I obsessed over the Antiquitas Lost cover image for weeks, and discussed many ideas. After we agreed on an idea, he worked very hard to create an image we both liked, but I fear we didn't get it quite right. The cover image has been panned by almost everyone who has mentioned it (so bad it's good? You decide). Perhaps if there is a second edition we will be able to remedy the problem. As for the title, our all-powerful weapon is called the Antiquitas Trident, and it is indeed lost, so . . .

Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series?

Yes the book is the beginning of a series. The second is well underway.

What is the single worst distraction that kept you from writing this book?

The rest of my life. Ha! Writing is work, and requires a lot of discipline.

What chapter was the most memorable to write and why?

I enjoyed writing the scenes with the flesh eating monsters called the salax. My editor described these scenes as "strong and bizarre," which is sort of what I was going for. I wanted to create new monsters that were all my own. The salax have been described as "more fitting to Guillermo Del Toro's Pan's Labyrinthe than Tolkien's Lord of the Rings," and everyone seems to comment on them.

Can you share a little of your current work with us?

The following is a short excerpt quoted in a review of Antiquitas Lost at EmeraldSunshine.org in October 2011:

"Then the salax leaped across the encampment and sat Marvus back up against the tree. Holding him there with one claw, it opened its mouth and spat a glob of sticky saliva onto Marvus's chest. The glob quickly solidified into the weird silvery webbing. The creature spat again and again, contorting its stomach and neck with each effort, as if working the material up from deep within. With each spit, another swatch of silvery glue matted Marvus to the tree. When finished, the creature lumbered back to the cauldron."

No peeks yet from book two!

You have the chance to give one piece of advice to your readers. What would it be?

Here I will plagiarize a good bit of wisdom attributed to our 30th President:

"Nothing in the world can take the place of Persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan 'Press On' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race."

Has a review or profile ever changed your perspective on your work?

I like to read my reviews. Thankfully, most have been positive. Some of my reviewers complain about things that I purposefully wrote the way I did, and I feel that they "didn't get it". A few of the reviews that have been critical have been terribly poorly written themselves, which always amazes me (there was one that gave the impression the person wasn't writing in their native tongue). But all that said, every review has some good bit of advice to pick up on. After all, each reviewer has given their time to read my book, and I appreciate that. Every reader experience is valid.

If I came to your house and looked in your closet/attic/basement, what's the one thing that would surprise me the most?

The old comic book collection and all of the Marvel comics and Star Wars action figures. My poor wife.

What was a time in your life when you were really scared?

After reading The Amityville Horror when I was 10 years old. I was seeing pig demons around every dark corner. What were my parents thinking?! I was also pretty worked up when my pregnant wife and I were huddled away in downtown New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina, and when the streets began to flood . . . Now that is a good story.

If you could be any mythology creature, what would you be?

Anything that is really strong and can fly. Magic powers are always a plus.

Favorite places to travel?

Any place that has old castles, is haunted, or has a deserted beach with blue-green water

List 3 of your all time favorite books?

Ouch, picking three is hard. Here are some that come quickly to mind:
Stephen King's The Stand
Stephen King's Pet Sematary (forget the movie, the book is great)
Tolkien's The Hobbit
C.S. Lewis's The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe
J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
Victor Hugo's Les Miserables (abridged version)
Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

What book are you reading now?

I'm on the fifth book in the George R.R. Martin series (Dance with Dragons). Before starting that series I read The Hunger Games series and Stephen King's 11 22 63 (That was an awesome book).

[Jean] Thanks Robert! I'll have to keep that in mind!
What do you like to do when you're not writing?

Honestly, I work a whole lot. Early evenings are spent with my young kids. Late at night is for reading and writing.

If you could trade places with any other person for a week, famous or not famous, living or dead, real or fictional. with whom would it be?

I think I would just stay me.

Where can your readers stalk you?

I am usually the one that writes back to people who comment on the Antiquitas Lost facebook page (over 14,000 followers!). I also answer all (or almost all) of the emails that come through theAntiquitas Lost website (www.AntiquitasLost.com)

© 2012 Robert Louis Smith, author of Antiquitas Lost: The Last of the Shamalans

Antiquitas Lost tells the story of a boy named Elliott, a lonesome kid with deformities on his hands and feet who is uprooted from his home after his mother falls gravely ill. When they move to New Orleans so his grandfather can help care for her, Elliott learns that the old man's eighteenth century mansion hides an ancient secret. While checking out some eerie paintings and strange relics in the basement, Elliott strays through an ancient passage into a tumultuous parallel world, full of bizarre creatures and warring races. He has stumbled into Pangrelor, the most ancient of all worlds and "mother to all the stars in the sky." As he learns to navigate his new surroundings, he discovers wondrous abilities he never dreamed he possessed, and an abiding connection to the primitive, alien world that will forever change him. But he must proceed carefully. For he soon learns that his actions in the ancient world will impact the upcoming battle for Harwelden, Pangrelor's greatest civilization, and will also resonate all the way back to New Orleans, perhaps deciding whether his own mother lives or dies.

Antiquitas Lost certainly has that epic adventure feel as you read about 15 year-old Elliott and his voyage inside a hidden world. After he discovers a hidden passage inside his grandfather’s basement, Robert Louis Smith takes the reader into a world full of strange and mysterious creatures. The reader will encounter wolf-like beings, Shamalans, castles and eerie forests.

The quest that Elliott and his friends Hooks, Jingo, and Marvus seems nearly unfeasible. It is this uncertainty that makes their journey so exciting and wonderful. It was great to read about a character who was always bullied in his world, but once he crosses this parallel world, it was the complete opposite. We get to see him mature and gain courage, trust, and love.

Mr. Smith gives a just the right amount of dialogue, depiction, and action. The story grabs your attention from the very beginning and you are in amazement with the world you are thrown into. The story is suitable for young readers but has enough sophistication for adults to take pleasure in as well.

You can purchase Antiquitas Lost at these following Retailers:

And now, The Giveaways.

Thank you Robert for making this giveaway possible.

2 Winners will receive one Copy of Antiquitas Lost by Robert Louis Smith.

Elizabeth Mueller Author Interview

2012-02-09T11:20:00.001-08:00

Book Nerd Interview

I started writing poetry when I was 9, but always enjoyed illustrating stories as a way to escape the problems in my home. As a teen, I wrote your everyday-angst poetry, but my senior year was my first step into novel-writing. I finished that book 8 years later and have written 8 books more. Can you tell I love writing?

Social Media

How would you describe yourself in three words?

Open-minded, compassionate, friend

Tell us your latest news.

LTUE will be my first appearance at a writer’s conference Feburary 9 and 10; the evening of the 10th will be my first book signing ever! I’m also doing another signing the 11th with some of my author pals. So excited!

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I started writing poetry when I was just 9, finished my first “chapter” book at 11 and my first full-length novel at 17. Writing has always been a way of life, I didn’t think of myself as on because that is who I’ve always been.

How has your environment/upbringing colored your writing?

My upbringing plays the strongest impact on my writing—starting with my imagination. Living under not so favorable conditions as a child, I escaped my sorrows through role-playing; I also turned to illustrations where I compiled epic novels graphic art style, which led to my writing!

For those who are unfamiliar with your novel; Darkspell, how would you introduce it?

Darkspell is a young adult paranormal romance. Winter is an ordinary girl who falls for Alex who is sworn to protect her from the darkness that hunts her for the secret she doesn’t know she possesses.

Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book.

You will experience romance that pulls you into two separate directions; it is a journey of evil, magic, and love—tragedy, failure and triumph—one where you will endure an ugly secret that forces our heroine to analyze her integrity.

Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series?

As a matter of fact, I do. I plan to climb into further detail about Winter’s magickal gifts and how her internal conflict influences her choices! This will be the 2ndbook of a 3 part book.

What’s one thing that readers would be surprised to find out about Winter?

Winter discovers a horrible secret about who she really is—readers will be shocked at the revelation; it is no coincidence the reason for Alex to protect her.

What is the single worst distraction that kept you from writing this book?

Time! Time is short and precious—especially during the summertime with four rambunctious kids screaming about! I had to make time both during the day and night, but I was able to finish it before school started.

What’s the most interesting comment you have received about Darkspell?

One review/comment that made my head spin was the deep message the review got from reading Darkspell. She pondered the importance of relationships and how she was moved by my characters’ motivations. I actually cried over that!

What was your favorite chapter to write and why?

My favorite chapter was when Winter came upon her gift. She had to learn for herself who she really was and how to follow her heart.

Why do you feel you had to tell this story?

We are all faced with unknowns everyday—our integrity shines the most when faced with temptations as well as drastic changes. Will we remain strong or wither away?

Are there any tips you would give a book club to better navigate their discussion of your book?

I composed 9 questions you can find here as well as the end of my book. I geared them to provoke thoughts regarding human nature as well as how our choices affect our lives.

Is there anything additional you would like to share with your readers?

Winter’s outlook on life is no coincidence since she had lost her father at an impressionable age. Her integrity keeps her close to home and family since her mother is well-balanced and loves her children very much. I take into consideration repercussions of any and all challenges my characters face as I write my books.

What question are you never asked in interviews but wish you were?

A lot of the time, as a reader, I marvel at evil villains. I would love to know how the writer feels about the villain—if the author loves or hates his/her creation. So my question would be:

Everybody loves heroes, as a writer, I can see how intimate creating your very own hero is. Keeping this in mind, how do you, as a writer, feel about the villains you create?

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I love to read! I also enjoy spending time with my kids, watching movies, dancing, drawing (check out my illustrations here!), and helping others.

What are your current projects?

I’m working on Darkspell’s sequel, Darkwraith as well as Kursed, a YA paranormal romance as well as RockStar—an inspirational contemporary with romantic element.

Which author would you love to co-author a book with?

Ooh, co-authoring is something that I’ve been think a lot about lately—I would love to co-author with Wendy Swore. She has her co-authoring methods down pat and I admire that about her!

What are 4 things you never leave home without?

If it’s going to be a long drive, the four things would be: my laptop, Kindle Fire, planner, and several copies of Darkspell.

List 3 of your all time favorite books?

Giants of the Frost by Kim Wilkins
Emily Windsnap Series by Liz Kessler
The Hidden Sun by J.LloydMorgan

Do you have any fun Halloween experiences you can tell us?

Halloween is one of the funnest times for me because I get to dress up and feel like another entity--especially one that doesn't exist such as vampires or witches or even fairies! I enjoy acting, so this is a holiday for me.

Where can your readers stalk you?

Amazon, Fan page, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, google +, Wattpad, and my website where you can purchase signed copies of my book! Thank you for visiting, I hope to see you around!

Winter Sky believes she is everything ordinary . . . until she is kissed by Alex Stormhold.As seer of Stormhold Coven, Alex is sworn to be Winter's protector against the darkness that hunts her. Violently thrust into a magickal realm she always thought impossible, she stumbles upon a disturbing secret of her own.

Elizabeth Mueller’s debut young adult paranormal romance, Darkspell, is a refreshing and unique story about magic surrounded by an excellent cast of wonderful characters. The first person perspective through the eyes of high school senior Winter Sky was well written. The story takes your emotions on a roller-coaster ride, through dangers, adventures, and romantic encounters. It offers all the ingredients for a great novel that will surely keep readers on the edge and keep turning the pages to see what happens next.

Winter is your normal teenage girl with normal dreams who literally experience her dreams come true when the extremely handsome and mysterious Alex Stronghold moves into her town. Her destined meeting with the boy of her dreams would ultimately alter her life. The mystery of Alex becomes not-so-mysterious anymore as Winter finds herself physically attracted to him bursting with emotional love that most people would dream about. Their story together is pure and sweet and truly one for the ages.

The book revolves around magic. In addition, it is not the kind of magic we are used to. It is completely different with a fresh inimitable approach to the magic world. Mueller has done an exceptional job for telling such a remarkable story. The story was compelling and intriguing that stems off from a mysterious event. From there the story builds-up and more mystery and suspense awaits the reader. The book left me in a good mood. Mueller managed to stuff all kinds of emotions into one. This sweet YA paranormal romance tale will not dissatisfy and very appropriate for all ages.

You can purchase Darkspell through Elizabeth's Website >>>HERE<<<

And now, The Giveaways.

Thank you Elizabeth for making this giveaway possible.

1 Winner will receive one Signed Copy of Darkspell

and one Poster by Elizabeth Mueller (US Only).

E-book for International.

2 Winners will receive one Signed Bookmark by Elizabeth Mueller.

Keri Lake Author Interview

2012-02-08T10:46:00.001-08:00

Book Nerd Interview

Keri Lake is a married mother of two living in Michigan. She writes fiction in the genres of paranormal romance, urban fantasy and recently finished book 1 of a paranormal YA series. A graduate of Michigan State University (go green!), Keri holds 2 degrees in science but would gladly trade them both to pursue her true passion for writing. Though novels tend to be her focus, she has also written countless short stories and flash fiction whenever the distraction arises. She completed her very first novel in 2008 and has written two more since then with a few in the works.

When she isn’t toiling away on plots and protagonists, she enjoys reading, music and travel. If she could create mystical powers for herself, she’d have the ability to flash to anywhere in the world. And if she could flash to anywhere in the world at this very moment, she’d be staring at the ocean from her Adirondack chair on the shores of North Carolina.

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How would you describe yourself in three words?

Oooh. Three words? Um…stubborn, driven and a pretty quiet, I suppose. Hehe

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

Oh boy, there were a number of things I wanted to do. I wanted to be a Navy Seal (thanks to my uncle), a dolphin trainer, a marine biologist, a lawyer, a scientist and most recently, an author. I’m not sure I’ve grown up yet, so I think I still have time to sort this out.

Tell us your latest news.

I recently released my debut paranormal romance, Somnium. This is book one of the Halos trilogy.

Who or what has influenced your writing, and in what way?

My earliest influences were actually poets. My mom had a huge book of poetry and I’d sit and memorize the poems. I started out writing poetry and my love for twisted tales eventually evolved over time, turning into short stories. My English teacher in high school encouraged me to pursue writing in college. Unfortunately, I didn’t listen to her and earned degrees in science instead. But I’d gladly trade those degrees to write!

Is there an Author that you would really like to meet?

I’d really love to sit down with JK Rowling. I think her personal story is so intriguing and would make for great conversation.

For those who are unfamiliar with your novel, Halos Somnium, how would you introduce it?

Somnium is book one of the Halos trilogy, set in the small coastal town of Kittery, Maine. The story begins when ambitious Allie Lynch is sent there on assignment for work. Her goal is to prove herself a brilliant engineer. Instead, she finds herself torn between two gorgeous men. To resist temptation, she throws herself into her work. But fate has other plans for her. Women are going missing, she’s struck with a series of life-threatening mishaps and becomes the obsession of a deranged psychopath. Allie is thrust into a dark world that tests her beliefs, forces her to open her mind to new realities and her heart to the possibility of love.

Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book.

Somnium is a paranormal romance with angels and demons, but I’m introducing a new class of multi-dimensional characters that blur the line of good versus evil.

What was your inspiration for Halos Somnium?

I’ve always been fascinated by angels and demons. Good versus evil. Somnium is loosely based on my sister. When she moved out of state a few years back, it was really scary for me. She’s the baby of the family. I began writing the novel soon after she left and it sort of gave me some piece of mind; the idea of someone looking out for her.

Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series?

Yes, Somnium is Book 1 of the Halos trilogy. I’m currently working on Book 2, titled Requiem and I’m also writing some short stories written from the POV’s of different Halos characters. These will eventually be posted to my site as fun little extras.

What’s one thing that readers would be surprised to find out about Allie?

Her character is based on my little sister, also an engineer. All the funny attributes of the character originate from some real life experiences.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating Colton Briggs and Drew Costa?

Some writers have a propensity to create a hard distinction between the good guy and the bad guy in a story. In writing Somnium, I learned that characters can be multi-dimensional all throughout and still fall into whatever role the author ultimately plots out for them.

Why do you feel you had to tell this story?

Mostly it was personal. It gave me some piece of mind while I was writing it. The idea of a fierce protector looking out for my sister was a comfort as I was adjusting to her moving out of state.

What is the single worst distraction that kept you from writing this book?

My full-time job! Haha It was so frustrating. There are days when writers are struck by a flood of ideas and some when they’re just not. When I was writing Somnium, I’d often be hit by dialogue or scenes right in the middle of a meeting! It was tortuous. Eventually, I started carrying notecards in my labcoat to jot down ideas as they’d strike.

Is there anything additional you would like to share with your readers?

Just that I’m so incredibly grateful for them. I’ve received so many kind messages and the reviews have been humbling. My readers make me want to keep writing!

What question are you never asked in interviews but wish you were?

Ooh! This is the part where I get to reveal dreams of sitting across from Oprah or Diane Sawyer. *cough* uh…um…just kidding. I don’t…

So, anyway, a question I’ve never been asked?

How does it feel to write novels full-time while basking in the sun on an adirondack chair at your beachhouse in North Carolina?

Ahem, *clears throat*, I’ll let you know if that happens…

Beyond your own work (of course), what is your all-time favorite book and why? And what is your favorite book outside of the PNR genre?

My all-time favorite book is Kiss of a Demon King by Kresley Cole. The tension between the two characters is pretty hot. I was certain that I could not be swayed to like Sabine. Her character did not appeal to me AT ALL in the beginning. But Kresley is such an amazing writer; I was rooting for Sabine like a crazed cheerleader by the end of the book. And Rydstrom…*fans self* is one sexy alpha.

Outside of the PNR genre, I really enjoyed The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.

If you could be any mythology creature, what would you be?

Oooh! Great question. I think I would love to be a mermaid so I could explore parts of the ocean where humans have never been.

Which author would you love to co-author a book with?

Nicholas Sparks. My writing tends to be dark and twisted. I think between the two of us, we could create a dark and twisted paranormal love story. With demons.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

Spend time with my family. I have two beautiful daughters and one awesome hubby. I also like to read!

What is your favorite Quote?

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover ~ Mark Twain

Favorite food?

Chips and salsa!

Where can your readers stalk you?
Website: http://www.kerilake.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/kerilake
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Keri-Lake/179797882071933
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5335601.Keri_Lake

A work assignment in Kittery, Maine should be routine for Allie Lynch; nothing more than to prove herself as a brilliant engineer. Instead she finds herself torn between two men: a gorgeous military guard, Colton Briggs, and her devilishly handsome colleague, Drew Costa. To resist temptation, Allie does the only thing she can: she throws herself into her work.

But fate has other plans for Allie. Women are going missing all around her, Allie is struck with a series of life-threatening mishaps, and she becomes the obsession of a local deranged psychopath.

Thrust into a dark world that she can hardly fathom, Allie must fight for her very survival, open her mind to new realities – and open her heart to the possibility of love. Because both of these men are trouble – but one is a greater danger than she could ever imagine …

Somnium is one of the few books out there that literally grabs you by the wrist and takes you on a wild adventure. Led by an amazing author, you are presented with a book that will surely satisfy any reader. Keri Lake’s eloquent writing style compliments how beautiful this book is and allowed you to actually experience the tension, exhilaration, and inscrutability of the characters. Even the way she introduces characters was simply remarkable.

Allie as the MC was genius. She’s not only smart and imaginative but her personality draws you in that makes her appealing and interesting. Allie’s relationships with each of the other characters were unique. Lake does a superb job of establishing each character and shaping them out with the ideal amount of detail. As you read more about them, it’s as if these intriguing people were your personal friends.

Somnium is greatly written. It has the perfect balance of creepiness and romance. It is a paranormal love story that has a lot of twists that will continually to grab you by the wrist and ignite your imagination. This work of fiction will be hard to put down once you start. Once you reach the last page, you cannot help but to feel your anticipation level rises. You will experience different emotions through the book.

You can purchase Halos Somnium at these following retailers:

Amazon
Book Depository

And now, The Giveaways.

Thank you Keri for making this giveaway possible.

1 Winner receive one Signed Copy of Halos Somnium

and one Signed Bookmark by Keri Lake.

IMM - Week of February 6, 2012

2012-02-06T16:26:00.000-08:00

Theft of Swords & Heir of Novron Provided & Signed by Michael J. Sullivan.

Forbidden Provided & Signed by Syrie James & Ryan M. James.

Grey Areas Provided by Jessica Dall.

Until I die ARC Provided by Harper Teen.

Delirium & Before I Fall Provided & Signed by Lauren Oliver.

Signed Bookplates. (Not Pictured).

There is No Dog Provided by Penguin YA Group.

Otherwise & Dead Asleep Provided & Signed by OakIvy Publishing.

Summit at Sunset Provided & Signed by Jaz Primo.

Custom Bookmark from Alice, made by Diabolical Designs.

Thank you, I love it!

Thoughtful Card from Dana! Thank you.

C.K. Bryant Author Interview

2012-02-06T10:43:00.002-08:00

Booknerd Interview

Dreaming of Books Hop

Co-Hosted by Rachael Renee Anderson

Book Nerd Interview

I've always been a writer. Even before I could compose a single word with pen, I scribbled my version of cursive along the open page just to see what it looked like. As a teen, I swiped my dad's old Royal typewriter so my muse could breathe life into what my vivid imagination had created.

I've spent the last twenty-five years married to the man of my dreams and raising our two sons. After helping run the family restaurant for most of our marriage, I've finally broken away to pursue my dream of being an author.

In addition to graduating from The Institute of Children’s Literature, I attend writer’s conferences and workshops on a regular basis. I'm a member of Idaho League of Writers and the Executive Director of Authors Incognito, a national writers group that includes over 300 aspiring authors.

When I'm not with my family or tickling the computer keys, I love camping, reading, scrapbooking, listening to all kinds of music, and making new friends.

I'm currently living in the middle of sage brush and lava rock with a spectacular view of the Snake River Canyon in South Central Idaho.

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Tell me a bit about yourself.

Well, I'm old enough not to claim my birthdays anymore. Married to the man of my dreams and have one son who will graduate from high school in May of this year. When I'm not tickling the computer keys, I like to read, scrapbook, do anything crafty and spend as much time as I can outdoors. I live in the middle of sagebrush and lava rock with a spectacular view of the Snake River Canyon. I have one dog, one cat and a frog that lives outside my bedroom window that serenades me to sleep every night.

Where were you born and where do you call home?

I was born in Pocatello, Idaho, but my father was in the military so we moved around a lot. Once he retired, we settled in Jerome, where I graduated from high school. I now live in Kimberly, Idaho with my husband and son. We really like it here. It's a small town full of wonderful people.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I wanted to be a mom. Plain and simple. I loved a lot of things—writing, reading, outdoors, crafts, you name it, I dabbled in it. But my passion was to be the mother of at least 5-6 kids. It wasn't until my husband and I had been married for several years that I found out I couldn't have children. Talk about a knife to the heart. I was crushed. Fortunately, we decided to adopt. I can't begin to tell you how much joy it brought me to hold that little boy in my arms. He's almost 18 now. Man, I feel old.

What was your first introduction to YA literature, the one that made you choose that genre to write?

Good question. I started out writing adult romance, but my books were clean. (I kept the bedroom door closed) That didn't go over well with romance lovers. They wanted more than I was willing to give. It was then that the Twilight series became so popular, so I picked up a copy and began to read. By the end of the series, I had changed the age of my characters and cut about 30,000 words so it would fit into the YA genre. Now I can't get enough of YA. I read everything I can get my hands on. I love that I can write what I love, keep it clean and still gain a readership that appreciates the standards I try to keep in my books.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

Oh, this one is easy. Ali Cross, author of BECOME. She's been my friend and critique partner for years now and I would not be the writer I am without her. She's so good at shredding my work and making it much better than I could ever make it myself. If you haven't read her book, you really should. It's freakin' awesome.

How many books have you written?

BOUND is my first completed novel. The sequel, BROKEN, is also complete, but in the middle of major revisions. I hope to have it out by late spring 2012. I have 10 other novels in the works, all in different stages of completion. Some have won awards in first chapter contests. I'm anxious to get The Crystor Series finished so I can move on to those. I miss them.

For those who are unfamiliar with your novel, Bound, how would you introduce it?

Bound is different than anything you've ever read before. I've created a world for my characters that will take your breath away. Magic you've never seen. Shapeshifting creatures you'll fall in love with. Friendships you'll wish you had. Emotions you'll discover that you haven't felt in years. It will take you away from the humdrum world you live in and leave you wanting more. I promise.

What was your inspiration for Bound?

ACK! I hate this question. But only because the answer is so cliche. Are you ready for this "original" answer? A DREAM! I couldn't get it out of my head, so my friend told me to write it down. I did and it took on a life of its own.

If you could introduce Kira to any character from another book, who would it be and why?

Oh, I'd definitely introduce her to Desi, the MC from BECOME (by Ali Cross). Ali and I have talked a lot about what would happen if Desi (the devil's daughter) met up with Kira. I think they'd become good friends.

What chapter was the most memorable to write and why?

The ending. I wanted it to be perfect. I wrote about a dozen different endings to BOUND, but ultimately, I needed it to end the way it did. It leads perfectly into the next book and prepares the reader for what's to come.

Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series?

Yep. The first of four in THE CRYSTOR Series. I wanted to squeeze it all into a trilogy, but it's just not going to happen. There's too much to tell and I didn't want to cheat the reader out of all the goodies.

What’s one thing that readers would be surprised to find out about Kira?

That regardless of her "mouse" tendencies, she's got a strong woman growing inside her. She's a kick but warrior and we'll see a lot more of that in the books to follow, especially the third one. (No spoilers here)

What is the single worst distraction that kept you from writing this book?

Work. The first draft of BOUND was written on my old laptop in a cubby in my husband's office. We own a restaurant and I used to work the front, waiting on customers, taking out orders, doing dishes, etc. I'd take every spare moment to write. Every time the bell on the front door rang, telling me I had a customer, I'd cringe. I just wanted to write. It wasn't until I had the contract from a publisher, that I quit working there and started writing full time at home. Of course, the publisher thing didn't work out, they closed their doors and I was left out in the cold. But that's all in the past and I'm glad to be an INDIE now.

What’s the most interesting comment you have received about your books?

Someone once commented on how they loved the mythology in BOUND. WHAT? Mythology always makes me think of Greek Gods or other forms of popular mythology. I hadn't thought of my book that way before—that I'd created my own mythology. I found that very interesting.

Why do you feel you had to tell this story?

HA! Because it wouldn't leave me alone. It occupied my thoughts 24/7. It even kept me awake at night. I had to write it down or I'd go insane.

Is there anything additional you would like to share with your readers?

I actually have a big surprise for my readers. There's a deleted scene from BOUND that will come out in an anthology, IN HIS EYES, on February 14th. You can read more about it >>>>HERE<<<<

What question are you never asked in interviews but wish you were?

ROFL! Do I have any tattoos? And since you didn't ask it, I don't have to answer, right?

[Jean] - CK, yes! And now I'm wondering lol
If I came to your house and looked in your closet/attic/basement, what’s the one thing that would surprise me the most?

Well, maybe that I don't have an attic or basement. ROFL!! Looking in my closet, on the other hand, might be a little embarrassing. My house is so small that what little closet space we have is jammed packed full of "stuff" and not very well organized. Maybe what would surprise you the most is that you opened the door and all that stuff didn't fall on you head.

Beyond your own work (of course), what is your all-time favorite book and why? And what is your favorite book outside of the YA genre?

Anything by Catherine Anderson. She's a great romance novelist and because that's what I grew up reading, she quickly became my favorite. I'd love to meet her some day. My favorite is Phantom Waltz.

Favorite places to travel?

I love the ocean, so any place where I can see the surf and the sun setting on the water.

Who was your first boyfriend?

His name was Ricardo. He was an exchange student from Brazil. He took me to a dance once and I was smitten. But then he went home. We wrote for a few years, then lost track of each other. So sad. He was a good guy.

Favorite Cartoon?

Bugs Bunny. Didn't even have to think about that one.

What is your most memorable travel experience?

That would have to be when I was younger. My father was in the military so we moved a lot. We had this awesome travel trailer that was our second home and my dad always made our moves feel more like vacations. He'd map out all the fun things to see and make sure we saw it all. I've been all over the US and even lived in Germany. Can't beat those memories.

Which author would you love to co-author a book with?

I like working alone and getting into my characters. I'm not sure I could work with someone else. I take my work very seriously and I think it would feel like they were intruding on my territory. Does that sound bad?

Where can your readers stalk you?

Oooh, I love stalkers.

BLOG (http://www.ckbryant.com)
TWITTER (http://twitter.com/#%21/AuthorCKBryant) or @AuthorCKBryant
FACEBOOK (http://www.facebook.com/pages/C-K-Bryant/154160389216)
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When a photo shoot ends in tragedy, Kira discovers her best friend, Lydia, has been keeping a secret. Knowing the truth, and accepting it, will change Kira’s life forever and thrust her into a world of ancient curses, magical objects, and savage enemies. What happens next will challenge everything Kira knows about her world, herself and the shape-shifting warrior she’s falling in love with. No longer the timid mouse her mother accused her of being, but a woman who finds the mental and physical strength to endure and survive.

BOUND is a heroic tale of true friendship, infinite sacrifice and untamed love.

Bound by C.K. Bryant totally had me mesmerized from the beginning. Maybe the biggest aspect of this book is that it is so different from what is out there. Bryant’s imagination and unique writing style made the story’s originality very appealing and refreshing.

The world that Bryant created was full of magic and mystery. The characters living in this world will have you amazed with the powers they possess. Kira and Lydia’s friendship was one for the ages. The bond between them was extraordinarily—mentally and emotionally. We usually hear friends say to each other that they would sacrifice their lives for one another but unlike Kira and Lydia, it was very believable. The strength of their friendship is very strong and solid and something I have never read before in a book.

Overall, Bryant’s brilliant story will have you mesmerized and thrilled from beginning to end. It is a roller-coaster ride of excitement, action, mystery, love and friendship that is never before been experienced. It is unique and original. I am forever a Kira fan and I am ready to jump back into this unearthly world when book two comes out.

You can purchase Bound at these retailers:

And now, The Giveaway.

Thank you C.K. for making this giveaway possible.

1 Winner receive one Signed Copy of Bound by C.K. Bryant.

2 Winners will receive one Signed Bookmark C.K. Bryant.

Winners:

Amanda Sarinana

1 Winner receive one Signed Copy of Bound by C.K. Bryant.

Krysta Banco & Valentina Cano

2 Winners will receive one Signed Bookmark C.K. Bryant.

Click >>>> HERE<<<< for the rest of the Hop

Angela Corbett Author Interview

2012-02-02T09:52:00.001-08:00

Book Nerd Interview

Angela Corbett graduated from Westminster College with a double major in communication and sociology. She started working as a reporter for her local newspaper when she was sixteen and won awards for feature, news, and editorial writing. She has also done freelance writing. In addition to writing, she works as a director of communications and marketing. She loves classic cars, traveling, and listening to U2. She lives in Utah with her extremely supportive husband and their five-pound Pomeranian, Pippin, whose following of fangirls could rival Justin Bieber's.

Social Media

Where were you born and where do you call home?

I was born in a small town in northern Utah. After high school, I moved to Salt Lake City to attend Westminster College where I graduated in 2002. I met my husband at college, and we've stayed in the Salt Lake area ever since.

How long have you been writing?

I started writing poetry when I was 8, then wrote a lot of short stories as a teenager. I discovered journalism in high school and fell in love with writing the news. I studied Communications in college and did freelance writing after I graduated, but my love for writing fiction never went away. When I got the idea for Eternal Starling, I started writing and never looked back.

What were your feelings when your first novel was accepted/when you first saw the cover of the finished product?

I was so excited! It was 2 1/2 years from the time I started writing Eternal Starling to when I was offered a publishing contract for the trilogy. I walked around in a daze for a couple of weeks. The first time I saw my cover, I just stared! I thought it was absolutely beautiful! I was lucky because my publisher let me be involved in the cover process. The graphic designer took my vision and my publisher's vision, and made it into art. I love the soft, retro feeling of the cover. It's romantic, and really indicative of the book.

For those who are unfamiliar with your series, Eternal Starling, how would you introduce it?

I started Eternal Starling as a love story, but it grew into so much more than that. While the love story is still the center of the trilogy, the series is really about my main character, Evie Starling, and her journey. The mythology is one I made up, so it's completely new. The Eternal Starling world centers around Evie. When Evie meets Alex Night and Emil Stone, she finds out she's not the person she thought she was. Alex and Emil both claim to be her soul mates, but they're members of opposing forces: one that helps keep soul mates together, another that tears them apart. Evie has to decide who to trust, who to love, and most importantly, who/what she is. Evie is an important part of the puzzle, and in Eternal Starling, you're just beginning to find out about her role.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in writing Eternal Starling?

That I love writing dialogue!

If you could introduce Evie to any character from another book, who would it be and
why?

Yelena from Maria V. Snyder's Study series. They're both smart, independent women dealing with unexpected powers. I think they'd understand each other and get along well.

What’s one thing that readers would be surprised to find out about Evie?

Evie has a weakness for Slurpees and Pixy Stix. The sugar high makes her unpredictable. :)

What chapter was the most memorable to write and why?

When I came up with the idea for Eternal Starling, the first chapter was the first thing I wrote, and definitely the most memorable. When I write, I need to feel really great about my first chapter. If I don't, I know something is off and I won't be able to write the rest of the book. One of the first things I wrote, and one of my favorite lines in Eternal Starling is: "I licked my lips, without realizing I'd done it and had the fleeting thought that if he wanted to have me for dinner, I'd help him light the charcoal."

What is the single worst distraction that kept you from writing this book?

My wedding! I was in the middle of planning it when I got the idea for Eternal Starling and started writing.

Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published.

Hearing from people who like the book! I'm floored every time I get an email, or see a comment from someone. It means so much that people take the time to let me know they liked my book. It certainly helps motivate me to get book 2 done!

Favorite places to travel?

It's so hard to choose! I spent a month in Europe during college and it changed my life and how I look at the world. Europe will always hold a special place in my heart because of it, so I love going back to visit. I also love New Orleans, and any place I can sit in the sand and read for hours.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

Read! During winter, I curl up by the fireplace, and in summer, I sit in the backyard under a tree.

What are your current projects?

I'm currently working on book 2 of the Emblem of Eternity trilogy! I also have an adult mystery/romance I'm working on.

What book are you reading now?

Frostbite, by Richelle Mead.

List 3 of your all time favorite books?

Gone With the Wind, Fire Study, The Hunger Games.

What is a movie or TV show that you watched recently and really enjoyed?

Once Upon a Time is my new obsession! I also love, love, love Modern Family.

What are 4 things you never leave home without?

My purse, cell phone, chapstick, and hand sanitizer (because I'm a germaphobe).

Where can your readers stalk you?

Twitter: @AngCorbett
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Emblem-of-Eternity-Trilogy/137437460866
Goodreads Emblem of Eternity Group: http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/56808.Emblem_of_Eternity_Trilogy_Fans
Website: www.angelacorbett.com
Blog: angcorbett.blogspot.com

A love so strong, even eternity can't separate them.

Evie Starling has lived a relatively uneventful life hanging out with friends, gossiping about boys, and driving her 1966 Mustang. All of that changes when she moves to Gunnison, Colorado, to start college and meets two mysterious men.

For centuries, Alex Night and Emil Stone have yearned for Evie—but they each have their own reasons for wanting to be with her. When both men claim to be her soul mate and tell her about an unbelievable past, Evie learns that she's not the person she thought she was. Soon, Evie finds herself in the middle of an age-old battle between the Amaranthine Society—the soul protectors, and the Daevos Resistance—the soul destroyers. With a past she doesn't understand, and a future rife with danger, Evie has to decide who she can trust. But Alex and Emil aren't the only ones who want Evie, and her soul is about to become the rope in an eternal tug-of-war

Eternal Starling is part of Angela Corbett’s new paranormal romance series: Emblem of Eternity. This YA book is truly breathtaking! The story follows Evie Starling, Alex Night, and Emil Stone. Although love triangles have been butchered so many times in books, I found myself enjoying their one-of-a-kind, impulsive, and compelling story.

The fact that the three main characters have a history, their current situation presented a unique and interesting ordeal. I usually incline towards one boy but Alex and Emil were so amazing, it was difficult to fully side with one. Typically in a love triangle, you can detect which side the girl will ultimately go for but in this case, Corbett created two great characters that there is no right or wrong choice for Evie.

Corbett’s writing technique and her approach in developing Evie was remarkably brilliant. She is this independent young girl who doesn’t put up with drama. The writing style was realistic, detailed, in-depth, and funny. The soul-mate plot is so exceptionally different from many others that it was so difficult to decide between Alex and Emil. It’s very refreshing! It’ll keep you guessing and questioning what is going to happen, right up until the end. Some questions get answered but it’ll leave you wanting for more. I truly cannot wait for the next installment to see where the three are headed to.

You can purchase Eternal Starling at these following retailers:

And now, The Giveaways.

Thank you Angela for making this giveaway possible.

1 Winner receive one copy of Eternal Starling by Angela Corbett,

one Signed Bookmark and one Signed Bookplate.

2 Winners will receive one Signed Bookmark and one Signed Bookplate.

3 Winners will receive one Signed Bookmark.

Winners:

Jeanne

1 Winner receive one copy of Eternal Starling by Angela Corbett,

one Signed Bookmark and one Signed Bookplate.

Ioana Lacatusu & Vickie Reljin

2 Winners will receive one Signed Bookmark and one Signed Bookplate.

Tiffany Mahaffy, Jacqui Paltidge & Samara O

3 Winners will receive one Signed Bookmark.

Lisa T. Bergren Author Interview

2012-02-01T10:34:00.001-08:00

Book Nerd Interview

Lisa Tawn Bergren is the best-selling, award-winning author of over 30 books, with more than 1.5 million copies sold. She just finished writing a Colorado historical trilogy (the first book, Breathe, Sing and Claim), and has begun a teen series called River of Time (Waterfall, book 1, comes out in February 2011).

Lisa’s time is split between managing home base, writing (including a fair amount of travel writing), consulting and freelance editing (with a little speaking here and there). She’s married to Tim, a liturgical sculptor, graphic designer and musician. They have three kids–Olivia (15), Emma (12) and Jack (7).

All five of the Bergrens make their home in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Social Media

How would you describe yourself in three words?

Creative. Evolving. Passionate.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

Getting my rear-end in the chair on a daily basis. I'm easily distracted. Twitter? Facebook? I have to go to the library to get anything done (and never, ever log on to the Internet there.)

Who or what has influenced your writing, and in what way?

Francine Rivers and Angela Hunt. They always write the next story God lays on their heart--and I do the same. It makes it interesting--I'm always writing something new. But it also makes it hard for my publishers to promote me, since I'm always beginning again, with a fairly unique audience. For instance, before River of Time, I'd never written for the general market YA crowd (but I had written for the Christian historical, contemporary and supernatural suspense readers). The interesting thing? I feel compelled to write MORE for the general market YA readers--I'm in love with them! So I might settle in here for a while.

What were your feelings when your first novel was accepted?

Stunned. Amazed. Deliriously happy.

For those who are unfamiliar with your The River of Time Trilogy, how would you introduce it?

It's about two modern girls who time travel back to medieval Italy, and then must try to return home...after they decide if they really want to. Lots of romance, action and intrigue!

Why do you feel you had to tell this story?

Because I loved it! I was passionate about Gabi and Lia from the first sentence until the last.

What inspired you to write the series? Is there a story about the writing of this novel that begs to be told?

I have two teenage girls in the house and neither of them are very passionate readers. I brought home book after book, in all genres, trying to get my eldest hooked. But it wasn't until TWILIGHT that she understood the power of a story--how it can take you to another place, believe you're the character, experience what they're feeling...After that, she's often had a book in her hand, so I'll forever be grateful to Stephanie Meyer! I wanted to write a series for her and her sister that would engage them on the same level, so I set out to figure out a story that didn't have vampires in it, but had similar fantastic elements. Time travel was an obvious answer.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in writing The River of Time Trilogy?

Italy had no tomatoes in medieval times. Can you imagine Italian food without tomatoes??

[Jean: Really? No tomatoes? I really can't imagine]
Have you based any of your characters on someone you know, or real events in your own life?

There are always bits and pieces of people I know in my characters. But the characters as a whole are their own unique people.

If you gave some of your characters an opportunity to speak for themselves, what would they say?

I did! They each have Facebook pages! Check 'em out via "River of Time Series" on Facebook. Readers are having fun interacting with them.

If you could introduce Gabi & Lia to any character from another book, who would it be and why?

I think they could use some wisdom from a priest in The Gifted Series (THE BEGOTTEN, THE BETRAYED, THE BLESSED). He's a good guide.

What’s one thing that readers would be surprised to find out about Marcello?

He never wanted to be Lord Forelli. In his mind, the title was always destined to be his brother's.

What’s the most interesting comment you have received about your books?

That the series makes them think about how they live their lives. Love that.

What question are you never asked in interviews but wish you were?

I have no idea!

Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published.

Getting email and letters from fans, meeting them at signings. I love their passion. Their love for my story makes us instant friends, since we have that in common!

Which author would you love to co-author a book with?

No one. That sounds like a nightmare. I just can't imagine volleying a story back and forth.

Favorite places to travel?

Italy (surprise, surprise). England.

What book are you reading now?

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer.

What is your favorite Quote?

"Life is short, but wide." ~Anonymous

Favorite food?

I rarely meet a food I DON'T like. *sigh* *looks at Jan resolution to lose weight*

What are 4 things you never leave home without?

Wallet, cell, keys, lipstick

What is a movie or TV show that you watched recently and really enjoyed?

"Tintin" was our last movie; Amazing Race, Castle, Food Network Star are favs on TV

Where can your readers stalk you?

Facebook: River of Time Series, Lisa Tawn Bergren
Web: www.LisaBergren.com, RiverofTime.mobi
Twitter: @LisaTBergren

Lisa Tawn Bergren's new YA series, River of Time, is romantic, historical fiction in which the plucky heroine doesn't have to fear a vampire's bite but must still fight for her life. In Waterfall, American teenager Gabi Betarrini accidently finds herself in sixteenth-century Italy . . . Knights. Swords. Horses. Armor. And Italian hotties. Most American teens want an Italian vacation, but the Betarrini sisters have spent every summer of their lives there with their archaeologist parents. Stuck on yet another hot, dusty dig, they are bored out of their minds... until they place their hands atop handprints in an ancient tomb and find themselves catapulted into the sixteenth-century—and in the middle of a fierce battle between knights bent on killing one another.

Waterfall by Lisa Bergren is not your average adventure about the possibility of bending time and the impacts of altering past events. I knew I would enjoy this book from the moment I discovered that the main character, Gabi, is suddenly in the midst of a war between two lands in the 1300’s. I have always enjoyed books set in medieval times and everything I love about that era was included.

The time travel elements that Bergren delicately described within these incredible pages were simply remarkable. Medieval times in Italy was the right setting for the story as Gabi and her sister, Lia, encounter battles, political conspiracy, royalty, and let’s not forget, romance! It also presented a lot of beautiful scenes that helped make the story so vivid and alive.

The fact that Gabi and Lia become these two powerful women was a big plus for me. I love a story with a strong heroine—and we get two in this story! Gabi is one of the few characters that I truly adore because she is truly believable in terms of wits and common sense. Instead of a girl who finds herself in Medieval Italy and not knowing what to do, we get a level-headed young woman who quickly adapts the lifestyle of the 1300’s so she can pass as one of them. Her romantic adventure with the knight-prince Marcello was very interesting because they have fallen for each other and the reader knows that they could never be truly together.

Lisa Bergren has done a wonderful job in researching her story. She puts in effort in putting details of the lifestyle and language of that era. The characters she has brought to life were enjoyable to just read about and their interactions between them were excellent. This is part of a trilogy so don’t expect the end to resolve anything. With all considerations, I don’t mind because I can’t wait to read more about Gabi & Lia’s adventure.

You can purchase Waterfall at these following retailers:

And now, The Giveaways.

Thank you Lisa for making this giveaway possible.

1 Winner will win a book of choice from the River of Time Series by Lisa T. Bergren.

(Signed if in the USA, Unsigned if international)

You can purchase The River of Time Series at these following retailers: