Write Stuff: November 2011

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

UNTRACEABLE launch!

I had the chance to review an early copy of UNTRACEABLE by SR Johannes (review here), and I totally loved it! Today, the book goes on sale to the general public, so be sure to go grab a copy!

* To buy in paperback - The paperback has been reduced to $8.99 (from $9.99) and can be purchased here.

* To buy the Kindle ebook - The ebook has been reduced to $2.99 (from $3.99) and can be purchased here.

* Other ebook Formats (including ePUB (for Nook), iBooks, Sony and more) - go here to choose the best format for your ereader.

Seriously, go check it out! And be sure to check back on Friday, when I'll be posting a guest post by the author!

16 year old Grace was reared in the wilderness. Her first pet was a bear named Simon. Her first potty, an oak tree. And, her first swing, a forest vine. Grace has lived in the Smokies all her life, patrolling with her forest ranger father who taught her everything he knew about wildlife, tracking, and wilderness survival.

When Grace's dad goes missing on a routine patrol, unlike everyone in her sleepy mountain town, she refuses to believe he’s dead. After finding a Cheetos bag and stolen government file, Grace is convinced she’s one step closer to proving all the non-believers wrong.

One day, while out tracking clues, Grace is rescued from imminent danger by Mo, a hot guy who has an intoxicating accent and a secret. Grace has never felt a connection like this before, certainly not with her ex-boyfriend, the adoring, but decidedly unrugged, Wyn.

After a few run-ins with the town's police chief, her father's partner, and some new evidence, Grace travels deeper into the wilderness that has always been her refuge only to learn that her father's disappearance is not a mere coincidence.

Soon she’s enmeshed in a web of conspiracy, deception, and murder. And it’s going to take a lot more than a compass and a motorcycle (named Lucifer) for this kick-butting heroine to emerge from an epidemic that’s spreading like wild fire, threatening everything and everyone she’s ever loved.

After Reading: Wolfsbane

By: Meradeth Houston on 10:56 AM

by Andrea Cremer

When Calla Tor wakes up in the lair of the Searchers, her sworn enemies, she's certain her days are numbered. But then the Searchers make her an offer, one that gives her the chance to destroy her former masters and save the pack and the man she left behind. Is Ren worth the price of her freedom? And will Shay stand by her side no matter what? Now in control of her own destiny, Calla must decide which battles are worth fighting and how many trials true love can endure and still survive.

Okay, so I really loved the first book in this series (my review of Nightshade here), and was eagerly anticipating reading the sequel. And it was all the things I loved about the first book, and then some. A great heroine who is conflicted but strong, fun and interesting (and not to mention attractive) male characters, and lots of intrigue and snappy dialogue. My only problem? I really wish I had re-read Nightshade before digging into this one. There were a lot of things I'd forgotten along the way, and it would have made things a million times easier had I had the change to go back and read it to remember the myriad of intricate details Cremer has woven into her world. But, I feel all caught up now, and Bloodrose comes out in a little over a month! Woot!

Also, to tag this on, I entered the MeeGenious picture book contest on a whim (I had a story from a long time ago that I figured I should do SOMETHING with :) and it's up here. Please go vote for me--it's super simple!

Week of Thankfulness Day 7

By: Meradeth Houston on 8:26 AM

Ahhh, the end of my week of thankfulness. It's been good, at least for me :) Honestly, I need to do this more often (I think that every Thanksgiving) so that I remind myself about the Good Things around me and strive to do better. Anyhoot, today I'm thankful for change. Okay, okay, sometimes it gives me ulcers (like right now--we're in for a massive, big, scary change in a few months and it's still utterly unknown and that's Freaking Me Out!), but it's still good. I have to keep reminding myself of that. Plus? I'm getting out of the shoe-box apartment and hopefully the next place we live will have a dryer hook-up. And a dishwasher. And assigned parking. And more than 600sf. Ahhhh. I'm dreaming, I know, but I have a laundry list of requirements for the next place we live. But to get there will require change. And this is a GOOD THING. (If I keep repeating it, it will be true!)

Anyone else out there facing a massive change? What's the best way to deal with it, other than deep breathing?? :)

Week of Thankfulness Day 6

By: Meradeth Houston on 11:35 AM

(Actually, this is probably more like my husband
meeting my family....)

I think I'm still suffering from Thanksgivingitis. Namely, that I ate too much, then stayed up too late to go shopping, and now I'm in a rather lovely state of ick :) Annnnd, my in-laws are due to arrive in an hour. You know how I was all 'oh, I'm so going to get some good writing in and actually finish that dang novel?' I don't think that's going to happen now. Bummer. At some point I will eek out the time! That being said, though, I'm grateful today for my in-laws. While our relationship has been a bit bumpy over the years, I'm grateful they are making the time to come and visit us, and spend some time with my husband. I know he looks forward to it more than he lets on. Heck, I even got him to clean the apartment! That in and of itself makes me very grateful for them!

Now, if only we could come up with something to go and do... :)

Week of Thankfulness Day 5

By: Meradeth Houston on 11:48 AM

Today's going to be a short post because I'm off to celebrate with the family. My rolls are all baked and I've managed to only eat two :)

I'm seriously thankful today for Thanksgiving in general (lame, I know, my it is one of my favorite holidays). I'm grateful for the chance to get together with my family, eat some good food, and enjoy being with the people I love. I hope everyone else is enjoying the holiday!!

Week of Thankfulness Day 4

By: Meradeth Houston on 9:02 AM

(Why is it that I always get sick on the holidays? I mean, it's not like I get sick days, but still, the days I get off for holidays are practically sacred to me! And I'm feeling miserable and gross now. UGH! Really dampening the thankful spirit. Okay, not really, I'm still going to enjoy some pie :)

So, today, I'm thankful for writing. It's meant a lot to me in my life, and has gotten me through some tough times when I was younger. It's my perfect escape, and allows me the creative space that I need. I am honestly beyond excited that I will have my first book "born" next year and really hope people enjoy it as much as I loved writing it! This is all topped off by the fact that I hit 75k on my WIP last night, and dangit, I am SO finishing that sucker soon! (I've been saying this since summer break, but hey, better late than never!)

Lately, I've been having some fun looking at images that I want for my book cover. I don't get a final say in what they use, but I can't resist a little poking around and I can only hope they use what I suggest. Here are a few that I adore: (blogger is sooo not cooperating with my picture placement...)

This one is my favorite. I <3 it!

fall leaves (with link back to original photographer)

So, do tell, what are you thankful for today, the day before Thanksgiving?

Week of Thankfulness Day 3

By: Meradeth Houston on 9:36 AM

Today, my little brother is coming home from school, and I couldn't be more excited. (Okay, maybe if I didn't have a sore throat and managed to actually get sick days I would be, but that's neither here nor there :) So, in light of this momentous occasion, today's thing of thankfulness is my family.

My family (and a few friends thrown in, too!)

We may be a little strange sometimes, we may not always like each other a whole lot, but I love all of them! I love my grandfather's constant support (and awesome peanut butter fudge that I've been seriously drooling just thinking about), my grandmother's cooking, my sister's unfailing sense of fashion (and never ending advice), my brother's determination, my aunt's sense of humor, and especially my mom's love. And of course, my husband's love and ability to remind me that I'm being stupid :)

What are you thankful for today?

Week of Thankfulness Day 2

By: Meradeth Houston on 9:34 AM

Today, I must admit, I find myself wishing the weekend were a little longer. Or that I didn't have to teach today. (What happened to the days when we got a week off for Thanksgiving??) This might have a little to do with the fact that this is my school, and I have to go to campus today and teach here, when all I really want to do is scream at someone:

Yes, that's pepper spray. No, they weren't doing anything other than just sitting there, peacefully trying to call attention to the massive hike in fees being levied on students. This makes me sick.

Anyhow, I'm a little disgruntled. But, there are still things I need to be grateful about--really, that's what I need to focus on today.

Today, then, I'm grateful for good books. For books that keep me up until 3am reading (I'm looking at you Wolfsbane) and books that remind me of the better side of human nature (now I'm eyeing A Wrinkle in Time--my all time favorite book). Reading is such an integral part of my life, has taught me so much, and helped me survive so many things, that I don't know what I would do without the wonderful books in my life!

So, tell me, what are you grateful for today? What books have helped you through the years?

Week of Thankfulness

By: Meradeth Houston on 2:09 PM

Anyone else drooling a little looking at this?

It's the week of Thanksgiving, and I'm dreaming of turkey and lots and lots of pumpkin pie. Also, I usually like to spend some time this week thinking about the past year, remembering what to be grateful for, and what to think about for the coming Christmas season. (Because, I'll admit it, sometimes I need to be reminded this time of year--the holidays are waaaay too stressful!)

So, anyhow, this week I'm going to make it a goal to post (at least) one thing I'm really grateful for each day. Want to join in? Let me know in the comments and I'll link back to your blogs in my posts. And to make this a little more fun, for those who want to participate, and those that leave a comment, I'll pick one person for a 20 page critique. Sound like fun? I hope so :)

Okay, for this Sunday afternoon, I'm going to say that this year has left me really, really grateful to have finished my doctorate. It's still in the "pinch me, is this real?" phase, but I'm also really happy to just be DONE. That, and when I get emails addressed to Dr. Me, I totally have a little spaz moment. It was a lot of work, and sometimes with the job market looking the way it does, I'm not always sure it was worth it, but I am done, and no one can take that away from me. It's an accomplishment, and I'm happy to have managed it.

So, do tell, what are YOU grateful for today??

After Reading: Untraceable

By: Meradeth Houston on 9:12 AM

by Shelli R. Johannes

Untraceable will be available November 29th at all ebook locations (I'll update this with real links once the book is available for purchase :)

I'm really excited to be part of the kick off to this awesome book! Johannes has done a remarkable job putting this book together, and if you are the least bit curious about what goes into launching your own book (and doing it the right way!) I highly recommend her blog--all sorts of good information there!

Untraceable itself was a huge roller coaster of fun. I'm completely partial to strong female characters who fight for what they know, and what they know is right, and Grace personifies this completely! Add in some interesting men in her life, and the awesome backdrop of the Smokie Mountains, and this was a really fun read. I loved that Grace is not afraid to get dirty, to tromp through the woods, and to face what scares her. Because, really, some of the things that happen here probably would have left me a quivering puddle on the ground :) You'll all know what I mean when you get a chance to read this one later in the month. I highly recommend it!!

Interested in more about Johannes? Here's the link to the rest of her amazing blog tour--definitely worth checking out! I'll be hosting her here on my blog on December 2nd, and you'll really not want to miss the great stuff she has to say about platform building. Also, if you sign up for her newsletter, you'll get information about all sorts of good stuff, and a discount on Untraceable the week it comes out!

Series Titles

By: Meradeth Houston on 11:27 PM

This past couple of days I've managed to find myself attempting to come up with a title. And honestly, let me just say right here, that titles and I have always had a crappy relationship. Sometimes when I'm reading a book that has all those cute chapter titles that are just so perfect I totally get a case of author-envy (a very real condition, I swear!). Anyhow, because I have several books set in the same world as Colors Like Memories (a couple of which I kind of need to actually sit down and write...), my editor made the sage suggestion that I should have a series title on Colors Like Memories when it comes out. Because there will be more. (*Insert little squeal of happiness here, okay?*)

Despite being really pretty happy about this prospect, I still had to come up with a title. Enter, my critique group ladies. Really, what would I do without them?? Anyhow, after some brainstorming, and a looong list of possibilities, I had a few really viable options. This was whittled down this evening, as I dropped ones that made me think of random TV shows (Veggie Tales has totally ruined the word 'tales' for me, dang it! j/k, really :), and since I'm a rather huge fan of alliteration, I'm going with "Sary Society" to link the books set in this world. Whatdya think? :)

After Reading: Soulless

By: Meradeth Houston on 10:19 AM

by Gail Carriger

Alexia Tarabotti is laboring under a great many social tribulations. First, she has no soul. Second, she's a spinster whose father is both Italian and dead. Third, she was rudely attacked by a vampire, breaking all standards of social etiquette.

Where to go from there? From bad to worse apparently, for Alexia accidentally kills the vampire -- and then the appalling Lord Maccon (loud, messy, gorgeous, and werewolf) is sent by Queen Victoria to investigate.

With unexpected vampires appearing and expected vampires disappearing, everyone seems to believe Alexia responsible. Can she figure out what is actually happening to London's high society? Will her soulless ability to negate supernatural powers prove useful or just plain embarrassing? Finally, who is the real enemy, and do they have treacle tart?

SOULLESS is a comedy of manners set in Victorian London: full of werewolves, vampires, dirigibles, and tea-drinking.

I so loved this book that I honestly don't know where to start! It reminded me quite a bit of the Amelia Peabody mysteries by Elizabeth Peters (some of my all-time favorite books), with the added bonus of werewolves, vampires, and steampunk (Oh my!). Anyhow, the mystery in this one felt a bit in the background in places, but Alexia carries the story so well that I really would have read about her having tea with a dustbin. I was laughing aloud throughout the book, and flat out just loved it. Can't wait to read the rest of the series! (And I'm glad I jumped on this one a bit late--there are more books to read now and I don't have to wait for them to be published!!)

Random side note: I really don't care for the cover of this book, nor the covers for rest of the series. The figure makes me kind of want to prod her in the back and whisper "stand up straight!" Am I alone in this??

eBooks and College Students

By: Meradeth Houston on 9:18 AM

eBooks are a growing market--more and more people are purchasing the light and simple readers to carry around their libraries with them. College campuses are no exception to this, and I've seen eTextbooks slowly become more common as students utilize this medium to help with their studies.

Because I have a vested interest in ebooks (my own book with be published in ebook format), and I have a bit of a captive audience, I thought I'd ask some of my students to see where they stood in terms of the ebook revolution. Here are some of the highlights of the answers:

(My scientist side has to add that this poll was totally unscientific, but what I learned was certainly interesting!)

So, in my classes I asked my students (mostly Juniors around age 21 or so) if they’d please answer five short questions for me, mostly looking at their use of electronic format textbooks. It’s right at the beginning of the quarter for us and everyone is fresh from the bookstore. So here’s what I found:

Question #1: Have you ever purchased an electronic format textbook? Number of times?

>Of the 44 students who were kind enough to answer my questions, 80% of them had never purchased an e-textbook. Of those who had purchased one, 11% had done so once, and 9% more than once. So, the world of paper textbooks is still pretty dominant. (I asked if they’d purchased other ebooks and was told they’d downloaded the ‘old’ free ones a few times.)

Question #2: Do you have an e-reader (other than your computer) to read an e-book on? Brand?

> Keep in mind that computers are required for all students here, so they do have access to the online reading formats that are available from B&N and Kindle. But other than that? eReaders haven’t made a big impact on these students, with 80% again saying they didn’t have a device to read an ebook on. Those who did have e-readers noted they had a kindle, or were reading on their phones. Two had iPads. (With all the crazy marketing toward the students to get this kind of technology, I was pretty shocked at this!)

Question #3: Would you ever purchase an e-textbook? Why or why not?

>The answers I got to this question were varied. About 29% of the students said they would never buy this kind of textbook, for a myriad of reasons. My favorite was because reading electronically would make it too easy to be distracted by the web (facebook was mentioned by a few students—wow can I identify with that!). Others noted that they didn’t like reading on screen because it was tiring, or that it wasn’t as easy to take notes (they clearly haven’t seen the new apps to do this—it’s so much easier!). Tactile reasons were also often noted.

That being said, many of the students were open to buying etextbooks, the main reasoning noted was the price. They’re cheaper! For a bunch of kids, especially those not funded by their parents, this makes a lot of sense. Other students also noted that ebooks are easier to carry around, save trees, and allow you to have the book on you at all times, plus they have search functions. (These are all reasons I love etextbooks!)

Question #4: Do you know of other people making use of e-textbooks? Would you say it’s common?

>This question’s kind of vague, but I wanted to see if I could get a better sense of things from the networks the students are in J. The answers ranged across the board, but there was an even split between people knowing others who purchase and use etextbooks, and those who don’t. For the most part, though, most everyone felt that this was a pretty uncommon tool on campus, though a few noted the increasing trend to illegally download them. One person, who works in the bookstore, also noted that she only sees about one in 50 book purchases come in the form of electronic format. Hmm. Interesting.

Question #5: Do you think this format will become more or less popular on campuses?

>93% of the students thought ebooks will become more popular in the future. Other than the few students who were less optimistic (I had a few “I hope not” answers to this question!), people see this as the way technology is heading. It’s greener. It’s easier. It makes it less likely to lose/damage expensive paper books.

So, that’s my report from the college classroom! For the most part, college students aren’t making a lot of use of etextbooks. Yet. This will surely change as the technology gets better and more books become available. There will always be students who still like paper though, and learn more effectively from it, so I doubt the heavy chemistry texts I see so many kids carrying around will completely disappear!

Sandhill Cranes

By: Meradeth Houston on 8:39 AM

Last Friday, I traveled to Lodi CA to see the Sandhill Crane festival. These giant migratory birds pass through Lodi every year, and can be found in the area for most of the winter months. It was incredible to get to see them--they were huge, and in giant flocks very near to where you could park and take a look. I took a whole lot of pictures :) They also made the strangest sound, and I found out that the trachea they force air through to make it is over 4 feet long. Crazy! (And that was your fun fact for the day.)

At any rate, I found the whole experience to be very inspiring. I love watching the birds fly, their grace and strength. It's peaceful, and makes me think about my characters, how they move, and how to write flying scenes.

(Bonus to anyone who can spot the coyote in the second to last pic!)

What makes you think about your characters? Gives you some added writing juice?

After Reading: Beauty Queens

By: Meradeth Houston on 8:28 AM

by Libba Bray

The fifty contestants in the Miss Teen Dream pageant thought this was going to be a fun trip to the beach, where they could parade in their state-appropriate costumes and compete in front of the cameras. But sadly, their airplane had another idea crashing on a desert island and leaving the survivors stranded with little food, little water, and practically no eyeliner.

What's a beauty queen to do? Continue to practice for the talent portion of the program--or wrestle snakes to the ground? Get a perfect tan--or learn to run wild? And what should happen when the sexy pirates show up?

Honestly, I freaking love Libba Bray. She's hilarious. I have really enjoyed her other books, so this one was obviously making it into my to-read stack. (Haven't read Going Bovine, or the Gemma Doyle Trilogy? I highly recommend them!) Anyhow, this book was a bit over-the-top for me in places. While I really loved the girl-power aspect of it all, some of the little insertions from the Corporation were kind of obnoxious (as in the shove-it-down-your-throat variety, when the text itself did this quite alright by itself). Anyhow, the story was a good time, and I loved getting to see each of the character's pasts and understand what made them tick. Remembering who was representing which state was a bit of a trick (I needed some kind of key). The humor made me laugh out loud quite a few times--always a good sign! In any event, not my favorite book by Bray, but a fun read nonetheless.

This book also reminded me quite a bit of a series I read as a kid, but I can't remember the name of to save my life. It was also about a bunch of girls who were shipwrecked on an island for a long time. It was a lot darker, if memory serves. I remember they ate a lot of fruit... LOL, bonus to anyone who has a clue what I'm talking about!

WINNERS!

By: Meradeth Houston on 10:29 AM

Hi! I want to say a big Hello to my new followers! For my contest, I had six winners and I can't wait to get these books in the mail to everyone. (Please drop me an email with your address, so I can!)

Now, for the books, here are the winners:

If I Stay, by Gayle Forman: PAM!!!

The Graveyard Book, by Neil Gaiman: ssn_royal! (Okay, so I was really smart and didn't put in a 'name' category so I could announce this easier. Smartness. Anyhow, I'll be sending emails!)

The Dead-Tossed Waves, by Carrie Ryan: Kerri Cuevas! (Woot!)

Midnighters #1 by Scott Westerfeld: Susan Quinn!!

Also, I have two 20-page critiques to award:

Sophia Chang & Rachelmarybean !!! (Do send those along and I'll be happy to dig in!)

Once again, you all rock. Thanks for participating! I'll certainly be having another give-away soon, so be sure to check back in!

Doctor!!!

By: Meradeth Houston on 6:42 PM

So, today I handed in the absolute last of my paperwork to finish my doctorate and officially added three letters to my name: PhD. Yay! (I've kind of been putting the paperwork off some, due to the lack of other forms of employment, but hey, it's officially done now!!!)

Anyhow, I'm pretty stoked. Actually, it really hasn't sunk in yet. That may take some time. But, six years of some serious hard work, lack of sleep, and a little blood/sweat/tears and I'm now officially a doctor!

So, I think this needs a little celebrating: there's another day left in my give-away (enter here). I'd really like to hit 65 followers before then, so if we do that, I'll draw another name for the critique give-away, cool? And if I can rustle up another book or two to throw in, I'll do that too.

Now, to go eat some leftovers for dinner :)

After Reading: Delirium

By: Meradeth Houston on 9:30 AM

By Lauren Oliver

Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn't understand that once love--the deliria--blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold.

Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the government demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Haloway has always looked forward to the day when she'll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy.

But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: she falls in love.

First off, I feel like I need to preface this book with the comment that I really enjoyed it. The writing was excellent, and the story kept me captivated throughout. However, as I read, I kept having a nagging thought running through my mind that kind of detracted from the story. The thought was mainly that I could never see this world really occurring. Yeah, I know, that's rather ridiculous when I enjoy reading other fantasy novels, but when it comes to any kind of dystopian book, I need that touch of reality for the book to be extra-fulfilling. In this case, while very interesting, I just can't see the world ever turning in that direction. Not that that stopped me from enjoying it, but that was on my thoughts a lot as I read. Overall, this was a fun read, full of good concepts and questions (I always love the books that make you think).

So, do you have any thoughts about this book? What about dystopians? Does the world have to have an element of believability to it?