Write Stuff: June 2012

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Pitch Contest with Agent Tricia Lawrence on Fresh as a Daisy

Holy moley, this contest is TOMORROW MORNING, as in June 29th, with a short submission window, so if you're interested, go forth and check it out! Super simple entry methods and a great way to get your query in front of an agent! (This is for kids books, just fyi :)

All the details here! Daisy is awesome, too, so you should check out the rest of her blog while you're at it :)

After Reading: Nightwatch

By: Meradeth Houston on 8:04 AM

by Sergei Lukyanenko, Andrew Bromfield (Translator),

Set in modern day Moscow, Night Watch is a world as elaborate and imaginative as Tolkien or the best Asimov. Living among us are the "Others," an ancient race of humans with supernatural powers who swear allegiance to either the Dark or the Light. A thousand-year treaty has maintained the balance of power, and the two sides coexist in an uneasy truce. But an ancient prophecy decrees that one supreme "Other" will rise up and tip the balance, plunging the world into a catastrophic war between the Dark and the Light. When a young boy with extraordinary powers emerges, fulfilling the first half of the prophecy, will the forces of the Light be able to keep the Dark from corrupting the boy and destroying the world?

I was feeling the need to branch out into some more "adult" books, and I absolutely loved the movie of this book, so when I stumbled across it at the library book sale, I snapped it up!

First off, it's really, really different from the movie :) I was expecting that, so it's cool, and I still highly recommend checking out the movie. (It's on Netflix, and IMDB). I had a Russian friend tell me that she hated the movie because of all the product placement in it, but honestly I didn't notice that at all (her comment kind of cracked me up, really).

Anyhow, the book itself was really interesting. I particularly enjoyed the first of the three parts, as I felt like it had the smoothest storyline and plot. The second two halves spend a bit too much time philosophizing (it is a Russian novel, so I don't know why I thought it might not be so heavy in this area!), for my taste. That being said, the characters and world is amazingly imagined, and detailed to the point where it feels like you're falling into the the story (always my favorite kind of thing to have happen!). If you're up for a really interesting, different type of Urban Fantasy, this one is def one to check out. Also, if you're looking for something to catch on Netflix tonight, the movie was really pretty cool :)

Strange questions I get asked as an author: blood & gore

By: Meradeth Houston on 7:50 AM

So, now that my book has been out for a while, and many of my friends have read it (which I still find incredibly random--kind of like I stripped down naked and wandered around my workplace for the day. That is a really gross comparison...), I've noticed a pattern in some of the questions that come up. One I've received a few times is that people are totally caught off guard by the bloody scene at the end of my book. (This is only mildly spoilery, I swear. I'm not going to tell you whose blood it is!)

Anyhow, some people seem to think that I wouldn't write about something like that. I guess this goes hand in hand with not using swear words. But, honestly, the story called for the scene that has the blood in it, and I wanted to make it as accurate as possible (I'm usually the one watching a film/show rolling my eyes at how inaccurate the way a wound or death is portrayed--that has always annoyed me for some reason). So, yeah, there's some blood (okay, lots of it), and I don't really feel bad about it. I really wanted to get across how much it freaked out my MC, and how really not pretty it is to die a particular way.

The thing that surprises me is that people are implying that they didn't think I had that kind of imagination. Which is kind of funny, in my opinion. I write about dead people who can fly. My twitter handle notes that I sequence dead people (for fun!). I'm a *tad* bit morbid. Maybe this doesn't come across in person quite so well. That's probably a good thing, lol!!

Okay, let me ask a question of you all: has anyone gotten questions about their writing that implies the reader didn't think your imagination could go a particular way? Did it make you laugh, or annoy you? I'd love to hear about it (and not feel like the only one in this boat!).

The Summer School Marathon of Teaching

By: Meradeth Houston on 8:15 AM

Today, I head back to the classroom. I have to admit, I'm kind of excited. This summer session, I'm teaching my favorite course at UC Davis: Human Biological Variation. It's all about race, and why it's a biological fallacy. And it's so much fun! I'm sad though, as today marks the start of the last class I'll teach here, at least that I can honestly predict. I move on to Montana right after the class ends, and life just gets crazier from there on out.

Also, I have to admit, today mark the end of my great break from work after finishing my dissertation and everything. I've been busy working throughout my time off, but from here on out it's nose to the grindstone time. Alas, woe is me :) Yeah, I'm really not complaining. It's been great, but it's time to head back.

Okay, time for some funnies. I ran across this on facebook last night and had to share it. Just substitute English class for Anthropology (or whatever your subject may be). The only excuse missing from it is the student bursting into tears and utterly making things awkward!

Guest Post by KNEE DEEP author Jolene Perry

By: Meradeth Houston on 1:00 AM

I'm super happy to introduce you all today to Jolene Perry! Her book, Knee Deep is available now (links below on where to find it!). She's joining us today with a fun guest post. Take it away Jolene:

Sometimes a story is more personal than you expect it to be.

I read an article in an online newspaper that talked about the YA books coming out that year which dealt with abusive relationships.

I'd part mapped one out a while back, and thought maybe I'd work on it - all evidence that the market had just gotten an influx of them didn't sway me the way it should have…

The more I wrote in the story, the more personal it became.

I was not ever hit by my boyfriend in high school. He never screamed and yelled at me - though I heard him trashing his room a few times when I left after an argument, and he didn't hesitate to show me when he was pissed about something.

He'd pick fights with me over the phone and hang up, knowing it meant I'd sneak out to "straighten things out."

There was one really horrible night with him that I'd blocked from my mind for a long time, that I remembered when I was writing, so I used it.

I see these cases my husband talks about with women who are beaten and bruised and making up excuses and going back over and over. One ended in murder a couple of weeks ago. A case my husband will be prosecuting when it goes to trial.

The abuse story I told is nowhere near that dramatic, but so much of Ronnie's story was mine. WAY more than I realized while I was writing it. When I got to the end, and started writing down the parts of her story that were real (I always do this for my author site), I realized more and more how much of me was in that girl.

I stared at my computer screen in shock.

I had one of my best friends, who was a guy, who I shared more with than I probably did to most of my girlfriends - (like Luke from Knee Deep) and a boyfriend I'd known since I was a kid (like Shawn from Knee Deep) And I felt this draw to my boyfriend, only because I'd known him for so long, not because we really had anything left in common.

I felt more like I was stuck in this relationship, and didn't even realize I didn't want to be there until I visited a friend in college and saw how much more LIFE was out there. It was just that the idea of this one person had been in my head for way too long.

And where did I end up? Married to the best friend.

People talk about writing what you know, and then talk about keeping yourself out of your books. But you know what? I KNEW that situation - and I know I'll get some bad reviews (like you always do - ESPECIALLY when you tackle a tough topic) that are going to say that Ronnie's actions weren't believable.

But here's the thing - I told her story, the best way I knew how. Ronnie's reactions with pieces of my truth. And there are some drastic differences, but there are also some startling similarities. So, to me, Ronnie's actions were completely and totally understandable.

And that's the story of how Knee Deep came to be.

(Such an awesome post--thanks Jolene and best of luck with KNEE DEEP!)

Jolene Perry's Bio:

Jolene grew up in Wasilla, Alaska. She graduated from Southern Utah University with a degree in political science and French, which she used to teach math to middle schoolers.

After living in Washington, Utah and Las Vegas, she now resides in Alaska with her husband, and two children. Aside from writing, Jolene sews, plays the guitar, sings when forced, and spends as much time outside as possible.

She is also the author of Night Sky and The Next Door Boys.

Knee Deep web site:
http://knee-deep-book.blogspot.com/
Knee Deep Twitter hashtag:
#KneeDeepKnee Deep GoodReads page:
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12987551-knee-deepJolene Perry's Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002038196677

Jolene Perry's Twitter:
https://twitter.com/#!/JoleneBPerry

Jolene Perry's Website:
http://www.jolenebperry.com/

Jolene Perry's Blog:
http://www.jolenesbeenwriting.blogspot.com/

Jolene Perry's GoodReads:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4944599.Jolene_B_Perry

Tribute Books website:
http://www.tribute-books.com

Tribute Books Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Archbald-PA/Tribute-Books/171628704176

Tribute Books Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/TributeBooks

Tribute Books Blog Tours Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tribute-Books-Blog-Tours/242431245775186

Knee Deep Excerpt
My front door opens. “Hello?” Shawn calls.

“In here!” I say back. Suddenly this feels weird. Why would this feel weird? This is just what happens when one of us is stuck at home. Why would today be any different? But my heart’s beating against the inside of my ribs, trying to tell me this is different.

Luke scoots away from the couch. Does he feel it too? That maybe him and me hanging out alone for the day might not have been the best idea?

Shawn steps through the hallway and scowls when his eyes meet mine and then pass to Luke. This shouldn’t be a big deal. Except...I’m so stupid. I was just thinking how I needed to make Shawn’s life outside of his house less stressful, and part of me
knew it was weird that Luke was here without Shawn. I thought it, and did nothing. But again, it is just Luke.

“What’re you doing here?” Shawn asks. His dark eyes fix on Luke.

“I figured you’d be here, man.” Luke stands up. “It’s like we always ditch together, right?”

Romeo and Juliet kissing in the pool on the TV screen probably isn’t helping anything. Maybe Shawn won’t notice, or maybe it’s just sending my heart into crazy flutters because this tension between Shawn and Luke and, I guess, me, is happening during the most romantic scene of the movie.

“Uh, I don’t know.” Shawn’s still scowling, his brows pulled low and his jaw tight.

“You would’ve hated it,” I say. My eyes catch his, but his are as black as his mood seems to be. I’m so stupid. Why did I have to let Luke stay?

“Yeah, maybe.” Shawn’s narrowed eyes go from Luke to me, back and forth, as if judging the situation.Really? What did he think could possibly happen between Luke and I? Even if this is suddenly on my top three ‘most awkward moments’ ever. I can’t even think about what the other two might be. Maybe I’ve just found number one.

“Romeo and Juliet all day.” Luke laughs, but I know him well enough to see he’s trying really hard to be relaxed. His shoulders are too stiff, and his normal stance is too rigid. I wonder if Shawn sees it too. “Guess I’ll leave you two alone.” Luke’s trying hard to keep his voice light.

“Yeah.” Shawn has yet to return Luke’s smile. “I almost never see my girl anymore.”

It’s like I’m on the edge of my seat, tension pinpricking every part of me. I’ve never seen Shawn like this.

“Well, I should get my ass to rehearsal anyway.” Luke gives Shawn a friendly pat on the shoulder before heading outside.

I don’t watch him go. My eyes are on Shawn, trying to figure out what to expect next.

“What the hell was that?” His sharp gaze is now pointed directly at me.

I stand up and lean to the side, trying to be relaxed. “It didn’t seem like a big deal this morning.” Maybe if I play it off as nothing Shawn won’t be so mad. He knows Luke and I are friends. No big deal, I tell myself again. But I don’t know if I’m trying to convince myself or Shawn.

“Was he here when we were texting?” he asks. His voice may be low, but not in a good way. It’s low in a way that makes him sound like he’s past the edge of reasonable anger.

My body’s screaming for me to take a step back, which makes no sense. This is Shawn. My Shawn. “No.” But I’m weakening by the second, almost shaking inside. His jaw tightens again.

My eyes close as I remember, and dread fills my chest. “He got here as I sent my last one.” Is that bad? Good?

“And you didn’t think to tell me? What the hell is that?”

I jump at the sharpness of his voice. Shawn doesn’t need this stress. I know this. I reach forward to put my arms around him. We just need to hold one another for a minute, then it’ll all be fine.

He stops me, grabbing my arm—hard—just above my wrist.

“This is not okay.” His jaw is set.

“Hey.” My voice shakes. My body shakes. I’m actually scared of Shawn for the first time ever. I jerk my hand once, but he tightens his grip...impossibly tight. My lungs can’t pull in a breath; there’s just not enough air in the room anymore. “Shawn, you’re hurting me.” He can’t mean to hurt me. He can’t.

His face is stuck in a sharp scowl.

“He’s your friend.” My voice is crying. I want to try and pull my shaky arm out of his grasp again, but I’m afraid to; he’s squeezing so hard. Tears are hot against the back of my eyes, threatening to spill over.

“How would you feel if I spent all day with some chick?” The words come out as angry spit from between his teeth.

I open my mouth to answer but can’t, the lump in my throat has taken over. All I can think about is that I need to find something to say so he’ll let me go. Some way to get the air through my throat to form words. “It’s just Luke,” I plead, sucking in a breath.

“Whatever.” He throws my arm back at me, turns, and walks out the door, slamming it hard behind him. My body jumps at the sound.

I stumble backward onto the couch. I’m like a leaf battered about in the wind. Nothing’s working right. I need to sit. Normally I’d run after him, but I have no idea what to expect. And I’m afraid. Of Shawn.

He’s never been that way before. Ever. He’s moody and particular, but this seems...extreme. I’m cradling my wrist with my other hand, afraid to look at any possible damage. It hurts to move it. What just happened here? How did it happen?

It’s like there suddenly must be something fundamentally wrong with the universe. But the TV’s still on. My house looks normal and quiet. I’m still breathing, but Shawn, my Shawn, just hurt me. Lying down seems so anti-climactic, but I can’t bring myself to do anything else.

When Juliet realizes Romeo’s dying the sobs take over, and I pull my knees to my chest as if making myself smaller will somehow dull the pain.

It doesn’t.

eBook
ISBN: 9780983741886
ISBN: 9781476060316
Pages: 240
Release: May 1, 2012

Kindle buy link - $2.99
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007XW8JLK/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=tributebooks-20

Nook buy link - $4.95
http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=dcSBhG3Rj8w&subid=&offerid=239662.1&type=10&tmpid=8432&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.barnesandnoble.com%252Fw%252Fknee-deep-jolene-perry%252F1110433794%253Fean%253D2940014556149iBookstore buy link - $4.99
Coming soonGoogle buy link - $3.79
http://books.google.com/books?printsec=frontcover&id=5FuWiBh0udQC#v=onepage&q&f=false

Smashwords buy link - $4.99
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/155361?ref=tributebooks
PDF buy link - $4.95
https://www.payloadz.com/go/sip?id=1587563

A Horse Called Trouble by CK Volnek is free on Amazon!

By: Meradeth Houston on 11:06 AM

CK Volnek is my awesome cover artist, and fellow author at MuseItUp, so I feel the need to share that her tween book, A Horse Called Trouble, is free today and tomorrow on Amazon. It's a great story, so I recommend snapping it up for free while you can! Amazon link here :)

A troubled teen must overcome her abusive past to save the defiant horse that has taught her to love and trust again.

Abandoned by her mother at the young age of seven, Tara Cumming’s been passed from foster home to foster home; not wanted anywhere by anyone. At thirteen she finds herself skeptic and suspicious, with no family, no friends, and forced to participate in horse therapy.

Horse therapy “will teach trust, perseverance, respect and the value of teamwork,” or so says the program’s instructor. Tara is unconvinced. Trust only got her heart broken, perseverance only gets her put down, and no one respects or wants to team up with the misfit foster kid.

At the stable, Tara meets Trouble, an angry horse bent on destroying everything and everyone around him. When Tara realizes he’s just as misunderstood and untrusting as she is, she pushes aside her fear and a special relationship is formed. Trouble trusts Tara, and Tara in turn finds hope and acceptance as well as the will to love and trust again herself.

But Tara’s confidence is shaken as a great challenge looms ahead. Trouble’s manipulative owner is determined to have him destroyed because of his ‘dangerous’ nature. Tara must overcome her own limitations and fight to save the horse that has freed her heart and given her life value and meaning.

After Reading: Across the Universe

By: Meradeth Houston on 4:20 PM

By Beth Revis

Seventeen-year-old Amy joins her parents as frozen cargo aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed and expects to awaken on a new planet, three hundred years in the future. Never could she have known that her frozen slumber would come to an end fifty years too soon and that she would be thrust into the brave new world of a spaceship that lives by its own rules.

Amy quickly realizes that her awakening was no mere computer malfunction. Someone-one of the few thousand inhabitants of the spaceship-tried to kill her. And if Amy doesn't do something soon, her parents will be next.

Now Amy must race to unlock Godspeed's hidden secrets. But out of her list of murder suspects, there's only one who matters: Elder, the future leader of the ship and the love she could never have seen coming.

I have heard SO many good things about this book and have been meaning to read it for ages. And since I recently wrote a sci-fi book myself (I soo need to finish those revisions!) I was eager to read this. And I really enjoyed it. It didn't knock my socks off, though, and I'm not totally sure why that is. I mean, it was interesting, and I loved reading about the dynamics of ship life and discovering all the lies that have been kept from Elder, but it felt like there was a disconnect between me and the main characters. I liked them, but never really felt like I was part of their world (I think I'm going to dub this the window effect, in that I'm looking through a window into their world, rather than "being" there). It may just be me, but I really wanted to feel more into the characters and I just *wasn't*. Anyhow, I do plan on checking out the next book in the series, mainly because I'm curious more about the ship than anything else :)

What did you think of this one? Did it knock your socks off? Am I nuts that it wasn't all that I hoped it would be?

Moving, Moving, Moving

By: Meradeth Houston on 7:52 AM

Just a little post today because I'm supposed to be packing up and taking my stuff over to our new apartment in Davis, where we'll be for the summer. I'm pretty sad to be leaving the family ranch, as my pet goat and the baby emu are here, but the new place has a pool, dishwasher, and lacks dead possum taking up residence under my residence (well, I hope at least). I'll be back tomorrow with a real post :)

Soo purty!

I'll leave you with my favorite pic of Julia and Frederick!

After Reading: Bloodrose

By: Meradeth Houston on 9:59 AM

By Andrea Cremer

Calla has always welcomed war.

But now that the final battle is upon her, there's more at stake than fighting. There's saving Ren, even if it incurs Shay's wrath. There's keeping Ansel safe, even if he's been branded a traitor. There's proving herself as the pack's alpha, facing unnamable horrors, and ridding the world of the Keepers' magic once and for all. And then there's deciding what to do when the war ends. If Calla makes it out alive, that is.

This series has been a lot of fun, and I was sad to see it end! Of course, there's a prequel coming out (RIFT) that I'm looking forward to, so it's bearable :) Anyhow, these are books that I think are best all read together. I picked up Bloodrose only a few months after the previous book and that really helped, but I would like to sit down and read them all back to back, as there are tons and tons of little details (and a lot of characters!) to keep straight and some of that gets lost. Overall, this was a fun read, and a great end to the series. I'm still not sure how I feel about the ending though. I mean, it worked well, but just felt kind of, well, strange. Has anyone read it? Know what I mean? I was left doing a little head-scratching "huh" there at the end. Anyone else want to chime in with their thoughts?

After Reading: Blood Red Road

By: Meradeth Houston on 10:08 AM

by Moira Young

Saba has spent her whole life in Silverlake, a dried-up wasteland ravaged by constant sandstorms. The Wrecker civilization has long been destroyed, leaving only landfills for Saba and her family to scavenge from. That's fine by her, as long as her beloved twin brother Lugh is around. But when a monster sandstorm arrives, along with four cloaked horsemen, Saba's world is shattered. Lugh is captured, and Saba embarks on an epic quest to get him back.

Suddenly thrown into the lawless, ugly reality of the world outside of desolate Silverlake, Saba is lost without Lugh to guide her. So perhaps the most surprising thing of all is what Saba learns about herself: she's a fierce fighter, an unbeatable survivor, and a cunning opponent. And she has the power to take down a corrupt society from the inside. Teamed up with a handsome daredevil named Jack and a gang of girl revolutionaries called the Free Hawks, Saba stages a showdown that will change the course of her own civilization.

I am *still* attempting to get caught up on books posts, so bear with me :) Anyhow, this one deserved a post of its own because I both loved and was really frustrated with it. The story, the world, the pacing, it all was great. I wasn't too huge of a friend of Saba, but it wasn't a hang up. But honestly, the writing style did really bother me. I thought it wouldn't--I'd read plenty of reviews that said it was okay--but the lack of quotation marks made me a little nuts. Silly, I know, but it yanked me out of the story far too often. Mainly because it was impossible to tell when someone was speaking, often until after they were done, then I'd have to go back and read the line again to piece together what was dialogue. It worked, but it made it hard to sink into the world like I normally like. Anyhow, we'll see about the next one--something to pick up from the library possibly :)

Have you read it? What did you think? Did the style make it difficult to read?

Swearing in YA Lit

By: Meradeth Houston on 10:47 PM

I know this topic has been covered at length elsewhere, but I had an experience this past week that got me thinking about using swear words in teen lit that I decided it was time to post something about it here. So, here's the deal: while at my husband's family reunion, my MIL read Colors Like Memories, and was highly complementary of the book. But, she really didn't think I needed to include swear words. It wasn't "clean" fiction, and there were lots of youth who would avoid the book because of that. (There were Stephanie Meyer comparisons in there somewhere...) I'm not upset with her in the least, and am always happy to hear other people's opinions. Seriously, she phrased it in a way that was really nice. BUT it did get me thinking.

Here's the thing: I really don't fully understand the need to omit these words. I mean, I get that some people really take offence to swearing, but I guess I've never been one of these people. And I occasionally have swearing in my books. This isn't to annoy people, but it's for two reasons:

-Real teens swear. I don't care where you are (even in the middle of Utah--trust me), teens swear. Maybe not around adults. Maybe under their breath. But they swear. There may be one or two who don't, but they're around it all the time. It's not abnormal. Most people probably don't even notice it. My students who come in to talk to me slip all kinds of random language into their speech while talking to me, their Professor. So yeah, it happens :)

-Artistic license. Writing isn't just about putting words on paper. It's about telling a story. Creating a world, a life, out of words. And sometimes my characters are really having a crappy day and use a word that not everyone likes. Who am I to censor my characters?

Okay, so those are my arguments for why I don't feel a need to be overtly careful about not using swear words in my books. Granted, I write for older teens, too, so bear that in mind :) BUT, my MIL had a point, too. She flat out told me that the use of swear words limits who she can recommend my book to, because certain people will be offended. And, quite frankly, that kind of sucks.

My WIP has a character with kind of a potty mouth. He's a freshman in college, and I've spent way too much time around this species, and they all have potty-mouths. So, what's a writer to do? My inner arguments outlined above make me want to leave his swearing as is. But, is this hurting my future sales?

So, what do you think? Does swearing turn you off from a book? Does it bother you? Inquiring minds wish to know :)

Sunday is for photos (x17)

By: Meradeth Houston on 11:04 AM

While I was out of town this week, we had a special arrival on my family's ranch: baby emu hatched! My family rescued several emu when I was in high school (ages ago) and we've had them lay eggs before, but never had any hatch. This year, for some reason, we have three little babies and ohmygosharetheycute! Another reason why I like emu: the males sit on the eggs. How's that for equality?

I have to share some pics, because who doesn't like cuteness? (these aren't the best quality, but you get the idea :)

My pet goat, Niels, with momma emu and babies by her feet.

Too cute!

My brother took this shot so I can't claim credit, but it's one my of all-time favorite photos. You can see my goats in the reflection :)

Okay, I'm going to go back and play with the babies. But, if you're looking for fun contests to enter, check out Beth's blog, and Daisy's blog, both of which are giving away copies of Colors Like Memories in super simple contests!

Interviews & Giveaways

By: Meradeth Houston on 9:22 PM

I'm still at my family reunion with really limited time to blog, so this is going to just be some linkage today. Fun linkage, though, with giveaways, so that does help, right?

I've had two interviews this week, the first of which is on Lisa Blackwood's blog. Wondering where the title for Colors Like Memories comes from? Check this one out!

Also, Beth Fehlbaum hosted me, and she's also doing a giveaway for CLM. All you need to do it leave a comment. Easy, right? Swing by here!

One more: this one is a beautiful review by Daisy Carter that made me all weepy :) (In a good way, I swear!) Anyhow, she's running a giveaway not only for a copy of CLM, but also for a giftcard AND a critique. Perfect for a writer! Don't miss it!

And back to the family! Hope everyone's having a good week!!

After Reading: Spectral

By: Meradeth Houston on 1:00 AM

By Shannon Duffy

Convinced she’s a part of the witness protection program, sixteen-year-old Jewel Rose is shuffled around the globe with her family like a pack of traveling gypsies. After arriving at lucky home twenty-seven, she stumbles upon a mysterious boy with magical powers claiming to be her guardian . . . and warning of imminent danger. Despite the obvious sparks between them, Jewel discovers a relationship is forbidden, and the more she learns about dark, brooding Roman, she begins to question who she can even believe — the family who raised her, or the supposed sworn protector who claims they’ve been lying to her all along.

As she struggles to uncover who her family has really been running from, she is forced to hide her birthmark that reveals who she is. With new realities surfacing, unexplained powers appearing, and two tempting boys vying for her heart, Jewel battles to learn who she can trust in an ever growing sea of lies, hoping she’ll make it through her seventeenth birthday alive.

I am happy to take part in the blog tour for Spectral, and was lucky to receive a copy of the book for review. First of all, I really enjoyed the whole witness protection, picking up and moving all over background to this story. It was interesting and engaging, and gave things a little spice to get the book started. (I wish there had been more of this!) I really liked Jewel, too, for her desire to break free, figure out who and what she was, and solve her own problems. She was a great character and brought the story to life. I did feel like the love-triangle thing with Chase & Roman felt a little off, but overall the romance angle was fun and kept the pages turning. I have no idea if there is another book planned, but I hope there is if only because I would have loved to get more insight into the covens, endowments, and other interesting parts of the witches' world! It seems like such an interesting place :) Overall, this was a quick and fun read, with lots of action and a great heroine--do check it out!

***Minor side note here to say that I'm posting today on the awesome David P. King's blog, too, so go check it out, and follow his blog if you aren't already--it rocks!***

A little more about the author: Shannon Duffy writes young adult and middle grade fiction. She grew up on the beautiful east coast of Canada and now lives in Ontario, Canada. She is the mom of one boy, Gabriel, her angel. She loves writing, reading, working out, soccer, and the sport of champions-shopping. She is the author of the young adult paranormal romance, SPECTRAL. Her upcoming middle grade fantasy novel, GABRIEL STONE AND THE DIVINITY OF VALTA is scheduled for a January 2013 release.

Kindle buy link - $2.99
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Nook buy link - $4.95
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Sunday if for family photos

By: Meradeth Houston on 10:41 AM

*** Side note to give a big congrats to Conda Douglass for winning my giveaway! I'll be doing more fun things in the future, so stay tuned :) ***

I don't have anything particularly fun to share today, mainly because we're at a family reunion and I'm having to sneak time away from everything else to post :) Today we're also experiencing the ~~pain~~ fun of taking a family photo with everyone. I have eleven nieces & nephews, so I'm sure you can imagine how this goes. Or not. It's kind of like herding cats. Anyhow, I'm really not a big fan of these shots, but oh well. Does anyone actually like posing for them?

Of course, hopefully we don't end up with any shots that look like these (for your comic amusement!):

(LOL, I may have just spent *way* too much time googling that! Way too funny!)

Car Trips: the survival guide

By: Meradeth Houston on 1:00 AM

**Quick reminder: if you want to enter my giveaway, today's the last day! Go here (on my blog), or on facebook, for a simple and easy way to enter--all you have to do is share the entry!***

I don't know about the rest of you, but the prospect of sitting in a car for 10+ hours pretty much makes me shudder. I honestly hate being cooped up for that long, and I have the grimy feeling I always get from the whole process. A couple of hours and I'm okay, but the fact that as I write this, I know I'll be spending all of Saturday in a car doesn't really leave me feeling all that great.

In light of this, I have come up with my little survival kit that keeps me sane. This includes:

Music. Lots and lots of it. Preferably of the singable variety (much to my husband's dismay).
Books. I do try to read a lot on car trips, though for some reason it never feels quite the same. It harder to get lost in a story it seems.
Snacks. I hate eating lots of junk food, but something to munch on, and drink, is essential.
Movies. I love my table for this. I have a season of Supernatural I have every intention of ~~drooling over~~ enjoying during the drive.
My computer. I do try to write in the car. I swear. It just never seems to work.

I know that when we have kids this will drastically change, but this is my current list. What about you, do you like long trips in the car? What helps you pass the time?

This will probably be us tomorrow... :)