Write Stuff: July 2013

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

After Reading: LEVIATHAN by Scott Westerfeld

Prince Aleksander, would-be heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, is on the run. His own people have turned on him. His title is worthless. All he has is a battletorn war machine and a loyal crew of men.

Deryn Sharp is a commoner, disguised as a boy in the British Air Service. She's a brilliant airman. But her secret is in constant danger of being discovered.With World War I brewing, Alek and Deryn's paths cross in the most unexpected way…taking them on a fantastical, around-the-world adventure that will change both their lives forever. (Goodreads)

Okay, I'll admit, I've put off reading this book for ages and ages. I love Westerfeld's work, his creativity, and his clean writing, but I knew this one was going to bug me. Why? Because I really couldn't get behind the whole using GMO animals in WWI. Yeah, my inner scientist seriously had a snit-fest. Does that make me a science-snob? I honestly can't help it... (I have always been curious what might have happened if Darwin and Mendel exchanged ideas during their day and how much further we might have advanced, but Mendel is totally left out of this book. Come on! He'd my historical science crush--don't leave him hanging!)

So, once I forced myself to get past the whole "this is so far-fetched and may happen in 100 years--from now" bit, I did enjoy the story. Westerfeld has a great way with pacing. Things are constantly happening, and WWI definitely provides a great backdrop for anything going on in Europe. Throw in a girl dressing as a guy to enlist, an escaping prince, and there's tension galore. And explosions--those are always good too :) If I can snag the other books used somewhere I'll probably read them, just because I'm curious (another of Westerfeld's talents), but I'm not dying to read on.

My questions for you: have you read this series? Ever read a book about something you know a lot about and have some serious issues about the way it's approached?

Also, I wanted to give a massive shout-out and THANK YOU to the awesome Stephanie over at Author Tracker. She reviewed both Colors Like Memories and The Chemistry of Fate in such a sweet way it made me cry. Check it out here and tell her hello!

Cover Reveal for LOVE REDEEMED by Tich Brewster

By: Meradeth Houston on 12:00 PM

Blurb:

Life is simple.

Cassie is content with what she has, a great job and wonderful friends. Everything is perfect…until Ryder appears. She still has not forgiven him for choosing music over her eight years ago.

Ryder is a rock star, living the life he had always dreamed of. He is not searching for love because who has time for that when you're constantly on the road. But then his tour ends and he decides to go back home and visit an old friend.

When those old feelings resurface, will they be able to forgive and start anew?

Title: Love Redeemed

Author: Tich Brewster

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Pennedit

Cover Artist: Sprinkles On Top Studios

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18231590-love-redeemed

Tich is an Oklahoma resident and the mother of five. Her passion for reading started at an early age when her Aunt Vicky gave her the novel Heidi for Christmas. She didn’t start writing until middle school, after being inspired by her best friend’s short stories. “Genny’s stories weren’t just great but they inspired me to put my pen and paper to good use.” Tich never thought of publishing her works until working with Teresa on the Royal Blood series.

Website: www.tichbrewster.com

Blog: www.tichbrewster.blogspot.com

Giveaway!

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Interview with Ace Hansen, author of JULIUS CAESAR BROWN AND THE GREEN GAS MYSTERY

By: Meradeth Houston on 4:00 AM

I would like to say before we get started that this is quite possibly the best title EVER. It cracks me up every single time :) And Ace is great, so I'm happy to have the chance to learn a little more about this mystery!

When a mysterious green gas crisis breaks wind, the Global Air Group (GAG) offers a million-dollar prize to the first person to discover the cause. Julius Caesar Brown dreams of winning the cash so he can pay off Jake the Snake, the blackmailing bully who threatens to ruin his chances with the cutest girl in fifth grade. But Julius can barely pass a math test, let alone solve an international scientific mystery. What he needs is money. Fast. His mom volunteers him to help the Zombie Lady. Yeah. The crazy woman down the street who every kid knows eats boys’ brains. But Miss Crabtree’s no zombie. And winning the million-dollar prize may not be as far-fetched as Julius once thought.

(Q) I think it’s pretty safe to say that most writers love reading. What are some of the books that influenced you the most? Subconsciously I was hugely influenced by all of Roald Dahl’s books, especially The BFG and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Anything you’d like to recommend? I recommend those books wholeheartedly!

(Q) What is your favorite part of the writing process? Drafting a new novel. What about it makes you love it? That moment when a wickedly funny idea pops into my big green head.

(Q) What’s your biggest pet-peeve when it comes to the writing world? The percentages. Such a small number of folks get published, and an even smaller number of books do really well. Does anything get under your skin and itch? My skin is super thick. Staying focused on the positive helps keep those pesky fleas away. ^_^

(Q) If you could meet any writer, living or dead, and pick their brain over coffee/tea/hot-chocolate, who would it be? John Grisham What would be your first question? What’s your best writing secret?

Ace has a question for all you lovely readers: If you woke up tomorrow and your gas was green, what would you do? ^_^

If you'd like to learn more about Ace (of course you do!) you can find him on:

Ace Hansen's Website

Twitter

Facebook

If you'd like to purchase JULIUS CAESAR BROWN AND THE GREEN GAS MYSTERY it's available as an ebook now and is coming in print Fall 2013:

Tex And The Gangs Of Suburbia by Stuart R. West and an Interview!

By: Meradeth Houston on 4:00 AM

Oooh, do I have a treat for you all! I don't know if you heard me talking about the first Stuart R. West book, Tex, The Witch Boy, but it was an awesome book and I loved it. Evidence: here :) So, the second book is now available and I definitely think you should check it out. Why? Because it sounds like a blast:

Tex McKenna’s junior year of high school is just as bad as his sophomore year. Maybe worse. Olivia’s dumped him. He's caught up between two warring gangs and gone “undercover” with the Modern Gangstas to unmask a murderer. All this poor Witch Boy and supernatural trouble magnet wants to do is end the school year alive. And maybe find out who the mysterious punker girl is and how she knows all his secrets.

Sounds awesome, right? Anyhow, you can grab a copy here:
MuseItUp Publishing and Amazon.

The first book is also on sale for just .99 for the release, so definitely go snag a copy!

Also of great fun, check out Stuart's hilarious blog where he's got a bad poetry contest going on for copies of both books! You can check out his facebook page here too :)

And, because I think you'll all enjoy this, how about a little interview with the author? Be sure to say hello in the comments!

-I always love to hear a bit about how a story got started. What inspired Tex, the witch boy?

Exorcising my high school demons, Meradeth! It's no secret I had a lousy time in high school. There were days I didn't think I'd make it out having been on the receiving end of the Bully Stick. I wanted to tell my tale, give hope to other teens going through the same junk, and hopefully put it into an entertaining tale without being preachy.

-Okay, I have to admit, I'm curious why witches?

Good question! One I ask myself on a daily basis! I think I sold myself more on the irony of having a male teenaged witch rather than any true interest in writing witch fiction. To me, that aspect just sorta' screams out as a sorta' metaphor about how awkward teens feel in their own body, at odds with the world around them. That's my boy, Tex!

-I know you've talked before about how the bullying instances in Tex are all based on real events. What made you decide that you wanted to include this component in your book?

Bullying's such an ongoing challenge with kids. It's finally getting more attention than it has in some time, but really, there can never be enough said about it.

-Tex was such a great character, as is Olivia. Are there any real people these guys have something in common with? Or were they solely products of your imagination?

I was a little bit Tex (although he's braver than I was!), shared the same awkward moments and suffered through the same smart mouth at times. But he's really made up for the most part. Olivia is part my daughter and part a few girls I knew in high school. Mix, shake and stir. I cribbed a few other characters from people my daughter knew in high school.

-Your second book is about to be released. What was the hardest part of writing a sequel? How about the most fun part?

Hm. The worst part is probably trying to reestablish my characters. I knew who they were and I was ready to move my playing pieces around the board already! On the other hand, since they were already established, it was great fun seeing how much trauma I could put them through. A little sadistic maybe, but I'm happiest when my characters are in big ol' messes.

-Last but not least, what is your favorite book of all time?

That's tough! But if you're gonna' put me in a corner, I'll probably go with To Kill A Mockingbird. It's perfect!

Thanks for yakking at me, Meradeth!

Cover Reveal for A MISSING PEACE by Beth Fred

By: Meradeth Houston on 4:00 AM

Isn't this one beautiful? Haunting and definitely a pick-me-up-and-check-me-out cover!

Blurb: A turbulent, emotionally charged YA novel that breaks down barriers and challenges the status quo...

Angry, seventeen-year-old Iraqi war refugee Mirriam Yohanna hates her new life in Killeen, Texas, where the main attraction is a military base, populated with spoiled army brats like Caleb Miller.

Caleb has much to be angry about too, including Mirriam who turns him down flat in front of everyone. Eager for retribution, Caleb agrees to a dare that will see him take Mirriam to the prom and regain his pride. But their relationship soon moves beyond high school antics. Mirriam and Caleb are bound together by more than location, and as they are forced to work closely together on a school assignment, they start to uncover an explosive story that has the potential to ruin lives — and both of their futures. One single truth changes everything and strengthens their bond.

When Mirriam's family discovers their relationship, they decide it's time to arrange her marriage to a proper Iraqi man. Caleb must convince Mirriam that he is in it for forever — or risk losing her for good.

Meet Beth Fred! That's me! I'm a full time keeper of the ELF and part time writer/blogger/writing instructor. I'm represented by Kathleen Rushall of Marsal Lyons Literary Agency. I like my tea hot, my romance sweet, and my guys chivalrous. Real men hold open doors, refer to you as ma'am, make promises they keep, and aren't afraid to profess their undying love. It's not breakfast if there aren't carbs(at least, not in the South). Fajitas, carnitas, and churros are just few of my favorite things. Bet you can't guess where I'm from ;) Wanna know more about me? You can find that here:

Email me: bethfred08(at)gmail.com

Blogger: bethfred.com

Tweet me: bethfred08

FB Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/bethfred08

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Giveaway Winner and Sizzling Summer Giveaway Event!

By: Meradeth Houston on 4:00 AM

Thanks a million to everyone who stopped by and entered to win the NAmazing Adventure Giveaway--both for the main prize, and for the journal and book swag! Random.org has spoke and

ELIZABETH COLLINS

is our awesome winner! Thanks for joining in everyone, I promise more giveaways are coming soon :)

Actually, speaking of:

YA Bound Book Tours is organizing the Sizzling Summer Giveaway event featuring 50 authors! This giveaway event will take place July 22nd to July 27th. The giveaway is 2 Kindle Fire HD's with e-book prize packs! (shown below)

After Reading: QUEST OF THE HART by Mary Waibel

By: Meradeth Houston on 4:00 AM

"A reverse Sleeping Beauty tale where the princess goes on the quest to save the prince."

Princess Kaylee has never had to fight for anything. Her entire life has been arranged, even her marriage. But when Prince Devlin falls under an enchantment, she finds she is willing to do anything to save him, even if it means fighting a dragon.

Devlin's own sister, Princess Arabella, is behind the deadly plot. She wants the throne and will use any means necessary. Her perfect plan unravels, leaving Devlin caught in a magical sleep that is slowly spreading through the kingdom of Breniera. All Arabella needs to finish her spell and claim the crown is a drop of Kaylee's blood, but obtaining the single drop is proving more difficult than expected.
To save her betrothed, Kaylee embarks on a quest to find an ancient sword and gather a drop of dragon's blood, while trying to stay out of Arabella's traps. But Arabella's traps aren't the only danger. Time is everything. For once the last inhabitant of the kingdom falls asleep, the spell will be sealed, and not even true love's kiss will break it. (Goodreads)

I love a good, strong female character and have always kind of hated the whole princess-who-needs-saving stories, so picking up Quest I was really curious to see how Waibel was going to portray this reverse fairy-tale I loved how Kaylee grows throughout the story and was able to save her prince, and the kingdom. This is a great example of a very strong character arc, and I totally loved Kaylee for that.

One thing I wasn't expecting was how much I actually really liked the antagonist. Arabella was completely fascinating to me. I could understand her motivation, and while I didn't agree with her methods, I loved getting into her head and seeing what she was thinking and why. I'll admit, if my parents showered a lot of attention on my sibling over me, that would probably tick me off too :) Arabella oddly enough stole the show for me, and added a perfect layer of complexity to the story.

Has anyone checked this out? Ever found themselves totally intrigued by the villain?

Friday Chat: using real people as characters

By: Meradeth Houston on 4:00 AM

Thank you so much to everyone who contributed to last week's Friday Chat. I loved all the character quirks that people shared, and their thoughts about them :) Definitely an awesome discussion!

And before I forget, there's a giveaway going on, the NAmazing Adventure, which I'm taking part in: I have a little giveaway going on, and then there's the main one for a TON of books. Details here!

So, I was visiting home this past week and a perennial topic came up that I thought I'd ask you all

Buzz IRL :)

about: do you ever use a real person for a character in a novel (obviously not a memoir or non-fic)? My mother is absolutely paranoid that someday I'll write about her in one of my books, and a lot of my family members ask me this question. (Does anyone else's family do this? Or is my family just random?)

Here's the thing: I've only once ever used someone I knew as a character in a book. This was Oliver in The Chemistry of Fate, and he was completely based on a very strange flat-mate I had while living in Barcelona (someday I'll go into detail about the time he go into a fight with the quiet Chilean guy that ended with the police arriving...). Anyhow, he was larger than life, often not in the best way, but I couldn't resist borrowing quite a few little things to flesh out the Oliver in my then-WIP.

But, I'll admit that I do sometimes borrow other bits--maybe a quirk, or a habit, or something someone says, to gift to a character. I definitely don't do much, mainly because I like coming up with new people for my book. But a little borrowing is fun.

So, I'm curious: do you have concerned family members? :) How about borrowing little character traits--have you ever done that? Or have you used someone you know in real life almost entirely as a character?

Release Day for TAKE ME NOW by Faith Sullivan

By: Meradeth Houston on 4:00 AM

Title: Take Me Now (Take Me Now, #1)
Author: Faith Sullivan
Expected release date: July 16, 2013
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: New Adult
Ebook available at: Kindle | Nook ($2.99)

Book Description:

How do you survive the internship from hell?

Don't fall in love.

Ivy thought being a reporter-in-training at the Independent Gazette would be her dream summer job. Little did she know, interviewing Eric, a landscaper with a heart of gold, would derail her plans. It turns out Ivy's boss, Lauren, has been eying his chiseled physique for quite some time.

But at twenty-four, Eric already has a tragic past, one that he is still reeling from. Even though his ordeal turned him into some sort of local celebrity, it's been a while since he's shared his bed with anyone. When he comes to Ivy's rescue out of the blue, it's not long before the two of them start seeing each other behind Lauren's back. When they get caught, Ivy's journey toward a college degree is jeopardized and her relationship with Eric is severely put to the test.

Career versus love? In the end, a shocking turn of events provides Ivy with a revelation she never saw coming.

Excerpt:

If only I were open to the possibility of romance, but I’m not. There’s no way I can be. There are circumstances that can’t be wished away or ignored. My heart’s not ready—not yet. And while this absolutely gorgeous girl has wandered into my life, I’m not going to act on it. It’s too soon.

I stride into my shop, gently placing her on the counter. Her feet are bleeding and she looks like she could use a drink of water. She’s covered in dust from the road but she looks adorable sitting there. I don’t know what it’s like to be in a scenario like this with a girl. I’m used to things being straightforward and laid out before me. This looks like something I could get easily lost in if I’m not careful.

We still haven’t said a word to each other, and I hate to break the silence but it can’t be avoided. “Rest here a minute. I’ll be right back.”

Her hand lingers on my upper arm, her thumb massaging by bicep. I exhale heavily, trying desperately to clear my head. Her touch is stirring things inside me I haven’t experienced in quite some time. Emotions I never thought I’d feel again. “Thank you,” she whispers, her eyes never leaving mine.

“No problem,” I try to say as casually as possible. She’s looking at me like I’m her knight in shining armor and I don’t want her to get the wrong idea. I can’t go down that road again. I just can’t. My soul still isn’t fully healed from the last time. I can’t trust myself in these kinds of situations. I need to back away as gracefully as I can.

Other New Adult contemporary romances by Faith Sullivan!

Click covers to purchase.

Author Links: Blog | Amazon | Twitter | Goodreads

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Cover Reveal for COURAGE (Mark of the Nexus #2) by Carrie Buttler

By: Meradeth Houston on 11:00 AM

Title: COURAGESeries: Mark of Nexus - Book 2Author: Carrie ButlerCategory: New Adult (NA)Genre: Paranormal Romance (PNR)Release: October 15, 2013Formats: E-Book & Paperback

Rena Collins never thought she’d long for the past—back when affection from Wallace, her freakishly strong boyfriend, was the most dangerous aspect of her life. But now that the human-altering organization known as ERA has gone on the offensive, nothing is safe. Her bloodline is exposed, her relationships torn apart, and just when it seems like things can’t get any worse, ERA ups the ante. To save mankind from forced evolution, Rena will have to mend her broken ties and form a resistance... hand-in-hand with the one she hurt most.

Where to find Carrie:

Where to find Courage (Mark of Nexus #2):BOOK PAGE | GOODREADS | BOOK TRAILER

Book Bloggers may start requesting e-ARCs via this form. :)

Book Trailer:

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Cover Reveal: HOMECOMING by Cecilia Robert

By: Meradeth Houston on 4:00 AM

Isn't this an amazing cover? And the book sounds amazing!! Check out the info here, and add this one to your TBR :)

Blurb

Five years ago, twenty-three-year-old panther shifter Sera Czedar left her home and her newly mated groom in a humiliating position after a mating ceremony gone wrong. She built a new life for herself in Varselles, the City of Outcasts where shifters exiled from their clans in the Seven Kingdoms can go for sanctuary.

Five years ago, panther shifter Levian Grayson was abandoned on the bonding bed by his bride, Sera. After years of tracking her, he arrives in Varselles, intent on staking his claim on her once and for all, even if it means hauling his slippery woman over his shoulder just to make sure that happens.

Sera has always known her homecoming would eventually catch up with her one day. The one thing she can’t bear to do is hurt Levian, which will happen as soon as he finds out the reason she left him. Is she ready to take that path? Most of all, will Levian still want her when the truth comes out?

Book Title: Homecoming (A Cloaked Devices short story)

Expected release date: October 2013

Genre: Steampunk paranormal romance

Age group: +17 appropriate due to language and mature content

Cover reveal date: 15th July 2013

Cover done by: Ravven – www.ravven.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18072494-homecoming

Blog: www.cecereadandwrite.blogspot.com

NAmazing Adveture Blog Hop!

By: Meradeth Houston on 12:30 AM

Welcome to my stop on the NAmazing Adventure, a blog hop featuring over 60 New Adult authors, and prize packs that include ARCs, signed books, gift cards, swag, and more! If you're not sure what the NAmazing Adventure is, please click here to start from the beginning and read the complete rules on the NA Alley website. Now let's get this party started!

“They are everywhere, can be anyone, and are always the last person you’d expect.” When Tom stumbles across his grandfather’s journal, he’s convinced the old man was crazier than he thought. The book contains references to beings called the Sary, immortals who are assigned to save humans on the verge of suicide. They certainly aren’t allowed to fall in love with mortals. Which the journal claims Tom’s grandfather did, resulting in his expulsion from the Sary. As strange as the journal seems, Tom can’t get the stories out of his head; especially when he finds the photo of his grandfather’s wings.

Tom’s only distraction is Ari, the girl he studies with for their chemistry class.

Ari has one goal when she arrives in town: see how much Tom knows about the Sary and neutralize the situation. This isn’t a normal job, but protecting the secrecy of the Sary is vital. If Tom is a threat to exposing the Sary to the public, fate has a way of taking care of the situation, usually ending with the mortal’s death. While Ari spends time with Tom, he becomes more than just an assignment, but how far can a relationship go when she can’t tell him who she really is? When she finds out just how much Tom actually knows about the Sary, Ari is forced to choose between her wings, and her heart.

THE CHEMISTRY OF FATE is a companion to COLORS LIKE MEMORIES and is set before the latter takes place. It is geared toward an upper YA, or New Adult audience.

Check it out here: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, or my publisher MuseItUp!

Got that jotted down in your quest scroll?

Great, because you’ll need it for the quiz at the end of this quest! And remember, you must complete ALL SIX quizzes to be eligible for a prize pack.

While you're already here, how about a little swag giveaway? I have a really adorable silver journal, along with bookmarks for one person who enters!

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Thanks for stopping by. Ready to move on?

Click HERE to go to the next stop on your adventure, the fabulous Nicki Elson!

Friday Chat: Character Quirks

By: Meradeth Houston on 4:00 AM

I've been revising like a mad woman lately and had a little brain-wave (a dangerous thing during the summer, I assure you) regarding one of my WIP's: my MC is lacking in some quirks. Okay, she's got a metabolism we all would kill for, and can talk to evil aliens, but I generally have a few little other things layered in that are a bit more quirky and give the character some added human-ness.

Off the top of my head: Marcy from Colors (which, holy hannah, is up for preorder for PRINT books people!) is addicted to chapstick. Julia gets nervous and plays with her necklace (and I swear, she's going to choke herself on that thing one of these days). Tom from Chemistry is obsessed with keeping his pens organized. Hopefully that gives you an idea. Most characters that I've read have little random things like this. Can you think of any you've liked in some of your favorite books?

One of my all-time favorite essays on this sort of thing is by the hilarious Barbara Poelle--seriously, go read it, I'll wait :) I think I like it the most because my whole house has about a million little hair rubber bands around at all times. (Which explains the picture now, yay!)

So, here's what I'm wondering about: what kinds of these character quirks do you like? Which ones have been done to death? And do you use them in your own writing?

I'm off to dream up something good for this alien huntress...just got to figure out what it's going to be still!

After Reading: PODs by Michelle Pickett

By: Meradeth Houston on 4:00 AM

Seventeen-year-old Eva is a chosen one. Chosen to live, while others meet a swift and painful death from an incurable virus so lethal, a person is dead within days of symptoms emerging. In the POD system, a series of underground habitats built by the government, she waits with the other chosen for the deadly virus to claim those above. Separated from family and friends, it's in the PODs she meets David. And while true love might not conquer all, it's a balm for the broken soul.

After a year, scientists believe the population has died, and without living hosts, so has the virus. That's the theory, anyway. But when the PODs are opened, survivors find the surface holds a vicious secret. The virus mutated, infecting those left top-side and creating... monsters.
Eva and David hide from the infected in the abandoned PODs. Together they try to build a life--a new beginning. But the infected follow and are relentless in their attacks. Leaving Eva and David to fight for survival, and pray for a cure. (Goodreads)

I've been looking forward to this one for AGES and it was totally worth the wait! Michelle has written an incredibly believable and vivid portrayal of one of my worst nightmares: a raging infection that no one can stop. I completely felt for poor Eva having to face the horrors of her world falling apart, and then having to say goodbye to her family to enter the PODs. Honestly, I can hardly imagine having to do that. The things Eva goes thought are crazy, but just what I would expect to see happen if this situation were really going on--something you may have picked up on as being a big deal for me--I love a believable plot :)

Eva and David are just, well, wow. Loved them. Loved their relationship, the way Eva handled herself, David's devotion, and their clear love for one another. I rooted for them the whole way through, even when I had no friggin' clue how on earth they were going to get out of a situation. Seriously, a few places I was sitting there reading, practically tearing my hair out to read faster, just so I'd know what happened :) This was definitely a keep-me-up-til-the-middle-of-the-night book. I loved it!!

Also, Michelle's having an awesome blog tour this week, and if you're interested in learning more about PODs, entering the giveaways, and other such fun, check out her schedule:

Monday, July 8 -The Reading VixensTuesday, July 9 -Books Complete Me
Wednesday, July 10 -K-Books
Thursday, July 11 -Curvy Writer
Friday, July 12 -Total Bookaholic
Saturday, July 13 -BlookGirl
Sunday, July 14 -Cari’s Book Blog

Definitely worth checking out!

Have you read PODs yet? :)