Write Stuff: August 2015

Monday, August 31, 2015

Kicking off the TRAVELERS Blog Tour!

Oh, Monday. The first day of the semester. All the little freshman and other students are crowded back in smokey Missoula. Time for some fun to start. (Muahahaha! *please note: evil laughter must always be used by professors at this time of year--it's mandatory*)

And, with that, I also have some other awesome fun starting today: the Traveler's blog tour! This whole week a bunch of fantastic people are helping me spread the word! I have guest posts and reviews and spotlights and all sorts of fun going on. And, there's some awesome giveaways happening too :) So, for today, I'm hanging out here:

http://www.heathervanfleet.com/blog

http://blog.erinrhewbooks.com/

Come say hello?

After Reading: Jackdaw Hammond #1 & #2 by Rebecca Alexander

By: Meradeth Houston on 4:00 AM

In modern day England, Professor Felix Guichard is called in to identify occult symbols found on the corpse of a young girl. His investigation brings him in contact with a mysterious woman, Jackdaw Hammond, who guards a monumental secret--She's Dead. Or she would be, were it not for magic which has artificially extended her life. But someone else knows her secret. Someone very old and very powerful, who won't rest until they've taken the magic that keeps her alive....

In Krakow in 1585, Dr John Dee, the Elizabethan Alchemist and Occultist, and his assistant Edward Kelley have been summoned by the King of Poland to save the life of his niece, the infamous Countess Elisabeth Bathory. But they soon realize that the only thing worse than the Countess' malady, is the magic that might be able to save her...
As Jackdaw and Felix race to uncover the truth about the person hunting her, it becomes clear that the answers they seek can only be found in the ancient diary of John Dee's assistant, Edward Kelley. Together they must solve a mystery centuries in the making, or die trying. (Goodreads)

***

Following her showdown with Elizabeth Bathory, Jackdaw Hammond is running from her past, hiding from her future, and hoping to contain her newfound thirst for blood. Buying an overgrown home in the middle of nowhere seems like the perfect place to escape…at least until she finds herself in the sights of a murderous family with a terrible secret and a penchant for dark magic. Meanwhile, her old ally Felix Guichard has gone to New Orleans to conduct his own investigation into the nature of blood magic, but is soon sucked into the intrigues of the city’s occult underworld. But Jack will need Felix more than she knows, for the battle for her soul is set to begin.

Her only salvation may lie with the secrets of 16th century master occultist Edward Kelley, and a dangerous mission he undertook in Venice to confront the Inquisition, the darkest deeds of his own past, and the fearsome power of Elizabeth Bathory. (Goodreads)

Okay, I'm going to get caught up with some reviews here today and figured these were in the same series, therefore lumping them wouldn't be a bad thing :)

I went into these novels with a whole lot of excitement, as they're quite different from my normal fare, but looked fantastic! Plus, because my writing has been veering in the "adult" direction more and more lately, I have been feeling remiss that I haven't been reading as widely in that area. Anyhow, both books were intensely interesting, with a really fascinating slant on magic and both vampires and werewolves. I rather liked the characters, especially Sadie, though Jackdaw (who goes by Jack), always felt a step removed from the reader--I still don't feel like I have a good sense of her personality or really anything beyond her condition. Interwoven in both books is the story of Edward Kelley, while he either starts or is involved in some of origins of what Jack is facing in the modern portion of the book. This is a clever was to tell the story, though Kelley himself doesn't draw me in as much and I found myself wanting to skip those chapters (I didn't) to get on with Jack's tale. I imagine this is always the hazard with dual narratives--one is always more interesting than the other :) Other than that, I did find the pacing to be a bit off in both books, but I do wonder if that's because I have been reading quite a lot of YA where pacing it expected to, well, keep up. Here, the beginnings were good, but the middle lagged, often up until the last couple of chapters. It made for some sleepy reading a few times, I'll admit. Anyhow, this is a long-winded reviews, mainly because the books were complex with a lot that both drew me in and left me wanting more.

Have you heard of these? Had a chance to read either?

Monday Mishmash

By: Meradeth Houston on 4:00 AM

How on earth did it get to be the end of August? No, seriously, I am not pleased about this. *sigh* Life is about to be invaded by hundreds of college students again, which wouldn't be such a bad thing if, well, it's not a bad thing, but I do love summer. Okay, the first question here is something I need help with!

I'm putting together guest blog posts for my Travelers blog tour coming up shortly (yay!), but I'm running really short on topics. Which is kind of tricky! What do YOU like reading about in guest posts? Seriously, I'd love to hear 'em, because I've got 4 left to write and no ideas left :/
Have I mentioned that classes start in a week? No? Because *sob* it's the end of summer.
How is everyone else faring in the smoke this year? Is anyone else dealing with it? Because holy smokes (hehe, see what I did there?) it's terrible here. I have honestly contemplated breaking out my work gas mask and wearing it around. (Now wouldn't that be embarrassing?)
I'm plugging along on my new WIP. It's been quite a trip so far. Something completely new and different, which is both fun, and kind of terrifying. I don't read a ton in this genre and feel a tad bit unprepared to write the book, but I kind of can't help following where the characters lead me. I've been calling it my Sherlock/Orphan Black/Bond mash-up, haha!

That's about it from these parts, hope you all have a great week!

Release Day Giveaway for HOT PINK IN THE CITY by Medeia Sharif

By: Meradeth Houston on 4:00 AM

HOT PINK IN THE CITY, Prizm Books/Torquere Press,
Release Date: August 19, 2015
Ebook
Purchase from Prizm, Amazon (vendor links will be updated on the author's site)

Asma Bashir wants two things: a summer fling and her favorite '80s songs. During a trip to New York City to stay with relatives, she messes up in her pursuit of both. She loses track of the hunk she met on her airplane ride, and she does the most terrible thing she could possibly do to her strict uncle... ruin his most prized possession, a rare cassette tape.

A wild goose chase around Manhattan and Brooklyn to find a replacement tape yields many adventures -- blackmail, theft, a chance to be a TV star, and so much more. Amid all this turmoil, Asma just might be able to find her crush in the busiest, most exciting city in the world.

Find Medeia – YA and MG Author

Blog | Twitter | Goodreads | Instagram | Amazon

Enter the HPITC book blast giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

After Reading: ALLIANCES by S. Usher Evans

By: Meradeth Houston on 4:00 AM

Piracy is a game. Whom do you trust?

Lyssa Peate has found a tenuous balance between her double lives - the planet-discovering scientist and space pirate bounty hunter named Razia. No longer on probation, Razia still struggles to be thought of as more than a chocolate-fetching joke, and Lyssa can’t be truthful to those closest to her. But both lives are turned upside-down when feisty government investigator Lizbeth Carter shows up to capture the same pirate Razia is after.

Lizbeth’s not interested in taking Razia’s thunder; rather, she convinces the caustic bounty hunter to help solve a mystery. Somebody’s hiring pirates to target government ships, and there’s a money trail that doesn’t make any sense. From the desert planet of D-882 to the capital city on S-864, the investigation leads them deeper into a conspiracy that reaches to the highest levels of the Universal Government - and to one of the most painful chapters in Lyssa’s past.

Alliances is the highly anticipated sequel to Double Life, Book 1 in the Razia Series. (Goodreads)

I will, at some point, get caught up with reviews....really. I really, really will! :)

Okay, heartily enjoyed the first book in this series, DOUBLE LIFE, and the second book in the series did not disappoint. Razia, as headstrong and difficult as she is, is portrayed very well and we get a good sense of why she is the way she is (holy mother of all family backgrounds, that's for sure!). There were still a few times I wanted to reach into the pages and shake her by the shirtfront, but she is definitely growing throughout the books, which is something I really appreciate seeing. Lizabeth is an interesting character, and she had a great deal of chemistry with Razia (of the platonic sort...though I did wonder a few times ;). There were a few times when the details of all they were doing kind of bogged down the storyline, even if they were necessary to seeing what they were doing, but I just ended up skimming them. Anyhow, their exploits and undertakings kept me glued to the pages and I can't wait for the next book in the series!

Giveaway Winners and Bookshelf Pictures

By: Meradeth Houston on 4:00 AM

Before anything else, I want to shout-out a giant THANK YOU to all the awesome people who helped out with my Travelers giveaway! Seriously, you have all been amazing! And making my giant spreadsheet of who shared posts and pictures and everything else just made me all the more grateful. Travelers has been doing really well and I have all of you to thank for it. And as I said in my earlier post, I'd give a $5 giftcard to Amazon to one person who helped spread the word, and random.org has spoken: William Kendall is the winner! Congrats!! (And you should check out his blog--it's hilarious!)

On another note, whew, has it been a crazy couple of weeks! Awesome, for sure, but definitely a little nuts :) Between moving, and the release of Travelers, I also had a really fun road trip with my bestie--we made it to Bandlands and Mt Rushmore, and a ton of sites in between. (If you really want to see some pics, check out my Instagram...yes, that's a shameless plug.) It's been a wonderful time and I'm sad to see if pass, especially as that means the school year is about to start, haha!

So, between it all, I managed to get my books all unpacked and into my new bookshelves. They are still in need of a bit more organizing, but they're all out of boxes for the first time in 3 years. And I am rather happy about that! Granted, I totally ran out of space and still have to figure out where I'm going to put my music and videos, but that's something I'll worry about later :) But, as I promised a few weeks ago, a few pics:

BEFORE

AFTER

Okay, so some of those photos aren't the best, but you get the idea. And yes, that is 4.5 bookcases full. I think I have too many books ;) This isn't even counting my work books, which are in my office on campus. But, yeah, lots of books, and lots of reading!!

Cover Reveal: PIPER MORGAN by Stephanie Faris

By: Meradeth Houston on 4:00 AM

Okay, I have the *cutest* cover to share today! And Stephanie's books are the best, so be sure to say hello and check this one out!!

Piper Morgan Joins the Circus

Stephanie Faris

Cover illustration by Lucy Fleming.

Blurb:

When Piper Morgan has to move to a new town, she is sad to leave behind her friends, but excited for a new adventure. She is determined to have fun, be brave and find new friends.
And after learning her mom’s new job will be with the Big Top Circus, Piper can’t wait to learn all about life under the big top, see all the cool animals, and meet the Little Explorers, the other kids who travel with the show. She’s even more excited to learn that she gets to be a part of the Little Explorers and help them end each show with a routine to get the audience on their feet and dancing along!

But during Piper’s grand debut, her high kicks and pointed toes don't go quite as planned. After causing a dance disaster, she has to prove to everyone--especially queen of the Little Explorers, Lexie--that she belongs in the spotlight.

Stephanie Faris:

Bio:

Stephanie Faris knew she wanted to be an author from a very young age. In fact, her mother often told her to stop reading so much and go outside and play with the other kids. After graduating from Middle Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Science in broadcast journalism, she somehow found herself working in information technology. But she never stopped writing.

Stephanie is the Simon & Schuster author of 30 Days of No Gossip and 25 Roses, as well as the upcoming Piper Morgan series. When she isn’t crafting fiction, she writes for a variety of online websites on the topics of business, technology, and her favorite subject of all—fashion. She lives in Nashville with her husband, a sales executive.

Links:

Website:Blog:Facebook:Twitter:Instagram

After Reading: Grave Sight (Harper Connelly #1) by Charlaine Harris

By: Meradeth Houston on 4:00 AM

Harper Connelly has what you might call a strange job: she finds dead people. She can sense the final location of a person who's passed, and share their very last moment. The way Harper sees it, she's providing a service to the dead while bringing some closure to the living - but she's used to most people treating her like a blood-sucking leech. Traveling with her step-brother Tolliver as manager and sometime-bodyguard, she's become an expert at getting in, getting paid, and getting out fast. Because for the living it's always urgent - even if the dead can wait forever. (Goodreads)

Okay, I'm still playing review catch-up, and since I'm road-tripping with my bestie from the 4th grade, I figured I'd post another today :)

And don't forget, the TRAVELERS giveaway is still running if you're interested!

Okay, on to the book!

I had Grave Sight recommended to me by a friend who said it reminded her some of my Coincidences book, and I can totally see the commonalities. A strange ability, a pair of characters who deny their feelings for one another, a dangerous job to complete--this was definitely a fun read :) Harris' writing has always struck me as a little bland, and I often find myself feeling like she's skirting the surface of her character's emotions and situations, to the extent that I don't really feel like I'm there with them and am more just an observer. It's kind of like while watching a movie or program, when you walk into it and find yourself observing the film and what's going on, more than being immersed in the story. It's not bad, just my personal take on how I've experienced her books. I still really enjoyed this one though and will definitely pick up the rest of the series, if mainly because I'm seriously curious about Harper and Tolliver!

Have you had a chance to read this one? Or any of Harris' work?

Also, my publisher is putting together a blog tour for TRAVELERS and asked me to see if anyone wanted to join in. So many of you have been SUCH amazing help with all the rest of the release stuff, so no pressure on this, m'k? Just throwing it out to the universe!

After Reading: IMMORTAL CITY by Scott Speer

By: Meradeth Houston on 4:00 AM

Jackson Godspeed is the hottest Angel in a city that revolves around idolizing Immortals like him. He grew up in the spotlight, and in less than a week he'll become the youngest full-fledged Guardian ever. People around the world are lining up to pay for him to keep them safe. His lifelong dream of becoming a hero is finally within his grasp - and he can't afford to let the parties, paparazzi, or red carpets distract him.

But Jackson's high-profile life takes an unexpected turn when he meets seventeen-year-old Maddy. She's smart and down-to-earth, and sees Jackson for who he is and not for his celebrity. They forge an instant - and electric - connection. Their vastly different backgrounds seem like the only obstacle in their path to being together... until something much more dangerous threatens to destroy their chance at love.

Because not everyone worships the Angels: a bitter killer is murdering the Guardians one by one. And it's up Maddy to save Jackson - he's next in the killer's sights.

Set in a reimagined Los Angeles that sparkles with glamour and celebrity worship, Scott Speer's Immortal City is charged with passion and haunted by themes of power and idolatry. (Goodreads)

I am seriously behind on book reviews!! So, for this lovely Friday, I thought I'd share a little of what I've been reading :)

So, I enjoyed Immortal City. It wasn't terribly different from other things I've read (the same girl-meets-supernatural-boy-and-events-ensue plot), but I did enjoy the rather different take on celebrity worship the book kind of pokes fun at. As someone who views our culture's obsession with celebrities with a lot of disgust, it's nice to see something new. Just in general, the book itself wasn't terribly good, or bad, just a middle of the road book with angels (and, yes, I do enjoy a good angel book, I'll admit it). Not much to write about, really. It was an interesting read, and if I can find copies of the next books in the series I might pick them up.

And now, the thing that kind of frosted my cookies: reading the author bio. Speer managed to get an agent without even a draft of this novel. Look, this is not a personal attack, but sometimes it really frustrates me to come across authors with books that, while not selling great, still have agents and a big publisher, from someone who got said agent and publisher just because they were personally connected. I know every author has their own path, but I've polished and worked and queried (and banged my head against the wall) for ages. Don't get me wrong, I am very proud of the books I've release and the publishing houses that I've worked with, but it's not like someone's given me national bookstore distribution or even an advance because I had an idea for a book (not even a draft!!!!) and knew the "right" people. Ugh. Sorry for the rant, but the bio clearly made me a little frustrated. And made me wish I knew these right people to manage to get an agent/big contract/etc. :)

Release Day for TRAVELERS!!! (and a #giveaway!)

By: Meradeth Houston on 4:00 AM

It's time to let this book fly! TRAVELERS is officially out in the wild and available for purchase! *happy dances* I hope you all enjoy Sienna and Henry, and even Joan! They're some great characters and have some crazy adventures :) You can even check one out over on the Lightening Quick Reads blog today! So check it out and be sure to snag a copy!!

Also, a MAJOR shout-out of thanks to all the awesome people helping me share the word today!! I can't thank you enough!!

Sienna Crenshaw knows the rules: 1) no time traveling beyond your natural lifetime, 2) no screwing with death, and 3) no changing the past. Ever. Sienna doesn’t love being stuck in the present, but she’s not the type to to break the rules. That is, she wasn’t the type until her best friend broke every one of those rules to keep Henry, her twin brother and Sienna’s ex-boyfriend, alive.

Suddenly, Sienna is caught in an unfamiliar reality. The upside? Henry is still alive. The downside? Sienna’s old life, including the people in it, has been erased. Now, Sienna and Henry must untangle the giant knot in time, or her parents and all the rest of the Travelers, will be lost forever. One problem: the only way to be successful is for Henry to die... (Goodreads)

And the giveaway? I need some help sharing this around! So, spread the cover/trailer/teaser-pic love on twitter, facebook, instagram, your blog, whatever! Be sure to either comment with the link, or tag me so I can see it (and share!), and I'll do a drawing in one week (August 11th). The prize? A $5 Amazon giftcard. Sound good? Be sure to make sure I can see your post!

These would be good for sharing ;)

And one more shot of the trailer:

The Pre-Release Jitters: AKA TRAVELERS Releases Tomorrow!

By: Meradeth Houston on 4:00 AM

I don't think I'll ever reach a point in my writing career where a book release doesn't give me some serious butterflies. Well, I hope I don't, because that would be kind of sad. A book release is supposed to be fun and exciting and new--of course it should make me a little nervous and jittery! So, today, I'm trying not to dwell too much on what this all means, and how I have a very complicated time-travel book headed out into the world tomorrow. I mean, what if no one likes it? What if it doesn't make sense? What if...well, just what if! So, today, I'm trying to just not think about the whirlwind this book will bring, and think more on some of the fun little bits of the story. Like these: