Novel Magic

Tamara Ireland Stone

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 07:00:00 +0000

Huge thanks to Laura at Novel Magic for hosting me today! I’m honored to be here to talk about the music in Time Between Us.

While Anna and Bennett both have playlists of their own, I think of Anna’s as the primary soundtrack to Time Between Us. And it is a soundtrack, with each song mapping to specific chapters and scenes in the story.

I’m a total purist when it comes to this music. I wanted to be sure that these songs truly represented the music that would have lived on the shelf in Anna’s bedroom in 1995. So the music not only had to exist in 1995, it had to exist within the timeframe of the book: March to June 1995.

I spent many, many hours on Wikipedia, iTunes, and lyrics sites, listening to every line, mapping it to the right scene, and making sure that each song would have existed in Anna’s world.

It was the best, most enjoyable research I could imagine.

Here’s a little background on why these songs matter so much to me, which lines spoke to me most, and where they tie to the story:

1. She, Green Day. (Chapter 1)

Right in the beginning of Chapter 1, you’ll find this line: “…I turn up the music so Green Day is loud in my ears”. In my mind, the song “She” is what Anna hears. It’s a great tune to run to, and the line,“Are you locked up in a world that’s been planned out for you,” would have resonated with her.

2. Corduroy, Pearl Jam. (Chapter 2)

This is the song that plays as Anna and Emma are driving to school. I've always loved this song, and these lines were especially fitting, especially when Anna hears it the second time around:“Everything has chains. Absolutely nothing’s changed.”

3. Nightingale Song, Toad the Wet Sprocket. (Chapter 4)

This has long been one of my all-time favorite songs. It’s short and catchy, and perfect for the moment in this story when Anna’s realizing that her world where “little ever changes” is changing before her eyes.

4. Name, Goo Goo Dolls. (Chapter 9)

A Boy Named Goo came out in March ’95, and “Name” was the most popular song on the album. It’s a perfect tune about keeping someone’s secret. “You can hide beside me, maybe for a while. And I won’t tell no one your name.”

5. Floaty, Foo Fighters. (Chapter 12)

I love the dreamy, floaty qualities of the music and lyrics in this song on the Foo Fighters debut album. Fun fact: This song is a tiny bit of a cheat. Sort of. After Kurt Cobain’s death, Nirvana drummer, Dave Grohl, recorded this album entirely on his own. It didn’t come out until July 1995, but the demo was circulating big-time in early 1995. My college radio sources assure me that Justin would have heard in March. “…we float, float away. On the ground we come back down. That's not as big as what's flowin’ around here.” To me, that “floaty” feeling is time traveling. And eventhat’s not as big as what’s going on between Anna and Bennett.

6. Walk on the Ocean, Toad the Wet Sprocket. (Chapter 13)

This might be in my top five all-time favorite songs. It’s a beautiful, perfect way to kick off Anna and Bennett’s adventure: “We spotted the ocean, at the head of the trail. Where we going? So far away. Somebody told me that this is the place, were everything’s better, everything’s safe.”

7. Today, Smashing Pumpkins. (Chapter 14)

Originally from Chicago, Smashing Pumpkins had to play a role on the playlist, and I had a hard time choosing the right song because I love so many. But the line, “Today is the greatest day I’ve ever known,” spoke to me most.

8. Anna Begins, Counting Crows. (Chapter 15)

I’ve always loved this song, but I hadn’t heard it in years. And once I did, in the context of this story, I was hooked. Bennett starts off protecting himself, trying not to care about Anna. She's completely unexpected. He's not ready for her. But in the end, none of that matters. I love so many lines in this song, but I get chills every time I hear: “And Anna begins to change my mind... Every time she sneezes I believe it's love.”

9. Nearly Lost You, Screaming Trees. (Chapter 24)

On the surface, it might seem like this song is about Anna and Bennett. But map it to Chapter 24 and you’ll understand who Anna’s thinking about with the lyrics, “Drag me far enough to know, I'm blind every mile that you burn. There's a rider that's fallen and it's clear there's no time to return.”

10. I’ve Been Waiting, Matthew Sweet. (Chapter 26)

I’ve always loved this sweet and catchy song about being swept up in a new romance. This was a popular song in Anna’s 1995 world, but this is really one of Bennett’s songs. I imagine this is how he’s feeling at the very beginning of Chapter 26: “I didn't think I'd find you, perfect in so many ways, but I’ve been waiting...”

11. Fade Into You, Mazzy Star (Chapter 27/28)

One of the most beautiful love songs of the 90’s. And there isn’t a better song for the adventure Anna and Bennett find themselves beginning in Chapters 27 and 28. “I want to hold the hand inside you. I want to take a breath that's true. I look to you and I see nothing. I look to you to see the truth.”

12. Comedown, Bush (Chapter 29)

Bush was such a big band in the 90’s and I just love Gavin Rossdale’s voice (he’s not bad on the eyes either). This song just feels like happiness and not wanting it to end. “I don't want to come back down from this cloud. It's taken me all this time to find out what I need.”

13. Ray Ray Rain, Bettie Serveert (Chapter 30)

It’s an obscure song, but I’ve always liked Bettie Serveert. And how could I ever ignore a song that included this line: “Time and time again it seems, we're always somewhere in between.”

14. Fell on Black Days, Soundgarden. (Chapter 34)

We can all relate to those moments when everything seems perfect and the rug gets ripped out from underneath us. “Just when everyday seemed to greet me with a smile, sunspots have faded, and now I'm doing time.”

15. If I Could, Phish. (Chapter 38)

I thought this song was so perfect for one particular scene, that I licensed the lyrics from Phish so I could reprint them in the story. They had to be there. “Stay with me till time turns over. I want to feel my feet leave the ground. Take me where the whispering breezes. Can lift me up and spin me around.”

16. You Learn, Alanis Morissette (Chapter 40)

Alanis writes songs about strength, and this is one of my favorites. No matter what we go through in life, we learn from our experiences, and they each impact the people we become. “You live you learn. You love you learn. You cry you learn. You lose you learn.” Anna Greene goes through a lot in this story. And even though she starts out strong, she ends up even stronger.

I hope you enjoy listening to this soundtrack as much as I enjoyed making it! And thanks again to Novel Magic for letting me share some Music Magic from Time Between Us!

You can find Anna and Bennett’s playlists here: www.TimeBetweenUs.com

About Time Between Us

Anna and Bennett were never supposed to meet: she lives in 1995 Chicago and he lives in 2012 San Francisco. But Bennett’s unique ability to travel through time and space brings him into Anna’s life, and with him, a new world of adventure and possibility. As their relationship deepens, they face the reality that time might knock Bennett back where he belongs, even as a devastating crisis throws everything they believe into question. Against a ticking clock, Anna and Bennett are forced to ask themselves how far they can push the bounds of fate—and what consequences they can bear in order to stay together.

Please check out Tamara Ireland Stone

On the web: TamaraIrelandStone.com and TimeBetweenUs.com

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tamarairelandstone

On Twitter: @tamaraistone

One Pink Line by Dina Silver

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 17:28:00 +0000

One Pink Line takes you on a roller coaster of emotions. Told between two POV's, you get to experience both characters thoughts and emotions through the story that is One Pink Line.
We start with Sydney studying for her last finals of her college career. She's stressed and ready to move on. From the title, I'm sure you can see where the storyline goes. Sydney suddenly realizes it's been a while since she had her period. She races to the drugstore to buy a test. She goes home and takes it. And so the story begins.
Ms. Silver writes a fascinating novel of love and despair through the eyes of two different perspectives. I found that Ms. Silver was able to capture her characters thoughts and emotions beautifully and made me feel the feelings along with the them.
I also enjoyed the guessing the author puts us through. Just when I thought I knew something about what was going to happen, I was wrong. I like that in a book. I like it when I have to think and wonder where it's going.
I am also a sucker for a good romance and this didn't fail. Ms. Silver created a beautiful female main character and an oh so amazing male main character. Ethan is every girls dream man and once you read it, you'll know I am not exaggerating one bit. He's amazing.
So I definitely recommend reading One Pink Line. You won't be disappointed. It had me interested in Sydney's story from page one to the end.

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 07:00:00 +0000

When I was approached to be a part of a blog tour for Jessica Brody, I didn't hesitate in saying yes. This book looks like a really fun read. I will be putting my review up for it soon. In the meantime, please enjoy learning more about it all below:

52 Days of 52 Reasons to Love Jessica Brody and Her Books

1 of the 52 Reasons to Love Jessica Brody and Her Books….for 51 other reasons, visit Electrifying Reviews(September 13^th) and I Am a Reader, Not a Writer (September 16^th), and stay tuned for more!

Though she loves all of her covers, Jessica is super-excited about the cover of her new book, Unremembered, due out in March 2013. Hop over to her website to check it out!

Assets
About 52 Reasons to Hate My Father (FSG, July 2012)
Being America’s favorite heiress is a dirty job, but someone’s gotta do it.
Lexington Larrabee has never to work a day in her life. After all, she’s the heiress to the multi-billion-dollar Larrabee Media empire. And heiresses are not supposed to work. But then again, they’re not supposed to crash brand new Mercedes convertibles into convenience stores on Sunset Blvd either.
Which is why, on Lexi’s eighteenth birthday, her ever-absent, tycoon father decides to take a more proactive approach to her wayward life. Every week for the next year, she will have to take on a different low-wage job if she ever wants to receive her beloved trust fund. But if there’s anything worse than working as a maid, a dishwasher, and a fast-food restaurant employee, it’s dealing with Luke, the arrogant, albeit moderately attractive, college intern her father has assigned to keep tabs on her.
In a hilarious “comedy of heiress” about family, forgiveness, good intentions, and best of all, second chances, Lexi learns that love can be unconditional, money can be immaterial, and, regardless of age, everyone needs a little saving. And although she might have 52 reasons to hate her father, she only needs one reason to love him.

52 Reasons to Hate My Father Excerpt: http://www.jessicabrody.com/books/teen-fiction/52-reasons-to-hate-my-father/about-the-book

52 Reasons to Hate My Father Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=YjWYB327yHc

The Making of the 52 Reasons to Hate My Father Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRuX1LkvDlw&feature=youtu.be

9/11

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 01:10:00 +0000

Eleven years A lot happens in eleven years On September 11, 2001 I had two small children and was expecting my third On September 11, 2001 we were in Anaheim, CA taking our girls to Disneyland for our oldest child's birthday Waking up that morning, we had no idea what we would see, watch, learn That is a day etched in our memories forever I remember walking in the hotel lobby, everyone was in a daze I passed a woman on her cellphone, frantic She was trying to learn if her boyfriend who worked in one of the towers was okay I never found out if he was I've always thought of her and hope she didn't lose him that day Many did lose loved ones My heart breaks for them We will never forget Now, I have a 14 year old a 12 year old and a 10 year old They have grown up so fast And the past eleven years have gone so fast It seems like yesterday this happened But it wasn't Eleven years Our country may have its differences and its citizens don't agree on every issue But We can agree that we are one and we will never forget that day. Ever

Writing - Who Knew?

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Thu, 06 Sep 2012 19:57:00 +0000

Seriously, who knew the experience of actually writing a book would be like this?
Like what, you ask?
Hard
Difficult
Frustrating
Yep, that's how it's been for me in many ways.
I tend to be hard on myself.
I tend to think the worst of myself.
I tend to think I can't do this.
And you know what I've learned?
I'M the only one holding me back.
Yep, it's true.
It's me.
It's not you. It's not her. It's not him.
It's me.
We all have issues we deal with. And we all have our ways of coping, or not coping, with them.
I was bullied in school and twenty plus years later am realizing how much of it still affects me and my relationships to this day.
Wow
Do I still talk to those boys who bullied me?
No
Do they still mock me today?
No
So why am I letting them hold me back?
Why do I assume that everyone else will feel the same way they did?
It sucks and it's stopping
NOW
So, what are the joys in writing?
The fact that I'm actually doing it now
That I'm not allowing my demons to get in my way anymore
That I'm going to prove to myself I can do it
I have a few stories that won't leave me alone
I'm finally writing the one that speaks to me the most
It's coming along nicely and I'm really excited about it
Of course I'll have my moments of pure doubt
and some freak outs
But that's life
I'm not going to allow the past to haunt me and my life anymore
I'm better than that
xoxo

A MUST Read

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 17:20:00 +0000

Psst
Hey you
Yes you
I want to tell you something
My friend Melissa has written a brilliant post on her blog. I want you to read it. It's great advice and words of wisdom on reviewing books. It definitely will make you think.
Go over and read it okay?
Click here to read it
Thank you!

A Review and an Interview

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 07:00:00 +0000

Hey all! I am finally posting my review of Ariana Zamora's book, The Dreamer, and the interview I did with her. Ariana is a really neat person I've had the pleasure of getting to know the past few weeks. I'm really excited for her and her book and for what the future holds for her. So without further adieu, my review is first, then the interview. When Ariana reached out to me to review her book, I was really excited! I had no idea what it was about but once I read the synopsis, I knew I wanted to read it. We start out meeting Anjaleena, Leena for short, waking up from one of her recurring nightmares. She's been having them since she was a small child. We move on to some heartbreak for Leena and the adventure that lies ahead. Leena's parents move them to her grandmothers childhood home, a place they didn't know existed until recently. Leena chooses the bedroom she wants and there meets Julian, a man from the past. Without giving everything away, Julian asks Leena a favor and through that, the adventure of Leena's life, and her nightmare, begins. Through this story, we also meet Leena's family and her friends, old and new. Leena's life is in quite an uproar and one of her friends ends up paying a price simply for being mistaken for Leena. I never quite knew what to expect with this book and that is something I really enjoy. The mystery of the book is something that keeps you guessing until the end and believe me when I say I never saw what really happened coming. Ms. Zamora completely surprised me with the truth of what occurred. And the ending? Um, what? I had to message Ms. Zamora right away to see if she was planning a second book because if not, I would have been extremely ticked. Luckily, she is writing it so we won't have to be perplexed for the rest of our lives wondering what happens. Overall, this was a very entertaining read. I liked the story, the mystery, and being kept in suspense. I am eager to read the next book and the future works of Ariana Zamora. I highly recommend you read them too. And now... The Interview

1. First of all, please introduce yourself to us and tell us a little bit about you.

Well, I'm a 23 year old chick from Vancouver, Washington who is a former Navy sailor. Writing is a passion of mine, and I'm glad to finally be able to share a bit what I can do with the world. I've recently discovered that I adore exercising, and will spend whatever time I can in the gym - which is something I never thought I'd hear myself say. Ever. I'm a zombie killing fanatic on Xbox - again, something I never thought I'd say. All in all, I'm just another weirdo who wrote a story and wanted to share it. I'm just glad that people actually liked what I wrote. Haha!

2. How long have you wanted to be a writer?

There was a time when I was convinced I was going to be a princess. Of course I was only six years old at the time. Then I wanted to be an artist, at age seven. Around age eight I remember telling my family I wanted to be an author. I wanted to publish! I wanted to be famous! Then came ambitions of being an actress, a lawyer, a doctor, an airline attendant, and then back to author. Writing has been something that I've enjoyed doing for a long time. I've only now mustered the courage to publish, and I'm glad I did. I'd hate to live out the rest of my life with the regret of an unfulfilled dream.

3. How long did it take to write The Dreamer?

Haha! Actually, THE DREAMER has been a three year process. From original partial rough draft, to the trash bin, to a revised draft, to the bin, to the forgotten file on my computer, to yet another revised draft, and then to its final form. I continuously doubted myself and was terrified to show my work to anyone, which is why it took so long.

4. Where did you get the idea for your book?

Funny story. I was home alone in my first apartment. I'd just finished watching a creepy movie and I became paranoid, thinking that my place was haunted. Insomnia mixed with paranoia equals extreme creativity.

5. What advice do you have for potential authors?

Honestly...Don't take yourself too seriously. Don't set publication dates...they'll only stress you out. EDIT, EDIT, EDIT!!! I cannot stress this enough. Your eyes are trained to read what you want them to read. Give your story to someone fresh to read so they can catch grammar and punctuation errors. Then do it again. And again. Trust me, each time someone reads your story, they'll catch something. As an Indie Author, readers expect your writing to be sloppy and unedited. Why don't you surprise them with your attention to detail? I did, and it really paid off.

6. Who is your favorite author and why?

I adore J.K. Rowling. That woman can paint a picture like none other. She is a master storyteller and I hope to be able to produce work of a similar quality, someday.

7. What is your next project going to be?

I'm currently working on the next book in THE DREAMER SERIES called, THE SHATTERED. I know a lot of people had a problem with the way THE DREAMER ended, and I think it's because I wasn't clear on my intent for a sequel. I could have written another two hundred pages with the material I had at the end of the last book...which is why it seemed to drop off a bit. I'm hoping that readers will stick with me in this journey to find out what happens to Leena and Julian next!

8. What do you hope to accomplish in your writing?

I hope to accomplish my lifelong dream of simply being an author. If one person enjoys my books, then it was worth it. All the heartache, all the time spent, energy, etc.. For every bad review I receive, I know I will grow more. For every good review I receive, I will also grow. I'm just thankful to even be here in the first place.

9. Who has been your biggest supporters for you and your writing?

My big sister, definitely, has been my biggest supporter of me throughout this process. She is amazing. I would never have had the guts to publish if she hadn't been there pushing me.

10. Do you have any quirky habits you do when you write?

I lock the door and turn on old soundtracks and movie scores. I listen to music from The Titanic, Moulin Rouge, The Labyrinth, Peter Pan...basically, anything smooth and relaxing. Most of the time I have to turn off my phone and disconnect from the internet, otherwise I'll never get any work done!

Isn't she awesome?? I hope you all will go read her book and let me know what you think. To find out more about Ariana, please visit her website at www.arianazamora.com

Waiting On Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 05:02:00 +0000

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

I found this on a whim and it looks good. Here is what Good Reads said about it:
From internet stars Elle and Blair Fowler comes a scintillating new novel that takes readers Beneath the Glitter of the glitzy L.A. social scene.

Welcome to a place where dreams are made. And where nothing—and no one—is ever what it seems.

After their make-up and fashion videos went viral on YouTube, sisters Sophia and Ava London are thrust into the exclusive life of the Los Angeles elite. Here fabulous parties, air kisses, paparazzi and hot guys all come with the scene. Sophia finds herself torn between a gorgeous bartender and a millionaire playboy, and Ava starts dating an A-list actor. But as they’re about to discover, the life they’ve always dreamed of comes with a cost.

Beneath the glitter of the Hollywood social scene lies a world of ruthless ambition, vicious gossip…and betrayal. Someone close to them, someone they trust, is working in the shadows to bring the London sisters falling down. And once the betrayal is complete, Sophia and Ava find themselves knee-deep in a scandal that could take away everything they care about, including the one thing that matters most—each other.
Expected Publication Date: September 4, 2012
What book are you waiting on?

My $.02

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 02:32:00 +0000

Hey guys! Thanks for all the new follows on my blog and Twitter and likes on Facebook. You guys rock! I have a new review coming up with an interview with the author too. Her name is Ariana Zamora and her book is called The Dreamer. You won't want to miss it. Annnnd... My girl KA Linde surprised all of her fans today by releasing her book Avoiding Commitment on all e-readers two days ahead of schedule!! So yes, that means it was released today. Paperback will still be released on Aug. 1st. I can't stress it enough, if you haven't read her books, do so...now. Once you have, do me a favor and post your review of her book(s) on GoodReads and Amazon. It may not seem like much but your reviews help our author friends so much. I've also had some great breakthroughs with my writing the past week. Just when I think I couldn't possibly get anymore ideas on stories to write BOOM, one more pops in my head. So I'm keeping a journal of all of these ideas and hopefully will write them all in my lifetime. :) Right now, I'm focusing on two and I'm really pleased with how they're going. I got some GREAT feedback by a great author friend of mine and that helped me out a ton. Thank you girl! I have high hopes for this goal and cannot wait until I can share these stories with you. xoxo

Drum Roll Please...

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 20:40:00 +0000

The time has come to announce the winner of my giveaway with K.A. Linde!
I used www.random.org to generate the winner
And
The winner is...
Jenn @ Peas and Crayons!!!
Congratulations Jenn!
I will forward your email to K. A. Linde and she will be in touch with you.
Thank you to all who entered! Stay tuned for another giveaway with K.A. and an interview. I will also be reviewing the second book in the series, Avoiding Responsibility.

Interview with SC Stephens

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 07:00:00 +0000

A little while back, I asked SC if she'd be willing to let me interview her for my blog. She was so kind and willing. I first heard of her when I read her fantastic amazing debut Thoughtless and knew when I started this blog I wanted to have her here. If you haven't read her books, I strongly suggest you change that. I promise you won't regret it.

Without further adieu, my interview with SC!

1. I want to go for the obvious question, what started your interest in writing?

I’ve always had the desire to write, but no real story to tell. I’m a big fantasy fan, so I initially dabbled in that genre. But it was surprisingly difficult for me to build a world from scratch. I found that basing my characters in the real world made things flow a lot easier. The one thing I found myself returning to whenever I tried to write anything, was romance. Eventually, I gave up on trying to force myself to write a certain way, and just went for the full-blown love story. It’s my favorite part of books anyway, whether I’m reading them or writing them—the first look, the undeniable attraction, the longing, the desire, the eventual caving. I’m a sucker for a love story.

2. What is your first published book and what year was it published?

Thoughtless was my first, my baby. I wrote it in the first part of 2009, finished it in June, and published it chapter by chapter on FictionPress.com in August. I never expected anyone to find it, let alone read it, but it didn’t take long for the feedback to roll in. I still remember the first review it received. It was after the espresso scene. The reader was…upset…with how Kellan treated Kiera at the end of the chapter. Getting feedback made me giddy. I got a little obsessed with checking my email for “story alerts.” By the end of the book, everyone had fallen for Kellan. Having other people love him as much as I do was a very surreal experience. I was hooked on writing after that.

3. Many many of us, me included, have fallen in love with Kellan. Tell us how he came about?

Lots of daydreaming, lots of listening to music. I was obsessed with One Republic, and listened to the album Dreaming Out Loud nonstop while I ran on the treadmill (okay, I walked with the occasional slow jog). Anyway, I started seeing a very clear image of Kellan singing on stage. His character blossomed from those early visions. I also had a tiny crush on an Australian actor at the time, so I threw the two guys together in my head and out popped Thoughtless.

4. What is something about you that may surprise us?

Hmmm, I don’t know if there is anything “surprising” about me. I haven’t taken an English class since high school, which was many moons ago, but I think that’s apparent in my writing. I’m working on it every day, and I’ve learned so much in the last few years. I’ve thought about taking some creative writing or grammar classes, but I don’t want to bog down my mind with the “mechanics” of writing. It squelches the creativity. I consider every story I write a learning experience, and that’s one of the reasons I love self-publishing. I don’t think a traditional publisher would ever allow me that sort of freedom.

Oh, and it may be surprising to know that Thoughtless is the only story I wrote “out of order”. I wrote individual scenes and then weaved them together to create the story. I don’t recommend doing it that way. I ended up doing a LOT of rewriting! I changed my writing style after Thoughtless to a more linear style: chapter one, then chapter two, etc. There are a couple of “outtake” scenes from Thoughtless that are collecting dust in my computer, including a scene where the “smack heard around the bar” happens in their home, right in front of Denny. The confession scene happens right afterwards, in Kellan’s car. I must say, I like it happening at the Space Needle a lot better.

5. Tell us a little about yourself.
I live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with my two equally beautiful children. I have a monstrous coffee habit, up to an entire pot a day—yikes! I wake up early every morning to write before I go to work. I work for four different people, and they are all amazingly supportive of my writing career. I’m more like Kiera than I want to admit—quiet, reserved, and constantly feeling like an idiot, lol. I also have the sense of humor of a thirteen-year-old boy…hence, Griffin. I’m horribly self-critical, so I’m constantly surprised that anyone likes my stories! Lol. I am definitely my harshest critic. In fact, I’m picking apart these answers as we speak…

6. What is the craziest piece of fan mail you've received?

Hmmm, I don’t think I’ve received anything crazy. I get the best mail from people! My favorite ones are from people who have a story of their own that is similar to something in one of my books. I had one woman write me to tell me that reading one of my novels helped her open up a line of communication with her husband about a tragedy in his past, and they were able to talk about things they never had before. The fact that some story in my head created such a positive experience in someone else’s life, blows my mind. I’m awed by every person that is touched by my characters.

7. If Thoughtless were to be made into a movie, tell us who you'd pick to play Kellan, Kiera, and Denny.

This question is so tough for me! Well, except for Denny. He’s the only easy one! As I mentioned before, he’s based on an Australian actor, Craig Horner, such a cutie, so it would only be fitting if Craig played him. Kiera, I’m not sure. If they could make her look girl-next-door pretty instead of yowzers-pretty, than I really like either Minka Kelly or Leighton Meester for her. Kellan is impossible for me to pick so I won’t even try. He’s too specific in my head, so nobody in real life comes close. Except this one guy I saw at the grocery store once! He was so similar to the Kellan in my head that I could not stop staring at him. I’m sure he thought I was mental.

8. How do you write? Do you outline or do you just one two three go?
I am a write-by-the-seat-of-my-pants girl. I typically have an idea of where I want to go, or certain points that I want to hit along the way, but it’s usually a very organic process. It’s like watching a movie unfold in my head, and sometimes the things that happen even shock me! There were quite a few parts in Thoughtless where some small thing that happened earlier in the story became critical later in the story. Kiera disliking talking to Griffin, for instance. I had no idea how important that detail would become to the storyline later on. Or Anna’s visit. At the time Kiera first spoke with Anna, I had no idea how that visit would go, other than badly.

9. Who is one of your favorite authors? What is one of your favorite books?

I have two older brothers, so I grew up on fantasy—Piers Anthony, Margaret Weis & Tracey Hickman, Robert Jordan, Terry Goodkind. I think fantasy has some of the most romantic characters out there. I’m also obsessed with Richelle Mead and Stephenie Meyer. The characters they write are unforgettable. I can’t pick a favorite though! There are just too many good books out there. I’m also a huge supporter of both indie authors and unpublished FanFiction/Fictionpress writers. I got my start there, and let me tell you, there are some crazy talented girls and guys that have yet to publish their works—my girl, K.A. Linde, being one of them.

10. Tell us what you're working on right now.

I’m halfway through the third book in the Thoughtless series which I recently announced the name of, Reckless. My goal is to have it out this year, but, we’ll see how that goes! I am having such a blast writing for these characters again. And, in different ways, I am so proud of each and every one of them. It will be hard to let them go.

Thank you to SC for joining me on here today. For more information on her, you can find her on Facebook here.

Review of Avoiding Commitment by K.A. Linde

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 23:27:00 +0000

My oh my. Where do I start?
Never has a book made me feel so many emotions as this one. I'm not kidding. Once you read it, you will know what I'm talking about.
Lexi and Jack.
*sigh*
We meet Lexi receiving an early morning phone call from Jack. Thus starts the roller coaster ride story that is their "friendship." Jack asks a favor of Lexi and like usual, Lexi agrees.
You see, Jack and Lexi have history. Good history? Um...at times. You will want to kiss Jack, smack Jack, melt at Jack's words, then wring his neck. I'm serious. This man is one of thee most complicated men ever written.
Eventually you will meet Bekah and Ramsey. I don't like Bekah. I like Ramsey. Without giving too much away, Bekah is a part of the favor Jack asks of Lexi. Ramsey? He's Bekah's brother and oh so much more to this story.
There are many times I want to ask Lexi, "Why? Why why why?" Then there are many times I want to kick Jack and ask him the same thing. Just writing this review is bringing up all of those emotions!
The ending is very satisfying in many ways and it leads to the second book, Avoiding Responsibility which I will post my review of very soon.
AND...
I am doing a pre-release giveaway of this book to one lucky reader! K.A. Linde is busy getting ready for the actual book release of Avoiding Commitment and when I put my review of Avoiding Responsibility up on my blog, we'll also do a giveaway then for the book itself!
For this giveaway, you will be emailed the PDF version of this book. And believe you me, you will be hooked from page one. You may even need to email me asking me stuff like, "What the heck?" and "Why oh why?" You will also want to tell me how cute Jack can be or how Ramsey cracks you up. You will tell me you hate Bekah. Even if you don't, tell me that anyway.
Okay so, here are the ways to enter this awesome giveaway:
*Like this blog on Facebook*Like K.A. Lindes Facebook page*Follow this blog*Follow me on Twitter*Follow K.A. Linde on Twitter
Please leave a comment on this post with links of what you did or tell me you followed this blog. I will choose a winner via random.org at 11:59 PM Mountain time on Thursday July 26th! Good luck!

Waiting On Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 19:28:00 +0000

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. I'm excited to be back and participating in this meme! My choice this week is:

When Barry Fairweather dies in his early forties, the town of Pagford is left in shock.

Pagford is, seemingly, an English idyll, with a cobbled market square and an ancient abbey, but what lies behind the pretty façade is a town at war.

Rich at war with poor, teenagers at war with their parents, wives at war with their husbands, teachers at war with their pupils…Pagford is not what it first seems.

And the empty seat left by Barry on the parish council soon becomes the catalyst for the biggest war the town has yet seen. Who will triumph in an election fraught with passion, duplicity and unexpected revelations?

The Casual Vacancy is J.K. Rowling’s first novel for adults.
Expected release date: September 27, 2012
I can't wait for this book! I'm sure we are all wondering how this will be compared to her Harry Potter series. If it's anything like it, it will be the next big hit.
What are you waiting to read?

Book Review of Celtic Magic by Amber LaShell

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 04:48:00 +0000

Fantasy? Check. Romance? Check. Action? Check.
Abby Kane was a normal girl doing normal things, until one day when her father asked her a strange request. Thus starts a whole new world and discoveries for her. She starts working for her deceased mothers good friend Jasmine and moves into her own apartment. She meets Tom at a cafe and they have an instant attraction. She discovers she possesses magical powers and that the mother she thought was dead really is a Celtic Goddess living in a magical world. Oh, and then she discovers that an evil fairy queen, Elysia, wants her dead.
Amber LaShell dives into this magical book head on. I'll be the first to admit that I'm not a huge fan of fantasy but Ms. LaShell made this one fun. The writing is imaginative and the story is entertaining. There were a few twists and turns along the way and some comical moments. The ending of this book was the best though. Ms. LaShell left my jaw dropping when I read the last few words of this book.
I will say that there were some moments I had a hard time connecting with. There were a few times I thought something was a little much. That being said, I still would say it's a fun read and am happy I had the chance to review it for my blog. I would recommend this book for the older YA generation on up as there is some sexual content.
You can find more about Amber on her website:http://www.amberlashell.net/

I've Always Wanted to be a Writer

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 01:07:00 +0000

For as long as I can remember, writing a book has been a goal of mine. So why haven't I attempted it until now? There are many reasons but the main one being I just never thought I could do it. Seriously, the odds are stacked against you first of all. Then, your self doubt grabs you and takes hold as well. I mean seriously, who in their right mind thinks I could not only write a book, but have it published too? I have not.
Until now.
I'm not saying I'm the next Danielle Steel by any means but with the way self-publishing is becoming more and more popular, I know I can be published. Now, it's just writing the blasted thing. I've started writing a book. Can I finish?
Yes, I can.
Will I?
Man I hope so.
I met someone who gave me the push I needed to do this. Someone amazingly fantastic. Her name is Melissa Perea and she is writing her first book as well. Visit her blog and tell her I sent you. http://melissaeperea.blogspot.com/
*side note: You all are going to be hooked on her book when it comes out. Mark my words. Remember you heard it here, the name Melissa Perea. You can thank me later.
Anyway, Melissa gave me that push I needed to finally tell my insecurities off and actually do this. I had one idea I was going for, then another hit me so I went for that. When I tried writing that, it wasn't flowing. So I went to my original idea and tried writing that. Again, not flowing. UGH! Why are the writing gods against me? Then, ANOTHER idea popped in my head and I started writing it. This time it's flowing! The third time really is the charm.
But, it's still not easy. And I'm finding these stories don't end up the way you originally planned. And wow, how many times do I need to change a scene until it's right?
Regardless of how difficult it may be, I'm going to do this. I'm determined. I'm no longer willing to sit back and dream about this, I'm going to make it happen.

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Sun, 08 Jul 2012 22:28:00 +0000

*Tapping mike* *Blowing dust off blog* Is anybody still here?
I know, I know. I've been gone a while. Too long. I'm sorry about that. Life got completely crazy for me and I had to let this go for a bit. Crazy I know after just launching but I'm back. And I'm making some changes too. I'm attempting to write my first book and want to chronicle the journey here, as well as still blogging about all things book related. I have a review to come and another one just requested which I'm really excited about. I hope you'll come back and join me and I hope I'll make some new friends along the way too. MWAH!!!

Waiting On Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 04:49:00 +0000

Lovin' that it's Wednesday again! Jill at Breaking The Spine hosts this fun meme where we tell you what books we are dying to read that will be released this year. Here are my latest:

Eden by Jamie McGuire, the last in the Providence Trilogy. I can't find a synopsis of it but it comes out in May and I cannot wait! The first two books are Providence and Requiem. You must read this series!

Goodreads synopsis:
Ryan is in LA to promote his latest film, Reparation, which is premiering Friday night. It’s time to introduce Taryn to “his world.”

So if you feel a tad unsatisfied with some of the open-ended threads from Love Unscripted, we still have Slipknot to film with the enamored Jonathan Follweiler at the helm, then there is the global premier of Seaside II with private jets and foreign countries to visit. Seaside III is scheduled to start production in the fall and Pete and Tammy’s wedding is in there too. And what about that script for The Isletin Solution? What are we going to do about that? Hmm…

More secrets, more lies, more drama, and certainly more media coverage. Stay tuned to read what happens to Ryan and Taryn next!!Expected Publication: March 2012
If you haven't read Love Unscripted, the first book in this series, do so. I loved it and cannot wait for this one to come out!

Boston, 1767: Revolution is brewing as the British Crown imposes increasingly onerous taxes on the colonies, and intrigue swirls around firebrands like Samuel Adams and the Sons of Liberty. But for Ethan Kaille, a thieftaker who makes his living by conjuring spells that help him solve crimes, politics is for others…until he is asked to recover a necklace worn by the murdered daughter of a prominent family.
Suddenly, he faces another conjurer of enormous power, someone unknown, who is part of a conspiracy that reaches to the highest levels of power in the turbulent colony. His adversary has already killed—and not for his own gain, but in the service of his powerful masters, people for whom others are mere pawns in a game of politics and power. Ethan is in way over his head, and he knows it. Already a man with a dark past, he can ill afford to fail, lest his livelihood be forfeit. But he can't stop now, for his magic has marked him, so he must fight the odds, even though he seems hopelessly overmatched, his doom seeming certain at the spectral hands of one he cannot even see.
Expected Publication: July 17, 2012
I love historical fiction and mysteries so this one sounds perfect for me! I can't wait to get my hands on it.
What are you waiting on?

Jamie McGuire

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 05:24:00 +0000

*sigh*
When you were in high school, could you not wait to get out and get away from the mean girls? Yeah, me too. But guess what I found out? The mean girls never go away.
Jamie McGuire wrote a book. A book called Beautiful Disaster. Here is Goodreads synopsis:

The new Abby Abernathy is a good girl. She doesn’t drink or swear, and she has the appropriate percentage of cardigans in her wardrobe. Abby believes she has enough distance between her and the darkness of her past, but when she arrives at college with her best friend America, her path to a new beginning is quickly challenged by Eastern University’s Walking One-Night Stand.

Travis Maddox, lean, cut, and covered in tattoos, is exactly what Abby needs—and wants—to avoid. He spends his nights winning money in a floating fight ring, and his days as the charming college co-ed. Intrigued by Abby’s resistance to his charms, Travis tricks her into his daily life with a simple bet. If he loses, he must remain abstinent for a month. If Abby loses, she must live in Travis’ apartment for the same amount of time. Either way, Travis has no idea that he has met his match.
There are some who didn't like this book. I'm definitely not one of them but there are some who didn't care for it. And guess what? That's okay. Ms. McGuire understands that not everyone is going to like her books. She doesn't have a problem with that. And she shouldn't.
As Abraham Lincoln stated:"You can please some of the people some of the time, but you can't please all of the people all of the time."
There are a few women out there who have decided to declare a Witch Hunt against Ms. McGuire. They didn't like the book and it's main character, Travis Maddox. They also don't feel it's appropriate to be classified as YA. The good news is is that Beautiful Disaster is not under the YA category. Ms. McGuire has never once stated it's YA or classified it under that title. As far as Mr. Maddox, you have the right to your opinion of him. But where I'm having a hard time is where you think it's okay to rip Ms. McGuire to shreds?
This baffles me. I realize we live in America, the "It's a free country" line we all so love to declare in our defense. And it is. It is a free country where we have the right to state exactly how we feel. So while it's true you can say how you feel however you want, why would you want to in such an ugly fashion?
My first thought is that it's jealousy. Jealousy of Ms. McGuire and her success. Jealousy of just how popular her book and it's main character have become.
Or it really could be that you feel Travis is abusive. While I don't agree at all, I respect your opinion. Tell me why you think he is? He never once hit Abby. He never once called her names. He never once demeaned her in any way.
In fact, Travis stands up for her. He protects her. He does not treat her one bit like "just another girl." He shows her love and respect.
Yes, Travis is very strong in personality and passionate in his feelings. He does come on strong and definitely lets his feelings and wants be known but I did not see him as abusive, ever. I saw a man deeply in love and fighting for the girl of his dreams.
A point I want to make is this: Why do we still have the "mean girl" mentality? What is the point? Would you want a group of people slamming your work? The work you put your heart and soul into? Really, how do you think you'd feel reading a bad review? That would be tough right? But you also knew it came with the territory of your chosen career so you deal with it as best you can. The part that gets me is think of how you would feel when not only are you reading a bad review of your beloved book, but then you have to continue reading crap about you personally, your personal life and your upbringing? Then as if that isn't enough, having to see every move you make being ridiculed and criticized. You do one thing thinking it will help ease the situation, only to have these women mock you. You do another thing, mocked again. Enough is enough. Mean girl syndrome has got to go. I really challenge all of us to stop slinging the mud and start showing respect, even to those who may have rubbed us wrong or who we don't agree with. We can have debates and disagreements but demeaning someone is never okay.
There will always be an author we don't care for. There will always be a book we hate. We may even write a review for one on our blog. We may go as far as writing the author him/herself expressing our distaste for their book, and that's fine. But think about this, put yourself in their shoes and think twice before you push that send button. Remember once you do, it's off into cyberspace and there's no getting it back. Just think before you speak.

RAK

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 18:30:00 +0000

I have just heard about this awesome meme! As soon as I saw it on Bookish Brunettes blog, I knew I'd be participating. The very cool girls at www.booksoulmates.blogspot.com started this to show random acts of kindness which is one of my favorite things. Seriously. Go here to read all about it and how to sign up.

We all love books, we all love receiving books, and we all love to give books. What better way to do that than through this fun program? Get on making your wish list and tell us all what you want to read. You might just receive that book in the mail soon...

And just in case you're wondering what is on my wish list, go here. :)

Waiting On Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 07:09:00 +0000

I love Wednesdays! It's when I get to tell you what books I am dying to read that are coming out this year. This is a fabulous meme by Jill at Breaking The Spine. Go over and see what she and the other blogs want to read as well. Heck, link up with her and tell us what you want to read.

Just look at this cover!
For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself- and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.
Expected publication: April 24, 2012
Doesn't this book sound good??

There’s none so blind as they that won’t see.

Seventeen-year-old Tricia Farni’s body floated to the surface of Alaska’s Birch River six months after the night she disappeared.
The night Roz Hart had a fight with her.
The night Roz can’t remember.
Roz, who struggles with macular degeneration, is used to assembling fragments to make sense of the world around her. But this time it’s her memory that needs piecing together—to clear her name . . . to find a murderer. This unflinchingly emotional novel is written in the powerful first-person voice of a legally blind teen who just wants to be like everyone else. Publication Date: October 23, 2012
This sounds so interesting to me! It has a twist with the girl having macular degeneration which definitely plays a huge part in the story. I can't wait to read it!
So what are you looking forward to reading?
Also, I am SO excited that this book came out yesterday!!! I cannot wait to read it!

Waiting On Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 05:59:00 +0000

It's that time again. Jill at Breaking The Spine hosts this fun weekly meme where we tell you what upcoming releases we cannot wait to read.
Here are mine this week:

Sometimes the end is just the beginning.

Gabby lived under the radar until her makeover. Way under. But when she started her senior year as a blonder, better-dressed version of herself, she struck gold: Billy Nash believed she was a the flawless girl she was pretending to be. The next eight months with Billy were bliss...Until the night Gabby woke up on the ground next to the remains of his BMW without a single memory of how she got there.

And Billy's nowhere to be found.

All Gabby wants is to make everything perfect again. But getting her life back isn't difficult, it's impossible. Because nothing is the same, and Gabby's beginning to realize she's missed more than a few danger signs along the way.

It's time for Gabby to face the truth, even if it means everything changes.

Especially if it means everything changes.
Expected publication: March 6, 2012
I just got a copy of this book to review and I am SO excited! I cannot wait to read it and post my review. Thank you to the author and Lydia Finn at Simon and Schuster for allowing me this opportunity.
And isn't the cover beautiful?
And my other can't-wait-to-read:

Gabie drives a Mini Cooper. She also works part time as a delivery girl at Pete’s Pizza. One night, Kayla—another delivery girl—goes missing. To her horror, Gabie learns that the supposed kidnapper had asked if the girl in the Mini Cooper was working that night. Gabie can’t move beyond the fact that Kayla’s fate was really meant for her, and she becomes obsessed with finding Kayla. She teams up with Drew, who also works at Pete’s. Together, they set out to prove that Kayla isn’t dead—and to find her before she is.
Expected publication: April 10, 2012
I love mysteries and this sounds like a good one. I'm already anxious to know why Gabie was targeted and how she avoided disaster and poor Kayla didn't.
Okay, there are my picks. Tell me what you're waiting on to read...

Winners!

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 16:37:00 +0000

Yes, you read that right, WINNERS!
SURPRISE!
There are two books of On The Island to give away!
And...
The winners are...
Alexa
and
Melissa!
Congratulations ladies!
Thank you to all who entered and to Tracey for the fun prizes!

Abbi and her Vincent Boys

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 07:21:00 +0000

Who here is dying to read Abbi Glines The Vincent Boys and see the book cover? What about the playlist for the book? Wow, I see so many hands raised. Well, wait no more my friends. The time has come.

Drum roll...

Introducing the summary of the book, the playlist, and the cover!

He may have given her up without a fight, but Sawyer Vincent is far from over losing the girl he’s loved all of his life. Instead of giving up his best friend and the girl he thought he’d spend forever with, he gave Ashton and his brother Beau his blessing. However, adjusting to seeing Ashton wrapped up in Beau’s arms isn’t easy. Complicating everything even more, Ashton’s cousin Lana is in town for the summer. Sweet, kind, soft-spoken Lana, who gets under his skin. Just being near her makes him forget all about Ashton and his broken heart. Lana is everything he wanted Ashton to be except she isn’t Ashton. She lacks the backbone to stand up for herself and confidence that Ashton wears like a crown.

Lana McDaniel has lived her life in her cousin's shadow. While Lana struggled with her grades no matter how hard she tried, her mother praised Ashton's intelligence. She hadn’t been blessed with Ashton’s blond hair and flawless skin, but that didn't keep her mother from lamenting her naturally red hair and freckles. But none of that would have mattered if Ashton hadn’t always had Sawyer Vincent wrapped around her finger -- the only boy Lana wanted. Once Ashton let Sawyer go, Lana had been so sure that he’d move on. Determined to make Sawyer finally see her, she'd talked her mother into letting her spend the summer with Ashton. But Sawyer is still in love with Ashton, and Lana isn’t going to be anyone's rebound girl. No matter how yummy Sawyer Vincent’s kisses taste.

Oh but wait! That's not all, oh no no. She also has revealed her dream cast for the book! I know right?

Try not to drool on your screen my friends.
Mark your calendars for the release date: June 5, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 06:08:00 +0000

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking The Spine. I just discovered this meme and am excited to participate. It spotlights upcoming releases that we can't wait to read. Here are some of mine:

I love Emily Giffin and cannot wait to read her latest! Here is Goodreads synopsis:
The author of five blockbuster novels, Emily Giffin, delivers an unforgettable story of two women, the families that make them who they are, and the longing, loyalty and love that binds them together Marian Caldwell is a thirty-six year old television producer, living her dream in New York City. With a fulfilling career and satisfying relationship, she has convinced everyone, including herself, that her life is just as she wants it to be. But one night, Marian answers a knock on the door . . . only to find Kirby Rose, an eighteen-year-old girl with a key to a past that Marian thought she had sealed off forever. From the moment Kirby appears on her doorstep, Marian’s perfectly constructed world—and her very identity—will be shaken to its core, resurrecting ghosts and memories of a passionate young love affair that threaten everything that has come to define her. For the precocious and determined Kirby, the encounter will spur a process of discovery that ushers her across the threshold of adulthood, forcing her to re-evaluate her family and future in a wise and bittersweet light. As the two women embark on a journey to find the one thing missing in their lives, each will come to recognize that where we belong is often where we least expect to find ourselves—a place that we may have willed ourselves to forget, but that the heart remembers forever.Expected publication: July 31, 2012
On the very off chance that Ms. Giffin sees this post, may I beg and plead you to send me a copy so I can read and review? Pretty please?

I love Mysteries and Dystopia so when I saw this, I was intrigued. Goodreads synopsis:
In a dystopian future, sixteen-year-old Leah Munro has been sold to a rich woman in a crippling mansion. Soon Leah discovers that there is something mysterious going on around the home, and with the help of three other girls, she attempts to uncover what is truly happening... what lies beyond all of the plexiglass windows and the hideous screams in the middle of the night? Leah will soon find out. The first in a 2 book duo logy.Expected Publication: August 14, 2012

I've said it before and I'll say it again, Jodi Picoult is one of my favorite authors! So when I saw she has a new book coming out this year, I gave a little cheer! She is a fantastic author. :)Barnes and Noble synopsis:

A life hanging in the balance . . . a family torn apart. The #1 internationally bestselling author Jodi Picoult tells an unforgettable story about family secrets, love, and letting go.

In the wild, when a wolf knows its time is over, when it knows it is of no more use to its pack, it may sometimes choose to slip away. Dying apart from its family, it stays proud and true to its nature. Humans aren’t so lucky.

Luke Warren has spent his life researching wolves. He has written about them, studied their habits intensively, and even lived with them for extended periods of time. In many ways, Luke understands wolf dynamics better than those of his own family. His wife, Georgie, has left him, finally giving up on their lonely marriage. His son, Edward, twenty-four, fled six years ago, leaving behind a shattered relationship with his father. Edward understands that some things cannot be fixed, though memories of his domineering father still inflict pain. Then comes a frantic phone call: Luke has been gravely injured in a car accident with Edward’s younger sister, Cara.

Suddenly everything changes: Edward must return home to face the father he walked out on at age eighteen. He and Cara have to decide their father’s fate together. Though there’s no easy answer, questions abound: What secrets have Edward and his sister kept from each other? What hidden motives inform their need to let their father die . . . or to try to keep him alive? What would Luke himself want? How can any family member make such a decision in the face of guilt, pain, or both? And most importantly, to what extent have they all forgotten what a wolf never forgets: that each member of a pack needs the others, and that sometimes survival means sacrifice?

Another tour de force by Picoult, Lone Wolf brilliantly describes the nature of a family: the love, protection, and strength it can offer—and the price we might have to pay for those gifts. What happens when the hope that should sustain a family is the very thing tearing it apart?

Expected Publication: February 28, 2012

Those are three of the books I can't wait to get my hands on this year. What are yours?

Author Feature and Giveaway with Tracey Garvis-Graves

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0000

My author feature and giveaway today is with Tracey Garvis-Graves, author of the fabulous book, On The Island. I reviewed this book two weeks ago, which you can read here. Tracey is a gifted writer and a wonderful friend. I have really enjoyed getting to know her and am grateful to her for all of her valuable insight into the world of writing. If you aren't familiar with Tracey, you need to remedy that and visit her blog here. I interviewed Tracey and am excited to share it with you. So my friends, I give you...Tracey Garvis-Graves!

Laura: Tell me a little about your writing process.

Tracey: Well, I'm definitely an outliner and a plotter. I don't have to know everything that's going to happen, but I need to have a general idea of the beginning, middle, and end. I also like to let the story develop for a while in my head before I start writing.

Laura: How long did it take you to write On the Island?

Tracey: It took approximately 18 months by the time the book was written, edited, and polished.That doesn't include the 3-4 months where I was just thinking about the story.

Laura: What comes first, characters or plot?

Tracey: Definitely plot. It's how my characters react to the plot that helps me develop them fully.

Laura: What's your perfect writing environment?

Tracey: Total silence! Some authors can write with music playing, but I work best when there is no noise at all. When I'm drafting and the words are flowing I hate to be interrupted by sound of any kind, whether it's my kids, husband, the telephone, or the doorbell. I can, however, edit while one of my kids is in the same room watching SpongeBob SquarePants!

Laura: How often do you write?

Tracey: I try to write every day, but I work full-time so sometimes I have to wait until the weekend to get a good long stretch in. I'm always up by 5:00 a.m. so I can sneak in some writing time before I have to get ready for work.

Laura: Let's talk about your dream cast. Did you have an actor and actress in mind as the perfect choice to play Anna and T.J. when you were writing On the Island?

Tracey: When I was writing the book I could see the characters in my head, but they weren't famous people or anyone I recognized. It was only after the book was released that people started asking me that question. Jesilea from Diary of a Bibliophile actually came up with Anne Hathaway as the perfect Anna. I totally agree even though Anne Hathaway doesn't have blue eyes; we'll just have to pretend she does, lol!. Actually, if Anne Hathaway had Courtney Cox's eyes, it would be exactly as I envisioned Anna. Anne Hathaway encompasses Anna's understated beauty wonderfully because in my mind I pictured Anna as someone who was very attractive, but not overtly so. She's classy as opposed to flashy, but she can rock a fancy dress when she wants to.

As for T.J., I have to thank my friend Tina for the suggestion of Taylor Kitsch. Fans of Friday Night Lights will recognize him from that show. I have to say that he would be an absolutely perfect and swoon-worthy T.J., and I don't know that I'd mind being stranded on an island with him. He has a wonderful boyish charm, and I can totally picture him with a ponytail, dark suntan, and a lot of scruffy stubble.

Laura: Tell me a little about what you're working on now.

Tracey: I've shifted genre slightly and I'm working on a novel that will probably be categorized as women's fiction although there are also strong romantic elements. It's called Covet and it's the story of Chris and Claire Canton, a couple whose marriage has unraveled after Chris loses his job during the height of the recession. When he finds another job after a year of unemployment, Chris thinks their problems have been solved. Unfortunately, he now has to travel extensively which leaves Claire more adrift than ever. Claire's chance meeting with Daniel Rush, a local police officer, sets in motion a series of events which will cause all three of the main characters to question their choices and deal with the aftermath of their decisions. It's an emotional read, and I think the issues this couple has to deal with will resonate with readers (or at least I hope so).

The novel I'll be working on after Covet will be a return to straight-up contemporary romance.

I think you'll agree with me how fabulous this lady is. Let me just say that I cannot wait until Covet is released! I will be the first one there to buy it. It sounds sooo good.

And now to the giveaway! Ms. Garvis-Graves is giving one lucky winner a copy of On The Island with a few other surprise items that go along with it. I'm thrilled she's doing this and am so excited for whoever wins!

To enter, do any or all of the following:

*Like Tracey's Facebook page

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*Follow Tracey's blog

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*Follow Tracey on Twitter

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*Shout out this giveaway on Facebook and attach link in your comment

*Shout out this giveaway on Twitter and attach link in your comment

There are plenty of ways to enter this contest. Please leave me a comment under this post and let me know each way you entered this contest. I will put the number of entries into random.org and that will choose the winner. Contest closes on Sunday February 26 at 10:00 PM Mountain Time. Good luck!