Writers' Ally aka ➔ sa larsenッ

YATT Spotlight ~ Surrender

2012-05-29T06:30:00.000-04:00

Welcome to another edition of our Young Adult Teen Tuesday meme. I've got a special treat for you today that I'm all fan-girl over!! It's a fabulous YA sequel bursting with action, fantastic world-building, and romance.

Title: SURRENDER
Author: Elana Johnson
Genre: Dystopian
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Release Date: June 5th, 2012
Pages: 480

I'd like to thank the publisher for providing me with an ARC for review.

Favorite Line/Passage: Cannon applied the dissolvall to remove the permaplaster, and my hand came free with a terrible squelching sound. Tears streamed down my face at the tender way he touched me, as if I were made of glass and might shatter at any moment. I was eternally grateful protocol said matches could touch each other; if I didn't have Cannon to hold on to after a drain, I didn't know how I'd survive.

Description: The thrilling and seductive sequel to Possession puts love on the line in a dystopian struggle for independent thought.

Forbidden love, intoxicating power, and the terror of control…

Raine has always been a good girl. She lives by the rules in Freedom. After all, they are her father’s rules: He’s the Director. It’s because of him that Raine is willing to use her talent—a power so dangerous, no one else is allowed to know about it. Not even her roommate, Vi.

All of that changes when Raine falls for Gunner. Raine’s got every reason in the world to stay away from Gunn, but she just can’t. Especially when she discovers his connection to Vi’s boyfriend, Zenn. Raine has never known anyone as heavily brainwashed as Vi. Raine’s father expects her to spy on Vi and report back to him. But Raine is beginning to wonder what Vi knows that her father is so anxious to keep hidden, and what might happen if she helps Vi remember it. She’s even starting to suspect Vi’s secrets might involve Freedom’s newest prisoner, the rebel Jag Barque….

COVETED! MUST HAVE!!

My Splats: A tale of action, intrigue, and the undying spark of human nature to fight for survival.

The sequel continues in Freedom, where the world is still broken and being free still translates to submissive behavior and doing what the government orders. Two new characters are introduced, Raine and Gunner--acquaintances at best. Neither are fond of following the paths their lives are on and seek to change their current existence by affiliating with underground rebels.

Initially, we have the typical boy-knows-girl for years and has a hidden crush on her. But soon the story presents the reader with twists and turns, forging Raine and Gunner's paths together both emotionally and for their freedom. As their individual lives crumble, they find solace in each other and a reason to find true freedom. The dangers to discover what lies beyond the walls of their bound world slowly shrink.

The characters are individuals, yet weave in a way to effectively move the story forward and deepen the dystopian edge. Raine's father is a perfect character for young adult fiction, giving a great parallel to how teens can sometimes view their parents. He's overbearing and controlling, everything a teen wants to avoid. And Raine wants what most teens want: to be who she is. This subliminal message definitely added to my interest in Raine and her world. But I won't fool you; he's not just her dad but Freedom's ruler. Frankly, I didn't like him at all.

Raine has a tough exterior, but is really soft inside, desiring nothing more than to make her own life choices. A life match has been chosen for her, as is what happens with everyone. And although her match is a friend, she knows they will never be anything more than just friends.

As much as I enjoyed Raine's voice and point-of-view of her world, I absolutely loved Gunner and the view of Freedom through his eyes. Everything about him, from his open attitude to his intellect to his warm heart and desire to do what's right says what teen girls want. For that matter, it says what most people want out of a significant other. His cautious yet flirtatious beginnings with Raine pulls off well and slowly builds as the reader gains momentum towards the climax of the story. I especially enjoyed Johnson's clever way of having Raine and Gunner, as well as other characters, say what they didn't mean and then using their inner thoughts to help them sort out their wants and feelings. This kept me on my toes.

Decisions must be made and risks must be taken to change their world. Johnson does a wonderful job of aligning scenes and events to increase tension and mystery. I love a story where I can melt into the world building, believing in its reality. And this story has a natural feel from the world to its characters. I'm excited to see where Johnson takes the story next.

For more YA, visit these YATT Meme Supporters:

Margo Berendsen

The Write Game

Julie Musil (not every wk)

Rosewood Pencil Box

Misha Gericke (not every wk)

Fairbetty's World

Concrete Pieces of Soul

The B.L.O.G (The Bizzare Life of One Girl)

A Day into the Writer

Want to take part in spotlighting young adult literature? Join our team. For more information, go HERE.

S.R. Johannes WINNERS!!

2012-05-28T10:17:00.000-04:00

Short post today. I'm here to announce the winners of Shelli's books!! So here goes:

The winner of UNTRACEABLE is

NICOLE ZOLTACK!!!

The winner of ON THE BRIGHT SIDE is

VIVIEN!!

Congratulations!! I'll be in touch soon.

I want to thank Shelli for offering up her books for this giveaway and for just being an awesome writer, example, and person!

Enjoy your Monday holiday!!

Cover Reveal!! WEIGHTED

2012-05-25T06:30:00.000-04:00

Today is an exciting day for the blogosphere and yet another author. Ciara Knight, who I spotlighted HERE, is revealing her next cover entitled WEIGHTED!! It's totally gorgeous and I'm honored she's invited me to share it with you.

Weighted is a young adult post-apocalyptic with paranormal elements. It is a prequel novelette to The Neumarian Chronicles, and will be released August 2012. Book I, Escapement, will be released in 2013.

GORGEOUS, right?

Description: The Great War of 2185 is over, but my nightmare has just begun. I am being held captive in the Queen’s ship awaiting interrogation. My only possible ally is the princess, but I’m unsure if she is really my friend or a trap set by the Queen to fool me into sharing the secret of my gift. A gift I keep hidden even from myself. It swirls inside my body begging for release, but it is the one thing the Queen can never discover. Will I have the strength to keep the secret? I’ll know the answer soon. If the stories are true about the interrogators, I’ll either be dead or a traitor to my people by morning.

Now rush off and add this one to your TBR list on Goodreads! You won't regret it.

Alleyway Splat: I won't be blogging today or Monday. :( I'm off to another state with my family for my daughter's soccer tournament. Have a fabulous holiday weekend!!

CLOSED HEARTS Release!! Chat with Author Susan Kay Quinn

2012-05-23T00:01:00.000-04:00

Guest Post: Taking the Road Less Traveledby Susan Kaye Quinn

Prologue

This post was originally written after I decided to self-publish, but before I had actually released my first self-pubbed title, Open Minds.

Story

I used to worry about encouraging my children, who like to write novels and dance Hip Hop, in their artistic leanings. But in the last six months, I've grown less worried about my children's forays into the creative arts and more concerned about all the children who don't. I've become less anxious that my risk-taking - in choosing to write children's novels rather than get a job with a paycheck - is some kind of foolhardiness that I will regret.

In fact, I've grown in my confidence that not only is taking the road less traveled a wise choice for me, it may in fact be the only real choice. There's a feeling of rightness, an intuition-approval bliss-feeling, that comes when you've made a choice that's right for you. I believe it has something to do with integrity, in the sense that all the disparate pieces of you are integrated and heading in the same direction.

Where did this come from?

Sampling the Cloud

I've been reading a lot of blogs, talking to a lot of people, and reading books about changes in the publishing industry. I've been examining people that are successful, trying to discern what makes them unique. I think of the knowledge base of human experience like an amorphous cloud, shifting and gusting around, changing from minute to minute. You can easily get lost in the cloud, and it can drive you a bit crazy. But I've been trying to take large snapshots to find patterns and learn from them.

From this I've discerned a couple things: 1) people who are successful aren't successful because they've divined the secret code. They're successful because they made their own code, and 2) Their own code is an expression of the type of person they are, fully embraced and carried forward into the world with confidence.

Examples:

John Locke is a savvy sales guy who made a bucket load of money selling books the same way he sold insurance. Could I possibly succeed this way? No more than I could sell insurance (which is to say NO).

HP Mallory is enthusiastic, cute, and fun, and has sold a lot of books by being ... enthusiastic, cute, and fun. And attracting readers who enjoy that (and her). Could I be that cute and whimsical? I have my moments, but that's not the main thing that drives me.

My path to success will be different from theirs, and only by embracing who I am, making up my own code for success, will I find it. This is the very definition of traveling your own road, but like the Room of Requirement, you will only find it when you go forward with confidence in what you need.

Confidence as a Writer

At the same time, I've been working this summer on a side project (not listed on my WiP page) that's been kept under wraps, mainly because I wasn't sure what would become of it. Still not sure, but my part is done and it's launched off. We'll see if that baby bird can fly or not (I'll be sure to let you know if it does). But in the process, I collaborated with some excellent writers and gained some serious insights into my writing: what I do well, how far I can stretch, where my weaknesses are. Knowing your weaknesses makes you stronger, not weaker, and all that self-knowledge has helped me gain confidence in my writerly skills.

Confidence to tromp down that path, even if I'm the first one to travel it in exactly my way. Confidence that my path is not only an acceptable way to go about things, it is probably the best way for me.

Because that's the kind of person I am.

So, my 8 year old son Mighty Mite is not only taking Hip Hop, we've added Voice lessons to his creative outlets (he also wants to take acting classes). My 13 year old son Dark Omen is hard at work on the sequel of his novel, and my 11 year old son Worm Burner has decided that he's a fan of both C++ programming and Shakespeare.

I'm not worried about these explorations anymore. I know they are following their own paths, ones that are expressions of who they are, and I'm grateful that they feel free to tell me, "Mom, I want to try this."

After all, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

Epilogue

Two self-published novels and about 8 months later, it's wonderful to look back on posts like this, remembering my prior self perched on the edge of taking that leap, full of confidence and trepidation, excitement and (on some days) terror. That less-traveled road proved to be exactly where I should go, but I didn't end up going there alone. My fellow journeying indie authors The Indelibles made the bumps smoother and the way full of camaraderie. My confidence has only grown stronger through my experience, and whereas before the decision felt right, now I have hard data (in the form of reviews and fans and sales) that show this was a good decision for my writing career. Once I made my own code - my expression of who I was - and carried it forward with confidence, it took me just where I was supposed to go.

There was no way for me to know ahead of time that I would end up in a bountiful garden instead of a swamp. That's the essence of taking the road less traveled. It's a risk. There's no guarantee. But if I'd ended up in the swamp, I would have picked myself up, brushed off the muck, and kept going forward anyway. You see, hacking through the bushes into unknown territory is exactly what I was meant to do, after all. I'm the kind of person that likes to get there first and call over my shoulder to my friends, "It's bright and sunny over here! Come check it out!"

Knowing that about myself is the greatest reward to come out of this journey so far.

(And I'm not done yet.) :)

~~*~~

Closed Hearts (Mindjack #2)

$2.99 at Amazon, Barnes and Noble (ebook and print)

When you control minds,

only your heart can be used against you.

Susan Kaye Quinn is the author of the bestselling YA novel Open Minds, Book One of the Mindjack Trilogy, which is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and iTunes. The sequel Closed Hearts has just been released. Susan's business card says "Author and Rocket Scientist," but she mostly plays on Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest.

CLICK HERE to join the Closed Hearts Virtual Launch Party

(with more bonus Mindjack Trilogy content and guest posts)

and/or

ENTER TO WIN PRIZES

(below)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

PUCA Book Tour!!

2012-05-22T06:00:00.000-04:00

A special YATT is only a few lines away...

I am thrilled to be hosting an amazing writer and fabulous person today! Heather McCorkle is one of my earliest blogging mates. I met her just after I began blogging, followed her and her group site, and have never regretted either. She's here for a guest post as one of the stops on her PUCA Book Tour. Please give her a warm Alleyway welcome!!

I brought chocolate cake to celebrate the birth of my new book, To Ride A Puca. Sorry it’s only a picture, but it has less calories that way. ;) Never fear though, I’ve brought more. But first to tell you a bit about the newborn. It is a young adult historical fantasy about the last of the druids in ancient Ireland. This one was a bit heartbreaking to write and because of that it became very special to me. I hope it will be to you as well. Before we get to the other goodies I brought, Here is a bit about To Ride A Puca:

Invaders are coming to take what isn't theirs, again.

Neala wants to stand and fight for her homeland, but as one of the last druids, she may be standing alone.

Persecuted, hunted down, forced to live in obscurity, the druids have all but given up. Can the determination of a girl who has barely come into her power bring them together? Or, just when she finally finds her place among her kind, will they end up losing a homeland their very magic is tied to?

Disclaimer: This novel contains some violence and difficult subject matter. It is recommended for mature YA and up.

To Ride A Puca on Amazon, B&N, and Goodreads.

I’ll be giving away great prizes, a new one to a new winner every week for the next four weeks. This week I’m giving away an eBook of BECOME by Ali Cross, a twist on a Norse tale that will leave you breathless, and RUNNING WIDE OPEN by Lisa Nowak, an adrenalin pumping ride with a hot tempered teen who loves car racing. Stop by this link to enter to win. The contest will be open until May 27th, the winner to be announced on the 28th. *passes around cake*

For more YA, visit these YATT Meme Supporters:

Margo Berendsen

The Write Game

Julie Musil (not every wk)

Rosewood Pencil Box

Misha Gericke (not every wk)

Fairbetty's World

Concrete Pieces of Soul

The B.L.O.G (The Bizzare Life of One Girl)

A Day into the Writer

Want to take part in spotlighting young adult literature? Join our team. For more information, go HERE.

Flash Fiction Blogfest & the Release of SUFFOCATE!

2012-05-21T06:00:00.000-04:00

Happy BOOK BIRTHDAY to Shelli Johannes and her novella, SUFFOCATE, which releases today!

When a science experiment goes wrong in the Biome, Eria uncovers a conspiracy about the very air she breathes.

Suffocate is the first novelette in THE BREATHLESS series.

It is a 15,000 word young adult thriller that combines the dystopic and science fiction genres.

Full Description: For centuries, the world outside the Biome has been unlivable. Today, marks the first time anyone will attempt to leave the suffocating ecosphere. Eria is not worried because her scientist father has successfully tested the new Bio-Suit many times. It's a celebratory day until something goes horribly wrong. In the midst of tragedy, Eria uncovers a deep conspiracy that affects the very air she breathes.

If those responsible find out what she knows, they won't stop hunting her until she takes her last breath.

The 2nd novelette in the series, CHOKE, is scheduled for Fall 2012. The 3rd, EXHALE, is scheduled for Winter 2013

You can add Suffocate to your Goodreads, and check it out on Amazon and B&N!

Today is also Cherie Reich's 2nd Annual Flash Fiction Blogfest. The only criteria was to begin with 'Lightning flashed,' and contain the entry to less than 300 words. I came in at 299. Please click HERE to read the other entries.

Lightning flashed. I wished it hadn’t.

My heart sunk to my stomach, as my eyes captured what I’d rather not see, the truth all the more real now. But it couldn’t be. I’d made it home, back through the hidden portal connecting the here and now to where the Fates decide our eternal resting place. Sure, they had every right to be ticked that living mortals invaded their happy place and actually made it out. But that was the deal.

More shadows wisped into the air, the floor boards of this old barn too weak to keep them away. I peeked around a wooden beam, searching for anything to help me stop this. The rope and metal tools hanging from hooks would do me no good, not against these powers.

“Will.” Seri’s sultry tone draped over me.

I pushed off a hay bale, shocked she was here. The corners of her thick lips crimped at one end, as her irises flared a shade of emerald; she had such an amazing smile. Her sugary scent crept up my nostrils, noosing my rational thoughts and igniting every part of my body. I mentally traced her curvaceous figure and watched her scarlet strands lengthen to just below her shoulders. She was a daemon; I knew that. And she was as beautiful as the first time I saw her.

But her smile faded, worry scarring her gorgeous face. That was when I knew. A Death Dealer slid out from behind her, her lips mouthing I’m sorry.

The inside of the barn exhaled a sigh as he laid his hands on my shoulders. Searing pain ravished my veins, my limbs, my memories fading from my mind. Seri screamed, pleaded.

Lightning flashed, and I gawked out a stained window pane. My reflection now mirrored theirs.

Do You Have The Time? LIKE CLOCKWORK!

2012-05-17T12:56:00.000-04:00

Elle Strauss is the fabulous author of CLOCKWISE, which received this review from Kirkus Review: "Readers who 'trip' in time with Casey will wish they could stay longer in her strangely relatable place." She's continued the adventure with CLOCKWISER, and has a special treat for you today!

LIKE CLOCKWORK, a companion novel to the Clockwise series is here!!
Here are the deets:

Adeline doesn't feel she belongs in her own time, but can bad boys from the past be trusted?

Adeline Savoy had hoped that the move west from Cambridge to Hollywood with her single dad would mean they’d finally bond like a real family, but all she got was a father too busy with his new female friends and his passion for acting to really see her.

Instead she finds herself getting attached to Faye, the divorcee hair dresser she befriends when she travels back in time to 1955. Plus Faye has a hottie, James Dean-esque, bad-boy brother who has Adeline’s heart all aflutter. But bad boys from the past can be dangerous. Is it possible that Adeline really does belong in her own time and that maybe the right boy lives as close as next door?

LIKE CLOCKWORK is available now at Amazon and Smashwords and ON B&N, ibooks and other e-book retailers.

Intrigued?? Well, read on.... AND scroll to the bottom to see my challenge for the weekend.

Chapter One

Adeline Savoy

My dad still thought I was ten. That was how old I was when my mother died, and how old I was when my father crawled into his “cave,” also known as his office on the 26th floor of the John Hancock tower. Six years later, like a bear coming out of hibernation, Dad decided his days of hiding behind a desk were over. I thought he was going through a mid-life crisis, which was why we now lived in Hollywood instead of Cambridge. And why when I spotted his reflection in a mirror at the cosmetic counter in the Shop & Save store, I almost dropped the Scarlet Passion lipstick tester I'd just smeared on my lips.

Even though I was sixteen, I wasn't allowed to wear make-up. True. With my left hand I used a tissue to wipe the evidence off my mouth, all the while watching my dad’s familiar profile move in and out of range in the mirror.

He was laughing. I crouched down and turned, my vision just missing the counter top, and watched. His hair had grown out since the “decision.” He used to always keep it so short, that I didn’t even know it was wavy before, and the lines on his face never used to turn upward in a smile.

I had to see who was causing this cosmic reaction in my father. The clerk who sold cheap jewelry, a pretty-in-a-fake way brunette, tilted her head and giggled back.

My jaw dropped and something really strange started happening in my stomach. I felt a little sick because I couldn’t believe what I was witnessing. My dad was flirting!

Who was this man dressed in khakis, flip-flops and an un-tucked pseudo Hawaiian shirt? My real dad only wore pinstriped suits with starchy white shirts and a blue tie. Always. Even to bed, I was certain.

“Miss? Are you all right?” The cosmetic clerk was armed with a spray nozzle cleaner in one hand and a paper towel in the other.

I mimed as best I could, “ssh”, but apparently dad was the only one with acting skills in my family, since she wouldn’t leave me alone.

“Miss? You don’t look too good. Should I call for medical?”

The fake pretty lady stopped chatting when she heard her colleague talking so loudly. Obviously, that meant my dad’s little flirtation episode was over. And of course, my blonde ponytail was a giveaway.

“Adeline?” he said.

“Dad!” I jumped up, feigning surprise.

“What are you doing here?” he asked.

What are you doing here? I thought. “Um nothing, just looking. Thought I might buy some gum.”

Dad glanced back at the fake and I did a quick switcheroo, replacing the tester and grabbing a sealed golden tube. It tucked nicely in my fist as I crossed my arms over my chest.

“Adeline, come here,” Dad said. “I want you to meet someone.”

My legs moved toward dad and the fake without my permission.

“Adeline, this is my friend from acting class, Spring. Spring, this is my daughter, Adeline.”

Spring extended her hand. Unfortunately, the contraband lipstick was in my right hand. I wasn’t a magician. Dad would notice if I tried to switch. I opted for the awkward offering of my left hand.

“It’s so nice to meet you,” Spring gushed.

“Same,” I said, not meaning it at all. “Not that I don’t want to stay and chat,” I added quickly, before Dad could draw us into more forced intimacies, “but I’ve got to go.”

“I’ll walk with you,” Dad said. But he wasn’t looking at me; he was smiling at the fake.

“It’s okay, Dad. I’ll meet you at home.” I strutted across the floor to the cashier. He glanced back at me as I stood in line at the register. I waved the pack of gum in the air. I paid for it and the lipstick while Dad and the fake went back to making googly eyes.

I snapped the gum in my mouth while caressing the lipstick tube in my hand. It was encased in a plastic protective seal, a perforated strip running the length of it like a zipper. My thumb picked at the rim. All I had to do was rip it open and it would no longer be returnable.

But I really should return it. I’d promised myself I’d give up the greasy lip habit when we moved. It was a chance to start over, do everything new, and be a proper daughter with a proper father.

Hrumph. Like that was turning out. Dad wasn't exactly holding up his end of the bargain.

My breaths came out short and rapid, like a panting dog. I didn’t realize how fast I’d been walking. I’d hardly taken in the tall palm trees that lined the road or the sweet smell of tropical flowers I didn’t know the names of.

No signs of autumn in sight. In Cambridge the leaves would be showing signs of turning color, bright reds and yellows. A little twist in my stomach. I was homesick.

And angry.

He was supposed to change, but not like that. He was supposed to notice me, spend time with me, not some flake called Spring. What kind of name was that anyway? It sounded like a made up actress name. Her last name was probably Storm or Wind. My thumb picked the plastic a bit more.

“Hi, there.”

I turned my head. Some guy riding a pink bike with a sparkly white banana seat and matching tassels that hung off tall, wide handle bars slowed down to keep pace with me.

“Hi,” he said again. This time there was no mistaking he was talking to me.

“Hi?” I said, not slowing down at all to do so. I may be entering my junior year, but I still didn’t talk to strangers. Janice, my babysitter/pseudo mom in Cambridge, had drilled that lesson into me good.

“My name's Marco. I live next door to you.”

Okay. I slowed a little. “Why are you riding a girl’s bike?” Did he steal it? Why didn’t he care about how stupid it made him look?

“It’s my sister’s. I sold mine to buy something else, but riding this is better than walking.”

“I’m walking and you’re not making any better time than me.” I was annoyed. Why didn’t he just keep going? I preferred to sulk alone.

“You’re new, so I thought with school starting tomorrow, you’d like someone to ride the bus with.”

Good point. Who knew what kinds of Hollywood weirdos would be on the bus? I looked Marco up and down. He was average height, shaggy hair, and wore a graphic t-shirt and surfer shorts with fat, loosely tied skate shoes on his feet. No socks. He had nice, tanned skin and warm brown eyes that squinted to almost close when he smiled. He wasn’t hard to look at.

And he looked trustworthy enough, I guessed. Plus, he was right. I didn’t really want to go to Hollywood High alone.

I stopped and turned to him. “I’m Adeline Savoy.” I wiped the sweat on my right hand off on my skirt—sky blue, slightly flared and to my knees—and offered it wanting to start my new friendship off on the right foot.

“Cool,” Marco said as we shook. “You like to make things official. I like that.”

The sun must’ve glinted off the gold tube in my other hand because Marco nodded toward it. “What’ya got there?”

“Oh, it’s just lipstick. I bought it, but now I’m not sure. I might take it back.”

“I don’t know why girls wear that vile stuff,” he said. I was surprised by the strength of his statement.

“It makes us feel good. Pretty. What’s wrong with that?”

“For one thing, you’re already pretty without it.”

He thought I was pretty?

“Besides,” he continued, “it’s made out of horse urine.”

“It is not! That’s so gross.”

“It is. That’s why it has that sticky consistency. Have you ever seen dried urine around a toilet?”

“You’re disgusting! How would you know about lipstick, anyway?”

“I have three sisters, though one is only six years old and hasn’t discovered the evils of make-up and this culture’s drive to sexualize young girls. It’s too late for my older sisters, but you can still be saved.”

Who was this guy? And how did he get off talking to me like that? He didn’t even know me. I felt my lips settle into a tight line and my pace picked up.

“Hey, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you.”

How long was he going to walk with me? “Where did you say you lived?”

“Right next door to you.”

“Right next door?” This annoying person, who happened to be my only friend, lived right next door?

“Yeah, the two storey. My bedroom window faces yours.”

“You see in my window!”

“No. I don’t…” His face flushed red.

“You do, you do look in. You peeping Tom!”

“Adeline, I didn’t see anything. I just heard your music.”

“Huh?” I stopped and spun to face him.

A grin tugged at the corners of his mouth. “And your singing.”

“What?” I was mortified. He probably heard me singing along to Feist, or even worse, he saw me doing my Michael Jackson impersonation. I bet he saw me doing the Thriller dance the other night. Ugh!

“Everyone can hear you. You have your window open.”

“You know what? Don’t talk to me.”

Marco seemed truly taken aback, and yet he didn’t get the hint. Not even one as direct as that. He was not only a peeper, but he was dense, too.

“I live in a house full of women. Three sisters and a mother. I get what’s going on here. It’s PMS, isn’t it?”

Was he kidding me? As if I would talk about something like that with him! I stopped and stared hard into his eyes. I produced my new tube of lipstick and slowly peeled the perforated strip, letting the plastic wrapper drop to the ground. I dramatically popped off the lid and twisted the base until the bright red dried horse urine was in full view.

Then I put it on my lips, slowly, purposefully, first the top and then the bottom, smacking them in Marco’s direction when I was done.

Take that, Mr. I Know Women.

Marco bent down, picked up the plastic wrapper and pushed it in his pocket. He straddled the bike and pushed off, turning back long enough to say, “I’ll pick you up at 8:10 tomorrow morning for school.”

Argh.

HAVE A FANTASTIC WEEKEND!! Read something, anything, and come back on Monday to tell me what it was.

Graffiti Wall Spotlight ~ Author S.R. Johannes & 2 Giveaways!

2012-05-15T06:00:00.000-04:00

The Graffiti Wall has been vacant for a bit, in need of some real lively splatters. So today, in conjunction with my YATT meme, I have just that. An author with more drive, perseverance, dedication to the craft and her following, and a sweet personality to match! She doesn't really need a major introduction, but I'm giving her one anyway.

*Balloons. Confetti. Bells & whistles...

S.R. Johannes is the author of Amazon bestselling Untraceable (a teen wilderness thriller) and new tween paranormal, On The Bright Side. She is also part of a teen romance anthology with 16 other authors titled, In His Eyes. S.R. Johannes was recently nominated in the YA category as Georgia Author of the Year.

Hi, Shelli!! How long have you been writing and blogging, and what got you started with each?

I started writing when my daughter was born b/c I had 5 months of maternity leave and was bored. Before that - never wrote a day in my life. I know scary right? I started blogging a little in 2006 just because everyone was but I got serious about it in 2008/2009 when I decided to focus more on helping people with book marketing. Then my blog just took off. By accident really :)

So thankful it did. It's a wonderful resource for writers and readers alike.

From your vast knowledge of marketing, what would you say are the three most important aspects of self-promotion for an author and why?

Hm that is tough. 1) Have a web site and online presence 2) Get into some kind of social networking and be active. 3) Know your target audiences/segments of your books.

Most of all, authors need to accept the idea of marketing and that they have to do it. At least, if they want to sell a book :)

How does an author go about accomplishing each?

1) Start on a free web site and just play around. Think about what represents you - colors etc - what kind of site you need and want. Your site will tell everyone who you are.

2) Only join the social networking sites where you know you will be active. Don't just join to join. Know the various mediums and pick what fits you and your audience.

3) Break your book down into the subjects it covers to identify your target audiences and the segments within each.

Untraceable is your first self-published novel. Could you give a brief overview of how you came to the decision to self-publish this story?

I dont want to bore anyone. Basically I had an agent for 2 years and almost sold a couple of books. When my agent and I parted, I decided to put my books out on my own. With my marketing background and the fact that my books were good enough for acquisitions - I didn't think I could lose and I knew there wasn't much life left in them in traditional pubbing. It started as an experiment and for fun. I didn't expect it to take off. For the longer journey - you can read my blog posts :) POST A & POST B.

Seriously, folks, if you haven't read those two post you must. I learned so much from Shelli's experience.

16-year-old Grace has lived in the Smokies all her life, patrolling with her forest ranger father who taught her about wildlife, tracking, and wilderness survival.

When her dad goes missing on a routine patrol, Grace refuses to believe he’s dead and fights the town authorities, tribal officials, and nature to find him.

One day, while out tracking clues, Grace is rescued from danger by Mo, a hot guy with an intoxicating accent and a secret. As her feelings between him and her ex-boyfriend get muddled, Grace travels deep into the wilderness to escape and find her father.

Along the way, Grace learns terrible secrets that sever relationships and lives. Soon she’s enmeshed in a web of conspiracy, deception, and murder. And it’s going to take a lot more than a compass and a motorcycle (named Lucifer) for this kick-butting heroine to save everything she loves.

Eek!! You have another book out, ON THE BRIGHT SIDE! Please share some deets!

On The Bright Side was the second book (besides Untraceable) my agent tried to sell. It was only fair to give it a shot too. It is a tween book - a paranormal adventure - about a girl who dies and is forced to protect her school nemesis. The different part is that it's a humorous take on guardian angeldom and goes into all the things you wish you could do to those who treated you wrong in school. Unfortunately, the pranks unleash a dark side.

Lastly, how do you juggle all life brings on a daily basis and your writing? Any secrets for the readers?

Hm thanks for the confidence but I feel like I don't juggle very well. My life is kinda like a Pez dispenser - I take what comes up - as it comes up. Secret? I wish. My plan is to fake it til I make it ;)

Thank you so much, Shelli!! It's been a pleasure.

And to top it off, Shelli's offering up an ebook of each book ~ a copy of On The Bright Side & a copy of Untraceable! Just fill out the form below!! WINNERS to be announced on May 28th! Good luck!!

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A Day into the Writer
Want to take part in spotlighting young adult literature? Join our team. For more information, go HERE.

Celebrating FIRSTS!

2012-05-14T06:00:00.000-04:00

Firsts are so exciting. Sometimes nerve-wracking. Sometimes scary. Sometimes purely joyous.

When I think about life and all the firsts I've experienced, I realize that I have done a lot in my life. Does that mean I've mastered the angst and anxiety over any new first that will come my want in the future? Uh...nope. But I'm excited to be participating in the amazing Alex's First Loves Blogfest!! which is technically a first. ;D

There are four FIRST LOVES on the list to highlight.

1ST MOVIE ~ I've mentioned before that I was and forever will be a major movie buff. So this is a tough one. My movie-watching has evolved with age. I'll go with my youngest memory. Elementary school age tells me it was Benji, which was also my first drive-in experience.

1ST BAND ~ Being a dancer at such a young age gave me lots of Broadway favorites. But I'll mention my next phase of aging, junior high age. I believe it was Duran Duran. Something about tigers and running wild....

1ST BOOK ~ Staying on the aging road, high school age is next. Without a doubt, it would have to be Pride & Prejudice. The brilliance of the story, sub-plots, masterful characters, and the way my imagination was ignited is one of the greatest reasons I write novels now.

1ST PERSON ~ Some of you might think that it would be impossible for me to keep traveling on the road of aging that I've created within this post. But I can.

I had a crush in preschool and elementary school, which ended up being the same few boys in junior high. I was busy training for a dance career during high school--dated a little, even had a steady boyfriend during my senior year--but nothing that I would consider true love.

That leads me back to the same road and onto post-secondary school/college. I had two brief, although could-have-been-serious relationships during this time, but life got in the way and neither ever progressed. It wasn't until I traveled back home at age 19 and rekindled an old friendship with a guy who graduated a year before me from high school, that I discovered what love was all about.

So, yeah. My first official 1st person love would be my hubby of 20 years. Phew....

Thanks, Alex. This was fun! For more participants, click on the photo above!! I'm sure the posts are awesome!

Do you have a first to share????

Pinterest Reflection

2012-05-11T06:00:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I was up over on Oasis for YA. Mind taking a gander over there and sharing your thoughts about the latest, greatest social media time-sucker??

No. Serious. I think I made a few good points on how a writer can use Pinterest to reflect and find inspiration.

AND for all of you who are or know a woman like this ...

... raise your hand and leave a comment, sharing something silly, funny, or downright weird about motherhood that you've experienced.

~Happy Mother's Day!!~

Book Spotlight: AWAITED

2012-05-08T06:00:00.000-04:00

Today my spotlight and YATT meme takes us beyond the normal alleyways of Writers Ally. Have you heard of the literary category New Adult? The term has been tossed around recently, but apparently is not an official or recognized industry term. But for me--and with this story--it works. It's like upper YA, with the protagonist of older young adult age, and in my opinion totally appropriate for young adult readers.

Title: AWAITED (Wasteland #2)
Author: Lynn Rush
Genre: Paranormal ~ New Adult
Publisher: Crescent Moon Press
Release Date: Expected May 2012
Pages: 271

I'd like to thank the publisher for supplying me with an e-copy of this book.

Favorite Passage/Line: I held her close. Soft lips moved against mine, gently exploring, tasting.

Description: The voice is a powerful thing…

Russell Leonard is a centuries-old Guardian who’s lost faith in his purpose. So when he’s charged with procuring the first female Guardian in over two centuries, he can only hope it’s the red-headed beauty who’s been haunting his dreams for months. And if it is, he intends to claim her as his. But when he finds his dream woman, Annabelle is mute and bears no Guardian’s Mark.

He soon realizes she’s been tainted by an ancient evil. Russell must somehow release the secrets trapped within this delicate soul to help her tap into the only weapon powerful enough to silence a millennia-old demon—her voice.

NIGHTSTAND WORTHY

MY SPLATS: action-packed from the onset ~ a story of trust, hope, and inner discovery mingled with twists and otherworldly turns.

The opening scene immediately pulled me into the story. I was there with the characters, feeling and wondering. From a writer's perspective, it's right where a story should start. As the story moved forward, I found myself anticipating the possible roads the story might take. The writer truly engaged my imagination. At some points, the story rolled so quickly that I merely had to keep reading. With saying that, there were much needed breaks in that flow - a breather for the reader to consider what was just read about the characters. This made me wonder even more. ~Great hooking tacit!~

The writing was fluent and structured in an easy-to-follow manner. Word choices were appropriate and clever, adding spice to the paranormal feel. The romantic interaction between any characters was tasteful, sweet, and age-appropriate. I also felt an underlining maturity to those relationships or budding relationships. It was a refreshing change from some of the works I've read recently.

Plot and arc twists were also fresh and intriguing. Corners masked characters' true intentions at every turn, pinning good verse evil but in a unique way. Without giving any spoilers, there were issues of a mysterious handicap which intertwined with a new threat as the story progressed. This was a nice ingredient. I could tell you where this apparent handicap took the story, but it'd be more fun if you read it for yourself!

AND.................... NATALIE AGUIRRE can! You are the winner of a copy of Lynn's book!! Congratulations.

For more YA, visit these YATT Meme Supporters:

Reflection

2012-05-07T06:00:00.000-04:00

Hindsight is a priceless gift. We don't always have it, but when we notice it we need to take advantage of it.

Reflecting on past experiences, whether recent or many years ago, can be an instant growth spurt. We gain insight and wisdom into living.

This year, I chose to semi-theme my participation in the A to Z Challenge. I mainly focused on motherhood, marriage, and how each can intertwine with writing. It was a great time for me to remember events in my 20-year marriage that I'd forgotten about. I also found myself letting go of some mother-stresses to focus on the joy motherhood has brought me.

The opportunity to focus on a topic did not limit me. On the contrary, it guided me--or forced me--to put on a different set of goggles and see things in new and unique ways. I felt engaged to fully examine my experiences in ways I hadn't before. This method is useful to stretch my writing muscles as I edit and/or take on new projects.

I'm sure you, at times, are like me, seeing a project as a never-ending mountain with too many landslides. But if we break each slide down, see each step of the mountain for the step it is then we can conquer one outline, sentence, paragraph, scene, chapter, and eventually the entire storyline and numerous arcs we've created.

Let's take a new look at focusing on our projects, reflecting on each as individual pieces until the work is ready to be seen as a whole.

Chicago After Dark

2012-05-04T06:00:00.000-04:00

Writing is living. Not simply the sole act of writing for us who do. But living life in order to breath reality into our stories.

Well, I lived this past weekend. As most of you know, I'm a former dancer, who...still dances. My daughter dances as well. We were in three shows this past weekend, which gave me a much needed break from the hustle of writing, making my brain concentrate on something else.

I'm going to share a few photos with you. Now, don't laugh.... And no, I didn't include any images of me in a costume. ;D

Photos from L to R: Kate and Miss Heather (dance teacher), Kate, Kate & her assistant, Kate and Mac,
Kate & Me, Kate & a group of friends, Kate, and Kate & Lizzy!! Too cute!

Pretty sweet, huh? I made this over on Photovisi. I'm sure I could do better, but it was my first try. Check out the site. You can do a ton of stuff!!

Have a fabulous weekend. Be sure to come check out what I have to say on Monday about my experience tackling the A to Z Challenge!!

AWAITED Released!! A Giveaway!

2012-05-01T06:00:00.000-04:00

Have you heard of Lynn Rush? She's the author of WASTELAND - Available Now: ARe, Kindle, B&N. And she's celebrating the release of AWAITED - Book II in the Wasteland Trilogy - released today by Crescent Moon Press.

Lynn was kind enough to send me an e-copy of Awaited. It was wonderfully creative and fast-paced. My review is scheduled for release next Tuesday, so stay tuned.

Here's more information about the book:
Russell Leonard is a centuries-old Guardian who's lost faith in his purpose. So when he's charged with procuring the first female Guardian in over two centuries, he can only hope it's the red-headed beauty who's been haunting his dreams for months. And if it is, he intends to claim her as his. But when he finds his dream woman, Annabelle is mute and bears no Guardian's Mark. He soon realizes she's been tainted by an ancient evil. Russell must somehow release the secrets trapped within this delicate soul to help her tap into the only weapon powerful enough to silence a millennia-old demon-her voice.

Yeah, so now if you just can't wait to read this story, head over to Amazon and order your copy or simply ENTER for a chance to win a free e-copy of the book by filling out the form below!

Connect with Lynn: | Catch the Rush | Twitter | Goodreads | Facebook | Press Room | Media Contact |

SPLAT ALERT: #1 - We have a WINNER of a copy of AE Rought's BROKEN once it's released in January! The winner is Jessica Bailess!! Congratulations!!

#2 - I'm also over on Oasis for YA today, spotlighting another book!!

#3 - I'm participating in Paula Yoo's #napibowriwee!! starting today. So excited. Participating picture book authors are to write 7 PBs in 7 days. Sounds tough, I know. But it gets the creative juices flowing and leaves us with great material to work with later on. Wish me luck!! THX!!

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The X-Factor of Motherhood

2012-04-27T06:00:00.000-04:00

There's nothing like those first few days after you realize you're in love. Euphoria takes over, and even a bit of foolish stupidity on occasion. But it's all in the name of the human dating-committing-mating process.

A young couple then marries and begins to map out what they see as their future together. For some, this includes children. Ah...procreation. Passing on the genes. Extending the family tree. Fatherhood. And Motherhood, which brings on the X-factor of being a mom.

Here's how to know if you (or your significant other) have the X-Factor of Motherhood.

Shower time is cut in half, because you're always in a hurry now. Shaving your legs really isn't that important.
No more manicures. Shorter nails are safer to avoid getting poop, finger paints, or creamy foods like peanut butter crammed under your fingernails.
Late night begins at 8:30 PM instead of 1:00 AM.
Going to the bathroom becomes a family affair. You can't even get 30 seconds free to pee ... ALONE.
You trade in your hot-chick muscle car for the dreaded minivan.
Your favorite song to sing with the kids has to do with playgrounds and buses instead of beer, partying ALL NIGHT LONG, and hating your parents.
You begin to appreciate your parents.
Your idea of a hot date is flannel PJs, a good book, while your hubby snores next to you.
Eating out means fast food, while racing the kids to their activities.
My favorite - you learn to be grateful for silence. Ah......

Feel free to add more! Can you relate?

My daughter and I are in a show this weekend, three showings to be exact. Hopefully I can get some photos and video to share with you. I'll probably need Monday to recover, so see you on Tuesday!! HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!!

Unicorns - Dream Uniquely

2012-04-24T06:00:00.000-04:00

Following my A to Z Challenge theme of childhood, motherhood, and all that eeks in between, I've chosen to highlight a legendary creature today.

When I was a little girl, I had a major obsession with stuffed animals. I was that kid who had to read each of my animals a story, give them a kiss--in order, of course--and then place them ALL in bed with me. This process practically drove my dad nuts.

But there was one stuffed animal that eluded me, one no one ever bought me--the Unicorn.

I wasn't a major horse lover or anything, but there was something about this mystical horse with a sparkly horn that ignited excitement in me. Seeing a unicorn lit my little creative mind. I remember laying in bed, my arms reaching toward my ceiling. I'd trace each shadow made from the glow off my nightlight, and each time, no matter where my make believe story would take me, I'd be riding a unicorn.

Did you know that unicorns originated in Chinese mythology thousands of years ago? Many believed them to be a great omen that came to aid humans with great mission.

I'm thinking I should have one. I'm on a great mission, headed to the grocery store later today. Picture if I walked in with my friend in the picture above. I bet no one would care if I cut line at the check out. Maybe the clerk would even give my unicorn a cookie or some unicorn treat like the tellers do for my little dog at the bank.

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other A to Z participants.

Many people from numerous cultures around the world believe unicorns existed. It seems the only issue is that no one can agree on their true characteristics. From color to size to purpose, the stories all vary. For instance: the Eastern unicorn is a beast with the body of a deer, the tail of an ox, the hooves of a horse, and of course, a handy-dandy shiny horn. The only unique factor that is agreed upon is a unicorn's horn.

So see, maybe there really is something magical about a unicorn. That was the only factor about the unicorn which fascinated me.

Did you ever want a unicorn, stuffed animal or real?

Territory

2012-04-23T06:00:00.000-04:00

Growing up takes guts. There are siblings to deal with, extended family, school, homework, friendships, household chores, and of course, Mom and Dad. All of that without even mentioning the physical aspects of growing pains.

Childhood is territorial by nature. Kids find norms and cling to them--games, friends, family, TV shows, stories, and characters. Even stuffed animals. As humans, we gather, join, plant roots, and stake our claim. Order and structure gives us purpose to grow and improve. It also pushes us to think, compromise, and prioritize.

The notion of territory might conjure a feeling of safety and assurance, which can couple itself with fear of change--keeping the norm as is. But as authors, whether writers of fantasy or contemporary ideas, we must find ways to create new portholes to view our world, relationships, and life through.

We MUST stake claim of our stories, while being territorial, giving the norm a new look.

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other A to Z participants.

What about you? Do YOU claim your manuscripts in different ways? Do YOU push the territorial envelope?

If you do, tell us how. What's your secret?

R is for Red Rover

2012-04-20T06:00:00.000-04:00

When I first pondered a post to represent the letter R, I fanned through all my motherly-writer ideas to keep with my childhood theme. I came up with games like rugby and rollerblading, even contemplated rafting--whitewater in Maine, that is. Whoot!

But then I went back to my elementary school days and remembered one game we used to play for hours on the playground - Red Rover. Remember that one, where the object was to line up with your team of kids, wait for your name to be called, then run with all your might, and throw your body into the link of waiting arms in hopes of breaking through without ripping another kid's arm off? And if you broke through, you got to steal one of their kids?

Haha...that always felt so naughty, especially because I attended a Catholic elementary school.

I usually ended up face to face with a kid like the one on the far-right of this picture. Seriously. Not sure what my problem was. I guess I liked a challenge...and bruises.

The only elements needed to play the game were a good number of kids--at least 10, and open space, preferably on soft ground like grass. Playing on asphalt usually led to someone bleeding, which sent the nuns at my Catholic elementary school into a tirade and ended recess early.

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other A to Z participants.

Over the years, Red Rover has fallen to the waste-side, plagued by the rising cost of playground/school insurances and stricter safety regulations. I am all for safety. But sometimes I believe our society places too many restrictions on given rights, the natural order of things--in this case, growing up--which ends up regulating childhood.

What's your take on the subject? Did you play Red Rover as a kid?

Naptime

2012-04-16T06:00:00.000-04:00

Sharing some motherly wisdom using the letter N.

When I (we) brought our first child home from the hospital, it didn't take me long to realize how important nap time was to him. As he grew older, I realized his nap times were even more important to me.

Once a newborn grows from infancy and into toddlerhood--meaning fully mobile without an off button--even catching a break to go to the bathroom is tough to get. So I learned to cherish my son's naps. It gave me the opportunity to catch up on housework, talk on the phone, or actually take a shower.

But once child 2, 3, and then 4 came along, nap time became null-n-void for me. It didn't matter that baby 4 and child 2 were napping. I still had child 1 and 3 to contend with, plus housework, phone calls, and organizing bills. Showers were few and far between for me for a few years. (I think there is a span of about four years where few photos can be found of me. lol) During those years, anyone aiming a camera at me did it at their own risk.

The other thing about nap times with multiple children is that the older children usually have activities that interrupt the younger ones' naps. It could be a sports activity or simply picking up the older child from preschool, which in most places is half-day. Nap time became nothing but a pain for me, totally stressing me out.

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other A to Z participants.

Mother-Writer Lesson: don't stress. The baby, as well as the older children, will adjust. Life is life, which must be enjoyed at every moment.

Writer Moms & Dads out there, what has been your experience with naptime?

(Psst...I totally spaced that this week is my kids' spring vacation from school. Sadly, I won't be able to post again until Friday. Have a great week and see you then!)

The Importance of a MUG

2012-04-13T06:00:00.000-04:00

No, not someone's ugly mug. I'm talking about a literal MUG. You know, for coffee or hot chocolate. Maybe even for tea, ice cream, chowder or soup.

There are not many particulars in this world that I am finicky about. I'm rather liberal and will compromise on almost anything. Keeping the peace is a big thing with me. But don't be hoarding on my coffee MUG or you might find yourself flat on your back with a bloody nose.

A MUG must be weighty and stern. No flimsy or delicate MUG for me. I want something to grip a hold of and take in its comfort, not worry about breaking the ceramic. I prefer a plainer MUG, too. Fancy designs or flower arrangements just don't inspire me on a MUG. Now words might. Depends what they're communicating.

Humor always works for me, even if I'm in a chick MOOD. I'd never admit it out loud, though.

The MUG has been around for centuries, and has been made from many materials such as copper, tin, bone china, cheaper ceramic, and even stone. I can't imagine drinking any hot substance from a tin or metal MUG, but who am I?

Here's my favorite MUG of all time. The sucker holds approximately 3/4 of a full pot of coffee. I am totally in love with my MUG. Do you have a favorite MUG?

CLICK to access the
other A to Z participants.

And don't forget to ENTER my giveaway: BROKEN Challenge for Author AE Rought - a book tote and your choice of a YA book!

Lastly, the WINNER of my MG or YA book package giveaway is.....

AMBER TIMSOM GARCIA!

She chose the YA package. Whoot!!

I-Toe-Mized 4 Ice-Cream

2012-04-09T06:00:00.000-04:00

I-ce cream.

U scream.

We all scream for Ice cream.

Want some? Well, take a gander through my teeny maze, while I share my Itemized list of Incredibly Insightful books. (I know today was for the letter H, but I was having a brain cramp and wrote on I.) In the comments, tell me what flavor Ice cream you found.

Save the Cat!: Blake Snyder
The Art of War for Writers: J.S.Bell
Writing the Breakout Novel: Donald Maass
Characters/Ems/VP: N. Kress
Hooked: Les Edgerton
Elements of Style: Shrunk/White
Word Power Made Easy: N. Lewis
Oxford Dictionary & Thesaurus
Plot & Structure: J.S. Bell
Bird by Bird: Anne Lamott
The Grammar Devotional: Mignon Fogarty
30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary: Funk & Lewis
Stein on Writing: Sol Stein
How to Write Attention Grabbing Query & Cover Letters: John Wood
Self-Editing for Fiction Writers: Renni Browne/Dave King
Reading Like a Writer: Francine Prose

Feel free to add to my list! I'd love to learn about more books on the craft of writing! Ooh, and what flavor did you find?

WAIT! Before you go... I must announce some winners.

A Copy of Catherine Stine's FIRESEED ONE:

Larissa Hardesty!

The three lucky Alleywalkers to win an e-copy of Patti Larsen's FAMILY MAGIC:

Michael D.

Theresa Milstein

April P.

And the grand prize - all four books in the FAMILY MAGIC collection goes to:

PK Hrezo!

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!

CLICK to access the
other A to Z participants.

And don't forget to ENTER my two giveaways: Chance to win books: either MG or YA, & my BROKEN Challenge for Author AE Rought - a book tote and your choice of a YA book!

~Sheri~
(Psst...There will be NO YATT tomorrow. I wrote six posts last week, and must catch up on writing. See you on Friday!!)

Eggstravaganza MG & YA Book Giveaway!!

2012-04-05T12:52:00.000-04:00

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other A to Z participants.

With today being all about the letter F, I figured a journey into the FREEBIES of life might prove interesting.

First, let's define FREE: enjoying personal rights or liberty; unrestrained, casual, informal; without charge.

FREEBIES: a sunset, a smile, warm breeze rustling the leaves, a breath, laughter, family, friends, physical abilities, the ability to work for what one wants... I could go on and on. On a daily basis, you probably don't reflect on such things; I know I don't. But when given the opportunity, do it. It's refreshing and reviving.

AND guess what? I have a two-part FREEBIE for you today!! Package #1 consists of Middle Grade goodies, while Package #2 is for the Young Adult in all of us--some closer than others.

MG Package

YA Package

To Enter, simply fill out the form below, checking only ONE way you shared this FREEBIE with others and indicating which giveaway you want to be entered into, either Package #1 MG or Package #2 YA. Of course, I'd love it if you'd follow me, so we can chat more but that is not required.

The Hop runs from April 6th to April 12th. I'l announce the two WINNERS on April 13th. And remember to HOP HERE too, to find others participating. There are 289 of us. Whoot! Talk about free books, swag, and lots of other fun stuff!! Have at it, folks.

ALL MY BEST & GOOD LUCK!! Thank you for visiting the Alleyway!! OOh, and don't miss out on another chance to win a FREEBIE, right HERE on Writers Ally. I'm giving away another book, while YA Author AE Rought is giving away an amazing book tote!

PS: please scroll down and check out my post supporting a great author. I had to post this earlier than I'd expected. TY!!

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Sykosa Book Blog Tour!!

2012-04-05T06:00:00.000-04:00

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other A to Z participants.

Today we celebrate the letter E. And as I was preparing for such an eventful letter, I discovered the perfect post: an EXERPT of a newly released Upper YA (18+) novel ENTITLING me to partake in the author's blog tour. I'm also over on Oasis for YA, where I've posted an interview with the author, Justin Ordoñez.

(One Important Note: I became aware that this excerpt contains harsh language and could be considered a bit racy, only after I had agreed to the blog tour. While this is no reflection on the author or story whatsoever, I've chosen to black out a few words, because this site also regularly celebrates middle grade and picture book literature. Thank you for your understanding.)

About the book: YA fiction for the 18+ crowd. Sykosa is a sixteen-year-old girl trying to reclaim her identity after an act of violence shatters her life and the lives of her friends. Set at her best friend’s cottage, for what will be a weekend of unsupervised badness, Sykosa will have to finally confront the major players and issues from this event, as well as decide if she wants to lose her virginity to Tom, her first boyfriend, and the boy who saved her from danger. Get it on Amazon.

Before the excerpt, check out what you could win!!

As part of this special promotional extravaganza sponsored by Novel Publicity, the price of the Sykosa eBook edition is just 99 cents this week. What’s more, by purchasing this fantastic book at an incredibly low price, you can enter to win many awesome prizes. The prizes include $550 in Amazon gift cards, a Kindle Fire, and 5 autographed copies of the book. All the info you need to win one of these amazing prizes is RIGHT HERE. Remember, winning is as easy as clicking a button or leaving a blog comment--easy to enter; easy to win! To win the prizes:

Purchase your copy of Sykosa for just 99 cents
Fill-out the simple form on Novel Publicity
Visit today’s featured social media event
BONUS: Leave a comment on this post*

Leave a comment, win $100: One random tour commenter will win a $100 Amazon gift card. Just leave a comment on this post, and you'll be entered to win. For a full list of participating blogs, check out the official tour page. You can enter on just my blog or on all of them. Get out there and network!

THE EXCERPT:

First period. American history.

Who knows which is worse. At this hour, it’s too early to care. Luckily, it’s never too early to xxxx and moan. And she would do so, save her teacher is already on it. He’s up at the board—in shock that not a pupil noticed how his cuff smudged all his bullet points. Like wrist trajectory were her problem. That’s a math problem. And math problems aren’t her problem for another two hours. Yawn. He’s still going on—something about full attention being on…

Her fingernails.

Fingernails, you see, are better than lectures.

Particularly these lectures. Particularly this class.

She wishes nail polish didn’t break the Academy’s Personal Code, then her fingernails could be pretty colors, and she’d feel like a pretty girl. They should let her do her nails in class. It’s no different from doodling. It also increases hygiene, and in high school, that’s nothing to scoff at. She may paint her fingernails this afternoon, just for fun, then remove it and—

Hang on. Her teacher said something will be on a test.

Never mind, she already knows it.

Anyhow, if she does do her nails, she has a problem. She doesn’t know what to do. However, she does know she doesn’t want to do something she’s already done. If she’s gonna do her nails for one night, then it’d be nice if it were a departure of some type. Alas, her brain has no ideas. Being pretty is hard! Yet, she likes it so very much. That does it. She needs to talk to Niko. For one, Niko’s her best friend. Two, Niko’s gifted in the department of being glamorous. And luckily, Niko’s her neighbor, so she drafts a note that she passes across the table.

What should I do with my fingernails?

Niko reads the note in delight, then dies of boredom.

I thought you were gonna share good gossip or something.

No, I want to do my fingernails.

Do something slutty. That’s always good for a thrill.

That’s a good idea.

Niko always has good ideas. Niko’s brilliant!

She wishes she were Niko.

And Niko wishes she were Sykosa’s breasts. That’s me, Sykosa! Well, technically, it’s my breasts. Breasts are an urgent topic for Niko, seeing as her prime puberty years have passed, and to Niko’s horror, she’s all As in the bra and all Ds on her report card. That’s harder on a girl than people think. And it’s why Niko collapses her cheek on her hand, then inconspicuously stares at those far-bigger boobs. Niko thinks she does it for a second or two. In reality, it’s seven or eight. Now, before anyone makes any assumptions, Niko’s not gay. She’s about as boy-crazy as a girl gets. To the point that she collects boyfriends as if they were Girl Scout badges.

And to be fair, this breast-staring is harmless.

Though every girl has her limits.

Hers have been exceeded. Not by Niko, but by Tom. He also has his cheek in hand, his eyes overcome by her chest—for what is maybe ten or eleven seconds.

Unlike Niko, he’s thinking of her as if she were some toy.

He may be right.

In the only snowstorm of the year, as the Academy froze under the sickly sweet smell of a dysfunctional oil furnace, she retreated behind the two bell towers of the Academy chapel. And on that very day, this very boy—in his ski jacket laden with those sticky tags they put on bags at airports—stumbled onto her smoking self and put his tongue in her mouth. It was a bold move. And it impressed her. They didn’t need to “talk.” Besides, it woulda xxxxx up the moment. I get shy fast. Accordingly, she kissed him until her heart beat so hard she became faint. It meant something. This feeling. She caught her breath. They sat beside each other. Seconds later, she wished they hadn’t stopped, so they restarted, then kept at it.

This time without the tongue.

Niko steals the note, then writes a new one.

Why is he looking at you like that? Only I’m supposed to look at you like that!

Niko’s the type who admits her faults shamelessly. While it’s slightly backward, Niko does so not as a deterrent from such behaviors, but to enable them. She rarely complains. Because that’s Niko. And somehow that excuses everything Niko does. That said, she supposes she’s predisposed to Niko’s jealously over her body, perhaps to the point of flattery. You see, this Tom-thing is nothing. Or if it is something, it’s certainly not enough of something. Not enough for her to buy a prom dress.

Why do you think he is looking at me like that?

Because you * him.

Not to delve too far into the well of note-passing dynamics, but she—and the Queens—use secret codes in case of confiscation. “*” means xxxx, in all forms and conjugations. She has not * Tom. She has not * anybody. Her lips quiver at the *. It feels like something she’ll put off until she is thirty. Simultaneously, she also feels like it could happen in the immediate future.

Sometimes she just “knows.”

Gross.

Afraid?

No!

But, she is afraid. Everything is too complicated. It should not have to be. She goes behind the chapel. He goes behind the chapel. They make out. Simple, right? It’s not. Regardless, if even that must be complicated, then certainly the concept that she wants to go to Prom, thus he should ask her to Prom and then they should go to Prom is simple, right? It’s not. You see, he has this best friend, this confidante, this main focus, this everything—and her name is not Sykosa, but Mackenzie.

Or as you will soon find out: “M.” That’s what he calls her.

About the author: Sykosa is Justin Ordoñez's life's work. He hopes to one day settle down with a nerdy, somewhat introverted woman and own 1 to 4 dogs. Visit Justin on his website, Twitter, Facebook, or GoodReads.

A BROKEN Challenge

2012-04-03T06:00:00.000-04:00

DOESN'T THIS IMAGE OF THE LETTER C
REPRESENT BROKEN TO A T?

Here for another edition of our YATT meme-Young Adult Teen Tuesday? Well, in staying true to the theme of the A to Z Challenge, YA Author AE Rought and I decided to offer you a Challenge as part II of my spotlight on her book BROKEN, recently acquired by Strange Chemistry and scheduled for release in January 2013. If you missed Ann sharing her wisdom of writing YA and her journey with BROKEN, CLICK to take a peek at my post representing the letter B.

CLICK to access the
other A to Z participants.

Have you ever felt broken or known someone who has? Have you created a character with a broken spirit, struggling to put the pieces back together? Then this CHALLENGE is for you.

Write a piece, or use an existing piece of 250 words or less, giving the reader a sense of being damaged, injured, in a state of despair, and BROKEN. I will narrow the entries down to three and Ann will choose the winner, which will be announced on Monday, April 23rd - the day representing the letter W. The winning entry will also be posted on Writers' Ally that day. The cut-off date for entries is April 17th at midnight EST.

1st THE PRIZE: a critique of your choice.

query letter
synopsis
or first five pages
Plus she's offering up an amazing book tote she creates herself. Here's the one she made for me last year. Isn't it awesome!!

To ENTER, please leave a comment below telling me you're entering and return later to post your entry in the comments. Or, if you're more comfortable, email your entry to me once it's complete. You can just hit the little envelope in my right sidebar.

I will also offer a 2nd PRIZE, either a copy of BROKEN after its release or a YA book now from Book Depository. For this, fill out the FORM below. The winner will be announced at the same time.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

For more YA, visit these YATT Meme Supporters:
Margo Berendsen
The Write Game
Julie Musil (not every wk)
Rosewood Pencil Box
Misha Gericke (not every wk)
Fairbetty's World
Concrete Pieces of Soul
The B.L.O.G (The Bizzare Life of One Girl)
A Day into the Writer
Want to take part in spotlighting young adult literature? Join our team. For more information, go HERE.

Strange Chemistry's new BROKEN by Author AE Rought

2012-04-02T06:00:00.000-04:00

CLICK to access the
other A to Z participants.

As you Alleywalkers know, the Graffiti Wall was created to celebrate children's literature in all shapes and forms from literary agents, publishing houses, editors, authors, and the books themselves. I always hold any visitor close to my heart. But today's guest shares a more personal place in my life.

She's a wife, mother, published adult author, and one of my amazing Oasis for YA sisters -friend -beta -brainstormer & everything else.

AE Rought

Author of BROKEN, to be released Jan. 2013

Can you describe yourself in five to ten words?

How about 3, and alliterative to boot? Compulsive. Creative. Compassionate.

You've been writing for some time. What provoked you to make the leap from Adult literature to YA?

When I read, it’s almost always YA—I adore the “new love” stories. When I told my adult romance CP that I wanted to try YA, she said, “Honey, you’ve always kind of written it anyway.” I stepped back and looked at my stories, and she was right. The heart of my romances is consistently that first blush/first love relationship. Where better to explore that than through a teen heart, feeling it the first time?

How has your long relationship with your agent helped you?

Gina knows me, she understands my writing compulsion. A great illustration of this: I told her once I wanted to write a light, happy romance. She giggled a little, then said, “You’ve always been dark.” Gina knows how I think, where my writer brain automatically goes, and how best to help nudge it into something amazing.

What is the biggest challenge in writing YA as opposed to Adult?

Each has its own challenges. The tensions, tones, and pacings are different. For me, I think the biggest challenge beyond an authentic teen voice has been dialing back the Heat, and letting the real emotions in the relationship grow.

Yes, I'm sure you have to 'check' yourself at times. :D

BROKEN is the first YA novel you've written to see the light of the publishing world. Can you share a bit of your journey, growth, and even frustration specific to the YA avenue?

My stories usually start with an outlandish What if? I used to be a pantser, and now, thanks to the complex subject matters of late, I’m a plotter. Pantsing just doesn’t treat the concepts well enough for me. I wrote one novel twice because I knew the core concept was kickass, but I failed in the execution. Admitting I failed was one of the biggest growth moments, I think. Frustration? Hm… Being behind the curve, I guess. I’m no good at predicting the market. I got off that train with BROKEN and wrote what I wanted, not what I thought might fit.

It is so refreshing to hear a writer say that he/she wrote what they wanted. Love that.

Here's BROKEN'S book blurb:

CLICK the P to view images
Ann has saved that represent
BROKEN to her.

A string of suspicious deaths near a small Michigan town ends with a fall that claims the life of Emma Gentry's boyfriend, Daniel. Emma is broken, a hollow shell. She and Daniel had been made for each other.

When she encounters newcomer Alex Franks, only son of a renowned widowed surgeon, she's intrigued despite herself. He is as drawn to her as she is to him. He is strangely...familiar. The closer they become, though, the more something inside her screams there's something very wrong. And when Emma stumbles across a grotesque menagerie of mangled but living animals within the walls of the Franks' estate, she knows...

What moved you to write this story and how did you develop it?

The best way I can explain this is I felt BROKEN, the dark, twisted, aching romance of it existed almost like a separate entity in me. After I finished the rewrite of that first YA, nothing else felt right. So, I called my actual Young Adult YA beta, told her what I felt, and that I had to write it. We bounced ideas around, hit the reimagining idea, so I decided to go where my agent said I write—dark—and things just started falling into place. Borrowing on a metaphysical concept and taking the tropes of Frankenstein, I roughed up the concept for BROKEN. I wanted to take the main characters and twist them till they broke. I think I succeeded with Alex and Emma.

The Publisher of BROKEN
Click the image to link

You have an amazing publisher! It's been only a short time since your two book deal announcement, but how has it been working with them thus far?

OMG, Sheri. I’m so lucky! Amanda is great. I wanted an editor who really “got” my novel, and I won the jackpot with her. Strange Chemistry is as awesome as its name. J

I'm one of your betas, so I know your other stories are grade A+. Do you plan on revisiting those? (I want you to!!)

First, thank you! Second, BROKEN is intended as a single title, so... I'll keep you informed.

Graffiti Wall question: What would your ideal grocery store checkout line look like?

Empty as a freshly dug grave. MUAhahaha. >:} But, clean, of course. Who wants their groceries with a side order of dirt?

How did I know you'd say that....

This is a personal preference, but I'm curious. What do you feel is the most important to a writer - drive, honing the craft, betas, perseverance, CPs, research, platform, cyber-presence, etc..? What makes a successful writer in the YA realm?

Bear with me…

I always do. *wink

Every writer has different skills, every writer has different needs. Perseverance? Hell yeah—if you give up, you get no where and only have yourself to blame. I would put honing your craft near the top, because without a damn good story, you’re not going to get the success we all want in this business. The tools to honing your craft? Drive, research, knowing who you’re writing to, and betas and CPs. Those people are hugely important, they’re in the trenches with you, guarding your flank, lifting you up or covering your butt. Often times, your betas and CPs help with platform and cyber-presence, too.

So, long story made short, it’s all important, but the semantics are going to be different for the individual writer.

With all you've witnessed, where do you see YA literature heading and what advice could you give to those bent on publishing young adult stories?

I’m probably not the best person to ask for “future of publishing” advice—I wasn’t thinking about publishing when I wrote BROKEN.

We’re still seeing vampires and werewolves, though not as many, and the takes and treatments are different. Fantasies and fairies continue to show up on the shelves. Dystopians are going strong and seem to be proliferating. We’re seeing more of the darker stories, more horror. My best advice is to take the path less traveled, but write what You want, and make it amazing.

Now that your book deal has been announced, what are your next steps?

Well, there are forms to fill out, and cover stuff, and edits, and proof reads... The Alley will be one of the first to know, and included in every BROKEN detail I can!

STAY TUNED for more BROKEN tomorrow, as Ann offers up a contest per our Blogging from A to Z Challenge. It's fabulous and some awesome prizes.