Lost For Words

Blog Tour: The Catastrophic History of You and Me - Jess Rothenberg - Brie This or That List

2012-02-21T21:40:00.000-05:00

Jess Rothenberg is here today with a Brie character this or that list courtesy of the Teen Book Scene blog tour for her new release, The Catastrophic History of You and Me. It just hit shelves today. You can follow along with the tour here, or by clicking through the banner. Enjoy!

Dead or Alive: I wish I’d made it to sixteen, definitely. But being D&G (Dead and Gone) isn’t all bad, especially with Patrick hanging around to keep me company. ; )

Candles or Flashlights: Bonfire at Maverick’s!

Sweet Sixteen or Over the Hill: Forever young, I wanna be forever young…

Water or Land: Learned how to swim before I learned how to walk.

Flowers or Chocolate: Wendy’s Frosty, please.

Silly or Serious: Does seriously silly count?

Jacob or Patrick: <3 them both for different reasons.

Laugh or Giggle: Giggles that sneak up on you when you least expect them and then refuse to leave.

Summer or Winter: San Francisco Summer! (Be warned, you will still need a sweater.)

Dresses or Jeans: Dresses all the way. That is, except when you’re zooming headfirst off the Golden Gate Bridge. Gets a little windy otherwise!

Thank you for sharing Brie's preferences with us, Jess! Thank you also for being here today!

Jess Rothenberg can be found on her website, her blog, and on twitter.

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Dying of a broken heart is just the beginning.... Welcome to forever.

BRIE'S LIFE ENDS AT SIXTEEN: Her boyfriend tells her he doesn't love her, and the news breaks her heart—literally.

But now that she's D&G (dead and gone), Brie is about to discover that love is way more complicated than she ever imagined. Back in Half Moon Bay, her family has begun to unravel. Her best friend has been keeping a secret about Jacob, the boy she loved and lost—and the truth behind his shattering betrayal. And then there's Patrick, Brie's mysterious new guide and resident Lost Soul . . . who just might hold the key to her forever after.

With Patrick's help, Brie will have to pass through the five stages of grief before she's ready to move on. But how do you begin again, when your heart is still in pieces?

Synopsis taken from goodreads.

Blog Tour: Griffin Rising - Darby Karchut - Tens List

2012-02-21T06:00:00.001-05:00

Darby Karchut is here today with a tens list courtesy of the Teen Book Scene blog tour for her book, Griffin Rising. Thank you for being here today, Darby! You can follow along with the tour here, or by clicking through the banner. Enjoy!

Top 10 Favorite Movies:

10. Ben-Hur

9. Raiders of the Lost Ark

8. Dances with Wolves

7. Gladiator

6. Last of the Mohicans

5. Master and Commander

4. Ladyhawke

3. Braveheart

2. Star Wars: The Phantom Menace (I have action figures.)

1. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. (I have action figures AND a lunchbox.)

Thank you for sharing your favourite movies with us, Darby; and thank you so much for being here today!

Darby Karchut can be found on her website.

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For centuries, rumors have abounded of a lowly caste of supernatural beings known as the Terrae Angeli. Armed with the power to control Earth, Fire, Wind, and Water, these warriors secretly serve as guardians for mortals in danger.But for one young angel-in-training, Griffin, life is hell as a cruel master makes his apprenticeship a nightmare. On the verge of failing, a new mentor, Basil, enters his life and changes it forever.Taking on the identity of father and son, Griffin and Basil forge a special bond where honesty and trust go hand in hand to secure Griffin's destiny as a Terrae Angeli. Griffin's belief in himself and the love of a mortal girl are the perfect combination in overcoming the darkest days of his life. But will it be enough for him to succeed? For Griffin, it's time to angel up.

Synopsis taken from goodreads.

Blog Tour: A Touch Morbid - Leah Clifford - Eden Character Interview

2012-02-20T13:14:00.000-05:00

Leah Clifford is here today with her main character, Eden, courtesy of the Teen Book Scene blog tour for her upcoming release, A Touch Morbid. Thank you for being here today, Leah! You can follow along with the tour here, or by clicking through the banner. Enjoy!

Hi Eden! Thank you for being here today to answer some of my questions!

What's the hardest part about dealing with the other territory leaders?

The drama. Ugh! It's constant! I mean, I know my life and crew aren't exactly sunshine and puppy dogs but wow. Between Kristen's grave-robbing fashion sense and well...the rest of them you learn more about in A Touch Morbid, but they are seriously messed up.

If you could define yourself in one song, what would it be and why?

Glittering Cloud by Imogen Heap. The lyrics hit too close to home sometimes.

Looking back, would you change anything if you could?

That's such a hard question. Everything that's happened has led to something else. If I was mortal, because of my path, I wouldn't have been with Az. I've been through terrible things--we all have--but if even one thing was changed, I wouldn't be where I am today.

If you could describe Az in one word, what would it be?

Captivating.

What do you hope will happen in the future for you?

I hope Luke will leave us alone. I hope the Bound will just go away. But it's not going to happen. Right now I'm just hoping Az doesn't Fall and that we all survive to see another day.

Thank you again for answering my questions, Eden!

Thank you for being here today with Eden, Leah!

Leah Clifford can be found on her website, her blog, and on twitter.

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Eden won the battle-she saved her true love from the darkest evil. But the war has only just begun. With secrets swirling around her, powerful allies unraveling, and life-and death-as she knows it eroding, Eden and those she loves tread dangerous ground. Can she trust anyone? Will her unearthly powers be her salvation or her downfall? A sweeping, dark, and sexy paranormal romance that will haunt readers with an inventive mythology and a cinematic New York City filled with shadows and longing.

Synopsis taken from goodreads.

Blog Tour: The Miseducation of Cameron Post - Emily M. Danforth - Cameron This or That List

2012-02-15T06:00:00.001-05:00

Emily M. Danforth is here today with a character this or that list for her main character, Cameron, courtesy of the Teen Book Scene blog tour for The Miseducation of Cameron Post. Thank you for being here today, Emily! You can follow along with the tour here, or by clicking through the banner. Enjoy!

Milk or honey? Milk.

Hot or cold beverages? Cold, cold, cold—the more ice the better. And if it’s crushed ice: sign me up.

Music or solitude? Music. Better yet: movie playing in background.

Country or city? For now: city.

Condo or house? House

Victorian or gothic? As in: style of architecture? As in: my taste in classic literature? As in: romantic notions of history? I have no idea. No answer. Or, better yet: neither. My pick is The Jazz Age.

Jeans or dress pants? Ha: jeans. Jeans, jeans, jeans.

Long or short hair? For me? For others? I don’t know—how about a mid-length bob, not too long, not too short. I have no idea. The less I have to think about my hair the better.

Fantasy or contemporary? Contemporary.

Dragon or centaur? Dragon. Maybe Puff the Magic Dragon.

College or university? For right now: neither.

Fearless or timid? Both, sometimes in equal parts. I am often surprised by which I exhibit, given the circumstance.

Fate or make your own way? I make my own way.

Love or lust? Love.

Peach or kiwi? Neither. Bleh: gross. What happened to cherries? What happened to pears? What happened to apples and wild raspberries and clementines? Well, maybe peach pie, if I have to pick one. But only those peaches if they’re sugared and backed up in a flaky crust. Only then.

Thank you so much for being here today, Cameron, and giving us your preferences!

Thank you also, Emily, for being here today!

Emily M. Danforth can be found on her website, and on twitter.

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When Cameron Post’s parents die suddenly in a car crash, her shocking first thought is relief. Relief she’ll never have to tell them that, hours earlier, she had been kissing a girl.

But that relief soon turns to heartbreak, as Cam is forced to move in with her conservative aunt Ruth. She knows that from this point on, her life will forever be different. Survival in Miles City, Montana, means blending in and not making waves, and Cam becomes an expert at this—especially at avoiding any questions about her sexuality.

Then Coley Taylor moves to town. Beautiful pickup-driving Coley is a perfect cowgirl with the perfect boyfriend to match. To Cam’s surprise, she and Coley become best friends—while Cam secretly dreams of something more. Just as that starts to seem like a real possibility, her secret is exposed. Ultrareligious Aunt Ruth takes drastic action to “fix” her niece, bringing Cam face-to-face with the cost of denying her true self—even if she’s not quite sure who that is.

The Miseducation of Cameron Post is a stunning and unforgettable literary debut about discovering who you are and finding the courage to live life according to your own rules.

Synopsis taken from goodreads.

Blog Tour: Dragonswood - Janet Lee Carey - Book Party

2012-01-27T08:21:00.000-05:00

Before I begin about the fun ways we’re celebrating the Dragonswood book launch, special thanks to Corrine for hosting this post!

Book Tour

We’ve been celebrating Dragonswood in a number of ways beginning with Kari’s terrific blog tour for the book on The {Teen} Book Scene (http://theteenbookscene.weebly.com/dragonswood-tour-details.html) the day after Christmas. Now here we are at Lost for Words for the last book tour post. It’s flown by so fast.

Book Birthday

On the official book birthday (January 5th) I lunched with Justina Chen (http://justinachen.blogspot.com/) award-winning author of North of Beautiful, Girl Overboard, and Nothing But the Truth: and a Few White Lies. We “dined and signed” stopping by the local bookstore for me to sign fresh copies of Dragonswood. I love the cracking sound when I open a new book for the first time. Later that day I went canoeing on Phantom Lake and spotted a bald eagle soaring overhead = perfect way to spend a book birthday.

Giving Back

We like to celebrate a new book by giving back in some way. Since Dragonswood features the endangered fairies and dragons of Wilde Island, we put Defenders of Wildlife (http://www.defenders.org/index_v2.html) on the website (http://www.janetleecarey.com) supporting the protection of endangered animals in our modern-day world.

The Party

The celebration will continue when we throw our big Dragonswood Medieval Masquerade Party at Parkplace Books on February 25th. We always throw a huge party for readers, writers, and friends with delicious eats and treats. This year along with our traditional salmon, fresh bread, and chocolates, we’ll add seaweed to the table. Why? Because Tess and her friends eat seaweed when they’re on the run from the witch hunter, so guests will be asked to nibble some. Luckily I found the perfect seaweed treat.

Here are some party photos by Heidi Pettit.

It’s traditional for folk to come in costume.

We’ll have our Dancing Dragon

Henna tattoos

Raise funds for Defenders of Wildlife. And along with dining and dancing, I’ll read a scene and sign copies of Dragonswood.

Of course the best celebration of all is a secret one. The moment a reader unknown to me picks up Dragonswood and slips into the story.

Thank you for sharing all about the book launch and party for Dragonswood, Janet!
Thank you so much for being here today!

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Wilde Island is in an uproar after the recent death of its king. The uneasy pact between dragons, fairies, and humans is fraying, and a bloodthirsty witch hunter with a hidden agenda whips villages into frenzies with wild accusations. Tess, a blacksmith’s daughter from a tiny hamlet near the mysterious Dragonswood, finds herself caught in the crosshairs of fate when she is accused of witchery and has to flee for her life along with her two best friends.

Not even Tess’s power to see the future can help the girls as they set off on their desperate journey, but she keeps having visions of a man wielding a sword. And when she finally meets him, Tess has no idea how to handle the magnetic attraction she feels for him, or the elusive call she hears from the heart of the Dragonswood.

In this epic romance, an ancient prophecy comes true in a way neither dragon, fairy, nor human would have predicted.

Synopsis taken from goodreads.

Blog Tour: Truth - Julia Karr - Sal This or That

2012-01-25T06:00:00.001-05:00

Julia Karr is here today with a character this or that list for Sal, courtesy of the Teen Book Scene blog tour for her brand new release, Truth. Thank you for being here today, Julia! You can follow along with the tour here, or by clicking through the banner. Enjoy!

cartoons or comics - Comics - he goes for the graphic novels, actually

day or night - Night - so much of what he does is covert, he likes the dark

aftershave or cologne - Aftershave - he considers cologne primping

smurfs or gnomes - Gnomes - they aren’t cute & they aren’t necessarily nice!

cats or ducks - Cats - he’s a total cat person

cd's or tapes - CDs - no time to mess with tapes

pants or shorts - Pants - definitely pants

clean shaven or mustache/goatee - Clean shaven - if he needs a mustache or goatee, he’ll use it as a disguise

reading or writing - Reading - he’s not much for writing, preferring to talk in person if he has to say something

milk or water - Water - unless that milk has cookies nearby!

tattoos or piercings - Tattoos - especially the really cool ones, like Wei’s

bananas or grapefruit - Grapefruit - bananas are too mushy

steak or vegetables - Vegetables - who would eat an animal - that’s disgusting

truth or dare - Truth - although, among friends he might be up for a dare

Thank you for sharing Sal's preferences with us, Julia! Thank you so much for being here today!

Julia Karr can be found on her website, and on twitter.

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Nina Oberon’s life has changed enormously in the last few months. When her mother was killed, Nina discovered the truth about her father, the leader of the Resistance. And now she sports the same Governing Council–ordered tattoo of XVI on her wrist that all sixteen-year-old girls have. The one that announces to the world that she is easy prey to predators. But Nina won’t be anyone’s stereotype. And when she joins an organization of girls working within the Resistance, she knows that they can put an end to one of the most terrifying secret programs the GC has ever conceived. Because the truth always comes out...and the consequences can be deadly.

Synopsis taken from goodreads.

Blog Tour: Forbidden - Megan Curd - This or That

2012-01-23T13:55:00.000-05:00

Megan Curd is here today with an author this or that list courtesy of the Teen Book Scene blog tour for her new release, Forbidden. Thank you for being here today, Megan! You can follow along with the tour here, or by clicking through the banner. Enjoy!

Sunshine or Thunderstorms? I love thunderstorms! Curling up on the couch with my son, a good book, or my xBox on a rainy day is the best. But, if it’s sunny, I’ll be floating the Chippewa River with friends if I’m in Eau Claire and it’s summer.

Hot or Cold? Cold if there’s snow involved. I love to snowboard, so I’m the weirdo who actually enjoys Wisconsin winters.

Camping or Cabin? Cabin by far. I love being outdoors and enjoying the woods, fishing, etc, but I NEED a bed. With cell phone reception and wifi if possible, lol. I’m all about being connected.

Sweet or salty? Generally salty. I love McDonald’s French fries, but if I’m in a sweet mood, give me cheesecake. I’m all about tiramisu cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory!

Magazine or newspaper? Magazine. I like getting a specific type of thing to read.

Contemporary or Fantasy? Definitely fantasy. I love being able to get away and be in a different world for a little while.

Pen or pencil? Pen. I hate the sound a pencil makes against the paper. Call me crazy, it just drives me nuts. I have to use a pen! Lol

Yogurt or Ice cream? Ice cream…I’m so bad, haha. My mom actually had some awesome ice cream I raided – pumpkin pie cheesecake! It was soooo good!

Zombie or Unicorn? Unicorns are too girly for my taste, but I am deathly afraid of zombies or any other scary thing. I used to love scary movies, but now if I watch them, my brain goes nuts afterward. My husband can’t handle me after scary movies. Every light is on in the house for like a week afterward. If a zombie apocalypse happens, I’m the first to go I hope. My heart can’t take anything else lol.

Gothic or Victorian? Can I vote steampunk? It’s a happy medium, and there’s so much cool stuff for it!

Slytherin or Ravenclaw? Ravenclaw! They’re so clever. If the zombies come after me, I want a Ravenclaw on my side. With the elder wand. And an invisibility cloak. And preferably a broom.

Movies at the theater or on dvd? I like DVDs, because they usually have extra material, and I love seeing stuff behind the scenes!

Lip gloss, or lipstick? Lip gloss. I’m a total tomboy, and I always seem to lose my lipstick anyway. Lip glosses tend to have better tastes, too. :-P (ah, the important aspects of makeup!)

Thank you for being here today, and sharing your preferences with us, Megan!

Megan Curd can be found on her website, her blog, and on twitter.

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Levi's job is to protect his human until it's their time to go. That's what a Guard does. He's done it for years on end, and he'll spend his eternity doing the same, mundane thing, following the same, mundane rules.

...Watch from afar.

...Never share your name.

...And above all, never touch a human.

What Levi doesn't know is that his newest human to protect, Hannah, just might be the catalyst to tipping the scales between good and evil, and he will be forced to decide which side he belongs to. Which friends will he side with, and who will he ultimately protect: his human, or the delicate balance that hangs on stopping the heartbeat of the person he has sworn to protect?

And, when you're already condemned, what's there to lose by breaking the rules?

THE GUARDIAN CHRONICLES: FORBIDDEN will take you into a world of Guards and Guardians, Light and Darkness. What side will you take?

Synopsis taken from goodreads.

Blog Tour: Untraceable - S.R. Johannes - Grace This or That List

2012-01-20T08:06:00.000-05:00

S.R. Johannes is here today with a character this or that list for Grace courtesy of the Teen Book Scene blog tour for her new release, Untraceable. Thank you for being here today, S.R.! You can follow along with the tour here, or by clicking through the banner. Enjoy!

Lipstick or Lip gloss? I won’t wear much makeup but if I had to choose I would say lip-gloss because it doesn’t get on your teeth.

Spring or Fall? Any season outdoors in the Smokies is beautiful. But if I had to choose, I would say fall. I love when it is crisp and cool. When I get to wear jackets and boots.

Art or Music? Music. I like in a small town so I don’t see much art. Unless you count Tommy’s wooden carvings.

Country or City? If the woods count as “country”, I say country. I am definitely not a city girl. Though I would like to visit one someday.

Guy friends or Girl friends? Do animals count? They aren’t as dramatic and don’t need much.

Music or solitude? Solitude. I don’t mind being alone. Thinking about things. I can’t think with noise. Probably why I like the woods so much.

Roughing it with a tent, or Cabin? Tent definitely. With a tent, I can go anywhere. With a cabin you are limited to places you can get to with a car. That means there are people around and you get less privacy.

Bear or Mountain Lion? If you know about my book, anyone can guess this. Definitely bears. Black bears to be more specific. Though I do know Mountain Lions are also called panthers and pumas. And the black panther is very endangered so I’d like to get close to one someday.

Rely on oneself, or on others? The only person you can always rely on 100% of the time is yourself.

Daredevil or more laidback? I don’t jump off cliffs if that is what you are asking. But I am not afraid to do what I need to do.

Books or magazines? Shelli would kill me if I didn’t say book.:) Though we only have a library in our town so I don’t get that many and magazines are a waste of trees in my opinion.

Mountains or Beaches? Mountains. It’s where I have lived my whole life

Coniferous or Deciduous? Coniferous. I love the smell of pine at the holidays.

Thank you for sharing your preferences with us, Grace! Thank you S.R. and Grace for being here today!

S.R. Johannes can be found on her website, and on twitter.

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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.

Synopsis taken from goodreads.

Blog Tour: Under the Same Sky - Genevieve Graham - When I'm Not Writing

2012-01-19T00:17:00.000-05:00

First of all, a big THANK YOU to Corrine for allowing me to pop up here on your screen and say hello. Blog Tours are wonderful. Especially for someone living in a teeny tiny town in Nova Scotia.

Corrine suggested I write about what I do when I’m not writing, and I really had to think hard on that. Because when I’m not writing, I’m editing, since I have my own editing business (www.WritingWildly.com). But that’s relatively boring. What else?

Let’s see. Well, to begin with—oh, would you mind waiting a second? My daughter needs me to find something for her …

There. When I’m not writing I enjoy—Sorry. One sec. Other daughter calling me …

I’m back! I’d say reading is my favourite past time, and—Really? Right now? Okay. Sorry. I have to go grab a book for my husband.

Sorry sorry sorry. Back to what I was saying. I love to read, but for some reason I have trouble finding enough time for that. I suppose that explains the stack of half-read books on my bedside table, though—Just a sec. Something’s boiling over. Actually, l think I smell smoke …

Anyway, my favourite author, Diana Gabaldon, says the best thing you can do as a writer is to read … everything. That way you know what to aim for, and what to avoid. I aim for her brilliance in description, wordage, humour, well, basically in everything I write. Her books inspired me to write, and the greatest compliment I have received (from a few readers) is that my main male character reminded them of her incredible Jamie Fraser.

Other than writing, editing, and reading? We have a little dog named Murphy, who likes to walk a lot, and occasionally (not often enough) we go to the beach, which is ten minutes away. We also have chickens (with whom Murphy is not allowed to visit). I, a former Torontonian, never imagined I would enjoy chickens nearly as much as I do. We have five (one recently passed away), and each of them has a different personality. I let them out of their coop almost every day (they hate rain, so they’d rather stay indoors on those days) and they make a beeline to our pile of mulch, where they roll in it like puppies. They’re perfectly at home getting a pedicure from our daughters.

Two nights a week I—*sigh* Hang on. Laundry’s beeping …

Where was I? Right. Two nights a week I teach piano to children. My university degree is in music, and while I no longer perform on my oboe, I feel fortunate that I can pass along my love and knowledge of music. With all the electronic devices kids can choose to pound on these days, it’s a miracle to hear them say, “I want to learn piano.” I honestly believe every child should be raised within a cocoon of music. Preferably classical. There is nothing quite so healing for the soul. At any age.

And I love movies. We live a fair distance from town, so we don’t go to theatres much anymore, but the library is a wonderful source for movies, as is Netflix. And once I’m snuggled up in front of a movie, nobody asks me to do anything. Maybe that’s one of the reasons I love them so much.

Above all, I love hanging around with my family. We drive each other crazy, then end up hugging and tickling and laughing. Or we have quiet times where we’re each curled up around our own favourite/most recent books, sometimes with a candle burning in the background. I’m incredibly proud of the family we’ve become.

So what do I do besides write? I guess not much …

Would you please add after my blog on Jan 18 that I will be at http://evie-bookish.blogspot.com/p/my-favorites.html on Jan 19?

Thank you so much for being here today, Genevieve! It sounds like you keep pretty busy! ;)

Genevieve Graham can be found on her website.

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The year is 1746. A young woman from South Carolina and a Scottish Highlander share an intimacy and devotion beyond their understanding. They have had visions of each other their entire lives. And yet they have never met.

Now, with their lives torn asunder, Maggie Johnson and Andrew MacDonnell's quest to find each other is guided only by their dreams—and by the belief in the true love they share.

On the Carolina frontier Maggie Johnson’s family struggles to survive. Maggie’s gift of “the sight” and her visions show her a presence she calls Wolf. She watches him grow from a boy her age to a man even as she goes from child to woman.

Andrew MacDonald has always wondered about the girl he sees in his dreams. He is able to talk to her through their thoughts and vows that even if he must cross an ocean he will find her. They are thrust into different situations: Andrew fights for the doomed Jacobite cause and Maggie is captured by slavers, then rescued and brought into a kind, loving Native American tribe. They each believe in destiny and the power of the love they have shared forever.

Synopsis taken from goodreads.

Blog Tour: May B - Caroline Starr Rose - Tens List

2012-01-13T12:20:00.000-05:00

Caroline Starr Rose is here today with a tens list courtesy of the Teen Book Scene blog tour for her new release, May B. Thank you for being here today Caroline! You can follow along with the tour here, or by clicking through the banner. Enjoy!

10 places Caroline has visited/lived.

Saudi Arabia (lived from 1977-1980)

Spain

Germany

Switzerland

France

Hong Kong / mainland China

Jamaica

Australia (lived there as an exchange student in 1989)

Mexico

England

Thanks for hosting me!

Thank you so much for sharing this list with us, Caroline! Thank you for being here today!

Caroline Starr Rose can be found on her website, and on her blog.

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I've known it since last night:

It's been too long to expect them to return.

Something's happened.

May is helping out on a neighbor's Kansas prairie homestead—just until Christmas, says Pa. She wants to contribute, but it's hard to be separated from her family by 15 long, unfamiliar miles. Then the unthinkable happens: May is abandoned. Trapped in a tiny snow-covered sod house, isolated from family and neighbors, May must prepare for the oncoming winter. While fighting to survive, May's memories of her struggles with reading at school come back to haunt her. But she's determined to find her way home again. Caroline Starr Rose's fast-paced novel, written in beautiful and riveting verse, gives readers a strong new heroine to love.

Synopsis taken from goodreads.

Blog Tour: Don't Breathe a Word - Holly Cupala - Asher This or That List & Giveaway Details

2012-01-09T06:00:00.033-05:00

Holly Cupala is here today with a character this or that list courtesy of the Teen Book Scene blog tour for her brand new release, Don't Breathe a Word. Thank you for being here today, Holly! You can follow along with the tour here, or by clicking through the banner. Enjoy!

Thanks to Corrine for inviting me to stop by on the Don’t Breathe a Word blog tour!

When Joy must escape from her safe suburban life, no one knows she is suffocating—from life-threatening asthma, from her smothering parents, and from Asher, whose words crush her from the inside out. She flees to the streets of Seattle, where she finds friends, hope, and even love.

Asher—alluring and abusive—is the power behind Joy’s imprisonment. Corrine has invited him here to see what he has to say for himself…

Rock or Hip Hop?

I’m not that into music.

But Asher had never taken me there. Music—and any feeling it might inspire—was a mystery to him, and Asher didn’t like mysteries. He liked things he could touch. Manipulate.

Coffee or Coke?

What kind of coke are you talking about?

“What do you think she’s doing?” Asher exhaled, giving her a look familiar to me—the one where she’s supposed to come to the conclusion that every word out of her mouth was equivalent to windshield spatter. When Neeta said nothing, he spelled it out patiently. “She’s trying to score with the Ave Rats.”

Tattoos or Piercings?

I don’t think I would do it myself, but I do find it interesting on other people.

Asher came close enough for me to smell his mint and nicotine. He breathed his soft breath on my neck and his words into my ear: “I don’t like what you did last night, Joy. We’re going to have to fix it.”

That’s when I knew there was no way out.

Long or Short hair?

On women? Long.

He came in close and took my jaw in his hands, so close I could taste the sugar and smoke on his breath. I almost wished he would hit me, because then I would have a reason to call for help.

Instead, he pinched a lock of my hair and let it fall through his fingers. Gently. So gently.

Committed relationship, or Dating around?

It depends.

“We met at the zoo party,” I said, slightly incredulous. Did he meet and kiss and buy bags of Nirvana stuff for so many girls that he couldn’t remember who I was? “Joy,” I said. “Joy Delamere.”

“Joy,” he repeated, this time with an intimacy that shocked me. He could do that—go from cold and distant to inside my skin in an instant.

Glass half empty, or half full?

I own the glass.

The idea behind Don’t Breathe a Word is that words have power—Joy must recognize Asher’s abuse and find her own voice. So we are running a contest: the Words Have Power Video Contest! Read more about it and enter to win awesome prizes! Also, if you or someone you know may be involved in an abusive relationship, learn more about the signs and what to do. Your words have power, too.

Thank you, Corrine, for inviting me to your blog (although I’m glad I don’t have to be in Asher’s head all the time!). I hope your readers love Don’t Breathe a Word.

Thank you so much for being here today, Holly, and sharing this glimpse into Asher's character!

Holly Cupala can be found on her website, on facebook, and on twitter.

Don't Breathe a Word is available for purchase on Amazon, Chapters, and Indiebound.

To learn more about Don't Breathe a Word, you can visit the official website here.

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Joy Delamere is suffocating...

From asthma, which has nearly claimed her life. From her parents, who will do anything to keep that from happening. From delectably dangerous Asher, who is smothering her from the inside out.

Joy can take his words - tender words, cruel words - until the night they go too far.

Now, Joy will leave everything behind to find the one who has offered his help, a homeless boy called Creed. She will become someone else. She will learn to survive. She will breathe... if only she can get to Creed before it’s too late.

Set against the gritty backdrop of Seattle’s streets and a cast of characters with secrets of their own, Holly Cupala’s powerful new novel explores the subtleties of abuse, the meaning of love, and how far a girl will go to discover her own strength.

Synopsis taken from goodreads.

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Giveaway Details

Harper has been kind enough to give Holly enough copies of Don't Breathe a Word to do a prize per day of the tour!

*There will be one book given per day, drawn weekly. Everything entered by Saturday night will be put into a drawing on Sunday.

*The points DO accumulate, meaning entries put in for week one are still going to count for the drawings in weeks 2 and 3. (This is to reward those of you who follow/enter from the start, and doesn't punish you later because your entries are more spread out.)

ENTRIES:

*There is one automatic entry.

*For every post someone comments on, it is one entry.

*You will have to link to the blog post you commented on.

*There is an extra entry if you tweet, facebook, do a blog post or somehow include it on your blog. It is one for each of these, but only 1 per type (meaning you can't tweet every day and get points for it... its just one tweet)

*You need to fill out the form EACH time you do something to enter. If there is no link, the entry does not count (beyond the first initial entry, that you can just enter to win from.)

There will be ONE international winner a week, assuming an international person gets drawn. If the winner is international, you will be getting a copy from The Book Depository.

US/Canada copies will be mailed from Holly and those copies will be signed.

The final drawing will held Sunday, January 15, and will include all entries through midnight CST Saturday, January 14.

You can enter through this FORM.

Blog Tour: Cracked - K.M. Walton - Word Association

2012-01-05T06:00:00.001-05:00

K.M. Walton is here today with a Word Association post courtesy of the Teen Book Scene blog tour for her book, Cracked. Thank you for being here today, K.M.! You can follow along with the tour here, or by clicking through the banner. Enjoy!

Thank you for having me here today, Corrine. This word association was actually quite fun to fill out!!

Red – Christmas, my favorite holiday. Giving gifts makes me happy.

Glee – talent

Milk – leads to ice cream

Words – matter

Horses – beautiful creatures

Country – side, as in the Irish countryside. My favorite place on Earth.

Chris Hemsworth - Thorlicsous

Tour – Radiohead, and I want them to go on one.

Fearless – Anderson Cooper. I love everything he stands for.

Kitchen – family, that’s where my family always congregates.

Suspense – LOST, I don’t think any television show will ever be able to top the brilliant suspense in that series.

Buffy – I know she’s a vampire slayer and all but, I never watched this series. So “Buffy” makes me think of a 1984 Valley Girl with teased bangs and neon earrings, saying, “Ew, gag me with a spoon.”

Maple – syrup, which should always be real because real is just better.

Apple – pie, I make a mean one from scratch.

Thank you for being here today K.M.!

K.M. Walton can be found on her website, her blog, and on twitter.

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Sometimes there's no easy way out.

Victor hates his life. He has no friends, gets beaten up at school, and his parents are always criticizing him. Tired of feeling miserable, Victor takes a bottle of his mother's sleeping pills—only to wake up in the hospital.

Bull is angry, and takes all of his rage out on Victor. That makes him feel better, at least a little. But it doesn't stop Bull's grandfather from getting drunk and hitting him. So Bull tries to defend himself with a loaded gun.

When Victor and Bull end up as roommates in the same psych ward, there's no way to escape each other or their problems. Which means things are going to get worse—much worse—before they get better….

Synopsis taken from goodreads.

Creative Spirit - Scott Nicholson

2011-12-31T17:29:00.000-05:00

"Scott Nicholson explores the dark legends of the southern end of the Appalachian mountain chain, a nightmare country that ends in Stephen King's yard."-- Sharyn McCrumb, author of The Ballad novels

CREATIVE SPIRIT

A paranormal thriller by Scott Nicholson

After parapsychologist Anna Galloway is diagnosed with metastatic cancer, she has a recurring dream in which she sees her own ghost at Korban Manor. She’s compelled to visit the historic estate to face her destiny and the fate of her soul.

Sculptor Mason Jackson has come to the manor to make a final, all-or-nothing attempt at success before giving up his dreams. When he becomes obsessed with carving Ephram Korban's form out of wood, he is swept into a destructive frenzy that even Anna can’t pull him from.

The manor itself has secrets, with fires that blaze constantly in the hearths, portraits of Korban in every room, and deceptive mirrors on the walls. With an October blue moon looming, both the living and the dead learn the true power of their dreams.

View or sample it at Amazon US, Amazon UK, Kobo, Smashwords, BN.com, or Goodreads. Look for Liquid Fear and Chronic Fear from Amazon’s Thomas & Mercer imprint.

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CREATIVE SPIRIT is Scott Nicholson’s revised edition of the 2004 U.S. paperback THE MANOR. Scott is Kindle bestselling author of 12 novels, including THE RED CHURCH, DISINTEGRATION, LIQUID FEAR, and SPEED DATING WITH THE DEAD. Connect with Scott on Facebook, Goodreads, LibraryThing, Twitter, blogspot, website or Amazon page.

Sins of the Angels - Linda Poitevin - Review

2011-12-29T01:30:00.000-05:00

A detective with a secret lineage. An undercover Hunter with a bullet-proof soul. And a world made to pay for the sins of an angel…

Homicide detective Alexandra Jarvis answers to no one. Especially not to the new partner assigned to her in the middle of a gruesome serial killer case—a partner who is obstructive, irritatingly magnetic, and arrogant as hell.

Aramael is a Power—a hunter of the Fallen Angels. A millennium ago, he sentenced his own brother to eternal exile for crimes against humanity. Now his brother is back and wreaking murderous havoc in the mortal realm. To find him, Aramael must play second to a human police officer who wants nothing to do with him and whose very bloodline threatens both his mission and his soul.

Now, faced with a fallen angel hell-bent on triggering the apocalypse, Alex and Aramael have no choice but to join forces, because only together can they stop the end of days.

Synopsis taken from goodreads.

Title: Sins of the Angels (Grigori Legacy #1)

Author: Linda Poitevin

Genre: Adult Fiction, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy

Publisher: Ace Books

Publication Date: September 27, 2011

Format: E-ARC

Source: Received from publicist. Many thanks goes to Brady from Penguin US for sending me a copy of this book for review. I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review.

Look for it: Amazon, Book Depository, Chapters

My rating: 4/5

Sins of the Angels is aptly named as the world is set to pay in blood for the sins of one angel in particular. Aramael is sent to hunt the Fallen Angel wreaking havoc on earth, and goes undercover as a police officer to assist in the hunt for said angel. Alexandra Jarvis is one of the lead detectives on the case, and is highly annoyed when she learns that she has acquired a new partner midway through the investigation. She does not realize that the case has a supernatural angle, and it will take more than the entire police force to stop this killer.

Sins of the Angels ramps up the action, and keeps us guessing as to how different characters are tied into the story. Motives vary, and it is hard to decipher just which side of the playing field some of the characters are on. Alexandra Jarvis is a tough detective used to relying on no one. She is a believable character, and I enjoyed reading her story, even when she balked at various points throughout the novel. The interaction between her and her new partner, Jacob Trent, led to some interesting scenes. She doesn't want a partner and he doesn't want a partner, but they are forced to work together.

The action keeps the plot flowing rapidly, and the reader will inhale the book until they finish it. It is that captivating. There is a romantic sub-plot as well. Watching the two characters fight their feelings was intriguing especially knowing that said feelings should not exist. I'm curious to see what happens in the rest of the series, as the world could be irrevocably changed by said feelings. Trent or Aramael is also an engaging character. Watching him fight his emotions, and fulfill his duty to hunt down the Fallen Angels adds another dimension to the read. Knowing who the killer is and his relationship to Aramael also adds another twist to the story.

Certain descriptions and scenes are particularly gruesome, and realistically portrayed. The killer is methodical, and his lack of caring make the scenes all the more chilling.

Though there is a romantic sub-plot in the novel, it ramps up from barely there to all-consuming in moments without really spending time in between those stages. With the twist thrown in though, I'll be waiting to see what happens next between the characters, especially since there is the potential for a love triangle to develop in the next few books.

All in all, a bold and brilliant new read to add to the roster of great urban fantasy reads. Those new to the genre, and those who voraciously read the genre will enjoy this new author. Sins of the Angels may have left us with more questions than answers, but I'm sure Sins of the Son will answer some of them for us. I know I'll be reading it as soon as it comes out. Poitevin is one to add to the must read list.

Blog Tour: Under the Never Sky - Veronica Rossi - Author Book Picks

2011-12-28T06:00:00.002-05:00

Veronica Rossi is here today with an author book picks post courtesy of the Teen Book Scene blog tour for her soon to be released book, Under the Never Sky. Thank you for being here today, Veronica! You can follow along with the tour here, or by clicking through the banner. Enjoy!

Thanks for having me on the blog! I'm a huge fan of Kristin Cashore's books, so I'm really looking forward to BITTERBLUE. DAUGHTER OF SMOKE AND BONE by Laini Taylor was one of the best books I read this year. I absolutely adored Karou and Akiva.

Recently I've been reading books by fellow debut authors. I've read BORN WICKED, EVERNEATH, INCARNATE, to name a few. 2012 is going to be an incredible year for books.

There's a strong part of me that has always loved epic stories with richly imagined worlds and a host of diverse characters. Lord of the Rings, The Game of Thrones, Harry Potter.... I can't get enough of those series.

As for my characters, I think both Perry and Aria would enjoy THE HUNGER GAMES for tough characters who know how to survive at all costs. I'd actually love to see how they'd fare in the games, if they'd been chosen as tributes. I think they'd both do pretty well.

Thanks so much for having me!

You are more than welcome! Thank you for being here today, Veronica!

Veronica Rossi can be found on her website, her blog, and on twitter.

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Aria is a teenager in the enclosed city of Reverie. Like all Dwellers, she spends her time with friends in virtual environments, called Realms, accessed through an eyepiece called a Smarteye. Aria enjoys the Realms and the easy life in Reverie. When she is forced out of the pod for a crime she did not commit, she believes her death is imminent. The outside world is known as The Death Shop, with danger in every direction.

As an Outsider, Perry has always known hunger, vicious predators, and violent energy storms from the swirling electrified atmosphere called the Aether. A bit of an outcast even among his hunting tribe, Perry withstands these daily tests with his exceptional abilities, as he is gifted with powerful senses that enable him to scent danger, food and even human emotions.

They come together reluctantly, for Aria must depend on Perry, whom she considers abarbarian, to help her get back to Reverie, while Perry needs Aria to help unravel the mystery of his beloved nephew’s abduction by the Dwellers. Together they embark on a journey challenged as much by their prejudices as by encounters with cannibals and wolves. But to their surprise, Aria and Perry forge an unlikely love - one that will forever change the fate of all who live UNDER THE NEVER SKY.

The first book in a captivating trilogy, Veronica Rossi’s enthralling debut sweeps you into an unforgettable adventure.

Synopsis taken from goodreads.

Blog Tour: Asha in Time - Mandy Nachampassack-Maloney - Author Interview

2011-12-26T06:00:00.001-05:00

Mandy Nachampassack-Maloney is here today with an author interview courtesy of the Teen Book Scene blog tour for her new release, Asha in Time. Thank you for being here today, Mandy! You can follow along with the tour here, or by clicking through the banner. Enjoy!

If you could live in any time period in history, which would you prefer and why?

I think I’d choose regency England but only if I could be a Lady at court and near the Virgin Queen. To be around a woman that was pioneering a new independent reign, new religion, and new devotion to the arts would be wonderful. Still, living the life of an average person where sanitation was a low priority and women married in their early teens- no thanks. Pass on that.

What one song defines the world as you see it?

“She’s Crazy But That’s Alright With Me”- Cross Canadian Ragweed

If you were dropped within the pages of Asha in Time, what would you do first?

I’d have to head over to the Temple of Isis to watch everything unfold and probably to scrounge up even the most menial of jobs. I’m not qualified in anything that would make a woman a good priestess.

There are two doors before you. One opens to Narnia, the other to Hogwarts. Which do you go through?

Hogwarts! Oh man, wouldn’t that be wonderful. Would Harry still be there? If so, I’m doubly in.

Can you give us a description of Asha in Time in haiku?

One young girl in Egypt

Must find her way and herself

And find her own throne

Thank you for answering my questions, and for being here today, Mandy!

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She was special. Her parents knew that; though it was not her sable hair, her wide amber eyes, but the fact that she had memories of things she could not possibly know. She remembered the palace of ancient Thebes, the palace pharaohs and queens had walked in. Finally, on her thirteenth birthday, she would find out where her memories were born. She would return to ancient Egypt to get her answers, but she had no idea that he was waiting for her.

She'll have to use all her wits and wiles to find her way in Egypt and into his heart without destroying herself.

Synopsis taken from goodreads.

Around the World in 80 Kisses - The International Kissing Club - Ivy Adams - Word Association & Giveaway

2011-12-24T15:11:00.001-05:00

Ivy Adams is here today with a Word Association post courtesy of the Teen Book Scene blog tour for their new book, The International Kissing Club. Thank you for being here today, Ivy! You can follow along with the tour here, or by clicking through the banner. Enjoy!

Around the World in 80 Kisses Smooch Stop #27

Smooch: Hugs and Kisses

Besmirch: A 1980s historical romance novel

Chris Evans: Silver Surfer (my boys love that movie) and Oooh, pretty

Avengers: Chris Hemsworth (Oooh, pretty)

International: Paris (one of my favorite places on earth)

4-H: Piper kissing a 4-H pig

Cookies: Snickerdoodles

Cows: Happy Cows come from California

Siamese: The King and I (One of my favorite musicals when I was a kid)

Running: Ugh

Writing: Bright, Shiny Idea (I write best when I have another shiny idea waiting for me)

Twelve: Days of Christmas

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious: Just a Spoonful of Sugar

Music: Pearl Jam

Wind: Four elements

Dragons: The dragonshifter romance series I write under a different name

Boys: Oooh, pretty

Thanks so much for hosting us today. Now it’s my turn to ask a question for the daily giveaway: What comes to mind with the word snowflake?

Tell me in the comments below (and leave your email so we can contact you) to be entered to win the Around the World In 80 Kisses daily and weekly prize and also become eligible to win the Grand Prize, a Kindle Fire. For a list of all our Smooch Posts you can visit and earn more entries to win, visit us here.

Tracy Deebs along with Emily McKay and Shellee Roberts writes under the psuedonym Ivy Adams. They shop, gossip and watch movies in Austin, Texas.

Thank you so much for being here today ladies!

The authors writing as Ivy Adams can be found at their website, The International Kissing Club.

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Piper, Cassidy, Mei, and Izzy have been best friends their whole lives. And they've always agreed on one goal: to get out of tiny Paris, Texas, and see the world. The school's foreign exchange program seems like the perfect escape: Piper will go to the original Paris; Mei will go to China; Cassidy will go to Australia; and Izzy, unable to afford the program, will stay at home. To add spice to their semester away, and to stay connected to their best friends, the girls start The International Kissing Club, a Facebook page where they can anonymously update one another and brag about all the amazing guys they're meeting. After all, these girls are traveling abroad: amazing guys abound at every turn! But sometimes fun, flirty vacation flings turn into more serious romances, and sometimes you don't return from abroad the same person you were. Will the girls' relationships-and their friendships-be able to survive?

Synopsis taken from goodreads.

Blog Tour: In My Dreams - Cameo Renae - Lizzy Character This or That

2011-12-21T06:00:00.001-05:00

Cameo Renae is here today with a character this or that list courtesy of the Teen Book Scene blog tour for her book, In My Dreams. Thank you for being here today, Cameo! You can follow along with the tour here, or by clicking through the banner. Enjoy!

Tomboy or Girly-girl? I’d say girly-girl, because I’m definitely not a tomboy.

Hair straightener or blow dryer? Hair straightener. I fumble too much with the blow dryer.

Lip gloss or Lipstick? Lip gloss.

Chocolate or Cookies? Chocolate! That one was easy… unless it is a hot, gooey, chocolate-chip cookie right out of the oven.

Hot beverages or cold beverages? Hot. It’s usually too cold in Alaska for cold drinks anyway.

Horses or Rabbits? Rabbits. Cute, fluffy and cuddly. Need I say more?

Pop/Rock or Hip Hop? Pop/Rock

Country or City? Always have and always will be a country girl.

Books or magazines? Books, for sure. And here’s a personal recommendation… In My Dreams by Cameo Renae. My life’s story. It’s pretty awesome… and pretty sad.

Sweet or Salty? I love every sweet thing.

Ethnic food, or down home meals? Down home meals, which I didn’t get a lot of growing up.

Daredevil or responsible? I am totally responsible. Michael was the daredevil.

Guy friends or girl friends? Girl friends. Especially now that Michael is gone. :’(

Thanks Corrine for letting me visit!

Thank you for being here and answering my questions today, Lizzy! Thank you also to Cameo for being here!

Cameo Renae can be found on her website, and on her blog.

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It was happening again. The dreams. The nightmares. It was something seventeen year-old Elizabeth "Lizzy" Hayes thought she'd outgrown; dreams that would come true; detailed premonitions of how people would die. This time she dreams about her boyfriend, Michael Young, and soon discovers that he's been found... dead.

Michael hasn't crossed over because he was murdered, and now his murderer is coming for Lizzy. His spirit won't rest until she is safe, and as a newbie spirit, the easiest way for him to make contact is through Lizzy's dreams. When she dreams, it's as if he hasn't died.

Lizzy must learn to pull on her inner strength to survive horrifying events. Meanwhile, in the spirit world, Michael learns everything he can about his supernatural gifts to help. But will it be enough to save her?

Synopsis taken from goodreads.

Blog Tour: The Girl is Murder - Kathryn Miller Haines - Character Book Picks & Giveaway

2011-12-16T06:00:00.000-05:00

Kathryn Miller Haines is here today with a Character Book Picks post courtesy of the Teen Book Scene blog tour for her new book, The Girl is Murder. Thank you for being here today, Kathryn! You can follow along with the tour here, or by clicking through the banner. Enjoy!

Iris loves two things: detective fiction and comics. In terms of books of her day, she loved Nancy Drew, though she’s getting too old for it now and, frankly, who wants to read about a perfect girl with a perfect life (and a cute little roadster) when your own world is falling apart? She reads Archie comics, but her fondness for them is fading for the same reasons: Archie and his friends are living the perfect high school experience, where bullies are punished, everyone is included, and the biggest trauma anyone faces is whether or not the guy they really like is going to ask them to the big dance.

That’s not Iris’s world anymore.

What she wants to read are dark stories. Eventually she’ll discover Raymond’s Chandler’s Phillip Marlowe and Dashiell Hammett’s Sam Spade, a cat so cool Humphrey Bogart will play him in The Maltese Falcon, and the novels of James M. Cain, whose dangerous femme fatales (Cora in Postman Always Rings Twice, Phyllis in Double Indemnity, Veda in Mildred Pierce) prove what Iris has long suspected: that being a woman doesn’t mean you’re morally superior.

And if she’s trading in Nancy Drew for darker detective fiction, she’s also exchanging Archie comics for Pulp magazines like True Detective, Dime Detective, and Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine. These quick tales with the lurid illustrations will help her hone her skills and strengthen her stomach.

Thank you for sharing Iris' book picks with us today, Kathryn! Also, thank you for being here today!

Kathryn Miller Haines can be found on her website, and on her blog.

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Iris Anderson is only 15, but she's quickly mastering the art of deception in this YA novel for fans of Veronica Mars. It's the Fall of 1942 and Iris's world is rapidly changing. Her Pop is back from the war with a missing leg, limiting his ability to do the physically grueling part of his detective work. Iris is dying to help, especially when she discovers that one of Pop's cases involves a boy at her school. Now, instead of sitting at home watching Deanna Durbin movies, Iris is sneaking out of the house, double crossing her friends, and dancing at the Savoy till all hours of the night. There's certainly never a dull moment in the private eye business.

Synopsis taken from goodreads.

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Giveaway Details

Kathryn Miller Haines has graciously provided Lost For Words with a copy of The Girl is Murder to give away.

Thank you, Kathryn!

Giveaway is US only.

Giveaway will end December 23, 2011.

Please fill out this FORM to enter. Comments, while appreciated, won't be counted as entries.

Thank you!

Blog Tour: Happy Birthday to Me - Brian Rowe - Teenage Garage Sale

2011-12-15T17:14:00.000-05:00

Brian Rowe is here today with a Teenage Garage Sale post courtesy of the Teen Book Scene blog tour for his Happy Birthday to Me book trilogy. Thank you for being here today, Brian! You can follow along with the tour here, or by clicking through the banner. Enjoy!

“Halloween” VHS Tape: DVDs were all the rage in my teenage years, but I was still hoarding a few special VHS tapes from my childhood. The original Halloween is my favorite horror movie of all time, and in the early 2000’s, I still owned the old VHS tape, even though I didn’t even have a VHS player anymore! $20.

Clearasil: Because my acne was out of control from the age of 14 to 17. It finally calmed down after high school. And that was a very, very good thing. $0.25.

Goosebumps Box Set: Up until about age 14, I loved loved loved R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps series. But I don’t remember ever cracking one open once high school started for me, back in 1999. I probably owned at least 50 of the books at the time. $50.

Half-Opened Hair Gel: I had a tube of gel from eighth grade that reminded me of a former girlfriend everytime I smelled it. I eventually threw it in the trash, because I couldn’t take the pain anymore. But I probably should’ve tried to make a nickel off it by selling it at a garage sale. $0.50.

My Car: $1,000,000.

Last Action Hero DVD: the first DVD of a movie I ever owned. I still have it all these years later. The DVD menu is so archaic it’s tragic. But it’s a piece of history! $10.

Spice Girls – Spice & Spice World: I’m not afraid to admit I enjoyed Spice Girls music when I was 13 and 14. But come freshman year of high school, I probably would’ve tried to get rid of the CDs in any way possible. $5.

Floss: $0.01.

Box of Pumpkin Puree Cans: ever since I tried pumpkin ice cream at the Nut Tree outside of Sacramento,California, when I was six, I’ve been obsessed with pumpkin foods, and I always buy way more cans of pumpkin puree in October to December than I should. $8.

Michael Myers Mask: Going back to my love for Halloween, I bought the Michael Myers mask when I was 13. By the time I was 15, the mask had been pretty worn out and torn. I probably should have sold it around then. But here we are, fourteen years later, and I still have it in my closet! Long live Halloween, Michael Myers, and Dr. SamLoomis. $15.

Thank you for sharing these items from your 'garage sale' days and for being here today, Brian!

Brian Rowe can be found on his blog, and on twitter.

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Seventeen-year-old Cameron Martin has a huge problem: he’s aging a whole year of his life with each passing day!

High school is hard enough; imagine rapidly aging from seventeen to seventy in a matter of weeks, with no logical explanation, and with prom, graduation, and the state championship basketball game all on the horizon. That’s what happens to Cameron, a popular pretty boy who's never had to face a day looking anything but perfect.

All Cameron wants to do is go back to normal, but no one, not even the best doctors, can diagnose his condition. When he finds love with a mysterious young woman, however, he realizes his only hope for survival might be with the one person who started his condition in the first place...

Synopsis taken from goodreads.

Blog Tour: Blood on the Pen - David W. Huffstetler - Author Interview

2011-12-12T06:00:00.000-05:00

David Huffstetler is here today with an author interview courtesy of the Tribute Books blog tour for his book, Blood on the Pen. Thank you for being here today, David! You can follow along with the tour here. Enjoy!

Can you give us a description of Blood on the Pen in haiku?

Autumn of terror

By a killer they don’t know

Can they survive it?

If you found yourself in Jack and Elsie’s world, what would you do first?

Get the heck out of Texas. Well, maybe not, but their world is more than chasing a psychopathic killer. Their relationship gets more complicated, perhaps more special, by the day, so I might spend some time with a therapist. Of course, Jack already has one.

What one song describes the world as you see it?

I assume this means Jack and Elsie’s world, and it isn’t a song so much as it is a verse from a song. When I listen to Ed Ames, yes I said Ed Ames, sing Try to Remember, I am stricken by the line that says, “Without the hurt the heart is hollow.” It captures the pain of life, but also the hope, that eternal breath that says the pain comes from something deeper. If the people we care about weren’t so important to us, then it wouldn’t hurt so much to lose them, and you can’t have one emotion without the other.

If Murphy’s law applied to you, what scenario would you most likely encounter?

I only accept Murphy’s law in part. Bad things can happen, and they can happen at the worst time, but they don’t always happen. If it did apply to me, then the devastating bad thing would be for something to happen to my family. My writing is important to me, but the possibility a bad review or finding someone who can’t wait to trash your work on in a chat room is part of the price you pay when you step into this world.

Do you have any quirks about writing?

Quirks? Why, whatever do you mean? I like to be alone when I write. Some writers like to have a drink or play music, but not me. Perhaps a cup of coffee, but all I really want is to be left with my characters, so we can talk.

You’ve made the newspaper headline. What does it say? What don’t you want it to say?

Extra, Extra, Strange Author Writes About Love and Murder in Texas.

What I don’t want it to say is, Huffstetler’s Work Mediocre, Predictable.

Thank you for being here today, and answering my questions David!

David W. Huffstetler can be found on his website, his blog and on facebook.

Blood on the Pen can be found as an ebook on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Wild Child Publishing.

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Jack Harden is a modern-day Texas Ranger haunted by his wife's death a year ago.

But when a murderer strikes, he is called into duty. Now he must battle the urge to kill the drunk driver responsible for her death and the hunger to kill himself as he hunts for a serial killer who wants him dead.

Elsie Rodriguez is assigned to report on the murders for her newspaper and ordered to stay with Jack Harden. He's old school, tough, and doesn't want her there, but, despite his gruff manner, the big Ranger triggers something inside her. Something more than just her Latin temper.

Can she pull him back from the edge of sanity? Or will death win again?

Synopsis taken from goodreads.

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Educated in Dallas, North Carolina, David Huffstetler holds degrees in Engineering and Business Administration. He has worked in the area of human relations and spent fourteen years weaving through the maze of politics, including participating in a Federal Law suit as Chairman of the Workers’ Compensation Commission, with a sitting governor over issues of separation of powers. David has served on Boards of Directors for numerous professional organizations including Crime Stoppers, SC Workers’ Compensation Educational Association, SC Safety Council, the SC Fire Academy, and the Governor’s Advisory Committee on Workers’ Compensation. He has advised governors and legislators on matters of public policy and legislation. His wealth of experience is broad and brings deep insight to his writing.

David’s work as a senior manager with a major industrial concern took him to international venues and exposures that helped feed his urge to write Disposable People, a dramatic expose of the working conditions and politics that engulf undocumented workers. Disposable People is a top-ten “Suggested Book” at Tufts University in Boston, MA.

He turned the frustrations and rejection that plagues thousands of yet-to-be-published authors into the heralded mystery/thriller Blood on the Pen, with a serial killer disposing of literary agents. David, an avid history buff, led him to write Dead in Utah, the story of Joe Hill, the controversial musician and union organizer accused of a double murder in 1914.

His books receive praise from mystery readers across the globe.

As an editor, David edited a treatise on the South Carolina workers’ compensation laws, as well as, Shannon Faulkner’s novel Fire and Ice. Shannon was the first female cadet at the Citadel. She received national publicity for her federal lawsuit and was a guest on Good Morning America.

As an editor, public speaker, and seasoned professional, David has appeared on television and radio, and has lectured on the East Coast, California, Canada and Mexico.

David currently lives in Lexington, South Carolina with his wife, Trudy.

Blog Tour: Can You Survive: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - Ryan Jacobson - Teenage Garage Sale & Giveaway

2011-12-07T06:00:00.001-05:00

Ryan Jacobson is here today with a Teenage Garage Sale post courtesy of the Teen Book Scene blog tour for his brand new release, Can You Survive: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. Thank you for being here today, Ryan! You can follow along with the tour here. Enjoy!

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Welcome to my teenaged garage sale. I’m something of a pack rat, so I could probably really have this sale. (Hmm, maybe next summer.) I’ll try not to embarrass myself too much, but here are some of the must-have items you’ll find:

1. Transformers & G.I. Joe toys. I confess: I played with toys WAY too long. When my friends started going to movies and hanging out at the local pizza place/arcade, I stayed home with my Transformers and G.I. Joes.

2. Comic books. I will always love comic books. Back then, my favorites were Batman, Daredevil and Iron Man. I’m kind of over Daredevil and Iron Man, but my collection of Batman comics is still going strong.

3. Football cards. I was obsessed with football in general and collecting football cards in particular. I mixed in a little baseball and basketball here and there, but I was all about football.

4. Minnesota Vikings paraphernalia. If football was my game, the Vikings were my team. My entire bedroom was decked out in Vikings posters, magazines, autographed cards, calendars, toys and more.

5. Sports Illustrated. I had a subscription for most of my teenaged years and never threw a single issue away.

6. Tasmanian Devil T-shirts. My high school wardrobe consisted almost exclusively of jeans and Tasmanian Devil T-shirts. No kidding, I think I wore a Taz shirt almost every day. In completely unrelated news, I never had much luck with the ladies.

7. Track & Field ribbons. By seventh grade, my body was the size of a full-grown adult. I was the star athlete of my middle school. Too bad everyone else had to go and catch up with me by high school.

8. Bon Jovi cassettes. Come on, what child of the ’80s didn’t have Bon Jovi on tape?

9. Ninja costume. Yes, I was in a ninja club. Yes, it ended with a ride in a police car. No, I won’t say any more about that.

10. Miami Vice coat. I had this obnoxiously yellow coat that looked like something Sonny Crockett would wear. I felt so awesome in it, but it was a hand-me-down from my older brother. So I think I was probably three years too late for that look.

11. Alto saxophone. I was in band, and as much as I pretended to hate it, I actually quite

liked it.

12. Notebooks. I still have most of my old notebooks. They’re pretty fun to look through once in a while, as they’re filled with doodles, cheesy poems and far too many love letters that were never delivered. [Sigh.]

Thank you for sharing items from your teenage years with us today, Ryan! Thank you for being here as well!

Ryan Jacobson can be found on his website, on his blog, and on twitter.

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He's the world's most famous detective, and thanks to this brilliantly adapted book, he's you! The cases, the clues, the suspects, they're yours to sort through in this exciting Choose Your Path book. You are Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes. You make the choices. But be careful; the wrong decision could lead to your doom.

Synopsis taken from goodreads.

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Giveaway Details

Ryan Jacobson has graciously provided Lost For Words with a copy of Can You Survive: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Adventures of Sherlock Holmes for giveaway.

Thank you, Ryan!

Giveaway is open to US only.

Giveaway will end December 14, 2011.

Please fill out this FORM to enter. Comments, while appreciated, won't be counted as entries.

Thank you!

Blog Tour: Shattered Souls - Mary Lindsey - Guest Post: Writing Method

2011-12-06T07:00:00.001-05:00

Mary Lindsey is here today with a post on her writing method courtesy of the Teen Book Scene blog tour for her soon to be released, Shattered Souls. Thank you for being here today, Mary! You can follow along with the tour here, or by clicking through the banner. Enjoy!

Method Acting Applied to Characterization in Fiction

I’ve been asked if I use a particular method to write. Coming from a theatre background, “method” means something different to me.

I was trained in the Stanislavsky Method of acting, and I’ve discovered that some of the principles of the system apply to developing richer characters in novels.

Method acting derived from the system created by the Russian actor, Constantine Stanislavski in the late 1800’s. “Method” acting was popularized in the U.S. in the 1930’s and advanced by Lee Strasberg at the Actors Studio from the 1940’s until his death in 1982.

In Stanislavski’s system, actors deeply analyze motivations and emotions of their character in order to personify them with psychological realism and emotional authenticity.

The character has to come from somewhere or something within the actor—or in this case, the author—in order to be believable.

I won’t bore you with an essay on Method Acting, but I’ll give you an example of how it changed a scene once I got into my own head and memories before going into my main character’s.

In the opening of the book, Lenzi, the protagonist is approached by the spirit of a dead child in the school bathroom. After escaping the locked stall and finding the main bathroom door locked, Lenzi does something entirely different than she did originally: she slides down the door, curls in a ball, and rocks.

When I first wrote it, I had her bang, scream and fight her way through her fear. But after I put the scene through a couple of acting exercises (internal mental and emotional ones—I didn’t scream and bang on my door), I realized her reaction was more intense and believable if she withdrew for a moment. I based this on an experience I had in Kindergarten when I got locked in a school locker for many hours.

So, although each book dictates a different approach and organization, my consistent tool when writing is the emotional and sense memory recall exercises I used on stage. It adds a richness to the characters that makes them more believable to me as well as the readers.

Thank you so much, Corrine, for having me on you blog today!

Thank you for sharing a glimpse of your writing method, Mary! Also, thank you so much for being here today!

Mary Lindsey can be found on her website.

Shattered Souls can be found on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Penguin, and Goodreads.

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A thrilling debut story of death, love, destiny and danger.

Lenzi hears voices and has visions - gravestones, floods, a boy with steel gray eyes. Her boyfriend, Zak, can't help, and everything keeps getting louder and more intense. Then Lenzi meets Alden, the boy from her dreams, who reveals that she's a reincarnated Speaker - someone who can talk to and help lost souls - and that he has been her Protector for centuries.

Now Lenzi must choose between her life with Zak and the life she is destined to lead with Alden. But time is running out: a malevolent spirit is out to destroy Lenzi, and he will kill her if she doesn't make a decision soon.

Synopsis taken from goodreads.

Blog Tour: Good Graces - Lesley Kagen - Author Interview

2011-12-06T03:00:00.000-05:00

Lesley Kagen is here today with an author interview courtesy of the Tribute Books blog tour for her book, Good Graces. Thank you for being here today, Lesley! You can follow along with the tour here. Enjoy!

Who is your favorite character in Good Graces?

That's like asking me who my favorite child is! I love all my characters, but for different reasons. I have to admit a slight partiality to Troo and Mary Lane, though. I adore wisecracking kids.

You've mentioned that your first book, Whistling in the Book, and the new sequel, Good Graces, are somewhat autobiographical. How so?

It is true that it's best to write about what you know. I grew up in the same type of neighborhood the O'Malley sisters did. The kids on the block are almost exact replications of the ones I played Red Light, Green Light and Kick the Can with back in the Fifties. The family structure,--the mother and the three girls--is also the same as mine. I love Milwaukee and wanted to use a many of the iconic figures and places I could to conjure up a sense of place. While some elements of the plot are also based on my life, most of that I just made up.

Would you say that you write coming-of-age stories?

I think all stories are coming-of-age stories. They're just told at different stages of our lives.

The climax in Good Graces might be considered somewhat controversial.

I don't really think about whether or not everyone is going to like what I write. When you release a book, you leave yourself open to all sorts of opinions. Some will like the story, some will not. The same way some folks like pistachio ice cream and some don't. The enjoyment of a book is purely subjective.

How do you handle reviews?

Not being terribly mashochistic, I like the good ones and try to avoid the bad ones. I try to always keep in mind that readers will react in different ways. What I'm not fond of is people who feel that just because you're in the public eye it gives them a license to be mean. I wouldn't dream of giving a book that wasn't my cup of tea a terrible review. I was taught that if I didn't have something nice to say to not say anything at all. Think we could all use a little more of that, don't you? Kindness is important.

The Catholic Church also plays a big part in Good Graces. Do you think you portrayed it accurately?

I do. It might be hard for some readers to understand how influential the Church was in the good old days. It was all powerful. And in some ways, I think the Church abused that power.

Are kids better off now than they were in the Fifties?

In some ways. Communication between adults and children is so much better now. I don't remember ever having a meaningful conversation with my parents. Kids are valued more now. Back then, children were more like possessions. But in other ways, we were so much better off. The pace was different. You could lie around in your backyard and stare at clouds and nobody would get after you to do something "productive or "educational." Everything is so organized now. Kids have playdates and lessons of all kinds. We didn't. We barely had TV. We were our own entertainment. We'd have to dream up something to do everyday. And there was so much more freedom for kids. Parents weren't scared to let there kids out of the house. In fact, they encouraged it. The longer the better. (My mother always seemed slightly disappointed when my younger sister and I turned up for supper.)

Who is your biggest supporter?

My family. My husband, Pete, is my first reader. I give him pages every morning to go through. He jots down notes, but mostly draws stars on the last page. Both of my kids are in the mix, too. My daughter is a corporate attorney who is great with details, and my son is excellent with the humor and dialogue scenes. They are unrelentingly critical. (This is to get back at me for not buying them a spaceship when they were younger.)

Anything else you'd like to share?

I'd like to wish everyone a happy holiday! And to thank them for supporting my books. Hope everyone enjoys Good Graces.

Thank you for answering these questions, Lesley! Thank you for being here!

Lesley Kagen can be found on her website, and on facebook.

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Lesley Kagen returns with the sequel to her national bestselling debut, Whistling in the Dark.

Whistling in the Dark captivated readers with the story of ten-year-old Sally O'Malley and her sister, Troo, during Milwaukee's summer of 1959. The novel became a New York Times bestseller and was named a Midwest Honor Award winner.

In Good Graces, it's one year later, and a heat wave has everyone in the close-knit Milwaukee neighborhood on edge. None more so than Sally O'Malley, who remains deeply traumatized by the sudden death of her daddy and her near escape from a murderer and molester the previous summer. Although outwardly she and her sister, Troo, are more secure, Sally's confidence in her own judgment and much of her faith have been whittled away. When a series of disquieting events unfold in the neighborhood-a string of home burglaries, the escape from reform school of a nemesis, and the mysterious disappearance of an orphan, crimes that may involve the increasingly rebellious Troo-Sally is called upon to rise above her inner demons. She made a deathbed promise to her daddy to keep Troo safe, a promise she can't break, even if her life depends on it. But when events reach a crisis point, will Sally have the courage and discernment to make the right choices? Or will her false assumptions lead her and those she loves into danger once again?

Lesley Kagen's gift for imbuing her child narrators with compelling authenticity shines as never before in Good Graces, a novel told with sensitivity, wit, and warmth.

Synopsis taken from goodreads.

Blog Tour: Artemis the Loyal - Joan Holub & Suzanne Williams - Character This or That & Giveaway

2011-12-05T06:00:00.001-05:00

Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams are here today with their latest installment in their Goddess Girls series, courtesy of the Teen Book Scene blog tour for Artemis the Loyal. Thank you for being here today, ladies! You can follow along with the tour here, or by clicking through the banner. Enjoy!

Honey or sugar?

Artemis: Neither. Nectar! And none of that fake diet stuff, either.

Salty or sweet?

Artemis: Salty and sweet at the same time.

Roman or Greek mythology?

Artemis: Greek, of course.

Harp or Flute?

Artemis: Flute, played by my friend Athena.

Centaurs or Satyrs?

Artemis: Centaurs.

Mountain or Beach?

Artemis: Mountain. Especially Mount Olympus!

Hiking or Horseback riding?

Artemis: Hiking through forests to hunt.

Long or short hair?

Artemis: Shortish.

Studious or Athletic boys?

Artemis: Smart, athletic boys who support my interest in sports, too. (They don’t necessarily have to be archers like me.)

Swimming or suntanning?

Artemis: Swimming, I get bored if I’m not doing something active.

Thank you for sharing your preferences with us, Artemis!

Thank you for being here Joan and Suzanne!

Joan & Suzanne can be found on Joan's website, Suzanne's website, and on Suzanne's blog.

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It's time for the annual Olympic Games, and the four goddessgirls are not happy--especially Artemis. Even though she's better at sports than most of the godboys, she can't compete because rules say the Games are boys-only. No fair!

Led by Artemis, Athena, Persphone and Aphrodite, the ladies of Mount Olympus hatch a plan to get Zeus to open up the games to everyone. Will they succeed--or end up watching from the sidelines again?

Synopsis taken from goodreads.

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ARTEMIS THE LOYAL SWAG GIVEAWAY:

* GODDESSGIRLS bead necklaces made by Joan and Suzanne.

Strung on colorful stretchy cord, they can be shortened into bracelets. (Beads & cord packages purchased at Michaels say they're not for under age 14. Actual colors will vary.)

* Artemis the Loyal book signed by Joan and Suzanne

* Bookmark featuring six Goddess Girls books.

Giveaway is US only.

Giveaway will end December 12, 2011.

Please fill out this FORM to enter.

Comments, while appreciated, will not be counted as entries.

Thank you!