Journey with Books: YA Books

Showing posts with label YA Books. Show all posts

Oct 10, 2017

Blog Tour and Giveaway: From the Sky Saga by J.E. Nicassio (Free Book Inside)

Unknown October 10, 2017 0 Comments

I hope everyone is starting off with a great week and hopefully, you're in a mood to read something new today. Why not give J.E. Nicassio's From the Sky Saga? It's a YA Sci-fi Romance that's full of heartbeat raising adventure, action and feels. Get your free copy of the book from Smashwords. The link is posted below. Also, don't miss out on a chance to win a physical copy of the book down below.

From the Sky (Beyond Moondust Trilogy #1)

by J.E. Niccasio

Genre: YA Sci-fi/Romance

Summary:

From the Sky from best-selling author J.E. Nicassio writes the kind of close encounter that will leave readers spellbound.

When high school junior, Samantha Hunter, and her father move to New Mexico, it’s a chance to leave tragedy behind and start over. However, the arrival of a dark-haired stranger changes everything. Lucien introduces Sam to the prospect of enjoying life again, and to the hidden world of aliens. But crazier than that, Lucien doesn’t feel entirely like a stranger. Redemption and romance follow Sam in her new life as she works to understand the alien-human romance she’s developing—a romance that feels beyond her control. There’s something bigger happening around her, and to her, too, and this is just the beginning….

—J. E. Nicassio packs in the action like a superhero movie— From the Sky has all the hallmarks of a Hollywood blockbuster—ready to light up the sky like a fleet of UFOs. “A must read! It had me from the very beginning to the last word. Every page had a plot twist and turn to make my imagination run wild.” —Online Book Club.org Nicassio is a freelance writer and MUFON (Mutual UFO Network) Field Investigator in Pittsburgh, PA, where she resides with her mother, two sons, and German Shepherd, Ava. She loves writing and is passionate about creating stories that entertain and comes straight from the heart. Her Children’s book, Rocky (About Rockefeller Center and a tiny Christmas tree named Rocky) made the Amazon Top Ten Christmas Book List in 2016.

Add to Goodreads

Equinox (Beyond Moondust Trilogy # 2)

by J.E. Niccasio

Summary:

"Two possibilities exist: either we are alone in the universe, or we are not. Both are equally terrifying.” Author C. Clarke.

From the Sky Saga Continues! The day after the winter solstice, Samantha Hunter is found naked and bleeding in a remote cabin in the Sandia Mountains of New Mexico. As Sam works to understand what’s happened to her, she is whisked into the Underground—a secret community of scientists, civilians, and aliens that are connected to her story and to the alien boy she’s in love with—Lucien. This is where the fight begins, and Sam must decide what price she’s willing to pay for life and love.

“Equinox gives the reader a totally different way of thinking about extraterrestrials. Anyone with interest in the possibility of life outside this planet—and for those who love a great romance—this book for you. It is exceptionally written and will leave you wanting more!” —Kelly Fait Goodreads “American teenagers have to grow up fast because dark forces are out to get them—J.E. Nicassio gives us a fast-paced and exciting tale full of car chases, close calls, and the angst of star-crossed love. Teens and even older readers will love From the Sky." —Ray Simmons for Readers' Favorite

Books available on Amazon!

From the Sky | Equinox

Smashwords free promo.
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/746548

About the Author

J. E. is the bestselling author of the From The Sky series and was listed as one of the top 1000 authors on Amazon in 2015, and was Amazon all-star top ten-holiday children books for Rocky: The Rockefeller Christmas in 2016. She is a freelance writer and MUFON (Mutual UFO Network) Field Investigator in Pittsburgh, PA where she resides with her mother, two sons, and German Shepherd Ava. She loves writing and is passionate about creating stories that entertain and comes straight from the heart.

Author Links:

Website│Goodreads│Twitter│Facebook

GIVEAWAY:

Win a copy of From the Sky!

https://giveaway.amazon.com/p/7c21f59fb0a30326

Blog Tour Organized by:

YA Bound Book Tours

Aug 23, 2017

BOOK REVIEW: The Problem with Forever by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Unknown August 23, 2017 0 Comments

Title: The Problem with Forever
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout

Publication Date: May 17, 2016
Genre: Young Adult Fiction

Blurb:

For some people, silence is a weapon. For Mallory “Mouse” Dodge, it’s a shield. Growing up, she learned that the best way to survive was to say nothing. And even though it’s been four years since her nightmare ended, she’s beginning to worry that the fear that holds her back will last a lifetime.

Now, after years of homeschooling with loving adoptive parents, Mallory must face a new milestone—spending her senior year at public high school. But of all the terrifying and exhilarating scenarios she’s imagined, there’s one she never dreamed of—that she’d run into Rider Stark, the friend and protector she hasn’t seen since childhood, on her very first day.

It doesn’t take long for Mallory to realize that the connection she shared with Rider never really faded. Yet the deeper their bond grows, the more it becomes apparent that she’s not the only one grappling with the lingering scars from the past. And as she watches Rider’s life spiral out of control, Mallory faces a choice between staying silent and speaking out—for the people she loves, the life she wants, and the truths that need to be heard.

Krishna's Thoughts:

It has been a long time since my last book review.

I came back because I read this book and I just can't and I mean I JUST CAN'T NOT review this book. It was raw and gritty and real. It wasn't just a normal YA romance. It certainly wasn't fluffy. It has depth. It has heart. It has that special something that makes a book go inside your head, heart and soul. It stayed with me. I thought about it after DAYS of finishing it. Then, I got on my my computer, dusted my book blog and started writing this review because this book is that good. It made me get off my lazy mode.

Cover Reveal and Book Giveaway: Kiss of Fire (The Imdalind Series) by Rebecca Ethington

Unknown January 24, 2013 0 Comments

Joclyn Despain has a scar. In fact, it is almost like a brand on her skin. She doesn’t know why it appeared on her neck, but she doesn’t want anyone to see it, including her best friend Ryland, who knows everything else about her. The scar is the reason she hides herself behind baggy clothes, and won’t let the idea of kissing Ryland enter her mind, no matter how much she wants to.

The scar is the reason she is being hunted.

If only she knew that she was.

If only she had known that the cursed stone her estranged father sent for her 16th birthday would trigger a change in her. Now, she is being stalked by a tall blonde man, and is miraculously throwing her high school bully ten feet in the air.

Joclyn attempts to find some answers and the courage to follow her heart. When Ryland finds her scar; but he knows what it means, and who will kill her because of it.

Find Rebecca Ethington...

Twitter, Facebook, and Website

Books Available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble

GIVEAWAY:

Paperback copies (US ONLY) of Kiss of Fire and Eyes of Ember, or, if you live outside the US and you win this giveaway, you will automatically win ebook copies. :)

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Nov 7, 2012

Blog Tour: Book Review and Giveaway: Reaction by Jessica Roberts

Unknown November 07, 2012 0 Comments

Hi everyone! I'm here again. I'm reviewing the much awaited book entitled Reaction. It's the second book of Reflection by Ms. Jessica Roberts. I must say that I feel really grateful to be given this chance to review such a wonderful book. We also have a really great giveaway for you guys down below. You have to join this! This blog tour was organized by YA Bound Tours.

Reaction: Reflection #2
By Jessica Roberts
Release Date: November 6, 2012

Book Blurb:
Harmony…

I’ve previously had that in my life, but only once, briefly, a while ago. It was during the time I’d started my first year of college. My own apartment, a new old car, and a life free of deadbeat stepfathers, all of which was fulfilling enough. But if it wasn't I also had a best friend, soul mate, and boyfriend all in one. Yes, life was near perfect.

But one stormy night can change everything…

For many months I rested in a prolonged sleep, fighting for my life. Well, more than fighting for it, also dreaming of it. Dreaming of him. Thank goodness, the dream is over and I’m back in the real world now. And all I want is for everything to return to the way it was. But nothing’s the same; most of all, us.

Once again, I find myself at the crossroads of a ruthless battle, this time not for life, but love. Do I fight for the guy I twice fell for, or do I let her take him away?

My Thoughts:

Reaction is the sequel of the YA novel by Ms. Jessica Roberts entitled Reflection. I must say that I've absolutely loved reading this book. It's the kind of book you'd stay up late for because you couldn't put it down.

For the people who haven't read the first book Reflection, this review is going to be spoilerish for you guys.

Reflection and Reaction has definitely a very unique plot and I loved it. Reaction picked up where Reflection ended. Heather woke up from her coma and she regained her memories but not everything is the same, especially her relationship with Nick. She found out that no one knows that she had been on an accident and had been on a really long coma except her best friend who never left her side. After years, everyone has moved on and Heather doesn't know how to fit back in.

I'm absolutely amazed at how interesting and angst filled the book is. For the duration of the book I was rooting for Heather and Nick to have the happy ending they deserved. Reaction is really different from any other contemporary romances I've ever read because it contains some medical terms and yet it didn't become mechanical. The whole book is full of emotions. I feel for what every character was going through. I also felt conflicted with their dilemmas. I connected with each and everyone of them. It's nice to read a kind of book where in I can empathize with what everyone especially Heather and Nick goes through.

Overall, I just simply loved this book. I recommend this book to every reader out there because I am confident that all of you will definitely love it as much as I did. Ms. Jessica Roberts is one author we, book lovers have to look out for because she is one talented author who can make her readers feel and I think that's what makes an author extraordinary.

Reflection Book 1

Reaction (Reflection Book 2)

About the Author:

JESSICA ROBERTS grew up in the San Francisco, California Bay Area where she spent most of her time playing sports alongside her six siblings. She was crowned Miss Teen California her senior year of high school, and went on to Brigham Young University where she graduated in Human Development. Her love of family, church, writing, athletics, and singing and dancing keeps her life busy and fulfilled. She currently resides in Utah with her husband and three children.

http://www.jessicarobertsauthor.blogspot.com/

@JRobertsAuthor

GIVEAWAY:

Grand Prize is for a $25 Gift Card to Amazon, a replica of the necklace worn in the Reaction cover and an e-book of Reflection. (Open Internationally)
There will also be 4 additional e-book copies of Reflection up for giveaway. (Open Internationally)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sep 13, 2012

Blog Tour: Author Guest Post and Giveaway: What Kills Me by Wynne Channing

Unknown September 13, 2012 2 Comments

Hi my loves! I'm back with another blog tour! We have a guest in here for today. We have Ms. Wynne Channing, the author of What Kills Me. Now, let's see what Ms Wynne Channing have for all of us.

Title: When a giant film production company takes apart your novel, what do you do?

Thank you so much to Journey With Books for renting me this space on her great blog to chat a little about giving and receiving criticism.

“You should attempt to veil your petty jealousy over not being nearly as kind, talented or beautiful as [actress]."

I got smacked with this message from a movie distributor after I wrote an obviously less than positive critique of his film. As part of my job at a national newspaper in Canada, I write movie reviews. I re-read that message several times, until the sting went away and

then I swallowed the note (not literally — though eating paper is probably more pleasant than getting criticism).

According to Anthony Lane, the film critic at The New Yorker, the task of a critic “is the recreation of texture...filing a sensory report on the kind of experience into which they will be wading.” It’s something that I try to do. I inform and entertain, and hopefully, you will get a sense of whether the film is right for you. My goal is to serve the reader. And by all means, disagree with me. That’s what a review is, an opinion, an invitation to dialogue.

So when I published my debut young adult novel, What Kills Me, this summer, I eagerly awaited reviews. Of course, you want people to devour your book (again, not literally) and then love and obsess over it so much that it borders on unhealthy. But literature is

art. And art is subjective.

Firstly, I am grateful to anyone who would take the time to read my adventure story. Secondly, that he/she would spend even more time sharing their thoughts is awesome. That’s it. Whether they loved it or hated it. I’m impressed that someone cared enough either way.

I’ve never been anything but happy to work with book bloggers. But they’re individuals. They have lives. They may or may not read my book. They may or may not like my book. Authors can expect mutual respect but a promise of anything else, I think, is unrealistic.

So far as an author, I’ve been fortunate. Tons of people have reviewed What Kills Me and most of them rated it five stars. But a handful have given me, let’s call it, “constructive criticism,” including a production company who reviewed it for film/

television purposes. I studied that in-depth analysis of my novel by a company that produces million-dollar blockbuster films and I loved every critical word. I’m working on the sequel to What Kills Me and will keep some points in mind.

There will always be critics. There will always be haters. The two are different: I once wrote a very personal feature about my first heart break and a reader commented online that I sound “like a nut bar, and any guy with his head on straight should keep away.”

That is an example of a hater.

If you were brave enough to share your word with the public, you have the courage to weather the reaction and sift through the noise for lessons. To authors, my advice (as a nut bar) is: listen to the critics, ignore the haters. To reviewers, my advice is: Be honest,

be respectful, your opinion matters.

What Kills Me

An ancient prophecy warns of a girl destined to cause the extinction of the vampire

race.

So when 17-year-old Axelia falls into a sacred well filled with blood and emerges a vampire, the immortal empire believes she is this legendary destroyer. Hunted by soldiers and mercenaries, Axelia and her reluctant ally, the vampire bladesmith Lucas, must battle to survive.

How will she convince the empire that she is just an innocent teenager-turned bloodsucker and not a creature of destruction? And if she cannot, can a vampire who is afraid of bugs summon the courage to fight a nation of immortals?

What Kills Me Links:

Goodreads | Wynne Channing’s Website

Buy What Kills Me:

Amazon US | Amazon UK | B&N | Kobo | iTunes

All about Wynne Channing:

Wynne Channing is an award-winning national newspaper reporter and young adult novelist. She loves telling stories and as a journalist, she has interviewed everyone from Daniel Radcliffe and Hugh Jackman to the president of the Maldives and Duchess Sarah Ferguson.

The closest she has come to interviewing

a vampire is sitting down with True Blood's Alexander Skarsgard (he didn’t bite). She briefly considered calling her debut novel "Well" so then everyone would say: "Well written by Wynne Channing."

Where to find Wynne:

Giveaway:

Wynne is kindly offering a signed bookmark with butterfly charm and copy of What Kills Me to one lucky winner.

US/CANADA ONLY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sep 10, 2012

Blog Tour: Promo and Giveaway: Dreamwalker (Persephone's League of Immortals #1) by Andrea Heltsley

Unknown September 10, 2012 2 Comments

Hi guys! I'm back with another fun blog tour! This time, I'm featuring a book entitled Dreamwalker which is written by Ms. Andrea Heltsley. We all get to see what this magical book is all about. There's also a giveaway waiting for all of you down below.

This tour was organized by AToMR Blog Tours.

My review for this book will be posted within this week.

Publication Date: May 30 2012

ISBN/EAN13: 0985322438 / 9780985322434

Page Count: 434

Language: English

Genre: Fiction / Fantasy / Paranormal

Book Blurb:

Noel Kennedy lost her boyfriend, her job and her dignity all in one week. Then something happened and she began to dream of this stranger she had never met. She couldn’t resist the man of her dreams named Jared especially when she met him in real life. Entranced, she slowly unraveled a world she was meant to stay out of. Her life was not what she thought it was once a sexy Boone stepped into the mix and shook things up. Can she escape a life of servitude or immortality for a chance at love?

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Createspace

About the Author:

I am a biology nerd who decided it was more fun writing than dissecting. I have written two novels and

my third will be out this summer.

I live on coffee and read like a robot. My husband and two Italian

greyhounds usually have to tear me away from the computer...imagine that. :)

Social Media links:
http://andreaheltsley.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/andreaheltsley
http://www.facebook.com/AndreaHeltsley
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5766043.Andrea_Heltsley

Giveaway:

US ONLY:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

INTERNATIONAL:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sep 5, 2012

Blog Tour: Book Review and Giveaway: Breaking Lauren by Jordan Deen

Unknown September 05, 2012 0 Comments

Hi everyone! I hope that you're all doing great! I'm back now with another blog tour. This time I'm featuring and reviewing a YA contemporary book entitled "Breaking Lauren" which is written by Ms. Jordan Deen.

This fun blog tour was organized by AToMr Blog Tours.

Plus Ms. Jordan Deen is giving away 2 printed copies of this book so please read on.

Title: Breaking Lauren

Author: Jordan Deen

Paperback: 234 pages

Publisher: Black Rose Writing

Date Published: May 24, 2012

ISBN-10: 161296110X

ISBN-13: 978-1612961101

Book Blurb:

Seventeen-year-old Danny Cummings' life is far from a fairytale, but that's okay since he doesn't believe in happy endings. After spending a year in juvenile hall for maliciously beating his sister's boyfriend, Danny embraces his badass image. Spending most nights drinking, fighting and collecting gambling debts for his Uncle, Danny's life is out of control. His addiction to the bad boy lifestyle won't let him do anything about it, even with his family begging him to go straight. But, when fifteen-year-old Lauren McIntosh stumbles into one of his nightly escapades, the self-proclaimed anti-romantic can't concentrate on anything except Lauren and the fact that she's on the same path his sister was on. Danny knows true love happening for the villain is as common as gamblers paying their debt on time, but he's never backed away from a challenge before and he hates the idea that history will repeat itself.

Growing old with the man she loves—in the small town where she was born—is the only dream Lauren McIntosh has ever had; that is until her family is practically run out of town amidst rumors of arson and adultery. So, when she meets Danny at her new school and hears the rumors about his activities from her new friends, she wants nothing to do with him or the gossip that seems to follow Danny everywhere. After a dangerous and ill-fated attempt at sneaking out, she develops unwelcomed feelings for Danny that he seems to reciprocate. But, Danny’s unrelenting pursuit makes Lauren nervous, especially since he's the only one that wants to know the secrets surrounding her family’s move. Lauren can't tell if Danny's intentions are true or if he has other plans for their newfound and unlikely friendship. The only way to figure out is to let him in and that could destroy everything, including the popularity and social acceptance she desperately seeks.

My Thoughts:

Breaking Lauren is one of the most intriguing and frustrating reads I've ever had.

Let me start with the plot. I must admit that I liked it. I enjoyed the plot of this book. It's actually one of the reasons why I signed up for this tour. I was really intrigued on the plot of this book. To those who had been on my blog, you know how much I love angst in my books and Breaking Lauren definitely have a lot of angst.

The characters of this book are so complex and so frustrating. I love Danny the most. Danny is the typical bad boy, I guess. He's so hard and misunderstood but he has this soft spot inside him. Every time he was misunderstood and blamed for something he didn't do or meant to do, I just want to hug him and tell him it's okay. I wanted to hurt Lauren for hurting Danny.

Now, for Lauren. This is hard. I didn't like her at all. The whole book she's whining and whining as if she's the only person in this world who experiences pain. All she thought about is herself and what she feels. I know Danny isn't perfect. He has his dark side after all and that dark side is really scary but I think Lauren had been the most ungrateful heroine I've ever read. All she did was misunderstood Danny's intentions. All she saw was Danny's imperfections. She has conveniently forgotten how Danny saved her life the first time. Lauren is so infuriating. I can't explain how much she didn't deserve Danny's love and devotion.

Now, don't get me wrong. Danny and Lauren do have a chemistry in this book. I guess, that's why I was so mad at Lauren for treating Danny that way.

Although, I didn't like Lauren at all because I think she was a brat, I still enjoyed reading this book. Jordan Deen wrote a book about two teenagers who are so different and yet the same in some things. She didn't make her characters perfect. Both Danny and especially Lauren are very flawed and imperfect which I think makes this book more real to me. Lauren was a brat but I think we could say that she was only 15 and at that age, mostly we're all as self centered as Lauren was (or maybe not that much but to some extent we were). I hope that in the next book she would change. I really want her to grow up and mature a bit. I want her to realize how lucky she is that she has a family who loves her and protects her no matter how imperfect (or perfect depending on how you looks at it) she thinks they are. I want her to stop whining on how she doesn't fit in her family because they're all popular when they were in high school. I actually liked Lauren's mother in this book. I think she's the kind of mother who sees her daughter and knows that Lauren could be more than the girl who's on a cheering squad who dated the most popular guy in high school because her mother experienced it before and she knows that there could be so much more for her daughter than being the popular girl.

Overall, I still enjoyed reading this book and I'm actually looking forward to reading the next book even though I really disliked Lauren. I want to see where the story would go. I'm excited to see how Danny and Lauren could progress together and individually. Jordan Deen wrote a very intriguing and angst-filled romance that could very well frustrate you but it would also make you think and feel as a reader. I think "Breaking Lauren" is still a nice read despite its flaws and I'm looking forward to more of Danny and Lauren's journey together.

About the Author:

I grew up in a small town 45 minutes outside of East St. Louis, Illinois. I discovered my talent for telling tall tales at the age of seven when my family home burnt down. Of course losing my family home wasn't exciting enough! So, aliens did it. The dogs wanted revenge against the cats because they could be inside... you get the idea.

At twelve, my family relocated to California and I've continued to concentrate on my love of all things reading, writing and story-telling.

My reading taste hovers towards the YA audience as there is just something authentic and magical about first loves and building friendships that will last a lifetime (or not).

Even though 'The Crescent' is a YA Urban Fantasy, I tend to write a bit of everything. I have a few edgy YA novels in process, a book about witches, a Sci-Fi novel and several others that I'm not sure where they are going yet. Again, I write what I feel, when I'm feeling it.

Writing is like the air I breathe, I'd die without it.

Goodreads link: http://www.goodreads.com/author/Jordan_Deen

Author Website: http://www.jordandeen.net/

Twitter: @Jordan_Deen, https://twitter.com/Jordan_Deen

Giveaway:

Get a chance to win a printed copy of "Breaking Lauren" and swag by Ms. Jordan Deen.

OPEN TO US RESIDENTS ONLY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Aug 25, 2012

Blog Tour: Amateur Angel by Karri Thompson

Unknown August 25, 2012 0 Comments

Hi my loves! I hope you're all doing okay. Today, I'm featuring a book entitled Amateur Angel by Ms. Karri Thompson. We'll all find out what this YA book is all about.

Title: Amateur Angel
Author: Karri Thompson
Publisher: Comfort Publishing
Publishing Date: May 1st 2012
Pages: 250
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance

Book Blurb:

Only 18-years-old, Ashley is no ordinary teenager. Not only is she dead, but upon her death, she mistakenly enters the wrong line in the afterlife, a line meant for trained, guardian angels. With a pair of wings on her back, Ashley is sent to Los Angeles to replace another angel whose "assignment" was none-other-than Cannon Michaels, a current member of the band Sendher, the sexiest man alive, and Ashley's celebrity crush in life.
While exposed to Cannon's selfish, judgmental behavior and his reckless, rock-and-roll lifestyle, Ashley is far from meeting the requirements of a true guardian angel. She misses her family and friends. Will she ever be able to accept her own death? What will she do when she jeopardizes her position as an angel and Cannon's physical safety by falling in love with him?

The review of this book will be posted within next week.
Don't forget to come back for the review next week.

About the Author:

As a first-time author, I cannot express- not even in words- how excited I am about the release of my debut novel, Amateur Angel. It took a lot of hard work and sleepless nights. There were many disappointments and rejections along the way, but in the end, my persistence and determination eventually paid off. In many ways, I think writing a novel is easier than finding an agent to represent it and then a publisher to buy it. Two years ago, I almost gave up on my dream to become an author, but then my son, Kyle, wrote a special poem for me, and it inspired me to write a new book and try again. The new book was Amateur Angel.

Here is his poem:

You fail and you fail,

You fix and you fix,

You wait and you wait,

Until you succeed.

I hung this poem in my closet and read it every day when I was getting ready to go to work and each night before I went to bed. It is still there and always will be. I know what I’m about to say will sound like a cliché, but based on my own personal experience, the best advice I can give anyone is to always believe in your abilities, hold your head high, swallow your pride, accept criticism and then learn from it, and most importantly, never give up.

I grew up in San Diego County and attended San Diego State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in English, a master’s degree in education, and my teaching credential. I am a high-school English teacher in the East County of San Diego where I also live with my husband, our son, and two dogs.

Being a lover of Victorian literature, my favorite author is Charles Dickens although I haven’t quite finished reading all of his books. Someday I’ll finally finish David Copperfield- I promise. If you are one of my students, you are either laughing or shaking your head at this.

I lead a very busy life, but when I’m not teaching, grading papers, or attending my son’s soccer games, I find time to write novels, my greatest passion.

Connect with her on:

Facebook

Twitter

kthompson489@gmail.com

Aug 20, 2012

Blog Tour: Author Guest Post and Book Excerpt: Shades of the Future by Suzanne Lilly Plus a Giveaway!

Unknown August 20, 2012 7 Comments

Hi sweets! Welcome to Shades of the Future by Suzanne Lilly Blog tour stop here on Journey with Books! Today, we'll all get a glimpse of Shades of the Future. Ms. Suzanne Lilly is also going to discuss her thoughts about the Worries of a First Time Author. Plus there's a giveaway! I know all of you would love to get a chance to win this!

Suzanne will be awarding pair of designer sunglasses to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.

(US/Canada only)

Scroll down for more details and to just join in our lovely discussion!

Author Guest Post:

First of all, I’d like to say thank you for hosting me on your blog on August 20. I appreciate the opportunity.

Worries of a First Time Author

Writing a book is simple, right? You learn about writing fiction, you apply the concepts of characterization, plot, subplot, tension, and resolution, and develop it into a novel. Of course it takes practice to perfect, and time to write, but is it really that hard?

Then, after you’ve written the book, you just send it out to publishers or self-publish. Readers will read it and give you rave reviews, or publishers will get into a bidding war over it. It’s so simple.

Except that it’s not.

Writers pour their hearts and emotions into their novels, and when it comes time to present it to the world, it’s like revealing your deepest cares to everyone. What if people don’t like it? What if no one reads it?

Those are the fears many writers encounter, and that’s why it’s so important to develop a thick skin and simply keep on writing. This is easier said than done, because it’s hard not to take a bad review personally.

One thing to remember is that not everyone likes the same thing. For example, some people want a story to begin with action, others want a story that develops slowly with a plenty of detail and world building. Some people like broccoli and other people don’t. There’s no need to take it personally when people have differing tastes in food, and there’s also no reason to take it personally if someone doesn’t appreciate your writing style.

Which leads me to the second worry, what if no one reads it? If you write the best book you can write, have it professionally edited, and find your niche, you’ll more than likely find readers. People that enjoy your writing will talk about it, and word of mouth will lead more readers to your books. Meanwhile, get started on your next book, so as not to disappoint your readers and fans.

Listen to your readers, and respect them by giving them outstanding stories, ones that will keep them wanting to come back for more. Just write and write well. Give your readers the best book you can, and they’ll get the word out for you.

What are you planning to write next?

Shades of the Future is now available in print and digital formats. When Mariah Davis finds a pair of sunglasses that allow her to see the future, what will she do? Can she change her future to make it better? Mariah discovers that seeing into the future might not always be a good thing.

BLURB:

What would you do if you could see your future? Would you accept it or would you change it?

Mariah Davis loves animals, running, and her hunk of a boyfriend, Kevin Creamer. Everything looks bright for her until the day she finds a pair of sunglasses that allow her to see the future.

When she glimpses a disaster looming, she tries to avoid it but fails. She has a car accident that lands her in a wheelchair, smashing her hopes for a running scholarship to the veterinary program at Ohio State University. She pushes Kevin away, thinking he’ll want to end their relationship now that she can’t walk.

Will she ever learn to trust and love again? She could search for an answer in the sunglasses. But she’s afraid what they reveal might destroy her.

BUY LINKS: Amazon – Barnes and Noble - Smashwords - Turquoise Morning Press

My next novel is Untellable and it will be released in February 2013. Here’s a short blurb:

Aspen Marie Dwyer has a secret to keep and she picks Honey Creek, Ohio as the perfect place to hide. Arriving on a Greyhound bus with nothing but a duffel bag containing her clothes and personal belongings, she walks to the Honey Creek Lake Lodge, to begin her summer job as a lifeguard. Four years earlier, Aspen witnessed her father murder her mother, and her testimony locked him away in prison. Before being taken out of the courtroom in shackles, he swore someday he would find her and kill her, too.

Local volunteer firefighter Colton Moraine is always up for a challenge and Aspen is just what he needs to liven up his small town summer. Through driving lessons, picnics, and romantic kisses under the fireworks, the two fall in love. Aspen fatalistically knows their summer romance will end if Colton finds out her history. But not telling him tortures her, making her feel like a fraud.

When her father is granted parole, she can no longer keep her dark secret. She has to make a life changing decision. Will she continue to run and hide, or fight for the love she’s discovered with Colton in Honey Creek?

Book Excerpt: (Shades of the Future)

“You see things?” Eulalie put the remains of her cookie on her saucer and leaned her elbows on the table. She laced her fingers together and rested her chin on her folded hands. “What kinds of things?”

“I don’t want you to think I’m crazy, but I see things that haven’t happened yet,” Mariah blurted out. She went on to tell her about the trig test that day, Hayley’s color-changing outfit, and the hamburger.

“Well, now, that doesn’t seem too bad.” Eulalie stirred her tea even though she hadn’t put any sugar in it. She took a sip.

“So you don’t think it’s strange?” Mariah asked.

Eulalie put her cup down. She shook her head. “I didn’t say that. Have you seen anything else? Anything that might involve other people? Something that might be a burden to you?”

Mariah shook her head no.

“That’s a good thing.” The words meant one thing, but the way Eulalie cleared her throat and looked away made Mariah think that it wasn’t what she truly thought. “If I were you, I’d be careful with them.”

“What do you mean?”

“When you start messing around with fortune telling and seeing the future, sooner or later you might see things you don’t want to know about.”

Author Bio and Links:

Suzanne Lilly writes lighthearted young adult stories with a splash of suspense, a flash of the unexplained, a dash of romance, and always a happy ending. Her short stories have appeared in numerous places online and in print, and she has placed and received honorable mentions in writing contests.

Her debut novel is Shades of the Future, (July 2012, Turquoise Morning Press) followed by Untellable, (February 2013.) She lives in Northern California where she reads, writes, cooks, swims, and teaches elementary students.

Where to find Suzanne Lilly online:

Suzanne Lilly Website: http://www.suzannelilly.com

TeacherWriter Blog: http://www.teacherwriter.net

Suzanne Lilly Author Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/SuzanneLillyAuthor

Goodreads Author Page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5258804.Suzanne_Lilly

Twitter: @suzannelilly http://twitter.com/suzannelilly

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Suzanne-Lilly/e/B006HY79IY

Google +: https://plus.google.com/u/0/115758832631616324955/posts

Giveaway:

Suzanne will be awarding pair of designer sunglasses to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour (US/Canada only)

I would love to know your thoughts about the worries of a first time author.

If you're an author, what was your biggest worry when it was your first time to publish a book?