Welcome to the
MidWinter’s Eve Giveaway Hop!
I am giving away a $10 Amazon Gift Card.
To enter, be a follower and leave a comment through December 31st. That's it. Winner will be selected at random.
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**Giveaway Ends 12.31.16 and open to all who can legally enter.
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The Winner will be announced within 48 hours at the end of the giveaway.
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Marvelous Middle Grade Monday
An Interview with the oh-so-awesome
Henry Neff
Q: Tell us a little about yourself and how you became a writer. A: The quick skinny: I grew up in the Chicago area, went off to Cornell University for college, graduated and took about as corporate a path as you can imagine (picture me with hair, wearing a suit and tie, and sitting at a long table where senior executives squint and grimace at PowerPoint slides). The job was challenging and I worked with some truly brilliant and talented people, but I had a nagging suspicion (i.e., would wake up in a cold sweat at 3 a.m.) that I was wasting my life and whatever creative gifts I might possess. A few years later I had a life-changing conversation with my brother, whom I suspect had grown weary of my existential whining. He posed an unexpected question: How would you spend your time if you had all the money in the world? My response was almost immediate: I'd teach high school and write children's books! It's amazing how simple questions can clarify one's values and priorities. Following this conversation, I left my job and secured a position teaching history and fine arts at a San Francisco high school. The day classes let out for the winter holidays, I began writing what would become The Hound of Rowan. I can't overstate the pleasure and fulfillment I felt as I penned those initial, fabulously recyclable pages. The prose was appalling, the ideas half-formed, but I knew that I was embarking on a journey I was meant to take. It was like finding a missing puzzle piece and fitting it into your soul. The experience shaped the way I described Max McDaniels's reaction to the tapestry he finds in the museum. That tapestry shed light on Max's identity and started him on his adventures. Writing did the same for me.
Q: Like me, you are also a teacher. How do you balance your teaching job and family with such a successful writing career?
A: I'm sorry to say I haven't taught since 2009 when I got engaged and moved to New York. I do miss teaching, however, and remain in close contact with many of my former colleagues and students. It's incredibly gratifying to see young people growing up, falling in love, doing meaningful work, and making parole (I kid). I hoped to continue teaching when I moved east but I quickly learned that I'd enjoyed an unusually flexible arrangement in San Francisco. The school where I'd taught was on a block schedule, which meant that classes only met on certain days of the week. The head of school had been kind enough to tweak my teaching schedule so I only had to come in three days per week. That support was invaluable to getting my writing career off the ground. While interviewing at several schools in Manhattan, I asked if they could maybe—just possibly—manage a similar arrangement, The question brought polite but incredulous stares. I doubt some of those eyebrows have ever come down. Given the response and my publishing contract, I elected to write full-time. It's probably a good thing — we now have two young boys and life is hectic enough without throwing classes into the mix. But I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss the profession. Someday, I hope to teach again, even if it's just a class or two.
Q: The Tapestry series includes five books. As an author, how did you manage the progression of your story line from book to book (what was your organizational system or thought process to keep it all together in your mind and smooth from book to book?)
A: The Tapestry was originally intended to be a trilogy. After finishing the second book I realized that I couldn't tell the tale I wanted in three volumes. It simply wasn't enough runway to fully develop the story and character arcs I envisioned without accelerating them to the point of absurdity. Truth be told, The Tapestry should probably be six book. THE RED WINTER is a massive finale and could easily be split in two: Rowan's war against Prusias, followed by our heroes hunting after Astaroth. Why was I so off with my initial projection? I can think of three reasons: 1) Some ideas weren't fully-formed when we pitched the series; 2) I was an inexperienced writer who underestimated the time it would take to develop my larger narratives; 3) Stuff changes while you're writing a series — new ideas pop up, cannibal hags demand more screen time, etc. However, I don't mean to imply that I simply made the story up as I went. I'm a fairly meticulous planner and always knew what The Tapestry's final scene would be—even before I started writing the first book. It's always helpful for writers (especially those tackling a series) to have an idea of how they want things to begin and end. The middle is negotiable. Completing six novels has taught me that ideas, characters, and entire story lines will inevitably change during the writing process. While I try to have enough of an outline to peg how certain characters and narratives will develop, I don't plan to the extent that I'm merely executing a rigid blueprint. That would smother those little, in-the-moment epiphanies that spark many of my best ideas.
Q: Impyrium is set in the same world as the Tapestry books. When did you first get the idea to return to that world?
A: The initial ideas for IMPYRIUM came knocking in the wee hours while I was on my honeymoon in Rome. I'd recently finished The Fiend and the Forge and my brain was so fried that my imagination was stuck on overdrive. I couldn't fall sleep and was lying in bed, my mind racing through ideas for Books 4 and 5, when it made an unexpected leap into the future—a future thousands of years after the The Tapestry's conclusion. I don't want to give away Tapestry spoilers but the idea hinged on an empire ruled by dynastic families (several descending from established characters) locked in an uneasy truce with ancient demons inhabiting undersea kingdoms. It triggered an avalanche of ideas so exciting that I barricaded myself in the hotel's tiny bathroom so I could flip on a light and scribble them down in a notebook. My poor wife must have thought I had food poisoning.
Q: How did it feel to change the world you had already created?
A: It was a blast! Enough time has passed (3,000 years) since The Tapestry that the world is really very different. It's bit like comparing the present day to the Iron Age. Most of the people living in Impyrium don't even realize we existed. This is partly due to propaganda, but our entire history and civilization have been consigned to a prehistoric, almost mythic past. New York, Tokyo, and Paris might as well be Atlantis. In this future, mankind has essentially split into two species (an aristocracy of magically-gifted mehrùn that rule the world, and the masses of ordinary muir that serve them and do the grunt work). Rowan (The Tapestry's school of magic) still exists but its context and character have changed. Building on the world and mythos I'd created allowed me to really stretch and challenge my imagination, but it also made good use of my time as a history teacher. Good historians don't simply memorize facts; they can identify patterns and forces at work over time. I've always been interested in the life cycle of empires, and how institutions can grow, flourish, and later decay into an echo—even a mockery—of the vision and energy that fueled their creation. These are major themes throughout IMPYRIUM and play a key role in the narrative and character development. Overall, it's been a really fun ride and there's a lot of exciting stuff yet to come!
Check out the awesome book trailer HERE Purchase your own copy of IMPYRIUM HERE
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Or begin the Tapestry Series . . .
Shannon Whitney Messenger decided it was time to give middle grade stories the attention they deserve, and "Marvelous Middle Grade Mondays" was born. For a full selection of MMGM posts, visit her website HERE.
Rice & Rocks
by Sandra L. Richards
Tradition takes flight in Rice & Rocks, a picture book celebrating culture and diversity.BLURB:Giovanni’s friends are coming over for Sunday dinner, and his grandmother is serving rice and beans. Giovanni is embarrassed—he does not like “rice and rocks” and worries his friends will think the traditional Jamaican dish is weird. But his favorite Auntie comes to the rescue. She and Giovanni’s pet parrot, Jasper, take him on a magical journey across the globe, visiting places where people eat rice and rocks. This exciting story celebrates the varied traditions of every culture while also highlighting the delicious similarities that bring us all together.
PRAISE FOR RICE & ROCKS:“I feel as if Rice & Rocks was written for the 7 year old me stuck in a foreign country. I wish I could have read it when I was a kid since it would have really helped me to feel a lot more comfortable with my roots, my traditions, in a foreign place with people of other colors & customs.”
– Melissa Robles, The Reader and the Chef
“Rice & Rocks is a beautifully illustrated, culturally diverse children’s book centered around my favorite topic…food!…Parents will enjoy reading it with/to their little ones because the illustrations compliment the story perfectly. This book will also work as a good conversation starter for acceptance of self and others for school age children.”
– D.S. White, Divine Perspective
Author Sandra L. RichardsSandra L. Richards is the debut picture book author of Rice & Rocks. With Rice & Rocks, Sandra brings a unique contribution to the world of children’s books. An American-born daughter of Jamaican immigrant parents, she hopes the book will serve as an educational resource for families seeking to teach their children the value of their heritage and the importance of cultural diversity.
Blast Giveaway: $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 10/28/16 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from
I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
a Rafflecopter giveawayStop by and visit I Am a Reader HERE
My oldest child has always been a picky eater - always. When he was in pre-school, we had morning trauma if his Pop-Tart was somehow broken. He wouldn't eat the broken one, he didn't want a new one - he wanted the broken one, NOT broken. Like I could somehow magically repair it. He cried, devastated, in that way that makes all moms wish they could wave a magic wand and make everything better.
One of my favorite food moments with him, though, came at the end of a school day. I picked him up at daycare, asked him how his day went, and he burst into tears.
"They tried to make me eat cat food for lunch!"
Of course I tried to reassure him that they would never do such a thing, but he was insistent. "I said I didn't want any, but they made me take a 'thank you' bite!" More tears.
Confused, the following day I asked what they had served for lunch the day before.
Ans
wer: tuna fish!
I know many of you are parents. Have you ever used any of your children's funny, weird, or frightening moments in any of your books?
Black Butler
by
Yana Toboso, Tomo Kimura (Translator)
BLURB:Just a stone's throw from London lies the manor house of the illustrious Phantomhive earldom and its master, one Ciel Phantomhive. Earl Phantomhive is a giant in the world of commerce, Queen Victoria's faithful servant...and a slip of a twelve-year-old boy. Fortunately, his loyal butler, Sebastian, is ever at his side, ready to carry out the young master's wishes. And whether Sebastian is called to save a dinner party gone awry or probe the dark secrets of London's underbelly, there apparently is nothing Sebastian cannot do. In fact, one might even say Sebastian is too good to be true...or at least, too good to be human...
The
last thing I wanted was for my daughter to get into Anime or Manga. I believed they were just too weird, too non-traditional for me . . . cuz they are.
However, I cannot begin to express the
happiness they bring her. She begs to go to the library, where she will fill a bag with 10-15 books. Then, she races to her bedroom where she will sit
for hours reading them. She adores the characters. She laughs and cries with them. She obsesses over them and dresses up like them with her friends--all the things we wish for our children when it comes to reading.
While they are not my cup of tea, Manga titles engross MG readers every bit as much as traditional titles. I have been converted and convinced. The key, though, is to make sure they are not reading adult titles, which can be highly inappropriate. Therefore, I'm starting a review series of appropriate MG Manga series, of which BLACK BUTLER reigns (at least according to my daughter *grins*).
Have you read any MG Manga?
BLOG TOUR + Q & A
Redeemed
by P.C Cast & Kristin Cast
To celebrate the release of REDEEMED, the final book of the House of Night series, Meryl L. Moss Media Relations has partnered with some great companies, like Sinful Colors, 21 Drops and Jamberry, as well as Baby Blue Designs and For Strange Women, to put together Goddess Gifts to celebrate the some of the most notable characters in the series. Additionally, they have provided us with an awesome interview with both authors!
P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast Q&A
1. REDEEMED, the final novel in the House of Night series just came out. How does it feel to reach the finale of the series?
PC: It’s bittersweet to come to the last HoN book. I’m excited about the new trilogy I’m working on, but I also miss Z and the Nerd Herd. I spent almost a decade with the HoN characters. I know I’m going to feel their absence as I’m at my writing desk – and at my brainstorming desk!
KC: It’s sad that the HoN series is ending. Like Mom, I’m going to miss Zoey and the Nerd Herd, but I’m going to miss our fans most of all. I hope that they’ll continue to follow us as we each begin our new projects.
2. Do you have a favorite book in House of Night?
PC: For a long time I loved CHOSEN because of the mistakes Zoey makes in that book and the lessons she learns. And my favorite novella is LENOBIA’S VOW. Since finishing REDEEMED, though, I have to say that I love it best!
KC: My favorite is LENOBIA’S VOW. I love the story, and that anyone can pick it up and read it without having to read any of the other books in the series.
3. Is there a character that you feel closest to?
PC: Aphrodite is easiest to write, and I’ll always feel close to Zoey.
KC: I love me some Heath! I guess that also means that I love Aurox too!
4. House of Night is an international phenomenon! How has the success of the series changed your life?
PC: HoN has enriched our lives on many levels. We love hearing from our fans about how they have grown up with Zoey and the group. Kristin and I get to take awesome road trips!
KC: I’ve gotten to meet so many people who have been inspired by HoN, which has made me a better person in a lot of ways.
5. Neferet is such a tragically flawed character. Her backstory made her more sympathetic, even though her choices are horrid. How much of her actions in REDEEMED, and previous books, is a result of her trying to overcome her past?
PC: Sadly, Neferet’s life choices were a direct result of her inability to let go of her father’s brutal attack and rape. I think a big part of her reaction to his abuse was a direct result of “Emily’s” inability to forgive herself. I do understand Neferet, often too well. It saddens me that the HoN world lost what could have been such a great force for Light.
6. Where do you see Zoey in 10 years?
PC: I see Z being a kick ass High Priestess!
7. Does Zoey and Stark’s relationship continue?
PC: Absolutely! Stark will always be Zoey’s Warrior.
8. Did writing the series together strengthen your relationship?
PC: Kristin and I have always been close, so that hasn’t changed. I am appreciative of her editorial eye, and love partnering with her!
KC: Mom and I have always had an amazing relationship! Working with her has made me appreciate and respect her even more.
9. Do mothers and daughters read your books together?
PC: Yes! We hear from mothers and daughters a lot! We love that they read the HoN as a team.
KC: Hearing how our books have brought mothers and daughters closer is so amazing! I love that we’ve been able to inspire connection within so many families.
10. How did you decide to write a series about vampires?
PC: My agent, Meredith Bernstein, asked me to write a series set at a vampyre finishing school, and my imagination took off from there.
11. Who is your all-time favorite fictional vampire character?
PC: I love the vampire in Robin McKinley’s wonderful book, SUNSHINE.
KC: Spike! He’s totally my boyfriend.
12. Spike or Angel?
PC: SPIKE! He’s been my boyfriend for years.
KC: No! He’s MY boyfriend, Phyllis.
13. Some have speculated that the huge surge of interest over the past few years in the paranormal romance/vampire fiction genre won’t last. What do you think?
PC: I think it’s silly to worry about genres coming and going. A good book is a good book. Excellence in storytelling will never be out of fashion.
14. What is on your nightstand now?
PC: The first book in Anne Bishop’s Jewel series, Neil Gaiman’s THE OCEAN AT THE END OF THE LANE, and the latest copy of bitch Magazine.
KC: Benadryl, my dehumidifier, and stress relieving essential oils. (I have a bit of an allergy problem.)
15. What was your favorite book as a young adult?
PC: Wow, there were so many of them! When I was a young girl I read every horse and dog book I could get my hands on (LOVE Walter Farley). As I became a teenager and a young adult, I didn’t read YA. I read lots and lots and lots of fantasy, science fiction, and romance. As a teenager my favorite series was probably Anne McCaffrey’s books about Pern. I still want to ride a golden queen dragon!
KC: I was obsessed with GOSSIP GIRLS and Lynn Ewing’s DAUGHTERS OF THE MOON series.
16. Can you tell us a little more about the philanthropic organizations that you support?
PC: I have an education foundation that helps kids through college. I’m also passionate about supporting the feminist bitch magazine and SageWoman.
PC & KC: We believe in supporting local charities like Tulsa Street Cats, the Oklahoma Equality Center, the Oklahoma Center for the Book, Philbrook and Gilcrease museums. We will also always support the Humane Society and SPCA.
17. You are about to embark on book tour – what are you most looking forward to?
PC & KC: We haven’t toured in the US for several years (been too busy writing!), so we’re really looking forward to seeing our fans from all over the US!
18. What has the response been like to the House of Night clothing line?
PC: I’ll let Kristin handle this one, as this is her baby, but I will say that I heart me some HoN merchandise!
KC: It’s been fantastic! It’s amazing when I see people out in public who are wearing one of the shirts, or have a bumper sticker on their car. I feel very honored and fortunate to have such support from our fans.
19. Your fans can’t wait for the HON movies to come out! Where are you in the process right now?
PC: This summer I worked with our wonderful screenwriter, Marc Haimes, on the treatment (which is really just a long outline) of the first movie, and he has completed the first draft of the script. Yes, I do love it!
20. What’s up next for you, PC?
PC: What’s next for me is a fantasy romance trilogy of epic proportions that I’m really excited about. I should have news for my fans in the next month or so!
21. What’s up next for you, Kristin?
KC: Right now I’m working on the first book in a new adult paranormal suspense series. Meredith Bernstein, my fabulous agent, is finalizing the contract with my new publisher and I will have exciting news this November! You can sign up to receive info about my new series at www.KCastAuthor.com.
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&
Don't miss this fantastic series finale!!
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The Gathering Darkness
by Lisa Collicutt
Don't miss this new YA!!
Blurb: They say “third time’s the charm,” and for sixteen-year-old Brooke Day, they had better be right. She’s been here before, twice in fact, and so has the darkness awaiting her return.
When Brooke is forced to leave Boston for the village of Deadwich, she thinks her life is over. New friends become estranged—downright evil. But worse, recurring nightmares become reality.
Enter Marcus Knight; he’s popular, hot, and the only person Brooke can trust.
Not to mention, they’ve shared the same nightmares.
With the discovery of an ancient Celtic amulet, Brooke and Marcus unravel the secrets ofher past, revealing the path to her future.
As the equinox approaches, darkness and light merge for the first time in a century. Soul-mates reunite. Magic awakens.
Author Bio:Lisa likes to write dark and twisted tales of magic and romance. She has a passion for Young Adult and New Adult Paranormal Romance. When she’s not conjuring tales about witches, demons, and other magical beings, she can be found leathered and bound to the back of her husband’s Harley, touring her homeland of Nova Scotia, Canada. Enter Lisa’s imagination where realism ends and fantasy begins. But heed these warnings … it’s dark, it’s magical, you may experience tingles.
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