Sunday 29 April 2012

Hemlock #1 Hemlock

Being a werewolf is no longer a secret anymore......though it sure comes with the added security of mystery. Presenting Hemlock #1 Hemlock by Kathleen Peacock.

Here is the summary of the book:

Mackenzie and Amy were best friends. Until Amy was brutally murdered. Since then, Mac’s life has been turned upside down. She is being haunted by Amy in her dreams, and an extremist group called the Trackers has come to Mac’s hometown of Hemlock to hunt down Amy’s killer: A white werewolf. Lupine syndrome—also known as the werewolf virus—is on the rise across the country. Many of the infected try to hide their symptoms, but bloodlust is not easy to control. Wanting desperately to put an end to her nightmares, Mac decides to investigate Amy’s murder herself. She discovers secrets lurking in the shadows of Hemlock, secrets about Amy’s boyfriend, Jason, her good pal Kyle, and especially her late best friend. Mac is thrown into a maelstrom of violence and betrayal that puts her life at risk. Kathleen Peacock’s thrilling novel is the first in the Hemlock trilogy, a spellbinding urban fantasy series filled with provocative questions about prejudice, trust, lies, and love.


Werewolves are out in the open....no longer do they remain in the shadows - shrouded in mystery. The werewolf virus - the Lupine Syndrome - is the reason of it all and they come after you when they feel the bloodlust which begins to grow after their first kill. This is how our story in small town Hemlock (same as the title). Amy, Mackenzie, Jason and Kyle are best friends. When tragedy strikes. Amy was brutally murdered by a bloodthirsty white werewolf. She was the third to be murdered by a werewolf in the region and frankly speaking they are worried. Mackenzie, Kyle and Jason's friendship is brutally affected by this ordeal.

Mackenzie keeps getting haunting dreams of Amy, Jason has turned to bury his grief under the guise of liquid courage and Kyle has his own problems to deal with. Mackenzie does all she can to keep Jason and Kyle in check. But things spiral out of her control when she decides that the killer werewolf needs to be found and brought to justice, secrets are revealed about Jason, Kyle and Amy that Mackenzie never know and couldn't hope to comprehend.

Hemlock comes as a breath of fresh air in the course of my young adult reading history. In all the young adult books I have read so far, usually the werewolves are paired with vampires and/or witches but here they reign supreme and alone. The author has not only given us a perfect storyline but a perfect setting for her werewolves...people are afraid and when they are afraid they take drastic measures to counteract their fears. The lead characters Jason, Mackenzie and Kyle give much fodder to the mix. All of them multi-layered.....peeled off one after another as horrifying secrets and pasts are revealed. But what really made the story a success was the dynamic chemistry between the four friends and how well they interacted with each other. There are heavy undertones of romance, jealously, and betrayal that seeks to explain their actions and bring a sort of edge to the story. An excellent job by Kathleen Peacock....i'm definitely on board for book 2 and what adventures that would bring.

"Kathleen Peacock brings out a masterpiece with all the appropriate chills of the paranormalia mixed with reality"

Genre :      Young Adult, Paranormal, Romance, Urban Fantasy


Publisher: Harper Collins


My Copy: Publisher and edelweiss


Rate:              5/5 (It was Amazing)

In My Mailbox #5 [APRIL]

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme run by The Story Siren which explores the books that have been delivered to our mailbox. Let us know what looks good to you and leave us a link so we can check out what you got over the week.


This will be my fifth IMM post and it will be for the month of April, 2012. Click the name of the books to access their goodreads descriptions.

For Review

Netgalley

Bought

Friday 27 April 2012

Revenants #2 Until I Die

Presenting Revenants #2 Until I Die by Amy Plum. What would you do in the face of an unidentified enemy.

Here is the summary of the book:

Kate and Vincent have overcome the odds and at last they are together in Paris, the city of lights and love. As their romance deepens there’s one question they can’t ignore: How are they supposed to be together if Vincent can’t resist sacrificing himself to save others? Although Vincent promises that he’ll do whatever it takes to lead a normal life with Kate, will that mean letting innocent people die? When a new and surprising enemy reveals itself, Kate realizes that even more may be at stake—and that Vincent’s immortality is in jeopardy. In Die for Me, Amy Plum created a captivating paranormal mythology with immortal revenants and a lush Paris setting. Until I Die is poised to thrill readers with more heart-pounding suspense, spellbinding romance, and a cliff-hanger ending that will leave them desperate for the third and final novel in the series.

We know Kate beheaded the numa leader, Lucien in the first book with help from her hunky revenant boyfriend in his volant state. This time the whole of the Paris Revenant community is in a disarray...after Lucien was taken down there have been almost zero activity in the numa department. So, Vincent has taken Kate to learn to fight and she is more than receptive of the idea. But what will she do with her boyfriend's revenant tendencies to sacrifice himself to save human life.....Kate knows she can't live forever and one day he will outlive her and she can't ask him to hold out when she knows what it will do to him. And who is the enemy this time....

Until I Die, is very much the connecting middle book with such a soul-sucking-awe-inspiring cover. This time around things are much more serious, much more passionate, both Kate and Vincent know whats's at stake, much more light is shed onto the revenant laws. All of Amy Plum's characters get a much wider reach to shine in this book, they are much more stronger. 

At one side is the hunky revenant Vincent, who loves Kate very dearly and would do anything to be with her and on one side is Kate, the human in the mix, she knows she can't take another death...even if it is temporary. The authoor is definitely not averse to using extreme plot twists....if the cliffhanger ending is any point to consider. If I Should Die....I definitely need it now...

"Passionate and very much in love; this is one of the most hardest chapters of Kate and Vincent's life"

Genre :      Young Adult, Paranormal, Romance


Publisher: HarperTEEN


My Copy: Publisher and edelweiss


Rate:              4/5 (Really Liked It)

Wednesday 25 April 2012

Steampunk Chronicles #2 The Girl in the Clockwork Collar

Friendship, trust and love are the most basal emotions or feelings in this universe and that is what forms the center of Griffin, Finley, Emily, Sam and Jasper's next adventure. Presenting Steampunk Chronicles #2 The Girl in the Clockwork Collar by Kady Cross.

Here is the summary of the book:

In New York City, 1897, life has never been more thrilling - or dangerous. Sixteen-year-old Finley Jayne and her "straynge band of mysfits" have journeyed from London to America to rescue their friend Jasper, hauled off by bounty hunters. But Jasper is in the clutches of a devious former friend demanding a trade-the dangerous device Jasper stole from him...for the life of the girl Jasper loves. One false move from Jasper and the strange clockwork collar around Mei's neck tightens. And tightens.

The Girl in the Steel Corset ended with Jasper being taken to New York for some crime he had committed. Now Griffin values friendship very much and Jasper's case seems very peculiar, so him, Finley, Emily and Sam set out to New York to get some answers...and also get Jasper back. But the situation is much more different than that. Turns out that Jasper had stolen some device from this underworld guy called Reno Dalton and dismantled it all across New York to keep Dalton from finding it again.

Dalton wants it back and holds his....love, Mei's life as leverage. If Jasper doesn't do as asked then Dalton would tighten the Clockwork Collar around Mei's neck and strangle her to death. Add to the mix Griffin and the gang, they are trying all they can to get Jasper out of Dalton's house and decide to infiltrate Dalton's gang and find out what Dalton wants from Jasper and why does he want that dangerous machine. But if things are not how they seem to be...will Jasper, Griffin, Finley, Emily and Sam be able to figure it out or will it be too late.

The Girl in the Clockwork Collar, sheds new light on the life and times of all our main characters. The multiple perspective is also a plus in this case. While Girl in the Steel Corset was all about Finely finding and coming to terms with her dark side, this one is Jasper's story with Griffin and the gang playing a secondary role. All Jasper wants to do is keep his friends safe and keep Dalton from killing Mei, even if it would mean that he'd loose his life.

Griffin and Finley on the other hand.....well now they are a case of their own....too much sexual tension there. It is clear enough they have strong feeling for one another. Their social status in Finley's case and jealousy in Griffin's seems to be what is stopping them to do anything about it. God throughout the book you'd want to bang your head and yell at them to get their acts together. Sam and Emily again pretty much remain the secondary characters.....maybe we'll see them more in a future book of the series. Just like the previous books this one can also be seen as a standalone book and very interesting read, dynamic and action packed. Great work done by Ms. Kady Cross. Hope we'll see more in the Steampunk Chronicles and this was not the end.

"Action packed and adrenaline induced; Griffin, Finley and the gang take New York by storm"

Genre :      Young Adult, Steampunk


Publisher: Harlequin Teen


Rate:              5/5 (It was Awesome)

The Selection #1 The Selection

Its dystopic but much more grounded than all the others out so far, it actually looked a little bit like the tv show, Bachelor("Swyambar" in India) with an odd mix of Dystopia but it was so much more...you'll see why below. Presenting The Selection #1 The Selection by Kiera Cass.

Here is the summary of the book:

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon. But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks. Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself- and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

Some decades later the world has risen anew with its own set of rules and orders that are needed to be followed to remain spot clean in the eye of the law. Caste system has swept the world, monarchy is back and the public is divided into numbered sectors. In this Caste blown society, a one in a million chance for 35 girls to get Selected, escape the life they were born into and enter a world with glittering jewels and camera everywhere, and compete for the heart of Prince Maxon, who is ready to get married and settle down. Not only do the selected girls get the chance to win the heart of the prince but also her families will be compensated with money, money that they will most certainly need. Who wouldn't want that....

Well things are much more different for America Singer, for her its a nightmare. Hailing from a 5s family of artists, they skimp on food and clothing and there’s been times when they’ve had to go without but not that often. America is self-sufficient where she is. She has a magnificent voice, can learn any instrument very fast and most importantly is in love, with a gorgeous boy named Aspen, a caste down from her. They had maintained this secret relationship for 2 years but when the time of the selection comes around he encourages America to enter in it. It promises a better life for her and her family even more so than that she could get with Aspen.

Love is a magical feeling but sadly it is not enough to provide for food, clothing or shelter for the person if you don't have the money to afford it, a sad reality which Aspen knows and encourages her to enter. She is selected and amidst her grief at being separated from Aspen she enter the one place her hated her whole life, the palace.

But it all starts to change when she sees that the palace is not all bad, its opulence and magnificence astounds her, the food is delectable, she gets to wear new clothes and has 3 maids attending on her. But the biggest surprises is that the Prince whom she had hated for forever turns out to be not so bad. They strike a friendship of sorts, Prince Maxon ever having any close confidantes and America looking at the Prince in new light, finds him very dear to her heart. It is no mistaking that she is falling in love with the young Prince.

The Selection, a first in the series is in league of its own. Beautifully and very simply written and an easy read, this marks a much more grounded dystopian reality. The world building is done marvelous. The setting is exceptionally created. The characters are dynamic. America, Aspen and Maxon's love triangle and the setting of the selection is very much reality show esque, with all the back-biting comments and clever moves to get girls disqualified. We all know why and how America came to enter in this selection with no intention of marrying the Prince....the author has done a great job in that aspect making us all connect to America's plight. Her and Maxon's interactions are some of the best parts of the book. But there is still danger lurking outside the safety of the palace with rebels, raiding, looting and infiltrating the palace in search of something. This is another part I liked about the author she kept the rebellion under a shroud of mystery hopefully unveiled in the next books. On this note I'd like to say that i'm rooting for Maxon and America in the end, I am at the moment liking Maxon much more than Aspen because he understands what America is going through and respects her and not act all proud like the other one....oh I wanna read the next one so bad....

"A dystopic reality-tv esque swoony-worthy and charming fairytale of a prince in search of a wife and a girl trying to find herself"


Genre :      Young Adult, Dystopian, Romance


Publisher: HarperTEEN


My Copy: Publisher and edelweiss


Rate:              5/5 (It was Awesome)

Tuesday 24 April 2012

Lies Beneath #1 Lies Beneath

We all know what is above the surface but what is below...well that is what we don't know and this one actually gives us a good inkling of what it is like for....Merpeople. Presenting Lies Beneath #1 Lies Beneath by Anne Greenwood Brown.

Here is the summary of the book:

Calder White lives in the cold, clear waters of Lake Superior, the only brother in a family of murderous mermaids. To survive, Calder and his sisters prey on humans, killing them to absorb their energy. But this summer the underwater clan targets Jason Hancock out of pure revenge. They blame Hancock for their mother's death and have been waiting a long time for him to return to his family's homestead on the lake. Hancock has a fear of water, so to lure him in, Calder sets out to seduce Hancock's daughter, Lily. Easy enough — especially as Calder has lots of practice using his irresistible good looks and charm on unsuspecting girls. Only this time Calder screws everything up: he falls for Lily — just as Lily starts to suspect that there's more to the monsters-in-the-lake legends than she ever imagined. And just as his sisters are losing patience with him.


A beautiful cover, a panorama below the surface and vengeful creatures of the sea, these are the crux of the story. Calder and his sisters Maris, Tallulah and Pavati are merpeople and they only want one thing - get revenge and get the life that was owed to them by Tom Hancock. Calder and his sisters know that Hancock will not be easy, so they concoct a plan to get into their home and get him to the open sea so they can snatch him down below.

But why does Calder want this so bad? All he wants to is be free of the hold his sisters have on him and he can only have that if he completes this mission, his sister's orders. And his kind of merpeople are definitely not Disney-esque but rather attractive and murderous monsters who crave human emotions. But what Calder doesn't foresee is that of falling in love.

As far as all the young adult genres are considered, Lies Beneath is very much different from them all. For one, the whole book is on Calder's perspective and not the girl's. Calder is an eighteen year old merman, who just wants freedom from his sisters. All Calder needs to do is to seduce Hancock's daughter, Lily and gain his trust. Calder for the first time sees the difference between love and lust. What begins with a dark intent turns to something so pure that not even his sisters can sway him of the path he is on with Lily.

The story starts out slow but soon gains its momentum. Lies Beneath is absolutely the best merfolk fiction I have read to date. It so makes me what to dive below and see this wonderful world by my own eyes. I really need to know what happens next.

"Dark and Sultry, the difference between lust and love, Calder and Lily find it out the hard way"

Genre :      Young Adult, Paranormal, Romance


Publisher: Delacorte Books


My Copy: Publisher and netgalley


Rate:              5/5 (It was Awesome)

Monday 23 April 2012

The Vampire Diaries: Stefan's Diaries #6 The Compelled

Presenting The Vampire Diaries: Stefan's Diaries #6 The Compelled.

Here is the summary of the book:

The story arc of Stefan's Diaries continues in this sixth installment. Control or be controlled . . .Stefan and Damon thought they knew evil. But nothing compares to Samuel, the ruthless vampire hell-bent on avenging Katherine's death by destroying the Salvatore brothers. Reeling from Samuel's latest attack, Stefan and Damon find help in the most unlikely of places—a secret coven of witches. Together they discover Samuel's plan is more sinister than they ever could have imagined. Their only hope is to stop him before he secures the power to control humans and vampires alike. If they fail, not only Stefan and Damon but all of London will fall victim to Samuel's spell.

Again beginning right after the previous one ended, the compelled takes the story in a whole new tangent. One brother...only one more to go. Henry is dead, Damon is taken by Samuel and Stefan and Cora are at their wits' end not knowing what to do next. Things are difficult but truths are revealed about why the heck is Samuel turning the streets of London into a blood-bath with all the skewered murders he had committed of girls and since vampires are subtle about the way they drink blood from live victims, by just puncturing two holes not scream bloody murder and pull out all their body parts....so that's a little thing that is suspicious in there.

But Stefan, Damon and Cora get help from an unlikely source, a secret witch coven. Together they hope to stop Samuel in this war path and prevent both Humans and Vampires alike from being controlled....or compelled more like....

Both line I think this is supposed to be the final book.....maybe they'll extend it....i don't know yet but if they i'll definitely read it even I like this book less than the previous one. Only the plus side Elijah was mentioned in here so it was totally awesome.....The action scenes were very well done and the dynamic relationship between Stefan and Damon were the core of the book.

"An unlikely alliance to prevent Compulsion"

Genre :      Young Adult, Paranormal


Publisher: Harper TEEN


Rate:              2/5 (It was Ok)

The Vampire Diaries: Stefan's Diaries #5 The Asylum

Presenting The Vampire Diaries: Stefan's Diaries #3 The Asylum.

Here is the summary of the book:

The hunters become the hunted. . . .Driven from their hometown of Mystic Falls, both Stefan Salvatore and his brother, Damon, arrived in Europe looking for a fresh start. But Samuel, a wealthy and cunning vampire, has other plans for them. First he ruined Stefan’s peaceful existence and now he’s framing Damon for the most gruesome murders London has ever seen. United against their common enemy, Stefan and Damon are stunned when they realize that the source of Samuel’s rage lies in their past—tied up with the woman who forever changed their lives. Haunted by the memory of Katherine, the brothers find that their uneasy alliance is tested. Can they overcome their rivalry to defeat Samuel before he exacts his final revenge? Based on the popular CW TV show inspired by the bestselling novels, Stefan’s Diaries reveals the truth about what really happened between Stefan, Damon, and Katherine—and how the Vampire Diaries love triangle began.

Starts right after The Ripper ends, the Salvatores with Cora are fervently seeking out Samuel to get Damon cleared of being accused of being Jack The Ripper and disrupted Stefan's peaceful life. As they stand united against a common enemy - the hunters being the hunted - they are shocked to know that the reason of Samuel's hatred towards them lies in their past and tied to one woman who changed them all, Katherine. Haunted and tested the boys turn to all sorts of lows to get their revenge from Samuel but every time he outsmarts them. 

Titled the Asylum, in this chapter of Stefan's Diaries we find the Asylum to be the center piece of the narrative. The brothers finds out that Samuel and his brother Henry are big benefactors of this asylum which houses wayward girls and bring them on the right track.....but things are far worse than they seem to be. And what of Violet now....she is definitely not a human anymore, very much a vampire that may actually not even hesitate to drink from her own sister.....how can they save her....One thing is for certain though they need a colossal effort and strategy if....yes IF they want to achieve anything.

The Asylum, sees the Salvatores paired up together against Samuel and Henry, try to get Violet back and exact their revenge. But its not always easy. Stefan is careful while Damon is impulsive and with such big differences it is always hard to get along with the other. On the whole like the previous parts this is also a very fast and an easy read, and there is lots of action in here. And you actually need to keep it in mind that this is a spin-off of the tv series whenever some sort of errors come up but needless to say I find the Stefan's diaries actually a much better read than the original vampire diaries books, as this is much closer to the tv series.

"Its dark and blood-thirsty"  

Genre :      Young Adult, Paranormal


Publisher: Harper TEEN


Rate:              3/5 (Liked It)

Sunday 22 April 2012

Steampunk Chronicles #1 The Girl in the Steel Corset

I have read very few steampunk books but I tell you thi tops over everything I have read so far. Presenting Steampunk Chronicles #1 The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross.

Here is the summary of the book:

In 1897 England, 16-year-old Finley Jayne is convinced she's a freak. No normal Victorian girl has a darker side that makes her capable of knocking out a full-grown man with one punch. Only Griffin King sees the magical darkness inside her that says she's special . . . that she's one of "them."

The events here follow straight after the novella, The Strange Case of Finley Jayne. Finley's dark side rears it's head when she is in trouble, sometimes it gets her in trouble with the ones who employ her. This is where The Girl in the Steel Corset begins. Finley after a gruesome encounter(I don't think I need to describe the nature of it) with the son of her current employer runs for her life straight into Lord Griffin King of Greythorne and his companion Sam. They are there looking out for an enemy, the clever and cynical, the Machianist. Griffin, Sam and his group including Emily and Jasper take her in because Griffin King sees the magical darkness in Finley and promises to help her. Also his group is special and Griffin sees that she is also special..and one of them. To elaborate Griffin can walk the astral plane and calm a wayward or a distraught soul, Sam is part automaton and is very strong, Emily is the mechanical expert and can talk talk to the bots, and Jasper, an American Cowboy, although is not a permanent member but he has great speed and knows martial arts.

All in all they are not much more different than Finley. They take her in help her connect to her dark side. Histories are revealed. Alliances are formed, and amongst all of this th Machianist is playing a dangerous game that threatens the stability of the British crown itself. Very Apocalyptic...the stakes are higher than ever.

A solid narrative, the perfect use of steampunk and supported some sold character, this is a power packed and tight story. There is everything in here, friendship, comfort, first love, jealousy, great action, the perfect London atmosphere with a cynical villain running around reeking havoc.

All this is helped along by the characters Griffin, Finley, Sam, Emily, Jasper, The Machianist. In every ways they complement each other to bring this narrative to fruition. Griffin with his need for vengeance, Finley looking to belong somewhere and finding out what she actually is, Sam with his insecurities, the soft spoken Emily tinkering with her machines, Jasper with his long winded past and the cynical villain with his need for revenge on the Queen. Kady Cross you are my new favorite, I'm so checking out the Girl in the Clockwork Collar next.

"An action packet dark and medieval England"   

Genre :      Young Adult, Steampunk


Publisher: Harlequin Teen


Rate:              5/5 (It was Awesome)

Friday 20 April 2012

Follow Friday #14

"Follow Friday" is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read. Thanks for stopping by and checking out my blog. Don’t forget to comment and leave your link so I can return your follows.


Q: Fight! Fight! If you could have two fictional characters battle it out (preferably from books), who would they be and who do you think would win?

ANS: Wow I have missed out on so many Follow Friday posts. Now two fictional characters fighting. That sure is one tough question to handle because I have just the persons in mind.

Wait for it ISMAE RENAE from R.L. LaFevers' His Fair Assassin series and ALLISON SEKEMOTO from our ever favourite Julie Kagawa's latest bestseller The Immortal Rules. I'd definitely would pitch our new favorite assassin nun against the unregistered turned vampire. 

But the question of who'd win between them, well now that is another case to think about.....both are fierce, both are loyal to their causes, both know how to wield dangerous weapons and both try to fight for what is right. Ismae is the daughter of Death, while Allison is a human turned creature of the night. 

Now I think that Ismae can overpower Allie in a fight, she is definitely cunning and has a lot of stuffs up her sleeve and add to that killing a vampire is easy if you know how to and Ismae is a master of poisons......but Allie can definitely turn the tables, being a vampire, you get the added bonus of speed and two sets of sharp canine teeth that constantly crave flesh and blood, and the katana of her's is sure very sharp and cuts through things really easily.

So, while i'd like a clear cut winner but anything is possible with them.

Wednesday 18 April 2012

VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR [interview+giveaway]: The Silversmith Chronicles by Sam Hossler



Author Sam Hossler is touring for his fantasy, The Silversmith Chronicles Episode 1 with Tourz de Codex and we are proud to present ourselves as the first tour stop.


About The Author


“The Silversmith Chronicles” is a new direction from author Sam Hossler—combining his vast knowledge of 18th century American history with an action/suspense theme. This is also his first book presented in “Episodes,” similar to how famous writers such as Charles Dickens presented their works of fiction in the 18th century. The author’s fascination with the outdoors and archaeology sparked his interest in frontier life—a passion that led to writing several books including “Frontier Preacher” and “Frontier at Three Rivers.” Says Hossler: “I write history like you will never read it in history books!” He is a past president of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association and a member of the Outdoor Writers Association of America as well as being listed in the Professional Outdoor Writers Registry. Sam is also a true “Yankee Doodle Dandy” since he was born on the 4th of July!




About the Book


Sam's NEW e-book adventure Silversmith Chronicles is an exciting, action packed werewolf mystery presented in a series of three episodes. Follow three young people as they unravel the truth or fiction about werewolves. The story takes place in the 1800s in western Pennsylvania. Available from Amazon on Kindle Episode is now on sale from Amazon.com




About the Publishers


Granny Apple Publishing LLC, based in Sarasota, Florida, publishes Print on Demand books, eBooks, Audio Books and traditional printed books.


An Exclusive Interview With Him

Q. Tell us something about yourself.
A. I graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a BS in natural science. With my love for the outdoors what could be more natural than writing about it. Although it took quite some time before I actually got around to writing, a stint in the Air Force and outside work keep me busy. After a float trip down Pine Creek in the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania I penned my first magazine article. To my surprise it sold and that was the beginning of my writing career. For the next twenty or more years magazine articles were all I wrote, outdoors, travel and some product reviews. Then an archeological dig at Hanna’s Town Pennsylvania peaked my interest. I had always be interested in how our forefathers lived and the history involved. The more I read and researched it the more I knew a novel was hiding there. So, I wrote my first book, The Summer of 1763, and followed it with The Great Land Grab. Both are now combined into Frontier at Three Rivers. Frontier Preacher was conceived by information given me by a descendent of Rev. John Corbly. Rev. Katie White furnished family history, newspaper and historical records for this project.

Q: It is often said that if you can write a short story you can write anything. How true do you think this is and what have you written that either proves or disproves this POV?A.Well, I went from magazine writing to historical fiction novels and have just finished a series of short stories about werewolves. So, I would say it is true, a writer can adjust to the situation.

Q: How do you research for a book before you begin the writing process?
A.The internet is a treasure chest of information. Not all of it factual so you have to be careful. Libraries are a favorite haunt of mine as are historical societies. Many historical societies have archives of old newspaper articles which you can build a story around.

Q: What is the best part of writing for you?
A. Research is the most fun for me. I always find an exciting fact, people or event I can work into the story.

Q: How would you describe your book in a sentence?
A. Depends on if you are talking about my novels or the e books. For the novels; Historical fiction based of fact and events woven into an interesting story, history not found in high school history. My e book; Enjoyable reading, not to be confused with actual happenings.

Q: Can you tell us a little bit about your book?
A. The e book, Silversmith Chronicles was conceived from a comment my publisher made, “Werewolves are the hot topic.” and I said I can write about werewolves. I took the same setting as my novels and made it in 1822 and let my imagination run wild. The three main characters are teenagers that discover a werewolf has been killing sheep on one of the boys farm. In trying to kill the beast a local girl gets captured by the werewolf and the story evolves from there.

Q: What is your guiltiest pleasure that few know about?
A. I sometimes write in my pg.'s and don’t shave for days at a time when into a story.
Q: In your opinion, what are the best and worst aspects of writing for a living?
A. The best is the satisfaction you get seeing a finished product and knowing you have done your best work to produce it. The worst is the pay scale. Only a very few authors are well paid. Marketing once done by the publisher is now something the writer must share and in some cases do on their own. If I gaged my pay only on an hourly basis I wouldn’t write another line.

Now some simple questions and more fun^^

-Your favorite books and author? 
James F. Cooper one of my favorite authors, and favorite books of his type. Although I do like mysteries and all the various authors.
-Your favorite band/singer? 
I am a big band favorite. Glenn Miller and all those of that area. Singers Perry Como, Peggy Lee etc.
-Twitter or Facebook? 
Facebook is my speed. I haven’t really figured out Twitter.
-Favorite place in the world? 
Oh, my, I love the mountains of Pennsylvania and North Carolina and the sea shore of Florida.
-Last movie you watched at the cinemas? 
It’s been so long I really don’t remember but I think it was True Grit
-The last book you’ve read? 
Thorns and Rose by Almut Metzroth
-Have you ever googled yourself? 
Sure, I want to make sure I’m still here.
-If you wouldn’t be a writer, what you would be? 
Maybe a beach bum?

Q: The cover of the book is really awesome. Did you have any inputs in it?
A. The Frontier at Three Rivers was by Leah Wiedemer and the cover of Silversmith Chronicles Episode One by her son Nathan Wiedemer , Leah also did the cover for Episode Two of Silversmith Chronicles, Karin Zukowski did the cover for Frontier Preacher. I had little to do with it except tell them what I would like and they did the rest.

Q: What's next after this?
A. I‘ve had so much fun with the Silversmith Chronicles I think I’ll work on a story about werebears from Russia mixing with werewolves in the States.

Q: If your book got turned to movie then who would you select as your actors?
A. Tom Selick or Robert Duvall or anyone that the studio would pick.

Q: What advice would you like to give budding authors or those who want to start writing?
A. Pick a subject you know. Research it and study it.


GIVEAWAY

Here is what you all can win from this.
  • 2-3 ebooks of this will be held for a giveaway at each stop
  • 1 Paperback of his two previous books Frontier Preacher: The Life of John Corbly and Frontier at Three Rivers will be given away to one winner from the 2-3 selected for the ebook wins.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR: Seven Point Eight by Marie Harbon


Author Marie Harbon is touring for her sci-fi SEVEN POINT EIGHT with Tourz de Codex and we are proud to present ourselves as one of the first tour stops of this four day extravaganza.

[THIS IS FREE in the Kindle Store April 16th-19th, click here to go to the Kindle Store] SO WHAT ARE YOU ALL WAITING FOR GO AND BUY IT


About the Author:-

Marie Harbon has worked in both the retail and fitness industry. She has a degree in sport and fitness and taught group exercise for several years, delivering aerobics and Pilates classes. For two years, she delivered BTEC Sport courses and has also instructed dance and sport with children.


Aside from writing novels, she is developing her script writing and editorial skills. A busy bee, she is also a self-confessed fabric geek and loves making bags and corsets.






About SEVEN POINT EIGHT:-

Seven Point Eight:
The most powerful number in the universe.
The number that connects everything.

A long time ago, our ancestors lived in a very different world
from the one we inhabit today. We understood the language of the Earth, the stars, the sky people and we knew of the Number. This was a moment known as The First Time.

But over time, we forgot all of this and the wisdom of the Number was lost too. We walked through life asleep, ignorant of the truth.

Yet we retain a deep and hidden memory of everything that we ever were. There lies within us the hope that one day, we can re-connect with the language of the Earth, the stars, the sky people and the wisdom of the Number. The moment has arrived for The Second Time.

It is time to wake up.

A physicist begins a quest to measure the soul but soon finds himself drawn into the world of the enigmatic Max Richardson, where research is sold to the military at the highest bid. However, he soon discovers another purpose when an extremely talented young psychic enters his life. He devises a project
and builds a team to stretch the frontiers of exploration, only to make a reality-shattering discovery...

The First Chronicle is the beginning of a 5 part epic which
follows the spiritual and emotional journey of five people; their quest to understand the universe and our place within it. Along the way, they address the fundamental questions we all seek answers to:

Why are we here?
What is the purpose of the universe?
Is there a God?

Quantum physics meets spirituality in a tale which begins in the 1940s, unfolds during the 1960s; an era of social and spiritual transformation and reaches its conclusion in the modern age.
It interweaves the human dramas of love, betrayal, bitterness and above all, courage in a world where everyone must face their own dark shadow.

Written in the style of a TV series, this is for those of you who love clever and intriguing story lines 'Lost' and 'Fringe' style.

This is a great read for fans of the paranormal, big
sweeping epics, metaphysics, science fiction, contemporary fantasy, alternate realities and new age/spirituality.

The 2nd edition is scheduled for release in February 2012, which will also make a great YA read for those who like some science with their paranormal. It's available through all common outlets as an ebook and paperback.


An Exclusive Interview with The Author

Q. Tell us something about yourself.

I’m a UK based author and screenwriter who writes mainly in the science fiction and paranormal genres, although I may break that rule from time to time. Apart from writing, my greatest passions also include fabric and stitching; I create bags, corsets and clothing in the vintage, retro and alternative style.

Q. It is often said that if you can write a short story, you can write anything. How true do you think this is and what have you written that either proves or disproves this POV? Not necessarily. A short story is a brief concept, the pacing, plot and character development differs greatly from a novel, in that the plot is very concise and character development is often quite superficial because there’s no time to present much of a back story. A novel builds the plot and character through a longer series of scenes, and it’s much harder to correctly pace and present each element of the story. There’s so much more to keep a handle of. A screenplay is different yet again, as it has a specific formula, plus, it’s much tighter. It relies on a lot of show as opposed to tell, everything must be styled very visually, using action and dialogue. A stage play or radio script is another matter, something I don’t write.

Q. How do you research for a book before you begin the writing process?
I tend to take notes from the books I’ve read, indicating how it fits in with my story. The details are often researched as I progress through a book, reflecting where I need more detail. It’s also down to the draft stage it’s at; the technical research was the first layer, while the next draft focused on the historical context.

Q. What is the best part of writing for you?
Always the creative process, building events and scenes from scratch and seeing everything play out in a mind movie. Re-drafting has its merits too, for an author can really see the story come together and flesh out. Very often, a first draft can be skeletal, so subsequent revisions can really put the flesh and skin on a story.

Q. Can you tell us a little bit about your book?
The whole series is a journey, an expedition that draws together fringe science, psychic powers, alternate dimensions, time travel, past lives, miracles, folklore, consciousness, conspiracy and nostalgia, in a soap opera for the soul. Welcome to the new paranormal/science fiction series entitled ‘Seven Point Eight’.

In the first book of the series, a physicist begins a quest to measure the soul but soon founds himself swept into the world of Max Richardson, where research is sold to the military at the highest bid. When the talented psychic, Tahra, walks into his life, they soon embark on a ground-breaking project designed to stretch the frontiers of exploration, only to make a reality shattering discovery….

Q. What is your guiltiest pleasure that few know about?
Sad TV programmes, like America’s Next Top Model and Jerry Springer; I get drawn into them if the TV’s on, but I don’t go out of my way to watch them.

Q. In your opinion, what are the best and worst aspects of writing for a living?
Best – the creative process itself, writing from scratch and re-drafting for depth.
Worst – the final proof edits, messing around with the fiddly bits. You get sick to death of a novel at that point!

9. The cover of the book is really awesome. Did you have any inputs on it?
I didn’t visualise the design of it, but I gave the artist plenty of information so that he knew how to present it. He showed me some ideas and I chose one to work with, indicating what other details I required. It took three drafts to produce the cover. For the second book in the series, I have a much clearer idea of what I want.

Q. What’s next after this?
Seven Point Eight: The Second Chronicle is due for full release in August this year, with the ARC available in July. I’m also planning a stand alone for release just before Christmas, which will either be a suspense novella or a dystopian YA book. The TV pilot screenplay also requires a second draft, so I can start pitching it.

Q. If your book got turned into a movie, then who would you select as your actors?
Seven Point Eight is written in the style of a TV series, with the complex and epic plot, full of numerous story threads. If I had rich pickings, I’d cast Michael Fassbender as Dr Paul Eldridge, Henry Cavill as Max Richardson (with a bit of age added), Dianna Agron as Ava and Nicholas Hoult as Sam. The cover girl for The First Chronicle is New Mexico actress, Monique Candelaria, and I’d love her to take the role.

Q. Any advice you would want to give aspiring writers?
Study both the craft of writing and the world of publishing, whether that be traditional or indie. Understand the market and what makes readers tick. Observe people and relationships. Join writing groups and find yourself a critique partner. Organise a good editor. Build a social networking platform – blog, Facebook, Twitter etc… And finally, persevere.


A Special Treat for you all : Book Excerpt

Ava gave him a lingering glance, feeling a sense of sadness regarding his predicament. What a waste of human life.
            They passed another character, a blonde haired woman with an intense and seething look on her face. This time, she wasn’t restrained although she crouched on her bed, bearing a menacing expression on her face. When she saw Ava, she snarled.
            “What’s wrong with her, if you don’t mind me asking?”
            Her escort acquiesced to her questioning again.
            “Schizophrenia… she hears voices, which she claims instruct her to do evil. She enjoys inflicting pain on others, so we have to isolate her.”
            Ava was touched deeply this time.
            “Like Maria’s original diagnosis?”
            Her escort tried to smile sympathetically, although she said nothing. Ava made eye contact with the intense character behind the door, which sent a chill down her spine.
            “She reminds me of the girl from The Exorcist,” she commented.
            They turned the corridor, and there were two more people that Ava felt drawn to; a black man and woman, who resided in the same room. They appeared to be actors in a play of their own making.
            “Lost in their own little world, aren’t they?” she said.
            “We call them The Time Travellers, as they always insist they’ve travelled to the past and future. Most of the time they’re locked in an imagery scenario, living some other reality. We keep them together, as their behaviour is more manageable if we do so.”
            The final curiosity that Ava had to ask about was a man with fair hair, who could often be seen punching at the walls, or shouting for books. He was oblivious to their presence and Ava’s gaze. On this day, he was standing in front of a wall, reaching out to touch it with his fingers.
            “What is he doing?” Ava asked.
            “He believes he can walk through walls,” her escort explained. “My, we’ve had some bruises over the years. I don’t know what’s worse, his wall or book obsession.”
            They passed through some double doors, which required a security code to gain entry into the next corridor. There, they soon found room 104 and Ava paused outside.
            “Has there been any change in her condition since I last visited?”
            Her escort shook her head, sadly.
            “She’s still in a persistent vegetative state, exactly the same as the day she arrived.”
            Ava accepted the situation with reluctance.
            “She’s the only living relative I know of,” she explained. “I was hoping one day I’d discover where we came from, who our parents are and if our father is still alive. Did you recover the file from the facility she transferred from?”
            “I’m sorry, it’s still missing.”
            Undeterred, Ava pressed further.
            “Does anybody else visit her? They may be able to offer some clues to her history… why she ended up in this condition, when and why she cut her wrists...”
            “I can’t disclose that information, it’s confidential I’m afraid.”
            Her escort opened the door and Ava entered, determined to present a face of hope to Maria, her sister.

INTERESTING ENOUGH? WELL HEAD OVER HERE TO GET A FREE KINDLE COPY

Blood of Eden #1 The Immortal Rules

This will instill the credibility of vampires back into you, trust me. Presenting my review of Blood of Eden #1 The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa. This is the anticipated book of the season. If my review is long...well deal with the book is a giant compared to what you'll be reading below.

Here is the summary of the book:

In a future world, Vampires reign. Humans are blood cattle. And one girl will search for the key to save humanity. Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten. Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them. The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked—and given the ultimate choice. Die… or become one of the monsters. Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad. Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend—a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike. But it isn't easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what—and who—is worth dying for.

After her big stint with the hugely popular(my personal favorite) Iron Fey saga, Ms. Kagawa, has taken on a new turn.....to go the post-apocalyptic paranormal romance way. But will she be successful in instilling our interests back in the vampires and delivering something that is not sparkly(sorry couldn't resist)....well the answer is, YES SHE DOES. So without much further ado lets move forward to the review.

Based in a world where the creatures of the dark, vampires have all come out of hiding, feeding on their human blood cattle, keeping the them tightly within their grasps, in a sort of outer fringes off their inner cities keeping them as miserable as possible. Among the humans their are two factions the Registered and the Unregistered. The registered are the ones who get to enjoy life a little bit easier then the unregistered do. Oh and did I mention that the unregistered don't get the luxuries the registered do and have to resort to stealing which is one of the most heinous crimes of all and is punishable by death....well not a bleak future you can tell.

Enter Allison Sekemoto, an above mentioned blind spot, she and her rag-tag unregistereds search day and night(well day mostly) in trash cans, gutters and old city ruins for food and clothes. But hunger is not something you could always control sooner or later it consumes you and you can't do anything but to sort to dangers means to feed your stomach and Allie and her group pays the price when they are ambushed by rabids (the monsters that are made as a result to a failure of vampirism), Allie is on the brink of death, about to go rabid or die when a mysterious vampire finds her and gives her the option of either dying and retuning as a rabid or be a vampire, She chooses the latter. Its simple psychology people tend to not reconcile with death choosing and doing all they can to stay alive.

As a vampire she learns all she can and needs to survive as a vampire from her mysterious creator, Kanan. She learns to fight, to survive but yet she can't see the point of drinking human blood, hoping animal blood can serve purpose but to no avail. And if she does and its not enough to satisfy her then sooner or later she is going to become one of the blood-thirsty rampaging lot, which is never a good sign. But trouble strikes and she is on her own again, this time coming in contact with a big human group travelling to find the only vampire-run city in the world, Eden. Does Eden truly exist or is it just a fable? But most of all how long can she feign to be a human? Eventually she'll realize that she'll need blood and soon to survive. Will it be enough to prevent a fall-out with Zeke, her new friend who definitely doesn't miss out on things.

Julie Kagawa has successfully delivered the best piece of vampire literature yet. This is the story of how Allie learns how to be a vampire. She is strong character, she is loyal to boot and looks out for her friends and she is also very much a rebel and a closed off girl. The other characters are there to play a part in pushing Allie to accept her nature and use it in the best possible way. Romance is kept at a minimum, which is a good sign. Vivid, dark and alluring descriptions, Julie Kagawa delivers what Julie Kagawa delivers. Can't wait now to see how goes the second book.

"Now that's what true vampires are all about"
UPDATE: I just heard yesterday that The Immortal Rules is optioned for a movie for Palomar Pictures, on this happy occasion let me add the trailer to the book....wouldn't it be more awesome if the iron fey series also gets optioned.



Genre :      Young Adult, Paranormal, Post Apocalyptic


Publisher: Harlequin Teen


My Copy: Publisher and netgalley


Rate:              5/5 (It was Awesome)

Monday 16 April 2012

Lorien Legacies #2.5 I am Number Four: The Lost Files : Nine's Legacy

We saw nine in the last Lorien Legacies book, now this is the back story of number nine and how the Mogs arrested him. Presenting Lorien Legacies #2.5 I am Number Four: The Lost Files : Nine's Legacy by Pittacus Lore.

Here is the summary of the book:

Number Nine—when John frees him from his cell in the power of six, he’s ferocious, reckless, and ready to fight back. But being held captive changes a person—even a Lorien. See what Nine was like before his capture, and read about his dramatic escape from his point of view. In I Am Number Four: The Lost Files: Nine’s Legacy, discover the story behind Nine. Before meeting John Smith, aka Number Four, before being held prisoner, Nine was hunting down Mogadorians in Chicago with his CÊpan, Sandor. What happened there would change Nine forever...

This short novella is all about number nine. We first saw nine in the second book, the power of six, there he was imprisoned by the mogs and was rescued by John/four and Sam. Nine's Legacy is all about how his imprisonment came about and why he is so ferocious, reckless and ready to fight back. Nine's Legacy is about number nine/Stuart, who is in Chicago with is Cepan, Sandor hunting down Mogadorians.

We see him go through all the vices of a human life, fall in love, rebel against your guardian, do all you can to impress your significant other and elders etc. He is definitely an interesting character and so different from the other numbers alive. Nine's story is far more different that John/Four or Six's. He lusts after Mogadorian hunting while his Cepan Sandor loves Gadgets. But he rebels against his guardian for he is tired of hiding, an attitude which bears it consequences leading to his capture. Out of all the Lorien Legacies books so far this is by the most different of them all and shows us in plain light what your actions can do if you take the wrong route.

"Nine's Legacy has more or less prepared me for whats to come in the next book, the rise of nine."

Genre :      Young Adult, Sci-fi, Romance


Publisher: Harper Collins


Rate:              4/5 (Really Liked It)

VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR: INTERVIEW & GIVEAWAY - From Zero To Four Kids In thirty Seconds
















Author Amy L Peterson is touring for her non-fiction, From Zero To Four Kids In thirty Seconds with Tourz de Codex and we are proud to present ourselves as one of the tour stops.


About The Author
Amy L Peterson is a happily married wife, stepmother, author, amateur photographer, outdoors woman and keeper of numerous spoiled fuzzy animals. Her writing is diverse, her photography of animals and wildlife unique, and her pets have trained her how to get what they want.

Amy met Mark at the Michigan Department of Natural Resources in the early 1990s and married him after he carried a rubber raft, oars, foot pump, camping gear, and fishing gear to 10,000 feet while backpacking in Montana. In addition to his prowess, Amy was attracted to Mark’s limitless supply of fishing tackle, and his interest in every kind of critter. The fact that he came with four children in denial about until she married him.

Amy summarized just some of the fun of entering into instant stepmotherhood in From Zero to Four Kids in Thirty Seconds. This humorous, entertaining book includes over 70 tips for stepmothers and women thinking about taking such a plunge. These tips are tried and true since all four of Mark’s children survived their time with Amy. Amongst the kids is one social worker, one mechanical engineer, and two college students.

Between bouts of being a wife and stepmother, Amy spends way too many hours photographing and writing about wildlife. Her publications and photos have appeared in Grit, Moxie, Montana, Travel Impulse, Women’s World, Bonaire Nights, and Pacific Coast Sportfishing. Her article about Nunavet wildlife was featured on the Nueltin Lodge web page, along with a photo of a monstrous pike she claims to have caught.

Amy has also co-authored numerous technical documents for the State of Michigan, all of which are really quite boring. Her favorite past time is writing mostly true stories of the various animals she’s spoiled or encountered in the wild. She is currently working on a book about all the animals Mark "always wanted."

Her blog at amylpeterson.com, is focusing on her book excepts and many a reviews she is receiving every day.

This is Amy’s humorous and compelling story of becoming a stepmother. The book has catchy chapter titles like "Can't We Just Duct Tape Them Together and Send Them Outside?" And it contains over 70 tips including "Tip #44: You can't exchange a bad child for a good head of lettuce." This book is a must read for stepmothers and future stepmothers, and a fun romance that might just make you giggle somewhere along the way.


About FROM ZERO TO FOUR KIDS IN THIRTY SECONDS

Amy is a 30-year-old woman who spent many years polishing an unapproachable outer shell and maintaining a long list of reasons why not to have children. She keeps a canoe on her front porch, a mountain bike in her kitchen and a balance in her checking account.

Mark is an older, divorced man with four kids. He sleeps on an Army cot and eats out of pots and pans given to him by his therapist. He has a Ph.D. in stream ecology, a VW Rabbit with 285,000 miles on it and enough fishing tackle to sink a small boat.

Amy falls for Mark hook, line and hundreds of dollars in sinkers.

An Exclusive Interview With Her

Q. Tell us something about yourself. 
I try to find humor in most things in life, because life can be really quite grim if you think about it too much. So, instead of dwelling on the fact that my dogs are both 13 and one has no teeth and the other is deaf, I’m happy to report that between my two dogs, I have one really great watch dog.

Q: It is often said that if you can write a short story you can write anything. How true do you think this is and what have you written that either proves or disproves this POV?
I don’t think just that because I can write a non-fiction humorous story I could also write a Pulitzer-prize-winning novel, an article for a medical journal, or a technical manual detailing how to install a new garbage disposal. Though, having recently helped my husband install a new “Easy to install” garbage disposal that wasn’t easy to install, I think I might be able to write better instructions than the ones we had to work with.

Q: How do you research for a book before you begin the writing process? 
The great thing about works like mine is that I don’t have to do a lot of research and can instead, take the personality trait of a real person and run with it. For example, in Chapter 7 of my book, “Is That Sweat Dripping Off Your Forehead, Honey?” I play off the fact that my normally cool and collected husband sweats his way through asking my dad for permission to marry me. Not only does my dad make this difficult, I do as well.

Q: What is the best part of writing for you? 
Hearing that people laughed out loud while reading my book is a great feeling. Also, the ties I make with people who read my books has been rather nifty, too. People have told me my book was a fun read and that they feel they got to know me (which is kind of scary, really, since I don’t know anything about them). I also have had stepmoms tell me they could relate to what I wrote about, though none have admitted to pondering duct taping their stepkids together and sending them outside (which is the basis for Chapter 9 of my book).

Q: How would you describe your book in a sentence? 
A humorous memoir about a woman who fell hook, line and sinker for a man with four kids and enough fishing tackle to sink a small boat.

Q: Can you tell us a little bit about your book? 
My book is about becoming a stepmom to four kids, ages three, five, 13 and 15. I share what it was like to fall for a guy with four kids in spite of having hundreds of reasons why not to have kids. I’m also happy to share how awesome I was at mom-like things: my first batch of rigatoni was rubbery, and when the youngest kid couldn’t get her doll’s clothes back on, I handed the doll to one of the other kids. The book is a series of hapless events that, while stressful at the time, made for an amusing story to share with others when I stepped back from it years later. What I tried to pull together was a funny romance story about a girl meeting a boy with kids, interwoven with helpful tips.

Q: What is your guiltiest pleasure that few know about? 
Malted milk balls. Those are darn dangerous little bits of chocolate that you can either chew or let melt in your mouth. Sadly, my dentist loves that I love them, too.

Q: In your opinion, what are the best and worst aspects of writing for a living? 
I wouldn’t know because I don’t yet write for a living—it’s something I do after work, after walking the dogs and after helping with housely duties. My goal is still to write for a living, which is why I so appreciate your helping me out.

Q: Your opinions on a modern family. 
The modern family is what people make a family out to be. For more and more people, it’s not like the Cleavers, the Partridge Family, the Waltons, or even the Brady Bunch. It’s a family of one or more divorced people that, with any luck, includes at least one character with a good sense of humor.

Now some simple questions and more fun^^

-Your favorite books and author? 
Erma Bombeck books. They are fun, easy reads. Now, if only I could gain her popularity.

-Your favorite band/singer? 
Adele and John Denver would be neck-and-neck in a horse race, but since Adele has an obvious advantage, let’s just give it to her.

-Twitter or Facebook? 
I Tweet at Amylpetersonblg and 
I have a FB page at http://www.facebook.com/#!/authoramylpeterson.

-Favorite place in the world? 
I don’t know yet because I haven’t been to the Amazon, Africa, Madagascar or the Arctic. All are on my bucket list, though I fear my bucket has holes in it because money is currently leaking out.

-Last movie you watched at the cinemas? 
My husband and I took my Dad to see Act of Valor, which featured active Navy seals. My Dad is 76 and a proud Navy veteran and he got all teary-eyed, which got me all teary-eyed. My Dad was only somewhat amused when I wiped my eyes on his shirt sleeve.

-The last book you’ve read? 
One of Cesar Milan’s books, which confirmed that it’s my fault that my lhasa-bijon dogs bark like crazy when other dogs go by our house.

-Have you ever googled yourself? 
Not until you asked the question. And here’s the thing: there’s an Amylpeterson on Twitter that isn’t me—she’s “interested in education, mothering, books, theology, food, pop culture….” That’s not me. She’s an imposter and likely the reason I had to use amylpetersonblg for my Twitter account. But after that entry, people should find my web site, and then my photo gallery, then my Amazon author page, then my book info and more about me--the right Amy L Peterson. Then there’s a listing about another Amy L Peterson in NJ, who’s another imposter (or maybe the same as the first one). The next listing is from She Writes and Book Blog sand those are me again. Having googled myself and found imposters, I should have used a pen name like “Silly Stepmom” or something.

-If you wouldn’t be a writer, what you would be? 
Probably psychotic. I enjoy writing but it’s just a hobby at this point because it doesn’t yet put food on the table. In the meantime, I’m also a state government employee that runs a grant program and helps other grant program mangers stay one step ahead of auditors. I’d give that up if writing were more profitable. Photography, too.

Q: The cover of the book is really awesome. 
Did you have any inputs in it? Thank you! The book cover was partially based on my wedding cake, which I designed and which a local baker brought to life: the bride and groom on the boat with the fishing poles are all part of the original design, and, equally important, the bride’s fishing pole is connected to a larger fish than the groom’s. The wedding cake lacked color, though, (the bubbles and fish were clear), so when it came to the book cover, I wanted lots of color, and also the four kids in the boat. I think the illustrator did a great job with the overall concept, and my web designer did a great job with the background the illustration is on. Or in.

Q: What's next after this? 
In May, I hope to start work on draft two of my next book, which is about all the critters Mark “always wanted” and which I knew as much about as I did becoming a stepmom. The critters include frogs, iguanas, hedgehogs, ferret, mice, gerbils, dogs, cat, rabbit and a domestic duck. It was sort of like having a barnyard full of animals without the benefit of a barn.

Q:What advice would you like to give budding authors or those who want to start writing? 
It’s helpful to realize that nobody throws parties for newly published authors, any more than anyone throws baby or kid showers for new stepmoms. Whatever you write is your baby and it’s up to you to make it grow. And that takes me right back to thanking you again for hosting this stop on my book tour and for setting the whole tour up. You did an excellent job.

GIVEAWAY

Just fill in the rafflecopter form below to enter, after checking the terms & conditions. But take a look at what you can win.

you get to win three of these beauties

 

Le' Grande Codex Template by Ipietoon Cute Blog Design