Why I panicked.

On May 29th 2013 around 10pm I was having a lovely conversation with a friend. We were discussing book launch parties and the many ideas I have for mine. As I thought about it I wondered just how many days I had until the day came.
I did the worst thing I could possibly do . . . I counted out exactly how many days I had. 121. That is how many days left between May 29th and publication day, September 27th. And I had a panic attack.

Not just a "Oh my goodness, there are only 121 days left!" Oh no, it was much worse. My body went weak. My stomach churned. I was going to vomit. I quit breathing. I couldn't think of anything but that number just dancing through my mind.  One hundred and twenty one days . . . 

Everyone told me to just breathe. It was no big deal, that was 121 days left to edit, plan, format, get a cover, make a trailer . . . etc. I had plenty of time, no need to worry. But I was worrying. And I didn't know how to stop it.

Finally I walked away from the computer, took a breather, showered, and came back. And that number was still there floating on the screen. Still there nagging and freaking me out!

So why did I panic? Well let me give you the list!

• That is only 121 to work on a million different things that need to be in order for this book to be publish worthy. 
• I wasn't even halfway through editing the book. How was I ever going to have it publish worthy in 121 days? 
• I have been working towards publication for seven years. In fact, on September 27th I will have been working for that day for exactly seven years . . . to the day. 
• My first book comes out in 121 days! 
• In 121 I will be a published author. 
• Only 121 days between me and publication, that translates to 121 days until my first book is out there in the world where people can read it, hate it, tear it apart, or love it and give it 5 star reviews.

There were plenty of reasons for me to panic. But luckily I have some pretty amazing friends who helped calm the nerves and got my heartbeat back down to a normal, okay speed. 

Am I still nervous? YES! Am I panicking? Not quite so much. Am I pushing the release date back? NO! 

There are now 119 days until Only Half Alive is published. 

Drawing out the Dragons GIVEAWAY (US)

I believe in you. You have a great destiny. You are meant for great things. And it s possible to live a wonderful, extraordinary life. That is the promise offered by bestselling author and illustrator James A. Owen in this remarkable and inspirational meditation. In Drawing Out the Dragons, James shares personal stories and the deep truths he learned while navigating past obstacles and adversity toward a life of lasting belief and joy. We all have a grand destiny, but sometimes we feel we lack the power to achieve it. But we always have the power to choose. Every drawing, every life, is nothing but a series of choices and actions. Make your lines. Make your choices. . . . What you create from there is entirely up to you. Drawing Out the Dragons has the power to uplift, inspire, and change your life.

This is one of my favorite quotes and I use it all the time! And it is of course, in the book. 

Just so everyone knows, this book changed my life.  The author of this book has forever changed my life.  And honestly if I was rich, I would buy this book by the truck load and pass it out to everyone I meet.  Enter to win this incredible book, and then go buy the book. And if you win, give one of those copies away! And if you don't win, you'll already have a copy and it won't matter!!! 

Facebook ~ Website ~ Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble 

Giveaway open to the US only (Sorry). 

Giveaway ends 6-7-13 

Winner will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen. 

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The Edge of Darkness Release Day Blitz!

Title: The Edge of Darkness ~ Author: Melissa Andrea ~ Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance

Release Day: May 31, 2013 ~ Blitz Host: Lady Amber's Tours

After a tragic accident, Araya Noelle is left with a constant reminder that nothing is forever. Instead of dwelling over her loss, she plays the hand she's been dealt without complaint.  In a world as black as hers, there's no room for bitterness, no time for regret. Sheltered from the outside world, Araya has become suffocated by a life she has no control over. 

Until Ryland Dare comes crashing into her life. 

You don’t know true darkness until you've felt the light…

Like a firecracker, showering her with colorful sparks of freedom, Ryland quickly sweeps  Araya away from her dark existence. For the first time since the accident, living in darkness is no longer something Araya wants to do willingly. Unleashed by the shadows of her reminder, being with Ryland, Araya touches light. Together they will learn what it’s like to be alive for the first time.

At the edge of darkness, a ray of light, will dare them both to live.

Melissa started reading in high school when she found her mom's romance book collection and has been hooked on books every since. She became a complete book-aholic, starting her own collection and improving her reading skills. Most of the time she could finish a book walking around the store, while her mom shopped.

She wrote her first short story in high school for a competition in her writing class. It was a child's book called 'Arnold' - it was about an ant who believed he could do anything. Oh by the way, she won!

She has written many stories since then, but this will be her first YA paranormal/fantasy and the first book she will have published.

She lived in Mesa, Arizona with her husband of six years, and her 3 beautiful daughters.  They are her biggest fans and they inspire her everyday. She enjoys spending time with her family, weekend dates with her mom & taking vacations. Hawaii anyone??

Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ Blog ~ Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Book Trailer

The Faerie Prince Release Day!!!!

It's release day for The Faerie Prince, the second novel in the Creepy Hollow series! Woohoo! If you're keen to read it, you can find it at the following places online:

Amazon US | Amazon UK

Barnes & Noble

Apple iBookstore

CreateSpace (print)

Guardian trainee Violet Fairdale is just weeks away from one of the most important occasions of her life: graduation. After messing up big time by bringing a human into the fae realm, Vi needs to step up her game and forget about Nate if she hopes to graduate as the top guardian of her year. Everything would be fine if she wasn’t forced to partner with Ryn, her ex-friend, ex-enemy, current ‘sort of friend’. They might be trying to patch up their relationship, but does she really want to spend a week undercover with him for their final assignment? On top of that, the possibly insane Unseelie Prince is still on the loose, free to ‘collect’ as many specially talented faeries as he can find—and Vi is still at the top of his list. Add in faerie queens, enchanted storms, complicated not-just-friends feelings, and a murder within the Guild itself, and graduation is about to become the least of Vi’s problems.

In celebration, The Faerie Guardian is on sale for a limited time!

**GIVEAWAY**

There will be a giveaway running from now until the end of the blog tour (Sun 9 June). A giveaway where FOUR people could win something! The prizes are a signed copy of The Faerie Prince (or The Faerie Guardian, should the winner prefer that), an Amazon gift card, a mini book pendant and necklace, and a Creepy Hollow pin badge. Check out the pic below!
Giveaway is open internationally

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You can read my review of The Faerie Guardian HERE! 

And a review of The Faerie Prince is coming soon! 

Starting a book club, what do I do now?

Alright, I have been chosen to start a book club for a group of women and as of I have never done this, I am looking for all the advice you can give. I have started a check-list of basics for a book club to discuss.

Here is my check-list of things to discuss with the ladies who want me to start the club:

Create a name for our book club.

When should we meet every month?

What type of Book Club? 

Special events?

Should we have a book blog?

Should we have a Facebook group?

Where should we meet each month? 

Alright, what am I missing? What else should be discussed at the first meeting while we begin building a book club? Help?!?!

Seriously any advice, anything you can tell me about getting a book club put together would be very much appreciated! 

Thank you in advance! 

Updates, updates, updates!

So I feel pretty awful. I was debating what to blog about today because for the first time in 5 months, I didn't have a post already scheduled! How crazy is that?!?! Anyway, so I was debating what to blog about and I realized that there are so many updates you haven't gotten if you don't follow my Facebook page.

So allow me to give you an update.

1.Sam Tsui is the perfect person to play Riley, one of the Main Characters in Only Half Alive. You can check out his YouTube channel HERE.
Another fun fact about him, he wrote a song called Me Without You which is one of the theme songs for the book. Crazy, right?!?! If I could meet him I would totally tell him all about it and ask for the rights to the song for the book trailer!

2. This past weekend was spent editing and Only Half Alive will go to beta readers on Wednesday. I am so excited!! Oh my goodness, I cannot wait to share this book with you!

3. If you want more updates, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE go like my Facebook page HERE. It is so much easier to post little updates on there rather than writing a whole blog post for it. And if you don't follow my Facebook page you totally missed a chance to be in the book! But no worries, I promise there will be plenty of opportunities to win that prize. Just go like the page!

4. Only Half Alive is on Goodreads. And I would love you forever plus some if you added it to your TBR list!!! You can check it out HERE!

And that is all folks!!

Another Authorly Update

For years now I have had an Author Facebook page and I never really advertised it because I didn't do anything on it but it seems that as soon as I announced my book would be coming out my Facebook page is thriving and I am constantly posting little snippets of the book, giveaways, and other pieces of news on there.

So while I love blogging, it is becoming harder and harder to share the little things through blogging. So if you would like to get updates more often, news about the book, teasers and LOTS of giveaways, please visit my Facebook page!!! 

-----> FACEBOOK PAGE! 

Have a fantastic week! 

Waiting Fate ~ Book spotlight and Author Interview

Sometimes Fate hides in plain sight while you stumble through darkness.

Ivy escapes from an abusive husband, finding peace with her daughter in her childhood home. She’s determined to keep her past a secret to protect those she loves.

Archer has been in love with the same girl since seventh grade. When Ivy comes back into his life—bruised, broken, and haunted by secrets—he knows he can’t lose her again.

But Ivy made a promise to her daughter. No one would hurt them again. She’s afraid to trust, afraid to be wrong again, and afraid that the one man she’s loved forever will break her heart.

Fate might take it’s time, but it won’t wait forever.

Meet W.B! 

W.B. Kinnette was born and raised in Utah, the baby of the family and spoiled rotten. She lived briefly in Texas and Alaska before coming back to raise her family only a few miles from her childhood home. She’s loved writing since she was small, because daydreams demand to be written down. She believes that dreams must be chased, if only so she can tell her children honestly that dreams do come true if you work hard enough – and never give up!

 ~  Facebook ~ Twitter @wbkinnette ~ Website ~

 ~ Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ 

Author Interview: 

What is your favorite time to write?

 Late, late night. One, because everyone in the house is asleep and I don’t have any interruptions. Two, because I write better when I’m sleep-deprived and loopy. Go figure.

Where is your favorite place to write?

 Somewhere quiet. I love my children. Really, I do. But I can’t write with distractions, and they’re cute enough that they will always be a distraction!

Do you judge a book by it’s cover?

Totally! BUT. I have bought many books because of their pretty covers and have been very disappointed. I should stop, but covers are so pretty!

Do you have advice for other writers?

Find a support group that knows what you are going through! My family is awesome and amazingly supportive, but I didn’t really start taking writing seriously until I found a chat room where other writers hung out all the time. Writing together, making friends, going to conferences together, it made a HUGE difference. I wouldn’t have half of what I have done if I didn’t have my writer friends.

Do you ever write in your pjs?

Is that a trick question? Is there anything else to write in? Are you implying I am supposed to get dressed every day?!

What is your favorite quote?

Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.

Do you put people you know into your stories?

All. The. Time. Beware of getting on my bad side. Bwahahahah.

 It was a pleasure having W.B here to visit today. Make sure you check out Waiting Fate! 

Feeling like a real author!

I've always told myself that I am a real author. Just because I'm not published doesn't mean I'm not an author. It just means that my book isn't out there yet. I am still an author, I still write stories, I still create worlds.

Well yesterday I got to do something that kinda changes my opinion  Not really, but it does make me feel more like an author. And more than that, I feel like all this work is paying off!  I joined the Goodreads Author program and added my book on there.

Add Only Half Alive to your Goodreads TBR list! 

If you added it, I would greatly appreciate it!!! But don't feel obligated to. *Smiles*  

So now I would like to know, what makes you feel like a "real" author? What is your validation? Do you believe you are an author even though you aren't published? At what point on your road to publication did you begin to really feel like an author? 

Also, LadyAmber will be hosting my Cover Reveal, Blog Tour, and Launch party. 

You can "like" her HERE! 

And if you are interested in participating in blog tours and cover reveals, send LadyAmber a message. Just let her know why you're there and that I sent you please.

How do ideas choose their author?

People ALWAYS ask, "How do you get your ideas?" If you're an author, you probably get this question A LOT.  Right? Right?  But that is a very invalid question in my opinion.  I didn't sit down and think "Hmmm, I'm gonna be a writer. What should I write about?" No, no, no!

I sat down one day and my brain said "Oh my goodness here is this brilliant idea. Take it, write it, one day get it published.  Also here are some characters and a place for it to happen and also here is some really cool dialogue you can throw in there. Good luck!"  And I thought "What just happened? My brain things I'm a writer? Are you serious? Do I look like a writer?" And my brain replied with "Yeah, you do look like a writer. Now shut up and write down these ideas or you will make me forget and then we can't write their stories!" And all I could think was "Whose stories?" And my brain is sighing now.  "You are such an idiot! Them, these characters speaking to you! Who else would I be talking about?"  And so at that point, completely lost and freaked out but didn't continue arguing. I sat down, shut up, and wrote!

So it wasn't a "Ohh I want to write! Now I need ideas."  It was a "Ohhh here are some ideas. Crap, now I have to write!"  And the adventure began!

So back to my original point, how did the stories choose their authors? Where were you, what were you doing, and what story idea inspired you to write?

For me?  I was thinking about a very hilarious memory and realized it would make for a really cute story.  (Think Me + My younger sister + My Super cute crush walking by = Hilarious moment for me, embarrassing moment for Crush, and semi-shocked/horrified/can't help but laugh moment for my sister) so I decided I would write it.  And guess what? It was horrible! I had one scene but no plot, no characters, no story.

It kinda snowballed from there.  I decided that the scene was really cute and I would really like to write it for a book one day.  Next thing I know, I am going to a writing meeting every Tuesday night at the library.  After that, I started another book, a book that in January I finally submitted to publishers.  And between then and now, I had so many stories floating around I couldn't keep up.


So again I leave you with a question, how did the stories you're writing choose you as their author?

Book tour: Insight ~ A Book Review

 ~ INSIGHT BEHOLDERS, BOOK ONE ~ YOUNG ADULT / FANTASY ~  TERRON JAMES  ~ 

ON SALE: JUNE 1

James has masterfully crafted the mystical land of Appernysia, a  world brimming with rich history and magic that readers of all types will find delight in discovering. Rumors are surging through Appernysia that a Beholder has been born,  the first wielder of True Sight in over a millennium.

Seventeen-year-old Lon Marcs discovers he has been blessed—or  cursed—with this gift. He cannot control the power of True Sight and  feels it killing him with each passing day. He realizes that the only people who might possess the knowledge to save his life are the sworn  enemies of his king. To obtain their help, Lon would have to journey into exile, leaving behind his village, family, and beloved Kaylen.

Although this is the hardest decision Lon has ever made, it is only  the first of many that will test his strength and challenge his interpretation of right and wrong.

My Review: 

This book . . . this book has left me speechless. I love it! Simply put, I LOVE it! Insight is truly insightful. Terron is able to bring these characters to life, he brings out things, details I would have never imagined before. The relationships in the story are touching, amazing, completely believable.

I kept thinking that I would stop and go do some other things before reading more but each time I ended one chapter the next just called and forced me to read the whole book in one sitting.

Insight if full of adventure and oh my goodness the feels! There are so many of them. Terron has written a masterpiece and I can only say that I am dying to read more!!!

 ~ Facebook ~ Blog/Website ~ Twitter ~  Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble  ~ Blog Tour ~ 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Trailer Reveal: Branded

 ~ Title: Branded ~ Author: Abi Ketner & Missy Kalicicki ~ Release Date: June 28, 2013 ~

~  Genre: Mature Young Adult, Dystopian ~ Reveal Host: Lady Amber's Tours ~ 

Book Description:

Twenty years ago the Commander came into power and murdered all who opposed him.  In his warped mind, the seven deadly sins were the downfall of society. He created the  Hole where sinners are branded according to their sins and might survive a few years. At best.  Now LUST wraps around my neck like blue fingers strangling me. I've been accused of a  crime I didn't commit and now the Hole is my new home.  

Darkness. Death. Violence. Pain.  

Now every day is a fight for survival. But I won’t die. I won’t let them win. The Hole can’t keep me. The Hole can’t break me.  I am more than my brand. I’m a fighter.  My name is Lexi Hamilton, and this is my story.

Meet the authors! 

Abi Ketner Is a registered nurse with a passion for novels, the beaches of St. John, and  her Philadelphia Phillies. A talented singer, Abi loves to go running and spend lots of  time with her family. She currently resides in Lancaster, Pennsylvania with her husband,  triplet daughters and two very spoiled dogs.

Melissa Kalicicki received her bachelor’s degree from Millersville University in 2003.  She married, had two boys and currently lives in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Aside from  reading and writing, her interests include running and mixed martial arts. She also  remains an avid Cleveland sports fan. 

Abi and Missy met in the summer of 1999 at college orientation and have been best  friends ever since. After college, they added jobs, husbands and kids to their lives, but  they still found time for their friendship. Instead of hanging out on weekends, they went  to dinner once a month and reviewed books. What started out as an enjoyable hobby has  now become an incredible adventure.

 ~ Website & Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~  Goodreads ~ 

 ~ Book Trailer ~ 

Book Bomb - A Walk in the Abyss

ORCS! GREYSHALKS! AND GIANTS! Prepare yourselves, intrepid reader, for three complete novelettes set in the Abyss Walker world of author Shane Moore. In this anthology you shall read “No Tusks” by Paul Genesse, the disgustingly graphic orc story—not for children—(You have been warned!); then a tale about a young Bigfoot, or more accurately, a greyshalk trying to find his place in the world in: “A Kudekah to Remember” by Paul Genesse and Shane Moore; and finally, a truly hilarious story about a bumbling giant in: “Mungo the Undying” by Patrick M. Tracy. You’ll also be treated to a short story from a very unique point of view—an arrow in flight: “Unerring” by Patrick S. Tomlinson; and as a bonus, an excerpt from the novella, “The Wererat’s Tale III: The Collar of Perdition” by Patrick S. Tomlinson, which was written from an outline penned by the creator of the Abyss Walker World, Shane Moore himself. Orcs, greyshalks, and giants (and wererats) will never be the same! You will love this book especially if you enjoyed the Orcs novel series by the awesome Stan Nicholls: Orcs: Army of Shadows; Orcs: Bad Blood, or The Thousand Orcs (Forgotten Realms: The Hunter's Blades Trilogy, Book 1) by New York Times’ bestselling author R.A. Salvatore; or Queen of the Orcs: Kings Property by Morgan Howell. If you’re a game player or game master, and enjoyed The Slayer’s Guide To Orcs by Matt Forbeck and Ralph Horsley you will love this.

But the book: Amazon ~ Like the page:  Facebook

INTRODUCTION

Orcs! Greyshalks! And Giants!

Prepare yourselves, intrepid reader, for three complete novelettes set in the Abyss Walker world of author Shane Moore. In this anthology you shall read “No Tusks” by Paul Genesse, the disgustingly graphic orc story—not for children—(You have been warned!); then a tale about a young Sasquatch, or more accurately, a greyshalk trying to find his place in the world in: “A Kudekah to Remember” by Paul Genesse and Shane Moore; and finally, a truly hilarious story about a bumbling giant in: “Mungo the Undying” by Patrick M. Tracy. You’ll also be treated to a short story from a very unique point of view—an arrow in flight: “Unerring” by Patrick S. Tomlinson; and as a bonus, an excerpt from the novella, “The Wererat’s Tale III: The Collar of Perdition” by Patrick S. Tomlinson, which was written from an outline penned by the creator of the Abyss Walker World, Shane Moore himself. Orcs, greyshalks, and giants (and wererats) will never be the same!

Release Day Blitz: Promised by Michelle Turner

Title: Promised ~ Author: MIchelle Turner ~ Genre: Young Adult ~ Blitz Host: Lady Amber's Tours

Linc knows Wyn is the girl for him.Wyn knows Linc is the boy for her.But she’s promised to another.

Lincoln “Linc” Tatman had been at his new school for months and he thought he’d met all the girls it had to offer. Until one day, he spied Wyn sitting against a tree and realized this new place had been hiding the girl of his dreams. He goes out of his way to get to know her, even though he’s warned that it’s a hopeless case. But he’s determined to win her, even if she can only be his for a short time.

Arwyn “Wyn” Scott is the black sheep of her big gypsy family. When most of the girls her age are dropping out to start their own families, she begs her parents to stay. She doesn’t fit in with the gypsy teens and the regular teens are too afraid of her five older brothers to get close. Then Linc comes into her life, showing her a new life she never thought she could have. She can’t stop herself from falling head first for the boy.

Wyn leave behind her family and their traditions to follow her heart, or will  she become a young gypsy wife?






Michelle is a 28 year old native Ohioan. Go Buckeyes! Who now lives with her husband and son in West Virginia. When she isn't spending time with her family you can find her with her nose stuck in a good book. She released her first book (Reviving Bloom) as an independent author in October 2012 and plans to release two new books (Promised & Enlightening Bloom) in 2013.

 ~ Facebook ~ Blog ~ 

Excerpt:

“Linc, there are things in my life that you can’t understand and this,” She waves  her hand back and forth between the two of us, “will never be able to work out.”

“You can’t know that. You’re not even giving us a chance.” I cross my arms.

She throws up her arms, “You want to know how this will go if I give in?”

“Yeah, since apparently you’re a psychic, tell me how this will go, Wyn.”

“Say my family doesn’t find out, which is highly unlikely. And say if they do find  out and they don’t hurt you. And Linc, those are two huge obstacles to overcome  right off the bat. Well, say we overcome those, then what?” She runs her hands  through her hair before she continues, “We’ll spend a few weeks, a few months it  we’re lucky, together. But it won’t last after that, Linc. It’ll be over and we’ll be left with what? Nothing.”

“You’re wrong, Wyn. We’ll have the memories and I’d rather have those than  nothing.” I want to reach out and grab her. I want to hold her in my arms but I  know she has boundaries that I’m not use to and I can’t cross them. I’m afraid to even hold her hand, that it might cross some unseen line.



“I’m not sure I can handle the memories. Because if you give me everything  I think you can and things turn out the way I know they will, I won’t be able to  handle them. Knowing I had you and I had to let you go. I can’t do that, Linc.” There’s a quiver in her voice and I have to shove my hands in my pockets to keep from reaching out for her.

“You won’t have to let me go.”

“Yes, I will.”

“The only way I’m going anywhere is if you decide you don’t want me around.” I promise her.

“It won’t be me who pushes you away.”

“Well, I can promise I won’t push you away. I want to be with you, Wyn.”

“I’m promised, Linc.” As the words leave her lips, I watch the tears begin to escape her eyes.

“Explain please.” I have a feeling I know what it means but I need to hear it aloud.

“My Dad informed me last night that someone expressed interest in my hand.  He’s going to accept the proposal.” She’s watching my face as she finishes, “I’m going to be married.”

Title ~ Blurb ~ Release Date Reveal

I know this is an unexpected post but I just have to share as much as possible!!!

~ Only Half Alive ~ 

While darkness haunts her, she craves the light. Christina is a demon, but she doesn’t want to be. She is willing to sacrifice everything to change it. Only one person stands in her way and he will stop at nothing keep her the way she is.

The greatest battle of light vs dark threatens every living creature, a battle that could destroy all. And the demon in love will only have one chance to save everyone.

My cover revlea/party/ blog tour host ~ LadyAmber- LadyAmber Tours

YA vs. Swearing

Alright, I have talked about a lot of things but swearing really isn't one of them. And I know it's a pretty big deal for authors to tackle this subject.  Why? Because a lot of people swear and are okay with it, and a lot of people aren't.  I for one, HATE swear words. I don't say them, I hate hearing them, I hate reading them.

And I especially hate when people feel the need to make their characters swear because it would be "Out of character" for the character to NOT swear. Guess what, you can do it! It is possible! But that really isn't the point of this post. And maybe I will touch on it later but right now, I want to talk about why it isn't okay for swearing to be in YA books. (YA = Young Adult).

Let's begin with ratings. Did you know that if the 'F' word is said more than twice in a movie it is automatically rated R? Yep! They can't say it more than twice in the entire movie or it gets an R rating.  SO, why should it be okay for YOUNG ADULT books to have the F word repeated more than two times? In fact, why is it okay to have swearing in YA period?

Let me give you an example, 'Anna Dressed in Blood'. Backstory: I am not into horror novels/movies/anything. I don't like horror, it isn't fun, it isn't enjoyable, and it pretty much just gives me nightmares. But I was told to read Anna Dressed in Blood by a wonderful friend so I bought it. I finished it and guess what! I LOVE the book. I LOVE the story, the characters, the plot, the love story, everything EXCEPT the swearing. Cas, -the MC- swears A LOT. And it really detracted from the rest of the story. Some pages it felt like every other word was the 'F' word.

And I don't plan on getting the second book. Why? Because as much as I want to know what happened, I don't care to read Cas swearing every other word, and judging by the reviews I read, I pretty much know how the story goes. So I don't need to read it, I know how it ends, and I just avoided all the swearing.

So I think this is something to keep in mind when writing about a character you think would swear. Is it worth losing readers over because you feel the need to put those words in there? And on top of that, you're a writer! There are so many creative ways around swearing. Think back story, maybe the character stops swearing for someone they love, maybe swear words are against the law, maybe it annoys your characters enemy because they won't swear. There are so many things you can do.

And if your book is ever made into a movie, do you really want them to have to rate it R or cut out so much of your character because of all the swearing?

On top of that, are those words really so important that we can't find other things to say in their place?

Alright, go ahead. Tell me your views on Swearing as a reader AND writer! I want to know.

Fairytale Party Day five

Today is the last day of our week long 3rd annual Fairy Tale party. This has been a blast and I am sad to see the party come to an end so soon. However it had to be done. So without further ado, I give you the finale! The last giveaway of the party!! (Don't forget to go enter the other giveaways, they all end May 24th!).

The Prize ~ A Cinderella Prize pack full of goodies (not everything is pictured below - some prizes will remain a surprise!) 

This beautiful wooden sign: 

And these charms as a bracelet or bookmarks - winners choice. 

(Charms: A book, a slipper, a castle, "wish", a carriage, and a crown.) 

Not pictured: 

* A huge swag pack full of awesome bookmarks, pens, pins, and posters! 

* A Sparkly surprise! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Fairy-tale Party Day four: Cinderella

A girl with a secret and a prince on a mission

When Prince Anthony spies Eleanoria Woodston outside her family home dressed as a servant, he knows something is amiss. Pretending to be John, his cousin’s outrider, he decides to take matters into his own hands and figure out why Ella hasn’t been seen at court. And more importantly why the daughter of one of the wealthiest families in the kingdom dresses like a pauper.

Ella has had her own bout of trials, including losing her beloved father and facing the wrath and jealousy of her stepmother and stepsisters. Becoming a servant doesn’t seem all that bad until the handsome John comes into her life, now he appears to be upsetting everything. Never before has she been so unsettled. Just his presence is making her dream of a life beyond this one.

When John invites Ella to the ball and she grudgingly accepts, he wonders if he’s truly losing his mind. How would he ever pull off pretending to be John while obviously hosting the ball as Anthony? Especially when the stubborn girl has made it quite obvious she would never attend a ball with a snobbish prince.

My Review: 

I don't give 5 stars easily. In fact, if a book gets 5 stars from me, it has to be incredible. It has to move me, make me feel like I am part of the story. It has to be beautifully written and have a story that makes me happy just reading it.  Cinderella by Jenni James is just that book. 

If anyone told me that writing wasn't for Jenni, I would have to laugh. Because I believe she was born to write these stories. Cinderella is so beautifully written, so moving, touching, it is a story worth reading over and over again. 

Quite honestly, I have no complaints about it. Clean, Romantic, Funny, Fun for all ages, is full of wonderful messages, beautifully written, emotionally satisfying.  Wonderful characters, great dialogue, and the setting just pulls you in and makes you think you are right there with the characters. 

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Book Blitz: Apocalypse of Angels

Title: Apocalypse of Angels: Seeing Angels

Author: Harmony Lawson

Genre: Young Adult

Tour Host: Lady Amber's Tours

Camille Harper, about to finish high school, can see angels all around her. They appear to watch her. She has been able to see angels from birth, and while she is amused by this ability, she just wants a normal life with friends, family, and good times. Why can she see
angels? She doesn't know, but she believes the knowledge will change everything. Then she witnesses a confrontation between a beautiful angel and a dark winged creature. The strange event will signal the end of normal life.

Did the strange beings know she could see them?

Her friends want her to sneak out to an abandoned house for parties, but her instincts scream “NO!” Something is not right about the place. The hip new guy in school, Earl, wants to date, but she is afraid he will disturb her circle of friends, and there is something not right about him. Her parents aren’t doing well together. And whatever strange plot is
developing, her sister may be in the middle.

Now, for the first time, Camille Harper is interacting with angels face to face. This is incredible, but when Jason Waters enters her life, she gets more than she bargained for. Her strange ability complicates life on a whole new level. Camille and Jason enter an exciting but forbidden relationship.

Strange beings present danger. What’s a Nephilim? What are fallen angels up to?

Jason believes something is strange with Earl, but Jason is hiding things from Camille as well. Which one is right for her? Are they both trying to possess her for supernatural reasons?

Camille just wants to make it through the year and graduate from high school, but changes are leading up to some apocalyptic event.

Can Camille continue Seeing Angels without her life going to Hell?

Harmony Lawson was born on a naval base in San Diego, California. Currently, she and her family live in Northern California in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Her education is in drawing, painting, and writing. When she read her first romance novel at age 16, she became a hopeless romantic.
Harmony is fascinated by angels, and she incorporates research in angels, the Nephilim, and fallen angels into her fictional stories. Many of the descriptions in her books reflect actual documentation found in religious documents.
While she has endured many hardships in life, she believes life will be better tomorrow. Life has its ups and downs, trials and tribulations, and Heaven and Hell. She believes the bad times are a test to prove a person’s worth. Her books reflect on that concept.




Excerpt:

“I really want to see you again, Cami, but I’m not sure about this. I’m not sure I can.” His gaze is intense. There is no way for me to respond to that. I look down again.

He raises my hand to his lips and kisses. Electricity travels up my arm. How can a kiss feel like that? Have we fallen in love already?

“Why wouldn't you be able to see me again?” I finally have to ask.

“Never mind, just pretend I didn't say that.”

He is hiding things from me, and I know what they are. Attraction is making me so weak that I am tempted to tell him what I know. I have to fight it.

His warm hand is smooth on top and rough on the palm. My hand must seem cold to him. He can hold my hand as long as he wants.

He sighs and kisses my hand again. “We better drive back to your car. I don’t want to keep you out too late.” He sounds like a guy trying to avoid trouble.

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Fairy-tale Party Day three: Princess of Glass

Hoping to escape the troubles in her kingdom, Princess Poppy reluctantly agrees to take part in a royal exchange program, whereby young princes and princesses travel to each other's countries in the name of better political alliances--and potential marriages. It's got the makings of a fairy tale--until a hapless servant named Eleanor is tricked by a vengeful fairy godmother into competing with Poppy for the eligible prince. Ballgowns, cinders, and enchanted glass slippers fly in this romantic and action-packed happily-ever-after quest from an author with a flair for embroidering tales in her own delightful way.

My Review: 

As with all of Jessica Day George's work, this tale is beautifully spun in a web of magical imagery and dialogue. A fun spin on Cinderella that is something completely new and different. 

I love every page of this book. It keeps you reading, wondering, and the ending is just as wonderful! 

And I love that this series takes a princess from the first book that you have already come to know and love and throws her in a fairy-tale of her own! 

Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble ~ Goodreads ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Blog

Konstanz: What's your favorite thing about Cinderella?

Jessica:  Thinking about the glass slippers, and what they would really look like.

Konstanz: What is your all time favorite Fairy-tale?

Jessica: East o' the Sun, West o' the Moon.

Konstanz: What inspired you to re-write fairy-tales?

Jessica:  I wanted to do my own version of East o' the Sun, and just went from there!

Konstanz:  What is your definition of Happily Ever After?

Jessica: A lot of books and chocolate, not a lot of drama.

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Book Blitz: Saving Me

Title: Saving Me ~ Author: Kelsie Blanton ~ Genre: Mature YA ~ Blitz Host: Lady Amber's Tours

Sixteen-year old Peyton Jones had it all: straight A's in school, the perfect boyfriend,  and nothing to worry about but keeping her GPA up. Then one night her perfect world  is suddenly ripped away from her. Everything she has ever known changes and she goes  from having a perfect plan to watching her world crumble around her.

Steve Gibbons was the quarterback of his high school football team...until the new guy  showed up and stole his spot, causing him to lose his chance at a scholarship. Football  was his life and now he feels like he has nothing.

Drawn together after losing hope for their futures, Peyton and Steve become best friends,  but as they grow closer, a colossal secret is revealed changing everything. Will Peyton be  left to face her inevitable future alone, or can she trust enough to let someone else in?



Author Bio:



Kelsie Blanton is a fun-loving young woman from a small town in Kentucky.  Writing has always been her passion and when she’s not working at her full-time job, she  is at home writing on something. Her hobbies include reading, writing, singing (poorly),  dancing (again, poorly), and talking…a lot.Surrounded by amazing friends and family that support her, Kelsie is following her dreams. Happy reading!

 Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Email: kelsie_blanton@yahoo.com 

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Fairy-tale Party Day two: Cinder and Ella

After her father's disappearance, Cinder leaves home for a servant job at the castle. But it isn't long before her sister Ella is brought to the castle herself. What Ella finds there starts a quest that will change her life and the entire kingdom. Cinder and Ella is a Cinderella story like no other, and one you'll never forget.

My Review: 

Not gonna lie. It isn't what I expected.  And I LOVE it. Cinder and Ella is a very unique and twist on Cinderella. All the twists and turns keep you reading. Every page keeps you wondering and reading late into the night. The story is intriguing, the love story is adorable, and the prince, well let's just say there is nothing charming about him. 

The entire book is just beautiful. Melissa is a fantastic writer with a beautiful voice and has a magical way with words. Cinder and Ella is full of beautiful details that make you feel as if you are right there with the characters. And in my opinion, every book should be like that. 

I honestly think my favorite part of  this book was Tanner. A knight who is clumsy = Best twist on a classic tale. He is lovable, and believable, adorable, and one of my all-time favorite characters! 

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Konstanz: What's your favorite thing about Cinderella?

Melissa:  I love how Cinderella is so easy to relate to. A lot of other fairy tales feature "princesses," but Cinderella is just an ordinary, hard working girl who never gives up on the idea of a better life. She dares to believe in herself, and that deep down inside is much more than someone who knows how to scrub a toilet and sweep a chimney. There is much to learn from her about kindness, patience, and tolerance, but most of all that fervent, undying belief in self draws me to her.

Konstanz:  Did you start writing, decide you wanted to re-write Cinderella and Cinder and Ella is the end result OR did you become a writer because you had an idea for a Cinderella re-tell?

Melissa:  I wrote a few things before Cinder and Ella, including Blue Sky which I just self published and a few picture books. I've loved twisting fairy tales for a long time, but Cinder and Ella was the first one I retold in novel form. So, I guess if the question is, "What came first, the writer or Cinder and Ella," the answer would have to be the writer.

Konstanz: Aside from your own of course, which is your favorite version of Cinderella?

Melissa:  I'd have to say the movie Ever After with Drew Barrymore.

Konstanz: Do you plan on writing more re-tells of other fairy tales?

Melissa: : I have a few other fairy tales, including a book that combines Sleeping Beauty and Beauty and the Beast into one story. But I also have many ideas for other genres. Fairy tales are just my favorite. 

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