30 April, 2011

Zombie Saturday Part Two: Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion

Book: WARM BODIES
Author: ISAAC MARION
Genre: PARANORMAL/HORROR
Published: April 2011, ATRIA


Series: none
Source: Publicist, no other compensation given for honest review

From Good Reads:
R is a zombie. He has no memories, no identity, and no pulse, but he has dreams. He doesn’t enjoy killing people; he enjoys riding escalators and listening to Frank Sinatra. He is a little different from his fellow Dead.

My Review:
I had heard a fair amount of buzz about WARM BODIES, before I got the pitch to review it. And honestly, I was just coming off having read ZOMBIES DON'T CRY by Rusty Fischer, which had put me in a frame of mind where I was even interested in reading more about zombies. While I didn't want to bias myself before I read the book or wrote my own review, it was hard not to see descriptors like existential and deeply moving. Sometimes this can turn me off. I do like an intellectual book, but I also like an entertaining one. WARM BODIES turned out to be very entertaining. Maybe not in the laugh out loud way, but definitely in the read it in one sitting, only pausing for certain necessary actions like eating, kind of way.

WARM BODIES really surprised me. From the first page. Why? Because these zombies were the kind that ate brains straight from a human. They were the kind that shambled about, in ever decaying fashion and mostly lost the ability to communicate in spoken language. These were zombies that were slowly leaving humanity behind, yet Isaac Marion told their story in a quite elegant way, through the eyes of "R" and his new-found love.

As a reader, I was readily drawn into the life that "R" now lived as a zombie. There really wasn't much that the zombies did. Everything revolved around the action of finding live humans to eat. While the brain was the best part - Marion's zombies can experience the memories of the human that the brain belonged to, while they consume it - the zombies will make due with any part of the human body. "R" and his crew would hunt in packs, and there was even a zombie school that taught the zombie children how to prey on the unsuspecting living.

I think the revolution that "R" starts by not being a mindless brain-eating (for the most part) zombie was a great direction for WARM BODIES to take. Though it is not an especially surprising twist where R's story ends up, it does cast a totally different light on how these zombies came to be, and how the world will continue after this revelation. A hero arises out of a person who, in every other sense, would normally be the villain. I was glad I got a chance to experience R's journey, and also open my mind to another good zombie book.

4.5/5 for plot
5/5 for characters
4.5/5 for language

My Rating: 14/15 (4.5 stars) Must Read



Find the author at:
Blog | Twitter | GoodReads

Purchase book at:
Barnes and Noble | Book Depository | Amazon

Available formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Nookbook, Kindle Edition

Challenge Participation:

Zombie Saturday Part One: Zombies Don't Cry by Rusty Fischer

Book: ZOMBIES DON'T CRY
Author: RUSTY FISCHER
Genre: PARANORMAL YA/HORROR
Published: May 2011, MEDALLION PRESS


Series: none
Source: Publicist, no other compensation given for an honest review

From Good Reads:
In the sleepy small town of Barracuda Bay, Maddy Swift leads the life of a fairly typical teenager, but while attending a party one night, Maddy is struck by lightning and awakens to realize she has been reanimated and turned into a zombie. While becoming acquainted with her new "lifestyle," Maddy stumbles upon two unexpected undead chaperones, fellow students Dane and Chloe, who begin to teach her the ways of zombie life, including defending the populace from Zerkers—the bad zombies. Together, on prom night, the three teens must ultimately defend Barracuda Bay High from an all-out zombie Armageddon.



My Review:
ZOMBIES DON'T CRY was the first zombie novel that I have ever read. Yes, I did just say that. Honestly, the thought of zombies kind of creep me out. They're not pretty undead like vampires, and they don't have hot looking abs like shapeshifters. They are not heroes to me. They are the things that you kill. At least, that's what I thought until I read this book. Rusty Fischer made me like zombies, because his have heart and humor, and most of all, they don't eat brains. Well, they do, but not straight from a human head.

Maddy is a great heroine. Though she's more of an outcast than class president, Fischer has given her a sassy attitude, and a great sense of humor. She's smack-dab in the middle of hero and anti-hero, which made her all the more endearing to me. She felt like a real person, and Fischer didn't allow her character to fall into the category of cliche.

ZOMBIES DON'T CRY proposes a whole new outlook on zombies, the way that they are made, and gives the reader a plausible explanation for why some are like Maddy, and others become Zerkers. I had a great time reading this book, and I have to thank Fischer for opening my mind to reading more zombie novels.

4.5/5 for plot
5/5 for characters
4/5 for language

My Rating: 13.5/15 (4 stars)

Must Read, if you liked:

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins
Confessions of a Vampire's Girlfriend by Katie MacAlister
Broken Heart Vampires (series) by Michele Bardsley


Find the author at:
Blog | Twitter | GoodReads | Facebook

Purchase book at:
Barnes and Noble | Medallion Press | Book Depository | Amazon

Available formats: Paperback, Kindle Edition

Challenge Participation:

29 April, 2011

Wayward Soul by Kim Bowman E-Book Winner

Prize: E-book version of Wayward Soul by Kim Bowman

Winner: Stella (Ex Libris)!

Stella, I've notified the author, and given her your contact information.
Congrats!

Autism Awareness Blog Hop Winner

Prize: (International Winner) Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine AND Harmonic Feedback by Tara Kelly

Winner: Kulsuma from the U.K.!

Kulsuma, your books have been ordered from the Book Depository, and will be dispatched to the address that you entered in the contest form.
Congrats!

CONFIDENTIAL: Interview with Amber Argyle (Blog Tour)



I am very happy to welcome Amber Argyle to Read My Mind this afternoon. Her newest book, Witch Song, will be released in September.

Find Amber at: Blog | Twitter | GoodReads | Facebook


RMM: Tell me a little about yourself and your book.

AA: I grew up on a cattle ranch in the Rocky Mountains. I have three kids (9, 5, & 2). In my spare time (ha!), I play basketball, dance aerobics, and build with Legos (not by choice). I’ve written 7 books, my fourth, WITCH SONG, comes out Sept 1st 2011 from Rhemalda Publishing.

Witch Song is about a young witch who discovers that she’s the last Witch left. All the others have been taken by the Dark Witch. If she doesn’t find and free them, nature will continue to fall apart until nothing remains.


RMM: How long was the journey from the idea to the actual published book?

AA: Freakin’ long. I started writing full time six years ago. Book 1 was almost published twice, and I had an agent for the book. Alas, it never sold. I decided to focus on an entirely different story—Witch Song. The idea started with one line: I am a Witch. The story came fast and hard. I wrote the first draft in a month during the fall of 2007. I edited it, started sending it out to agents (including the agent I had at the time—long story), and began working on another book. It sat for a while. Occasionally, I’d dust it off and work on it some more between writing new stories. One day, I decided to skip the agent process altogether and go straight to the publisher. The edits and creation of the book were another long, difficult process which I won’t bore you with (you’re welcome).


RMM: Which character was the hardest to bring to life on the page? The easiest?

AA: None of them are especially easy. But the hero, Joshen, gave me the least amount of grief—probably because he’s such an easy going guy. Brusenna was probably the hardest. It’s hard to bring a shy character to life.


RMM: Are you working on anything new right now? Can you tell me anything about your current project?

AA: I just finished a final edit for Daughter of Winter. It’s a story about girl presented with an impossible choice: give up her humanity to become a force of nature and save her people, or remain a woman and marry the man who betrayed them all.


Your Favorite Five
5 authors who are auto-buy reads for you:
Shannon Hale, Claire B. Dunkle, Brandon Mull, Robin McKinley, and Kristin Cashore.

5 songs you listened to, or made you think of a character, while writing Witch Song:
I listened to Soundtracks when I write. City of Angels, Phantom of the Opera, etc.

5 things you do before you start writing (daily, or however often you dedicate just to writing):
I can’t be too picky. I write when my son’s in preschool and my daughter takes her nap. I work some more when the kids are in bed and the hubby’s watching TV.



Thanks, Amber! Thanks for the insight into your writing process, and your personal life. I can't wait to get my hands on WITCH SONG. Congrats on impending publication!



From GoodReads:
The world is changing.

For thousands of years, witch song has controlled everything from the winds to the shifting of the seasons. But not anymore. All the Witches are gone, taken captive by the dark Witch, Espen.

As the last echoes of witch song fade, Espen grows stronger as winter and summer come within the space of a day. Now she’s coming for the one she missed—a shy, untrained girl of fifteen named Brusenna.

Somehow, Brusenna has to succeed where every other Witch has failed. Find Espen. Fight her. Defeat her.

Or there won’t be anything left to save.



Tour Participation:

22 April, 2011

E-Book Book Giveaway! Untamable by Becca Dale

Today, through the Book Lovin' Bitches E-Book Tours, I am happy to offer one of my lucky readers an e-book of Untamable by Becca Dale. Want to know what I thought of the book? See my 3.5 star review here. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy cowboys, old lovers reuniting, rodeos, and hot romance.


Rules:
1. Must be 18+
2. One entry per person (additional entries can result in disqualification)
3. Please fill out the form completely
4. Ends May 9th, 6pm edt







Tour Participation:

Blog Tour de Force Cage Match #5: Ann Charles VS Gary Ponzo (Win a KINDLE!)

It's the final round of the Blog Tour de Force's author-on-author cage match! What two authors will go on to face each other head-to-head in the championship? Do you have no idea what I'm talking about? Check out the Blog Tour de Force website sponsored by the Indie Book Collective for all the details.

Basically a group of professional independent authors have come together to showcase their latest work, but it's not just about selling their books. In fact, the reader wins this time around with free amazon e-book offers, and the big fish, a chance at a Kindle e-reader.

This time around Ann Charles and her Nearly Departed In Deadwood faces off against Gary Ponzo and his A Touch of Deceit. (Click the titles to go to the Goodreads page.)


I've had a chance to read NEARLY DEPARTED IN DEADWOOD. What did I think of it?

First a blurb: Little girls are vanishing from Deadwood, South Dakota. Fearing her daughter might be next, single mom, Violet Parker, is desperate to find the monster behind the abductions.

With her savings dwindling and just three weeks left to sell her first house or lose her Realtor job, Violet is ecstatic when a handsome jeweler hires her to sell his century-old, Victorian masterpiece … until she sees the dilapidated dwelling. Now, if she could just convince her only buyer to stop rejecting vintage homes as if they’re haunted.

Short on time and long on worry, she refuses to give up her dream of a fresh start in Deadwood. But with a malicious coworker trying to get her fired, a secret admirer sending her creepy messages, and a sexy stranger hiding skeletons in his closet, will Violet end up as one of Deadwood’s dearly departed?


My Thoughts:
This book is an irreverent mix of contemporary lit and mystery, that struck just the right tone with my sense of humor, as well as my thirst for a good story. My attention was captured from page one, and I enjoyed the foray into Violet's life, especially how Charles' thrusts the reader into the misfortune of Violet's employment situation, but establishes immediately that Violet is not going to be a woe-is-me type of character.

In fact, Violet is a fantastic character, and I loved her sassy attitude, as well as her protective mother instincts, and her quest to sell a house to keep her job. Throw in the mystery of missing children that she finds herself embroiled in, and NEARLY DEPARTED IN DEADWOOD, has a little bit of something for everyone, while still delivering a satisfyingly good plot that doesn't meander or lose its readers.

I give it four stars, and I'll definitely be reading more from this author.



So, there you go. But, just to even the sides here at Read My Mind, I've also got a little something from Gary Ponzo, in the other corner. I asked him about how he came to be an indie author, and his involvement with the Indie Book Collective that sponsors Blog Tour de Force Cage Match.





LIFE AS AN INDEPENDENT WRITER
by Gary Ponzo

About a year ago I was offered a publishing deal with a print publisher.  The deal didn't offer any advance or any marketing money, but it was an offer to have my book published and I should've been thrilled.  I was, until I heard the details.  First of all, this was a hardcover publisher only and they sold their books for $27.95, no exceptions.  I felt uncomfortable asking my mother to spend 30 bucks on my book, nevermind complete strangers.  Then when I asked people in the industry how many copies I'd expect to sell at that price the answer was a resounding, not many.  Maybe 500-800 for a first-timer.  

Around that same time I had a literary agent, Robert Brown, who's a prince of a man, suggest I try publishing the book as an ebook on Amazon.  He told me to charge 1 or 2 bucks and get a lot of readers to try it out.  He thought the book was strong enough to attract many fans.  After all it had won the Southwest Writers Contest, Thriller category.  So I went into this indie publishing thing very reluctantly.  The question was, "Did I want readers, or did I want to tell my writing friends I had a traditional publishing deal?"  The fact was, I wanted readers.

Now's where I come out of the closet, so to speak.  I'm not J.A. Konrath, so I'm not comfortable talking numbers like he is, but it's time to reveal whether this indie thing had been worth it.  Last June when I placed my novel, "A Touch of Deceit," on Amazon as a Kindle book for $1.99 I sold 35 the first month, mostly to friends and family.  Then 48 the following month.  I felt my decision might have been a faulty one.  Then something happened around September, I began receiving solid reviews from big name blogs and they were posting their comments on Facebook and Twitter.  Then word of mouth spread and in December I'd sold over 800 copies.  It was thrilling to see the support I'd received from so many readers and reviewers.  Finally last month alone I sold over 1400 copies of the book and surpassed the 5000 mark overall.  

It's been a long road, but the future appears bright.  With the sequel, "A Touch of Revenge," coming out next month, I've decided to lower my price even further to .99 cents.  This upsets my mother to no end, since she knows how many years it took me to write and publish etc. . . But this project has always been a long term one and right now it's all about readers and exposure.  Is this the choice all writers should make if they're trying to break into the business?  Absolutely not.  The traditional method is certainly valid and should be given serious consideration.  Am I happy with my decision?  Yes.  I've gotten so much enjoyment hearing from readers who really appreciate my skills and it's humbling to be able to communicate with them in this socially active society we're now in.  Besides, think of how many trees I've saved doing it this way. 
I'd discovered IBC and the Blog Tour de Force through Rachel Thompson via Twitter. She contacted me with the info and it sounded like fun. I also know Jessica Subject who has participated before and had fun doing it, so I knew it was run by quality people.

My political thriller, "A Touch of Deceit," is about FBI agent Nick Bracco who recruits his cousin, Tommy, to track down a Kurdish terrorist. Tommy, however, is in the Mafia. Oops.


Interested in checking out these two books? See Ann Charles' post or Gary Ponzo's blog. Just by commenting, you automatically win a copy of their e-book. And, every comment that you do make, gains you an entry into the grand prize for the Kindle.

The authors are competing to see who can get the most comments during the cage match. Do you love a good mystery with a sense of humor? Or is a political thriller that you prefer? Support your choice today, and come away with new books to add to your e-reader.

If you're stuck reading e-books on your computer, you know you want that Kindle!

20 April, 2011

Book Review: Untamable by Becca Dale

Book: UNTAMABLE
Author: BECCA DALE
Genre: CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
Published: January 2011


Series: none
Source: Author via Book Lovin' Bitches E-Book Tours, no other compensation given for an honest review

From Good Reads:
Eight years ago Lily Swanson left Havashaw County with a broken heart. Now circumstances have brought her back to the cowboy who still drives her crazy. Seeing him again stirs erotic memories, but the pain of his betrayal refuses to be soothed with a sexy smile.

Lily left him. That inescapable fact drives Thor Hanson to succeed more than any other. Her return to Havashaw triggers anger, lust and regret, but when she reveals the truth behind her leaving, he's determined to rein her in and show her that what they have is more than a memory.

Neither can deny their passion, as untamable as the broncs Thor trains. But will it be enough, and can Thor convince Lily she's right where she belongs?


My Review:
UNTAMABLE is a short novella that packs a pretty big romantic punch. One of my favorite type of romantic plots is that of the couple that breaks up, then finds their way back together after both mature a little, and perhaps figure out what they want out of the relationship. This is that type of book. Becca Dale starts the story off with the two main characters, Lily and Thor sharing space again after a disastrous break-up where misunderstanding and misconception play a big part.

What drew me into the story is the amount of emotion that Dale wrote for both characters. Both of them have never really given up their feelings for the other, even while thinking that the other person was at fault for the heartbreak. And, while much of their attraction is shown in sexual terms, I liked how there actually was a discussion about the misunderstanding that had led them up to the point. And also, how both characters had to share the blame; Lily for walking away without a fight, and Thor for being young and stupid.

UNTAMABLE was a good spicy read that was infused with sexual attraction, as well as soul-deep love. The story of Thor and Lily played out in a well-paced manner, and never felt rushed or abrupt. The end left me feeling that I had been privy to a peek at a small portion of the two characters lives. Can I say how much I loved the rodeo setting?!

4.5/5 for plot
4/5 for characters
3.5/5 for language

My Rating: 12/15 (3.5 stars) Highly Recommended


Find the author at:
Blog | Twitter | GoodReads

Purchase book at:
Amazon

Available formats: E-Book

Challenge Participation:



Tour Participation:

19 April, 2011

JUST VISITING: Author Kiki Howell's Favorite Reads



I'm giving a warm welcome for author Kiki Howell to Read My Mind. The author of many paranormal e-novels, Kiki can be found at:
Website | Blog | Twitter | GoodReads | Facebook

To read or not to read? What is on your nightstand? Or something to that effect. Kiki Howell is here today to speak about what genres she likes, and give everyone a peek at some of her favorite reads.



Title: Stupid Reader

I love the name of this blog. It brings so much to mind, as I’m sure was intended. What it brought to mine, was my reading habits. and how misunderstood I am in a house of men, none of whom read.

A standing joke in my house, thanks to a particular George Lopez episode, is for them to say, “Stupid reader” sometimes when they see me with a book in my hands, one I just can’t put down, reading while trying to cook or some other task. With so many books and so little time, I feel the need to multi-task sometimes. But writers read, and I believe you can learn a thing or two about an author by finding out what books they have read and loved. I have followed this concept with my own blog because I think it is fascinating to interview authors to find out what they are reading. Helps create a nice, large, to-be-read list for me as well.

So, should I answer my own question? What is my favorite genre to read in? Well, actually, I like a mix of genres. I can put them into an order though.

1. I almost always have to have romance.
2. I love to add the paranormal genre to that. Got a thing for the otherworldly.
3. If the erotic genre is added as well, well then all the hotter.
4. While I will read any contemporary, I love a good historical setting, Regency England being a personal favorite.
5. Hey, add in the suspense, and I am good even with some darker elements as well, and you have yourself a deal breaker! LOL

Do I want it all or what? With this mix of genres, although it was not ‘erotic’ per say, but it was hot, my favorite book, series actually, if I was forced to pick, is The Cabot Sisters series by Teresa Medeiros: After Midnight and The Vampire Who Loved Me. One of the few books I can say I have read more than once and would read again. Absolutely loved them! Another favorite book of mine is Dragon’s Lair by Denise Lynn. Also, a few more that stand out in my mind: the Wherlocke series by Hannah Howell (If He’s Wicked, If He’s Wild and If He’s Sinful); Nora Roberts’s Three Sister’s Island series (Dance Upon The Air, Heaven and Earth, and Face the Fire); and Annette Blair’s Vintage Magic series even though they are not all out yet (so far – A Veiled Deception, Larceny and Lace, Death By Diamonds, Skirting the Grave). Okay, not so eclectic in the favorites area.

Always want to know if people can say what their favorite book is, hands down, without even having to think about it. Can you? If so, I would love to know!

But, I am varied in what I will pick up at the library, what I will read recommended by friends, etc. Just as much as I like to find out what people are reading, I am curious to know where, when and what the ideal setting is for them to read. I read every day. On busy days this may not happen until evening when the house settles down and the kids are in bed, but it happens. I can go either way with format. I still like possessing my own book, stacking them on the shelves, but I have come to adore my ereader for many reasons like ease of buying, taking notes when reviewing a book, etc. My ideal setting for reading would be under a blanket, by the fire with a cup of tea or hot cocoa in my hand. Okay, add in a few cookies. If I am really dreaming, it is snowing heavily outside my window and everyone is home safe. Sound good?

So, where do you like to read? What is your ideal setting? Does it involve sand and sun rather than snow and fire?


Great topic, Kiki and thanks for stopping by! I've thought about my favorite books in several genres, which results in about 50 titles long. And, those would probably just be a short list from the books I've read in the past 5-7 years. Don't even get me started on books that I've read in my lifetime! But, if someone asked me to name the first book that pops into my head without thinking, that I would consider a favorite read, it would have to be PERSUASION by Jane Austen.

Some of my favorite worlds are the ones in Melissa Marr's WICKED LOVELY series, Ilona Andrews' KATE DANIELS series, Vikki Petterssen's SIGNS OF THE ZODIAC series and Dia Reeves' Portero in BLEEDING VIOLET and SLICE OF CHERRY. Yes, I am an urban fantasy lover. For a while I was all about the paranormal romance, and to an extent I still do read much in that genre, but lately I find myself craving the darker, HEA not required novels.


How about you? Chime in with a favorite book, genre, series, author...whatever is the first thing to pop into your head. Is there a trend or do you read widely across genres?




Blurb: Aubrey Griffen is a witch whose true reasons for coming to London soon fall to the wayside when she catches the eye of Edmund Bryant, the Marquess of Dalysbury.  He seduces her into a whirlwind romance until the lies and threats of his mother force her to flee to Triaill Brimuir, a secret island of her ancestors off the coast of Ireland. Edmund goes after her only to be hit by Aubrey’s confusion and anger when she magically transforms him into an elemental beast of her own creation. 

However, it is when Edmund’s lust mysteriously turns him back into a man that the couple are forced to deal with a family secret and untold of powers.  Now, Edmund must learn to shift himself into the beast in order to save her in a battle of black verses white magic.

Fraught with scenes of explicit intimacy, romantic spells and mystical shapeshifting, Torn Asunder is a unique blending of the age of manners with sexual magic.




Genres: Historical (Regency), Paranormal (Witches & Shifters), Erotic, Romantic Suspense
Adult Content Warnings: Explicit Graphic Language, Violence

You can purchase Torn asunder in eBook and Trade Paperback online at retailers like: Barnes and Noble | All Romance E-Books | Smashwords | Excessica Publishing | Amazon. Special pricing of $2.99 ebook and $9.99 print!


Tour Participation:

18 April, 2011

Blog Tour de Force Presents: Cage Match with Cristyn West VS Amber Scott

Two authors from the Indie Book Collective are facing off each day from now until Monday, April 25th. First up after the bell, Cristyn West (Carolyn McCray) versus Amber Scott. Both have great indie books available, but this cage match isn't about selling books. It's about recognizing the readers. In fact, the authors are giving away great prizes. Like a Kindle. And gift cards. And free e-books.

Each comment made at either Amber Scott's blog or Carolyn McCray's blog throughout the day, will be an entry into the Kindle contest. Details at the Blog Tour de Force site.


The authors are in it to win it, with the most relevant comments on their blog. Who will come out on top? Who will win the cage match? Are you Team Amber, with her paranormal adventure, Fierce Dawn? Or Team Cristyn, with the gritty thriller, Plain Jane: Brunettes Beware? (click title to go to Goodreads page)


Check out a short guest post below from Plain Jane's author, Cristyn West (Carolyn McCray) for a little peek into how her book came to be, as well as the creation of the Indie Book Collective.





Plain Jane: Brunette’s Beware

A dark, gritty, visceral thriller.

My agent loved the book.

Every editor loved the book.

But that is where the agreement ended. Some thought it was too far off the beaten track. Others thought it was too like Patterson.

Then they all came to the same agreement.

They simply had no idea how to sell the book.

And before a few years ago, if you as an author said, “Ok, I’ll go sell it then,” you were blacklisted before you could say McCarthyism.

So there my poor forlorn “Plain Jane” sat in a desk drawer, looking up at me whenever I needed a pencil.

But then ‘Indie’ happened. The industry went from ‘vanity’ press, to self-pubbed to a whole new class of authors, “Indie.”

I wasn’t a crackpot writing down my dreams on napkins then loading them onto Amazon. I was a professional writer with a world-class product to sell just like others coming out of New York.

Add to that mix the power of social media and I was on my way!

Rapidly though I realized that I couldn’t do it on my own so I banned together with some other amazing authors (Amber Scott - @amberscottbooks and Rachel Thompson - @rachelintheoc) to create the Indie Book Collective where we teach authors how to harness social media to help sell their books.


So, choose your side and support a professional indie author. Go. Comment. Enter. Now.

11 April, 2011

Glimmer by Vivi Anna E-Book Winner!

I really enjoyed reading the novella, GLIMMER by Vivi Anna, as part of the Bewitching Book Tours blog tour. Check this book out if you like darker stories of the fae, or urban fantasy/paranormal romance books!

Here's the e-book winner:

Rachel Leigh


Congrats to you, Rachel! I've emailed the tour organizer, and given her your information, so she should be in contact shortly.


Didn't win? Check out the other giveaways that I have running until April 14th:

Kissed From Beyond Paranormal Anthology
Wayward Soul by Kim Bowman
Autism Awareness Giveaway Hop

Autism Awareness Giveaway Hop

Today, I'm joining a group of blogs for the purpose of raising awareness about Autism, while giving a way some sweet book-related prizes.

Did you know that approximately one in every 1000 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with an autistic-spectrum disease?

Did you know that boys are 5 times more likely to suffer from a disease on the autistic-spectrum than girls?


There are many speculations on what can cause or trigger autism in children, but I actually want to share a personal statement on why autism awareness is important to me.

For the last 8.5 years, I have worked with a very sweet boy who has Asperger's Syndrome. His condition is considered very high functioning, but he has a marked difficulty with social situations, reading body language and other social cues that most people take for granted, as well as an extremely literal translation of speech, among other things. There are some people who remark on his "peculiarity", and there are others who don't see past it to the very open and lovable boy that he is.

But, he has support. He has a very extensive IEP (Individualized Education Program). His school understands the importance of socializing higher-functioning autistic children, and not alienating them. Our school district even provides aid for him during the summer, when he attends summer camp.

These are all important components to helping those with Asperger's Syndrome. More and more people are becoming aware of the higher incidence of Autism and Autistic-spectrum diseases. If there is a physical or environmental cause for Autism, I am all for discovering it. But I don't think that the controversy should over shadow the fact that more educators, health care providers, psychologists, and caregivers should be learning about Autism to help the children that suffer NOW. Every child should have the same support that I see in my daily life.

Do you know any children (or adults) that have been diagnosed with Autism or Asperger's? Do you have a more personal experience with either? Leave a comment about if or how Autism or Asperger's has affected you.


To add my voice to the supporters of Autism Awareness, I am giving away one of the the following two prize-packs. MOCKINGBIRD and HARMONIC FEEDBACK are both YA novels that deal with girls who live with Asperger's, and ADAM is a film about a young man who has to overcome his social difficulties that living with Asperger's involves.


To a U.S. Winner:





To an International Winner:





Rules:

1. Your comment is your entry. DO NOT leave your email in your comment, there is a form for that below.

2. One winner will be selected. U.S. winner gets U.S. prize pack. International winner gets International prize pack.

3. Must be at least 13 years old to enter.

4. Please fill out the address form after you comment.





For more information on Autism:
Autism Speaks


This Giveaway Hop is hosted by:

Lindsay at: Just Another Book Addict
Heather at: Fire and Ice Photo
Pixie at: Page Turners Blog
Kathy at: I Am A Reader, Not A Writer


A full linky list of the participating blogs is available at each host site.

06 April, 2011

Book Review: Stolen Dreams by Stacey Kennedy (Blog Tour)

Book: STOLEN DREAMS
Author: STACEY KENNEDY
Genre: PARANORMAL ROMANCE
Published: FEBRUARY 2011


Series: The Lingering Spirit #1 (upcoming series)
Source: Author via Book Lovin' Bitches E-Book Tours, no other compensation given for honest review

From Good Reads:
Tess Jennings has the ability to see and talk to spirits. On a daily basis, they harass and annoy her to save their souls. Sometimes she helps, other times she ignores them, but one ghost will give her no choice. Kipp McGowan, a cop with the Memphis Police Department, uses his ghostly charms to gain her attention and forces her to expose herself to his partner.

As she’s pulled into the five year old cold case of Hannah Reid she wants no part of, she finds herself in more than one precarious situation. But that’s the least of her worries―Tess begins to have a serious problem on her hands. Kipp might be dead, but he’s drop-dead gorgeous and she’s beginning to forget that he’s a ghost.

Murder and corruption has brought Tess and Kipp together. But as her feelings for Kipp deepen, she suspects she just signed herself up for a one-way ticket to the nut house, and can only hope, straitjackets come in a size four.


My Review:
At a time when I thought that I had read every paranormal concept there was to write, Stacey Kennedy kept me interested with her dead cop trying to solve a murder, and young woman who can see spirits match-up. This was my first Kennedy novel, but I have another series by her on my wishlist, and now that I've read STOLEN DREAMS, she's definitely moved up to the list of authors I must read more of. Kennedy blended paranormal romance and mystery into a much more emotional and deep read than I had expected.

Tess was a great character to follow through the novel. Of course, she started out trying her hardest to ignore this ghost who seemed to really need her help. After all, just because she can see the spirits doesn't mean that she wants to help every single one that comes along, even if this one is the spirit of a very attractive former policeman. I enjoyed seeing her doubts and reluctance to get involved, but then later her determination to find peace for two murdered souls, because it seemed human. The progression of her involvement (in the case, and with Kipp) seemed natural and organic.

But, my favorite character was Kipp. Actually it was Kipp and his partner. I loved the banter and the close guy relationship that Kennedy wrote between the two. Even with Kipp being dead and unseen to all but Tess, I liked how the friendship relationships were explored, along with the building romantic relationship between Kipp and Tess. It made the story so much more well-rounded. And, the mystery that needed to be solved wasn't lost in Tess and Kipp's attraction.

STOLEN DREAMS resonated for me because Kipp and his co-workers/friends weren't chest-beating alpha males. They worked together as a group and Tess fit into their circle well, once they believed that she could really see Kipp. And best of all, though Kipp wanted to know what he had stumbled onto that got him murdered, they really ended up helping a dead young female spirit find peace.

4/5 for plot
5/5 for characters
4.5/5 for language

My Rating: 13.5/15 (4 stars)

Must Read, if you liked:

Eve of Samhain by Lisa Sanchez
Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble by H.P. Mallory
Seers of Light by Jennifer DeLucy


Find the author at:
Website | Blog | Twitter | GoodReads | Facebook

Purchase book at:
Barnes and Noble | Smashwords | Amazon

Available formats: E-Book

Challenge Participation:
Men in Uniform Reading Challenge



Tour Participation:

CONFIDENTIAL: Author Interview with Rachel Thompson for Bestseller for a Day




Read My Mind says hello to Rachel Thompson today. She's the author of A WALK IN THE SNARK, a non-fiction account of some of her time spent in the OC (that's Orange County, CA) living, laughing and being ginger. Not only does she decode men with her Mancode, but she's devoted much time to her own blog, Twitter and Facebook, helping herself and others figure out the complexities of social media and marketing. Today I'm featuring her to help promote A WALK IN THE SNARK for Bestseller for a Day. This is a 24-hour drive to help push Rachel's book up on the bestseller charts at Amazon. Best part: the book is only $.99 for the whole day. So, go forth and buy!



RMM: Tell me a little about yourself.

RT: I’m a WAHM (Write At Home Mom), I’ve been married for almost nineteen years, have two children, ages eleven and five (a girl and a boy). Because of that, I have lots of material for my blog and books. Being a redhead in a sea of blondes (I live in Orange County, where they film the “Real Housewives” show) who doesn’t drive an SUV and has all real parts, writing has become the perfect outlet for my many observations of life.


RMM: Who is one person that helped to inspire you to write A Walk In The Snark?

RT: My husband JP, really. I wrote my initial Mancode essay, Men are from Seinfeld, Women are from Friends, about one year ago after I just got really tired of having to change the toilet paper roll – for eighteen years. Why do men want to change the world but are completely unable to change a TP roll? The response was huge and immediate. I knew I was onto something.

We have a very good marriage and laugh a lot, but he is, along with many of the other Mancode topics I write about, definitely my muse for all things dude.


RMM: How did you become involved in Bestseller For A Day and the Indie Book Collective?

RT: I actually cofounded the IBC w/ Carolyn McCray, author of 30 Pieces of Silver, HeartsBlood, Plain Jane. We met last year on Twitter and started teaching free social media workshops together to folks wanting to understand more about Twitter. We formed the IBC as a result of wanting to share that information as well as rounding out a platform to provide info on self-publishing, platform-building, blogging, as well as ePublishing.

We created BestSeller For A Day as a way to give indie authors the opportunity to put the power of wonderful readers behind them who can purchase their work for only 99 cents, the author’s efforts (including Google Ad Words), as well as all of our promotional power to help push them onto the Amazon Top 100 chart. It truly is a unique and amazing program for any author!




RMM: What is one of the hardest parts of the self-publishing process?

RT: I’ve found the writing itself to be incredibly rewarding, and though many authors find the hustle of marketing exhausting at times, I personally enjoy it. I’ve built up my social media presence significantly this past year on Facebook, Goodreads, my blog, and especially on Twitter, and that requires seemingly constant interaction. I say seemingly because I’ve learned ways to find time to market and time to write, but it’s definitely a challenge.

The publishing industry is changing so radically – self-publishing no longer has as much of the old stigma attached to it and is a valid business model for many authors. That said, there is definitely a bias that lingers; which is why I worked very hard to be sure I released a professionally-edited, clean book with some rockin’ cover art. Of course, it’s the guts that matter.


RMM: What is one of the best parts about self-publishing?

RT: I love that because I’m exclusively ePublished, I’ve been able to keep my costs low. My eBook is normally priced everyday at only $2.99 on Amazon. Whether you have a Kindle or not (simply download the free Kindle app to your smartphone or computer), you can purchase my book and enjoy hours of entertainment for a reasonable amount of money. Of course, for BestSeller For A Day the price is even lower—just 99 cents!

I also love that the book is my vision—though I worked with wonderful editors and a terrific graphic artist to achieve a quality product (and I’d recommend any indie author do the same), being an indie author allows you the freedom to release the book you want. You have more control. And I get to keep the publishing rights!


RMM: Are you working on anything new right now? Can you tell me anything about your current project?

RT: Of course I am! I’ve been working on The Mancode: A Survivor’s Tale, most of this past winter, and plan for a summer release. These Mancode essays are by far the most popular on my blog and in my current book, so taking that theme and expanding on it is something I’ve wanted to do for awhile.

I also frequently write short stories and poetry that I self-publish on my blog, though IndieInk has published several pieces of mine—it’s a great place for indie writers to submit their work.

I’m also working on some magazine pieces as well that should be out in the next few months.

RMM: Wow, sounds like you are very busy. Good luck with it all!


Tidbits:

Coffee or tea?

Good Lord, coffee.

Early riser or night owl?
Out of necessity, night owl. I enjoy the quiet when my family goes to sleep and I can write in complete peace.

Audi sedan, Toyota Prius, Honda minivan, or Ford 4x4?
I often joke that I’m the only non-SUV Mazda-driving redhead in all of the OC (Orange County, CA) and I have a bumper sticker that says MY OTHER CAR IS A TOYOTA. Which it is! It’s a RAV4. So I’d probably go for the Prius.

Summer at the beach, or winter in a cozy cabin?
I abhor the cold. I lived in NYC for four years back in the early nineties and while I loved the city, I did not love the icy winters. I even spent a few weekends in Vermont over the holidays and froze things off that should never have been frozen. So yea, give me summer at the beach (and tons of sunscreen) anytime, baby.


And finally, one sentence to get readers to pick up A Walk In The Snark.

“Sometimes I think I’m too jaded. But then I think no, it’s just the lighting.”

Thanks to Lillie for this wonderful opportunity to share my writing and life with you!



Don’t forget: Bestseller For A Day is Wednesday April 6th and my book A Walk In The Snark will be just 99 cents!
As our Bonus Buy (2 for the price of 1), you can also purchase a fabulous collection of short stories and poems by fab fellow author Kimberly Kinrade. Her book Bits of You and Pieces of Me is also just 99 cents BUT if you return to the site and fill out our fairly painless form, Kimberly will rebate the purchase price. #Woot! Also, you get five entries into my contest to win up to FIVE $10 Amazon Gift Cards!!

Please email me if you have any questions or comments at RachelintheOC@gmail.com or come visit my blog anytime Rachel In The OC or Twitter or Facebook or Good Reads. I’m everywhere (except, ya know, the kitchen). I also teach writers ePublishing, social media and other cool stuff over at the Indie Book Collective so find me there as well.




05 April, 2011

CONFIDENTIAL: An Interview with Darby Karchut, Author of Griffin Rising



Recently, I had a chance to ask a few questions of author, Darby Karchut for Read My Mind. Here's the interview about her and her debut YA novel, GRIFFIN RISING.


RMM: Tell me a little about yourself and your book.
DK: Besides writing novels for teens, I also teach social studies at a junior high school. I live in Colorado with my husband, where I run/bike/ski the Rocky Mountains in all types of weather.

My debut novel, Griffin Rising, is a YA urban fantasy set in Colorado Springs. Here’s a brief description:

For centuries, rumors have abounded of a lowly caste of supernatural beings known as the Terrae Angeli. Armed with the power to control Earth, Fire, Wind and Water, these warriors secretly serve as guardians for mortals in danger.

But for one young angel-in-training, Griffin, life is hell as a cruel master makes his apprenticeship a nightmare. On the verge of failing, a new mentor, Basil, enters his life and changes it forever. It is their father-and-son relationship, sometimes turbulent, often hilarious, always affectionate, that is the heart and soul of the story.

Masquerading as the average teen next door, Griffin struggles to learn his trade, navigate the ups and downs of modern life among humans (including falling in love with the girl next door), and prepare for the ancient trial-by-combat every apprentice must pass at sixteen or be forced to become mortal.



RMM: How long was the journey from the idea to the physical book?
DK: From first sentence to publishing contract: eleven months. Then twelve months from signed contract to physical book. Bizarre, huh? Considering I had never written a thing, never even thought about being a writer, until I wrote Griffin Rising.


RMM: Who is one person that helped to inspire you to write your book?
DK: Not so much a person as an obscure legend from the Catholic Church during the Middle Ages about angels who were believed to control earth, fire, wind, and water. And thus the Terrae Angeli were born. Griffin, however, is the classic coming of age teen, but with a supernatural twist.


RMM: A little more on your characters. Which was the hardest to bring to life on the page?
DK: Katie, Griffin’s girlfriend. I have trouble writing females. Weird, since rumor has it I am one.

RMM: The easiest?
DK: It’s a toss up between Griffin and Basil.
Griffin: He is a true hero-in-the-making. He’s managed to retain a warm heart and generous spirit in the face of horrendous abuse. I love the way he grows throughout Book One, and even more so in Book Two.
Basil: He’s the perfect combination of warrior, sage, and father-figure to Griffin. A handsome devil with a few charming foibles and an English accent.


RMM: If you were a biographer, who's life would you choose to write about? (not your own!)
DK: Genghis Khan. I like his management style.


RMM: I want to hear your elevator pitch!
DK: Griffin Rising - Jedi Apprentice meets Touched by An Angel.

Tidbits:

Coffee or tea?

What’s tea?

Early riser or night owl?
I’m a dawn greeter. If I’m not up by 5:30 am, I’ve wasted half the day!

Sun and sand or hot chocolate and a fireplace?
Mud, snow, wind, rain, sweat, then hot chocolate and a fireplace. Luxury is in the contrast.

Wings or teleportation?
Neither. I suffer from acute motion sickness. I once threw up on a chair lift.

Knight protector or ruler of a kingdom?
Since Assistant Pig-Keeper is taken, I’ll go for knight protector. Then maybe I can have a horse again.


And finally, Why write for younger readers?
Because grown-up stuff is boooooring.

Thanks, Lillie, for having me on your blog. I enjoyed these questions immensely!

RMM: Thank you Darby, for consenting to answer my questions!


I'm really looking forward to reading GRIFFIN RISING. It sounds like a great new take on angels, and I'll be posting my review in early May. Readers: come back to see my thoughts.

Author Bio:
All her life, the archetypal hero and his journey have enthralled Darby Karchut. A native of New Mexico, Darby grew up in a family that venerated books and she spent her childhood devouring one fantasy novel after another. Fascinated by mythologies from around the world, she attended the University of New Mexico, graduating with a degree in anthropology. After moving to Colorado, she then earned a Master’s in education and became a social studies teacher.

Drawing from her extensive knowledge of world cultures, she blends ancient myths with modern urban life to write stories that relate to young teens today.

Darby is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and the Pikes Peak Writers Guild. She lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado with her husband, where she still teaches at a local junior high school. She enjoys running, biking, and skiing the Rocky Mountains in all types of weather.

Griffin Rising is her first novel.



Find Darby online at: Website | Blog | GoodReads

GRIFFIN RISING coming June 2011, TWILIGHT TIMES BOOKS

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