To all the readers and authors I had promised reviews to, forgive me while I go on a temporary hiatus! I went to Salt Lake City this weekend, and seem to have misplaced my Nook. The hotel says they did not find it, but then, they never do.
I am also finishing up the sequel to Lunula, the title of which is still iffy, so for now it will just be The Sequel.
Oh, and I'm going to potty train my two-year-old. Fun times.
I hope to get reviews going again soon!
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Character Actors
I have seen a lot of authors do this, and I thought it would be fun to do it myself. Who do I picture as my characters in Lunula? Who did I have in my head while I was writing? I know some authors might look after they have created the characters, but I like to have a concrete picture to look at while I am describing a character, so some of them were thought of before I even wrote the character out.
Are you curious who I had in mind?
Wynn:
Teresa Palmer--I saw her in "Warm Bodies," and I instantly thought she exuded the kind of kindness and grit that Wynn possess. She was one of the later additions, since Wynn's personality was more important as a first person character than anything else.
Gethin:
All along, I pictured a young Gerard Butler. He is fine.
Queen Alexandria:
Katie McGrath
Gavin:
Colin Morgan (Any guesses as to what TV show I watched during the time I wrote Lunula?)
Aias
Matt Dallas--Picture him with long, white hair. And a bad attitude.
Erik
I'm going to go with Chris Pine on this one, even though he isn't quite what I'm looking for. He's got the smirk down.
I don't have a very large cast, so these are the main ones.
What do you think? Good choices? Did I leave any characters out? If you had someone in mind while you read Lunula, tell me who!
Oh, and of course, if you haven't read my book, you should totally get on that. It's kind of awesome.
Are you curious who I had in mind?
Wynn:
Teresa Palmer--I saw her in "Warm Bodies," and I instantly thought she exuded the kind of kindness and grit that Wynn possess. She was one of the later additions, since Wynn's personality was more important as a first person character than anything else.
All along, I pictured a young Gerard Butler. He is fine.
Katie McGrath
Gavin:
Colin Morgan (Any guesses as to what TV show I watched during the time I wrote Lunula?)
Aias
Matt Dallas--Picture him with long, white hair. And a bad attitude.
Erik
I'm going to go with Chris Pine on this one, even though he isn't quite what I'm looking for. He's got the smirk down.
I don't have a very large cast, so these are the main ones.
What do you think? Good choices? Did I leave any characters out? If you had someone in mind while you read Lunula, tell me who!
Oh, and of course, if you haven't read my book, you should totally get on that. It's kind of awesome.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Word OD
Do you ever get a word stuck in your head?
Like some sort of crazed addict who got fixated on something, you keep using this one word over and over again, and it just feels so good when you type it out. Only at some point, you realize that you have slathered it all over your writing piece like too much mustard on a hotdog, where it's dripping down the sides and making the bun all soggy and gross. And then you have to go back and delete your precious word, saying farewell to it forever more, no matter how badly you want to keep on typing it out.
Swathed, for example. In the book I am currently writing (and oh yes, almost finished with! Lunula fans, the second book cometh), I realized too late that I had "swathed" all kind of things from darkness, to light, to bodies with blankets. It's such a satisfying word though. Just say it:
Swathed.
I get little shivers from how sweet that imagery is. I could say, "it was in darkness" or I could say, "it was swathed in darkness." So chic. So smooth.
But if everything is swathed then, like mustard (NOT ketchup. I hail from Philly.), it just ruins the main deliciousness I was trying to accentuate.
So what is my cure for this addiction? I give you Dictionary.com and their word of the day:
http://dictionary.reference.com/wordoftheday
You can look up past archives of all the words of all the days, and eventually you are bound to find a new one.
Couthie, for example. Keep an eye out for all my couthie characters in future books.
I realize this is just taking the addict from one fix to another, but at least you're putting down the mustard and adding a little relish. Variety is the condiment of life, after all.
What words have you gotten hung up on? I want to know! (Maybe you'll give me my next one!) And what tips do you have for avoiding word overdose?
Like some sort of crazed addict who got fixated on something, you keep using this one word over and over again, and it just feels so good when you type it out. Only at some point, you realize that you have slathered it all over your writing piece like too much mustard on a hotdog, where it's dripping down the sides and making the bun all soggy and gross. And then you have to go back and delete your precious word, saying farewell to it forever more, no matter how badly you want to keep on typing it out.
Swathed, for example. In the book I am currently writing (and oh yes, almost finished with! Lunula fans, the second book cometh), I realized too late that I had "swathed" all kind of things from darkness, to light, to bodies with blankets. It's such a satisfying word though. Just say it:
Swathed.
I get little shivers from how sweet that imagery is. I could say, "it was in darkness" or I could say, "it was swathed in darkness." So chic. So smooth.
But if everything is swathed then, like mustard (NOT ketchup. I hail from Philly.), it just ruins the main deliciousness I was trying to accentuate.
So what is my cure for this addiction? I give you Dictionary.com and their word of the day:
http://dictionary.reference.com/wordoftheday
You can look up past archives of all the words of all the days, and eventually you are bound to find a new one.
Couthie, for example. Keep an eye out for all my couthie characters in future books.
I realize this is just taking the addict from one fix to another, but at least you're putting down the mustard and adding a little relish. Variety is the condiment of life, after all.
What words have you gotten hung up on? I want to know! (Maybe you'll give me my next one!) And what tips do you have for avoiding word overdose?
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Edenbrooke Review
Marianne Daventry will do anything to escape the boredom of Bath and the amorous attentions of an unwanted suitor. So when an invitation arrives from her twin sister, Cecily, to join her at a sprawling country estate, she jumps at the chance. Thinking she'll be able to relax and enjoy her beloved English countryside while her sister snags the handsome heir of Edenbrooke, Marianne finds that even the best laid plans can go awry. From a terrifying run-in with a highwayman to a seemingly harmless flirtation, Marianne finds herself embroiled in an unexpected adventure filled with enough romance and intrigue to keep her mind racing. Will Marianne be able to rein in her traitorous heart, or will a mysterious stranger sweep her off her feet? Fate had something other than a relaxing summer in mind when it sent Marianne to Edenbrooke.
Rating-- 4 1/2 Stars
Cleanliness--5 Stars
I couldn't resist reading a good Regency romance this week, especially when I found a clean one with no heaving bosoms and relationships based on sex. Yay for "a proper romance!" I found Edenbrooke when I visited the Whitney Awards website. It is one of the nominations for best romance, and Regency romances are my favorite thing to read. I know, I know--I'm an action/adventure, and Fantasy writer. But if you have read Lunula, then you know I have a real soft spot for romance. I haven't tried my hand at writing a real romance, but they are my favorite to read.
With that said, I opened this book and loved it instantly. It made me laugh out loud on the second page, and about 30 pages in I remember thinking, "I can tell this book isn't going to be long enough. I don't want it to end!" It was such a treat to read something that made me jealous! I love being jealous about a writer. I learned things from the way Donaldson wrote, and I even went back and studied a scene to see how she so effortlessly brought me into the banter between the protagonist and her love interest. It was like literary candy!
So why the half star deduction? Okay, so here's my thing: I'm a picky reader, and especially so when it comes to romantic progression. Donaldson did a fantastic job of creating a seamless relationship between the protagonist and her love interest--their first meeting is one of my favorites of all time. But the problem I ran into was the affected anger Marianne had toward Phillip sometimes. It came off as forced. I understand that it's pretty funny when Marianne is angry with Phillip, and trust me, those are some of my favorite kinds of plots. I love it when they both hate each other first and then come to like each other. It's probably because my own love story with my husband is similar.
But sometimes it just felt made up for the purpose of entertainment. It didn't really flow all the time. I think Marianne had every right to be mad at him in some instances, but for the most part, he was a perfect gentleman. It just didn't always make sense.
BUT even after all that, this will remain a favorite. Donaldson wrote with humor, heart, and real wit, and for a debut author, I have to tell you that I am incredibly impressed. Jealous. In awe. I love it! I'm so glad she has been nominated for an award because she absolutely deserves it. My advice? Read it immediately!
Congratulations!
Congratulations to the BBF contest winners!!
LaRhonda has won a free paperback copy of Lunula.
Katie Ciarlone has won the first illustration:
Jamie Oc has won the second illustration
Thank you to everyone who entered the contest! It was a lot of fun for me, and look for more giveaways in the future!
LaRhonda has won a free paperback copy of Lunula.
Katie Ciarlone has won the first illustration:
Jamie Oc has won the second illustration
Thank you to everyone who entered the contest! It was a lot of fun for me, and look for more giveaways in the future!
Rebecca Hamilton and Allison Blanchard
Today is the last day of the blogger book fair. It has been so much fun! I met new authors, connected with some wonderful readers, and discovered some fantastic books. There are still events going on, so if you have a minute, you should definitely check those out!
As a closing post, I wanted to do two more spotlights on some fellow authors and their wonderful books! Take a look!
Rebecca Hamilton
Interview
As a closing post, I wanted to do two more spotlights on some fellow authors and their wonderful books! Take a look!
Rebecca Hamilton
*Book: The Forever Girl
*Blog/webiste: www.paranormalfantasybooks.com
1.) What books from your childhood sparked your imagination?
The Chronicles of Narnia, Goosebumps books and Fear Street Books (thanks, R.L. Stine!).
2.) What gets your imagination going now?.
Taking a Shower. Nothing like being too soaking wet to write or type down an idea. It's a curse.
3.) When you get writers block, how do you get past it?
Write through it!
4.) What is your writing process like? Do you plan everything out before you write it? Just go with the flow?
It depends on the book. Some I've just written and now I'm starting to try planning, to make rewrites a little more managable.
5.) What is your favorite dessert?
All of them :)
Allison
Blanchard
Allison
Blanchard is currently a student at Georgia College and State University in
Milledgeville, Georgia where she is pursuing her bachelor degrees in English
Creative Writing and French. She is an active sister in Sigma Alpha Omega where
she continues to grow as a woman in Christ. She writes everyday, drinks too
much coffee, and is looking forward to the next adventure her characters will
take her.
*Blog/webiste: www.allisonblanchard.com
*Promotions: There is
a giveaway of a signed copy of “Forget Me Not” on Sydney Logan’s blog. Not sure
when it will be up, but I will keep you posted!
Forget Me Not
“Cole
Dyami is a mysterious boy with a dangerous secret. Adeline Jasely is a typical
teenage girl. Living in the seemingly normal small town of Great Falls Montana,
Adeline is confronted with everyday teenage problems by a not so normal
beautiful boy. As Adeline and Cole’s worlds collide, the line between illusion
and reality is blurred. According to a tribal legend, Adeline and Cole are no
longer two friends, but two pieces in a complicated mystery. Suddenly, Adeline
finds herself in a world she never knew existed. Along side Cole, she attempts
to unravel the mysteries of the small Chippewa tribe in order to not only find
out who Cole Dyami truly is, but who she is as well. As Cole and Adeline begin
to uncover the secrets behind the legends of the Chippewa tribe, illusion
slowly unravels into reality and friendship gradually melts into a mutual need
of survival.”
1.) What books from
your childhood sparked your imagination?
Every book by Marianne Curley. Her
books inspired me to not only read more, but to become a writer.
2.) What gets your
imagination going now?
Music and reading. Nothing better
than listening to some of The Civil Wars and reading a good book.
3.) When you get
writers block, how do you get past it?
This may sound strange, but I pray.
I am a huge believer and I know my gift of writing is from my God. So, if I am
ever struggling, I walk away from the computer, pray for some guidance and
direction, then a little later come back and can finish writing. You can say
Jesus is my muse.
4.) What is your
writing process like? Do you plan everything out before you write it? Just go
with the flow?
My process is pretty laid back. I usually play some
music to help me get in the right mindset, drink some coffee, and sit down at
my computer and let it all out. I am less structured and tend to let a scene
flow the way it wants or let the characters do whatever comes naturally. I may
have a brief outline, but I sometimes don't always follow it.
5.) What is your favorite
dessert?
Oh, this one’s tough! But I’d have
to say peanut butter pie is the bomb. I love me some pie!
Here are
my links where you can stalk me!
My
website: www.allisonblanchard.com
My
Twitter: https://twitter.com/apblanchard
My
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/allisonblanchardbooks
My
Goodreads Page:
Buy
Links:
Amazon (Kindle): http://www.amazon.com/Forget-Me-Not-ebook/dp/B009WA9XXE/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1351652930&sr=8-1
B&N (print and Nook): http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/forget-me-not-allison-blanchard/1113507523?ean=9781937273705
My Publisher’s website: http://www.martinsisterspublishing.com/?page_id=1619
Saturday, February 9, 2013
S.M. Boyce FREE BOOK
Hey there peeps! Amazing author S.M. Boyce (who is quickly gaining recognition for her really fantastic writing) is offering her book Lichgates for free until tomorrow. If you like fantasy, adventure, and intrigue, you have got to check this one out!
Kara, a college student still reeling from her mother’s recent death, has no idea the hidden world of Ourea even exists until a freak storm traps her in a sunken library. With no way out, she opens an ancient book of magic called the Grimoire and unwittingly becomes its master, which means Kara now wields the cursed book’s untamed power. Discovered by Ourea’s royalty, she becomes an unwilling pawn in a generations-old conflict—a war intensified by her arrival. In this world of chilling creatures and betrayal, Kara shouldn’t trust anyone… but she’s being hunted and can’t survive on her own. She drops her guard when Braeden, a native soldier with a dark secret, vows to keep her safe. And though she doesn’t know it, her growing attraction to him may just be her undoing.
For twelve years, Braeden Drakonin has lived a lie. The Grimoire is his one chance at redemption, and it lands in his lap when Kara Magari comes into his life. Though he begins to care for this human girl, there is something he wants more. He wants the Grimoire.
Welcome to Ourea, where only the cunning survive.
Lichgates
Grimoire Saga #1
Kara Magari is about to discover a beautiful world full of terrifying things—Ourea.Kara, a college student still reeling from her mother’s recent death, has no idea the hidden world of Ourea even exists until a freak storm traps her in a sunken library. With no way out, she opens an ancient book of magic called the Grimoire and unwittingly becomes its master, which means Kara now wields the cursed book’s untamed power. Discovered by Ourea’s royalty, she becomes an unwilling pawn in a generations-old conflict—a war intensified by her arrival. In this world of chilling creatures and betrayal, Kara shouldn’t trust anyone… but she’s being hunted and can’t survive on her own. She drops her guard when Braeden, a native soldier with a dark secret, vows to keep her safe. And though she doesn’t know it, her growing attraction to him may just be her undoing.
For twelve years, Braeden Drakonin has lived a lie. The Grimoire is his one chance at redemption, and it lands in his lap when Kara Magari comes into his life. Though he begins to care for this human girl, there is something he wants more. He wants the Grimoire.
Welcome to Ourea, where only the cunning survive.
Grab your FREE copy
Learn More (free chapters and excerpts)
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