dj's life in fiction

Vixen by Jillian Lark

2012-01-23T05:16:00.003-05:00

Jazz . . . Booze . . . Boys . . . It’s a dangerous combination.

Every girl wants what she can’t have. Seventeen-year-old Gloria Carmody wants the flapper lifestyle—and the bobbed hair, cigarettes, and music-filled nights that go with it. Now that she’s engaged to Sebastian Grey, scion of one of Chicago’s most powerful families, Gloria’s party days are over before they’ve even begun . . . or are they?

Clara Knowles, Gloria’s goody-two-shoes cousin, has arrived to make sure the high-society wedding comes off without a hitch—but Clara isn’t as lily-white as she appears. Seems she has some dirty little secrets of her own that she’ll do anything to keep hidden. . . .

Lorraine Dyer, Gloria’s social-climbing best friend, is tired of living in Gloria’s shadow. When Lorraine’s envy spills over into desperate spite, no one is safe. And someone’s going to be very sorry. . . .

A good friend of mine had given me a copy of Vixen a while ago, and while it sounded interesting it got tossed in the pile. The other week, a co-worker asked if I had read it and said they were really enjoying it, and that they couldn't want to talk about it with me. So, I decided to dig it back up and read it. And I'm really glad I did.

Ms. Larkin's writing is smooth, fluid, and--given what I know about the flapper era--captures the essence of the twenties wonderfully. The dialogue reads well, the descriptions are subtle and effective, and the plot moves along at an even pace. It did take me a while to read it, but I was never bored. The chapters alternate between the main girls: Gloria, Clara, and Lorraine, so I think it just took me a bit to identify with each character. Speaking of which, I really enjoyed the transformations seen in Gloria, Clara, and the playboy Marcus. I found them to be the most interesting amongst the colorful cast.

Despite the differences in the settings and time periods, this book reminded be of Lucy Silag's Beautiful Americans series in regards to the dramatic plots and interconnected characters. I love how well Ms. Larkin has laid out the characters and their personalities, and I'm looking forward to reading the sequel.

All in all, Vixen is an enjoyable read that provided a nice break from my usual paranormal reads. I loved being sucked into the Roaring Twenties and all of its splendor and drama. Definitely check this one out. :-)

Waiting on Wednesday (11):

2012-01-18T06:12:00.001-05:00

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly feature hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine. It gives bloggers a chance to showcase books they're waiting for and it's a great way to find new books! So, head on over to Breaking the Spine to sign up or to check out other people's posts!

Breaking the Spine

This week's selection is What I Didn't Say by Keary Taylor, author of the Fall of Angels series and Eden, which was recently optioned for film. Keary is such an amazing writer and I can't wait to read this!

Getting drunk Homecoming night your senior year is never a good idea, but Jake Hayes never expected it all to end with a car crash and a t-post embedded in his throat.

His biggest regret about it all? What he never said to Samantha Shay. He's been in love with her for years and never had the guts to tell her. Now it's too late. Because after that night, Jake will never be able to talk again.

When Jake returns to his small island home, population 5,000, he'll have to learn how to deal with being mute. He also finds that his family isn't limited to his six brothers and sisters, that sometimes an entire island is watching out for you. And when he gets the chance to spend more time with Samantha, she'll help him learn that not being able to talk isn’t the worst thing that could ever happen to you. Maybe, if she'll let him, Jake will finally tell her what he didn't say before, even if he can't actually say it.

To add What I Didn't Say on GoodReads, click HERE!

Updates

2012-01-14T00:00:00.000-05:00

I just have a few tidbits to share that I thought you all might want to know. If not, oh well. :-)

I've updated the "My Writing" page a little and have added a couple of quotes from reviews. I'd like to thank Kelley York and Erika for letting me quote them and for the lovely words they had to say about Hunted.

School has started back up again, so my blogging will become even more infrequent, but I hope to change that and get some more reviews up. I'm so behind on my reading it's rather sad.

Also, I've added an "Appearances" page to the top menu. Be sure to check it out and see if you're attending any of the events. Right now, my appearances are mostly here in Michigan, with the exception of the Book Expo in June.

Last, but not least. I'll most likely be making the switch to WordPress in the near future, so make sure you've bookmarked my blog with this address: www.djwrites.com. Once I make the switch, this Blogger site will no longer be available, but there should be a redirect page. The switch won't happen for a bit, but just wanted to start giving the head's up.

Thanks and I hope 2012 is treating you all well so far!

Upcoming Events

2012-01-04T00:30:00.000-05:00

Hey, everyone. Here's a quick update on where you can find me this year.

Event: Epic ConFusion
When: January 20-22, 2012
Where: Detroit Merriot in Troy, Michigan
What: Sci-fi/Fantasy convention that offers a variety of programs, including panel discussions with authors (Patrick Rothfuss, Jim C. Hines, Carrie Harris, Merrie Haskell, etc...), comic programs, music performances, and more.

I will be participating in a few panels, as well as an autographing session on Sunday.

For more information, including registration information and further details, please visit:

http://confusion.stilyagi.org/

If you're in the area, this would be a great event for you if you're a sci-fi/fantasy fan. Registration is cheap, too, so yay!

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Event: Book Expo America
When: June 4-7, 2012
Where: Javits Center in New York City, New York
What: The largest publishing event in North America.

I will be signing books at a booth. More details to come.

Visit www.bookexpoamerica.com for more information.

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Well, that's it for now. I may have a couple of other events in the spring, but nothing is confirmed yet. Also, please note that I will no longer be attending the Romantic Times Convention in Chicago in April. Due to costs, I am unfortunately unable to go.

Hunted ARC Giveaway

2012-01-02T18:27:00.004-05:00

To kick off the new year, I'm giving away a signed Hunted ARC. I have a couple extras, so I thought I'd give one away. All you have to do is fill out the form below. Easy, right? Right.

Details:
-Contest ends Friday, January 13, at 12:00 AM
-Open to US residents only (Sorry!)
-Just fill out the form and you're all set!
-Please tweet/blog/Facebook about the contest!
*Please note, for those of you who may not know, that an advanced reader copy of a book is an uncorrected proof copy of the book*

CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED

Also, don't forget that the e-book prices for Hunted have been lowered!

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Between the Sea and Sky by Jaclyn Dolamore

2011-12-20T08:29:00.000-05:00

I love mermaids. As a child, I really wanted to be friends with Ariel and Flounder and Sebastian. Heck, I kind of wanted to be Ariel. Who wouldn't? So one can imagine how excited I am that mermaids are growing in popularity again and are poised to become the next big trend. One of the more recent mermaid books I've read is Jaclyn Dolamore's Between the Sea and Sky, published by Bloomsbury this past October. I haven't read Ms. Dolamore's other work, but I had heard wonderful things about her, so I was excited to read this book. What I found was a story that was engaging, enchanting, and all around entertaining. (Lot's of E's there, huh?)

For as long as Esmerine can remember, she has longed to join her older sister, Dosinia, as a siren--the highest calling a mermaid can have. When Dosinia runs away to the mainland, Esmerine is sent to retrieve her. Using magic to transform her tail into legs, she makes her way unsteadily to the capital city. There she comes upon a friend she hasn't seen since childhood--a dashing young man named Alandare, who belongs to a winged race of people. As Esmerine and Alandare band together to search for Dosinia, they rekindle a friendship . . . and ignite the emotions for a love so great, it cannot be bound by sea, land, or air. (IndieBound)

What I like most about this book is that Ms. Dolamore never really explains the how's and why's of her fantastical world. In some cases, this would be a bad thing, but here it works. The lack of explanatory sections make the world and characters all the more believable. I particularly enjoyed Ms. Dolamore's take on sirens and how instead of separating a siren from a mermaid, she blended the two mythologies to create a sort of social class within her mermaid world. Also, her inclusion of a winged race of people (think humans w/pterodactyl-like wings and talons, not angels. sounds odd, but it works) provides a nice balance and contrast with the mermaids.

Esmerine makes for a great main character and I think a lot of readers will be able to relate to her despite her being a mermaid. The thing I love most about her is her love for books and how books help connect her with Alan. Even though the story's told in third person, Esmerine's thoughts and desires come through clearly, and her need to ensure her sister's safety is both admirable and believable.

And Alan? He's pretty great, too. He can be a bit mouthy and over opinionated, but his passion for wanting to make his peers think and broaden their knowledge is rather admirable. His hot-and-cold nature isn't too over the top, though. It's clear that he cares about Esmerine and I felt bad that he had to choose his expected duty over his relationship with her when they were younger. I think that's something everyone can relate to and it's little hints at reality like that that further made the story believable.

All in all, I really enjoyed Between the Sea and Sky and look forward to reading Ms. Dolamore's other work. Her take on mermaids is refreshing and original, and I hope we get to see more of them in the future. Definitely go and pick up a copy! :-)

Lower E-Book Prices for HUNTED

2011-12-18T00:26:00.000-05:00

Hey, everyone. Just wanted to let you know that Pendrell Publishing is running a holiday sale for their e-books. Hunted is now only $2.99 on Amazon for Kindle users and for Nook users, the new price is $3.50! Download/purchase your copy soon! :-)

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Also, if you've read and enjoyed Hunted, please don't forget to post a quick review on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, GoodReads, etc...

Thanks and happy holidays!

HUNTED's Journey Began Today

2011-12-16T10:05:00.000-05:00

Today is December 16th, which marks the day I was offered a contract for Hunted. I can't believe it's already been a year and that my book is now out in the world waiting for people to read it and hopefully like it. The response so far, however, has been great and I hope this new year brings even more for the book. I cannot thank you all enough for your support and enthusiasm.

Also, it's Jane Austen's birthday. :-)

Author Interview: Nina Malkin (Swoon and Swear)

2011-12-09T10:30:00.003-05:00

self-portrait drawn by Nina!

I am pleased to welcome the lovely Nina Malkin, author of the Swoon series, to the site today. In addition to talking about her writing, I'm also giving away one copy of Swoon and one copy of Swear, both of which are signed. Details are below the interview :-)

Who or what inspired you to be a writer?

I was born this way. Like with a vestigial tail…

Do you ever find writing "hard"?

Nah. Writing is a biological function for me — it’s got to come out. Editing, now that’s hard!

Where did the idea for the Swoon series originate?

Boom, out of nowhere, I stumbled on the concept of the spirit of a boy from the past possessing the body of a girl in the present. It just sort of stewed awhile. Then, I had to deal with a heavy-duty betrayal in my own life, and that ignited the theme of Swoon.

What has the writing process been like for the series? Do you have the whole series mapped out?

Mapped out?! No way! One of the reasons I love what I do is that I’m just as eager to find out what’s going to happen as the reader.

What has been your favorite part about working on the series?

It’s a trifecta. The things I love best in stuff I read is what I aspire to when I write: Plot. Character. Language. I want an intriguing story, remarkable people and a creative way with words.

Do you know what you'll work on after Swoon?

I split my time between journalism, teaching and writing fiction, so my “next” is always in progress — and in flux.

If you could spend the day with any fictional character, who would it be and why?

I’d hang out with the pigeon from those little kids’ books by Mo Willems. Because the pigeon just wants to do what he wants to do — always interesting stuff, like driving a bus or staying up late — and there’s just no stopping him. What a pigeon!

Do you have any writing quirks?

I do my best work with a cat on my lap.

What are three to five things your readers may not know about you?

Ooh, I can’t even think of one. I’m a pretty open book…

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Giveaway time! One lucky winner will win signed copies of both Swoon and Swear! Contest is only open to US residents (sorry!) and will end at 12 AM on Dec. 16th. To enter, fill out the form below. Good luck!

CONTEST IS NOW OVER

Waiting on Wednesday (10): On a Dark Wing by Jordan Dane

2011-12-07T07:39:00.003-05:00

Breaking the Spine

The first book I'm really looking forward to comes out in a few weeks, so the wait isn't too long, thankfully. I could talk about how amazing I think Jordan Dane's On a Dark Wing sounds, but I think I'll just let you read the synopsis and drool over the cover for yourselves. :-)

Five years ago Abbey Chandler cheated Death. She survived a horrific car accident, but her lucky break came at the expense of her mother’s life and changed everything. After she crossed paths with Death—by taking the hand of an ethereal boy made of clouds and sky—she would never be normal again.

Now she’s the target of Death’s Ravens and an innocent boy’s life is on the line. When Nate Holden—Abbey’s secret crush—starts to climb Alaska’s Denali, the Angel of Death is with him because of her.

Abbey finds out the hard way that Death never forgets. (GoodReads)

I know people are saying angels are out and mermaids are in, but I love angel books and hope the trend continues strongly. Though, here's a mermaid-ish book I'm extremely excited for:

Miranda has lived on Whym Island since the death of her parents. She has taken comfort in its seclusion and in the folklore that claims a mysterious sea witch controls the fate of all on the island and its surrounding waters. It's just been easier to believe that things are out of her control.

But when a terrible boating accident takes the lives of several of her friends, Miranda is rescued by a mysterious boy that haunts her dreams. As the guilt of the accident consumes her, she finds refuge in her late night swims. Then, she meets Christian, a boy who seems so familiar, but won't tell her where he is from and why they can only meet at the beach. As Miranda falls for Christian and begins to put the accident behind her, she discovers that there are secrets that Christian is keeping to protect her that may only end up bringing her nothing but harm. (GoodReads)

Feeling Like an Epic Failure

2011-12-02T00:33:00.000-05:00

I was going to post a review today because I haven't done so in a while, but for some reason I couldn't write one for the book I recently finished. While I thoroughly enjoyed the book, I feel no desire to write a review for it. In general, my desire to write has dwindled in recent weeks, which is both frustrating and devastating. Fellow writers, you probably have an idea of what I'm talking about. We all go through periods of self-doubt, lack of inspiration, and plain exhaustion. I have plenty of ideas to work with, but every time I choose one and dive in, but lately none of the ideas have panned out in more ways than one. I've tried sticking to an idea and just working through the roadblocks to no avail, which is disheartening because I thought that would help.

The good thing is that I know/recognize some of the problems my current work in progress has, and those include pacing, narration, and general plot. I've never been much of an outliner, so I think I need to take more time to sit down and plan this idea out more and pay more attention to my world-building. I keep contradicting myself in this new project and then I get all flustered because I'm not sure which route is the best or how I can a future event happen without Contradiction B being true even though Contradiction A is slightly better.

While chatting with some good friends tonight about my funk, I realized that I'm also rushing this. The publishing world is in such an odd place that I feel like I have to write something NOW and get it done and published NOW or else my career is over. Dramatic much? I know this is not true, that the publishing world is not going to close its doors anytime soon, but I can't help but feel a sense of panic and urgency. I need to stop overthinking everything and just breathe. *cue inspirational song*

Sadly, my inability to write isn't confined to my storytelling. I haven't written a song in months--might even be a year--and I'm getting really sick of my "old" ones, haha. Oddly enough, my photography has been going pretty well so far. I recently attended a Panic! at the Disco concert and was able to take photos for my school newspaper and they turned out so great that the editors printed them in the paper. So, yay for that.

Anyway, I'm sorry for the lack of posts, but I do have a few items in store, like some great author interviews and maybe a giveaway or two. I know how much you love giveaways, haha. Who doesn't? Free books/swag? I'm game for that. :-) Thank you, though, for sticking around and hopefully this funk will go away soon. Very, very soon.

Author Interview: Matti McLean

2011-11-22T00:00:00.001-05:00

Hello, my lovely readers. A while back I read/reviewed Catalyst by Matti McLean, which is a sci-fi/dystopian middle grade book that will also entertain young adult readers. It's also a great read for boys who are reluctant readers. :-) Anyway, today I'm happy to share an interview with Mr. McLean and I hope you all enjoy getting to know him a bit better!

Who or what inspired you to be a writer?

Truth is I don't remember a time when I wasn't a writer. I've been writing plays and stories since at least middle school and probably earlier than that. I remember setting out to write my first major story in grade seven. It was a combination of every video game plot I'd ever played to that point so it was a mess of "bosses", and a mythic dragon who just happened to be living in a junkyard waiting for someone to come along and collect magic gems to do... something... I was never good at finishing stories, but I always loved writing.
My mom also helped. She always knew I would be a writer. I would always argue her telling her everything else I wanted to do that would be better... but I found that it all lead back to writing.

Where did the idea for Catalyst come from?

I first started the idea from Catalyst with a story I wanted to write called "5teps" which was short for five steps to overthrow a government. I've always had a bit of a rebellious streak which has served my books well I find... But anyway, I revisited the story completely randomly after coming home from a conference and the story developed from there. I loved dystopian novels, and actually there was a video game that inspired me to write out the rough copy. I self-published the book as "The Invisible War" which was essentially a rough copy of the novel that is now Catalyst. It was a good first attempt but it was hideously undone. So much work and money was wasted on vanity publishing when what I really needed was a good editor and proof reader to help mold the story into something workable and realistic. I wasn't a huge fan of realism... Now I feel my novel is a lot better. More grounded in the reality I created. A lot of hard work has gone into it, and I feel it's reflected in the piece.

What was the writing process like?

Hard. I love writing... but you hate writing. Catalyst was easy to write, hard to edit, and even harder to try to finish. Reading the same chapter 20+ times is exhausting, but it needs to be done. It's funny, I read the book now and there are still minor tweaks here and there that I wish I could tweak further. I will one day, but for now I just need to be satisfied that my book is a high quality product from a great publisher.

How has working with Brighter Books been?

Wonderful! Angela has done an amazing job seeing my vision and crafting it into a perfect gleam. She was very open and communicative on every step of the process and I couldn't be more happy to have found them. It was actually such a fluke that I even found them in the first place! They hadn't put up their website, so I took a complete shot in the dark with my contact message, and ever since then, I think it's been the perfect choice. The novel is exactly what I wanted from the fantastic art, to Angela and her editing team helping me to develop the characters, the setting and allowing me to explore a darker element with it. It's been a match made in heaven. (I just hope the feeling is mutual...)

What has been your favorite part about being a published author?

The money. Oh yeah, and the book too. It's cool having a product to show people and say that's mine. But yeah, the money.

What are you working on now?

Well I'm working on the rest of the Saga of the Radicals series that follows Micah and the rest of the Catalyst crew on their adventures in uncovering the mysteries of the world they live in. I'm also working on two musical shows I'm hoping to produce in Toronto in March or so, and hoping to submit some shows into the Fringe Festival here in Toronto.

If you could spend the day with any person, who would it be and why?

Walt Disney. Enough said.

Do you have any writing quirks?

No? I don't know really. I'm kind of quirky in general so I don't really know of any specific quirks I have. I do get sidetracked a LOT but I think that's more of the fact that I'm a completely random person and not so much into... What?

What are three to five things your readers may not know about you?

1-I love the ocean and am an avid supporter of banning shark fin soup. I believe the practice is horrible and frankly am shocked that it's even being fought. Finally got my PADI diving certification last year and am hoping to go scuba diving in Yap one year to swim with the manta rays.

2- I am a huge geek. My prize possession is my 3DS and I love Zelda, Mario and most of the Nintendo franchises to be among my favorite games of all time. At the same time I do not currently own a tv so the portable device has to suffice. (one day Zelda: Skyward Sword... one day...) That being said, I hate first person shooters and find them the bane of the video game world...

3- I paint! I have a collection of paintings that I'm hoping to sell soon to raise money for a trip to Comicon to promote Catalyst abroad! Exciting!

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For more information on Matti McLean and his writing:

Official Website | Twitter | Facebook | GoodReads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

2011-11-15T15:58:00.002-05:00

Juliette hasn't touched anyone in exactly 264 days.

The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal. As long as she doesn't hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don't fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war-- and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she's exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.

In this electrifying debut, Tahereh Mafi presents a world as riveting as The Hunger Games and a superhero story as thrilling as The X-Men. Full of pulse-pounding romance, intoxicating villainy, and high-stakes choices, Shatter Me is a fresh and original dystopian novel—with a paranormal twist—that will leave readers anxiously awaiting its sequel. (GoodReads)

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I usually write a little introduction for a review, but I tried a handful of times to write one for Tahereh Mafi's Shatter Me and couldn't come up with anything that worked. So, I'm just going to get to the point.

Shatter Me is absolutely ~~stunning~~ phenomenal.

Tahereh Mafi has written a gorgeous story that hit me in the stomach and pulled at my heartstrings. She has taken the written word and given it new life and form through her poetic descriptions and through the use of "strikethrough". Her use of strikethrough-ing words is not as distracting as it may sound. Instead, the crossed out parts give readers an in-depth inside look into Juliett's mind. Ms. Mafi's lyrical prose reminds me of Maggie Stiefvater and Gayle Forman's writing, but she's still in a league of her own.

Speaking of Juliett, her emotions, thoughts, and actions leap off the page and despite her supernatural abilities, she's one of the most human characters I've come across. Her chemistry with Adam is not only sizzling, but beautiful and raw. Readers will be rooting for them without hesitation.

The world Ms. Mafi has created and set up is a violent place where people are lied to and are led by a bloodthirsty government. It sounds cliche, but the supernatural elements make it refreshing. And there's also a certain depth the society that I can't quite explain, but it's there and it'll connect readers to the story in a way that will give them a whirlwind of a reading experience.

All in all, Shatter Me is a book that is worthy of all the hype and it'll be interesting to see how the movie turns out if/when it's made. Tahereh Mafi is on the fast track to become a force to be reckoned with and she has written an exciting, romantic, and powerful debut.

Interview and New Release Shout Outs

2011-11-14T07:41:00.000-05:00

Hi, everyone! I hope you all had a great weekend. Today I have an interview over at the amazing site Literary Rambles that you should check out. They're also giving away a copy of Hunted! Click HERE to read the interview :-).

Also, tomorrow is not only my birthday, but also some book birthdays! There are a couple of awesome books coming out, but there are two I'd like to mention. One is Kimberly Derting's The Pledge, a book I found to be absolutely stunning. I already posted my review a while back, but here it is again in case you missed it. REVIEW

The other book I'd like to give a shout out to is Tahereh Mafi's Shatter Me, which is an electrifying new dystopian that has received a lot of buzz and is worthy of it. I'll be posting my review tomorrow.

That's all for now! Have a great day!

Author Interview: CJ Gosling

2011-11-10T00:00:00.000-05:00

Today I would like to welcome CJ Gosling, author of The Guardian, to the site! Ms. Gosling is a lovely and talented writer, and I hope you enjoy the interview!

photo courtesy of the author

Hi, C.J.! Thanks for taking the time to chat with me and my readers. Can you tell us what inspired you to be a writer?

My father used to tell me bedtime stories when I was a child? When I got a little bit older, I loved telling ghost stories to my friends. I soon started writing these stories down and I been a writer ever since.

Where did the idea for your Shadowlands series come from?

I lived and worked in the Rhineland Phaltz province of Germany. As I walked the rolling hills and vineyards near the farm I worked at, I couldn't help but imagine what strange little creatures might live there. I started making up short stories for children, and eventually those stories came together to form The Guardian.

What was the writing process like for book one, The Guardian?

Like every book I write it was a lot of work. I tend to write scenes five or six times to get them right. An entire book will go through several drafts before I'm satisfied. The Guardian in particular was a journey of discipline and self-discovery. It was the first book that I wrote with the intention of sharing with the public.

What can you tell us about book two?

In book two of the Shadowlands series we get to know Tavin's sister Moreanna. The siblings travel together to a dark and cold version of Budapest in Hungary ruled by clan of gargoyles. The characters in this book are more complex as is the plot. The book seems to be a little bit darker in tone, but I like to think that the subject matter of my books grows with my readers.

Do you know what you'll work on after the series is done?

I've already begun reworking an adult high fantasy book that I wrote several years ago and always remained in love with. I'd also like to continue to explore other genres of YA fiction.

If you could hang out with any fictional character, who would it be and why?

I'd love to spend my days with Pippi Longstocking. I've always admired her love of adventure, her imagination, her unshakable convictions in things that she believes, and the freedom she lives into do anything she wants. Of course being superstrong is also pretty cool.

Who is your favorite author?

I grew up on the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, CS Lewis,and Madeline L'Engle. Lately I've really enjoyed books by Tamora Pierce and Simon Green. I have to admit however, that if I were stranded on a deserted island you'd probably find a Louis L'Amour paperback in my emergency kit.

Do you have any writing quirks?

I like to make soundtracks for the books I write. I also love to pick out particular songs for the characters I create and listen to those songs before I write a scene with that character in it. The whole process can be really inspiring.

What are three to five things your readers may not know about you?

I'm expecting my first child-a little girl-within the next couple weeks. My husband and I are very excited! I'm also a painter and a singer/songwriter (I play guitar). I hope to record my first album sometime next year. The songs I write tend to be a mix between the folk and soul music.
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For more information on CJ Gosling and her writing, please visit the following sites:

Official Website | Twitter | GoodReads | Brighter Books

To purchase The Guardian: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Cover for Wendy Higgins' SWEET EVIL

2011-11-08T00:00:00.000-05:00

A good friend and fellow YATopian Wendy Higgins revealed the cover for her upcoming debut, Sweet Evil, yesterday and I am in love with it. It's simple, yet elegant.

It's also incredibly sexy.

Take a look!

Also, here's the description from GoodReads:

What if there were teens whose lives literally depended on being bad influences? This is life for sons and daughters of fallen angels in Sweet Evil.

Anna, a tender-hearted southern girl, was born with the sixth sense to see and feel emotions of other people. She’s aware of a struggle within herself, an inexplicable pull toward danger, but it isn’t until she turns sixteen and meets the alluring Kaidan Rowe that she discovers her terrifying heritage, and her will-power is put to the test. He’s the boy your daddy warned you about. If only someone had warned Anna.

A cross-country trip forces Anna and Kai to face the reality that hope and love are not options for their kind. When it's time for Anna to confront her demons, will she choose to embrace her halo or her horns?

Waiting on Wednesday (9): Vindicated by Keary Taylor

2011-11-02T07:19:00.001-04:00

Breaking the Spine

With the pain of the past behind them, Jessica and Alex are ready to move on with their lives. But moving on is hard when it involves reconnecting with the family who wanted to send Jessica to an institution. And living life isn’t easy when someone who doesn’t belong is watching her, threatening her life, determined to take Jessica back to the afterlife she should have joined months ago.

And every day becomes a little harder for Alex. Time is ticking and if it runs out, Alex won’t be returning to the world of the living. It all boils down to Cole’s final words to Jessica: What are you willing to do to save him?

The answer to keeping Alex lies in Jessica returning to the place he saved her from. (GoodReads)

One of the books I'm looking forward to the most is Keary Taylor's Vindicated, which is the third book in her Fall of Angel Series. Her take on angels is surprisingly dark, but in a good, intriguing kind of way. Jessica and Alex are one of my favorite couples, and I actually really like Cole, the "villain". The other awesome part about these books? Ms. Taylor designs the covers herself and they are stunning!

The first two books, Branded and Forsaken, are out now, but Vindicated comes out November 29th! :-)

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T00:00:00.000-04:00

Happy Halloween, my lovely readers and writers! Halloween has always been one of my favorite holidays (first being Christmas--there's something romantic about it), especially the supernatural/spiritual aspect of it. I hope you all have a great day full of yummy candy, sparkling vampires, and hot werewolves. Or zombies, faeries, merpeople..whatever floats your boat. :-)

And now I leave you with a picture of my pumpkin. Last year I carved a Nightshade (by Andrea Cremer) one and this year I was going to carve "Hunted". But, the end of the title was going to disappear around the corner. So, I chose to do "Snow White" because:

A) I could put one word on top of the other
B) Kristen Stewart will be playing her
C) I'm watching "Once Upon a Time", which is awesome

What did you carve in your pumpkin? Got any big Halloween plans?

In the Forests of the Night by Kersten Hamilton

2011-10-22T07:00:00.000-04:00

image from Barnes and Noble's website

To learn more about In the Forests of the Night, please visit GoodReads.

Kersten Hamilton continues to amaze me with her world building and her talent for giving her words a dimensionality that brings her characters to life. In the Forests of the Night, the sequel to Tyger Tyger, is another rich and lush novel that unlike many sequels, lives up to the first book and adds to the overall story.

There's no doubt that Ms. Hamilton is a talented writer. Although the story is written in third person, the focus is on Teagan and you get such a great sense of who she is that it's almost as if it's written in first. Also, the author has crafted a story around such an interesting and rich mythology, one that I haven't come across often. The goblins are frightening and there are so many different kinds of creatures, each one more unique and terrifying than the last. There's a nice blend of realism to this, making all the fantastical elements believable.

Teagan and Finn's relationship continues to grow and I really enjoyed how Teagan's dad reacts to them as a couple and their budding feelings. Despite being a bit mischievous, Finn is ever the gentleman and his devotion to Teagan is admirable.

All in all, In the Forests of the Night is a great addition to the Goblin Wars series and I can't wait for the next book! There's nonstop action, romance, and quirky characters. What more could you want?

If you haven't read Tyger Tyger (the first book) yet, it's out now in paperback! :-)

Hunted + Breaking Dawn: Need Your Help

2011-10-21T00:00:00.002-04:00

Hello, all. I know I still owe you photos from my launch and some updates, but I need your help with something.

If you follow me on Twitter, you might have seen me tweet that I had Hunted postcards made up and plan on handing them out when I go to the midnight of Breaking Dawn. Personally, I think it's a really smart idea, haha. I've had a few people offer to hand some out at their midnight showings, but I wanted to see if anyone else would be willing to do so. If you are, please fill out the form and I'll be sure to mail you some postcards. Sadly, I can only afford to mail to US residents. (Where is that darn money tree?)

Your support has been phenomenal and I cannot thank you enough for getting the word out about Hunted and for all the kind words you've had for it. You've made my dream even better than I thought it could be.

FORM

EDIT: If you are a blogger and would like a couple of signed postcards for a giveaway, feel free to fill out the form :-)

EDIT 2: This probably isn't a big deal, but although these are shaped like postcards, they way the text is formated on the back makes it so they cannot actually be mailed like normal postcards. Just thought you should know, lol.

Author Interview: Chrissy Peebles

2011-10-20T07:00:00.000-04:00

Today I am pleased to share this interview with Chrissy Peeble's, author of Agartha's Castaway! Her book is available for Kindle readers now and I hope you enjoy learning a little bit more about the book and Ms. Peeble's herself. :-)

To purchase Agartha's Castaway, click HERE.
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What do you like to do when you're not writing?

Hello DJ. I’m so thrilled to be here on your fantastic blog. Thanks for having me, and now to answer your question. Winter is coming soon and I feel the need for speed. There's nothing like the thrill of sledding down a giant, scary hill. I slather all-weather sled wax on my fiberglass sled, go to a large steep slope, (the steeper, the better) pile on a friend or two (the more weight, the faster you’ll go…and faster is better, right?) and race my kids, friends, and family. If I go by myself down the hill, I run, leap into the air like Superman and crash down, launching off like a speeding bullet. It’s best to pick a day when there’s a slight thaw in the snow, and then go sledding later in the day when the snow has refrozen. Fresh, fluffy snow won’t work and slows down sleds big time. (Been there, done that) By following that one little rule, I FLY insanely fast with the cold air and snow hitting my face. What a blast!

Can you tell us a little bit about Agartha's Castaway?

Sure, DJ. I wanted to create something different and unique so I crossed genres by blending fantasy with science fiction. So it’s kind of like Jurassic Park MEETS Independence Day with Twilight-like romance. Here’s the book promo:

Dinosaurs, abduction, and a hidden civilization were never part of seventeen year old Casey Smith’s vacation plans. That is, until a freak storm tossed her and two best friends, Mike and Jack, out to sea. When they wash up on what they presume to be a mysterious tropical island...they soon discover that being lost...is the least of their troubles. In a jungle that teems with impossible creatures, UFOs, and an unworldly landscape, the three friends need to team up to fight danger...without letting their emotions tear them apart. Can they find a way to survive the harsh jungle…and its deadly inhabitants?
Here’s the book trailer: YOUTUBE

Where did the idea for the book come from?

I was between writing a prehistoric fantasy or doing science fiction. I couldn’t decide. And then the idea struck me to do both. I came up with the idea of having three contemporary teenagers get shipwrecked in a strange place they couldn’t explain. I wanted to throw the teenagers out of their element. I just started brainstorming and writing like a mad woman, and my characters emerged. Mike’s a championship surfer and on MTV’s new hit reality television show, Jack’s a popular jock, and Casey is trying to find herself as she sheds her tomboy image. Idea after idea kept popping into my head and suddenly I was writing the book.

How long did it take you to write?

It took me three years to write it. And then I spent an entire year doing nothing but intensive editing. And then I ran it through a critique group and edited it some more. I thought it was perfect until my editor got her hands on it. LOL. I went through more intense rounds of editing. So it’s been a little over four years now.

What has been your favorite part about being a writer?

I can weave or spin any storyline I want, create my own fantasy world and characters, and let my imagination spill over. There’s nothing more fun than that!

What are you working on now?

I have written the sequel to Agartha’s Castaway. It’s in my editor’s hands as we speak. I hope to have it out on Amazon Kindle soon. And I am ¾ of the way through a new adventure fantasy called, The Ruby Ring. It’s about a twenty-one year old girl named Sarah Larker who returns to a cave where her sister disappeared five years earlier. She walks through a portal and is mistaken for a runaway princess on the run by a dangerous Immortal king in medieval times. Her plan is bold as well as daring—become this princess, wed the king, and slip on an ancient wedding ring that will unlock the portal. Then find her sister and run as fast as she can out of Dodge. But taking on the identity of Princess Gloria comes along with dangerous consequences; and slipping on the ruby ring comes with an even higher price.

Who or what inspired you to start writing?

It all started in third grade when my elementary school had a book writing contest. I wrote an adventure about finding buried treasure. I lost the contest but from that day on…I was hooked. I started reading like crazy, and later, writing.

What is one piece of advice that you would give to aspiring writers?

My advice would be to write the best that you can, never ever give up, and always be proud. Keep working on writing technique, character development, plot, voice, dialogue, flow, style, and point of view. I still do this! But most of all, have fun with your writing. Put on your favorite tunes, crack open a Pepsi, pop some Hershey Kisses into your mouth…and then tap away. Enjoy writing. That’s what it’s all about.

Thanks, DJ, for having me today. I’m so psyched to be here. And thanks to all of your wonderful readers who joined in. Please feel free to connect with me online.

My blog: http://chrissypeebles.blogspot.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/chrissy.peebles1

Cold Kiss by Amy Garvey

2011-10-12T07:00:00.000-04:00

image from Barnes and Noble's website

When her boyfriend, Danny, is killed in a car accident, Wren can’t imagine living without him. Wild with grief, she uses the untamed powers she’s inherited to bring him back. But the Danny who returns is just a shell of the boy she once loved.

Wren has spent four months keeping Danny hidden, while her life slowly unravels around her. Then Gabriel DeMarnes transfers to her school and somehow, inexplicably, he can sense her secret. Wren finds herself drawn to Gabriel, who is so much more alive than the ghost of the boy she loved. But Wren can’t turn her back on Danny or the choice she made for him—and she realizes she must find a way to make things right, even if it means breaking her own heart. (GoodReads)
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I picked up Amy Garvey’s Cold Kiss not only because it sounded good, but also because the back says it’s “perfect for fans of Shiver and Beautiful Creatures”. Well, yeah. We all know how much I love Shiver. Actually, I think I’m more obsessed with it, but that’s beside the point. What is the point, however, is that Ms. Garvey’s YA debut is a beautiful book.

Ms. Garvey’s writing is stunning. She has given Wren a very poetic, funny, and honest voice. Raw, even. The descriptions leave nothing to be desired and have a sort of depth to them, if that makes sense. The dialogue is smooth and fluid, as well. Although Wren is withdrawn from her friends, they are still great members of the cast and help show just how strong friendship can be.

Prior to reading the book, I knew Danny had to be some sort of zombie given the fact that Wren brings him back to life. Zombies tend to freak me out because of the whole flesh-eating thing, but Danny is not freaky. He is a tragically broken person who seems trapped between death and life. I really like how Ms. Garvey has presented both zombies and witches in this. I wouldn’t necessarily consider Danny a zombie nor Wren a witch, though. And I mean that in a good way. They’re both just them: beautifully flawed characters.

Although the romance in the book held my attention, what I liked most while reading is the way Ms. Garvey has included the themes of loss and love, and what it means to deal with both. At times, Cold Kiss read as a contemporary novel in the vain of Gayle Forman’s If I Stay. The balance between the paranormal aspect and the realism is wonderfully crafted.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading Cold Kiss. The ending felt a tad rushed, but it ended on a sweet note. Nonetheless, it’s a beautifully written and told story that I know many will love. Wren, Danny, and Gabriel—a boy I’m sure many will swoon over—all tugged at my heartstrings and I can’t wait for other readers to be swept away by their story.

Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon

2011-10-10T07:00:00.000-04:00

image from Barnes and Noble's website

If you haven’t heard of Leigh Fallon’s Carrier of the Mark then you must be living under a rock with no Internet connection. Okay, okay, I’m kidding, but the buzz around Ms. Fallon’s debut has been tremendous and great. I was both excited and nervous to read this book, though. Excited because it sounded like The Perfect Book for Me. Nervous because Leigh is a friend of mine and I was worried I wouldn’t like it. Well, turns out, I didn’t like it—I loved it.

Let me start off by saying Leigh’s writing is beautiful. She has this knack for turning words and sentences into images so lush and concrete that the beauty and wonder of Ireland unfolded in my mind. The story would not have been the same without the Irish setting and Leigh has done such an amazing job of making capturing its beauty in words and making it believable. I’ve always wanted to go to Ireland and much like Stephanie Perkins’ Anna and the French Kiss, which made me feel as though I was experiencing France myself, this book took me on a little trip I didn’t want to end.

The astounding writing doesn’t stop with the setting, though. I really love Megan and her voice is authentic, believable, and I found myself relating to her more than I thought I would/could. I really enjoyed her relationship with her dad and her new friend Caitlin. Despite having a relationship with Adam, Megan never stopped hanging out with her family or friends, which is another reason why I love her and want to be friends with her.

Speaking of Adam, he’s going to have people swooning all over the place. He’s a bit awkward in the beginning, but in a very charming way and it’s easy to understand why Megan is drawn to him and even more so when their identities are revealed. He is such a caring and intense character, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for him and Megan in the next book. Overall, the romance is a strong aspect of the story and although it felt rushed at times, it plays out wonderfully.

Just like the gorgeous setting, the book would not be the same without the intriguing and well-thought out mythology. At first I was a bit confused, but I think it’s because I was so excited I was reading too fast. I’m not going to say anything else because I’m afraid I might spoil it. But I will say that the mythology is refreshing and will captivate readers.

All in all, Carrier of the Mark lived up to all the hype! It’s a great read with a fast-moving plot, wonderful characters, and amazing descriptions. Leigh has written a sweepingly beautiful story that will enthrall readers and leave them in awe and wanting more.

The Pledge by Kimberly Derting

2011-10-08T07:00:00.000-04:00

image from Barnes and Noble's website

With The Pledge, Kimberly Derting has once again written a beautifully crafted, suspenseful, and wonderfully romantic story, one that has left such an imprint on me that I don’t think I’ll ever be able to stop thinking about the characters and the world she has created.

What fascinated me the most about this book prior to reading it was the fact that Ms. Derting created a dystopian society around languages, a world where the people are classified by the language they speak. Language is such a beautiful and important aspect of our world, but it does indeed separate us from each other, which is a fact that Ms. Derting has turned into an excellent and compelling plot point. And this makes for an equally as compelling—and believable—world.

Charlie makes for a great main narrator/character, and her love and loyalty to her sister is heartwarmingly intense. She never falters when it comes to her friends or family, and that’s something I admire in characters. I love her special ability and how simple, yet powerful it is. I loved how her narration made me laugh, gasp, and worry with fear. It’s always a good sign when an author makes you feel everything the character does.

And Max? Oh, Max. What can I say about him other than I love him? He has got to be one of the most perfect male leads I have ever come across. He has his secrets, but his deceptions balance well with his swoon-worthy characteristics, a balance that is not often apparent in other young adult novels.

If you can’t tell already, I absolutely LOVE The Pledge. When I reached the last page, I was literally freaking out. I kept saying, “Holy crap!” over and over again, which I’ve only done a handful of times with other books. With excellent writing, a wonderfully sweet romance, and a unique and superbly built world, this book is one you won’t want to ignore.

Then again, ignoring a book this amazing would be hard to do.

If I Die by Rachel Vincent

2011-09-29T00:00:00.000-04:00

image from Barnes and Noble's website

No one wants to be this teacher’s pet . . .

Everyone else is talking about Eastlake High’s gorgeous new math teacher, Mr. Beck, but Kaylee Cavanaugh has bigger things on her mind. Kaylee’s a banshee—her scream is a portent of death.

But the next scream might hit too close to home. Kaylee’s borrowed lifeline has almost run out.

Yeah—it’s a shock to her, too. So to distract herself from her own problems, Kaylee is determined to defend her school against the latest supernatural threat. That hot new teacher is really an incubus, who feeds from the desire of unsuspecting students. The only girls immune to his lure are Kaylee and Sabine, her boyfriend’s delinquent ex-girlfriend. Now the unlikely allies have to get rid of Mr. Beck…before he discovers they aren’t quite human either.

But Kaylee’s running out of time, and those who love her will do anything to save her life.

Anything.

Soul Screamers: The last thing you hear before you die. (GoodReads)
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I was introduced to Rachel Vincent's "Soul Screamers" series by my good friend and fellow Pendrell author, Lani Woodland. I cannot believe it took me so long to immerse myself in Kaylee's world, a frightening, yet strangely exciting world. Lani, if you're reading this, thank you! I just can't get enough of Kaylee, Nash, Tod, and, yes, even Sabine!

Rachel Vincent's writing continues to amaze me. There's a certain fluidity to it that moves the plot along and there truly never is a dull moment. Ms. Vincent has made me fall further in love with Kaylee's character. I really love how Kaylee reacts to finding out she's going to die. She handles the situation with humor and nonchalance, even though it's tearing her up inside. Despite not being told I'm going to die in the not-so-distant-future, I could relate to the way Kaylee goes about busying herself with other things.

The romance in the book was definitely my favorite part, but what else is new? Haha. Nash and Kaylee have been through a lot together, so it's only natural that they face even more obstacles in this installment. Their drama never seems over the top, though, which is good and helps make their troubles believable. Another person comes into play and I must say I really liked the outcome. :-)

All in all, If I Die is another great installment. Sometimes, in a series, the later books tend to drag, but this one never does. Ms. Vincent has managed to keep the fire going strong and I encourage everyone who hasn't started this series yet to do so immediately. With romance, action, humor, cool mythology, and great writing, what's not to love? This is one delightfully dark and romantic book, one that will leave readers wanting more and more and more.

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

2011-09-27T00:00:00.000-04:00

image from Barnes and Noble's website

Mara Dyer doesn't think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there.

It can.

She believes there must be more to the accident she can't remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed.

There is.

She doesn't believe that after everything she's been through, she can fall in love.

She's wrong. (GoodReads)

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Michelle Hodkin’s The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer is an exceptional piece of art, one whose beauty will forever haunt me. Ms. Hodkin has skillfully written a book whose pages are full of intrigue and romance, and it’s a book that deserves the hype surrounding it. I’ve come across a ton of amazing books, but this one is in a league of its own.

In general, the writing is fluid, clear, and at times poetic. The dialogue is smooth and the descriptions are vivid, and imaginative. I really cannot express how much I love the writing and Ms. Hodkin’s style. It’s very personal and weighted, in a good way. :-)

The author also possesses the wonderful talent of creating characters who are so rounded they’re believable, likeable, and seemingly alive. They’re all so complex and flawed and stunning. Although I can’t relate to Mara’s circumstances, I still was able to connect to her because of how human she is. The author has given Mara such a funny, dark, and thoughtful voice, which also helped me relate to her.

While the plot is mostly carried by Mara’s mental unraveling, a lot of the story focuses on her growing relationship with Noah, a somewhat bad boy with an English accent. Yup, you read that right: an English accent. Swoon-worthy, no? I know a few others weren’t sure how they felt about Noah at first, but I loved him from the start. The two of them make a beautifully tragic couple that you can’t help but love.

All in all, The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer is absolutely stunning. There are twists and turns that I didn’t see coming and they left me speechless. The book has left a distinct impression on me and even now I can’t stop thinking about it. Please do not let this book go unread. You’ll be sorry if you do.

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

2011-09-26T00:00:00.002-04:00

image from Barnes and Noble's website

FIVE REASONS WHY LOLA AND THE BOY NEXT DOOR IS MADE OF AWESOME

1. Cricket Bell is one of the most swoon-worthy guys in YA. He's charming, quirky, and always there for Lola no matter what. I could go on and on about him and how much I love him, but I want you to see for yourself. :-)

2. Lola is one heck of a narrator. Much like Anna in the first book, Lola has an extremely likable and believable voice. She's so dramatic, but in a fun, entertaining kind of way.

3. There's a sort of depth to this story that makes it stand apart from Anna and the French Kiss. I don't know how to explain it, but the issues presented in this book seem more mature and give the book a sophisticated feel. Lola's relationship with Max may seem a bit cliche at first, but it plays out rather believably and realistically.

4. Ms. Perkins' writing continues to show just how talented she is at writing YA. She has given readers a diverse selection of characters and issues that make this book well-rounded and engaging. The dialogue is smooth and believable, while her descriptions are vivid, yet not over the top.

5. Anna and Etienne are side characters. Enough said. :-)

Supernaturally by Kiersten White

2011-09-21T00:00:00.000-04:00

image from Barnes and Noble's website

Kiersten White writes funny books. No joke. But while her stories are humorous, they're also full of action, drama, and plots that keep you hooked. This is going to be another short review, but hopefully you enjoy reading it. :-)

Ms. White continues to show how well she captures the teen voice. Evie is one of my favorite narrators because of how likable, funny, and believable she is. Her need to get into Georgetown is very realistic and I think a lot of teens will be able to relate to it as well. There's nothing more stressful than applying to colleges and waiting to hear back. The wait is excruciating and Ms. White conveyed this subtly, yet wonderfully. Evie is a bit secretive in this book, which I didn't really like, but I understood her reasoning behind it. I just wanted her and Lend to be drama free, haha. I love them as a couple. :-)

The faerie issues are explored a bit more in this installment and it's interesting to see where exactly Evie came from and how she is able to do what she does. I wish there had been more time spent on her reaction to her past, though. Overall, Supernaturally is a great sequel, one that is every bit as funny and entertaining as the first book. I can't wait for the third one and I hope to have more Evie and Lend scenes! They're just so darn cute.

Special Ari Berk Event!

2011-09-13T00:00:00.001-04:00

If you're in the area, the Eastwood Towne Center Schuler Books in Lansing, MI is hosting a special event for author Ari Berk and his new YA novel, Death Watch, on Saturday October 22. That in itself is exciting, but what's even more exciting is that you'll be able to buy the book early! It doesn't come out until November, so this is pretty nifty. :-) There'll also be pizza, Halloween treats, and lots of fun.

https://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=145090712250844

The Hunger Games (Book One) by Suzanne Collins

2011-09-12T00:00:00.000-04:00

image from Barnes and Noble's website

I know, I know. Took me long enough, huh? I think I'm one of the few YA authors/bloggers who had yet to read this, but I can now join the party. Sort of. All the hype surrounding the series made me excited to read it, yet wary. A good friend of mine theorized that I was putting off starting the series because I was afraid of being let down. She hit the nail on the head.

In general, Ms. Collins' writing is simple, but not in a bad way. Some of her sentences made no sense to me, though, but this only happened a few times. She successfully uses the present tense and has given Katniss a relatable and feisty voice, one that I enjoyed reading. The world she has created is violent and depressing, yet intriguing. Though, I did find the reasoning behind the Games a bit too empty. The plot moves along fluidly and the excitement never dips, making for a quick and intriguing read. She also succeeds in bringing her characters to life, giving them likable qualities and putting them in situations that force readers to care about what happens to them.

Overall, I merely liked The Hunger Games. I'm not too eager to read the next two installments, but I will so I can see how the story ends. I am, however, very excited for the movie. Do I get points for that? :-)

The Scorpio Races Giveaway Ending Soon!

2011-09-11T12:20:00.001-04:00

So, I completely forgot to include an ending date for the giveaway. The giveaway will end at 12:00 AM this upcoming Friday, September 16th. (Meaning, you'll have until late Thursday night to enter).

CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

Thanks!

Want To Meet Ilsa Bick?

2011-09-09T00:00:00.000-04:00

Do you like zombies? Pizza? Meeting awesome authors? Then the Eastwood (Lansing, MI) Schuler Books' pizza party for Ilsa Bick and her YA novel, Ashes, is the event for you!

When: Monday, September 12th at 5:00 pm

Where: Schuler Books -- Eastwood Towne Center

2820 Towne Center Blvd.
Lansing, Michigan 48912

http://www.schulerbooks.com/event/pizza-party-release-ashes-award-winning-author-ilsa-bick-eastwood

https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=131131236979454

Legacy by Cayla Kluver

2011-09-06T00:00:00.002-04:00

HarlequinTeen publishes some great stories; I don't think I've come across any of their titles that I haven't enjoyed. So when I heard about Legacy, it didn't take long for me to add it to my GoodReads list. Then I saw the cover and fell even more in love with it.

Ms. Kluver has a wonderful writing style. Alera's voice comes through clearly and believably, which will help readers connect to her despite the historical setting. I really liked how Alera simply wants to help those around her and how her decisions don't always have happy endings. There's a realistic, modern edge to Alera that makes her character stronger rather than making her inconsistent with the time period.

Speaking of the setting, the author has created a vivid, realistic, and rather magical world. There's a majestic quality to it all, whether it's simply a royal party or Alera's search for answers. Every little detail is given, and while some information could have been cut, this enabled me to form clear, full images in my mind. There isn't an exact year given, but this adds a sort of timelessness to the story. It's clear, however, that the story doesn't take place in our time. :-)

My one major pet peeve with the book is that the fantasy aspect of the book doesn't come into play until the end. Legacy is a rather long book, so it annoyed me how long it took. But this is really my only "issue" with the book. If anything, the delay made me even more curious about the sequel!

Overall, Legacy is a book that has an air of beauty and magic to it, one that will draw readers into a world of royalty and mysteries. Cayla Kluver's writing is great and she managed to keep me interested for the whole length of the book. I would definitely recommend picking up a copy!

Fury by Elizabeth Miles

2011-09-01T08:46:00.000-04:00

Fury by Elizabeth Miles not only has a striking cover, but also a great-sounding plot. When I first heard about it, I added it to my GoodReads list immediately and impatiently waited for a chance to read it. I came across an ARC and, after having a friend tell me they loved it, picked it up a few weeks later to read it.

The book is set up in three parts and focuses on two characters: Emily and Chase. The author has created characters that are everyday teens that many readers will be able to identify with. I especially understood Chase’s need to succeed and look good in order to fit in and to keep from being the punch line to a joke. Emily falls in love with her best friend’s boyfriend, which is a cliché plot point, but Ms. Miles has given Emily genuine feelings of love and regret that make the predicament interesting.

Being a fan of mythology, I loved the author’s use of the Furies. With so many gods and goddesses books out there, it’s nice to see one that draws from something else. Ms. Miles seamlessly incorporates the fantastical elements with the realistic setting and I can’t wait to see how the mythology is expanded in the sequels.

Overall, I enjoyed Fury. I don’t think Chase’s secret is that big of a deal, nor is Emily’s scenario, but I think the whole point is to illustrate how unjust the Furies truly are. The plot moves along slowly, but readers will still want to keep turning the pages to see what happens next.

Where to Buy HUNTED

2011-08-30T00:00:00.000-04:00

For those of you who would like to purchase a copy of Hunted, you can do so here:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Smashwords

If you've read the book and liked it, it would be much appreciated if you put up your lovely review up on those sites. It makes me look good. :-P

Hope everyone is doing well!

Giveaway: The Scorpio Races, Drought, and Signed Post

2011-08-25T14:21:00.001-04:00

Hi, all! To kick off the upcoming fall season and the dreaded return to school, I'm having a little giveaway. One lucky winner will win:

-The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater (Advanced Reader Copy)
-Drought by Pam Bachor (Advanced Reader Copy)
-Signed poster for Desires of the Dead by Kimberly Derting
-Signed bookmarks for my book, Hunted

*Contest is open to US residents only. So sorry!*

CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

My Launch Signing

2011-08-22T00:09:00.000-04:00

First and foremost, I would like to thank everyone who came out to see me at my first book signing. A bunch of my blogger/twitter friends came to see me, so it was awesome to have them there in the crowd, which is where I normally am. :-) A bunch of other friends and family came, too, plus people I didn't even know! Awesome, right? I was told there were about 150 people at the store. It was standing room only and Schuler ran out of books. Then again, they only had 60 to begin with, lol.

I introduced myself, spoke a little, and then took questions followed by the actual signing portion. I gave away two Hunted tote bags. People asked some pretty good questions and I was told by a lot of people later that they loved how I gave lengthy answers. Go me! I was glad to know I was doing something right, haha. I was so nervous, but I think I only stumbled once or twice over my words. And I made people laugh, so that was good since I was afraid I wouldn't be funny. :-)

Oh, and Erika from Moonlight Book Reviews had "I Love Alex" painted on her nails. Pure. Epicness. Right. There.

Pictures are on their way! I just need to find the USB cable...

TMIS: The Mortal Instruments Syndrome

2011-08-13T00:00:00.001-04:00

While reading The Mortal Instruments series by the amazingly amazing Cassandra Clare, or any other piece of her writing, you may experience some of the following symptoms:

-Lost sense of reality: You become so enthralled and consumed by the story that you lose yourself within it and are seemingly transported into the world of Shadowhunters and Downworlders.

-Severe swooning: This occurs every time a particular character appears. For example, there have been several cases of readers having epic freak-outs whenever Jace is mentioned/seen. Studies report that this can lead to fainting, racing hearts, and even dramatic sighing.

-Failure to think of anything else: This is one of the most common symptoms. Because Cassandra Clare is a goddess of writing, her characters and their lives become all you care to think about. This may last for several days, even months. There have been reports of readers experiencing this for years.

-Addiction: Once you start reading these and Ms. Clare's other works, you won't want to stop. You'll rush out and buy the others (if you haven't done so already) like a mad person. People may stare at you and wonder why you're petting the books, but you'll be too high on excitement to care.

If you experience any or all of the symptoms mentioned above, there is no cause for concern. At this time there is no cure, but TMIS is normal, healthy, even. If you wish to alleviate some of the symptoms, it is advised to gush over the books with friends who also ~~suffer from~~ have TMIS.

Author Interview: Tori Scott

2011-08-10T00:00:00.000-04:00

Today I have an interview with Tori Scott, a writer who is represented by Laurie McLean of Larsen-Promada literary agency. She is hard at work on her first YA novel and her short story, Four Houses, is currently available through Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Tori is a lovely lady and I hope you all enjoy getting to know her a bit more! :-)

Who or what inspired you to start writing?Like many writers, I've always loved reading. And for years I'd always wondered if I had a book in me, if I could do it. Then, after months of seriously contemplating leaving my job, I found a story written by my grandmother. She had passed away three years prior, yet here was a story I never knew she'd written, posted online for the world to see. I cried. I rejoiced. I picked up my laptop, and began to write. Because if my grandmother was a writer, then it was in my blood, right? It was a part of me.
What is your favorite book? Or at least your top three.
All time favorite is the Harry Potter series. My most recent favorite is IMAGINARY GIRLS. It's one of those books that depresses you b/c you fear you'll never write as well as the author does.

Why do you like writing YA?

Because it's raw. You don't have to worry as much about being editorially perfect as you do nailing slang and emotions. It's almost a different language, and it takes time to learn and apply it.

Can you tell us about your current project?

I'm writing a YA dark comedy about a teen working in the afterlife as a soul collector. I'm almost ready to start edits, and my agent will be pitching it to pub houses around September.

How many manuscripts have you written so far?

The one I'm working on now, THE COLLECTOR, is my second. The first my agent and I agreed to table for now. It was a difficult decision, but I believe it was the right one. THE COLLECTOR better captures my voice and is the best book to go to market with.

Do you have a dream publisher you'd like to be published by?

I'm in love with any pub house that's in love with my MS. Ha! But really, I have my eye on Harlequin Teen right now. They have an outstanding (and wildly funny) senior editor, and they are exploding in the teen market. I think they are the publisher to watch right now...the hot new thing for teen books.

What are you thoughts on the industry? (ie: e-books, indie houses)

I think it's not just changing, but has changed. As in, past tense. As in, if you're just now hearing about ebooks and indie, put your MS away and learn as much as you can, as quickly as you can about new pub options. Indie publishing (ebooks or print) is an outstanding way to foster a readership, build a brand, and pocket higher royalties. I don't necessarily think it means the death of major publishing houses, only the birth of more options.

Do you have any writing quirks?

Actually, my biggest quirk, is that I don't have quirks. I write like a Marine. Monday through Friday, 2,000 words a day, no matter what. I tried writing when I felt inspired and it just didn't work. But I always wanted to be that writer, the one who writes until four in the morning, chain smoking and listening to Pink Floyd.

What are three to five things your readers may not know about you?

I believe all cats should be called meedles--I just feel it works. I'd rather eat cotton candy than anything else on Planet Earth. I can do a wicked interpretation of a Raptor from Jurassic Park.
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To learn more about Tori and her writing, please visit the following site:

Official Site | Blog | Twitter

End of Hunted Blog Tour

2011-08-08T00:00:00.001-04:00

Today is the end of the blog tour for Hunted. I hope you all enjoyed the interviews and excerpts, and hopefully they helped increase your interest in my debut novel. A HUGE thank you to all the bloggers who participated. :-)

Since this is the end of the tour, today is the last day to enter the giveaway. One lucky winner will win:

1 signed ARC of Nightshade by Andrea Cremer
1 copy of The Twilight Saga: The Official Illustrated Guide
1 stuffed animal wolf
1 wolf notepad
1 wolf journal
1 $10 i-Tunes gift card
1 envelope of various swag items from other authors

And all of those goodies are inside a Hunted tote bag! As usual, I will select the winner with random.org. CONTEST IS CLOSED.

I can't believe tomorrow is my release day and I really can't believe my launch signing is Thursday. Where has all the time gone? And I wouldn't be where I am without the support and love you have all given me, so thank you. I hope you're doing well.

~DJ

P.S. ~ As much as I loved the last layout, I decided it was time for change. Do you like the new look?

Agent Contest and Blog Tour Giveaway

2011-08-05T00:00:00.001-04:00

Head on over to YATopia for a synopsis contest with agent John Cusick!

<--- this is John Cusick

Also, don't forget about my blog tour giveaway. One lucky winner will win a Hunted tote bag filled with the following items:

1 signed ARC of Nightshade by Andrea Cremer
1 copy of The Twilight Saga: The Official Illustrated Guide
1 stuffed animal wolf
1 wolf notepad
1 wolf journal
1 $10 i-Tunes gift card
1 envelope of various swag items from other authors

CONTEST IS CLOSED.

Excerpt and Tour Update

2011-08-04T09:24:00.000-04:00

Due to poor planning on my part, there will be no tour stop at YATopia today, but there is a great contest going on with agent John Cusick!

The tour will resume Friday, the 5th, with a character interview with Lily over at Electrifying Reviews. Thanks!

To read a snippet from HUNTED, click HERE and feel free to leave a comment!

Contests and Blog Tour Updates (Links Galore)

2011-08-02T10:16:00.001-04:00

Want to win a signed ARC of Hunted? Go HERE to read an interview with Alex, one of the main characters in the book, and to enter Erika's giveaway!

If you want to win a finished copy (they're glossy!), Jennifer is giving a pre-order and signed bookmarks to one luck winner HERE.

The HUNTED BLOG TOUR has started and so far there's the interview with Alex mentioned above and an interview with myself over at Fragments of Life. You should read them and leave comments. :-) You can also read a new review HERE.

As part of the tour, I am giving away a Hunted tote bag and inside is:

1 signed ARC of Nightshade by Andrea Cremer
1 copy of The Twilight Saga: The Official Illustrated Guide
1 stuffed animal wolf
1 wolf notepad
1 wolf journal
1 $10 i-Tunes gift card
1 envelope of various swag items from other authors

Fill out the form to enter! Contest ends Monday, August 8th! CONTEST IS CLOSED.

Welcome to the YA Scavenger Hunt!

2011-08-01T00:00:00.003-04:00

The scavenger hunt is now over, but thank you for stopping by and joining us on this fun adventure! Hopefully you discovered some great new books!

Hunted Blog Tour

2011-07-30T00:00:00.000-04:00

Can you believe Hunted comes out in two weeks? TWO WEEKS!? Where did all the time go?

Anyway, to celebrate it's release, I'm having a blog tour that starts next week (August 1st) and ends the 8th, the day before the book comes out, which is the 9th. It's a short, quick tour, but it gives you all a bit more insight on the book. The tour consists of excerpts, interviews, and a giveaway here on my site that will span the duration of the tour. Here is the schedule:

August 1st: Fragments of Life
-Interview

August 2nd: Moonlight Book Reviews
-Character Interview: Alex
-ARC giveaway (signed)

August 3rd: Books Over Boys
-Excerpt

August 4th: YATopia
-"Guest" post
August 5th: Electrifying Reviews
-Character Interview: Lily

August 6th: MundieMoms
-Excerpt

August 8th: DJ’s Life in Fiction
-Giveaway ends, winner chosen on the 9th

Okay, so what is it this grand prize you could win? One lucky person will win a Hunted tote bag that contains:

-1 signed ARC of Nightshade by Andrea Cremer
-1 copy of The Twilight Saga: The Official Illustrated Guide
-1 wolf stuffed animal
-1 wolf notepad
-1 wolf journal
-1 envelope of various swag items from different authors
-1 $10 i-tunes gift card
On Monday, the first, I am also participating in the YA Scavenger Hunt, so you'll have an extra dose of Hunted! :-)

I can't thank you all enough for your support, enthusiasm, and love. I hope you have fun checking out the tour and reading Hunted!

~DJ

Wanna Go on a Scavenger Hunt?

2011-07-28T00:10:00.000-04:00

On August 1st, several authors (including myself) will be participating in the YA Scavenger Hunt, organized by the lovely Colleen Houck. Each author has bonus material from their books (in my case, an excerpt from HUNTED) and will be hosting a different author. There will be a sort of word puzzle for readers to fill out and enter for a chance to win a prize. A prize! YAY! :-)

To give you an idea of how awesome this is, here are just a few of the authors who are participating:

Josephine Angelini (Starcrossed)
Lani Woodland (Intrinsical)
Angela Corbett (Eternal Starling)
Colleen Houck (Tiger's Curse)
Sophie Jordan (Firelight)
Leigh Fallon (Carrier of the Mark)

and SO MANY MORE! :-)

Check back next week for the hunt! Heehee. A hunt for a HUNTED excerpt.

Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer

2011-07-25T01:00:00.000-04:00

Okay, we all know how much I love Nightshade by Andrea Cremer. If not, well, you've been living under a rock or something. Thanks to the lovely Erika from Moonlight Book Reviews, I was able to read Wolfsbane a little early. :-) As is with most sequel reviews, I'm not going to say much, but I'll try to hit the basic points.

Ms. Cremer's writing is addicting, beautiful, and very engaging. There's never a dull moment in the book and the story seemed to fly by--in a good way. My interested remained in tact throughout the whole book, which, given the size of it, is impressive. Most of the time, lengthy books fail to hold my interest the entire time, but this one succeeded.

A lot of new characters are introduced in this book and it was great meeting them all, and getting a feel for them. Readers will get to learn more about the Searchers and what they stand for, as well as learn the history of the wolf packs. That's one of the reasons I love this series: the history. There's so much of it and it's so rich and believable.

All in all, Wolfsbane is a sequel that doesn't disappoint and, like the first book, it ends with a cliffhanger, one that will leave you angry over having to wait for the next book. As I said on Twitter, reading Wolfsbane is like watching a really good episode of Buffy. :-D

Interview: Keary Taylor

2011-07-19T00:03:00.005-04:00

Hi! I'm so excited to share this interview with you all :-). I had the extreme honor of interviewing Keary Taylor for her recent release, Eden! If you'd like to check out my reviews of her books, click HERE, HERE, or HERE. Enjoy the interview!

What is your earliest writing memory?

I was in fourth grade and we were assigned to write a one page story based on slavery (which we were studying at the time). I went way over the top and wrote a five page story based on a slave named Rosie who escaped and became the next Harriet Tubman. I was quite proud of myself ;)

Where did the idea for Eden come from?

Well, I feel slightly geeky answering this, lol. I was watching Star Wars III and there was this shot of Anakin with his new robotic hand and I just had this thought “Wouldn’t that be cool if he’d been able to grow his own robotic hand?”. I think I just have a really overactive imagination because Eden just kept evolving really fast after that!

Readers are introduced to a variety of characters in the novel. Was it hard to juggle so many characters? Who was your favorite to write?

I thought it would be more difficult for me to juggle so many, because in my Fall of Angels series, I deal with only a small handful of characters. But it actually wasn’t too difficult, everyone felt so distinct to me. I think I have to say my favorite was Eve. She was a blast to create, being all tough and bad a$$!

Do you think our own society is capable of creating cybernetic organisms?

The scary thing is that we aren’t too far from the technology that I created in Eden. You think about the leaps we make every year in prosthetics and pacemakers, and everything else, we are already in a very advance place with medical technology. Do I think everything will get out of control like it did in Eden? No. At least I really, really hope not!

There's a fair amount of action and romance in the story. Which was your favorite to write?

I’d have to say it’s about equal. I am the biggest sucker for romance but the action was something that I really started to enjoy. I loved creating explosions, playing with firearms, jumping off of buildings… lol.

What is it about the dystopian genre that readers find so appealing?

I think people love the possibility of the future. Anything could happen. When someone makes a story that is believable and can scare us and make us wonder “could this really happen?” we can’t resist! And dystopian’s tend to tackle difficult issues and are issues in our own daily lives like love, freedom, our rights. Even if we don’t live in a twisted world, we can still relate.

What was the name of your first full manuscript?

Haha! It was called Jason and Kim: Faith’s Journey. It was an epic Harry Potter spin off that I wrote at the age of 14 with my best friend Kim (yes, I named the MC after her, lol). Yeah, I was a huge Potter fan, still am. The story ended up being about 250 pages long I think!

What are three to five things your readers may not know about you?

1) I have four younger sisters. No brothers. There was a lot of pink in our house. Maybe that’s why I’m such a die-hard romantic. Too much estrogen in my house growing up!
2) I love Ketchup. Ever since I was a little kid, I put it on everything. One of my aunts even made me this pillow case that said “Keary the Ketchup lover!”
3) My husband and I own a golf course on the island we live on. He works a lot of hours in the summer (80+ hours a week, no joke). Owning a golf course isn’t as glamorous as it sounds…
4) Someday I want to write a vampire novel, just to rile my husband! I love vampires and someday I’ll jump on the bandwagon when the muse hits me!
5) My right eye is two different colors. The right side is brown and the left side is gray/blue, like my other eye. I guess there was a horror movie that said that meant you had absorbed your twin the womb, I was really creped out after I heard that… lol! My mom assures me there was no twin.

---------------------

I would like to thank Keary for taking the time to answer my questions and for writing such engaging, romantic, and action-packed stories! You can purchase her books through:

Amazon
Barnes and Noble

For more information on Keary, her writing, and her design work, please visit:

Official Website
Blog
Design Website

Updates

2011-07-18T01:00:00.000-04:00

Hey, all. Here's another quick update. :-)

1. HUNTED IS DONE AT THE PRINTERS!!! Can you believe it? I can't and I probably won't until I have a finished copy in my hands....which will be soon.

2. I'm seeing/metting Maggie Stiefvater today and I'm going to make a complete fool of myself. I'm giving her a mix CD and I hope she likes it.

3. Thank you to everyone who entered the Delirium Giveaway! The winner has been chosen and notified. If you mostly wanted to win one of my CD's, stay tuned because there might be a chance to win another copy.

4. Things are shaping up for the blog tour. I'm not really sure there's anything else I need to do other than make a little banner for it.

5. How are you all doing? Leave me a comment and let me know. :-)

The CD Someone Will Win

2011-07-15T23:06:00.000-04:00

Okay, everyone. Because I'm in love with how my mostly handmade CD case came out, I wanted to show you what it looks like. I used cardboard, half of an actual case, scrapbook paper, and a marker. Hope you like it!

Thank You, Maggie Stiefvater

2011-07-14T00:00:00.002-04:00

There are only two authors who I credit as being my biggest influences, the two people who continuously inspire me to sit down at my computer and turn imaginings into realities. I talk about one of them all the time and how I can’t get enough of their sparkling vampires. But the other is a woman I’ve mentioned in posts and raved about to friends and family, but I’ve never gone into detail just how much she means to me.

This woman is Maggie Stiefvater. Yes, the Maggie Stiefvater, the author who makes people cry with the first thirty pages of her books. J

In June 2009, I fell in love with a girl named Grace Brisbane and a boy named Sam Roth, a beautifully broken boy who happened to turn into a wolf. From the very first page, I was drawn into a world of beauty, a world so artfully created that I laughed and cried. I felt so inspired I wrote a song. A really, really crappy a capella song and sent it to Maggie. Her reply was the first email I'd ever received from an author. Saying that email made my day is an understatement.

Anyway, whenever I’m in a writing funk—which is more often than I’d like to think—I always pick up Shiver and either re-read the whole thing or pick out random pages. I do this so often that I need to get another copy so I can write notes in it and highlight my favorite passages. Maggie’s lyrical prose always gets my creativity flowing and spending some time with Sam isn’t so bad either. :p Her writing is utterly beautiful and her words have a knack for getting under your skin and into your heart.

Well, Maggie has done it once again with Forever. Although her writing is phenomenal in all her books, I really think it’s strongest in this final installment. Page 306 (in the ARC) is simply brilliant and she has written a fast-moving plot with a fine balance between action, drama, and romance. I wasn’t sure how I felt about Cole in Linger, but I now understand why everyone loves him. The ending may not be what some readers want, but there’s a sort of peacefulness and openness about it. It makes you feel satisfied, yet determined to play out the rest of the characters’ lives in your head.

It’s sad to say goodbye to Grace, Sam, Isabel, and Cole, but thankfully it’s not a final goodbye, because they’ll always be on my shelves to retell their story. Plus, I have the movie adaptation of Shiver to (fret about and) look forward to.

And so, I end this post with this:

Dear Maggie Stiefvater,

With Forever, you finish this series with as much beauty, art, and talent as you started it with, if not more. Shiver changed my life and so have you. Thank you.

Most sincerely,

Giveaway: Signed Delirium/CD

2011-07-09T00:00:00.001-04:00

We (mostly you) did it! "Delirium" has reached over 5,000 views on YouTube! 5,139 to be exact. :-) So, as a thank you, I'm giving away a signed copy of Delirium (the novel) and a CD of some of my songs.

Here are the details:

Prize:

1 signed copy of Delirium by Lauren Oliver

1 "homemade" CD of some of my songs, including "Delirium" (hopefully this will be packaged in a nifty case/wrapping, but we'll see if it pans out)

How to Win:

-Only open to US residents (I'm sorry!)

-Please read my contest policy before entering. Click HERE to read it (it's toward the bottom).

-Fill out the entry form in its entirety and check to make sure all information is correct before submitting

-There will be ONE winner and they will be chosen using random.org

Good luck!

CONTEST IS CLOSED. THANK YOU.

Eden by Keary Taylor

2011-07-05T07:00:00.000-04:00

It’s no secret I love Keary Taylor and her Fall of Angels series. In fact, I profess my love on Twitter all the time. No joke. When I found out Ms. Taylor was looking for bloggers to review her new dystopian novel, Eden, I immediately signed up. I know the YA market has been inundated with dystopian stories as of late, but I think readers will really enjoy Ms. Taylor’s contribution.

Eden is yet another great example of Ms. Taylor’s talent with taking words and crafting a wonderful story. Her writing seems different in this than in her other series, but in a good way. I like this distinction, actually. She has given the main character, Eve, an extremely relatable voice, one that is so “human”. The other characters all have unique voices and personalities, as well, and although aren’t as fully fleshed out as others, I enjoyed each and every one of them.

There’s a fair amount of action and romance in the story, and both balance nicely with one another. Despite the fact that my world isn’t filled with violent cybernetic beings, I still felt the panic and terror of living in the world Eve and the others do, a world where humans are hunted down to be infected with the disease. This is just another example of how wonderful of a storyteller Ms. Taylor is. J The romance also plays out nicely and it involves a love triangle. I’m personally not a fan of triangles, but it worked well here.

All in all, Eden is a great addition to the young adult dystopian genre. It’s action-packed, dramatic (in all the right ways), romantic, and intense. It reminded me a little bit of Stephenie Meyer’s The Host—and that is a compliment as I adore Ms. Meyer. Don’t hesitate picking up a copy of Eden, as well as the Fall of Angel Series!

Amazon
Barnes and Noble
GoodReads
Keary Taylor

I Have a Tumblr!

2011-06-28T23:43:00.002-04:00

This is really not book-related, but I now have a Tumblr for my photos and music, and possibly other random musings. :-) Feel free to check it out here:

http://artbydj.tumblr.com/

Catalyst by Matti McLean

2011-06-28T07:00:00.000-04:00

I wasn’t sure if I would like Catalyst or not, but the description intrigued me and I really wanted to know what the story was behind the question mark on the hand featured on the cover. It only took three pages for me to be sucked into the story and I couldn’t stop reading after that.

According to his bio, Matti McLean has written a few plays, but this is his first novel. Thanks to the wonderful writing, you would never know that it is his first. Everything from the dialogue to the descriptions is great! There’s a nice fluidity to the phrasing and the action scenes are well written and intense.

Micah is a great main character and I was as frustrated as he was about not knowing what was going on and why he was so special. I do wish his purpose had been explained, even a little bit, but I’m even more excited to read the future installments because of the mystery.

The book is categorized as a sci-fi novel, but I felt like it was more of a futuristic dystopian. Either way, the society is set up fairly well. My only complaint is that I wish I could have seen/read more about how the society was bad. Micah is thrown into the world of the Radicals a little too quickly, which prevented me from fully believing the circumstances.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading Catalyst. McLean has written a story that will pull readers into a strange and exciting world, one that is full of non-stop action and mysterious characters. My fingers kept flipping the pages and before I knew it, I had finished. This is a great book for parents to give to their boys (ages 10 and up) who are reluctant readers. They won’t be able to put it down! Catalyst is a great first installment and I look forward to reading the others.

Trial by Fire (A Raised by Wolves Novel) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

2011-06-22T07:00:00.000-04:00

Sequels can be hard to get through because more often than I'd like to think the second book in a series drags. Thankfully, though, Trial by Fire does not. Oddly enough, I read the first book, Raised by Wolves, around the same time as this one. :-) And, as always with sequels, this review will be short to avoid potential spoilers.

Just like in the first book, Bryn's voice comes through authentically, clearly, and believably. The events in the first book have left her in a position of power, but also a position of stress and importance. I really like the fact that she's a human amongst werewolves. She does, however, posess a unique ability, making her a Resilient, but she is at the core a human, and seeing how she deals with keeping her pack safe and navigating the waters of werewolf politics is rather fascinating.

What I liked most about this book is how well thought out the werewolf politics are. Ms. Barnes has taken the pack-mentality of real wolves and, in a sense, heightened it to create this mythology of mental/psychic bonds, and laws that govern all werewolves. I really like the idea of there being a Senate and I hope we get to see "them" in a future installment.

Ms. Barnes throws in a few twists, ones I didn't see coming, and I enjoyed the addition of the psychics. They added another dramatic element and kept the story moving forward. Chase and Bryn's relationhip balances well with the action and fans of the first book will definitely love this one, as well. I can't wait for the next book!

The Nine Lives of Chloe King (TV Show Thoughts)

2011-06-17T07:00:00.000-04:00

image from ABC Family's website

I first heard of The Nine Lives of Chloe King through IMDB.com while searching through actors and what they were up to. At the time, there wasn't much information on the show, but I liked the actors involved and I really appreciated the fact that it was based on a book series by Liz Braswell. As it got closer to the show's premiere, more information became available and the more I got excited, especially when I saw the trailer.

Too often movies, books, and CDs don't live up to my hype, which stinks, haha. But having seen the pilot, I can now say that the show has so far lived up to my excitement! The pilot starts off with a sort of prologue, a hint of what's to come later on in the episode, and this started the show off with an intense, somewhat mysterious bang. It didn't take long for me to fall in love with the cast of characters and the overall premise. The mythology is, in my opinion, rather refreshing and I can't wait to learn more about Chloe's role in it all.

I had read a small review of the pilot prior to seeing it and the reviewer asked something along the lines of, "Could this be the new Buffy?". My answer? Yes, I think this could be a new "Buffy" in the sense that it has an interesting mythology, action, and enough romance to appeal to "Buffy"'s audience, at least the younger members. Do I think "Chloe King" will have the same depth and address social issues like "Buffy"? No, but it's on the right track to be entertaining, fun, and a guilty pleasure. :-)

I was also pleasantly surprised by the acting in the pilot. Skyler Samuels gives a quirky, relatable, and all around enjoyable performance as Chloe, and having seen her on "The Gates", I know she's going to be able to carry this show on her shoulders. Ki Hong Lee and Grace Phipps play Chloe's best friends and are, much like Skyler/Chloe, extremely likeable. I appreciate the fact that Chloe's friends know about her "powers", and I'm looking forward to seeing how they all work together to unravel the truths about Chloe's true nature. And I can't go without mentioning Grey Damon, who plays Brian. He and Skyler have a natural chemistry and I'm sure Grey will have many fans swooning over him and his character.

All in all, "The Nine Lives of Chloe King" is an extremely enjoyable show so far and I'm eagerly awaiting next week's episodes. I hope this show lasts and that people give it a chance. I'm looking forward to the books, too, which I would never have heard of if it weren't for the show. And you know how much I love finding new books to read!

Catch "The Nine Lives of Chloe King" on Tuesday nights 9/8c on ABC Family! For more information on the show, please visit the official website!

For those of you who watched the pilot, what did you think?

Passion by Lauren Kate

2011-06-14T07:00:00.000-04:00

For those of you unfamiliar with Lauren Kate's "Fallen" series, Passion is the third installment and serves as a sort of prequel. Chronicling Luce and Daniel's past lives, this book delves deeper into their history and love, as well as the curse that binds them and tears them apart.

Lauren Kate's writing continues to be smooth, descriptive, and easy to follow, which is good since the story can be a little confusing with all the history and past lives. She has described the historical settings beautifully and has really brought them to life. I love how the third person narration provides intimate looks inside Luce's head, as well as Daniel's. At times I wanted to shake Luce by the shoulders and tell her that Daniel truly loves her, but this doubt and need to discover the reasoning behind the curse fuels her actions and reaffirms her determination.

Although I felt like the plot moved slowly, the last portion of the book picked up speed and made a powerful impact. The fourth and final book, Rapture, comes out next year and I can already tell it's going to be an epic conclusion. :-)

Hereafter by Tara Hudson

2011-06-10T07:00:00.001-04:00

Some books sound good when you read their description. Others sound bad. Then there are those like Tara Hudson's Hereafter that sound simply amazing.

Ms. Hudson has written a fast-paced, romantic, and enthralling story that also has the right amount of action and mystery. What I loved most about the writing was that Ms. Hudson has an eye for detail. There are little things that the characters do that really advance their personalities and help you get a good feel for who they are as a person. The descriptions are beautifully done, as well, and this ties into Amelia's narration. Although some of Amelia's vocabulary seemed a bit too formal, her voice is poetic and it's hard not to fall in love with her.

The romance in this book is really well-done. It may seem rushed to some people, but Amelia and Joshua form such a connection that I loved how fast their relationship grew. Joshua is sweet and sincere, and I admired his loyalty and willingness to help Amelia. Every scene they share together came to life for me and had a certain brilliance to them. It's hard for me to explain, but I haven't read a book this romantic in awhile. :-)

As I mentioned before, the plot moves fast and is kind of divided in two parts. The first being Amelia's newly found "awakeness" and the other part involves an evil spirit named Eli. Each aspect of the story held my attention and they were woven together seamlessly. There's also a subplot that ties into Eli and I didn't really care for it. I think the story would be just as great without it. Still, it adds another element to engage readers.

If you couldn't tell already, I loved Hereafter and I cannot wait to read it again! The story is beautifully romantic and kind of haunting. Ms. Hudson's writing is descriptive, clear, and fluid, all things that make a great book. I certainly hope I get to see more of Amelia and Joshua in the future! I highly recommend purchasing a copy of this. You will not regret it!

The Eternal Sea by Angie Frazier

2011-06-08T00:00:00.000-04:00

Angie Frazier's Everlasting was one of my favorite summer reads and it didn't take long until I was in love with Camille and Oscar. What I liked most, though, was the balance between the romance and the action. The Eternal Sea, the sequel, was one of my most anticipated books and when I got a hold of an ARC, I squealed. It was more of a giggle, really, but you get the picture. I was darn excited.

Ms. Frazier's writing is just as lovely as it is in the first book. Although it's told in third person, Camille's voice really comes through and I love how real she seems. She certainly is a strong character, one who can take care of herself, which, given the time period, is a bit of a no-no. :-) Anyway, the descriptions are perfectly written, particularly during the action scenes. I could clearly envision every move made, which brought those scenes to life.

Readers will be introduced to a few new characters, as well as learn more about ones we saw glimpses of in the first book. Samuel, Camille's brother, is a character I wanted to hit, but it was still great seeing what kind of person he is. The character who surprised me the most, however, was Randall. He really steps up to the plate and I think readers will have trouble deciding if they're on Team Oscar or Team Randall.

Ms. Frazier has expanded the Umandu mythology quite a bit and I love the direction she has taken. The third book is going to be so intense I don't know how I'll stand it. :-)

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed The Eternal Sea. It's a bittersweet, action-packed story that will wisk readers away on another adventure with Camille and her friends. If you would like to read my review of the first book, Everlasting, it can be found HERE.

Some Odds and Ends

2011-06-06T00:00:00.016-04:00

'Ello, it's DJ...obviously. I'm sorry I've been a bit MIA on the blog as of late, but this is how my life has been lately:

Photo: Me, haha. Not with Instagram, if I might add :-)

Fun, chaotic, and nonstop.

With a little downtime, I wanted to mention a few things and bring them to your lovely attention.

First of all, reviews have begun trickling in for Hunted and the reaction has been pretty positive so far! Yay! *happy dance* The first came from Moonlight Book Reviews, while the other came from Kelley York, a fellow YATopian and aspiring author. You can find them HERE (blogger) and HERE (livejournal).

Also, Hunted is available for pre-order from Barnes and Noble's website. You can do so HERE.

My song, "Delirium"--which is the official song for Lauren Oliver's, Delirium--currently has 3,987 views on YouTube. I was going to say that I hope to reach 4,000 soon, but the number was lower the last time I checked. So, my new goal is 5,000. I'd love it if you all could help me out and show people the song!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dm5D4RtBpcs

Well, that's all for now. What have you all been up to?

First Review for HUNTED!

2011-06-05T00:52:00.000-04:00

It has arrived! *cue dramatic music* :-)

Hunted's first review has been posted and it is quite lovely, if I may so. Also, it's from Erika of Moonlight Book Reviews, so that makes it even more epic. Please head over to her site and check out the review. If you feel like it, leave a comment, too! :-D

THE REVIEW

A Touch Mortal by Leah Clifford

2011-06-02T10:00:00.000-04:00

*To read the synopsis, please click HERE. You will be directed to the GoodReads page*

A Touch Mortal is one of those books I heard a lot about prior to and after its release. And it was all good things, too. Great, even. But then I started hearing things like, “It’s weird” and “It’s dark” and you know what? My excitement grew even more because I love weird and dark stories. Who doesn’t?

The story is told in third person, but Leah Clifford has done such a wonderful job with giving her characters dimensions and life that the third person narrative never seemed distant or detached. Her descriptions are, for lack of a better word, fresh. She takes ordinary objects, but makes them seem extraordinary thanks to the poetic and clever ways she describes them. I don’t know how else to explain it, but gone are the clichés! ☺

Eden is one feisty girl! She’s tough and gritty, yet relatable and likeable—all things that make a great character. So much happens to her in such a short amount of time, but I really liked how Ms. Clifford keeps the reader in the dark and we learn along with Eden.

Az is probably my favorite character in the book. He is a sort of beautiful disaster. His relationship with Eden happens rather quickly, but it’s obvious that he truly cares for her and will do anything for her.

I also really like how the focus isn’t on Eden and Az. There are a handful of characters who readers will instantly like and they are involved in the plot enough that they don’t feel like pointless supporting members.

With A Touch Mortal, Leah Clifford has created a surprising and unique addition to the angel genre. Her take is indeed a bit dark, but it’s also amazing! I’ve read quite a few angel books, but this book definitely stands on its own. With a plot riddled with twists and turns, readers won’t be able to get enough. There is swearing, though, and a little violence that may not be suitable for a young audience. Still, it’s a dramatic, heart-stopping debut that you won’t be able to put down until you’ve read the last page.

The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

2011-05-31T09:00:00.000-04:00

It's always been just Kate and her mom—and her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear her mother won't live past the fall.

Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld—and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests.

Kate is sure he's crazy—until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she succeeds, she'll become Henry's future bride, and a goddess. (GoodReads)

I had the pleasure of meeting Aimée Carter at the launch party for Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton. She is such a lovely person and it was great hearing her talk about The Goddess Test and how it came to be. I’ve always been a fan of Greek mythology, so I was eagerly awaiting the book’s release day so I could purchase a copy. Well, I finally had the time to sit down and read it and guess what? I loved it!

Although this is Ms. Carter’s debut, you would never know it because of how great the writing is, and how well put together the story is. She has taken a popular Greek myth and given it new life, bending it to her needs and fleshing it out to give it more depth. I did figure a few things out before they were revealed, but even if others do the same, they will still be captivated by the story and how the events unfold.

Kate’s voice is another noteworthy aspect; it’s authentic, relatable, and mature, but not too mature. She is such a kind, thoughtful, and human character that it’s hard not to form an attachment. Despite being unable to relate to having a dying mother, I could still relate and understand Kate’s grief thanks to Ms. Carter’s delivery. Readers will see Kate change and grow as the story unfolds, and this progression makes for a wonderfully dynamic character.

The romance develops slowly, but in a good way. I’m sure many readers will fall for Henry as Kate does, and it’s nice seeing how she’s able to peel back his many layers. Right from the beginning, Henry is shown to be rather compassionate, which is a nice spin on Hades. This compassion not only makes him loveable, but it adds a sense of humanity to his character.

Overall, The Goddess Test is one book you don’t want to miss out on. It’s exciting and fresh, with enough romance and action to please all kinds of readers. The tests are excellently woven in and will sneak up on you, as well as keep you turning the pages to find out what happens next. And even when they reach the last page, readers will still be craving for more.

The Vampire Stalker by Allison Van Diepen

2011-05-30T00:00:00.002-04:00

What if the characters in a vampire novel left their world--and came into yours?

Amy is in love with someone who doesn't exist: Alexander Banks, the dashing hero in a popular series of vampire novels. Then one night, Amy meets a boy who bears an eerie resemblance to Alexander. In fact, he IS Alexander, who has escaped from the pages of the book and is in hot pursuit of a wicked vampire named Vigo. Together, Amy and Alexander set out to track Vigo and learn how and why Alexander crossed over. But when she and Alexander begin to fall for each other, Amy wonders if she even wants him to ever return to the realm of fiction. (GoodReads)

Having never read any of Allison Van Diepen's other work, I didn't know what to expect from The Vampire Stalker. The premise sounded fun and an interesting addition to the vampire craze. I know a lot of people are tired of vampires, but I've always been a vampire fan (not the I'm-Gonna-Eat-You-Rawr! kind, but the nice friendly kind), so I don't think I'll ever be.

Ms. Van Diepen's writing is fairly simple, but not in a bad way. The simplicity makes for an easy-to-read story, one that is clear and concise. Although the characters are a tad flat, they're still likeable and you really grow to care about them. I really like how the author has presented the idea of having your fictional love of your life show up in your real life, too. I mean, who wouldn't want that to happen? :-) The author also touches on the vampire craze and the effects it has on people, which ties in really well with the current craze.

Amy and Alexander's relationship is really cute and sweet. Alexander's wonder and confusion over the "real" world is fun and reminded me of Jace's reactions to the things Clary shows him/says to him in Cassandra Clare's City of Bones. Alexander's dialogue is often jarring, but it's part of the story as he comes from a world where people are more formal in their speech.

Overall, The Vampire Stalker is a fun, easy, and quick read. I constantly daydream about what would happen if my favorite characters were real and in my life, and I really liked the way Allison Van Diepen presented this notion. Even if you no longer want anything to do with vampires, I'd suggest picking up a copy of this book and giving it a try.

Want Some HUNTED Bookmarks?

2011-05-23T15:10:00.000-04:00

If you'd like me to send you some HUNTED bookmarks, please fill out the following form. At this time, I can only send to US residents. I'm really sorry!

Please Fill Out THIS FORM

Lauren Oliver Signing

2011-05-23T09:00:00.000-04:00

This post is really late, but oh well. As you all know, Lauren Oliver's Delirium is a book that attacked my heart. It's beautifully tragic, the writing is lyrical, and the story affected me so much that I wrote a song. (Delirium, the Official Song) Technically, I wrote the song before reading the book, but I was so captivated by the premise and what I had heard about the story that I somehow managed to write appropriate lyrics.

Anyway, on May 4th I had the wonderful opportunity to travel down to Naperville to see Lauren Oliver at Anderson's Bookshop. Lauren and I hadn't met prior to this, so I was extremely excited to meet her. My family and I arrived at the store early and a few minutes later the amazing Lynn showed up! She's the nifty person behind the nifty blog, Bringing the Epic. She and I walked around a little before wandering over to the signing area. Lynn asked how dorky we should be and we decided we should be really dorky. So what did we do? We sat in the front row, something I have never done before, haha.

After chatting with each other and another woman who had been at the Dark Days Tour, I left Lynn to grab something to eat. I got back and a little bit later Stacey from Page Turners showed up, much to Lynn and I's excitement. It was so great seeing these lovely ladies again!

Lauren ended up starting the signing early because she figured she was there and so why not just start? The moment she started speaking, I was enthralled. She's funny, thought provoking, and just really "organic". That's totally not the right use of the word, but she's a really natural person. My favorite moment was when she talked about how she trusted the movie people to not cast people like Justin Bieber in the movie adaptation of her books. She went on to say she wouldn't necesarily mind that, really, and started singing, "Never say never....". It was hilarious! She showed us the beautiful ARC for her new middle grade book, Liesl and Po, and she also read from....PANDEMONIUM! (Psst! That's the sequel to Delirium). The sample she read was purely epic and emotional.

After the discussion and Q&A portions of the signing, it was time for the actual signing. I was numbers 1 and 2 in the line, and Lynn was number 3. I went up and introduced myself and Lauren seemed so excited to finally meet me. She complimented my songwriting and was impressed when I told her I had a book coming out. We then had our picture taken and she gave me a big hug afterward. :-)

As Lynn's blog name suggests, the epic was brought and it was brought by Lauren. I had such a great time and I can't wait to see Lynn, Stacey, and Lauren again. Hopefully it'll be soon!

Sorry

2011-05-22T10:00:00.000-04:00

Hey, everyone. I'm really sorry for the lack of posts. Life has once again gotten busy, what with the rapture and all. Just kidding. :-) But I have been pretty busy. Things with Hunted have picked up again due to the ARCs being mailed out to bloggers/reviewers, which is both exciting and nerve-wracking. A couple of bloggers have already read their copy and they claim to "love it". I'm finding this hard to believe, so it might take my brain to process and accept their awesome reactions.

While Hunted is out partying it up, I've been slowly working on a new project. I think it might go faster if I weren't writing it in present tense. Yeah, it's definitely been a learning experience. There have been multiple times where I want to stop and re-write what I have in past, but I'm forging on with the present tense as a challenge for myself. In general, though, I'm really liking the story (despite struggling with, once again, the main conflict) and I can't wait to finish it. :-D

So, tell me, what have you been up to?

To All You BEA-ers

2011-05-19T17:11:00.001-04:00

Although I am extremely jealous of all you attending BEA this year, I am also very excited that you all are able to go. Don't feel too bad for me, though, because:

-Hunted will be on display at the Independent Book Publishers Association's booth. It appears they have a couple different booths, so be on the look out! :-D

-I'm attending BEA next year when my book is actually out and whatnot.

But, I do have a little message for all you traveling book lovers and this is it:

I hope you all have an amazing time. No, scratch that. I hope you have an EPIC time! I hope you arrive and depart safely, and that you sit next to lovely people on the plane. Get a window seat, though, because it's awesome seeing the world below you. For those of you driving, safe travels as well and hopefully you'll pass through some fun places. May your feet never get tired from all the walking you'll be doing and may your arms and shoulders survive the massive book-holding they'll be doing. I hope you have lively conversations with your fellow bloggers, friends, authors, and publishers. I hope you grab some awesome books, too! Just kidding...sort of. We all know BEA is NOT about free books, but it is something most of us look forward to, haha. For those of you seeing WICKED, you'll love it and when you get back we'll have to have lengthy conversations about how magical, heartfelt, and beautiful that show is.

Most importantly, have fun.

~DJ

Interview: Daniel Tinsley (The Noble Ones)

2011-05-16T00:00:00.002-04:00

I am very excited to present this interview with debut author Daniel Tinsley. His historical fantasy novel, The Noble Ones, has recently been released by Pill Hill Press and has already received a couple of favorable reviews on GoodReads, which we all know is hard to get. :-D

On the surface, Aidan's life seems no different from any other young man living during the waning years of the 18th century; he has a charming girlfriend, a thriving clock shop, and a sizable stretch of land. While repairing his late father's pocket watch, he deciphers a hidden message that unlocks the truth of his lineage and plunges him into a world filled with the fantastical. Aidan's journey takes him through enchanted forests, across sprawling country sides, and into the underbelly of corrupt cities where he battles political adversaries who will stop at nothing to maintain the status quo. (GoodReads)

Do you have any writing quirks?

I listen to music; puts me in the zone.

Where did the idea of The Noble Ones originate?

While sitting in my high school freshman history class, which was in 2002. We were supposed to be working on a particular assignment but my mind decided to wander and the story stuck with me and developed over the years.

What was the writing process like?

I would write whenever and wherever I could. As a student, in high school and then college, I had to find time in between class/homework/and a social life. Once I graduated and started working, I was able to devote more of myself to the story.

Did you have to do much research for the 18th Century setting?

Not too much. Since it has a fantasy element to it I was able to have some leeway with reality.

If you had to describe The Noble Ones using three words, what would they be?

Enchanting. Mysterious. Enthralling.

How has working with Pill Hill Press been?

Absolutely awesome. The idea of being published was very intimidating but PHP has been truly fantastic to work with. I have loved the interactivity of dealing with a smaller publishing house.

What are you working on next?

I have a few very different ideas that I’m playing around with right now; whichever one really takes root and grabs my attention is what I’ll end up diving into. I am enjoying the freedom of short stories at the moment, too.

What are three to five things your readers may not know about you?

I’m 24 years old; work for the U.S. Senate; Christopher Nolan fan; is a die-hard Hokie.

---------------------------

Thank you, Daniel, for a great interview! :-) If you would like to learn more about Daniel and The Noble Ones, please visit the following site:

GoodReads
Blog
Twitter
Facebook Book Page

Abandon by Meg Cabot

2011-05-10T00:00:00.002-04:00

image from Barnes and Noble's website

I’ve always loved Greek mythology. Well, any form of mythology for that matter. But I think Egyptian and Greek are my favorites. The story of Hades and Persephone is one I knew about, but never really delved into. When I read that Meg Cabot’s new novel, Abandon, was going to be a take on that myth, I got pretty excited. The book would give me a chance to finally acquaint myself with Ms. Cabot’s writing and I would be given a new presentation of the Persephone/Hades myth.

Since I’m a Meg Cabot newb, I’ll begin talking about her writing. Ms. Cabot is highly revered, that much I knew before reading the book, so I had pretty high expectations. The good news is that I really like her writing style and look forward to reading more of her work. She has given Pierce such a believable teen voice, one that made me laugh and relate to. I think Pierce’s voice is the strongest part of the story.

The bad news is that I did not care for the way the story unfolded. Pierce mentions past events, but takes a few pages to actually explain them. I’m pretty sure Ms. Cabot did this to create suspense, but I quickly found it annoying. Because the story's written in past tense, the flashbacking made me extremely confused. Also, it felt like Pierce rambled at times, but this is probably just me making something out of a simple character trait.

In general, though, I really liked Pierce. Like I said, she has a wonderful voice. Her narration will make you feel the things she feels: concerned, scared, nervous. I admire her concern for others; it’s a selflessness that seems authentic. I particularly like her regard for John, who is the definition of moody. The romance is light and develops slowly, but in a good way. The focus seems more on Pierce and how she’s going to deal with everything.

Overall, I liked Abandon. I didn’t love it as much as I hoped I would, but I’ll most likely read the future installments. Ms. Cabot has written a fun and dramatic story that presents the myth of Persephone and Hades in an interesting manner. I’m sure many will love this book, so don’t hesitate to read it. Just be prepared to be confused due to the confusing revealing of events.

My Hunted ARC Has Arrived!

2011-05-07T14:29:00.000-04:00

Doesn't it look lovely??

Seeing and holding a copy of my book makes this all seem less like a dream and more of a reality, one I still can't believe is happening. I am truly blessed to not only have a book coming out, but also to be with such an amazing publisher. The team at Pendrell Publishing has been nothing but enthusiastic, supportive, informative, and all around wonderful. And thank you all for your support. It means more to me than you may know. :-)

For those of you who don't know, Hunted will be released August 9, 2011 through Pendrell Publishing.

GoodReads

Facebook Fan Page

Facebook Event Page (author talk/signing)

Divergent by Veronica Roth

2011-05-05T00:00:00.000-04:00

There has been a lot of buzz surrounding Veronica Roth's debut novel, Divergent. If you haven't heard of it yet, check out the synopsis HERE. The dystopian genre is one I'm still immersing myself in, but so far I've really liked what I've read. So, I was really excited to read Ms. Roth's novel, especially since people were raving about it. And, Summit Entertainment has grabbed the rights to a movie adaptation. Exciting? I think so. :-) Unfortunately, though, the book fell a little flat for me. While I enjoyed it and found myself on page 300 before I knew it, the story didn't have as big of a punch as I had expected.

Ms. Roth's writing is great. There is no doubt about that. Present tense usually slows me down, but she managed to keep me reading without getting bored. She has given Tris a wonderful voice, one that I think many will relate with despite the dystopian society. The descriptions are engaging and the dialogue reads smoothly. All good things in my book!

Now, back to Tris. Not only is she a great narrator, she is also a wonderful lead character. Although I found her character to be a bit inconsistent, she proves that a small girl can kick some serious butt. I enjoyed her friendships with Will and Christina, and her growing relationship with Four. Some of her thoughts had me laughing and her regard for her brother is endearing. She can get a bit hot tempered, but I think that illustrated her change in personality in a dramatic fashion.

There is a fair amount of violence, more than I particularly care for, but for the most part it was well placed/used. The action balanced well with the romance aspect of the story, which was slow-building, but sweet.

Overall, I enjoyed reading it. Were my expectations too high? Maybe, but even though the story is fast-paced/engaging, there really wasn't anything that stood out to me as amazingly original. Not saying the idea is cliche, because it's not, nor is the intense world Ms. Roth has created, but there was just something lackluster about it all. Again, maybe my expectations were too high. Still, it's a great addition to the growing dystopian market and will most likely appeal to fans of The Hunger Games, which I haven't read yet...Yeah, I know, lame, right? :-D

Out of the Pocket by Bill Konigsberg

2011-05-03T00:00:00.000-04:00

Bill Konigsberg's Out of the Pocket is a book I've wanted to read for a while, but never was able to find a copy. Well, I finally found one at Anderson's Bookshop and I recently finished reading it. There doesn't seem to be a whole lot of LGBT YA out there, so I had high expectations for this book. Guess what? I loved it!

My one reservation was that it was about a quarterback and the game of football continues to confound me, so I was worried there would be a ton of sports lingo. While there is a lot of football talk, Mr. Konigsberg includes it wonderfully, making the terminology relatively simple and sometimes even gives a bit of an explanation. His writing in general is great! He has given Bobby an authentic, believable, and likeable voice. The same goes for all the characters. Well, except for the bullies--they're not that likeable, haha.

While Bobby gets outed, I wouldn't necessarily call this a coming out story. It's more of a story about finding support in your friends and family. I absolutely love Bobby's friend Carrie! She had me cracking up, especially toward the end. And Bryan? Well, he's just wonderful and although his and Bobby's relationship happens quickly, it's sweet and adds a nice romantic touch to the story.

I know this review is short, but I don't know how to accurately express just how much I love this book. It's funny, sad, and heartwarming. I like how Mr. Konigsberg tackled the "issue" of out gay athletes and I hope people give this book a chance, even if they're not interested in sports or LGBT books.

Commenting

2011-05-02T00:00:00.000-04:00

I follow a lot of blogs. Do I read them all? I would say I check about 90% of them on a regular basis. During the week, though, I don't usually leave comments. I tend to do a blog catch up on the weekends and go through and leave comments. Man is it exhausting, haha. Anyone else feel that way? :-)

Anyway, how do you guys feel about commenting? Like, do you like it when the blog author leaves comments on their own posts in response to other comments? Do you check back on posts to see if they've done that? I'm not one to respond to my comments, but I think it's cool when other bloggers do. I've seen people use other commenting systems other than the Blogger one that makes it easier to form a conversation, too. I don't like having to download/install something, so I probably won't switch to one of those, but I do think I might start responding to comments. I just need the time, haha.

Quick Blog Tour Update

2011-04-27T23:15:00.000-04:00

I just wanted to say thank you to all of you who left a comment with suggestions on what to do on my blog tour for Hunted. I've decided to keep the tour short and simple, and I hope you all enjoy it when it happens. I also wanted to let you guys know that I already have enough blogs for the tour, but I truly appreciate the offers you made to be a host. I am so grateful for all the support you have shown me and if I could, I'd give you all hugs. Perhaps one day I can when we all meet up at some book convention. :-) Until then, I hope you all are doing well and having a good spring season--or whatever season it is where you are.

Dum Dum Dee Doo

2011-04-25T00:00:00.004-04:00

Hi, all. I'm sorry for the lack of updates, but life has been struck by the busy tornado. While finishing up school, I've been busy finishing up work on Hunted and starting work on a new project. Writing, writing, writing. That's all I've been doing! Well, okay, I've been watching Buffy, Harry Potter, Glee, Les Miserables 25th Anniversary concert, and..... Yeah, so I've been working and playing. It's not a crime or anything. :-)

Anyway, work on Hunted is pretty much done on my end. Advanced Reader Copies will be printed soon, so yaaay! I CANNOT wait to see my book in print! I think I might cry. No, really, I might.

In other news, things are really coming along over at YATopia. We've had a few pitch contests so far and we just wrapped up an Easter Egg hunt! :-) If you're not already following the blog, hop on over and do so!

I hope all of you had a good weekend and a happy Easter (for those who celebrated). Hopefully I'll return to a semi-regular review schedule once finals are done.

~DJ

Blog Tour Ideas?

2011-04-16T14:35:00.001-04:00

Hi, all! In case you weren't aware, Hunted will be released in four months (not counting April)! FOUR STINKIN' MONTHS! Whoohoo! Anyway, I'm currently planning out a small blog tour leading up to the release and I was wondering if you could help me out by answering this question:

What do you like to see on blog tours in terms of content?

I'm a complete newb when it comes to blog tours, so any suggestions are welcome!

Where She Went by Gayle Forman

2011-04-14T00:00:00.000-04:00

It's no secret that I loved Gayle Forman's If I Stay. I even wrote a song about it! So imagine my excitement over finding out she had written a sequel from Adam's point of view. A good friend of mine let me borrow her ARC of Where She Went and I think I need to write her a thank you song or something. :-)

IF YOU HAVEN'T READ IF I STAY, THEN THIS REVIEW MIGHT CONTAIN SPOILERS

I won't lie; I was nervous to read Where She Went. Don't get me wrong, I was extremely excited, but I loved If I Stay so much that I was worried this book wouldn't live up to my expectations.

With this sequel, Gayle Forman continues to showcase her beautifully poetic writing. Adam's voice is different than Mia's, but it's still soulful. I'm not sure if that's the right word, but it's the only one I can think of to describe it. Adam's voice comes through so authentically and even though he swears, it doesn't come across as swearing just for the sake of including "dirty" words. Although both him and Mia have changed over the years, the things they do and say are still so them--if that makes sense.

Like the first book, a lot of events are told through flashbacks, which I enjoyed. I found them to balance well with the "present day" events. Had the story been told without the use of flashbacks, I don't think it would have been as effective.

I will confess, though, that the story didn't grab me at first. It wasn't until a few chapters in that I truly became engaged. This wasn't because it was boring or pointless information. I think it was because A) I sometimes have issues getting used to a different narrator within an already-established "world" and B) I wanted more kissing scenes, haha. Okay, I just wanted a little more romance in general. Still, once I was hooked, I couldn't stop reading and finished the book in a couple of hours. And I teared up toward the end, too. But they were happy-ish tears, though. :-)

In the end, I loved Where She Went. Did I love it as much as If I Stay? No, but I tend to like the first in a series more anyway. Ms. Forman's writing is once again amazing and so is the story. A lot of people are eager to read this and I'm positive they will love it.

Things I Have to Remind Myself Of...

2011-04-12T00:00:00.000-04:00

I'm freaked out.

I'm excited.

I'm freakcited.

Yup, I just made up a word because I'm an author and authors can bend the English language to their will. Just sayin'...

Anyway, yes, I am freaked out and excited about my book coming out in four months. FOUR months. I have had numerous people tell me how much they're looking forward to reading Hunted. Hearing/reading those comments make me happier beyond belief, but they also worry me because what if the book doesn't live up to their excitement? What if they end up hating it? What if they don't even make it past the first few chapters because it's that bad.

Then I think, what if they like it?

I have those days where I'm reading through the manuscript and my opinions on it change every other paragraph. If I were wearing a mood ring, the ring would die because of exhaustion. But what good does worrying do? Nothing, that's what. As I write this, I'm listening to a 2006 video of Stephenie Meyer talking at the National Book Festival and she reminded me that I write for myself. I don't write for anyone else. The stories, characters, and worlds I create are for me. Me. Me. Me. Sounds selfish, no?

So, I've made a list of things I need to remind myself of on a daily basis and I look forward to seeing what you all have to say.

-I'm still growing as a writer, so my writing is never going to be perfect, especially in my debut novel.
-Inevitably, there are going to people who don't like my writing, books, etc...
-People don't like Stephenie Meyer's writing and she's done quite well. Same goes for other popular authors, like JK Rowling.
-Again, my writing is never going to be perfect.
-I'm not Stephenie Meyer (despite what Leigh thinks). I'm not Maggie Stiefvater. I'm me. No two writers write the same and there's no point in comparing my writing to those I idolize.
-I'm with an amazing publisher, who believes in me. :-)
-I won't ever be able to write about vampires with crystal-like skin that sparkles in the sunlight. Darn. No, really, darn. I actually think that mythology is cool.

Darkness Becomes Her by Kelly Keaton

2011-04-11T00:00:00.000-04:00

I had seen Darkness Becomes Her featured on various blogs leading up to its release, but I hadn't really looked into it. Then, one day, I came home and found a package waiting for me. Guess what was inside? :-) I'm so grateful for being sent a copy because I found this book to be refreshing, exciting, and extremely well-written.

Ms. Keaton's writing is nothing short of great! Dialogue is always tricky and more often than not, comes out awkward. But the conversations in this book are fluid, concise, and all around well-written. The same goes for the descriptions. I love the new twist she has presented regarding the New Orleans hurricanes and the somewhat dystopian setting.

The characters are all enjoyable and I really fell in love with Violet, a character I'm sure many others will love. Ari, the main character, makes for a great narrator and I found her voice to be refreshingly honest and believable. I loved seeing her instant connection with the "misfits" and how strong she becomes in the end of the story.

Now, let's talk a bit about Sebastian and the romance, shall we? Although his and Ari's relationship happened almost instantly, they make a great couple and I liked how Ari acknowledges the fact that she doesn't really know that much about Sebastian. Still, I love them together and I can't wait to see more of them. :-)

Ms. Keaton presents a great twist on a certain mythology that comes together rather nicely. That's all I'm going to say because I don't want to spoil anything.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Darkness Becomes Her and I cannot wait for the sequel! The writing, characters, and story are all great and take some interesting turns.

The Survivors by Amanda Havard

2011-04-07T06:20:00.001-04:00

from Barnes and Noble's website

Amanda Havard’s The Survivors sounded like a unique and refreshing take on the paranormal genre, and I knew it was a book I was going to love.

Synopsis

Ms. Havard’s writing is clear, descriptive, and rather fluid, making the story easy to read and follow. To me, there wasn’t a ton of dialogue, but since Sadie is on her own for most of the story, this was fine because Ms. Havard lets readers into Sadie’s thoughts, which helps round out her character.

Speaking of Sadie, I really enjoyed her character. I found her fascination with mortality and death interesting and understood where she was coming from. I admire her strength and courage to leave her family, and her ability to adapt so well to the human world.

The romance in the story didn’t play out the way I thought/wanted it too and the way it did turn out happens rather quickly—too quickly, in my opinion, but it still held my interest. I really look forward to seeing it grow as the series goes on.
What I love most about the book is the unique take on the Salem witches and trials. I’m a diehard “Charmed” fan, so I’ve always liked stories about witches and how they came to be. The mythology takes some interesting turns and involves shape-shifters, as well as vampires. I've been told book two will explore the Salem connection more, which I am extremely excited about. The way Ms. Havard has taken the history of the Salem witches and made it her own is truly fascinating.
Overall, The Survivors is a great debut from a talented writer. It’s the first in a series and I will definitely read the future installments. I’m looking forward to seeing the romance strengthen and the mythology to grow even more.

To learn more about Amanda Havard and her writing, please visit the following sites:

Official Website
Facebook
Twitter

Also, in conjuction with the book, original songs are available to listen to/download from iTunes. Visit Amanda Havard's Facebook page for more information!

Wither by Lauren DeStefano

2011-04-05T10:00:00.001-04:00

from Barnes and Noble's website

There are no other words to describe Lauren DeStefano’s Wither except “beautiful”, “haunting”, and “heart-wrenching”. I knew the minute I saw the cover that I wanted to read it, but I didn’t expect to love it as much as I did.

Synopsis

Ms. DeStefano’s writing is nothing short of beautiful. She has given Rhine a voice that is equal parts poetic, honest, and believable. The descriptions are amazingly vivid and never over the top. Ms. DeStefano’s style reminds me of Maggie Stiefvater’s in that she seems to have a unique view of the world, which makes her writing stunningly lyrical.

I really enjoyed Rhine, both as a character and a narrator. Her determination to leave the mansion is admirable and even though she finds herself falling for the extravagance and safety of her new life, she still holds onto her need for freedom and the need to return to her brother. Her relationship with him appears to be strong and loving, and it’s one I hope we get to see in the future installments.

Her relationship with her sister wives is bittersweet and I truly believed the three of them had some sort of connection, one that provided friendship and comfort. I wish Rhine had shared more of the horrors of the happenings in the mansion with her sister wives early on, but the wait plays out wonderfully and adds to the intensity of the story.

Rhine’s relationship with Gabriel was my favorite part. No surprise there, right? Gabriel’s regard for her is sweet and tender, and is seen early on in the novel. I liked that their relationship grew slowly and I can’t wait to see what is in store for them next. Though, I can only imagine more hardships are waiting.

If you couldn’t tell already, I loved reading Wither and if you haven’t picked up a copy yet, do so immediately. I’m still thinking about the story and the beautiful writing. With so many dystopian novels out there, this one stands apart and shouldn’t be ignored.

The Good, The Bad, and the Blog

2011-03-28T00:00:00.000-04:00

I usually don't throw my two cents into debate topics, but I felt somewhat compelled to throw them in this time. The fabulous Kristi over at The Story Siren recently wrote a post in which she discussed whether or not bloggers help book sales or not. If you haven't read her post yet and would like to, you can find it HERE.

I'll try to keep this somewhat short and non-babbly, but I can't guarantee any of those things, especially since I'll be discussing a few other topics. I'm not sure I have much more to add to what has already been said, but oh well...

Bloggers Only Sell Amongst Themselves:

While the book blogging community is tight-knit, like any community, I don't hold the opinion that we only "sell" books amongst ourselves. Like many, I am the DR in my circle of friends. The Designated Reader. And my friends are always asking me to make book lists for them. Sure, most will borrow the books from the library, but I have a couple of friends who will go and BUY a book I've recommended. That's trust, my friends, haha. Most of the time, they'll buy at least 2 books at a time that I've recommended and shared my review of. While 2 is a small number, it adds up over time.

I also love talking to complete strangers in the bookstore about a book they're thinking about buying that I've read or about books I think they'd like based on one they love. I would like to think myself an active blogger. I love introducing people to books and authors, both here on the site and in real life.

So, no, bloggers do not only sell amongst themselves because we all like to talk and encourage others to read, especially those outside of our book blogging circle.

Advanced Reader Copies:

ARCs/galleys/whathaveyou have become status symbols; the more you have, the cooler you are. It's like Pokemon cards all over again. Do I think having an ARC is cool? Yeah, because an ARC represents a stage in the publishing process, a process I love learning about and experiencing. But do I flaunt my ARCs? No and I hope I don't come across as doing so at any point (If I do, slap me). I know that ARCs are costly to make. I know that I have a responsibility to read an ARC and use my review of it to generate buzz, to help out an author and publisher. I don't collect ARCs for fun and, for that matter, I don't expect to receive them at all. I request a title here and there, but I know my blog is low in the rankings compared to others, so I don't expect to have my request filled. I am always flattered and honored when a publisher or an author makes it possible for me to receive one, though.

Specialty Genre:

My subtitle is "YA Book Reviews and My Journey to Publication". I should probably get rid of it because A) I really only review YA paranormal romance and B) My journey is kind of over, haha. I recently read a post by someone that said they discredit a blog when they claim to review young adult books, but only focus on one type of YA books. So...I'm sorry if I've misled you. I do try to post reviews on other types, like contemporary stories, but, let's face it, I kind of fail at doing so, haha.

Bloggers Are Made of Drama:

There is always drama going on, no matter who you are or what group you belong to. We're all people and people like drama. Deal with it. :-) Do I think some issues can be handled privately instead of over social networking sites? Yes, but sometimes it helps for others to see it and be informed of what's going on...Sometimes.

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Well, that's it for now. If you're still reading, thank you. :-) I hope you enjoyed what I had to say and I certainly hope I didn't say anything offensive. See ya guys soon! (Figuratively speaking...)

Clarity by Kim Harrington

2011-03-26T00:00:00.001-04:00

I have been wanting to read Clarity for a while, but never seemed to be able to get to it prior to its release earlier this month. The synopsis made me think of Kimberly Derting's The Body Finder, but in a good way. It also gave me a small impression of Veronica Mars, a TV show and character I love dearly. This book had to be great, right? Well, it is. A few days ago, I tweeted that reading Andrea Cremer's Wolfsbane was like watching an episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, which was a compliment in its highest form. Reading Clarity was like watching an episode of Veronica Mars. A really, really good episode.

Now, before I make you all think that Ms. Harrington's debut is unoriginal, it is far from that. She has written such an engaging, funny, dramatic, and extremely well-written story. The dialogue is fluid and believable, while the descriptions leave nothing to be desired. Her characters are refreshing and likeable. Although some of the side characters come across as stereotypical, their actions are somewhat believable, especially in regards to how they bully Clare.

Speaking of Clare, she makes a great narrator. She's funny, insightful, and believable. Some of her assumptions are formed quickly, which made me stop and scratch my head, but at the same time, they're pretty logical, especially given she's a teen and, let's face it, teens can be rash. Still, I really like how the focus wasn't so much on her psychic skill as it was how she uses it. Her loyalty to her family is admirable and she comes across as an extremely likeable person. Not to overuse the comparison, but Clare's wit and determination reminds me of Veronica Mars'. :-)

I had heard the romance in the story appears in the form of a love rectangle, which I found intriguing. Personally, I didn't really see it. I saw it as a love triangle, and a rather good one at that. I'm usually not a fan of triangles, but Ms. Harrington makes it work. I really want Clare and Gabriel to end up together, though. They ooze romantic chemistry. Just sayin'.

The "who dun it" aspect of the story plays out well and concludes rather nicely. Because Clare is such a likeable character, readers will come to the truth along with her, which makes reading the book all the more enjoyable and fun.

All in all, I loved this book. Everything from Ms. Harrington's writing to the romance pleased me and I cannot wait for the sequel. If you haven't read this yet, you'll want to soon. Today, in fact. :-) It's a quick, but thoroughly enjoyable book.

A Great and Terrible Sea...

2011-03-24T20:13:00.000-04:00

As we all know, Japan was recently hit with disaster in the form of a tsunami. My heart goes out to those who have been affected by it. There are currently tons of ways to donate money for relief, one of which is by buying a copy of Heidi R. Kling's beautiful novel, Sea. By proving you have purchased a copy of the book, Ms. Kling and her family are going to donate 20% of any new purchase to Doctors Without Borders. To find out more about this, please read her blog post HERE.

If you all recall, I wrote a song inspired by Ms. Kling's stunningly beautiful book called "Beautiful Sea". The response was phenomenal and until now it has only been available to listen. To encourage you all to purchase a new copy of Sea and as a "thank you" to those who have already done so, I've made "Beautiful Sea" available to download on my official website. Now, I know the song is simply there to download, but I hope you guys decide to participate in this donation effort and encourage others to do so. Anyway, here is the link to the song: My Music

Thank you for your time and I hope you are all doing well!

~DJ

P.S.~ To read my review of Sea, click HERE.

Outside In by Maria V. Snyder

2011-03-24T08:46:00.000-04:00

Maria V. Snyder is a goddess of writing. Just sayin'...

Inside Out, the first book in the series, was one of--if not the--first dystopian book I had read. I immediately fell in love with Trella, Riley, and the complex, futuristic world of Inside. Ms. Snyder's writing also enthralled me. All the things I love about the first book can be found in the sequel, Outside In.

Ms. Snyder's writing continues to be amazing and I can't wait to start reading her other books. Her descriptions are always spot-on, clear, and concise, which makes for a fluid, and understandable read. Everything played out so vividly in my mind, like a movie. And it was a movie I didn't want to end. :-)

Feeling the pressure and weight of being a sort of leader, Trella struggles to find confidence in the book. But that doesn't mean she's not as clever and kick-butt as she is in the first book. Despite the dystopian/futuristic setting and the societal issues, she is a character everyone can relate to. She's afraid of letting people down and as a result she makes mistakes. We've all felt/done the same at some point or another, haven't we?

With a witty, resourceful heroine, a sweet romance, and plenty of action to keep the fingers turning the pages, it's hard not to love this book, as well as the first book. Although the story wraps up rather nicely at the end, there seems to be room for another installment. Ms. Snyder, if you're reading this, please write another book in the series! I need more! :-D

Lemniscate by Jennifer Murgia

2011-03-22T00:00:00.000-04:00

Dear Lemny,

I must confess something and need to do it now...I am in love with you. With beautiful writing that makes every character, every scene, and every action come alive, how could I not? I started reading in the morning and finished a few hours later. I couldn't stop turning the pages!

Teagan remains to be a great narrator and main character. She's funny, relatable, and I really would like to be friends with her. She needs some more friends, but I did love seeing her and Ryan grow closer. He seems like a great guy, one who would do anything for Teagan. Who wouldn't want a friend like that?

I will say that I did not like seeing Garreth so lost in you, Lemny. I needed more Garreth and Teagan scenes! Happy ones! :-) But Garreth's issues do show a different side to him, which is kind of nice. Shows that he's not completely perfect.

There is so much more that I would like to say, but I don't want to spoil this magnificant book for anyone. I just wanted to tell you how much I love you and that I'm excited for the rest of the reading world to meet you. But don't go cheating on me because I'll cry. And crying people make others sad and that's not good. :-D

Much love,

-----------------

Lemniscate, the sequel to Jennifer Murgia's Angel Star, is a sequel I absolutely loved. It did fall prey to the whole having the male lead grow distant and moody thing that seems to be a popular device in sequels, but given the fact that Garreth is earthbound, it's understandable he would become a little lost. There are a ton of twists that I didn't really see coming, but I love how they all turned out. Jennifer Murgia has written a sensational series that will pull readers into a fantastic world of angels where light and dark come together. If you haven't read Angel Star yet, YOU MUST READ IT NOW and then read Lemniscate! :-D

Dark Days of Supernatural Tour: Chicago

2011-03-20T10:55:00.000-04:00

I spent most of my weekend in a car, but it was for a good reason. I was fortunate enough to go to the Dark Days of Supernatural tour in Chicago and met so many bloggers! Before the signing, a bunch of bloggers were meeting up to eat dinner and it was amazing to meet new faces! I remember most of their names, but not all, so I'm not going to list them. But, Anna from Anna Reads was the person who set the dinner up and I am so grateful that she did and that I was able to attend.

Before the dinner, though, I ran into Courtney Allison Moulton outside of Anderson's Bookshop. I was really excited to see her again and we chatted for a minute before parting ways. I think our stomachs were eager to find food, haha. Inside, Erika (Moonlight Book Reviews) and I ran into Kristi from The Story Siren, as well as browsed the shelves. The inside joke with my parents was that I was really coming to the store to find a signed Elixir Hilary Duff. Well, I found one and I was ridiculously giddy about it.

Anderson's Bookshop filled up quickly and thankfully my parents had saved seats for myself and for Erika. I felt bad for the people who had to stand in the back! Hopefully they had something to lean on.

The authors that were present were: Claudia Gray, Courtney Allison Moulton, Ellen Schrieber, and Kimberly Derting. I had met Claudia and Courtney before, but not Ellen and Kimberly. I was really excited to meet both of them, though, especially Kimberly since she and I have been Internet friends for a couple of years now. They took introduced themselves first, then did a Q&A, which had questions thrown in from LiveStream. Claudia passed out candy to those who asked questions and we were all having fun watching her try to throw the candy to the recipient. The good news is that I caught mine, haha. :-D

So, after the Q&A, the employees had us line up according to our signing number and then ushered us up to where the authors sat. I first went over to Claudia and after I told her of how we met previously, she immediately remembered me. She asked how I've been and I told her about my book deal, which resulted in her being excited and giving me a hug. She is such a sweet lady, both in the kind-sense and awesome-sense. Then I chatted with Courtney for a bit, which is always fun, and then I moved over to Ellen and babbled about how excited I am to read Once In a Full Moon. I tend to associate books with other books, and I told her how I always think of Full Moon whenever I think about mine, which sounded stupid at the time, but hopefully she understood what I meant, haha. Then I met Kimberly, who got up and gave me a hug. It was simply wonderful to finally meet her. :-) She's just as awesome as I had thought.

I had a great time and I'm really looking forward to the Michigan stop of the summer version of the tour. And I found out that it's been moved to Schuler Books in Lansing, which is much closer than Ann Arbor, so yay! See you all there! :-D

E-Book Giveaway: Two Lives...One Diary

2011-03-17T00:00:00.001-04:00

Newly published author, JM Array, is giving one e-book away of his debut novella, Two Lives...One Diary! The story sounds really original, intriguing, and just an all around enjoyable read. All you have to do is fill out the form. You have CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED. In case you missed it, here's my interview with Mr. Array!

Some Quick HUNTED-Related Items

2011-03-16T19:55:00.000-04:00

In case you haven't seen it yet, here's the official cover for Hunted! :-) (Bigger image if you click it) Isn't it pretty? I think so, but I might be a bit biased. So far the response to the cover has been positive, which is good because although peope don't like to judge books by the covers, covers do play an important part in promoting the book and garnering interest.

Hunted had it's first "Waiting on Wednesday" post today thanks to Precious over at Fragments of Life! As a blogger who has done this meme a few times, I was really excited to see the post today. It made me feel all giddy.

The last bit of news is that I will be having my first-ever book signing the same week as the release at Schuler Books! Here's the info:

Author Talk/Signing @ 7:00 PM Thursday, August 11th

Schuler Books & Music

2660 28th Street SE

Grand Rapids, MI 49512

Obviously, that's a few months away, but I thought I'd start mentioning it now. I really hope a lot of you can come!

Cover for HUNTED

2011-03-14T20:53:00.001-04:00

Guess what I have? Okay, well, if you read the title of this post, then you'll know, haha. I'm going to post it a little later, but you will be able to find it tomorrow on these lovely blogs:

Novel Thoughts

Electrifying Reviews

Moonlight Book Reviews

Kelley Vitollo

Mundie Moms

Author Interview: J.M. Array

2011-03-14T00:00:00.003-04:00

The major thing I love about Twitter is that every day I have a new follower and more often than not, a new follower is an author. I've come into contact with so many lovely new authors and it's great to expand my authorly circle. One of these fresh faces is J.M. Array, who just published his first novella in e-book form. His novella is called Two Lives...One Diary and here is the description:

Robert has never had a dream before. On his 18th birthday everything changes and he starts to dream. Because this is an unusual experience for him, he decides to start a dream-diary. Soon after that, he realizes that his dreams are directly connected to his real life. Suddenly, he finds himself living two lives…yet he only has one simple diary. (taken from J.M. Array's blog)

I am thrilled to present an interview with Mr. Array and I hope you all enjoy his answers, as well as check out his new novella. :-)

Who or what inspired you to write?

You know it is funny, I used to hate authors. I think school does that to you. You have to read stuff you don't want to read and you just think to yourself "why would this people spend their lives writing? It seems so boring". So for some reason, along the years, I changed my perception. What or who made me change? I am not entirely sure. But I think it was because I come up with crazy ideas all the time, and one day I just said "why not just make a movie out of this? It would be awesome" but of course doing that is hard. So I decided to write a book instead, in the hopes that some crazy producer reads it and options it. Here is to hoping.

How did you come up with the idea for Two Lives...One Diary? It's such a unique premise.

Well the main idea behind it all was actually given to me by my grandmother. By the time I had written another novella and she loved my style of writing and she said she had that idea for a long time. She had always wanted to write it and develop it but had never been able to do so. So she decided to trust me with it.

The idea she gave me though was pretty basic though, and it was based on what she does in her real life. See, whenever she has a bad experience, she pictures how that bad experience would be better and different in this world of hers, and she would imagine the whole thing. She explained to me how this world of hers is, more or less, and I adapted it to my own style and how I actually see that world myself. It goes without saying...that she loved it more than what she expected.

What was the writing process like?

I really love it. I mean yeah, it takes a lot of hard work really does. Sometimes you get stuck and don't know how to go from there, but when the words are just flowing, it is just amazing. It really is. Sometimes the words would just seem to write themselves, I felt like I was channeling the whole thing. I loved it and I will definitely repeat it.

Why do you prefer writing in first person?

I actually like both styles (third and first person) but I believe this one would be better in first person because of the topic itself. This guy that hasn't dreamed before and how he slowly starts to discover this dream world of his. So basically it gives readers the idea of what the character is going through. It is easier to evoke that feeling of uncertainty and most of all, I believe it connects the audience a lot more with the character.

Why do you think YA literature appeals to such a wide range of readers?

You know I am not sure. I think the name itself is miss-leading sometimes. People think Young Adult and they think that only teenagers and twenty-something people will like it. But like you say, it actually appeals to a wide range of readers for some reason. I think the main one is because of its simplicity. Sometimes we just want to read something that is just entertaining and flows quite easily. Another reason is because no matter how old we are, we always have a child within us. And perhaps this is the way some people connect to their inner-child.

Where do you hope your writing takes you?

Hopefully I can do it full-time. My main wish, like I stated, is to be able to get one of my books made into a movie. Seeing something that I imagined, in the big screen, must be just jaw-dropping. Hopefully if I do get there, I will also be able to help others achieve their goals as writers as well.

You're also studying computer science. What kinds of jobs will you do in the future with that knowledge?

It is a weird mix isn't it? Computer science and writer. I guess you never know. Right now one of my dreams career wise with Computer Science is to work at Google or Microsoft. Those are my dream companies. I have quite a few technological ideas that I wish to implement and they seem like the best companies to do so. But we shall see :).

What are you going to work on next?
Right now I am going to edit my first novella. The one I mentioned before. It is a time traveling sci-fi. I started reading it again and I couldn't believe I had actually written that, cause I actually loved it. It was a good feeling. But I wrote that when I was 15 (finished it when I was 16) so it definitely needs some work and hopefully I can make it a little bit longer and more polished. From there, I am already thinking on the sequel for that one. So perhaps I can pull off a trilogy from that one.

What are three to five things your readers may not know about you?

That's a good question...lets see: 1) My primary language is Spanish 2) I love time traveling, if a book/movie is related to time traveling, chances are I will love it (except for The Time Machine movie...go figure) 3) Back to the Future is my favorite trilogy 4) I believe the Matrix could be a possibility 5) I strongly believe in The Secret
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To learn more about J.M. Array and his writing, please visit his:

Official Blog
Twitter

To purchase his e-book novella, Two Lives...One Diary, it can be found here:

Amazon
Smashwords

(author and cover image courtesy of J.M. Array)

New Layout by Ella Press

2011-03-12T14:47:00.000-05:00

Hi! As you can see, DJ's Life in Fiction has received a beautiful makeover by the lovely Ella Press, the blogger behind Lauren Oliver's official fansite. I love the colors and the font, and think the header image goes really well with my stories, particularly Hunted. Ella has started her own site design business and if you're thinking of having a new layout made, I highly suggest her. I thoroughly enjoyed working with her! She not only asked me what I wanted to see, but also what I thought about this or that. She took everything I had to say into consideration and always notified me of a change. She finishes her work in a timely manner and is an all around great person. To check out her past designs and to learn more about her business, please check out her site:

Ella Press Studio

I'd love to hear what you all think of the new look! :-D

Book Blogger Hop: 3/11-3/14

2011-03-11T00:14:00.000-05:00

I haven't done the Book Blogger Hop in AGES! Okay, it hasn't been that long, but it's been a while. This lovely hop is hosted by Crazy for Books and you should hop on over there to see who else is participating this week. :-D This week's question is:

"If I gave you £50 (or $80) and sent you into a bookshop right now, what would be in your basket when you finally staggered to the till?"

Eighty dollars would not last long with me when in a bookstore, haha. Here's what I would probably buy:

Afterlife by Claudia Gray (I need a finished copy, teehee)

The Demon's Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan

The Sky Is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

Lemniscate by Jennifer Murgia

The Lost Saint by Bree Despain (Again, I need a finished copy, lol)

I'm not sure if those would actually add up to $80, but oh well. :-) Can't wait to see what everyone else would buy!

Afterlife by Claudia Gray

2011-03-10T09:41:00.000-05:00

Claudia Gray’s Evernight series continues to enthrall me. Every time I read one of the novels, I get sucked into an action-packed and extremely romantic story and am always left wanting, no, craving more. Sadly, though, Afterlife is the last novel in the series.

(Click here to read the synopsis)

Bianca makes such a great narrator and thanks to Ms. Gray, her character truly comes alive, no pun intended. Bianca’s struggle with who she is comes across believably and I understood where she was coming from. Ms. Gray has done a beautiful job giving Bianca a voice and a life, one that I can’t get enough of!

Lucas’ character undergoes a major change in Afterlife. Readers will know that he’s not exactly the same person he used to be and in the novel, he has to come to terms with his new life and overcomes his prejudices. His character is just as complex as Bianca’s and I was eagerly turning the pages to see what was in store for him.

Bianca and Lucas’ relationship is one of the main focuses of the novel and throughout the series Ms. Gray has painted their relationship in a beautiful and complex manner. Out of the other three books, I think Afterlife is the most romantic and it illustrates Bianca and Lucas’ love for each other amazingly.

Throughout the course of the series, Claudia Gray has thrown in twists that readers didn’t see coming and left them with questions they yearned to have answered. She has tied everything up and provides answers. A few things, in my opinion, were rushed, but they still made sense and were believable enough to keep the story going.

If you’re wondering, yes, I loved Afterlife. I’ll admit that I got a little emotional and I’m sad that the Evernight series has come to a close. But Claudia Gray has written a truly amazing ending and I can’t wait for readers to get swept away again in the action, the drama, and the romance they have come to love and cherish. I hope you all enjoy Bianca and Lucas' final chapter as much as I did and if you haven’t started this series yet, don’t wait any longer!

And It's Live

2011-03-08T01:00:00.000-05:00

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

It's still kind of a work-in-progress, so let me know if you think I should change/add anything! Oh, and I plan on posting new songs later this week on the new site. :-D

Official Website Coming Soon...

2011-03-07T15:39:00.000-05:00

Hey, guys. I just wanted to let you know that I'm working on creating an "official" website for myself, which I hope you all will check out and visit frequently once it's up. The site won't be just about my writing, though. I'm going to use it to post new songs and possibly some other creative endeavors of mine. This means that the links to my songs here on DJ's Life in Fiction will be removed. But on the new site, they'll be in little "players" so you no longer have to go and watch a video. The song will just be there, ready to be played! Hopefully you find that easier. :-)

Well, that's all for now! Thanks!

~DJ

Bad Taste in Boys by Carrie Harris

2011-03-04T00:00:00.001-05:00

Carrie Harris' Bad Taste in Boys is only the second zombie book I've read. Zombies kind of gross me out, so I haven't really imersed myself into the zombie world. But when I read the description for this, I knew I had to read it and I would just have to face my zombie fear, haha.

Boy, am I glad I read it.

Despite the dark and rather serious-looking cover, the book is quite hilarious. Ms. Harris has given Kate a great voice, one that had me smiling and laughing like a fool. Kate's thoughts and reactions are believable, and help readers relate to and like her. In regards to the writing, the descriptions are spot-on, not over-the-top, and are quick, yet effective. The dialogue is smooth and the conversations between Kate and Aaron is never cheesy.

I really liked that Kate has two good friends by her side and that they are always there to help her no matter what. I did think Rocky's reaction to the zombies came across as rushed and kind of unbelievable. Nonetheless, I was glad Rocky was involved and same goes for Kate's brother.

Although the zombies have cannibalistic tendencies, they didn't freak me out! Well, they kind of did, but not in an I'm-gonna-have-nightmares kind of way. The zombies provide a seriousness to the otherwise funny story, and I like that they're not used in an overly dramatic manner.

All in all, I thoroughly loved Bad Taste in Boys! There are Lady Gaga and Twilight references, which made me smile even more, and I truly hope Ms. Harris revisits these characters again with a new story. She is an author to watch and she has written a fun, quirky, zombie-tastic story that many will eat up. Pun fully intended. (Please note that this doesn't come out until July 12th)

When the Stars Go Blue by Caridad Ferrer

2011-03-03T00:00:00.001-05:00

image taken from Barnes and Noble's website

Caridad Ferrer's When the Stars Go Blue caught my attention with its gorgeous cover and intriguing description. Despite only knowing that Carmen is an opera and one of the songs is "La Habanera", I was really interested in seeing what the story had to offer. I was especially excited to see how the love triangle would turn out because, as we all know, I'm a nerd like that. What I found, however, was a story that was more than just about a dancer falling for two boys.

Ms. Ferrer's writing is simply beautiful and quite hilarious. Soledad's voice comes through clearly and Ms. Ferrer has captured a teen voice believably. Soledad's thoughts are hilarious and I really liked how she dealt with her conflicting feelings over Jonathon and Taz. Also, although she is a little heavier than the other dancers, I liked that she didn't strive to become a twig.

Jonathon and Soledad's relationship happens quickly, but I didn't mind. They're relationship plays an important role in the story, so I'm afraid I can't say anything more. But I will say that Taz proves to be a worthy competitor for Soledad's attention. :-D

I also really enjoyed Soledad's relationship with her grandmother. It's sweet, realistic, and kind of fun since her grandmother loves using tarot cards. Her grandmother's boyfriend is also a nice character and I'm glad he didn't turn out to be a creeper.

Overall, I simply loved When the Stars Go Blue. It's beautifully written and has a depth to it that adds to the beauty. I need to brush up on my Carmen knowledge to see how the story's events correlate to the opera, but if you're like me, you'll understand the story just fine without knowledge of the opera. This is a great contemporary read that will captivate you within the first few chapters.