SLEEPERS by Megg Jensen

 I'm super stoked to have the opportunity to announce this to you. Once upon a time, a few months back, I read a fabulous book. SLEEPERS by Megg Jensen. In fact, I was fortunate to have read an early draft before it was even published.

THE ANNOUNCEMENT

Introducing the new artwork for Megg Jensen's bestselling novel, SLEEPERS.

To celebrate the re-launch of SLEEPERS in January of 2012, Megg is giving it
a new cover with artwork from the incredible PhatPuppy.


Synopsis: An adoptee raised in a foreign land, sixteen-year-old Lianne was
content with her life as handmaiden to the queen, until a spell cast on her
at birth activated. Now she's filled with uncontrollable rage and access to
magic she thought had been bled from her people years ago. Even her years of
secret training in elite hand-to-hand combat and meditation can't calm the
fires raging inside her.

Her heart is torn between two boys, the one she's always loved and the one
who always ignored her. But when the kingdom threatens to tear itself apart
due to rumors surrounding the queen's alleged affair, who will Lianne
protect and who will she destroy?

On sale now for only 99 cents!

Isn't it beautiful??? I LOVE this new cover.

I also love this novel. So, if you haven't read it already, go buy it now. It's a steal at only 99 cents! Look, Megg gave us this cool little link to find out where we can buy her books from ----->  http://meggjensen.blogspot.com/p/where-to-buy-meggs-books.html

You can also find Megg and all her other great books on the web at these addresses:

Website: http://www.meggjensen.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/meggjensenauthor
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/meggjensen

Go check 'em. :) Have a great week! And enjoy the read.

Getting Sideways by Lisa Nowak (who is very awesome, btw)

Getting Sideways: Book 2 in the Full Throttle Series Getting shipped off to live with his uncle Race was the best thing that ever happened to fifteen-year-old Cody. Then a wreck at the speedway nearly ruined everything. Cody’s making every effort to get his life back on track—writing for the school paper, searching for the perfect girlfriend, and counting the days until he gets his drivers’ license—but there’s no escaping the nightmares that haunt him. A chance to build his own car seems like the perfect distraction. Until Cody realizes he’ll have to live up to Race’s legendary status. But that’s the least of his worries, considering he doesn’t have his dad’s permission. All he has to do is the impossible: keep Race from discovering his lie until he can convince his dad that racing’s safe. Yeah, sure. That’ll be easy.

• Buy it on Amazon
• Buy it at Barnes and Noble
• Buy it on Smashwords

Haven't read the first book? Running Wide Open is on sale now for 99 cents. Running Wide Open: Book 1 in the Full Throttle Series Cody Everett has a temper as hot as the flashpoint of racing fuel, and it's landed him at his uncle's trailer, a last-chance home before military school. But how can he take the guy seriously when he calls himself Race, eats Twinkies for breakfast, and pals around with rednecks who drive in circles every Saturday night? What Cody doesn't expect is for the arrangement to work. Or for Race to become the friend and mentor he's been looking for all his life. But just as Cody begins to settle in and get a handle on his supercharged temper, a crisis sends his life spinning out of control. Everything he's come to care about is threatened, and he has to choose between falling back on his old, familiar anger or stepping up to prove his loyalty to the only person he's ever dared to trust. Praise for Running Wide Open: "It doesn’t matter if you are a racing fan or not, Running Wide Open will captivate you and capture your heart." – Cari J, Amazon reviewer “The roar of engines practically explodes off the page in this compelling, heart-thumping debut. Cody Everett is a straight-shooter with attitude, smarts, and whip-cracking wit; he doesn’t pull any punches, and neither does author Lisa Nowak. The collision of Cody and the world of stock car racing makes for a great story, one of the best I’ve read in a long time. Running Wide Open is a book not to be missed.” - Christine Fletcher, author of Tallulah Falls and Ten Cents a Dance "The racing is easy to understand and does not get in the way of a rattling good story. I still couldn’t put it down on a re-read." – Elisabeth Miles, Amazon reviewer "We race stock cars during the summer and even though this is a recommended read for Young Adults, we are seniors and enjoyed every page. We can hardly wait for the sequel to come out. MUST READING!" – Maxci Jermann, Barnes and Noble reviewer "I say read this book, it’s fun, it’s beautiful, it’s a very cool read that will give you a feel-good state of mind. Awesome read." - L.E.Olteano, Butterfly-o-meter Books

• Buy it on Amazon
• Buy it at Barnes and Noble
• Buy it on Smashwords

Author Bio: In addition to being a YA author, Lisa Nowak is a retired amateur stock car racer, an accomplished cat whisperer, and a professional smartass. She writes coming-of-age books about kids in hard luck situations who learn to appreciate their own value after finding mentors who love them for who they are. She enjoys dark chocolate and stout beer and constantly works toward employing wei wu wei in her life, all the while realizing that the struggle itself is an oxymoron. Lisa has no spare time, but if she did she’d use it to tend to her expansive perennial garden, watch medical dramas, take long walks after dark, and teach her cats to play poker. For those of you who might be wondering, she is not, and has never been, a diaper-wearing astronaut. She lives in Milwaukie, Oregon, with her husband, four feline companions, and two giant sequoias. Connect with Lisa online:

• Twitter: http://twitter.com/Lisa_Nowak
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LisaNowakAuthor
• Google +: http://bit.ly/LisaNowakGooglePlus
• Blog: http://lisanowak.wordpress.com/
• Subscribe to her newsletter for updates about coming attractions: http://bit.ly/LisaNowakNewsletter

Someday Famous YA Author -- P.J. Hoover!

There's this author. I've seen her book, Solstice, around for a while now, and I recently bought it. I'm super excited about reading it. My friend, Megg Jensen, has read it and absolutely loved it. It's a must read.

Today, I'm pleased to introduce to the Someday Famous YA Author series, P.J. Hoover.

About P.J.

P. J. Hoover first fell in love with Greek mythology in sixth grade thanks to the book Mythology by Edith Hamilton. After a fifteen year bout as an electrical engineer designing computer chips for a living, P. J. decided to take her own stab at mythology and started writing books for kids and teens. P. J. is also a member of THE TEXAS SWEETHEARTS and SCOUNDRELS. When not writing, P. J. spends time with her husband and two kids and enjoys practicing Kung Fu, solving Rubik's cubes, and watching Star Trek. Her first novel for teens, Solstice, takes place in a Global Warming future and explores the parallel world of mythology beside our own. Her middle grade fantasy novels, The Emerald Tablet, The Navel of the World, and The Necropolis, chronicle the adventures of a boy who discovers he’s part of two feuding worlds hidden beneath the sea.

Q AND A

Thanks so much for hosting me! I’m honored to be here! 

1. What made you decide to include global warming in your novel, Solstice?

Well, at first it seemed like just a nice twist. I have zero idea how it first came to me, but once the idea implanted, I found it perfect. That said, the whole global warming aspect blossomed into so much more than I ever could have imagined.

2. The cover is gorgeous! How was the cover designed? Did you have any input?

Thank you! I also kind of feel like I won the cover lottery 

I sent in ideas and words that came to mind when I thought of SOLSTICE, but ultimately, my agency picked the stock photo that was going to be used. It was nothing like I had imagined, but I found it to be perfect and really convey the sense of the novel. The cover artist took it from there, and the final result is what you see.

3. What inspired you to write Solstice?

Well, I adore mythology. And I always wanted to write a myth retelling. And so that is what I set out to do. But I surprised myself with the final result, because SOLSTICE is not really a retelling at all, but more a what happens after the myth. Kind of like a sequel to Mythology 101. 

4. OMG! Tell us about how you learned to solve a Rubik's Cube in under 2 minutes? Was this a skill you learned as a kid?

LOL! As a kid, I was able to get one side. But when I hit my thirties, I started doing some soul searching. I learned to solve the Rubik’s Cube. I memorized Kubla Khan by Samuel Coleridge. I started Kung Fu. And I started writing novels. I have to admit the Rubik’s Cube makes a nice party trick. People are always impressed, and it is fun to do.

5. Do you still work as an engineer or are you a full-time writer now?

I’m a full-time writer now. I have two kids (ten and seven), and so the writing job gives me way more time to spend with them. I love the balance of motherhood and writing. The kids help me with brainstorming and give me lots of ideas, and the writing gives me a purpose besides cleaning toilets when they are at school.

Thank you again for letting me be here!

ABOUT SOLSTICE

Piper's world is dying. Global warming kills every living thing on Earth, and each day brings hotter temperatures and heat bubbles which threaten to destroy humanity. Amid this Global Heating Crisis, Piper lives with her mother who suffocates her more than the chaotic climate. When her mother is called away to meet the father Piper has been running from her entire life, Piper seizes an opportunity for freedom.

But when Piper discovers a world of mythology she never knew existed, she realizes her world is not the only one in crisis. While Gods battle for control of the Underworld, Piper's life spirals into turmoil, and she struggles to find answers to secrets kept from her since birth. And though she's drawn to her classmate Shayne, he may be more than he claims. Piper has to choose whom she can trust and how she can save the people she loves even if it means the end of everything she's ever known.


Check out the awesome Trailer! 

I know you'll want to buy this book right this second. Get it on Amazon for only 99 cents!

Thank you, PJ Hoover, for taking the time answer my questions. It's been fun! And thank you, the readers, for checking the interview out.

Someday Famous YA Author -- C.K. Bryant

Today we have the awesome opportunity to meet the author of the YA novel, BOUND, C.K. Bryant, Q and A Style.

C.K. Bryant is a loving wife and mother of two wonderful boys, living in Magic Valley, Idaho. Her debut novel, BOUND, is now available on Amazon. 

Q: Congratulations on the release of your debut novel, Bound. What is one thing you think you will enjoy about being a published author?

A: Thanks. I think the best thing about being published is being read. I've waited so long to have my story out there for readers to enjoy that hearing how others love the story has been almost euphoric. Nothing brings me more joy than to hear someone say they loved the story and can't wait for book two.

Q: What is Dark CARMA?

A: Dark C.A.R.M.A. was originally a group of five authors who had banned together to pool their resources and connections to launch their debut novels. Each letter of CARMA stood for the first letter of each other author's name. Unfortunately, two of the authors dropped out because their books weren't ready, leaving us as Dark CAR.  Not exactly a great name, so we just kept it CARMA since that's what everyone knew us as. The concept to ban together was a great one. More exposure, more money for marketing, more brain power for awesome ideas. In the end, it still worked out well and I think we pleased the people who won all the wonderful books and prizes.

Q: What inspired you to write Bound?

A: It sounds cliche, but Bound evolved after I had a very vivid dream. I don't usually remember my dreams, but this one stuck with me for days and just wouldn't leave me alone. I told a friend about it and she suggested I write it down, that it might let go then. I took her advice, but instead of letting go, it grew into a 4 book series. I love the story and the characters have become my best friends over the past two years. Sharing that friendship with others has been a phenomenal experience.

Q: On the "Other Projects" tab on your blog, you have several works going. What can your readers expect next?

A: My next project is to work on BROKEN, the second book in THE CRYSTOR Series. It's been written for a year or so, but it needs some work. I hope to have it out in the spring. After that, I hope to work on Aquatara and the three other books in that series. I think the young adult market will like the concept of a water spirit and her story has been on my mind a lot lately.

Q: What's one question that no one else has asked you during interviews that you'd wished they had--and answer it.

A: Oh, wow. I haven't done a lot of interviews, so this is a hard one. I love unique questions, so maybe something like, "Who was the first person who believed in you as a writer?" I didn't have a lot of support growing up. My parents didn't encourage me to do anything creative. To them it was a hobby and a waste of time. So the first person that believed in me and my talent as a writer was ME. That's important, because we have to believe in ourselves before anyone else will. There have been many who believed in me throughout the years, but when I'm struggling to find the right words and doubting my abilities, I have to reflect back on the days when it was just me and my muse.

Thank you so much for this opportunity, Angela. You've been such a gracious host.

And thank you, C.K., for participating in this blog series.

Now, a little about the awesome book, BOUND.

When a photo shoot ends in tragedy, Kira discovers her best friend, Lydia, has been keeping a secret. Knowing the truth, and accepting it, will change Kira’s life forever and thrust her into a world of ancient curses, magical objects, and savage enemies. What happens next will challenge everything Kira knows about her world, herself and the shape-shifting warrior she’s falling in love with. No longer the timid mouse her mother accused her of being, but a woman who finds the mental and physical strength to endure and survive. BOUND is a heroic tale of true friendship, infinite sacrifice and untamed love.

First off, OMG. I love this cover. Second on (get it? lol), this sounds like a great book!


For more information on C.K., check out her blog or buy her book on Amazon. You may also want to get familiar with the other Dark C.A.R.M.A. authors. 

Someday Famous YA Author -- Elle Strauss

Today we have the pleasure of meeting Elle Strauss, author of CLOCKWISE.

ABOUT CLOCKWISE:

A teenage time traveler accidentally takes her secret crush back in time. Awkward.
(12+)

Boy watching with her best friend would be enough excitement for fifteen year old Casey Donovan. She doesn't even mind life at the bottom of the Cambridge High social ladder, if only she didn’t have this other much bigger problem. Unscheduled trips to the nineteenth century!

When Casey gets talked into going to the Fall Dance, the unthinkable happens--she accidentally takes Nate Mackenzie, the cutest boy in the school, back in time.

Protocol pressures her to tell their 1860 hosts that he is her brother and when Casey finds she has a handsome, wealthy (and unwanted) suitor, something changes in Nate. Are those romantic sparks or is it just ‘brotherly’ protectiveness?

When they return to the present things go back to the way they were before: Casey at the bottom of the social totem pole and Nate perched on the very the top. Except this time her heart is broken. Plus, her best friend is mad, her parents are split up, and her little brother gets escorted home by the police. The only thing that could make life worse is if, by some strange twist of fate, she took Nate back to the past again.

Which of course, she does.

 Sounds pretty cool, right? Now, let's meet Elle, Q and A Style

Q: Why time travel?

A: I'm never really sure how to answer this question. I think I like the puzzle effect of time travel, the complications that occur when two time frames overlap and how to untangle it.

Q: The cover for CLOCKWISE is very different from most YA covers out there now. I love it! How did you come up with such a great cover?

A: I actually did a vlog on the evolution of the cover. http://youtu.be/4QBwsKi6yI4 The short version is it's my 17year old daughter's concept and sketch which I took to a guy who's good with Adobe Illustrator. You can watch the vlog to see how that evolved step by step and the story behind it.


Q: I recently read on your blog you are planning the second and third book, that "Clockwise" will become a series. Awesome! Was this novel intentionally written for a series? Will the series be a continuation in the storyline or a new story altogether?

A: I'm in the midst of writing the sequel right now. I didn't originally plan a sequel for this story line, but was (and still am) planning a companion book featuring a character who shows up briefly towards the end. I put Clockwise up on Wattpad and the readers there started clamoring (yes, actual clamoring ensued) for a sequel. A subplot I'd cut from the first book is now the main plot in the second and has made opportunity for a third. So to answer your question, each book will be able to stand alone, but they will work better as a set. In other words, same characters, different situations.

Q: If you could go back in time for one hour, where would you go?


A: Funny you should ask that. I would go to New York in 1924 to the El Fey Club, and dance the Charleston. If you tell me (on twitter @elle_strauss or Facebook Elle Strauss - author) what year you'd go back to for one hour and what you'd do, I'll enter you in for a chance to win time travel YA novel, TEMPEST by Julie Cross. Use the hashtag #onehourbackintime

Thanks for having me, Angela!

Thank you, Elle, for answering our questions AND for offering such a cool contest! Hey everybody, go buy CLOCKWISE now. And when you're done, enter Elle's contest to win TEMPEST!

Find CLOCKWISE on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. The ebook is only 99 cents for a limited time!

A Shiny New

I'm pounding away on Spider Wars and it's turning out to be quite different than Loramendi's Story. It's dark and creepy, just what you'd expect a story with spider shifters to be, but not in a heebie jeebie sort of way. In a totally stellar, rock your socks off way.

For now, I'll tease you with a blurb and a fantastic cover--you're going to love this cover. I do. ♥ Robin Ludwig has wooed me again with her cover art skills.

Jess' life has never been ordinary. After all, life on the road with an immortal family of gypsies is hardly predictable. Living in the small town of White Salmon, Washington has brought some normality to her life. But when her cheating, unofficial boyfriend, Nicu, gets involved with a group of arachno-shifters, life gets a little sticky. Will she be able to save him from the web he's spun? More importantly, how much is she willing to risk at a chance at love?

Spider Wars 

A Lords of Shifters Novel

by Angela Carlie

Coming 2012

Lazy Saturday Mornings Rock

It's raining. It's Saturday. I have the house to myself. And I don't have to work. Can you feel it?

To not cut into any writing time, I'll make this brief by giving you answers to the most heated did-you-knows-?. Click on the covers for more information.

Did you know Land of Corn Chips is FREE on Amazon Kindle? I'm not sure how long this will last (hopefully not too long so I can buy some groceries this month--j/k) so go snatch up your copy today!

Did you know you could win a copy of the much anticipated third book in the Cloud Prophet Trilogy, Severed, by Megg Jensen, simply by asking her a question on her blog before November 10th? Go do it now and get it over with. It's super easy. You'll help her as well as yourself all at once!

Did you know you can get yet another book for free today? Stacey Wallace Benefiel's YA novel, Glimpse, is also FREE on Amazon Kindle. Dudes and dudettes, your weekend entertainment is given to you this week. Awesome!

Now, get a cup of hot chocolate, cozy up to a blanket next to a fire, and enjoy a great story or two.