Giveaway ebook of Bittersweet by Kimberly Loth and $10 donated for suicide prevention charity of choice

Bittersweet by Kimberly Loth

Every Sunday Savannah Ray gets an email from her dead dad. She doesn’t know how the emails work but she’s finally ready to start looking for answers. To find those answers she has to go to the one place she swore she’d never set foot in after he died—Haunted Valley, the amusement park. Once there and on the hunt for answers she is distracted by the charming Dallas and falls hard for him. When the answers she finds aren’t what she expected and Dallas betrays her, Savannah must make a choice—succumb to the insanity that destroyed her father or find the strength to rise above it.

Social media links–

https://www.facebook.com/kimberlylothbooks

http://kimberlyloth.com

https://www.amazon.com/author/kimberlyloth

Twitter: @kimberlyloth



Kimberly Loth can’t decide where she wants to settle down. She’s lived in Michigan, Illinois, Missouri, Utah, California, Oregon, and South Carolina. She finally decided to make the leap and leave the U.S. behind for a few years. Currently, she lives in Cairo, Egypt with her husband and two kids.
She is a high school math teacher by day (please don’t hold that against her) and YA author by night. She loves romantic movies, chocolate, roses, and crazy adventures.

--How did you get the idea for the story?  This book actually came about as a result of two different story ideas that I combined. My dad killed himself four years ago and I knew I wanted to write a story about girl who went through that grief. I also worked at an amusement park one summer and that was so full of good stories I knew a book had to come from there. I mashed them together and Bittersweet was born.

--What are some of your favorite books? Do you still have much time to read?

I’m a huge Harry Potter fan. I also love anything that is romantic like Twilight (yep, I’m a huge fan and I refuse to be ashamed of that.)  I don’t have nearly as much time to read as I would like. My favorite reads recently are from the indie realm. Talented by Sophie Davis and You are Mine by Janeal Falor.

--If a fairy godmother told you could be put into the world of your favorite book for 24 hours, which book would you pick and why?

Harry Potter, of course. I’m not sure I need to explain why.

--Do you need anything to write (music, coffee, etc)? Are there any songs on your playlist- songs that inspired you or that were playing while you wrote?

Music for sure. No Internet helps a lot so I often write on the bus to and from work. It’s 30-45 minutes of complete uninterrupted time.

--Besides writing, what do you like to do in your free time?

I love watching sitcoms like Big Bang Theory and Modern Family. I also like working on my family history and playing games with my family.

--What is one thing you would tell your 15 year old self?

No boyfriend is better than a bad boyfriend.

--Is there anything else you want to add or say to your readers?

I hope you enjoy the book. Thanks for reading!!

Lightning round: this or that?

Vanilla or chocolate? Chocolate

Video or Board Games? Board Games

Summer or Winter? Both

Edward or Jacob? Jacob

Hockey or soccer? Hockey

Ebook or paper? Ebook (but that is only because I live overseas and I can’t get paper that easily).

Salty or sweet? Sweet

Beach or mountains? Both

Phone call or email? Email

Early bird or night owl? Early Bird

Dog or cat? Cat

Messy or neat? Messy

Ninjas or pirates? Pirates (Captain Jack Sparrow…..)

Excerpt:
<br /> We met at Cracker Barrel, which was just mom indulging me. My favorite meal in the whole world was biscuits and gravy from Cracker Barrel. If I could I’d subsist on chocolate alone, but I tried that right after Dad died and nearly ended up in the hospital. <br /> “Grant just texted me that he already has a table. We’ll eat and then you two need to get on the road,” Mom said.<br /> I recognized him immediately even though I’d only met him twice before, once at a family reunion and then again at the funeral. He had the same dark hair and eyes my dad had. Except skinnier. Grant gave my mom an awkward hug and shook Dave’s hand. They all smiled at each other. I sat down before he could touch me at all. <br /> He tugged at his collar and smiled at me. It wasn’t a real smile, it was the kind of smile you gave when you felt like you were supposed to smile but didn’t really want to.<br /> “So, Savannah, how was your school year?”<br /> “Oh, fine. I got suspended, barely passed my classes since I wasn’t allowed to take the finals, and got dumped by my boyfriend.”<br /> This was a test. If he were like my dad, he’d say something funny to lighten the mood. Dad hated anything serious. <br /> Grant frowned and fidgeted with the menu. “I’m sorry to hear that. I hope this summer will be better for you.”<br /> Fat chance of that. I rolled my eyes. He seemed so unsure of himself. Which was odd, because Dad was always the life of the party and completely in control of social situations. This aspect of him I didn’t inherit. Well, I did. I used to have it, but then he died and I threw it away.<br /> They made small talk until the food arrived. Grant didn’t try addressing me again. Probably didn’t want me to tell him how horrible my life was. Just as the food arrived I hiccupped. Damn. My mother glared at me and Teddy giggled.<br /> Hiccups are part of the family curse. Through my dad’s side, of course. We didn’t just hiccup. We made a loud and obnoxious noise that was more like a crow cawing. There was no way to get rid of them, I just had to wait them out. My mother always had new suggestions on how to stop them and they never worked. My hiccups were unbelievably embarrassing in class, but mostly they just reminded me that I’d inherited a curse that killed my great-grandfather during the Depression, my grandfather after Vietnam, and most recently my dad. There were other signs of the curse, but the first was always the hiccups. When I was little I thought the whole thing was about the hiccups, that my grandfathers died of hiccups. It wasn’t until a few years before my dad finally died from the wretched curse that he tried to convince me that hiccups had nothing to do with it. Sometimes, I still thought the hiccups were going to kill me.<br /> “Damn curse,” I muttered.<br /> Grant put his fork down. “Not you too.”<br /> “Excuse me?” I asked.<br /> “Your Dad was always going on about the curse. It doesn’t exist. He made it up as a party story to deflect attention off of his hiccups.”<br /> “That doesn’t make it any less real. He’s dead, isn’t he?” I met his eyes. Those tiny almost-black eyes that were just like Dad’s. <br /> “From a disease, not a curse.” <br /> “Disease, curse, same thing.” <br /> He put his fork down and crossed his arms. “It is not the same thing, if your Dad had recognized it as a disease then he would not be dead.”<br /> I opened my mouth to argue, but my mother cleared her throat. Grant and I looked at her and then turned our attention back to food.<br /> The rest of dinner was tense and silent. Except for Teddy jabbering on about Thomas the Train. To try to distract myself I listened to him intently. Half way through dinner, Grant looked at me but spoke to my mother.<br /> “Savannah will have orientation on Tuesday. She’ll have to spend tomorrow getting up to dress code.”<br /> My head jerked up and I wasn’t sure I heard him correctly. <br /> “I’m sorry, what?” I asked.<br /> “Your nails can’t be black. You can paint them a light pink, but no black or bright colors. You’ll have to remove the ring in your eyebrow.” I dropped my fork. This would not do at all.<br /> “What about brown, can I paint them brown?” I wanted to continue, to explain that my nails were not black at all, but a dark brown of the richest chocolate. The kind that comes from Argentina. They couldn’t be black, because I threw the black nail polish away after Candie betrayed me and I shaved all the hair off my head. Before I could finish, he shook his head and took a bite of his omelet. I glared at my mom. <br /> “You didn’t tell me they were going to make me change the way I look.”<br /> She shrugged. “I didn’t know. But you’ll do it.”<br /> “I can’t remove my eyebrow ring, it will close up.” My palms began to sweat. This was not the way I’d envisioned my summer. Pretending to be someone else. I was eighteen and they weren’t going to boss me around.<br /> Grant scowled. <br /> “If you want a job you will,” he held my gaze, which was hard because it was like staring straight into my father’s eyes. <br /> “I don’t want a job anyway.” I shoved a biscuit in my mouth, emptying my plate, and waited for him to retort. He just looked at my mother and sighed. Perhaps he thought he was getting a docile little girl that would do whatever he wanted. The eyebrow ring would stay. I’d see to that.<br /> In the end they decided I could put a clear stud in it. <br /> Win-win. Not.<br /> <br /> <br />

Giveaway for: ebook of Bittersweet by Kimberly Loth and $10 donated for suicide prevention charity of choice US/UK

If under 18, must have parent's permission.
No Purchase Necessary
Open: 4/25- 5/16
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Void where prohibited by law
-If you win a review on your blog and/or amazon is appreciated but not required.

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Giveaway: Happy 4th Blogversary to Me

I wrote my first review on the blog on June 5th 2010, putting my blog at four years old this past week. (I did some contest promoting before then as well as a few crochet patterns)

• Review: Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead

Since then I have written about 1750 posts, with about 550 being reviews.



-Book of choice (Int)
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-Ends on 7/5/2014 11:59 pm EST
-If you win a review on your blog and/or amazon is appreciated but not required.

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-3 Prize Packs-- YA ARCs. US only unless pay shipping
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-Ends on 6/14/2014 11:59 pm EST
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The Messenger, Blessed, Dissonance, and Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe (US only unless pay shipping)

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Vacation Celebration: Book of Choice Giveaway

So, I have been in NJ and Boston this week as many of you probably already know. I probably didn't get around to commenting on many blogs if at all, because it is our late anniversary trip while me and the hubs are in Boston.

I have some possibly lonely reviews that I'd love comments on and I will make sure to come around and visit once back at home. (Comments on these will also get you extra entries)

• Review: The Elite by Kiera Cass
• Review: Taken by Erin Bowman
• Review: Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi

And The Rules by Kade goes live on 4/2


-book of choice giveaway open internationally
-Fill out Rafflecopter to enter
-Ends on 4/27/2013 11:59 pm EST

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Giveaway and Guest Post: Amber Frost, Silver Dew and Sapphire Sun by Suzi Davis

The winner gets the whole series! See below for book descriptions, giveaway details, and our guest posts of Tweets from the characters.
Book 1

Amber Frost by Suzi Davis

Grace Lynn Stevenson is an eighteen year old girl who recently moved with her wealthy, but busy parents to a new city. She's popular, pretty and rich - what more could a girl want? But deep down, she's sad, lonely and plagued by nightmares.
When she meets Sebastian Caldwood at her new private school, she's inexplicably drawn to him and his strange tattoos. Sebastian always gets what he wants - he simply has to wish it; but he's fighting his own inner demons, and struggling to remember a past that eludes him. When he remembers that he is much older than he looks, he realizes that he's seen many people live and die, including Grace.
Once Sebastian realizes his true nature and finds what he has been searching for the past hundreds of years, he also realizes that it is now up to him to protect Grace from the dangers that have plagued them throughout eternity.

Book 2

Silver Dew by Suzi Davis

Just weeks before graduating from high school, Grace is running for her life with her magical and mysterious boyfriend, Sebastian, by her side. An ancient magic has been awakened inside of Grace that is powerful, frightening and barely within her control. The Others, who possess their own dangerous magic, are hunting them, and their only hope is for Grace to learn how to harness her incredible powers to stop them. The answers they seek are hidden within a life lived thousands of years ago, shrouded in mystery, magic and deceit. When their past catches up to them, Grace and Sebastian are faced with a truth that shakes the foundation of their relationship, their lives and everything they thought they knew. It is up to Grace to learn to control the Lost Magic, to right the wrongs that have been done, and to discover once and for all, who she really is.

Book 3

Sapphire Sun by Suzi Davis

You can't escape the past. You can try to forget but it never truly leaves you. It is a part of who are you are; it has shaped you, it will shape your future. It is the shadow behind you. You can't outrun it, you can't hide from it or deny it - the past will always exist. Who you once were is still a part of who you are today. This, I now understand.
My name is Gracelynn Stevenson. I tried to destroy The Lost Magic. I tried to erase the past. I tried to make things go back to the way that they once were. I failed. And now all the happiness I thought I had found, has been lost to the shadows...

Publishes in US: February 28th 2013 by Central Avenue Publishing
Genre: YA paranormal
Source: publisher for review
Series? Yes. The 3rd (see my review) 1st is Amber Frost (see my review), 2nd is Silver Dew (see my review)

Find Suzi online: site   twitter  blog

Sapphire Sun Character Tweets:

Gracelynn @callmeGracelynn

I’m a recent high school grad working at a Victoria art gallery. I love to dance, laugh and be outdoors.

Sebastian @Irishpoet

Old soul, new ideas. 19 yr old musician with an ear for languages. Not sure where I’m from but I’ll know where I’m going when I get there.

David @theOtherDavid

25. Student. From Europe but staying in Victoria with friends, for now.

Sebastian

Watching the moon set and the sun rise, and thinking about @callmeGracelynn.

Gracelynn

Dreaming of you always @Irishpoet. But why aren’t you sleeping?

Sebastian

@callmeGracelynn I wish I could dream of you every night instead of the things I do. #baddreams #insomniac #thenightsarelongwithoutyou

Gracelynn

@IrishPoet It doesn’t have to be this way. My door is always open...

David

@callmeGracelynn @IrishPoet Trying to keep my mouth shut. #loveisforfools #sleepisforthedead #stopbeingsodamnmushy #embarassedforyou

Gracelynn

@theOtherDavid Thanks for holding back. #jerk

@IrishPoet why are you friends with him again?

Sebastian

@callmeGracelynn Don’t worry about @theOtherDavid. He’s just sad and lonely.

David

@IrishPoet Yes, that’s exactly it.

Have any friends you want to introduce me to @callmeGracelynn?

Gracelynn

@theOtherDavid No. #hellno

David

@callmeGracelynn what? Don’t you have any friends?

Sebastian

@theOtherDavid @callmeGracelynn Easy you two. Play nice.

David

@IrishPoet I’m always nice.

Gracelynn

@theOtherDavid Yes, too nice for any of my friends. #thatsexactlyit

Sebastian

@theOtherDavid ha!

David

@callmeGracelynn touché

@callmeGracelynn @IrishPoet can’t we all just get along?

Sebastian

@theOtherDavid friends forever #youknowyoulovethemushystuff

Gracelynn

Sometimes it does feel like I’ve known you both forever. @IrishPoet @theOtherDavid

David

It certainly feels like I’ve known you too long. @IrishPoet @callmeGracelynn

Gracelynn

@theOtherDavid you’re hilarious. But I wonder how long we have known you? I wish I could remember more from before the explosion. So many questions…

Gracelynn

What were we doing in the underground temple in Greece? Why do we all suffer the same memory loss and strange nightmares?

Gracelynn

@IrishPoet @theOtherDavid What’s the connection? #Ineedtoknow #thisiswhatkeepsmeawake

David

I don’t think this is the right time or place to discuss this @callmeGracelynn.

Sebastian

@callmeGracelynn I think @theOtherDavid might be right. #neverthoughtIwouldsayit

Gracelynn

It’s never the right time. I know there’s something important we’ve forgotten, something... imperative. Something’s not right @IrishPoet.

Don’t you feel it too? @IrishPoet @theOtherDavid

David

@callmeGracelynn …we’ll talk later.

Sebastian

@theOtherDavid what’s there to talk about?

This is what I feel: I love you @callmeGracelynn and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. That’s all I need to know. That’s all that matters. #leavethepastinthepast

Sebastian

@callmeGracelynn ? #dontbeangry

Sebastian

@callmeGracelynn Is your door still open?

Gracelynn

@IrishPoet for you, always. #Imnotgivinguponthis

Sebastian

@callmeGracelynn I’m coming up. I promise I’ll make you forget.

Gracelynn

@IrishPoet I’m counting the seconds.

David

@IrishPoet @callmeGracelynn Have fun kids. I’m going out.

Sebastian

@theOtherDavid now? What are you up to?

David

@IrishPoet a little bit of this, a little bit of that. I’ll be back before the sun. #dontwaitup

Gracelynn

Always so mysterious @theOtherDavid .

David

@callmeGracelynn I could say the same of you. Later.

Gracelynn

@theOtherDavid Later.

- copy, open internationally

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Book Giveaway and Author Interview: She Speaks to Angels by Ami Blackwelder

She Speaks to Angels by Ami Blackwelder

What if everything you believed was a lie?A Suicide
Seventeen-year-old Allison Maney attends Millennium High School in Manhattan. Nothing out-of-the-ordinary, unless you consider the occasional suicides at the school. At least that is what everyone is told, what everyone believes. But Tommy Bachelor was a popular football player, why would he jump off the roof of the school?
Dangerous Liaisons
When Dameon pays attention to Ali, she could't be more excited, because for the past three months he was all she could think about. But now that Dameon is finally pining for her affections, she is becoming more and more wrapped up in a clique-of-three, who as new transfers to the school are proving to be trouble. But at least Dameon loves her, doesn't he?
Kian- a dangerous love interest she did not ask for.
Powers- belonging to an underworld she never knew existed.
A Clique- that could be friends or foes?
A Soul Purpose
The underworld of angels and demons have one thing on their mind -Earth.
Demons want to do what they want.
Angels want to protect humans from these rogue angels, AKA: Demons
For Allison Maney, everything is not exactly what it seems…
A Suspenseful Romance
Caught between Dameon and Kian, the suicide and the clique-of-three,
Ali won't know who to trust…or who to love.

VIDEO LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWorXi8Rxv8
PURCHASE LINK: http://www.amazon.com/She-Speaks-Angels-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B007PSPT5Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1334668987&sr=8-1
WEBSITE: http://amiblackwelder.blogspot.com

-kindle copy, open internationally

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-Ends on 2/3/2013 11:59 pm EST

-Make sure to check out and comment on our interview below for an extra entry

-If you win a review on your blog and/or amazon is appreciated but not required.

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How did I Write A YA Angel Thriller?

I have always been fascinated by angels, from stories on television, to the Bible and other books, angels have been around for a long time . I’ve read a few angel stories too. But none of them have been what I wanted. None of them were as good as I thought they’d be. Most angel stories follow the cliche of a so-called ‘fallen angel’ whose storyline rips of scenes from the Bible.

I wanted something different, something mysterious.

I enjoy reading and writing YA and I also enjoy mysteries and thrillers. So, I decided to combine all three elements. YA. Angels. Thrillers. But how?

The Angel Angle:

I didn’t want the typical angel-boy falls for human girl and they live off their undying, forbidden love story. So, that is how my characters Dameon, Kian, Nathaniel, and Krysta were born. I wanted to keep the reader guessing as to who is the angel and who the main character Ali Maney will actually love. A certain level of unpredictability.

The YA Angle:

I wanted to tell a story a YA audience would enjoy and so wrote the story in first person. Ali Maney is the main character and we follow the story with her. A typical teenager at Millennium High School in NY, the reader will be able to relate to her down-to-Earth personality. Her curiosity; however, is what draws her into this world of angels.

The Thriller Angle:

To have a thriller you have to have bad guys. So, naturally I picked the demons. Demons in my book can be various forms of fallen angels. Some demons are just angels that have fallen, but many of the demons are Were demons and fanged demons. Angels and demons have rules to follow and when they don’t they loose their angel wings, their angel gifts and powers...in their place are fangs or Were hair or simply having no power.

To add to this thrill, the main character and the readers do not know who to trust until by the middle of the book. This keeps the reader on their toes.

The Mystery Angle:

There is a suicide very early on, in the first chapter. This is the ongoing mystery through-out the novel until Ali Maney closes in on who the demons really are. This also invites a bit of thrill, and also keeps the intrigue going.

I think this is a story many YA will love, and in fact many adults will enjoy as well.

The novel is live April 6th on kindle exclusively.

SHE SPEAKS TO ANGELS

Book Giveaway and Author Interview: Secret of the Songshell by Brian Tashima

Secret of the Songshell by Brian Tashima

Joel Suzuki gets a huge surprise when he bumps into his favorite rock star while walking down the street. You see, this particular rock star – multiplatinum bandleader Marshall Byle - is supposed to be dead.
Joel gets an even bigger surprise when Marshall makes him the offer of a lifetime: the chance to become a rock star himself. There's a catch, of course, but this one is a little different. To unlock the shortcut to success, Joel must travel to an alternate world where his unique brain waves can be combined with the sound waves of music to create magical effects. If he can learn to harness these powers, he will be able to write songs that capture the hearts of millions.
As a sensitive sixteen-year-old with Asperger's Syndrome living in a single-parent home, Joel leads a stressful life full of bullies, bad grades and money woes. Figuring that stardom will solve all of his problems, he accepts Marshall’s offer. But once Joel arrives in the new world, he finds himself faced with an unexpected audition that is unlike anything he has ever imagined. . . .

- paperback copy, open internationally
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-Ends on 1/28/2013 11:59 pm EST
-Make sure to check out and comment on our interview below for an extra entry
-If you win a review on your blog and/or amazon is appreciated but not required.
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Find Brian:

Website: www.thespectralandsaga.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheSpectralandSaga
Twitter: @SpectralandSaga
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=secret+of+the+songshell
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/180939

--The Twitter version: tell us about your book in 140 characters or less.

A teen guitarist with Asperger’s Syndrome goes to a world where his brain waves, along with the sound waves of music, can produce magic.

--How did you get the idea for the story?

A few years ago, my son asked me to write him a book. Most of my creative writing over the years had been songwriting, so I wasn’t sure where to begin, even though I’d been an avid reader all my life and writing a book was something I’d always wanted to do.

So I started with the old saying: “write what you know.” I thought about how my son – who has Asperger’s Syndrome – can do a lot of amazing things that almost seem like magic or superpowers to me. I combined that idea with what I know best (music), and that was how it all started.

--Which character would you most/least like to have dinner with?

A character from my book? I’d like to have dinner with Marshall Byle, the rock star that tells my protagonist about the secrets to stardom. He has some pretty good backstage stories and can afford to pick up the check.

--Do you have any other works in progress? Any teasers or release dates?

I’m currently hard at work on the follow-up to Secret of the Songshell. Both books are part of a planned series of seven books called The Spectraland Saga. My goal is to release the follow-up in the fall of 2013. People are already asking me “where’s the second book?” so the pressure is on.

--What book(s) is your book’s “cousin”? (Similar set-up or style)

Without apology or excuse, I’m going to reference good old Harry Potter here. My son and I both love that series, and it was a big influence on Secret of the Songshell. My book wants to be just like cousin Harry when it grows up.

I will say that, while I was writing Songshell, I was also reading East of Eden, so some of that might have crept in there as well.

--What are some of your favorite books? Do you still have much time to read?

I devoured fantasy of all types as a kid – Tolkein; Piers Anthony; David Eddings; Katherine Kurtz; on and on. My favorite books are the ones that force you to postpone real life while you read just one more chapter. The Hunger Games was the last book to have that effect on me.

I don’t have a lot of free time, but I love to read, and I do it whenever I possibly can.

--If a fairy godmother told you could be put into the world of your favorite book for 24 hours, which book would you pick and why?

I’m going to say my book! I’m not on the Autism spectrum myself, so I wouldn’t have the same abilities that my character does, but it would be a blast to see my imaginary world come to life. Plus, seeing it with my own eyes would help me write descriptive scenes for the rest of the series.

--Do you need anything to write (music, coffee, etc)? Are there any songs on your playlist- songs that inspired you or that were playing while you wrote?

You would think that as a musician writing a book about music having magical properties, I would listen to all kinds of stuff while I wrote – but oddly enough, I hardly do. I find it distracting, to be honest. Usually just a mug of green tea or a beer (depending on time of day) does the trick.

--If you could have any superpower what would you choose?

Time travel.

--Besides writing, what do you like to do in your free time?

I’m in three different rock bands so that pretty much consumes all my extra time. Every so often I manage to get in a round of golf or an hour at the gym.

--What is one thing you would tell your 15 year old self?

Relax. And buy lots of Apple stock as soon as you can.

--Is there anything else you want to add or say to your readers?

My primary goal with this book (and the rest of the series) is to provide kids on the autism spectrum with a fictional hero that they can relate to and gain a sense of coolness and empowerment from. I’m also donating a portion of profits from the book to Autism Empowerment, a non-profit organization based in my town that works to promote autism awareness and education.

I tried very hard to craft a story that doesn’t beat you over the head with the whole autism angle, but still gives you enough understanding of what a person on the spectrum is possibly thinking and feeling. Most of all, I wanted it to be a fun and entertaining read along the lines of all the other young adult sci-fi/fantasy books that my son and I both enjoy. I hope you’ll check it out and let me know if I’ve succeeded.

Follower Appreciation: Book of Choice Giveaway

I am just getting back from Disney, probably last last night since I scheduled this post... So I thought I would give a thank you for those of you reading and commenting on my blog.



-book of choice from the book depository, open internationally if BD ships to you
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-Ends on 1/11/2013 11:59 pm EST

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My question to you, my lovely readers:
What are you doing for the holidays, or what book would you pick?

Giveaway: Land of Whoo and interview with author Ryan O'Brien

Land of Whoo by Ryan O'Brien

An adopted Michael Henry yearned for some excitement in his life. Away from his friends, in a new neighborhood and school, he discovers the adventures of a lifetime as he learns of a portal with access to the Land of Whoo.
Michael Henry’s adoptive mother is a nurse named Sam who works in a downtown Seattle dialysis clinic. His adoptive father, Daniel, has been out of work for the past two years after his construction business failed due to the economy. Michael Henry is close to them both but still wonders about his past.
On the other side of the portal, the secrets of Michael Henry’s past and future will be revealed to him, but first he must prove himself worthy as he faces the challenges of the Five Trials to take his rightful place as the Chosen One. Can he help his grandfather, King Titus, take back his kingdom from the Dark Wizard and Master Uror? What powers does the Medallion hold? Will he be able to free the oppressed and bring freedom to the citizens and creatures in the Land of Whoo?

-Paperback Land of Whoo by Ryan O'Brien (US)
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-Ends on 9/19
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--How did you get the idea for the story?

What would be a great adventure for young adults during their summer vacation.??

--Which character would you most/least like to have dinner with?

Michael Henry
--What are some of your favorite books? Do you still have much time to read?

Do the work is a great book on writing, Treasure Island , all the Tom Clancy books and Harry Potter books.

--Do you have any other works in progress? Any teasers or release dates?

Yes- The Land of the Coral Seas- coming soon- Michael Henry is contacted by King Vincent as his daughter Arielle has been captured by the Pirate Captain Sturgus

--If a fairy godmother told you your life could be like a favorite book for 24 hours, which book would you pick and why?

My first favorite book was Treasure Island and I could be in that adventure any time. In fact when I was around 12 my family and I were  stranded on an island.

--Do you need anything to write (music, coffee, etc)? Are there any songs on your playlist-
I get ideas while sailing on our cruising catamaran “Christine” and also while watching the Shawshank redemption movie and especially first thing in the morning.

Like to do things

Sailing in the Florida Keys ,BVI and Bahamas, scuba diving, fishing and exploring in the mountains of Washington State

--Is there anything else you want to add or say to your readers?

I wanted a fast paced, page turner that my readers couldn’t put down.

Lightning round: this or that?

Vanilla or chocolate?--Chocolate

Edward or Jacob? - ED

Hockey or soccer? - Hockey

Ebook or paper?- Both

Salty or sweet?- Sweet

Beach or mountains?--Both

Phone call or email? Phone

Early bird or night owl?. night

Dog or cat?--dog

Messy or neat? Neat

Ninjas or pirates?- pirates

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Giveaway: Radiate and interview with author Marley Gibson

Radiate by Marley Gibson

Hayley Matthews is determined to be the best cheerleader she can. She works hard and pushes herself 110% all the time.
Then Hayley finds a lump on her leg. The diagnosis is cancer. The prognosis is unclear. She could lose her leg. Or maybe her life.
At first Haley is scared, terrified. In an instant, everything she’s worked for seems out of reach. But Haley is strong. She’s going to fight this disease. She will not let it take her life or her dreams.

my review Here

Buy:
Find Marley:
Author site
Book site
Goodreads
Follow Marley on Facebook
Follow Marley on Twitter
Ghost Huntress Website
RADIATE book trailer
The Radiate Foundation

- Paper copy, open US only
-Fill out Rafflecopter to enter
-Ends on 9/17
-Make sure to check out and comment on our interview below for an extra entry
-If you win a review on your blog and/or amazon is appreciated but not required.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

--The Twitter version: tell us about your book in 140 characters or less.

#RADIATE is fictionalized version of what I went thru as teenage cheerleader w/cancer. You can overcome anything w/a positive attitude!

--How did you get the idea for the story?

RADIATE is based on my experience the summer of 1982 when I was a cheerleader and diagnosed with bone cancer.  I never really understood at the time why *I* had to have cancer – at one of the most important times in my high school career.  The older I got, the more I knew I had to share my story of overcoming and hopefully help another teen (or anyone) who has to go through cancer, it’s treatment, and effect on your life.  I had the idea in my head for years, but it wasn’t until I met my (now) husband and told him what I went through that I knew the angle of how to tell the story.  When I explained everything to him, he said, “I love that cheerleading saved your life,” and I knew what I had to do.

--Which character would you most/least like to have dinner with?

Well, Hayley is so much me, I feel like I have dinner with her every day.  I always get asked by people if I put myself into my writing.  The answer is usually “no,” because I don’t write about myself.  However, in RADIATE, that’s not the case.  I will say that Hayley is a lot stronger in dealing with people and their reaction to her cancer than I was.  Most of the time, people didn’t know what to say to me and wanted to treat me differently.  To that, I did my best to hold my (bald) head high and not let whispers get to me.  Hayley did that as well, but she also confronted those in the book who disappointed her or treated her differently.  She’s a very strong girl.

--What are some of your favorite books? Do you still have much time to read?

I don’t read as much as I used to, which is sad.  I travel full-time and am always on the go.  I will say that my ereader is a God-send.  Living in an RV, I can’t really have stacks of books, but my Nook lets me have tons of them in one location.  I’m reading more and more because of that.  I love anything my critique partner, Wendy Toliver writes, and Jenn Echols, as well.  My new fave is my friend Myra McIntyre.  Of course, I’m still a sucker for a good romance with favorites like Sandra Brown, Barbara Delinsky, Roxanne St. Claire.

--Do you have any other works in progress? Any teasers or release dates?

I have a proposal in with my editor right now that I’m waiting to hear about – fingers crossed!—that will be a very fun series if they decide to go with it.  Also, coming out soon is a YA ebook called POSER, about a teenage girl whose mother—a former super model—is pushing her toward a life on the runway when all she wants to do is go to college and become a doctor.  It’s set in Miami’s South Beach and has an awesome romance with a hot guy!  That should be coming out soon.

--If a fairy godmother told you your life could be like a favorite book for 24 hours, which book would you pick and why?

Wow…awesome question!  BRIDGET JONES’S DIARY.  I adore that book, the heroine, everything about it.  To be a single gal in the 90s in hip, chic London, going out with your friends, making your way, and looking for Mr. Right…sounds like a fun time.  I think those books were amazingly entertaining and they made me want to write.

--Do you need anything to write (music, coffee, etc)? Are there any songs on your playlist- songs that inspired you or that were playing while you wrote?

Oh yes!  Music…loud…streaming through the headphones.  I’m really into Dance/House/Trance/Electronica, so I’ll either cue up my Pandora stations (which I’m listening to as I’m answering this interview) or RadioDanz or MusicOne.  There’s just something about the 808 beat and underlying tones that really inspire me and get my fingers dashing across the keys. 

--If you could have any superpower what would you choose?

I think I’d love to be able to know what people are really thinking – sort of like Mel Gibson’s character in that movie WHAT WOMEN WANT.  So often people don’t tell the truth or leave out details or what have you.  I think it would be cool to actually know the truth that lies in people’s hearts and minds.  Of course…it could drive you crazy, too!  LOL!

--Besides writing, what do you like to do in your free time?

Free time?  What’s that?  LOL!!  Well, I love to cook and am a total foodie.  I love new food finds, great restaurants, and making meals for my family that really have them raving.  I adore my rescue kitties, Madison and Boo, who are a year and a half.  They travel with us everywhere and are the most special little babies ever.  I know…I’m biased.  Also, I’m a certified SCUBA diver (my hubby and I got married underwater!) and so I love strapping a tank on my back and getting in the water.  Our new hobby we picked up is hunting Florida spiny lobsters ourselves.  Amazing fun…and delicious!

--Is there anything else you want to add or say to your readers?

Just that I can’t express how much it means to an author when you get feedback or fan mail from a reader.  It’s the highlight of my day when I hear from people.  If I can reach just one person with my characters and their conflict, then I’ve done my job as an author.  So, please, if you’ve read any of my books, please drop me a like at www.marleygibson.com or www.radiatebook.com or www.ghosthuntress.com or through Facebook – marley.h.gibson or Twitter @MarleyGibson.

Lightning round: this or that?

Vanilla or chocolate? – both…swirled together.  Mmm…

Edward or Jacob?  Man, that’s not a fair question.  I loved Edward, then loved Jacob, then Edward, then Jacob.  I think Edward came to “easy” to Bella.  Jacob would have been more of a challenge.

Hockey or soccer? Hockey all the way!

Ebook or paper? Paper, but I’m learning to love ebooks.

Salty or sweet? Salty!

Beach or mountains? Beach…always and twice on Sunday.

Phone call or email? E-mail.  I can edit my thoughts.  LOL!

Early bird or night owl?  Night owl all the way.

Dog or cat?  Love both dearly, but I’m a total cat person.

Messy or neat?  I refuse to answer on the grounds that my mother might read this and it will totally incriminate me!  LOL!

Ninjas or pirates?  Neither.  Ghost hunters! = )

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Do you know any cancer survivors?

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Giveaway: MG Troll Hunters and Hocus Pocus Hotel

Troll Hunters

Evil and danger rumbles under the earth. Follow the adventures of a group of contemporary teenagers who discover that their town, and ultimately the entire world, is under attack by fierce creatures from deep beneath the earth. These creatures were known to the earliest humans as trolls or goblins, but they are much more dangerous than their fairy-tale versions. The teens make unlikely allies along the way, including a half-man, half-troll, as well as some legendary constellations that quite literally come to life. The young heroes will also discover their own untapped celestial abilities in an epic battle between good versus evil.

 
Hocus Pocus Hotel

Tyler Yu asked Charlie Hitchcock to meet him after school, and Charlie assumed it was for a fight. But when it turns out Ty just needs help solving a magical mystery at the Abracadabra Hotel, an unlikely friendship is formed.

Both books are written by Michael Dahl:

Michael Dahl is the author of more than 100 books for children and young adults. Dahl has spoken at numerous schools, libraries, and conferences across the country on graphic novels and books for boys, and has been a featured speaker at ALA, AASL, NYAEC, TLA, NOLA, EncycloMedia and IRA.

-Paper copy, open US only
-Fill out Rafflecopter to enter
-Ends on 9/11
-Make sure to check out and comment on our interview below for an extra entry
-If you win a review on your blog and/or amazon is appreciated but not required
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway provided by MMPublicity

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