DEFY is finally HERE!!!

Happy Book Birthday to DEFY!!!  That's right readers you heard correct! DEFY by the amazing Raine Thomas is now available!! What what!! *fist pumps* and *hip checks* for ALL!

Okay, yes, I am aware that it's been a while (A VERY LONG WHILE) since I last posted but what can I say, sometimes life hands you the unexpected and you have to just roll with the punches.  And even though I am a day late in posting this bit of delightful news, I couldn't let an event like this pass without showing some very much deserved love for one of my all-time favorite tweeps.



*does the happy dance around the room*

Raine is not only the creator of the Daughters of Saraqael Trilogy, which are also available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble, but also, The Prophecy.

And now her latest release, DEFY will once again take us into the beautiful world of the Estilorians...and I just LOOOOOOOOOVE this FABULOUS book cover. OMG!!!



"Defy"

"Seventeen-year-old Tate is about to make her parents’ dreams come true. Unfortunately for her, their dreams foretell her death. Eager to explore more of the Estilorian plane and prove her abilities, Tate goes against her parents’ wishes and leaves the area of protection surrounding her home. Her choice puts her on a deadly path…one that leaves her alone, severely injured and battling for her life. Her possible savior arrives in the form of Zachariah, a male who has removed himself from Estilorian society for more than fifty years. Fighting an unexpected connection to Tate, he must decide whether saving her life is worth destroying his. As Tate struggles to find a way home, she ends up drawn into a dark Mercesti plot involving multiple murders and a powerful ancient artifact. With the unpredictable Zachariah as her only source for aid, she’ll soon find out if her abilities are strong enough to help her defy her Fate."

So go purchase your copy of DEFY today, now available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

For more information about Raine and her work please visit her website.  You can also find her on Facebook and twitter (@Raine_Thomas).

Happy Writing & Happy Reading!

Fighting the (Writer) Blues

Tune of the day:

"Raise Your Glass" by Pink

There's a saying people often use..."If life gives you lemons, make lemonade."

If I'm intending to be honest here, then I'll admit that when life hands me lemons, sometimes I just want to take in its bitter sour taste and call it a day.  And that's a dangerously unhealthy place for anyone to be ladies and gents.  This is the place where I not only find myself uninterested in being out and about, but I also find it hard to even want to write and/or read, which is NOT me.

That's why it's very important to keep positive people, multiple positive people (if you're lucky) around that you can depend on to be there when you're down and who will come along and help pick you back up.

When I get too bogged down in the bitter truths of life I often find I lose motivation to be...me. I know that this isn't exactly a very inspiring post, but sometimes it helps just to release, and share the not-so-good things in our lives along with the good.

Lately I've been reading about some of the great writers of history and discovered that a significant number of them actually suffered from horrible bouts of depression throughout their life.  So we're not alone, this isn't some made up, fabricated issue that we sometimes find ourselves battling with.  It's real and you have to recognize it in order to do something about it.

Now knowing this, I also realize that writing can be a pretty solitary process, and to be honest I really prefer it that way.  It's hard for me to focus if I'm being bombarded by the presence of people all around me.  I even go so far as to seclude myself away from my husband and cat.  But it's important to remember that a life well and truly lived can also be a great source for good writing.  My hermit tendencies sometimes get the best of me and I literally have to force myself to be out and interact with people.

But something someone suggested to me recently has completely put a spark back into my life that I almost thought I'd lost.  They suggested I create a daily schedule for myself that includes activity that MAKES me get out from in front of a computer.  I've recently taken up a new Fitness Plan and have partnered up with another friend (who's actually in a whole other state) who acts as not only an accountability partner when I need it but also a great source of motivation. I find that having a regular workout schedule is definitely a motivator for me and also stimulates my creative mojo.  Now I'm not saying this is a sure fire way of keeping the blues away, but it's definitely an option and one that I'm really enjoying.  So a HUGE thanks to my partner in crime, Jess and my mom, Mary, who have both been a great source of support to me. You're both ROCKSTARS in my book!

So to all you readers out there...what's your method for getting out of the slumps when life gives you lemons, and you're not necessarily in the mood for lemonade?

Happy Writing & Happy Reading!

Rainy Monday Tune

When I woke this chilly, rainy Monday morning, the day before Valentine's Day, I woke up with one particular song streaming on repeat through my head. I hope you enjoy!

Tune of the day:

Billie Holiday - "P.S. I Love You"

Happy Writing & Happy Reading!

Write. Write! WRITE!!!

I can happily say that my life is gradually returning to normal.  Well, as normal as I can imagine the randomness in my life to be.  I'm writing again and feel as if I don't have enough time or space in which to get everything that's going on in my head out...but I'm definitely giving it my best go.

At this point my intent is to simply write. Nothing more.  I'm taking out the pressure of publishing and release dates and focusing purely on telling the stories I want to tell, and ultimately to see each one through to completion. Simply put, you can't publish what you haven't written. So for those who have been wondering about my more recent absence, it's simply due to the fact that I'm spending a great deal more time on my writing than I am on here. I won't lie, I do find myself feeling quite guilty about not being around as much as I once did, but hopefully my efforts will allow me to finally reach the goal that in reality started me down this path in the first place.

The goal of sharing my passion and work with all of you.

And speaking of passion, being that I've been pretty remiss in my #BNFF I thought I'd be a little tacky and include a few pretty awesome features in today's post that I find crazy exciting.

BIG NEWS:

I have to say that in the time I've come to know this guy he has grown to become one of my favorite writer tweeps who challenges me (whether he knows it or not) to step up my game and push myself to achieve my goals.

M.R. Merrick is the brilliant writer of The Protector Book series.  With his debut novel EXILED having received rave reviews upon its release, it's unsurprising that his latest novel, SHIFT (book #2 of TPB series) would receive the same reaction.  SHIFT has been called "Epic, Emotional, Pure Brilliance!" and "An adventure like you've never experienced!!" by its readers.

And I highly suggest both books be added to your MUST READS list!!

 

 "Shift"

Devastated by the loss of his mother, Chase is trying to balance the life he’s been left with, a family he’s still getting to know, and power he never thought he’d have. He doesn’t understand why the Goddess has named him the Protector and granted him two gifts: the Mark, a tattoo that now covers his back, and the ring. But between getting interrogated by the Circle and psychic attacks from Riley, the Mark is the least of his concern. There’s a demon inside Rayna that’s fighting to be released, and it’s not her inner witch. It’s something else–a monster threatening to tear her apart.

As Chase struggles to control his magic, his enemies are closing in. Everyone has staked a claim on his ring, and destroying it may be his only chance to stop Riley. But Chase must decide if stopping him is worth risking the lives of everyone he cares about, or if protecting the ring will be enough to save his world.

EXILED & SHIFT are both available on Amazon! GET YOUR COPIES TODAY!!

For more information on M.R. Merrick please visit his website! You can also find him on twitter (@MRMerrick) and Facebook.

*****

I must admit that it's writers like Samantha Young that (as a reader) keep me coming back for more. Having stumbled across her on twitter a while back, I've become quite a big fan of her work. Author of paranormal and fantasy fiction, Samantha is a brilliant young Scottish book addict who has been writing for as long as she can remember.  The creator of multiple trilogies, Samantha continues to prove that some writers truly do get better with time.  

The latest of her series that I've come across, BLOOD WILL TELL book 1 of her The Warriors of Ankh trilogy has definitely drawn me in and has left me anxious for more. 

  

"Warriors of Ankh Omnibus Edition"

(includes "Blood Will Tell", "Blood Past" & "Shades of Blood")

When the heroine and the villain are one in the same…

Eden is a Soul Eater. While that hasn’t meant much to her in the past, she’s pretty sure any minute now she’s going to go all "Carrie" on her eleventh grade class.

Noah is an Ankh. As an immortal Warrior, his purpose in life is to hunt down and kill Soul Eaters.

Together they are about to embark on a journey that will change their lives forever...

... A journey in search of Eden’s redemption.

But with enemies and tests of morality and strength around every corner, it will be a journey that pushes them both to their very limits.

Can the promise of honor, purpose and love be enough to temper the monster within?

Find out in this special omnibus edition of the Warriors of Ankh trilogy.

The entire The Warriors of Ankh trilogy is now available at Amazon US & Amazon UK.

BONUS! Book Trailer:

For more information on Samantha and her books you can visit her website! You can also follow her on twitter (@SYoungSFAuthor) and Facebook.

Happy Writing & Happy Reading!

Appreciating The Special People In Our Lives

For today's post instead of doing my weekly #BNFF, I've decided to change the tone up a bit and simply share with all of you a little about myself.

My life has been pretty topsy turvy lately...well, at least more so than usual.  Ailing family members, family crisis, bouts of depression, uncertainty, fear, and just a general sense of feeling lost and adrift.  Things that I've over course faced in the past, just not all at once. I've found myself seeking solace anywhere that would help distract my mind...watching movies, reading & writing.

But even still I found that my spurts of inspiration were often followed by an extended time of reflection. Where I would find myself asking the old cliched questions, "what am I doing?" "am I good enough?" "what makes me think I'm so special?" "am I living up to my true potential?" "am I chasing an unobtainable dream?"...basically the typical spell of self-doubt.

But unlike previous times when these funky downer moods have struck and I find myself feeling doubtful about my writing and whether I've chosen the right path for my life, I quickly throw myself back into the one thing that always reminds me why I love what I love so much.

Reading.

I LOVE to read!! And if I'm honest, I could say just as much as I enjoy writing, maybe more so. Let me repeat. I LOOOOOOVE TO READ! Ever since I was a little girl when all those weird funky looking symbols on the page suddenly started to make sense and a whole world seemed to open up to me. I was hooked.  I honestly can't explain how completely necessary books and literature have become to my life.

And if it weren't for one very special person in my life I'm not sure I would even be here writing this post for you today today, let alone writing books of my own. And that special person is my MOM.

 

Yes. I know it's not Mother's Day yet but I just felt the most powerful urge to send a HUGE thank you to my "mama" for planting the seed that has ultimately influenced and shaped me into becoming the person I am today. 

You're the best & I love you very much!!

I have a friend who sadly lost his mother last year and I know that he still feels the loss of her presence.  So if you're one of the lucky ones who can still run up and give your mom a BIG smackin' kiss and hug, I firmly suggest you do so ASAP!!  Don't take the time you have with those that you care about and love for granted. Call, text, drive/fly for a visit, I don't care how you do it...JUST DO IT!!

*dialing mom now* =)

Happy Writing & Happy Reading!

AUTHOR ALERT: Melanie Marks

I'm finding my groove people!!! And boy does it feel good to be blogging again. Still a little slow with the posts, but don't worry I'm getting back into the swing of things.

That being said...

For my first AUTHOR ALERT of 2012 I am REALLY excited and thrilled to introduce a writer that I, for the most part, accidentally stumbled across.  Haha! Now please don't let my random reading lifestyle detour you from reading further because I am pleased to introduce you to YA writer...Melanie Marks!!

*stands & claps*

Melanie was born and raised in California. She is married to a naval nuclear submarine officer with three "terrific" kids. With over sixty short stories published in various magazines Melanie has definitely created a nice cozy spot for herself in the literary world. 

I fell into serious like with Melanie after reading her long novella, HIS KISS (which I LOVED!)...it's a short but sweet YA romance.

"His Kiss"

"Ally’s world was totally on track: the right boyfriend, the right school activities, the right plans. But then she is bribed into kissing the school “bad boy.” And now nothing is right. Nothing! Because all she can think about is … His Kiss."

HIS KISS is available now on Amazon! GET YOUR COPY TODAY!!

Now unlike most of the writers I've met in the last year on twitter, I actually came across Melanie while perusing Amazon for something to read one quiet afternoon and let's just say I wasn't disappointed. Melanie has a fun, light, and witty style of writing that I find suits the reader in me perfectly, especially on a nice quiet afternoon.

For more information about Melanie and her work please visit her website. You can also follow her on twitter (@ByMelanieMarks).

Happy Writing & Happy Reading!

"The Woman In Black" Movie Trailer

So as most of you know I am a HUGE movie addict. Seriously, the stuff is like crack to me, and to add to it I also really enjoy dark films. I know...I don't really fit the mold but there you have it.  I am really looking forward to this film.

Plus, I'm interested to see Daniel Radcliffe as someone other than Harry Potter.  Enjoy!

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe

"The Woman In Black"

Eeeeek eeeeek eeeeek! BAHAHAHA! So wicked. Gotta see this!

Happy Writing & Happy Reading!

Well...

Before I say ANYTHING else I want to first say...IM SO DEEPLY SORRY for the way I sort of faded out on you guys.  There's really no valid excuse. Life just sort of overwhelmed me and I just became consumed with other things that were happening around me. But the storm has passed and I'm ready to jump back into things. Let's do this!!!

My tune of the day:

Flyleaf - "Missing"

So yeah, I am back and am anxious to dive head first into what has always brought me joy. WRITING. I really have missed you all, and I hope I haven't loss too many of you while my life sort of took some unexpected turns over the last month. I feel like I've let so many of you down, but I intend to make it up to you not with words but with BOOKS! Hahahaha! So prepare yourself, because my MOJO is back!

So now for UPDATES...

Due to all the overwhelming nature of holidays, unexpected personal/family issues and distractions I've dealt with the last month or so, the release date of I LOVE YOU, SARAH LOGAN will be pushed back to March 1st. I know, I know...I'm thoroughly disappointed as well. But sometimes life has other plans and I need time to get back into the swing of things and do what I plan to do right.

But some good news is...I will be posting the cover, a summary, and an excerpt of my debut novel in the next few weeks in the "Writing" section of my blog. Woot woot!

Am beginning the cover art work for Book 1 of my THE CREED series.


Writing a screenplay! HURRAY! For which I must confess I enjoy writing almost as much as I do novels.

So there you have it folks! My back-on-the-bandwagon writer life in nutshell. Now let's get this train moving!!!

Happy Writing & Happy Reading!!

Happy New Year! 2012 is HERE!

HAPPY NEW YEAR, ALL!!!

Wow! Can you believe this?! *dances on sofa* A new year, with a new start to make it whatever you want to make it.  No excuses but the ones YOU make.  A whole new year and I feel almost like a new person. I can't really explain how completely scared out of my mind I am about what this year promises to bring.  LOTS of big steps and firsts that's for sure...

1. I intend to self-publish my first book, I LOVE YOU, SARAH LOGAN

2. I will be releasing Book 1 of my series, THE CREED, this Spring.

3. Lastly, I will be submitting a movie script for consideration to agents this year as well.  Yes, I'm a hopeful screenwriter. I know...I'm CUH-RAZY!!!

Now obviously, there are no guarantees on how any of this will turn out for me but nothing worth going after (in my opinion) isn't without risk. So I hope you all will stick with me for the EPIC ride I intend to take in 2012.  Again, Happy New Year.

Happy Writing & Happy Reading!

ANEW by Chelsea Fine is NOW AVAILABLE!

It's FINALLY here!

The brilliantly talented Chelsea Fine, author of the tender love story SOPHIE & CARTER, has done it again with her latest novel, ANEW (Book #1 of the Archers of Avalon series).  Check it out!

(FYI...I love love loved it!)

"Anew"

"Two years ago, Scarlet awoke in the forest alone, afraid, and without her memory. Lost and confused, her life was a mystery until she met a boy with a familiar voice named Gabriel Archer. Intrigued by his voice, Scarlet immerses herself in Gabriel's life only to stumble upon a secret he's kept hidden from her: His brother. Once Scarlet meets Tristan Archer her life becomes even more muddled. While she's instinctively drawn to Gabriel, she's impossibly drawn to Tristan--and confused out of her mind. Why does Gabriel seem so familiar? Why is she so attracted to Tristan? And why are both brothers convinced she's been cursed to die? Scarlet doesn't have the answers...but the Archer brothers do."

ANEW Book Trailer:

ANEW is now available at Amazon and B&N.

For more information on Chelsea and her work check out her website! You can also follow my lovely Dream Weaver pal on twitter (@ChelseaFine) and Facebook.

Happy Writing & Happy Reading!

And the "Hook Me Up, B!" Giveaway Winner is....

ELIZABETH HYATT

and the second drawing winner for an autographed copy of ANEW & LEGEND is...

DB GRAVES

YAY! Congratulations, Elizabeth & DB! Please email me your address' and I will get your book baskets to you ASAP!

And now for the BIG NEWS that you've all been REALLY waiting for. I am very proud (and uber nervous) to announce that my young adult novel...

I LOVE YOU, SARAH LOGAN

will be released...

January 25, 2012!!!

HURRAAAAAY! There you have it, peeps. I can't tell you all how crazy excited and stomach-churning-nervous I am about finally reaching this point.  And yes, for those of you who've already made the connection...January 25th is in fact MY BIRTHDAY!!! Hehe. Let's just say it's the only way I could guarantee that I wouldn't miss my own novel debut.

But I encourage you all to keep checking back because I will continue to post fun news about ILYSL all the way up to the big day.  Lastly, I want to send a BIG thank you to everyone who participated in my giveaway. I had a total blast doing it.

Happy Writing, Happy Reading & Happy Holidays!!!



AUTHOR ALERT: Natasha Slight

Happy Monday!

*sigh*

So many great authors on my list but (unfortunately) so little time to tell you about them all.  But today's AUTHOR ALERT features the brilliant and up-and-coming writer star, Natasha Slight. Having encountered this passionate writer on twitter (of course) I can't help but feel totally on the Cool-Writers-List being that she actually follows my blog.

Say, "Whaaaaaat?" "Yup!"

A writer of both fantasy and adventure fantasy fiction for young adults. This amazing stay-at-home mom of two is an avid reader, speaker of several languages, and has traveled extensively, further expanding her love of reading.

Natasha creates stories that offer her readers unexpected twists and turns that ultimately leave them wanting more.  She writes to inspire young adults, and to unleash the imagination within. Natasha currently lives in Montreal with her husband and kids.

And she's gorgeous! *sigh* Writing the rest of this post with a paper bag over my head.

The release of her DEBUT novel, GUARDIANS OF THE GRIMOIRE, book one of The Grimoire Series has been welcomed with lush reviews. One reviewer stating "...this book took me on the most amazing, wonderful, fantastical journey and one that I have not had the pleasure of being on, for many years.  It pulls you in so deep; you need to take a moment to breathe." - Sandra Valente of SSBookFanatics

"Guardians of the Grimoire"

"What are the realms to do when a corrupt god seeks to destroy three girls? When his greed extends into the human world, and sorcerer and king alike are seduced by the promise of ultimate power hidden in the Grimoire. If man opens the book, chaos is unleashed. If a god touches the book, he shall be rendered mortal.

After being instructed by the Spirit Mother to guard the Grimoire and protect its future guardians, the goddess Gaïa must seek refuge on a hidden island and make certain the sacred book is kept safe. When they come of age, Kerani, Tiluvia, and Cesca are awakened to their destiny in becoming Guardians of the Grimoire, and so begins their journey. But in a land shrouded in magic, and filled with as many friends as there are foes, will the young women be able to reach Gaïa in time, or will the forces of evil take over Utopia and forever haunt the universes?"

BONUS! Check out the GOTG book trailer...EPIC!!!

GUARDIANS OF THE GRIMOIRE is now available at: Amazon US, Amazon UK, Amazon France, Amazon Germany, Amazon Italy, Amazon Spain, Barnes and Noble, Smashwords, Apple Store, Diesel eBook Store, and Sony.

For more information on Natasha Slight and her work please visit her website. You can also follow Natasha on twitter (@NatashaSlight) and Facebook.

Happy Writing & Happy Reading!!!

BIG NEWS FEATURE FRIDAY

Happy Friday, all!

I know it's been a while since I last posted a BNFF and I sincerely apologize to all my regular readers.  But I will be honest and say that December may also be a limited posts month. I know, I know...let the guilt commence. But with so much going on, and me spending time working on my book (occasionally frolicking on twitter) I'm afraid that time just isn't on my side when it comes to maintaining a regular posting schedule. But we'll see what I can squeeze out, but in the mean time... PLEASE FORGIVE ME?!

So not only is it Happy Friday, it's also Happy December! WINTER'S HERE FOLKS!!!

I find I've recently began to take detours on my commute home from work.  Simply driving through neighborhoods to see the twinkling lights and Christmas trees blinking happily in the windows.  I can't tell you all how much I love this time of year.  Full of all the things I love most...family, friends, parties, and FOOD!

Any who...

Let's see who sparked my fancy for today's BIG NEWS FEATURE FRIDAY!

BIG NEWS:

Today's first BNFF author I met in the mysterious world of twitter.  A lawyer by day, author by night. Fingers Murphy has definitely made me rethink my views on legal thrillers.  So after years with an agent and no deal, this wickedly funny writer struck out on his own (giving traditional publishing The Finger!) and I'm sooooo glad he did.

Fingers Murphy is the pen name of a well known international criminal defense attorney.

His novel FOLLOW THE MONEY, released May 2011, has been called a "...gripping and gritty new voice in legal thrillers."

"Follow the Money"

"ALWAYS ASSUME PEOPLE ARE LYING, BUT NEVER ASSUME YOU KNOW WHY."

Oliver Olson went to law school to help people.

But when one of the world’s most prominent law firms offers him a high paying summer job, he thinks he’d be crazy not to take it. He soon finds himself enthralled by a world of wealth, privilege, and power.

Blinded by his gilded new world, Ollie is slow to see that something is not right with the case he is assigned to work on - a case with no chance of winning, given to a "summer associate" merely to keep him busy.

Are people following him? Is he imagining things? Are they listening to his conversations? Why are people coming out of the woodwork with a sudden interest in a twelve year old murder case? And is it really possible that the wrong man went to prison?

Ollie wants to succeed, but when he sacrifices his own moral standards for a shot at the big time, he winds up staring down the barrel of a gun.

When you’ve sold out and can no longer follow your heart, you can only FOLLOW THE MONEY.

 FOLLOW THE MONEY is available at: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords.

For more information on Fingers Murphy and his other works please visit his website. You can also follow Fingers on twitter (@fingers_murphy), Facebook, and his blog!

*****

My last BNFF is the brilliant Megg Jensen, author of the bestselling YA fantasy novels ANATHEMA, OUBLIETTE, and SEVERED...the three book in her Cloud Prophet Trilogy.  Megg is a freelancing parenting journalist since 2003 and began wiring YA novels in 2009.  She also runs DarkSide Publishing.

ANATHEMA (Book One of the Cloud Prophet Trilogy) has been called "...an engaging, richly detailed read." by Brutally Honest Book Reviews.

"Anathema"

"Forget prophecy. Make your own destiny.

Sheltered from the outside world with no hope for escape, slave girl Reychel dreads her fifteenth birthday - when her master’s symbol is burned on the back of her bald scalp. Her best friend disappears the night before, leaving her to face the branding ceremony alone. She soon discovers nothing is as it seems when people desperate for freedom beg for Reychel's help.

Can Reychel learn to believe in herself?"

OUBLIETTE (Book Two of the Cloud Prophet Trilogy)...

"Oubliette"

"Reychel thought she was finally free. She was wrong.

Everyone saw her gift of prophecy as a blessing, but her gift is uncontrollable. No one alive can teach her to manipulate her unique gift and the answers she needs lie buried within a madman’s journals.

She’s thrust in the midst of a brewing war and the only uniting factor for her people is their belief in the Prophet. Will Reychel learn to control her gift or will she be forced to deliver a false prophecy that could lead her people into a violent, unwinnable war?"

 And the newly released SEVERED (Book Three of The Cloud Prophet Trilogy)...

"Severed"

"Reychel knows her gift of prophecy will lead to madness and now she is at her most vulnerable. The enemy army will attempt to sever her from everything she's ever known: her homeland, her friends, Mark, and her gift. Even at her weakest, she refuses to give up on her desire to end the war between the Malborn and the Serenians. Reychel would do anything, even come back from the dead, to conquer the enemy and reunite with Mark."

Megg's books are available at: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords!

For more information on Megg and her other works check out her website! You can also follow Megg on twitter (@MeggJensen) and Facebook.

Happy Writing & Happy Reading!

AUTHOR ALERT: Marie Lu

Today's Author Alert features an author I have been anticipating her debut for MONTHS. Yes, months! Not only is she a brilliantly creative writer, she is also, well, wicked cool. Marie Lu was born near Shanghai, but settled in Texas until going away to college at the University of Southern California, where she was swept off her feet and ultimately decided to stay. I'll try not to hold that against her. ;)

Now why, you may ask, have I been anxiously anticipating this for months?  Well, I think it best to simply allow Marie's work to speak for itself with the debut of her first novel, LEGEND.  Out in stores TODAY!!! Woot! *fist pumps* 

Now for those of you who haven't read about my "Hook Me Up, B!" book #Giveaway, here's your chance to not only win a copy of LEGEND, but an actual SIGNED copy. YOU HEARD ME! *pauses to catch breath*

Just read!
 

"Legend"

"What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths - until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias's death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets."

BONUS book trailer!

And before you ask, yes, I've already got my Kindle copy! *Squeeeeeeeee* I want to send a HUGE congrats to Marie on such a fantastic debuting novel. You're destined to be a literary rockstar!

LEGEND is now available at: Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, and IndieBound! GET YOUR COPY TODAY!!!

For more information on Marie Lu you can visit her website! You can also follow her on twitter (@Marie_Lu) and Facebook.

Happy Reading & Happy Writing!

The "Hook Me Up, B!" Giveaway

WELCOME to my 100th blog post! Woot woot! :-)

So yeah, I am definitely calling this one of THE BEST weeks I've had this year. Seriously, it's been fantastic.  And to celebrate (after being poked and prodded) I am finally doing my first ever *International* blog giveaway! YAY!

So instead of rambling on (as I tend to do) I'm gonna try and keep this part nice and short in order to get to the good stuff.  With that being said, in celebration of the reveal of my debuting novel's TITLE & RELEASE DATE (see Lots of (FANTASTIC-CRAZY-EXCITING) Randomness post), I will also be doing a drawing to giveaway a....HOLIDAY BOOK BASKET!!!  Yeppers! And yours truly will be putting it together.  So be warned, I am not the most crafty of people so don't be expecting Martha Stewart like quality, because you may very well end up with a cardboard box full of (GREAT) goodies and a scrappy bow slapped on top of it. LOL! Just kidding...maybe.

So when will this giveaway be? You ask. *ahem* Drum roll please!!!! *brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr*

DECEMBER 14TH, 2011!

That's the date folks! Mark your calendars, set your blackberry's, iPhones, tablets, iPads and whatever other gadgets you have lying around. Dec. 14th!!! Write that down.  

And now for the moment we've all be waiting for, the part where I reveal the goodies I will be giving away.  Well, contestants, take a look behind door number #1!

The winner of this giveaway will receive the following...

A SIGNED copy of EXILED by M.R. Merrick (book one of his trilogy). 

 

For more information on M. R. Merrick, and book two of his trilogy, SHIFT please visit his BLOG.

*****

SIGNED copies of the complete Daughters of Saraqael Trilogy by Raine Thomas. (Becoming, Central, and Foretold)

 For more information on Raine Thomas and her work please visit her WEBSITE.

*****

A SIGNED copy of SOPHIE & CARTER by Chelsea Fine & a SIGNED copy of her BRAND NEW book ANEW, book one of THE ARCHERS OF AVALON series!

For more information on Chelsea Fine and her books please visit her BLOG.

 *****

The entire THE HUNGER GAMES trilogy by Suzanne Collins.

For more information on Suzanne Collins please visit her WEBSITE.

*****

A copy of LEGEND by Marie Lu.

For more information on Marie Lu please visit her WEBSITE.

Whew! There you have it. A basket seriously full of FANTASTIC holiday reads that would be great for your own personal library or as holiday gifts.

My Giveaway Rules: 

For your chance to win this FABULOUS "Holiday Book Basket"  you must complete 2 of the 4 items listed below. FYI #4 is a MUST!!! 

1. Following my BLOG! :-)

2. (1 of these 2) "Like" my Blaire Kensley Facebook Page or follow me on twitter (@BlaireKensley).

3. Send a "Friend Request" to my Facebook. (I find this to be a bit more personable.) 

4. ALL ENTRIES MUST leave a comment below (ON THIS POST) stating, "Hook Me Up, B!"  and include your name in order to officially be entered. (No magic words. No name. No entry.)

And that's it!

And NO! I'm not gonna get all crazy and double check behind every single person who enters (which may be no one, LOL!), but will instead trust that you guys will be honest and leave it at that. After all this is all for fun, and the fact that you came on to read my post in the first is a pretty BIG deal for me.

GOOD LUCK to you all!

*FYI - due to the fact that I know some of the most AWESOME authors ever, I will be doing extra drawings for any extra goodies I receive between now and December 14th. So keep checking back for an ADDENDUM!* 

Happy Writing & Happy Reading!

Snow White and the Huntsman

Not gonna lie, I'm pretty excited about this. LOVE, Charlize Theron! (Total girl crush on her).

"Snow White and the Huntsman"

Happy Writing & Happy Reading!

Lots of (FANTASTIC-CRAZY-EXCITING) Randomness

Well, I realize it's been a while (for me at least) since I posted anything, but I think I've finally found something worth posting about. So here's me cranking out a little something for those of you who actually make the effort to pop over and read my blog.  And to help set the mood for today's post I've also included...

My tune of the day:

Dean Martin - "Ain't That A Kick In The Head?'

As the title of today's post suggests, this is more of a random news sort of post rather than anything insightful or deep.  Basically I wanted to fill in a few gaps on what's been going on with me and my writing.  With one particular piece of news being that I have a tentative (but getting more solid everyday) plan to...RELEASE MY DEBUT NOVEL!!! *Squeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!* and say, WHAAAAAAAAA?

Yes, readers, writers, and friends, I am (finally) taking the plunge.  I, Blaire Kensley, am working, plotting and planning very carefully the release of my debut novel, which I haven't officially titled yet, but am working extra hard to make it all come together and hopefully worth the wait.  And being that I am such a nice and wonderful person, I'll try not to keep you all in suspense for too much longer (I hope).  

Now for those of you wondering about my series, THE CREED, I am in fact still making serious re-writes and edits to it at present.  But I wanted to give you all a bit of hope in saying that I have a tentative release date for Book #1 set for Spring of 2012. Hollerrrrrrrr! You read right people, 2012 is gonna be a very big year (and no, it's not only because according to some Amazonian calendar it may very well be the last year EVER).   

Now I realize that is quite a bit to lay on all of you in a measly "lots of randomness" post, but that's sort of the world I live in. So welcome! And stay tuned for more coming information on my current WIP, which I will tell you falls primarily into the YA romantic-comedy genre.  So keep a firm eye out on my new "Writing" page, which is currently under construction for all the FANTASTIC surprises and goodies I plan to share with all of you in the coming future.

So as you can see I am a very busy bee, and December will definitely offer some very interesting surprises and reveals from, YOURS TRULY! Hooray! *throws confetti*  Now I will give you all another lovely hint and tell you that the FIRST reveal will be posted (hopefully, pending my act is still on it and with it) in mid-December. In which I will include an official TITLE & RELEASE DATE for my debut novel as well as a little something else, which I'll get to in a bit.  I know, I know so much mystery.  But I can't help it, this is just so much fun!

I am also crazy uber excited about the fact that...THE HOLIDAY'S ARE (almost officially) HERE!!! It appears that the holidays have well and truly kicked off.  I actually lost count last night of how many Christmas commercials I saw while watching the Kentucky vs. Kansas game. Which by the way, CONGRATS KENTUCKY!!! Wow, talk about an exciting game. But yes, the Christmas commercials and ads were definitely in full effect. *dances and bounces in chair to a holiday tune only heard in my head*

And lastly, I am SOOOOOOOO frackin' excited because as of today I officially hit the 100 BLOG FOLLOWERS mark! Woot woot! Seriously, I can hardly believe it.  But you know what? This only goes to show how truly awesome and amazing all of you are. And proves that your support is a huge part of what keeps me pushing, fighting, and clawing to realize my dreams.  So after a bit of back and forth, and as a way to show my gratitude and appreciation, I have decided to have my first ever blog GIVEAWAY! YAY! (Wow, I am seriously like the Queen of exclamation marks today.) So on the day of my TITLE & RELEASE DATE reveal post (which is scheduled for mid-December) I will also be having my FIRST EVER blog giveaway.  

What will I be giving away? Well...that is also a surprise.

But one that I promise you won't be disappointed in, because I definitely love and enjoy being generous to those who (too often) thanklessly support and encourage me day after day.  Now as for those who are actually interested in entering my little giveaway for a chance to win this MYSTERY prize, well...I will be posting all giveaway details in this week's BIG NEWS FEATURE FRIDAY post.  So don't miss it! (Hehe. I know, I'm such a stinker.)

Whew! I think I may have overloaded all of you with all this crazy news. But I hope I've given you all something to chew on for a while, and that it has (some of you) as excited and pumped about the near future as it does me.  So stay tuned, peeps, because this train is about to leave the station and I hope you are ALL aboard!

Happy Writing & Happy Reading!

Happy Veterans Day!

Due to the fact that my life has sort of been taken over by the craziness that is NaNoWriMo I've decided to forgo doing a BIG NEWS FEATURE FRIDAY post this week.  Yeah, I know. So lame. I genuinely apologize for being such a blogger slacker, but I'm really trying to put as much focus and time into reaching my 50k goal by the Nov. 30th deadline.  But before I creep off and isolate myself in my writer's cave I wanted to say Happy Veterans Day to all you veterans out there, and wish EVERYONE a very safe and pleasant weekend.  Happy Friday!

Tune of the day:

Oasis - "Wonderwall"

Happy Writing & Happy Reading!

Be Yourself

Having received such positive feedback on previous posts, I thought I'd go ahead and include (yet another) tune of the day.  And FYI, I'm always open to sharing and exploring new artists, so if you have suggestions (of any kind) shoot them my way.

That being said, if you're NOT interested in the tune (which is perfectly okay), then please feel free to skip down to the post below.

Tune of the day:

Gary Go - "Wonderful"

One of the reasons I really love listening to this song by Gary Go is because it offers a powerful reminder of something I often forget. I am *bleepin'* WONDERFUL! And I don't mean that in a rude, narcissistic, in your face, look-at-me-I'm-so-pretty sort of way. But more in the, "Hi, I'm Blaire! And I'm ready to kick some major LIFE butt and take some names. Are you in?"

Now while this may all come across as a little frou-frou and cookie cutter, believe me when I say there is definitely another half to this.  It's really sort of funny to me because even at the age of twenty-eight I still find myself battling some of the same issues and doubts that I had as a teen. With some of the things I was once (and sometimes still am) awful about doing, are things like being overly harsh, judgmental and critical of myself.  "I wish I had a better body...I wish my thighs were skinnier...Why is my nose so big...I hate my hair, it's disgusting!...I wish I were smarter, prettier, and more talented." 

I mean it just NEVER seemed to end. And when I think about it, all I want to do is yell at that version of myself (both then and now) and simply say...STOP IT! And maybe throw in a good SLAP! for clarity.

And yes, while some of the media may have had a great deal of influence on me back then, I will also tell you that the other hand responsible for tightening the life draining noose around my neck was in many ways my own.  Due to the fact that I wasn't exactly surrounding myself with some of the most positive people out there.  I remember how powerful that feeling of desperation was, of wanting to belong and fit in, to be liked by that special guy.  How there would be moments when I would feel so irrationally driven to make myself known, to be liked, to be found pretty, or to have that special someone notice me that day. And ultimately find myself doing things that I really didn't want to do, but out of the fear of being labeled weird, or worse being an outcast and rejected, did them anyway. It was like I was consumed with this bottomless hunger for acceptance.  And though I wasn't actively pursuing being the school Homecoming Queen or anything like that.  The pressure of it all simply got to me just as I'm sure it got to all the "popular kids" I desperately wanted to be accepted by.  

Even now it seems kind of weird, and honestly a little embarrassing to admit (especially at my age), that I still sometimes feel like that teenager back in middle school and high school. Wanting to be accepted and liked, wanting to fit in.

Basically the same old problems, just a different playground.

But when it comes to my life, my writing and finding inspiration, because I don't believe inspiration is strictly designated to only the writer in me, I feel I also need to be better about nurturing and inspiring every part of my life, not just the writer side.  Trying to be a person who is more intentional about finding the right mojo for my life, by making decisions that will help push me to fully live out my dreams and potential.  I think its very important that we each find a positive source of energy that we can feed from in our daily lives.  For me that source comes in a variety of forms.  One being music, another is films, and the most important one being, AUTHENTIC people. And for me those are people who are motivated in their lives (which is one of many reasons I love writers), they possess a genuine kindness and desire to share with others, and are people who in their way enhance your life instead of drains it.  

And while I know it's virtually impossible for every person in your life be THIS particular person. I do think it important that everyone has someone (or multiple someones) that they can go to when they need to, someone they can talk to or be around without fear of judgment and rejection.  Persons that KNOW & BELIEVE in you and see just how WONDERFUL you are just because you're YOU.  And I realize this may all sound pretty cheesy pie and corny, but I honestly believe it, so that's why I say it.  

Well, I think I've bored enough of you for the day. So until next time...

Happy Writing & Happy Reading! ;)

Sufjan Stevens - "Casimir Pulaski Day"

Feeling pretty mellow today.  I hope everyone had a pleasant weekend and that the start of your week kicks off with a BANG!  Thought I'd share my Monday Morning tune with those of you who are visiting. Such a beautiful and touching song...

Sufjan Stevens - "Casimir Pulaski Day"

Happy Writing & Happy Reading!