YA Indie Carnival: YA resolutions

30.12.11

It's been the most amazing year for me. Not only did I discover the awesomeness that is Smashwords, Amazon KDP / Author Central, etc, which enabled me to go down the indie publishing route, but I also made some exceptional pals all over the world. All through writing and books. Isn't that amazing?
I learned a massive amount about the publishing world in 2011 but, when it comes to writing, there are still resolutions I have for 2012. Here are some of them:

Keep on reading
Reading other people's work is a great way to improve your own writing. This year I was honoured to have fellow writer Michelle Isenhoff read Raven. She made some very valid points on how I could improve it. I took all of her advice, but it wasn't until I read her children's book, The Quill Pen, that I really understood exactly what she meant. My writing has since improved, as a result. I am incredibly grateful to Michelle for this. Oh, and The Quill Pen is currently FREE and it is AMAZING!

Keep on writing
Yes, an obvious resolution but I have to admit to a serious procrastination problem. Basically, I am lazy. I am easily distracted by the TV, the internet, that chocolate in the fridge... and so on. The only way I will ever become a big success (!), is by writing as many books as possible. This is THE year... honest!

Don't dwell on negative criticism
In 2011, I swapped 'reads' with another writer. You'd think if she didn't like my book, she would politely say so and decline to review it but, instead she absolutely trashed it. She was very cruel and in most cases, quite wrong about what she wrote (she even suggested that all my good reviews must have been written by family and friends... which isn't true as very few family and friends have even read my book!). Suffice to say, I have not read her book. I simply cannot bring myself to do it. (My husband and friends said that I should have trashed hers but I refuse to stoop that low!)
The point is, I was so hurt by her words that I almost gave up writing. Ridiculous, I know, but that's how hard I took it. As writers, we need to develop a very thick skin and only take notice of the constructive criticism we receive. This year, I will do exactly that!

Happy New Year everyone. I hope that 2012 brings you all the happiness that you wish for!

For more Indie Resolutions, visit my wonderful fellow Carnis...

1. Laura A. H. Elliott author of Winnemucca & 13 on Halloween, Book 1 in the Teen Halloween Series
2. Bryna Butler, author Midnight Guardian series
3. Heather Self

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

24.12.11

Merry Christmas, hiccup!
I've had one helluva year this year... and it's all thanks to the wonderful people who have taken the time to read my books, as well as to everyone who has been a part of my publishing world... from fellow authors, bloggers, twitterers, book reviewers, and more!
I've sold more ebooks than I ever even imagined possible, since I first released my first book, Raven, to the world in May. I've gone from selling just a few copies a month to selling hundreds and I'm gobsmacked at the amazing response I've had to the Raven Saga. Most reviews have been extremely positive, with a few not so nice in between, but that's to be expected, of course!
So, THANK YOU for all your amazing support over the past few months. I can't even put into words how awesome I feel right now because of it.
I'll be pretty busy throughout the next month or so, as I have the third book in the Raven Saga to finish, ready for its release in March! Also, I've got my charitable cause that takes place on Friday 13th January, where I'm having my hair chopped off for Make a Wish Foundation! If you'd like to donate a few dollars / euros / pounds, please visit http://www.crowdrise.com/SuzyTurner-ChopitOffforCharity/fundraiser/SuzyTurner and give what you can. It goes to an extremely worthy charity!
Merry Christmas everyone!! Have a fabulous holiday and I hope 2012 brings all you wish for!!
XXX

YA Indie Carnival: Secret Santa WINNERS

23.12.11

CONGRATULATIONS TO Vanessa Eric who is the Grand Prize Winner of the YA Indie Carnival Secret Santa!!
And also to DIANA who has won copies of my three favourite YA books this year (see below). Diana... Shalini, Patti and Johanna will be in touch shortly with your books!

Hidden by Shalini Boland
HIDDEN is a paranormal romance that spans the centuries from modern London to 19th century Paris and ancient Cappadocia.
Sixteen-year-old Madison Greene is in foster care until one day she inherits a fortune, she inherits a house, she inherits a cellar full of danger.
Eighteen-year-old Alexandre lives in 19th century Paris. On an archaeological expedition he discovers a lost underground city where his life changes forever.
For each of them, life is finally starting. Little do they know it is closer to ending. Something lies buried which should have been forgotten. A Pandora’s Box that was meant to stay shut. But Madison and Alexandre have never been any good at following the rules. They are about to find everything they’ve ever desired and everything that could destroy them.
Falling in love has never been so dangerous.

Fairy Circle by Johanna Frappier
Saffron Keller, high school graduate, is terrified to leave the boundaries of her mother's yard.
Creatures that don't exist are about to show her why.







Paradox by Patti Roberts
Nine hundred years ago, I died...
A journey crossing Two Worlds. One Ancient - One New.
How do the heartbreaking visions experienced by a little girl fit into this Ancient World of Angels, Myth & Legend?
Where lives are bound by blood - and nothing is as it seems. This journey will leave you wanting and have you asking... Who, When, Where?
In a World where there are more questions than answers.
Is your Guardian Angel From Heaven or Hell...?



For more Carni news, visit...

1. Laura A. H. Elliott author of Winnemucca & 13 on Halloween, Book 1 in the Teen Halloween Series
2. Bryna Butler, author Midnight Guardian series
3. Heather Self

I'm in the press again!

21.12.11

My cause, Chop it Off for Charity has been featured in the The Portugal News!
Have a look...
So far, I've raised $250!!! But I'm hoping to raise lots more for the Make a Wish Foundation. To donate, please visit http://www.crowdrise.com/SuzyTurner-ChopitOffforCharity/fundraiser/SuzyTurner

YA Indie Carnival: Secret Santa Giveaway

16.12.11

Remember when you were in school and someone decorated your locker with wrapping paper and candy canes and big red bows? Today there’s a note taped to the outside of your locker. It reads:
Enter the Secret Santa Giveaway from Dec. 16 to Dec. 22, 3PM Pacific and on Friday, Dec. 23, Noon Pacific you could find TONS of books inside!
<3 SECRET SANTA
GRAND PRIZE: A Kindle or Nook copy of the books featured on the Grand Prize List!http://yaauthorclub.blogspot.com
To enter the Secret Santa GRAND PRIZE Giveaway just FOLLOW http://yaauthorclub.blogspot.com & comment on a carni’s site telling us why you’ve been naughty or nice this year. Each carni will have individual giveaways too so be sure to visit all the carnis to win as many books as possible!
ALL WINNERS ANNOUNCED 12/23/2011, Noon Pacific.

AND... BE IN WITH A CHANCE TO WIN THREE OF MY FAVOURITE YA EBOOKS THIS YEAR:

Hidden by Shalini Boland
HIDDEN is a paranormal romance that spans the centuries from modern London to 19th century Paris and ancient Cappadocia.
Sixteen-year-old Madison Greene is in foster care until one day she inherits a fortune, she inherits a house, she inherits a cellar full of danger.
Eighteen-year-old Alexandre lives in 19th century Paris. On an archaeological expedition he discovers a lost underground city where his life changes forever.
For each of them, life is finally starting. Little do they know it is closer to ending. Something lies buried which should have been forgotten. A Pandora’s Box that was meant to stay shut. But Madison and Alexandre have never been any good at following the rules. They are about to find everything they’ve ever desired and everything that could destroy them.
Falling in love has never been so dangerous.

Fairy Circle by Johanna Frappier
Saffron Keller, high school graduate, is terrified to leave the boundaries of her mother's yard.
Creatures that don't exist are about to show her why.







Paradox by Patti Roberts
Nine hundred years ago, I died...
A journey crossing Two Worlds. One Ancient - One New.
How do the heartbreaking visions experienced by a little girl fit into this Ancient World of Angels, Myth & Legend?
Where lives are bound by blood - and nothing is as it seems. This journey will leave you wanting and have you asking... Who, When, Where?
In a World where there are more questions than answers.
Is your Guardian Angel From Heaven or Hell...?



Leave a comment below to enter and then head on over to my facebook page and click the like button. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy!!

And now head on over to my fellow carnis to see what delights they have in store for you this Christmas...

1. Laura A. H. Elliott author of Winnemucca & 13 on Halloween, Book 1 in the Teen Halloween Series
2. Bryna Butler, author Midnight Guardian series
3. Heather Self

Going for the chop for The Make a Wish Foundation!

14.12.11

I'm chopping my hair off for charity... yes, you read that right, my long locks are going and will be replaced with a super short pixie crop!
Initially I had decided to go for the chop because I'd decided to go completely natural and let my white hair shine through but as I gave it more thought I figured I should make it a charity event. I've chosen to raise funds for the Make a Wish Foundation International, an amazing charity which helps make the wishes come true for children with life threatening illnesses. I'd watched videos of some of these amazing kids and I always balled my eyes out and so it seemed only right to support something that had such an impact on my emotional state (and tear ducts!).
The day of the chop is set for Friday 13th January. Yes, Friday 13th!!! I am brave, aren't I?!
Please, please, please help by donating whatever you possibly can, even if it's just a few dollars / pounds / euros... it will all make a difference to some amazing children around the world. You can visit my charity page, here, to help support my cause.
And yep, if you're wondering about  my hair, I am still going white. I've had enough of repeatedly putting all those chemicals on my head and I'm proud of who I am... and that includes my natural hair colour too!
Check out some of these amazing Make a Wish videos...




To help me in my cause, please visit...
http://www.crowdrise.com/SuzyTurner-ChopitOffforCharity/fundraiser/SuzyTurner
... and give what you can. Thank you!

The 25 Day Tour of Bad Aces

13.12.11


Hello, folks! I'm Fisher Amelie and I'm here with the main characters of my latest novel, Callum & Harper, soon to hit shelves this Christmas Eve. So, today's post is going to be a bit different. A fan of mine recently detailed the horrors of a recent breakup of theirs and how difficult they find the process of breaking the ice with someone they're interested in. They asked me for some advice and I told them that I'd been out of the game for awhile but I knew a few young people who may be able to help.
So, welcome, Callum and Harper.
Callum: Hi.
Harper: Hello.
Fisher: So, what kind of advice would you give this fan of mine?
Callum: First thing's first, is this fan male or female?
Fisher: Male.
Harper: What does that matter, Callum?
Callum: Because if the fan was a 'she', I'd have no idea where to start. Besides, girls have it easy.
Harper: Ugh! Girls do not have it easy.
Callum: They do too! All you have to do, Harper Bailey, is bat those pretty lashes at a guy and he's all over you like white on rice.
Harper: That is possibly the most sexist thing I've ever heard you say. (Exaggeratedly bats eyes, develops Southern accent) Oh, please, sir. Pay attention to lil' ol' me. I'm in such need of a male's attention. And if you'd be so kind, please marry me, and stick a pregnant barefoot version of myself in your kitchen.
Callum: Ha, ha. That's not what I meant, Harper. All I was trying to say was that it takes a lot more work for a male to approach a female than vice versa.
Harper: No, it doesn't. It takes the same effort, Sir.
Callum: Oh, really?
Harper: Truly.
Callum: And when, pray tell, was the last time you had to approach a guy?
Harper: (Opens mouth. Shuts it) Well, I mean, I can't remember off the top of my head exactly but...
Callum: Ah, ha! See!
Harper: Callum, I just can't remember the last time I had to because I spend most of my time with you, ya' dolt!
Callum: (Turns bright red) Oh, well, um, did-did you want to, you know, go out and, um, start dating?
Harper: No. I mean, yes, I would like to start dating but, well, I don't know, what with everything going on, it's the last thing on my mind.
Callum: (Toes the wood beneath his feet, sticks hands in pocket) Oh, I see. Yeah, I suppose we are a little over our heads and all.
Harper: (Tucks hands beneath folded arms.) Yeah, it's just not a good time.
Callum: Yeah, I certainly won't be dating any time soon. (Looks up expectantly) What about you?
Harper: No, Callum. To be honest, I wouldn't want to date anyone else. I mean anyone at all...right now.
Callum: Yeah? Oh, cool.
Fisher: Uhhhhh, guys?? Can we get back on topic here?
Harper: Oh! Yeah! Sorry, Fisher! (Blushes)
Callum: So, wait, what were we talking about?
Fisher: My fan! He wanted advice on how to break the ice with girls.
Callum: Okay, well tell him that he needs to find an 'in'.
Harper: An 'in'?
Callum: Yeah, like me, for instance? I make it a point to know all the bartenders at each club I frequent, right?
Harper: Yeah?
Callum: Well, there's a reason for this. I have an 'arrangement' with them all. What I do, if I'm interested in a girl, is send the bartender a signal. Henry? At The Bowery? I tap the bar top twice and point to the girl I like and what he does, is brings me the same drink she's drinking. Then, makes a casual reference or joke about how we're drinking the exact same drink. Henry's gotten me an 'in'.
Harper: That is surprisingly pathetic yet sounds equally effective. I don't know whether to dump this bottle of water over your head or applaud.
Callum: I know! Like a charm, baby. Like a charm.
Harper: Let me guess, Charlie taught you this little gem?
Callum: Come on. That move is his signature.
Harper: I should have known. So, then what?
Callum: Well, then she finds out that we have, 'like, so much in common'. Though, I'm not really, usually a fan of soap making, that one has came in handy once or twice. What they don't know won't hurt them.
Harper: So, you're a sociopath.
Callum: No, I'm charming, there's a difference.
Harper: Sure. (Narrows eyes) Hmm.
Callum: What?
Harper: How come you never act different in front of me?
Callum: Because you're Harper, I don't have to pretend with you. You and I think, act, and live exactly the same. Duh. You're my best friend. You're... (Runs hands over mouth)
Harper: Yes?
Callum: You're my Harper. That's it.
Fisher: Well, thank you, guys. You were absolutely no help whatsoever and now the only thing I could possibly tell this fan is that he has two choices, befriend every bartender in the city or marry his best friend.
Callum and Harper: Huh?
Fisher: Never mind.

And there you have it. Totally in love with the other yet totally clueless as to what they should do about it. Yikes. Sounds like a recipe for disaster...or is it?

Thank you so much for having us, Suzy!!!!
It's an absolute pleasure, Fisher!! You are always welcome!

Author Bio:
Fisher Amelie resides in the South with her kick ace husband slash soul mate. She earned her first 'mama' patch in 2009. She also lives with her Weim, 'Jonah', and her Beta, 'Whale'. All these living creatures keep the belly of her life full, sometimes to the point of gluttony, but she doesn't mind all that much because life isn't worth living if it isn't entertaining, right?
Fisher grew up writing. She secretly hid notebooks and notebooks of dribble in a large Tupperware storage container in her closet as a kid. She didn't put two and two together until after college where it suddenly dawned on her,
"Hey, I like writing". She's a bit dense.
"No, I'm not."
"Yes, you are. Put down that Oreo, your butt can't take any more."
"You're rude."
"Yeah, yeah."
Anyway, she likes to write and has finally beaten her self-esteem into submission enough to allow herself to be scrutinized under the 'other readers' microscope. "No! No! Not a cover slip! Last time it gave me a ra...." (mumbling)

***

Callum & Harper description:
Life sucks for orphans Callum Tate and Harper Bailey.
Kicked out of their foster homes because they suffer the 'eighteen disease' with nothing but a hundred dollar check from the government and a pat on the back, they're forced to rely on a system that failed them miserably.
So they sit. They sit inside Social Services, waiting for their social workers to call their names and offer them the miracle they know will never come but they sit anyway because they have nowhere else to go, no other options on their very literal and figurative empty plates.
But as they sit, they notice the other. Although captivated, they each come to the conclusion that life is complicated enough without throwing in a boiling tension that can't ever be acted upon because they're both too busy thinking about where their next meal will come from but when their names are called and both are placed on a year long waiting list for permanent housing, suddenly relying on each other seems like a very viable plan B.
And, oh, how lovely Plan B's can be.
Well, except for the psycho from Harper's past that haunts her and, oh, yeah, there's the little issue that neither of them knows they're in love with the other.
Needless to say, Callum & Harper's life just got a bit more complicated.
“One day, you and I are gonna’ wake up and be alright. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow but one day. One day. I promise you.” - Callum Tate

***
Links and such:
Fisher is running a contest for the length of her book tour! To win a signed copy of Callum & Harper just click here
Visit Fisher at her website. www.fisheramelie.com
Watch her Book Trailers here
Find Fisher on Goodreads
Find Fisher on Amazon
Find Fisher on Barnes&Noble
Find Fisher on Facebook
Find Fisher on Twitter
Feel like talking to her in private? We don't blame you, she is easily persuaded into doing illegal things. E-mail her at fisher@fisheramelie.com. Don't worry, she's put up a firewall that no government agency could penetrate.

YA Indie Carnival: Cover Love

9.12.11

As a writer, getting the cover right is one of the most important decisions you'll have to make. After all, the cover is your very first impression you're going to make on potential readers.
My first cover (for Raven) was a bad one... horrible actually! I designed it myself... it was a photo of myself that I photoshopped to make me look like a teenager (!). It wasn't a bad picture, of course, but it didn't get the right feel across that I wanted. So I opted to buy an image from a stock photography site instead. I added the words in Adobe Photoshop and voila... the cover to Raven was born.
I did the same for December Moon... and I have to say I love it even more than Raven. The picture I found is perfect, the girl looks exactly how I imagined the main character to be. Result!
But when it comes to other people's covers, there are so many beautiful ones out there. Here is a small selection of some of my favourites:





For more Cover Love.... check out my fellow Carnis below.
1. Laura A. H. Elliott author of Winnemucca & 13 on Halloween, Book 1 in the Teen Halloween Series
2. Bryna Butler, author Midnight Guardian series
3. Heather Self

The Raven Saga OUT NOW in PAPERBACK

3.12.11


I'm delighted to announce that both Raven and December Moon are now available in paperback!! Priced at just $10.99 each (or £6.88), I reckon they'd make a great Christmas present for both kids and adults alike. Don't you agree? Then why not go grab yourself a copy....
AMAZON UK
AMAZON US

YA Indie Carnival: Fiction Pie

2.12.11

So this week's theme is: recipes for plotting your stories. Hmmm? To be honest, I came up blank, totally blank. I had no idea what to write about here... my stories usually take me by surprise, with little planning involved. You could say I am a 'pantster'.... I fly by the seat of my pants when it comes to story telling.
But these stories must come from somewhere, mustn't they? Hmm?
Well, I guess you could say the recipe behind Raven was created in that wonderful land far, far away, called Canada. That and a touch of Twilight inspiration, I suppose.
I'm really not doing very well, here am I? My fellow Carnis are probably writing thoughtful posts on how to come up with perfect plots for your tales and I am most certainly lacking!
I tell you what... why don't you head on over to their fantastic blogs and have a look for yourself. I'll be joining you soon, for sure!
1. Laura A. H. Elliott author of Winnemucca & 13 on Halloween, Book 1 in the Teen Halloween Series
2. Bryna Butler, author Midnight Guardian series
3. Heather Self
Made With Love By The Dutch Lady Designs