Huge YA giveaway featuring my favourite authors

#ARMCHAIRBEA Giveaway

I am absolutely ecstatic to announce a FABULOUS giveaway that I originally posted a couple of days ago on my Fiction Dreams blog as part of the Armchair BEA event. However, I thought I'd share it here too.... the more the merrier right? Plus, all the books you can win are actually YA books!
I approached three of my favourite authors and asked them if they'd like to be involved and they said YES! So huge thanks to Shalini Boland, Melissa Pearl and Patti Roberts who are all donating goodies for this giveaway! AND you could also win ebooks of all of my own books and a paperback copy of Forever Fredless!
That's 13 winners (if I'm doing my maths right!!)

Shalini Boland

2 ebooks of HIDDEN

2 ebooks of OUTSIDE

Melissa Pearl

2 ebooks of THE TIME SPIRIT series

Paperback of the BETWIXT omnibus

Patti Roberts

The complete ebook set of The PARADOX series AND the WITCHWOOD series

Double editions of the WITCHWOOD ESTATE series in print with signed stickers for both print books.

Suzy Turner

2 ebooks of THE RAVEN SAGA, THE MORGAN SISTERS and FOREVER FREDLESS

1 paperback copy of FOREVER FREDLESS

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My Writing Process blog Tour

I was invited to take part in the 'My Writing Process' blog by two different people! The gorgeous Suzie Tullett and Elle Field.

So here's how it goes: I have to answer these questions and then invite three other author bloggers to do the same!

1) What am I working on? 

I'm actually working on a movie! Yes, a movie! Squeal! It's called The Eye of Praxos and is based on my Morgan Sisters novels. Although it's a wonderful experience, it's definitely time consuming and is keeping me from working on my other two projects at the moment, which are: the next book in The Morgan Sisters series and my second Chick Lit book! I have so many ideas going around in my head for more novels but I need to get the movie finished first so I can give them my all :)

2) How does my work differ from others of its genre? 

I pride myself on writing books that are appropriate for any audience, young and old alike. I avoid using explicit words, sex scenes, unnecessary violence. You won't find anything like that in my books! 

3) Why do I write what I do? 

I write YA and chick lit because I LOVE to read them myself. They are two of my absolute favourite genres, taking me away from the real world. I just love them!

4) How does my writing process work?

When I'm working on a novel, I have to give myself daily deadlines, otherwise I would just procrastinate and not get anything done! I'm terrible with distraction - especially the internet! So, I'll work backwards, calculating how many words I need to get done per week and then break it up into five (I don't work on the weekends) and then I don't have a problem :)

I'm inviting three wonderful peeps to take part: 

Elizabeth Seckman 

Shalini Boland 

Patti Roberts
Bio: "For me, talking to readers who love my stories and characters as much as I do is a dream come true. NOTHING is more exhilarating or inspiring. The author writes, yes, but I honestly believe it is the reader, that breathes life and soul into the characters in a book. Without the reader and their wonderful imaginations, stories and characters are words arranged neatly on a page waiting to be born, waiting to be loved. To the reader, my characters and I thank you." Patti Roberts.
PATTI ROBERTS was born in Brisbane Australia but soon moved to Darwin in the Northern Territory. Her son Luke was born in 1980. Patti now lives in Cairns, Queensland where she is writing the Paradox Series of books. Patti is currently working on a new teen novel, Witchwood Estate, which is being published as episodic, short story fiction.
Web: http://www.pattirobertsauthor.com/

Cover Reveal: The Perimeter by Shalini Boland

I'm ABSOLUTELY STOKED to be able to share the new cover for the next book in the Outside Series by Shalini Boland. Shalini is my all time favourite YA author (and also a pal!). Her books are totally amazing and I can't wait to get my hands on The Perimeter!

THE PERIMETER (Outside Series #3) by Shalini Boland

(Anticipated Release Date: Monday November 18th 2013)

There’s a sinister force coming for Riley, and the only things keeping her safe are a perimeter fence and the people she loves. As her life is threatened, she must make impossible choices. But help comes from the most unlikely of places, and all Riley needs to know is: Who can she really trust?
Meanwhile, a repentant killer searches for peace and redemption. Things become twisted when he is faced with the exact opposite, and pretty soon he will have to make the hardest decision of his life.
The Perimeter is a darkly captivating YA tale that will have you on the edge of your seat and up at night turning the pages to find out what happens next . . .
Book Links:
US Amazon page: http://www.amazon.com/Shalini-Boland/e/B004SGMOJM/
UK Amazon page: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Shalini-Boland/e/B004SGMOJM
Barnes & Noble page: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/shalini-boland?store=allproducts&keyword=shalini+boland

Website: http://www.shaliniboland.co.uk
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/ShaliniBolandAuthor
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10823176-hidden
Twitter: http://twitter.com/ShaliniBoland
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/shaliniboland/

I'm on Shalini Boland's blog today!!

Today I can be found on the truly awesome YA author, Shalini Boland's blog as part of the Morgan Sisters virtual tour. I totally HEART Shalini and her books (she is most definitely my favourite YA author) so it's always such an honour to be on her site. So please come and check out my guest post, leave a comment and show Shalini some love!!
Shalini Boland's Blog 

#YAIndieCarnival: Books worth voting for

 

This week, in honour of the US elections, we're talking about books worth voting for. How cool is that? Obviously I'm a massive book lover and I adore sharing the love where books are concerned. So here are a few of my all time favourite books, ones that are perhaps a little lesser known that had a powerful effect on me... YA books that I would vote for any day of the week!

Hidden & Thicker Than Blood (Books 1 and 2 in the Marchwood Vampire series) by Shalini Boland

 The Forsaken by Lisa M Stasse

Winnemucca, a Small Town Fairytale by Laura A.H Elliott

The Quill Pen by Michelle Isenhoff

The Ghost of Josiah Grimshaw by moi (I couldn't resist!)

For more books worth voting for, visit my awesome 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

4. T. R. Graves, Author of The Warrior Series
5. Suzy Turner, author of The Raven Saga 

6. Cheri Schmidt, author of the Fateful Trilogy
7. Rachel Coles, author of Into The Ruins, geek mom blog 

8. K. C. Blake, author of Vampires Rule and Crushed
9. Patti Larsen, The Hunted series and The Hayle Coven series 

10. Amy Maurer Jones, Author of The Soul Quest Trilogy
11. Fisher Amelie, author of The Understorey

12. Gwenn Wright, author of Filter  

13. Melissa Pearl, Author of The Time Spirit Trilogy
14. Heather M. White, author of The Destiny Saga

15. Courtney Cole Writes
16. Liz Long | Just another writer on the loose.

17. Ella James
18. Maureen Murrish

19. Valerie Sloan
20. YA Sci Fi Author's Ramblings
21. Terah Edun, author of Red Madrassa and An Amlah's Diary

Click here for more Indie News:

#YAIndieCarnival: Beat the heat

Today at the YA Indie Carnival we're dishing out hot summer reads! And I've got a few awesome reads for you to get your teeth into. Here are some of my favourite books that are just perfect for the beach, the pool, the terrace, outside under the shade of a tree or just snuggled up indoors out of the heat!

Hidden & Thicker Than Blood by Shalini Boland

I've read Hidden three times over the past couple of years and each time I've loved it even more. If you love vampire stories, then Hidden is a must-read! Thicker Than Blood, the sequel, came out earlier this year and it certainly didn't disappoint. I can't wait for the third book in The Marchwood Vampire series!! Oh, and once you've read those, check out Shalini's other books, A Shirtful of Frogs (I'm reading it soon!) and Outside which is, like, one of the BEST dystopian novels I've read! LOVE LOVE LOVE it!

The Fairy Circle & Fairy Thief by Johanna Frappier

Johanna's imagination is just totally awesome! I love the way she writes and her main character, who goes through some crazy stuff, is just like a regular teenager, you know? She's just so cool. If you love fairy books, then you've got to try this series... it's SO different from anything else you've read, I'm sure of it! AMAZING!

The Bringer by Samantha Towle

So far this is the only book I've read by Samantha (although I have others on my Kindle, ready and waiting... !) and it was AM.A.Z.I.N.G! I loved everything about it, especially the Australia connection! Again, this book is totally unique and there is no doubt that you're gonna LOVE IT!

Rippler by Cidney Swanson

I was totally taken aback by Rippler (probably because I had absolutely no idea what it was going to be about!) because it was just so brilliant. Cidney writes beautifully and her main character's 'problem' for want of a better word, is probably one of the coolest 'problems' around (although a tad awkward at times). This book is an awesome summer read... go and get it, like now (it's FREE at the moment)! AWESOME!

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Yes, I know, I know... I'm kind of behind the times. I was a late comer to The Hunger Games and my goodness, I wasn't disappointed. It was AMAZING. I'm sure you've all read it by now so how about re-reading it? You're bound to notice little bits of awesomeness than you missed the first time round! SUPER!

Paradox by Patti Roberts

Again, this is one of those books that was unputdownable. It is so unique, unlike any other books I've ever read. I love that it incorporates different worlds (I ain't giving anything away here!). Patti is a super writer and I can't wait to finally get round to reading the sequels! WONDERFUL!

Anathema by Megg Jensen

I LOVED this book, everything about it just draws you in and you end up sitting up late at night desperate to know what happens next! It's a real page-turner. You must read Anathema... it's FREE at the moment (!), you'll be totally engrossed after the first page! BEAUTIFUL!

There are so many other wonderful YA books that I could go on and on and on...! How about trying out books by all the YA Indie Carnis? There are some real gems to be found among them, for example, have you tried The Raven Saga... it's really very good ;)

To beat the heat and find out some more awesome summer reads, check out my awesome buddies, the YA Indie carnis below.... See ya next week ;) xx

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

4. T. R. Graves, Author of The Warrior Series
5. Suzy Turner, author of The Raven Saga 

6. Cheri Schmidt, author of the Fateful Trilogy
7. Rachel Coles, author of Into The Ruins, geek mom blog 

8. K. C. Blake, author of Vampires Rule and Crushed
9. Patti Larsen, The Hunted series and The Hayle Coven series 

10. Amy Maurer Jones, Author of The Soul Quest Trilogy
11. Fisher Amelie, author of The Understorey

12. Gwenn Wright, author of Filter  

13. Melissa Pearl, Author of The Time Spirit Trilogy
14. Heather M. White, author of The Destiny Saga

15. Courtney Cole Writes
16. Liz Long | Just another writer on the loose.

17. Ella James
18. Maureen Murrish

19. Valerie Sloan
20. YA Sci Fi Author's Ramblings

Click here for more Indie News:

LOVE: Thicker Than Blood by Shalini Boland

OK... so perhaps it's obvious that I'm one of Shalini Boland's biggest fans but I can't help it - her books are just so brilliant. I've been eagerly awaiting Thicker Than Blood, Part 2 of the Marchwood Vampires series since I read Hidden (twice!). I completely fell in love with the first book well over a year ago and you can therefore imagine my excitement when I saw that she was finally releasing the sequel! SQUEAL!
Needless to say, I couldn't put the book down, it gripped me from the very first page and continued to do so throughout. I am so excited that there are going to be more in this series, my only hope is that I don't have to wait too long for the next one.
A superb read! Well done Shalini!

#yaindiecarnival: baddest, nastiest YA characters

Baddies are great aren't they? And writing a nasty character is enormous fun. I particularly enjoyed creating Olivier Duran in The Raven Saga. He's a terrifying, heartless (well, aren't they all?!) vampire who loves nothing more than to play with his food.

But who is my favourite all time YA baddie? Hm... that's a tough one. Lord Voldemort (shhhhhhhhhh, I hear you say.... sorry!) has got to be the ultimate evil doer, don't you think? Victoria in the Twilight series was a total cowbag too! I recently read a fantastic book by Shalini Boland, it's the second in her Marchwood Vampire Series, and there are some pretty horrendous nasties in there too! Ooh I can't think, I can't think.... most YA fantasy books have got some kind of horrible evil guys and all are usually as bad as each other! But I'm going to stick with Voldemort as the 'nastiest character in YA'! What do you think?

For more YA baddies, check out my awesome 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

4. T. R. Graves, Author of The Warrior Series
5. Suzy Turner, author of The Raven Saga 

6. Cheri Schmidt, author of the Fateful Trilogy
7. Rachel Coles, author of Into The Ruins, geek mom blog 

8. K. C. Blake, author of Vampires Rule and Crushed
9. Patti Larsen, The Hunted series and The Hayle Coven series 

10. Amy Maurer Jones, Author of The Soul Quest Trilogy
11. Fisher Amelie, author of The Understorey

12. Gwenn Wright, author of Filter  

13. Melissa Pearl, Author of The Time Spirit Trilogy
14. Heather M. White, author of The Destiny Saga

15. Courtney Cole Writes
16. Liz Long | Just another writer on the loose.

17. Ella James
18. Maureen Murrish

19. Valerie Sloan
20. YA Sci Fi Author's Ramblings

Click here for more Indie News:

REVIEW: Outside by Shalini Boland

*****

Over a year ago I had the privilege of reading what has now become one of my all-time favourite YA vampire books. The book was called Hidden and it was written by fellow indie author, Shalini Boland.
Since then, I have been eagerly awaiting her to release more. Imagine my delight, therefore, when I noticed she'd released a book entitled Outside. Initially I thought it was the long awaited sequel to Hidden. I was completely wrong about that, of course, but it didn't matter. I soon discovered that Outside was not about vampires or the supernatural, but about a dystopian society in south western England. I was hooked. Ever since childhood when I read a book called Z for Zachariah, I've loved dystopian novels, post apocalyptic novels, anything set in a world gone wrong.
Outside is exactly the kind of story I love, about a young couple who embark on a journey through potential terrifying locations to try and avenge something horrifying that happens in the beginning of the book. I'm not saying any more because I'd hate to give anything away. What I will say, though, is that Outside is simply brilliant. Shalini's writing just flows beautifully and I can't wait to read more from her. I wonder if Outside is the first in a series too? I hope so... I can certainly see the potential for many more!
But I guess I'll just have to wait and see. I need to be patient!
All in all, a fabulous read.

YA Indie Carnival: Secret Santa Giveaway

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

4. T. R. Graves, Author of The Warrior Series
5. Suzy Turner, author of The Raven Saga 

6. Darby Karchut, author of GRIFFIN RISING
7. Lexus Luke 

8. PJ Hoover, Author of SOLSTICE, Blogging at ROOTS IN MYTH
9. Cheri Schmidt, author of the Fateful Trilogy 

10. Rachel Coles, author of Into The Ruins, geek mom blog
11. K. C. Blake, author of Vampires Rule and Crushed 

12. Patti Larsen, The Hunted series and The Hayle Coven series
13. Courtney Cole, author of The Bloodstone Saga 

14. Amy Maurer Jones, Author of The Soul Quest Trilogy
15. Dani Snell's Refracted Light Reviews 

16. Fisher Amelie, author of The Understorey
17. M. Leighton, Blood Like Poison Series, Madly, The Reaping 

18. Abbi Glines, author of Breathe and The Vincent Boys
19. Kimberly Kinrade, Bits of You & Pieces of Me, Forbidden Mind 

20. Madeline Smoot, Missing, Summer Shorts, and The Girls
21. Cidney Swanson, author of Rippler 

22. Nicole Williams, author of Eternal Eden, Falling Eden
23. Gwenn Wright, author of Filter 

24. Abbi Glines: Breathe, The Vincent Boys, Existence
25. Ten Things Authors Should Know About Social Media

Vampires... what's your take?

I'm so excited to be on one of my favourite indie authors' blogs today, Shalini Boland! It's part of my December Moon Virtual Book Tour and I'm talking about vampires... why we love em, why we hate em... so come along and leave a comment, explaining what's your take on vampires!

Click on the link below...

http://someonewotwrites.blogspot.com/2011/09/december-moon-virtual-book-tour.html

Q&A with author Shalini Boland

A very warm welcome to my favourite indie author, Shalini!

Have you ever read a book that made you think 'wow'? If so, what book was it and why did it have such an effect on you?
My favourite book ever is The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons. It’s a love story set in Russia during WW2 when the Germans blocked off all routes to Leningrad, trying to starve its inhabitants. Everything about the novel is beautiful and devastating and I lived every page.

Who is your favourite author and why?
Erm, see above. But I’m also in awe of Jean M. Auel and her magnificent Clan of the Cave Bear series.

Who, or what, inspires you?
I get inspired by all sorts of things: childhood memories, books, music, acts of kindness.
Writing-wise, I take my inspiration from authors like Anne Rice for her darkness, Audrey Niffeneger for her quirkiness and Suzanne Collins for her kick-ass-ness.

Where is your favourite place to write?
On the sofa in the lounge with my laptop, a cup of coffee and some chocolate – bliss.

What is your book about?
Hidden is the first book in the Marchwood Vampire Series. It’s part urban fantasy and part historical romance, and tells the stories of Madison Greene and Alexandre Chevalier who are both rebels in their own way. Fate takes each of them on a dark adventure and their lives eventually entwine, but this is only just the beginning.

What is your favourite film that was based on a book?
Sorry to be predictable but it’s probably the Twilight movies. I loved the novels and I think the films really captured their essence. I probably wouldn’t have enjoyed them so much if I hadn’t read the books though.

If your book was made into a film, who would you like to play the main characters?

I’d like to cast complete unknowns into the leading roles. An eighteen-year-old version of Ben Barnes (Prince Caspian/Dorian Gray) would make a great Alexandre. And Madison would be played by someone raw and feisty, like a young Emily Lloyd (Wish You Were Here).
I can't think of any well-known actor or actress out there at the moment who fits the bill.

Tell us a random fact about yourself. I once sang with Basement Jaxx at The Brixton Academy.

Tell us something interesting about the area where you live.
Mary Shelley is buried here, along with Percy Shelley’s heart!
Percy Shelley drowned in 1822 while boating off Livorno; his body washed ashore and was cremated on the beach. His friend Edward Trelawny somehow grabbed the heart from the flames and presented it to his wife, Mary Shelley, who kept it with her.

Thanks so much for having me, Suzy! It’s been fun xx
Always a pleasure, Shalini! And I have to agree that a young Ben Barnes would be absolutely perfect!! For more details about Shalini and her books, visit http://shaliniboland.co.uk 

Guest Author: Shalini Boland

Books and music are my passion and I’ve always been a writer in some shape or form. Before children, I was signed to Universal Music as a singer songwriter. I had the opportunity to collaborate with some amazing musicians and songwriters and was lucky enough to sing with Basement Jaxx on their album Rooty and live on stage. But that all seems like several lifetimes ago now.

Since the arrival of my little monsters, I combine motherhood with writing Teen Fiction. I write the kinds of books I love to read - gripping young adult adventures with a spattering of romance and a sprinkling of horror.

HIDDEN, the first book in The Marchwood Vampire Series, is a romantic paranormal adventure that spans the centuries from modern England to 19th century Paris. It starts off in gritty urban reality but soon ramps up into historical adventure, archaeological digs, ancient legends and romance across time: On Madison Greene’s sixteenth birthday, her life in foster care ends when she becomes the heir to a fortune. But she also inherits something else along with the money, something secret and hidden that shouldn’t be disturbed … DUN DUN DU-U-UNN!!!

HIDDEN: The book trailer

I’m stupendously excited about the next two in the series. I have them all mapped out – I just need to get on and finish them. THICKER THAN BLOOD, the second book in the series, should be finished by the end of 2011 and it focuses on the chilling 8th century Byzantine vampires, as well as more from my main characters, Maddy and Alexandre.

July 2011 sees the release of my post-apocalyptic romantic teen thriller, OUTSIDE. The story follows Riley who lives in the near future, behind the safety of the perimeter fence. She’s always been shielded from the dangers facing those on the outside. But when her younger sister is murdered, she ventures out beyond the perimeter, into the wilderness of a very different Britain, to track down the killer.

HIDDEN is selling well so far and seems to be getting great reviews. I’ll probably cry when I get my first rubbish one, but that’s the way it is with this creative life and I wouldn’t change it. Thanks, Suzy, for giving me the chance to waffle on. You’re a star! Here are my links:
http://www.shaliniboland.co.uk http://www.facebook.com/Hidden.MarchwoodVampireSeries
HIDDEN on Kindle: http://amzn.to/k63SdY
HIDDEN on Smashwords: http://bit.ly/iNGSny
HIDDEN on Barnes&Noble: http://bit.ly/k2mIiI

Suzy: HIDDEN is my favourite YA fantasy book EVER. I highly recommend it... you certainly won't be disappointed!