Meet the lovely Alicia Rades

Hi Alicia! Can you tell us a little about your latest book?
Fire in Frost is my first full-length novel. It's a young adult paranormal about 15-year-old Crystal Frost. Crystal thinks she's going crazy when she starts seeing the ghost of a girl who died a year ago, but she soon comes to realize that her abilities are real--and that her mom is psychic, too! When people start coming to her for help, she has to figure out how to use her abilities to help them all while trying to keep anyone else from finding out.

What inspired you to write it?
I've always been interested in the young adult paranormal genre. Fire in Frost was actually a NaNoWriMo project (that took over a year of revising!). When I chose to participate in National Novel Writing Month, I knew I wanted to write in the YA paranormal genre, and this is the story that emerged.

How did you come up with the idea for the cover?

I don't remember! I drew up a mock cover for my designer, and she really made it come to life, but I can't remember where the initial idea for the eyes and crystal ball came from.

If it was made into a movie, who would you like to play the main characters?
That's a tough one. I actually investigated this a while back so I could create a "cast of characters," but I ended up creating my cast out of stock image models because I had a hard time finding actresses and actors who are the right age and have the right "look" for my characters. If it was a movie, I think it'd be made up of new actors no one has really heard of before. (Here's the link to my cast of characters)

Is it part of a series or is it a stand-alone novel?
It works as it's own novel. You won't have to go on to read the other books to see how the story ends, but I am writing two other books using the same characters.

Where is the novel set and why did you choose to set it there?
It's set in the fictional town of Peyton Springs in southern MN. I chose southern MN because that's where I was born and I'm familiar with the area. I made up my own town because I didn't want to have to get super technical with real places. This way, I could describe the town and businesses however I imagined.

What is it about this genre that appeals to you so much?
I'm a sucker for YA paranormal. That and YA dystopian is pretty much all I read. I love the pace of the stories. They're not too long, but it's not like you're rushing through the story, either. I also love the creativity and out-of-the-box thinking that paranormal authors come up with. It's so cool that you can create your own world out of the unknown.

What made you want to become an author?
I've always been a writer. Since I was 8 years old, I'd write poetry and short stories, and my teachers were constantly encouraging me to keep writing. When I was 17, I became a freelance writer. I didn't really get into long-form fiction writing until I was 19. I surround myself with writer friends, so when I saw them writing fiction, I decided that I really wanted to be a part of that.

How do you come up with character names?
Sometimes I use a Google search to browse through names until one feels right. Other times, I take the first name that comes to mind, and if that doesn't feel right, I'll change it. At first, I was going to name Crystal Charlotte and have everyone call her Charlie, but as I started writing, it just didn't feel right, so I changed it.

Name one of your all-time favourite books?
I absolutely love "The Seer" series by Linda Joy Singleton. It's what sparked my interest in the paranormal genre.

Who, or what, inspires you?
Pretty much every author who crosses my path inspires me! When I read books, I get this feeling like, "Dang, this is good. I wonder if I could write something this good." Just seeing other people's successes helps push me forward as I realize that things like being an author is possible.
I have to say that Linda Joy Singleton has really inspired me, though. Last summer, I flew out west to visit family and then drove 12 hours (one way) just to have lunch with her. She's so sweet about answering my questions and encouraging me to keep writing. I own every one of her books in print, and a dozen or so of them are signed!

Where is your favourite place to write?
I do most of my fiction writing right on my living room couch! I'd love to write outside, but I have such a tough time seeing my computer screen then.

What is your favourite movie that was based on a book?
That's a tough question because I don't tend to play favorites with movies. :) Although I've only seen it once, I have to say that I really enjoyed the movie "Safe Haven." While the book was very well done, I actually liked the movie better.

Name two of your favourite authors.
Linda Joy Singleton and Emerald Barnes.

Tell us a random fact about yourself.
I graduated high school early.

Who would play you in the movie about your life?

Toronto International Film Festival via photopin (license)

People tell me I look like Rachel McAdams (pictured), and I think she'd do a great job portraying my personality, so that'd be pretty cool if she played me, although she's quite a bit older than me.

Tell us an interesting fact about where you live.
The nearest Wal-Mart is 45 minutes away.

What are your (writing) plans for the future?
It's my goal to continue making writing my full-time job (which it is, just not fiction writing). For my book plans, I have two more books in progress for the Crystal Frost series, and then I'll be working on a stand-alone novel (also YA supernatural/paranormal with a bit of scifi). Mostly, I just want to wait and see where my writing takes me and hope that's somewhere good. :)

Tell us one thing that's on your bucket list.
Visit the Redwood National Forest.

Favourite myth / fairytale?
I can't say that I have one...

Who/What did you want to be when you were a kid?
Honestly, when I was little, I used to wish I was Pocahontas. :) In 6th grade, I was really into being an author, but for most of my life, I thought I was going to be a nurse.

Alicia Rades has always had a passion for writing and wrote her first poem when she was 8. Although most of her writing continued as poetry and eventually as song writing, she wrote a few short stories along the way. In 2010, Alicia began freelance writing, creating blog posts and other online content. Today, she is a freelance writer, blogger, and editor who lives in Wisconsin with her husband. When inspiration strikes, she's also an author who loves exploring YA paranormal ideas.
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Author Interview with the awesome Christian Page

Hi Christian! Can you tell us a little about your latest book?

Sure thing! The Monster Squad is a YA/late Middle-Grade book that follows a group of small-town friends who discover they are heirs to frightening and mysterious powers. There’s quiet and shy Blaine Davis who is the invisible woman reborn; the jock, Daschle Gaunt, who has the strength and speed of the wolf man; the mystery man, Drake Harker, who has the mind control powers of the vampire; and the brain, Shelley Merry, who is the heir to a terrible and fierce monster. The kids must learn to master their powers while grappling with a group of nasties led by the nefarious Victor von Frankenstein who threaten their town, families and themselves in a race against time. The book combines the action and adventure of a popcorn sci-fi movie, introduces readers to the rich cannon of sci-fi, gothic and horror movie characters with a new and fresh modern spin, and breaks up the action with a ton of fun pop culture references and one liners to make sure readers of all ages get a breather and not take the action too seriously.
We have a trailer posted on You Tube that gives a quick 60 second run thru of the high points of the story. You can check it out here.
You can also read a “look inside” preview on Amazon by clicking here

What inspired you to write it?
My kids, 7 and 9, love to read and we have kept the tradition of bed time stories going since they were babies. Both of them love good Middle Grade and YA books like Percy Jackson, Artemis Fowle, His Dark Materials and Harry Potter and after reading several with them I thought it would be fun to make up my own story. I wanted to write something my younger son would find fun and fast paced with the strong female characters my older daughter could relate to… The Monster Squad was the result of that inspiration!

How did you come up with the idea for the cover?
The cover is inspired by one of the signature scenes in the book where the kids have their first major battle with Dr. Victor von Frankenstein and his terrible Monster. It’s a cool scene that takes place on a lonely road in the middle of nowhere. All hope seems lost as the unstoppable Monster bears down on them when suddenly a mysterious fog appears. I would tell you more but there are too many spoilers ☺

If it was made into a movie, who would you like to play the main characters?
Ooo… I am not super savvy on the young actor scene so that is tough for me. I think Dash could be played by a young River Phoenix-type. Drake is a bit more dark and mysterious – Skandar Keynes looks like the right look (I found that on Bing!). Zendaya Coleman for Shelley is a good match. Maybe Hailee Steinfeld for Blaine (she was fantastic in True Grit and has that good combination of iron and accessibility). Angelina Jolie for Mina would be a great match – dark, mysterious, beautiful, strong. Frankenstein? I think Christopher Walken is awesome and would capture the right mix of creepy and off-kilter.

What is it about this genre that appeals to you so much?
I wanted to write something that would appeal to my kids. Both are voracious readers and love books from folks like Shannon Hale, Rick Riordan, Eoin Colfer, and, of course, JK Rowling so those were my aspirational targets. While the series is geared toward 5th thru 8th grade reading levels I also wanted to inject it with plenty of humor and references that adults reading it to their kids (or for their own enjoyment) would get a kick out of. So if you are fans of Spielberg, Kripke, Zemeckis, Abrams or Reitmann hopefully you will see a little of their influences in the humor and action sequences as well.

What made you want to become an author?

I’ve wanted to be an author all my life. I first started to write back when I was a kid – choose your own adventure, D&D style stuff. I wrote manuscripts for a couple books (my favorite: The Adventures of Maury Slovack) but didn’t take anything to the finish line. End of the day, I get a kick out of dreaming up a world and cast of characters and telling stories. Being an author allows you to get those stories out of your head and share with a broader audience that, if you are fortunate, enjoys it and tells their friends about it.

How do you come up with character names?
Most of the names fall into one of two camps: 1) names that were inspired by Gothic literature or the Horror Movie cannon (Mina Harker, Shelley Merry, Ian van Helsing, Edgewick Stoker, Lon Cheney); or 2) names that I like that my wife wouldn’t let us name our kids (Dash, in particular!).

Name one of your all-time favourite books?
I really liked Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. I don’t think it was the best written of her books and was a little loose in the outline, but JK Rowling pivoted genres in that one from a Middle-Grade, safer paced story to a harder YA writing that was more gripping and aged-up. That journey she took her characters on was amazing and the Goblet of Fire really thru gas on the fire of a great story.

Who, or what, inspires you?
Wow, lots. I love great story tellers and aspire to tell stories as well as they do. I wrote about several in some of the prior questions but I think Terry Brooks, JK Rowling, Rick Riordan, Brad Sanderson - - - all of them tell awesome stories that really grip their readers and bring their characters to life. Movie and Television artists also inspire me – particularly in dialogue and pacing. Spielberg, Abrams, Kripke, Zemeckis, even Jerry Bruckheimer… they all do such a fantastic job with pacing and accessibility.

Where is your favourite place to write?
My kitchen – it’s nice to just hang out and listen to music and take in my home. My day job keeps me very busy with travel and long hours so it is nice to just be home and have life happen around me for a few hours while I write. I also can share fun lines or scenes as I go with my wife and kids which when you are in the creative moment is fun to get some real time feedback and sharing going.

What is your favourite movie that was based on a book?
Not a book but a play… A Few Good Men was such a great movie – Aaron Sorkin is amazing at character dialogue and drawing outstanding performances from the actors who deliver them. “I want the truth… You can’t handle the truth!” “Walk softly and carry an armored tank division, I always say” “I'm sorry, I keep forgetting. You were sick the day they taught law at law school!” Wow! There are literally two dozen lines in that single movie that are classics.

Name two of your favourite authors.Named quite a few already ☺ Terry Brooks, because he got me into reading. Rick Riordan, because reading his books to my son and daughter inspired me to write some of my own.

If you could have a dinner party with any authors from any time in history, who would you choose and why?
I’d take the attendees from the Council of Nicea back in the 400’s and get their take on what was chosen to be kept and what was chosen to not be included in the final, modern version of the New Testament. That would be fascinating to understand the inside story on how that went down for the most read book in the known universe. I’d also love to have a dinner party with William Shakespeare and see how many different authors actually show up (since the rumors are he was a pen name for one or more authors from the time).

Tell us a random fact about yourself.
My pen name is based on my mother’s maiden name.

Who would play you in the movie about your life?

photo credit: gdcgraphics via photopin cc

Ray Liotta – he looks (a little) like me and I think he conveys a similar attitude that I do in real life (a guy you could have a beer with but with a deeper story inside / publicly accessible with a deep private interior).

Tell us an interesting fact about where you live.
Seattle is the most literate city in the United States. It has more book stores and libraries per capita than anywhere in the country along with the most library card-holders of any city.

What are your (writing) plans for the future?
A future book I’m writing is called The Unseen… it is still in the early concept and outlining stage but I can already tell it will be darker and aged up vs. The Monster Squad – it will be truly YA whereas the Monster Squad is more a bridge audience for tweens and early teens. It will still feature humor and action but the writing will have an older appeal to it - - - closer to Buffy The Vampire Slayer than the Monster Squad which is probably a bit more Goonies. The story is about a 17 year old girl, Willow Freeman, who the reader discovers has died on page 1 but her story and that of the twin sister she never knew is just beginning. While I really like the characters, world and story of the Monster Squad (especially Kevin Wallis, my favorite side kick in the book), I think getting a bit darker will be fun and The Unseen will have a definite spooky vibe and older edge to it.

Tell us one thing that's on your bucket list.I want to visit every continent, sub-continent and region on Earth. So far I have knocked off North America, South America, Europe, Asia, China, South East Asia, Australia, Japan, Middle East… I had to fill out a custom’s form a few weeks ago and think I have visited somewhere around 25-30 countries in the last 5 years alone and maybe 30-40 total in my life. I’m still working on Africa and Antarctica, though!

Favourite myth / fairytale?
I love the Santa Claus story. I maybe have another year or two where my kids will be believers (as it is I think they are just playing along to get more gifts for Christmas!). But I love the fact our entire culture bends itself to help kids believe in magic one time per year. That is really a special, special thing. That said, I loathe the Easter Bunny – it has nothing to do with the holiday (Easter is actually a very sober, important holiday) and the whole concept of a magic bunny that leaves chocolate eggs hidden in your house is a tough one to credibly explain to an 8 year old. It’s the weak link on Santa! Because once the kids figure out the Bunny (or his evil cohort in crime the equally dodgy Tooth Fairy) than it is just a matter of time before the dominoes fall on friendly, old Saint Nick…

Who/What did you want to be when you were a kid?
A scientist. I wanted to build things, explore and invent. I thought scientists were the bomb! And then my jerk, older brother told me most scientists didn’t make a lot of money… so I switched to wanting to be a doctor (a scientist who delivers the benjamins…). In my real job, I run an engineering team so I ended up pretty close to my dream.

Thanks so much for giving me the chance to meet your readers and ramble on about my story! I hope you all consider it. If you are interested in learning more or picking it up, the book is available on Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Kobo and soon Apple iBooks and should be available in local bookstores soon. Its early days so I need as many early, passionate and dedicated readers as possible. If you do get a chance to look at it or buy it, thank you so much! If you get a chance, please leave your feedback on one of the sites above. I check them out religiously for reviews and would love to see what you think. So far, it’s mostly been friends and family leaving warm thoughts but we have about 40-50 professional and enthusiast reviews in the pipeline for the next few weeks. I look forward to hearing your thoughts as well!

Thanks for being here, Chris! It's been a pleasure having you on my blog.

Meet the very cool Christopher Mannino

I'm delighted to have Christopher with me today. I was introduced to him recently when he sent his book trailer in to feature on my YA Trailer Park. I was so taken with the trailer (scroll down to see it) that I invited him here for an interview...

Can you tell us a little about your latest book? 

School of Deaths, a novel recently released by MuseItUp Publishing, is the tale of thirteen-year-old Suzie Sarnio. Forced to become the first female Death (or Grim Reaper), Suzie is alone in a world where all the Deaths are men. Her schoolmates and teachers bully and harass her. In the School of Deaths, she finds herself training to bring souls from the Living World to the Hereafter. Attacked by both classmates and strangers, Suzie is alone in a world where even her teachers want her to fail. The novel is a Young Adult Fantasy, but also contains many aspects of mystery, as Suzie tries to discover why she’s been brought to the School of Deaths, the first female Death in a million years.

What inspired you to write it? 
In fall of 2012, I was stranded on a cliff in Cornwall. As part of a semester at Oxford, I decided to journey to a new place at least once a week. On one such trip, I visited Tintagel Castle, the supposed birthplace of King Arthur. The trip took eight hours by train and bus, and I miscalculated the infrequency of return trips. I walked to the Visitor’s Center, only to find it closed, along with the local hostel. I went pub to pub, asking for a room to sleep in for the night.
Before dawn the following morning, having received no sleep at all above a loud, crowded bar, I climbed to Barras Nose, a rocky peninsula overlooking the ruins of Tintagel. No other people were in sight, as I clung to the cliff face, trying not to get blown into the North Sea. Winds assailed me from every direction, and I was completely alone, yet unafraid. I pictured an isolated character, being attacked from every direction; a girl completely alone in a world of men, buffeted by sexism. Once I got back to Oxford, I started to write.

How did you come up with the idea for the cover? 
My cover designer was Anna Spies of Celairen Art, in Bamberg, Germany. My publisher put me in touch with her and I told her I wanted an image of a girl with a scythe. The first six drafts of the cover were not what I wanted, but in the end, she got it perfect.

If it was made into a movie, who would you like to play the main characters? 

photo credit: GabboT via photopin cc

No real preferences for most of the characters- though I’d like Sindril, the head of the college, and someone with a booming base voice, to be played by Christopher Lee. I’d also love to see Hann, one of her chief teachers, played by Benedict Cumberbatch. 

What is it about this genre that appeals to you so much? 
I grew up reading fantasy. For a period, when I was in elementary and middle school, I didn’t really have any friends. For a long time, I’d escape into fantasy worlds, dreaming of far-off places and epic quests. I loved the idea of magic and adventures. As I read more, I realized that fantasy allows for a breadth of imagination not seen in many other genres. I worked in Borders during the release of the Harry Potter novels, and was amazed at how powerful reading could become. Although I started writing YA Fantasy, eventually I’d like to write in other genres including historical fiction.

What made you want to become an author?
I’ve actually wanted to write for a long time. In seventh grade, we were given an assignment to read “three” books and then write a story based on the style of one of the authors. Most of the class picked books like “The Cat in the Hat.” My “three” books were The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, the four books of Evangeline Walton’s retelling of the Welsh myth The Mabinogion and part of Robert Holdstock’s Mythago Wood series. Yes, I was a nerd and overachiever. I then wrote a story based on Tolkien’s style, about the Entwives. I think the story was the first time I’d ever tried to write creatively. While I’m sure if I was to read it now, I’d think it was awful, the story helped encourage me to write.

How do you come up with character names? 
The first novel I wrote (which I shelved, and might return to someday) I spent hours and hours agonizing upon perfect names with deep meanings. For this novel, I honestly just picked as I went.

Name one of your all-time favourite books?
I have far too many. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, Rowling’s Harry Potter, Adams’ Hitchikers’ Guide to the Galaxy and Follett’s The Pillars of the Earth are probably my all-time favorites. The most recent book I read and absolutely loved was Brian Selznick’s Wonderstruck.

Awesome choices... Pillars of the Earth is one of my favourites too!  

Who, or what, inspires you? 
Travel is a big one. As I was writing School of Deaths I was experiencing new places that filled me with wonder. Now that I’m a bit settled, teens inspire me. I teach high school theatre, and am surrounded by kids about to set off on their own careers and lives. Many tell me about their dreams and ambitions, and I find their enthusiasm to be absolutely inspiring. My other chief source of inspiration is my beautiful new wife, who I married three weeks ago.

Oh Wow... congratulations!

Where is your favourite place to write? 
If the weather’s good, anywhere outside with no internet access. I use the net just like all, but find it a huge distraction when working on a book. Unfortunately, living by Washington, DC, the summers (when I’m most free to write) are awful, so usually I write indoors.

What is your favourite movie that was based on a book? 
A tie between Stardust, Howl’s Moving Castle, and The Princess Bride. Those three are also three of my all-time favorite movies, books or not. I’ll also add Peter Jackson’s adaptations of The Lord of the Rings movies. I loved his movies, and got to experience them in a special way. I was part of a 200-person chorus that performed all of Howard Shore’s soundtrack to a showing of the movies at Wolf Trap Park for the Performing Arts- a massive outdoor theatre just outside Washington DC. The films were shown (one per year) on a screen, with all of the music removed. A full orchestra performed the music and sound effects, a 50-person children’s choir sang, and I was in the adult choir, singing in Elvish for the entire movie. It was wonderful. 

That is amazing!

If you could have a dinner party with any authors from any time in history, who would you choose and why? 
Shakespeare- definitely, still one of the greatest authors ever, and of course I’m a theatre person as well.

Tell us a random fact about yourself. 
I love to sing, and even sang to my wife as part of our wedding ceremony.

Tell us an interesting fact about where you live. 
Washington DC is a city where nothing happens politically. Ever. Yes, that’s cynicism.

What are your (writing) plans for the future? 
I am currently working on a sequel to School of Deaths called Sword of Deaths. I have many other books planned out, including other YA books, an adult Sci-Fi novel, and several historical fiction novels. I also wish to write more plays, and perhaps a musical someday. I have written one full-length play so far, which premiered at a local high school (not the one I teach at) in 2012.

Tell us one thing that's on your bucket list. 
Travel the world. I’ve traveled more than some, and less than others, but want to travel so much more!

Favourite myth / fairytale?
The Welsh Mabinogion, especially the Lady Guest translation, is one of my favorite myth cycles. I also always enjoyed stories about Loki from Norse Mythology and Coyote from Native American traditions.

How did you make your amazing book trailer?

I’ve been involved with stage theatre for over 25 years. I teach theatre full-time, and have been active in everything from playwriting to directing, designing to lighting, and so on. I’ve acted and performed since I was a young child. It’s amazing that given this background, I’d never done a thing with film. I approached one of my students named Montana, a senior who had filmed trailers for several of our shows, and asked for his help. I ended up hiring Montana to film the trailer. I wrote the script myself, and cast several of my students who resembled the characters in my book. We went to a forest and spent three and half hours filming, including some time by a green screen at Montana’s house. Then it took him another three months to edit. He’d send snippets to me, such as music, or screenshots, and we’d discuss changes. I was happy to premiere the book trailer at my book launch party, on Friday the 13th of June. There is now a contest running. If anyone shares the video at least five times, they could win a twenty dollar gift card. Details can be found at http://www.christophermannino.com/events-and-contests.html

Author Bio
Christopher Mannino’s life is best described as an unending creative outlet. He teaches high school theatre in Greenbelt, Maryland. In addition to his daily drama classes, he runs several after-school performance/production drama groups. He spends his summers writing and singing. Mannino holds a Master of Arts in Theatre Education from Catholic University, and has studied mythology and literature both in America and at Oxford University. His work with young people helped inspire him to write young adult fantasy, although it was his love of reading that truly brought his writing to life.
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I Know Lucy by Melissa Pearl

This book is AMAZING so go grab a copy... NOW!! :D

RELEASE DAY

Genre: YA Romantic Suspense

Lucy Tate is on the run. After witnessing the brutal murder of her parents, she's spent five years in hiding -- taking on different personas and faking her way through life. The authorities can't be trusted, so she remains in the shadows, always one beat ahead of the man who is forever hunting her. That is, until she meets Zach Schultz, a senior at Monte Vista High and the one guy she can’t bear to leave. Suddenly her natural instincts to lie, steal, and run are overshadowed by something else...the desire to stay. It’s her one shot at a normal life.

Curious by nature, Zach is immediately drawn to the new girl at school. How can a person look both confident and vulnerable all in the same moment? Determined to learn more about her, he tries to get close, but is thrown into a world of lies and confusion. The only thing that becomes apparent is that discovering the truth may get him killed.

Teaser

ZACH... "This is different, you guys." I shook my head. "I mean yes, she is gorgeous. And yes, I'm attracted to her, but it's not just her looks. There's something about her. She's intriguing. It's like she's not all she appears to be or something." "You can tell that after two minutes of interacting with her? Give me a break." Elliot balled up his napkin and threw it on the table. "I know I don't know her at all yet, but I can tell there's something more there." I rubbed my bottom lip. "She looks normal to me." AJ shrugged. "I think she's pretty. She looks sweet, but..." Liesl turned to spy her quickly. "AJ's right. She looks like any other transfer student. What makes her so different?" "It's something about her eyes. There's a story in them. I can't even explain why I think that. I just feel like she's got a lot of layers and I want to peel back every single one of them." "I bet you do." Elliot raised his eyebrows. "Not like that." I threw him a droll look. "I just want to solve the mystery that is Danielle Harrison." "Dude, there is no mystery." Elliot slapped his hand lightly on the table. "Yes there is. I can feel it." "Careful, Zachy, your Nancy Drew is showing." Jaeda's green eyes were large and round as she gave me a playful look. "I don't care." I shrugged, confident in the truth that I really didn't. "That girl over there has secrets and I'm gonna figure out what they are."

 

About the Author

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Melissa Pearl was born in Auckland, New Zealand, but has spent much of her life abroad, living in countries such as Jordan, Cyprus and Pakistan... not to mention a nine month road trip around North America with her husband. "Best. Year. Ever!!" She now lives in China with her husband and two sons. She is a trained elementary teacher, but writing is her passion. Since becoming a full time mother she has had the opportunity to pursue this dream and her debut novel hit the internet in November 2011. Since then she has continued to produce a steady stream of books. Recently she signed with Evatopia Press and her first Evatopia book is coming out in February 2014 - True Colors, The Masks Series #1. She is very excited to be trying out new things this year while continuing to publish under her own name as well. She has six books planned for 2014 and is excited about writing each and every one of them. "I am passionate about writing. It stirs a fire in my soul that I never knew I had. I want to be the best writer I can possibly be and transport my readers into another world where they can laugh, cry and fall in love."

OUT TODAY!! Book of the Lost by Bryna Butler

I'm delighted to share fellow YA author and all round cool chick, Bryna Butler's latest release with you all today!!

Book of the Lost (Midnight Guardian #5)
Death. Love. Werewolves. Jealousy. Shadows. Prom. Unionists. Betrayal. Graduation.
Who said senior year would be easy?

Book 5 in the Midnight Guardian series is a roller coaster of suspense taking riders on Keira's journey to fulfill her destiny and bring about the end of the gremlin-like mogdocs. The Book of the Lost may be their last hope. Trouble is...they can't read it and every bad guy in this world and beyond wants it.
Enter the world of the Midnight Guardian and read the series that fans are calling original, fun, and engrossing.

Indie author Bryna Butler pens an engrossing and refreshingly original take on the paranormal in her debut Midnight Guardian series. Butler's young adult paranormal novels feature strong female leads and are woven from elements of horror, suspense, comedy, and mystery, all in a modern, small town setting.
Butler is inspired by authors like Rachel Caine, Charlaine Harris, Lauren Kate, Joss Whedon, Neil Gaiman, Stephenie Meyer, and MaryJanice Davidson. Her work contains no profanity or explicit scenes, making it appropriate for pre-teen as well as teen readers.

Book of the Lost Trailer:

All Book Trailers: http://www.youtube.com/user/thebutlerwroteit/videos

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Series List: www.brynabutler.com/books
OF SUN & MOON (Midnight Guardian Series, Book 1)
WHISPERING EVIL (Book 2)
MIDNIGHT CHILD (Book 3)
SHADOWS RISING (Book 4)
BOOK OF THE LOST (Book 5) - Coming November 30th
HOUSE OF GAMMEN (Book 6) - Coming 2014

Paperback & eBook editions available from: Amazon | Apple iBooks | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords | Sony eReader Store 

Dead Dreams by Emma Right

Dead Dreams by Emma Right
(Dead Dreams #1)
Publication date: August 26th 2013
Genres: Mystery, Psychological Thriller, Young Adult

Eighteen-year-old Brie O’Mara has so much going for her: a loving family in the sidelines, an heiress for a roommate, and dreams that might just come true. Big dreams–of going to acting school, finishing college and making a name for herself. She is about to be the envy of everyone she knew. What more could she hope for? Except her dreams are about to lead her down the road to nightmares. Nightmares that could turn into a deadly reality.
Dead Dreams, Book 1, is a young adult psychological thriller and mystery.
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Guest post by Emma Right
Significance of the Title Dead Dreams
We all have dreams which is great. Dreams of furthering our lot in life, of a hope and a promising future but what is the cost we are willing to pay to fulfill those dreams? Do we even know what that cost is as we set our eyes on a goal we have perhaps nurtured since childhood?
We've all been there--at least those of us who are over 21. Once in the not so distant past, we are revving to grow up, the world at our feet, the stars reachable. Wonderful ,wondrous future. But in wanting to get there, we forget to smell the roses, we trample on thorns and we get sorely poked and pricked, and alas, some of the barbs could be poisonous.
Except for the Grace that watches over me, over you, (call it LUCK if you wish), all it might have taken for any of us to go down a wrong path was that wrong turn, that grabbing of something that looked too good to pass up on. This, coupled with a strong desire to make it in life, may just blind us enough to grab at adder's tail. That is the story of Dead Dreams; of Brie O'Mara, a good girl; someone who'd never even gotten a traffic ticket, even a Miss Goodie Two-shoes. But, let's face it we can all be tempted, just a tiny bit. And sometimes that's all it takes to have things spiral out of control.
The “dream” is also a pun since Brie O’Mara had dreams…or maybe I should say nightmares. Was this her subconscious telling her things she should listen to?
I believe our unconscious mind is aware of innuendoes we don’t normally pick up as we go about our busy lives. It’s only when we sleep that the mind notices things that do not add up or becomes sensitive to “clues” we should have paid attention to but didn’t or couldn’t due to the busyness of life. That’s just how humans are made. Our warning system is supposed to alert us to suspicious goings-on, and I feel even things that the best Sherlock Holmes might have passed up on. Think about those people who escaped 911 (if you all are old enough to have seen and heard those stories.) There were those who escaped the Twin Towers because for some strange reason their subconscious mind told them to go for coffee, or wear tennis shoes (which allowed this one lady to run, something she’d have a hard time doing if she had her stilettos on) and numerous other accounts of “coincidences”. Coincidences? Really?
And how about dreams in the Bible, of warnings and urges to tell people to escape troubles? When heeded they were spared, when they ignored these they had to bear the brunt of the cost for ignoring.
So, the title "Dead Dreams" is a play on words—both types of definition for "dreams" and also the “dead” portion of the title—but, if I told you why it's "dead" I’d spoil the fun of reading for you. Maybe you can finish the story and let me know why you thought the dreams were connected to the word “dead”. Love to hear from you and your opinions on this. I’m going to have a blog on dreams and you can comment there, too.

Emma Right is a happy wife and homeschool mother of five living in the Pacific West Coast. Besides running a busy home, and looking after too many pets, she also enjoys reading aloud to her children and often has her nose in a book. Right was a copywriter for a major advertising agency during her B.C. years. B.C.meaning “Before Children,” which may as well have been in the B.C.era, as she always says. Please feel free to contact Emma. She’s always happy to hear from her readers. – See more at: http://www.emmaright.com

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Beyond by Melissa Pearl

BEYOND

(A Betwixt Novella #1.5) (Betwixt Series)

Book Description:

Have you ever been so in love with someone, but not had the courage to tell them?

Nicole Tepper is that girl. She loves her boyfriend Dale, but fearing rejection, keeps her feelings buried deep. She can’t even let on how heartbroken she is when Dale begins applying for colleges thousands of miles away from her; never even whispering a word about how much she wishes he would stay close.

But, when Dale is rejected from Colombia University in NYC, due to a police report that follows him wherever he goes, Nicole soon discovers that love can drive her to do things she never thought possible.

There's more than one way to say, I love you and Nicole Tepper is about to prove to Dale that she loves him beyond all common sense.

Add BEYOND to your Goodreads TBR List

Cover Designs By: Eden Crane Design

Edited By: Allison from Potter's Copy Editing Services 

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AUTHOR BIO:

“I used to be a full time teacher (11-13 year olds) then I became a full time mother. During that time I also found my passion for writing. Over the last ten years I have been studying the craft and putting myself out there.

My first trilogy came out in November, 2011. It has been a wild ride swimming in this indie river and I have loved so much of it. I have learned so many amazing things and met so many great people. It has totally solidified the fact I want to be a writer for as long as I possibly can!

I now have five books published and am working on a new YA Fantasy trilogy for 2013. I am having so much fun with it and can't wait to share it with everybody.

I am from New Zealand, but am currently living in China with my husband and two sons. It has been a culture shock, but it's pretty cool living in such a different country.” ~Melissa Pearl

AUTHOR SOCIAL LINKS:

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Before by Melissa Pearl

I'm so excited to be telling you all about the new novella by Melissa Pearl, one of my favourite YA authors. I've read just about everything she's published and I'm always hungry for more. I was very lucky to have been able to have a sneak preview of Before and what can I say? Brilliant, Awesome, Epic... it's AMAZING! But look out for my review coming soon. In the meantime, read on and find out more...

BEFORE

(A Betwixt Novella #0.5) (Betwixt Series)

Book Description:

Dale Finnigan is a teenage rebel; he lives for parties, girls and joy riding in stolen cars. In spite of his uptight parents' constant warnings and lectures, he continues to run wild. His crazy lifestyle is the only way he can live and feel free…until his reckless behavior takes him down a path where there is no going back.

In this prequel to BETWIXT, find out who Dale Finnigan was before he became known as “scar-face”—the unassuming hero everyone underestimates.

WARNING: This book is intended for mature teen readers due to coarse language and mature content.

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*On SALE for only 99 CENTS for a limited time only!*

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Excerpt:

The car horn sounded like a trumpet, making me laugh hysterically. Hugh was anything but subtle. Jamming my feet into my Converse shoes, I tie the laces in a hurry and rush for the door.

"Where are you going?"

My mother, one of the shortest people I know, tries to block my way. I gently nudge her aside as I zip up my hoody. "I'm going out," I mumble.

"No you're not. It's Friday night. You have youth group. Your father is expecting to see you there."

"Well he's going to be disappointed...again. How many times do I have to tell you guys I'm not interested? I don't want to sound snarky, but I can't help it. I hate youth group. I hate church. I hate that my minister is my dad who is constantly harping on about it and forcing me to go to stuff that is as boring as hell. It's bad enough they force me to the Sunday morning snore-fest each week. I decided a few months ago, that my parents could stop stealing my Friday nights as well. I used to sneak out after youth group all the time, but it was getting tiring. The last few months of just skipping it have been much easier, although I could do without the arguments.”

"Dale, stop."

I don't bother holding in my sigh as I pause by the front door. My mother's voice, usually so soft and sweet has taken on a hard edge. It's been doing that a lot lately.

"You know the rules."

Do I ever!

"You must attend youth group. How do you think it looks to the parishioners when their own minister's son doesn't even show up?"

"I don't care how it looks." I spin around to face her. "I don't care what any of those people think. I'm not here to impress them. I never asked to be a minister's kid."

"Dale…"

"No! I'm going out."

Her expression crests with sadness before bunching into a tight frown.

I race out the door before she can stop me. Her voice chases me down the path all the way to Hugh's car. I slam the door shut, trying to block out the, "Dale, you get back here right now!"

"Go, man, go!"

Hugh nods and screeches away from the curb, but not fast enough for me to miss the tears welling in my mother's eyes. I shouldn't have looked back.

I hate that. Why does she have to go crying about it and making me feel bad? Maybe if her and Dad would stop lumping so many rules on me, and actually listen to what I had to say, I wouldn't have to cause her so much pain. This had been brewing for years, mostly without me knowing it, but at the end of my freshman year I just snapped. I couldn't play the role anymore. I refused to keep following the rules I thought were stupid. They weren't doing it because they loved me, they were just worried about what the damn church goers thought. It was all about appearances to them. I refused to follow some religion I wasn't even sure I believed in. Hypocrites were the worst kind of sinners, and I wasn't going to be lumped in with them.

No, I had chosen to swing to the complete opposite side of the spectrum. Having spent a lifetime living by the letter of the law, I was now doing my best to live as far from the law as possible. 

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YA and more... Maureen Murrish

Maureen Murrish was born in Co Durham, England close to both the sea and the countryside; the love of both has never left her.  During her working life she has been a nurse, a soldier and a swimming instructor amongst other things. She has also raised her beautiful daughter. She began creating fictional characters and telling stories to amuse her younger sister when they were still children. Her first novella, The Lost Sorcerer, was published January 2012. The first two books of the Dragon World series -The Bonding Crystal and The Missing Link, were published February 2012 and February 2013.  All are fantasy adventure books for teens and young adults.

Spotlight Interview Questions:

1) What is your all-time favourite book and why?

Favourite book? Crumbs, soo many. Each book is my favourite as I read it or I put it down and don’t bother,  but those that linger in my mind, the ones I just can’t forget and would willing read again if there weren’t so many other books out there to sample I suppose I would class as favourite.  Let’s see. Dead Witch Walking, by Kim Harrison has to be up there as it started me off on the whole Rachel Morgan series.  And then there is the Other World series by Kim Harrison.  I love the way Kim’s fictional world is pulled together through the eyes of so many different groups to form the whole.

From way back in the mists of time the books that started me on the road to avid reading and writing were Treasure Island and The Count of Monte Cristo. They really fired my imagination at the age of 9 or 10 and I’ve never looked back. They hold a very special place in my heart.

2) Is there an author you could be compared to or popular fictional characters your book's characters could relate to and why?

I suppose we soak up a little bit of the style of all the books we read and then rearrange it and turn it into our own unique style. I write books I wish I could have read while I was still at school.  Fantasy, adventure and strong characters.  That type of book still appeals to me and I read them as avidly now as I would have then. I really don’t know who I could be compared to and I would hesitate to say ‘this person’ or ‘that’.  I like magic and mystery and a strong plot.

3) Can you give us your favourite quote from one of your books and explain it?

This is one of my favourites (slightly edited to prevent spoilers) because it outlines how much the relationships between Robby, Abigail, and the dragons, Frenzel and Dimble have altered.

Abigail paused, obviously struggling for the right words. ‘You’ve changed, Robby McRoss. Jaswinder is where you belong. You and Frenzel. Together. Don’t throw that away.…. Think of what you will be giving up… Me and Dimble, well we know we only have this time together. But you and Frenzel could have the rest of your lives. Don’t give that up because of me.’

4) What types of things/people/music inspires you and makes you want to keep writing?

My characters and their lives keep on pulling me back. I hate leaving one of them at a place they are uncomfortable. Abigail perched on a cliff. Robby in a cage, I can’t leave them, I have to get them sorted.  So, I try always to leave them where I know they are waiting for me to rescue them. It’s a very strong incentive.

Music is important while I write. It’s like a blanket, a cocoon I can retreat to, a place I can concentrate. My life is so hectic the music has to be calming, classical usually, or new age. I can’t say it inspires me though. I find inspiration in nature, a beautiful landscape or a surreal sky. I am lucky where I live. The countryside is open and breath-taking and just a twenty minute ride away is the seaside where I grew up. I love the ocean.

Loch Lomond and the Scottish Highlands are half day’s journey north.  I go there whenever I can. These are the places I find inspiration.

5) Describe your typical writing day or week.

I wish I could say I write full time but I don’t. I work full time and I fit my writing in around everything. One day it may be the other way around but for now I have no set writing times. I try to write on an evening and a weekend.  I write in my lunch hour at work, if I get a lunch hour, (colleagues already know I am odd so it raises no eyebrows!). When I am out with my sisters and they take the pen from my fingers I talk about my books instead.  Sisters are great sounding-boards; even if they are not listening! I have created many a scene that way all ready to write up when I get my pen back.

6) Is there a food or drink you have to have when you're writing?

No. I usually emerge form a writing session only when I am hungry and thirsty. Then I grab the first thing I can find before getting back to the keyboard.  Writing time is precious.

7) Can you tell us what you're working on right now (& possibly provide an excerpt & cover)?

Right now I am getting to grips with book three of Dragon World. I have created the structure and am now beginning to build the story: none of which is safe for public consumption at the moment.

Book one and two are available as eBooks but will soon to be available as paperbacks too. At the moment I am preparing book one for publication as a paperback on amazon.  I would love to share an excerpt of that with you.

The Bonding Crystal (Dragon's World)

The small grassy area they were on was no more than a hundred metres long by fifty wide. It was enclosed on three sides by sheer cliff and on the forth by the drop into the gorge. There were no hidden paths or ways up the mountain as far as they could see and the only way off it seemed to be the way they had come.

‘Looks like we have to go back.’ Abigail said as they ate a little more of their rations.

‘Maybe, but once we get back then what? The path here was the only one, remember?’

‘We haven’t any option,’ Abigail said. ‘We can either go back or sit here.’

‘There is another choice,’ Frenzel said. ‘We follow the second path.’

‘What second path?’ Abigail and Robby said together.

Frenzel nodded toward the causeway. ‘The path that leads into the falls.’

There was a stunned silence.

‘You’ve got to be kidding,’ Abigail said.

‘The Fire Falls?’ Robby asked. ‘How?’

‘The Fire Falls can’t harm dragons.’

Abigail gave a short laugh, ‘Maybe not but they can make a mess of humans!’

‘Even if you can get through how could we?’ Robby said.

‘The same way I brought you to Jaswinder. The Crossing Fires are far fiercer than these and I brought you both through safely.

‘That’s a matter of opinion,’ Abigail said peevishly. ‘I felt ill for the rest of the day.’

‘But the flames did not harm you.’

‘Wasn’t that because you carried the first minister’s talisman?’ Robby asked.

‘We only needed the talisman because I carried you both, I will only be sheltering one this time if Dimble will follow with Abigail.’

Robby thought he detected a note of challenge.

‘If it’s what Abigail wants then I’ll shelter her through the flames,’ Dimble said.

‘Wait, wait,’ Abigail said. ‘There must be another way!’

‘Can you think of one?’ Robby asked.

‘Well no, not right off, but given time…’

‘Didn’t Skelso say this part of the task was to test our trust in one another?’ Robby said.

‘Yeaah, but…’

Robby turned away to hide a grin. He could understand Abigail’s caution; he felt exactly the same way. But for Abigail there was the added worry of Dimble’s less than perfect record. Not to put too fine a point on it, Dimble was clumsy. Abigail would rather pull her tongue out than admit it but he knew that Dimble’s catalogue of accidents must have her wondering if she would come through the other side as a charred cinder.

‘Perhaps Frenzel could come back for you?’ he offered.

Abigail bristled. ‘If Dimble says he can shelter me then he can, thank you! I was merely thinking that we don’t even know if there is anything behind the falls. I mean has anyone ever been through them?’

‘I do not know but as there is a pathway and as it is the only pathway, it seems logical that that is the way we must go.’

‘Well, thank you for the benefit of your logic, Mr Spock.’

‘Right,’ cut in Robby, ‘well that’s settled.’

‘Settled? Looks to me like all we’ve settled is death by Fire Falls instead of death by falling,’ Abigail snapped.

The Lost Sorcerer

If anyone in the village where 13 year old Tosni lives discovers he is developing strange powers they will kill him. He has to leave. But before he can put an escape plan into action Kavnen throws him out. In the middle of the night. In the middle of winter. Now his only chance of survival is to find his real parents, fast. But there are more than his parents looking for him.

The Bonding Crystal (Dragon's World)

It is a shock when 14 year old, Robby, discovers he is to be bonded to a dragon. It is an even bigger shock when he realises that before he and his dragon stand any chance of bonding they have to prevent the evil-one from killing his fellow bondlings and destroying the inhabitants of the city he is just learning to love. Only his onetime protector, Abigail who, despite all the rules insists on tagging along, and a strange little dragon who has been condemned to live life as an outcast are able to help him.


The Missing Link (Dragon World)

Robby hopes that he and Abigail will have a chance to get to know Moilana and its people better during this visit to Dragon World but his hopes are dashed much sooner than he could have imagined. When Dimble goes missing and Abigail is seriously injured Robby suspects the secret Abigail and Dimble refused to share is at the heart of the problem. Robby finds himself part of a rescue mission that goes fatally wrong leaving him, Frenzel and Abigail stranded in the wild-lands beyond the northern mountains and searching for Dimble without backup.

Amazon: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Maureen-Murrish/e/B009M3JH4G/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FantasyFictionWriter

Blog: http://maureen-murrish.blogspot.co.uk/