Trailer Reveal: Mental by Justice Serai

I love trailer reveals. It's always exciting to see how authors visually 'see' their books! Today we've got Mental by Justice Serai
Publication date: April 2015
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult

Hope is an illusion meant to convince the broken to keep on living. That’s me. Broken.
My father pays heaps of money for doctors at the Norfolk Psychiatric Center to fix me. I’ve spent six months of my prime teenage years at this residential facility – a place for teenagers who’ve gone mental.
That’s me. Mental.
Just when I begin to feel myself fade away, a boy with a wolfish smile and mischievous eyes reels me in. Julian is broken too, but he believes in me enough for the both of us. Through him, I begin to experience this thing called hope. Doctors can’t fix me, my parents can’t either, but maybe it’s not me who needs fixing.
After all, mental is only a state of mind. It all depends on who’s doing the thinking.

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If my name weren't enough to doom me to nerdville, my love of all things dark and weird would. Inspired by stories of hope and perseverance throughout history, in my own life, and in the lives of people I know, I strive to write authentic YA fiction for the oddball in all of us.
I want to make people think deeply, feel wholly, and laugh and cry, just as I have.
I'm no stranger to tricky topics such as LGBTQ issues, adoption, disabilities, and mental illness, and I hope you come to love my characters as much as I do.
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Giveaway:
The author is hosting a giveaway to celebrate the reveal for a $15 Amazon gift card.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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.
author site
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Excerpt (chapter one)
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MuseItUp Publishing

Trailer Reveal: Soul Betrayed by Katlyn Duncan

I am super excited to be able to share the trailer for Katlyn Duncan's SOUL BETRAYED, the third and final book in The Life After trilogy, coming February 27, 2014 from Carina.

The covers for each book in this series are gorgeous and the trailers are just as amazing.

If you haven't yet heard about this awesome series, available in eBook format, just check out the descriptions below.

And if you'd like the chance to win an Amazon eGift Card, the author has offered one up for giveaway. Just follow the instructions in the Rafflecopter.

Now, without any further ado, let me present to you...

The Soul Betrayed Trailer

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About Soul Betrayed

COMING FEBRUARY 27, 2014

Series: The Life After #3
Publisher: Carina
Print length: 223 pages
Format: eBook

Description...

The final installment of The Life After trilogy...

A Life for a Life

The battle between Shadowed and Guard has brought destruction and terror to Gate Seven and now Maggie wants revenge. As the only after-life being who can save the souls from ultimate death Maggie comes face to face with her own human body, preserved for a century, waiting for just this moment to arrive.

Yet, how far will Maggie go to exact her revenge on the Shadowed? And when she comes face to face with her past, how will she survive the onslaught of memories she thought long gone?

For when the truth comes out all is not what it seems and Maggie has finally run out of time... She must choose her destiny or watch all she has perish in the fight for her life!

AMAZON | GOODREADS

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About Katlyn Duncan

Katlyn Duncan was born and raised in a small town in western Massachusetts. Her overactive imagination involved invisible friends, wanting to be a Disney Princess and making up her own stories. Her bibliophile mom always encouraged her love of reading and that stayed with her since. Even though she works full time in the medical field Katlyn has always made time for books, whether she is reading or writing them.

Katlyn now lives in southern Connecticut with her husband and adorable Wheaten Terrier and she is thrilled to finally share her stories with the world.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | PINTEREST | TUMBLR | G+ | GOODREADS

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The Giveaway

This reveal includes a giveaway for a $15 Amazon eGift Card to one winner, ending on February 28th.

Enter in the Rafflecopter below...

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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About Soul Taken

Series: The Life After #1
Release date: June 4, 2013
Publisher: Carina
Print length: 223 pages

Formats: eBook

Description...

Book 1 in The Life After trilogy.

After-life just got a lot more complicated

Maggie is a Soul Collector. It’s her job to transport souls from the Living Realm to the After – but during a mission to find a stolen soul, she ends up stuck in a teen mean girl’s body.

Trapped, Maggie’s soul is catapulted into Ally’s life – and the human world she hasn’t experienced for one hundred years. But, as a descendant of the most powerful beings in the After, Maggie must rescue Ally before the girl’s soul dies…

To survive, Maggie must uncover devastating secrets – because with one soul taken by a terrifying enemy, Maggie’s could be next!

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | GOODREADS

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The Soul Taken Trailer

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About Soul Possessed

Series: The Life After #2
Release date: October 28, 2013
Publisher: Carina
Print length: 256 pages
Format: eBook

Description...

Life after Life

Now Maggie has been given the chance of her after-life to become a Guard, nothing will stand in her way. Not even the undeniable attraction she feels for her trainer and past love—Jackson. But when the battle between Shadowed and Guard begins again which side will she choose?

When her boss, Felix, partners Jackson and Maggie up with Ally and Cooper to investigate terrifying Shadowed activity, she doesn’t think it could get any worse. Jackson and Cooper barely tolerate each other and this time, Maggie isn’t just proving her loyalty to the Guard during one mission...she has a side mission too. One so secret and so dangerous she can’t tell a soul... Book 2 in The Life After trilogy.

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | GOODREADS

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The Soul Possessed Trailer

Please vote for my book trailer!

I've entered Daisy Madiga's Paradise into a book trailer contest and the winner will get loads of exposure, something I could really do with about now. So could you please help me out by voting for the trailer? Here's the link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ZDR8KDJ

Oh and if you've still  not seen the trailer, here it is...

Remember, this novella is FREE, so download your copy from Amazon (also available from all other online retailer)

The inspiration behind The Raven Saga

I put this little book trailer together using videos I took whilst in Canada in 2009. I wanted readers to get a sense of the beauty of British Columbia where The Raven Saga is set...

An inspiring video

When I watch a Youtube video that touches me like this has done, I like to spread the word. This is essentially a book trailer for Jonathan Field's upcoming book, Uncertainty. Check it out...

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!