Category: Books (Page 58 of 81)

Cover Reveal Surrender the Sky by Meradeth Houston

March 14, 2014 / Katie L. Carroll

I love all of the books in Meradeth Houston’s Sary Society series and it’s a special thrill to share the cover of the most recent one, Surrender the Sky (see my 5-star Goodreads review here). Be sure to enter the giveaway and check out all of Meradeth’s books. If you pre-order Surrender the Sky, you’ll get The Chemistry of Fate free! Oh, and click on over to Meradeth’s blog to see my guest post today about Sary in the real world.

The third book in the Sary Society series, SURRENDER THE SKY, has a shiny new cover! (But you’re gonna have to read about what it’s about before I let you see it!)

Release Date: May 2014

Synopsis:

Gabby lives by two unbreakable rules: don’t expose her kind, the Sary, and don’t fall in love—too bad some rules are made to be broken.

When Gabby’s most difficult charge accidentally shoots her in front of a class full of students, the event exposes her carefully hidden identity. She shifts from looking like a normal teen to her secret Sary form, revealing her wings and the existence of her kind—immortals who try to keep people from committing suicide. Her incident attracts the attention of the next leader of the Sary, Jassen, who offers her an impossible bargain: she can keep her wings if she makes amends with those who know the truth. Things get more complicated when a rebel Sary, intent on exposing them to the world, starts interfering with Gabby’s work. And there’s no denying her attraction to Jassen, who is torn between his duties and his heart. With threats at every turn and her immortality on the line, Gabby has to find a way to save the Sary or surrender the sky forever.

Surrender the Sky is a stand alone title that follows COLORS LIKE MEMORIES and THE CHEMISTRY OF FATE, with cameos from several of the characters in the first books! It will be available in May wherever ebooks are sold!

Join in the celebration for a $10 Amazon gift card! Use the rafflecopter below for entries 🙂

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Find Meradeth Houston online at: www.MeradethHouston.com, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and of course her blog!

Females in YA: Part 6 the Bechdel Test

March 10, 2014 / Katie L. Carroll

I’ve mentioned the Bechdel Test a few times in conversations recently and most people have given me a “huh?” look and proceeded to listen to my explanation of what it is with a glazed look of disinterest. But stick with me for a few minutes because I think it’s worth a moment of thought.

So what is the Bechdel Test? Originally used to evaluate films and now used for other works of fiction, it is a quick and basic way to look at a film or book or whatever to see if it fails a very simple gender bias test. The criteria: Two named women characters (let’s revise this to females b/c with kids’ books we’re not always talking about grown ups) speak to each other about something other than a man (let’s revise this to male for the same reason stated above).

Seems like a pretty basic test to pass, but it’s amazing how many films don’t. Just taking a look at this year’s Oscar nominated movies for best picture, only four out of nine pass. (Here’s a website where you can explore what movies pass/fail the test and a thoughtful article about women in movies by Frank Bruni called “Waiting for Wonder Woman”.)

Now I realize the Bechdel Test isn’t a perfect way to evaluate the gender biases of a work of fiction and certainly isn’t a good judge of whether or not a piece of fiction is good. The test is too simple to be a comprehensive look at gender bias, but I think think the point is that it’s simple and it’s a good jumping off point. And there are many, many works of fiction that are brilliant that don’t pass the test. (I’m thinking of The Shawshank Redemption, one of my favorite movies, which happens to fail all three of the Bechdel Test’s criteria and probably shouldn’t pass the test given the setting and time place–an all male prison in the past.)

So it seems Hollywood isn’t doing a great job at representing the–ahem–better half 😉 of the human race. But how are we doing in YA? I think a pretty good job. If there’s one form of fiction that is female-centric, it’s YA. There are so many different genres, topics, issues, and characters in YA, and it is this diversity (when I say “diversity,” I’m not talking about race here…that’s a whole other topic) that is one of my favorite things about YA.

Sure YA has lots of books about boy-girl romances and there are those books where the regular girl falls for the hot, often non-human, guy for no more compelling reason than he’s hot and maybe not totally human. Beyond that, though, there are romances where the female character has real conversations with her female friends about things other than the male love interest, there are books about female friendships, and there are books where females are taking on the world together. (Now you want some specific examples, right? Hmm…maybe I’ll have to pull some recommendations together for another blog post.)

If you haven’t seen my past Females in YA posts, you can find them all in this link. So what are your favorite YA books that pass the Bechdel Test?

Meet Kerry Kennett Author of To The Lady Upstairs, Sincerely, The Centipede

March 7, 2014 / Katie L. Carroll

I’m very excited to introduce you all to my good friend from college and fellow MeeGenius author Kerry Kennett. Be sure to check out her adorable picture book app To the Lady Upstairs, Sincerely, The Centipede. Welcome, Kerry!

What inspired you to write To The Lady Upstairs, Sincerely, The Centipede?

We had bug traps set up to catch spiders in our basement. Or so I thought! I went down one summer day to put a load of wash on, and I see a CENTIPEDE squiggling off! I ran in the other direction (like the “lady” in my story). But then I got to thinking, “Hm! What if bugs DID try to be helfpul?” Then I thought about the bug traps in our house, and how there is a slight separation between the stairs. A centipede can really crawl around and squeeze through tiny spaces- something not all bugs do. I kept thinking about it and decided that it was pretty silly and might make a cute story. As I wrote, more and more ideas came to me!

What books had the most influence on you while growing up?

When I was very young my favorite books were, “Are You My Mother?” and “Bedtime For Frances.” I absolutely love both the illustrations and words. There’s this great page in “Bedtime For Frances” where the little girl badger goes in to see her parents and her dad opens one eye. It so perfectly captures that aspect of childhood when kids could care less about sleep and parents are dreading getting out of bed in the middle of the night! When I hit middle school and high school, I was really into poetry, especially anything written by E.E. Cummings. I love his creativity!

At what moment did you truly begin to feel like an author?

While I have been substituting in 2014, I’ve gotten to show my book to a handful of classes at the end of the school day as a “surprise”! It has been so great to see the kids interested in the story! They laugh at the lady with her broom, or just at the bug “talking.” They wince when he loses a few legs on the bug trap. It’s so amazing to share the story with my wonderful students!

How has your work as a librarian and teacher influenced your work as a writer?

I am blessed to have enjoyed such a wide variety of books from my work as a librarian and teacher (in both my coursework and through on-the-job experience)! I think I most enjoy seeing how kids react to the world around them, how they solve their problems, and the stories they make up! Students that I work with are always inspiring me to think of new ideas. Or, sometimes, they mention books that they would like to read, that we cannot find no matter how hard we search, and then I get ideas for what there might be a “need” for out there!

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

My superpower would definitely be teleportation, with none of that dissipating business. Almost like on “Bewitched” when she twitches her nose and makes something happen- I would want to snap my fingers and end up wherever I chose! Can you imagine going to the beach for 5 hours a day every day, and then snapping your fingers a half an hour before work? No more TRAFFIC or commuting ever! I could work or visit wherever I choose!

What is something funny/weird/exceptional about yourself that you don’t normally share with others in an interview?

I have freckles everywhere! One freckle is even on the bottom of my left foot!

I really love pizza. I know most people like pizza, but, I really think I could eat it every day. I like that it is so versatile!

What is next for you in your writing career?

I am working on many other picture books at this time. I hope that my next book is published in a hardcover and / or paperback version so that I could hold it in my hands, autograph it, etc. I am excited to share my book with children through school and library visits as well!

Down the line, I would love to try my hand at MG or YA fiction, as I have some great ideas in mind but not a full blown story mapped out for any of them yet!

Thanks for the great interview, Katie!

Preview Kerry’s book To The Lady Upstairs, Sincerely, The Centipede.

About the Author:

In addition to being an author, Kerry has worked as a Middle School English Teacher for sixth grade, a Special Education Collaborative Team Teacher for grades K-3, and has also had the pleasure of working for one year as a grades K-2 Librarian in a Primary Elementary School. She has taught in Rockland County, in NYC in the borough of the Bronx, and in Dutchess County- all in the great state of New York. She absolutely love vacations that involve a beach! The better the snorkeling is, the better the vacation is! She believes the most beautiful sunsets and calm moments are experienced on a beach! For more about Kerry and her book visit her website at kerrykennett.com.

Campus Crush by Ashelyn Drake Book Blast

March 5, 2014 / Katie L. Carroll

Check out this book blast for Ashelyn Drake’s Campus Crush, a compilation of four new adults novellas in one book. Grab the ebook for only $1.99!

Campus Crush:

The co-eds of Timberland College know a little romance is good for the soul.

Follow four couples as they try to find love in the Campus Crush Series boxset, including Nothing to Tell, Romancing the R.A., Behind Closed Doors, and Rushing Into Love.

When you’re looking for love, you have to be willing to break the rules.

A closer look at the four novellas in Campus Crush:

Nothing To Tell

Some guys have the art of hooking up down to a science. They know all the right words to say and all the right games to play.

Except…for guys like Mike Hannigan. The dude has got no game, his pick-up lines never work, and to make matters worse, his wing-man is his female best friend, Mindy.

Until one day, a mysterious raven-haired beauty catches Mike’s eye and he’s determined to have her. He doesn’t care what lengths he has to go to. He’ll do whatever it takes to perfect his game and figure out what to say without sounding like a sleaze.

But… There’s always something strange about mysterious girls. They’re usually mysterious for a reason and this girl in particular might be more than Mike bargained for.

Romancing the R.A.

Noelle Buckman is looking forward to making a fresh start in college, one that doesn’t involve immature high school boys. The second she steps on campus for freshman orientation, she can sense the possibilities. Especially when she spots Andy, a resident advisor who’s not just hot but also thoughtful enough to open doors for a girl.

And Andy has his eye on Noelle. Even when her nerves take control and she thinks she comes off as a hillbilly with no direction, Andy can see what she’s really like and he’s more than a little interested.

But orientation is less than two full days and there’s an entire summer between Noelle and Andy. Will her attempt to romance the R.A. be as short-lived as college orientation?

Behind Closed Doors

Julia Monroe is through wishing she had an older guy like her best friend Noelle does. It’s time for her to act on her desires. So when she sees sexy, twenty-three-year-old Darren McEntire eating dinner alone at the pub, she decides to make her move. The attraction between them is undeniable, and even through Julia isn’t looking for a one-night stand, she winds up back at Darren’s place the same night she meets him. Only being with him makes her realize what she’s been missing dating other guys. All she wants is Darren.

But Julia allows Darren to think she’s his age and a grad student at the nearby college. She knows she has to confess the truth, but she’s afraid to shatter what they have. Not knowing what to do, she starts the semester only to discover that her new teaching assistant is none other than Darren. With the lies out in the open and campus policy against them, Julia and Darren know the relationship should be over before it even begins. But the chemistry between them is too strong to deny.

Can they find a way to be together or are they doomed to only see each other behind closed doors?

Rushing Into Love

As a college junior, Mindy Stanton has no interest in dating a freshman.

That is until Ben Whitmore shows up and serenades his way into her heart at the dorm social she’s running. And after hearing him sing, even Mindy can’t deny that he has a deep, sexy voice that makes her melt.

Even though Mindy makes it clear that she doesn’t date younger guys, Ben pursues her anyway. After all, he doesn’t seem like the typical college freshman, who is only interested in hooking up, partying until he can’t remember his name, or joining a frat. He’s a gentleman, a romantic, and definitely knows all the right things to say to sweep a girl off her feet.

So Mindy drops her guard. She allows herself to fall for him. Before she knows it, Ben is all she can think about. To her, he’s perfect.  But it doesn’t take Mindy long to discover that even the most perfect guys…  Have secrets.

Add Campus Crush on Goodreads or buy it a Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

About the Author:

Ashelyn Drake is a New Adult and Young Adult romance author. While it’s rare for her not to have either a book in hand or her fingers flying across a laptop, she also enjoys spending time with her family. She believes you are never too old to enjoy a good swing set and there’s never a bad time for some dark chocolate. She is represented by Sarah Negovetich of Corvisiero Literary Agency.

Find Ashelyn online:

Blog: http://ashelyndrake.wordpress.com

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/AshelynDrake

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7075461.Ashelyn_Drake

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AshelynDrake

Interview with Christina Weigand Author of Sanctuary of Nine Dragons

February 28, 2014 / Katie L. Carroll

A hearty welcome back to Christina Weigand as she celebrates the release of Sanctuary of Nine Dragons, the third book in her YA fantasy series Palace of Twelve pillars. She’s been gracious enough to answer a few questions. Hi, Christina!

What made you want to become a writer?

A shark. When I was a kid for the longest time I thought I wanted to be a nurse. I desperately wanted to wear one of those little white caps that they wore back in the day. When I was a junior in high school, I went to see the movie Jaws. That night I had nightmares and couldn’t sleep. It was then that I decided that maybe nursing was not for me. I had always written. I wrote for the school newspaper and a local newspaper. Journalism seemed a natural choice.

What inspired you to write Sanctuary of Nine Dragons?

I can’t put my finger on one particular incident that inspired this book, except for the one when I finished the second book in the trilogy and realized that the story wasn’t finished yet. For the whole trilogy though, I don’t remember a bolt of lightning, or any particular thing that inspired the story. It started out as a lonely farm boy being told that he was a prince and wizard and blossomed from there.

What one book do you wish you had written?

There are so many books out there that I love, but the reason I love them is because the talent of a particular author are behind it. They were the best person to write that book. I couldn’t have written their book just as they couldn’t have written mine.

At what moment did you truly begin to feel like an author?

It was my first NaNo (National Novel Writing Month) when I was writing Palace of the Twelve Pillars. It was the first draft and writing the funeral scene of King Theodric. I stopped and reread after writing it. I couldn’t believe that I wrote those words, that they came from my fingers. I ran through the house showing it to anyone who was there. Of course my husband was the only one there and he just didn’t get that feeling.

What is your favorite part of the writing process? What is your least favorite part?

When the characters take control of the story and things just flow. My least favorite part is when the characters are silent and the words won’t come.

What is the single best piece of advice you have for aspiring authors?

If it is your passion, your calling, to write then don’t give it up. Don’t listen when others tell you not good enough or you should be doing something else. Write, read and write some more.

What is next for you in your writing career?

I just submitted a middle-grade novel to my publisher. God willing it will be published by the end of the year. I have another series that I have started.

Sanctuary of Nine Dragons blurb:

Joachim banishes Brandan to prison island of Hyogo. His infant son, Prince Airyn disappears from his cradle. A chain of events is set in motion that will pit brother against brother, friend against friend, parents against children as Brandan and Joachim struggle for control of their sanity and their very lives.

With Brandan declared dead and his son missing Joachim sinks into despair and anger, where those close to him fear he may never return.

Is Brandan really dead and if he is, who is manipulating the Mantion and enemies of Crato?

Can Maeve save her country and her husband from the tentacles of evil pervading the land?

Find it at the MuseItUp bookstore, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, and other ebook retailers.

About the Author:

Christina Weigand’s a writer, wife, and mother of three grown children and a middle school daughter. She is also Nana to three granddaughters. She lives with her husband and youngest daughter in Pennsylvania, returning there after a short sabbatical in Washington. Currently, she’s working on fantasy novels and inspirational writing. Through her writing, she strives to share the Word of God and help people young and old to realize the love and mercy He has for everyone.

When she’s not writing, she’s active in her local Church as a lector, Bible Study, or with the church theater group, volunteering at her daughter’s school helping the children develop a love for reading and writing. Jesus fills her home with love as she shares Him through her writing.

Find out more about Christina on her blog, Twitter (@CAWeigand), Facebook, Goodreads, and Amazon.