News

SILVERN’s Cover Is Revealed!

Jun 30, 2014 | , , | 3 Comments

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The cover reveal and a chance to read the first chapter of SILVERN are live now on Hypable! I’ve been so excited to share this cover with you for some time now. Cliff Nielson did this cover as well as GILDED’s, and he nailed it again. A couple of people were saying it’s as if the White Tiger is actually walking out of the picture, and I couldn’t agree more.

Here it is:

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This is the part where the cover is taken from:

A growl from the bushes attracts my attention, but instead of running away, I step closer. The leaves draw back of their own accord, bringing me face-to-face with the White Tiger. I draw in a deep breath, my body chilling as his glacial-blue eyes assess me.

If you didn’t know, SILVERN is the sequel to GILDED, and it delves deeper into the world of the Guardians of Shinshi and Korean mythology. Personally, I am sooooo excited about this book, and if you loved GILDED, I don’t think SILVERN will disappoint. But then I’m bias, right?

If you haven’t pre-ordered SILVERN yet, you can do so at any of your favorite booksellers: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Powell’s, IndieBound, & Chapter’s.

And if you order it from my local indie bookstore, Bookmark It, send them your name, and I’ll make sure you get a personalized copy!

So, what do you think of the cover and first chapter?

GILDED Bought by Scholastic Book Clubs/Fairs

Jun 25, 2014 | , , , | 1 Comment

Last week my agent called with more great news for GILDED. It was bought by Scholastic Reading Clubs to be a book in their upcoming reading clubs and book fairs!

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As a teacher this is a pretty big deal for me. Every month during my teaching career, I’d pass out the flyers and look through them with my students. We’d share and discuss the books, and then decide which ones we would order for the classroom. So I’m thrilled GILDED was chosen!

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The Last Few Months

Jun 23, 2014 | , , , | 9 Comments

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Guys! It’s been so long since I’ve last given you updates on all that has been happening. And a LOT has been going on. I’ve been busy lately writing as fast as I can on upcoming and still secret projects, hence my lack of blogging.

As you know, SILVERN, will be released on Sept. 23rd and my publisher and I have been very busy getting it prepped. We’ve got some AMAZING things planned for the launch of SILVERN and I’m super excited to share those with you in the upcoming weeks.

Personally, I absolutely love this story. If you loved GILDED, then you are sure to love SILVERN, too. It’s got everything that GILDED does with the culture, travel, mythology, action, adventures, and the struggle of love and friendship. Just think of it as the saga continuing. I will say that you will learn more about the secret inner workings of the Guardians of Shinshi and the Council. Ohhh!!!

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 BUT before we start looking at all of the awesome things coming out later this summer and next fall, I wanted to recap everything (or as much as I can) that has happened over the past few months.

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And let me say that these past few months have blown my mind. I’m just so thrilled about GILDED’s launch and it entering the world. Going on tour was amazing meeting fans and getting to teach writing to students and adults. It’s been more than I could possibly have hoped for and I’m beyond thankful for each of you who have taken the time to read GILDED. Thank you!!!!

So here is a little video recap for you because sometimes pictures show it all!

Happy Book Birthday to THE EIGHTH GUARDIAN!

May 6, 2014 | , , | 1 Comment

eigth guardian Today is another big book birthday! Meredith McCardle’s THE EIGHTH GUARDIAN is out today!

Here’s a quick blurb about the book from Amazon:

Amanda Obermann. Code name Iris.

It’s Testing Day. The day that comes without warning, the day when all juniors and seniors at The Peel Academy undergo a series of intense physical and psychological tests to see if they’re ready to graduate and become government operatives. Amanda and her boyfriend Abe are top students, and they’ve just endured thirty-six hours of testing. But they’re juniors and don’t expect to graduate. That’ll happen next year, when they plan to join the CIA—together.

But when the graduates are announced, the results are shocking. Amanda has been chosen—the first junior in decades. And she receives the opportunity of a lifetime: to join a secret government organization called the Annum Guard and travel through time to change the course of history. But in order to become the Eighth Guardian in this exclusive group, Amanda must say good-bye to everything—her name, her family, and even Abe—forever.

Who is really behind the Annum Guard? And can she trust them with her life?

Doesn’t that sound awesome? I have been waiting to read this book FOREVER. Supposedly my preordered copy is supposed to arrive tomorrow. Crossing fingers. Meredith been such an amazing and supportive friend through this whole publishing process and I’m just thrilled about her book releasing!

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To keep up with all that Meredith is doing, check her blog here. Plus if you live in South Florida, she’s hosting a book launch on May 13th!

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And follow her on Twitter here: @MeredithMcP

Happy Book Birthday to KILLING RUBY ROSE!

May 1, 2014 | , , , | 0 Comments

Ruby

Today is the day! KILLING RUBY ROSE by Jessie Humphries is officially out in the world. Right now Jessie is super busy being a ‘rock star’ as she gets ready for her big launch weekend. If you live in Utah, you better have plans to be jumping in the car and heading over there.

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If not, I’m sure she’ll give us all the juicy details on her blog and of course, you must order the book. (I’m shameless, I know) I’ve got my kindle AND paperback copy (actually the paperback is in transit as we speak! *checking mailbox one more time*)

If you haven’t heard what KILLING RUBY ROSE is about, here is the blurb from Amazon:

In sunny Southern California, seventeen-year-old Ruby Rose is known for her killer looks and her killer SAT scores. But ever since her dad, an LAPD SWAT sergeant, died, she’s also got a few killer secrets.

To cope, Ruby has been trying to stay focused on school (the top spot in her class is on the line) and spending time with friends (her Jimmy Choos and Manolo Blahniks are nothing if not loyal). But after six months of therapy and pathetic parenting by her mom, the District Attorney, Ruby decides to pick up where her dad left off and starts going after the bad guys herself.

When Ruby ends up killing a murderer to save his intended victim, she discovers that she’s gone from being the huntress to the hunted. There’s a sick mastermind at play, and he has Ruby in his sights. Ruby must discover who’s using her to implement twisted justice before she ends up swapping Valentino red for prison orange.

With a gun named Smith, a talent for martial arts, and a boyfriend with eyes to die for, Ruby is ready to face the worst. And if a girl’s forced to kill, won’t the guilt sit more easily in a pair of Prada peep-toe pumps?

Yep, it’s as amazing as it sounds. If you love a strong female lead and murder mystery, this book is right up your alley. Plus this book is literally EXPLODING on Amazon already!

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Here’s my review:

KILLING RUBY ROSE is a murder mystery full of unexpected twists and turns and I loved the emotional journey Humphries took me on. But this book has much more to it than mystery, intrigue and a very hot guy. Ruby is a character that has depth and I found myself able to identify with her struggles and emotions as I followed her through the horrifying journey she went on. Ruby has spunk and attitude, yet she’s smart and witty and oh so funny in how she loves to name everything. I felt as if Ruby was my best friend by the time I finished this novel.

I especially love how this is a book, while written for teens, is something that I as an adult enjoyed. The story lingered with me long after I read those final lines. I’ve already pre-ordered my paperback copy to display on my bookshelf and I can’t wait for book 2 so I can see where Ruby’s adventures take her next.

Jessie

This book gets a 5 plus star review from me. 5stars

Besides being talented, smart, stunningly beautiful and a creative person, Jessie is an amazing friend in about 5 million ways. I’m absolutely thrilled to wish KILLING RUBY ROSE the very best and success.

Be sure to follow Jessie on Twitter and her blog!

Writing Process Blog Tour

Apr 22, 2014 | | 1 Comment

I am so honored to have been tagged by the talented Meredith McCardle and Vivi Barnes in the “Writing Process Blog Tour”. Basically this tour is a chain of writers talking about their books and how they write. Meredith’s YA, THE EIGTH GUARDIAN, releases on May 6th.  Vivi Barnes is the author of OLIVIA TWISTED, which is a fantastic retelling of OLIVER TWIST.

1.       What am I working on?

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I’ve been getting a lot of emails about this from fans, and yes, I am working on book 3 of the Gilded series. This one just might be my favorite of the three. I can’t say much other than think Chinese mythology, more fight scenes, forbidden love, and end of the world kind of stuff.

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

The Gilded series is unique in that there are very few books out there that meld Asian fantasy within the modern day world. Rick Riordan does such a great job doing this for Greek and Roman mythology. So after living in Korea, I wanted something like this for teen readers but with a female protagonist and an Asian focus.

3.       Why do I write what I do?

When I first start writing a story I never really know what will come out. That’s why when I write, I listen to those voices in my head and let what is speaking to my heart pour out. I try to not let external things come in the way such as what’s selling right now or what people supposedly like. Because if I wrote what everyone else said I should be writing, it wouldn’t be my story or my voice, but someone else’s. And it definitely wouldn’t be the story that needed to be written.

4.       How does your writing process work?

I always start off with daydreaming. I spend a good month imagining the story in my mind, so much that I pretty much know the characters and what will happen even before I start writing.

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From there, I plot out my outline and brainstorm my characters. I’ll have that outline on a big piece of butcher paper in front of me when I start fast drafting. I can draft up a novel in 1-2 months. That’s pretty fast but the manuscript is a train wreck afterwards.

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It takes me months to get the story into shape before my critique partners even see it. After my crit partners read it and I make the revisions, then it’s off to my agent and finally I get to hit SEND to my editor.

And I’m free from the process for about five seconds.

 

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Until it starts all over again.

And now it’s my turn to torture someone. My picks are two fabulous and talented writers: Larissa Hardesty and Tara Gallina.

Teachers! Apply for a Free Class Set of GILDED

Apr 13, 2014 | | 4 Comments

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I’m so pumped. My publisher, Skyscape, is celebrating the release of GILDED’s new 22-page novel guide by giving away a limited number of class sets of GILDED. Isn’t that amazing? I almost fell out of my chair when my publicist emailed me. It’s so excited to be a part of a publisher who is committed to education.

That means that GILDED now has a study guide. (Click here for the link.)

AND a novel guide. (Click here for the link.)

It’s super easy to be a part of this. Click on this link or fill out the form below to apply! (use the scroll bar to move down the form) If you aren’t a teacher, but you have teacher friends, please share this with them. Good luck and may the force be with you.

Great times at the UCF Book Festival!

Apr 10, 2014 | , , , , | 0 Comments

This past weekend I had the pleasure of attending the UCF Book Festival. It such a wonderful experience to meet and talk with people who are also passionate about literacy. I had a chance to speak with many teachers, librarians and readers from all over Central Florida.

I was invited to speak on a panel by two other talented and smart young adult authors, Kristen Simmons and Amy Christine Parker. Our topic was Saving the World with Young Adult Authors.

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We talked about our publication journey and writing process as well as did a fun reading game with the audience.

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I loved getting a chance to meet up with fellow teachers, media specialists and readers! It’s always more meaningful meeting in person rather than just online.

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The UCF film crew stopped by and overheard a teacher and I chatting about bringing back the love of literacy in schools. There is so much pressure now on testing that we often forget about how good books are where it all begins. And how to truly learn, we must want to learn. The film crew were eager to video our discussion and join in!

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And here is a stack of my books sold by Barnes & Noble! Don’t they look so pretty?

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YA Chicks Kickin’ It Tour Recap

Apr 8, 2014 | , , , , | 0 Comments

YA Chicks Poster

This past month has been a bit of a whirlwind to say the least! And going on the YA Chicks Tour was a wonderful part of it all. I had the priviledge of touring around Central Florida with Amy Christine Parker, Jessica Khoury, Anna Banks and Jessica Brody.

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We visited:

7 Schools

2 Bookstores

1 College

1 Library

1 Book fair

All in four days! Pretty crazy but lots of fun! You can look at our Facebook page for all the details, but here are some pictures of our adventures. Check out the article as well about our visit to St. Leo University here.

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School Visits

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Bookstore Signing at the Bookmark It

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And signing at Inkwood Books

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 Book Fair!

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Blogger Dinner

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 SCBWI/Library Writing Event

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Animal Kingdom escape to end a great week!

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 We really had such a great time. Amy Christine Parker and I have determined we definitely need to do another tour maybe next fall after both of our sequels come out. So looking forward to hitting it again in the future!

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