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Superpowers! Celebrating ILLUSIVE

Jul 11, 2014 | , , | 0 Comments

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This week, we’re celebrating the debut of Emily Lloyd Jones’ YA novel, ILLUSIVE, pitched as X-Men meets Ocean’s Eleven!  Wow, does that sound awesome or what? Let me tell you a secret. It is! If you love both of those movies then this book is for you. Emily has asked us:

What kind of superpower would you like to have, and why?

This is a hard question! I mean, there are so many cool superpowers out there, and it would really depend on the day or the mood I am in. Can I just have a closet full of superpowers outfits? Then if I put on a certain outfit, I could take on those superpowers. That would be pretty cool if you asked me.

So I did a vlog with the YA Rebels a while back on this very topic. Unfortantely, Emily hadn’t published ILLUSIVE yet so I wasn’t able to mention her book, but it would have been the best example ever, don’t you think?

Check it out here or watch below:

 So…If you could have any superpower, which one would you choose?

Here’s the blurb of the book:
When the MK virus swept across the planet, a vaccine was created to stop the epidemic, but it came with some unexpected side effects. A small percentage of the population developed superhero-like powers. Seventeen-year-old Ciere Giba has the handy ability to change her appearance at will. She’s what’s known as an illusionist…She’s also a thief.
After a robbery goes awry, Ciere must team up with a group of fellow super-powered criminals on another job that most would consider too reckless. The formula for the vaccine that gave them their abilities was supposedly destroyed years ago. But what if it wasn’t?
The lines between good and bad, us and them, and freedom and entrapment are blurred as Ciere and the rest of her crew become embroiled in a deadly race against he government that could cost them their lives.
Places to Order ILLUSIVE:
Signed Copes at Gallery Bookshop | Barnes & Noble | BAM | IndieBound | Audible
A little about Emily:
Emily Lloyd-Jones grew up on a vineyard in rural Oregon, where she played in evergreen forests and learned to fear sheep. After graduating from Western Oregon University with an English degree, she enrolled in the publishing program at Rosemont College just outside of Philadelphia. She currently resides in Northern California, working in a bookstore by day and writing by night.
ILLUSIVE (Little, Brown Children’s July 2014)
Website: www.emilylloydjones.com/
Twitter: em_llojo

Writing Events I’ll Be Attending

Jul 7, 2014 | , , , | 1 Comment

I’m so excited for this upcoming fall and beyond! And speaking of excited, stop by and say hi over at Debbie Ridpath Ohi’s blog where I’m taking about writing the Gilded series and giving advice to aspiring authors.

This year I’ve taken time off from teaching to focus on writing and getting out more to meet fans. For a brief listing of events I’ll be at, you can always check my events page here. There are more conferences and festivals I’m planning on, but here’s a list of some of the events I’m already confirmed for with more specific details:

YA Mania

Aug. 2, 2014

YA Mania

Guess what’s happening down in South Florida this August? YA Mania! This event is going to be awesome with games and prizes, books (of course) plus Meredith McCardle whom I adore will be there! I can’t wait. So if you live in South Florida near Boca Raton, you need to come out for this event and say hi.

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Vegas Book Festival

Oct. 16-18, 2014

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I’m especially excited about this week since my fellow Skyscape friends (Jessie Humphries, Meredith McCardle, and Lori Lee) and I will not only be at the festival, but we’ll be touring around and doing school visits in nearby cities including Salt Lake City! If you wish for us to come visit your school for free, email me on my contact page here.

SCBWI Florida Miami Conference

January 2015

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I’ve been asked to be on the First Books Panel at the Florida Miami Conference. This has been a dream of mine ever since I first started taking this writing thing seriously. It’s a great conference to attend with not only amazing editors, agents, and authors, but it’s fun.

Coastal Magic Convention

Feb. 5-8, 2015

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Coastal Magic is a urban fantasy and paranormal romance focused convention in Daytona Beach, FL. There will be panels, discussions, meet and greets, and ‘supernatural’ inspired activities. Here’s the link to the featured author page. I hope you’ll come join us at the beach!

GILDED Nominated for the Morning Calm Award!

Jul 2, 2014 | , , , | 0 Comments

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Each year the international school librarians in Korea pick nominees for the year’s Morning Calm Medal Book Award program. It was such an honor for GILDED to be chosen to be on this prestigious list for the high school level!

Here are the books that were chosen:

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I am so excited!  Next school year, students will be reading GILDED and the other nominees, and a winner will be chosen next April.

Talking about Dreams on DREAM BOY’s Release Day!

Jul 1, 2014 | | 2 Comments

Today is the release day of DREAM BOY by Mary Crockett and Madelyn Rosenberg! And to celebrate it several of us are talking about our dreams.

DREAM BOY COVER small.jpgDREAM BOY  – by Mary Crockett & Madelyn Rosenberg

I’ve always been a dreamer. Daydreams. Night dreams. Dreams of grandeur and dreams of escape. If I were an onion and you pulled back the papery outside, you’d find layer after layer of eye-watering dreams. And in the center, where there’s that little curlicue of onion heart? There’d be a puff of smoke from the dreams that burned away.

Annabelle Manning feels like she’s doing time at her high school in Chilton, Virginia. She has her friends at her lunchtime table of nobodies. What she doesn’t have are possibilities. Or a date for Homecoming. Things get more interesting at night, when she spends time with the boy of her dreams. But the blue-eyed boy with the fairytale smile is just that—a dream. Until the Friday afternoon he walks into her chemistry class.

One of friends suspects he’s an alien. Another is pretty sure it’s all one big case of déjà vu. While Annabelle doesn’t know what to think, she’s willing to believe that the charming Martin Zirkle may just be her dream come true. But as Annabelle discovers the truth behind dreams—where they come from and what they mean—she is forced to face a dark reality she had not expected. More than just Martin has arrived in Chilton. As Annabelle learns, if dreams can come true, so can nightmares.

Doesn’t that sound like a cool story? Mary and Madelyn said we could interpret that “dream theme” any way we wanted—either literally or aspirationally. I’m going to talk about my aspirational dreams.

Of course there is always the dream to go to Bora Bora. I mean, who doesn’t want that?

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Taken from Splenda Resorts

But lately I’m feeling like I’ve been living out my dreams lately with the release of GILDED. Next year, I’ll be taking time off to write full time, which is a dream come true. I’m also hoping to have more time to connect with readers and friends. So I guess for me, it’s to continue to live out this dream and I couldn’t ask for anything more.

I’m so excited for Mary and Madelyn! This is a big day for them and I wish them and DREAM BOY a big toast and congratulations!

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Don’t forget to add DREAM BOY to your book wish list! It can be picked up at:

INDIE BOUND

AMAZON

B&N

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

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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.

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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.

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