Contest!

 Cindy at Princess Bookie wants to get rid of a bunch of her books! So she is having an awesome giveaway! Go enter!

Interview with Tera Lynn Childs

 Today I have an interview with Tera Lynn Childs!

Tera Lynn Childs is a wannabe goddess and the author of OH. MY. GODS. and GODDESS BOOT CAMP. Tera lives in Houston, Texas, where she spends her time fleeing hurricanes, making character profiles on MySpace (stop her before she makes one for Adara—oops, too late), blogging with the Buzz Girls, and writing wherever she can find a comfy chair and a steady stream of caffeinated beverages.

Where do you get your inspiration?

Anywhere. Everywhere. The idea for Oh. My. Gods. came from the working title, Growing Up Godly, which came from the reality TV show Growing Up Gotti (about the mob boss John Gotti's daughter and grandsons). The idea for Forgive My Fins came from ... I'm not sure where. I was spending the summer in Florida, a lot of time at the beach, and it just came to me one day. I don't question where my ideas come from because I'm just glad they keep coming!

 

What kind of research did you do for Oh. My. Gods and Goddess Boot camp?

I did a lot of research on Greek islands (I've never been) and Greek mythology (a lifelong passion). I had to learn a lot about distance running (not a lifelong passion) and travel from California to Greece and cross-country running slogans and Greek baby names and surnames. For Goddess Boot Camp in particular I research a lot of Latin words and Latin roots to come up with the names for the twelve dynamotheos powers.

Usually, when I'm just starting  project I do a lot of "immersion" research, trying to get myself firmly planted in the world of the story. Then, once I start writing, I do research as it comes up, to fill in the gaps.

 

Do you use an outline?

I didn't for Oh. My. Gods. or Goddess Boot Camp, but for Forgive My Fins my editor really needed an outline for the acquisitions process. And, despite the fact that I hate outlining, it made the writing and revising process go much easier. So, when it came time to start on the sequel to Forgive My Fins, I wrote up an outline for my editor, even though it wasn't necessary.

For now, anyway, the structure that seems to work best for my outlining is Michael Hauge's six-step plot structure. It might always work for me, but it's what I'm using to brainstorm my outlines right now.

 

When did you seriously decide to become an author?

About six years ago, I think. I was never supposed to be a writer. I was going to be an architect or a lawyer or teacher or a veterinarian. But once I started I never looked back. It took me about three years after I started to sell my first book.

 

How long does it usually take you to write a book?

However far away my deadline is. If I am being very disciplined and writing every day (like a good writer should, I know) I can knock out a first draft in about six to eight weeks. My personal polishing and then my revision process with my editor will take several more weeks, at least, although that will be spread out over a few months.

 

Were you a big reader or writer when you were growing up?

At the time I didn't think so, because I didn't like to read the books that "counted", the ones we were supposed to read in school. But, looking back, I really was. In elementary school I devoured the Baby Sitter's Club and Sweet Valley High series. In high school, I was very into thrillers by Michael Crichton.

 

What do you do when you have writer's block?

I don't believe in writer's block. If I "can't write" it's usually for one of two reasons: 1) I'm being a slacker and have convinced myself that "I'm not in the mood to write" so I indulge in some retail therapy at Target, or 2) I haven't quite figured out everything about the story that I need to know to continue, which will require a brainstorming session or two to move past. (Sadly, it's more often reason number 1.)

 

What motivates you to go and finish a book? Is it the characters, the plot, ect?

Well, this is kind of two different questions. What motivates me to sit down and finish a book (actually put words on a page until I read the end) is my deadline. I live for deadlines and pressure and last minute dashes to the finish.

What motivates my story to get from page one to the end is definitely character. I write by taking a premise, figuring out who (what character) I would put in this situation, and then I throw them into the void. The story develops as I see how that character reacts to the situation, what kind of problems they would encounter, and how they interact with other characters in that world. That's where my story comes from.

 

If you could travel anywhere from a book that is not your own where would it be?

Egads, that's a tough one. Maybe Narnia. I've always loved the idea of a secret, magical land with beautiful, mythical creatures (not to mention really yummy young kings and princes). Or Hogwarts. How much fun would it be to wander those gorgeous, twisting halls? Especially if you had a guide who knew all the ins and outs because, really, otherwise it might be very dangerous. Of course I'd always jump at the chance to visit the Regency England world of Pride and Prejudice (my all time favorite book). Ah, really, there are too many to choose from, but those are my top choices.

 

What is something we should know about Oh. My. Gods and Goddess Boot Camp?

Something you should know.... You mean besides, "You should totally read these books!"? How about the fact that things in the final books turned out wayyy different than I expected when I started them. Like how Phoebe was supposed to end up with a different guy. Or how the BIG MASSIVE TWIST at the end of Oh. My. Gods. was not even supposed to happen. Or how, in Goddess Boot Camp, I did not even suspect the identity of the person who was sending Phoebe anonymous notes until the very moment she turned around and saw them in the courtyard.

This is why I think it's pretty funny when some reviews say my books were predictable... because I totally did not predict them. So many of the fun twists in my stories come up as I'm writing, as I get into that moment where something suddenly becomes obvious. That's part of the adventure of writing a book.

 

Thanks!

Be sure to check out Tera's Website for more information about these books and others that are coming soon!

Princess of the Midnight Ball By Jessica Day George

A tale of twelve princesses doomed to dance until dawn… Galen is a young soldier returning from war; Rose is one of twelve princesses condemned to dance each night for the King Under Stone. Together Galen and Rose will search for a way to break the curse that forces the princesses to dance at the midnight balls. All they need is one invisibility cloak, a black wool chain knit with enchanted silver needles, and that most critical ingredient of all—true love—to conquer their foes in the dark halls below. But malevolent forces are working against them above ground as well, and as cruel as the King Under Stone has seemed, his wrath is mere irritation compared to the evil that awaits Galen and Rose in the brighter world above.

I absolutely adore fairy tale retelling! I am really excited that so many of them are coming out. This a retelling of the 12 dancing princesses.

I really enjoyed this book it was a good retelling and did not change it that much from the original story but I really enjoyed it more than other retellings of this same story. This version has many elaborate descriptions and attention to detail. Another thing is the fact that each character has a personality which can be hard to portray in a story with so many characters. While some of the middle girls mixed together they each were their own person with their own ideas.

I enjoyed this book, while parts of it were slow it was overall a really enjoyable read.


4/5

 

IMM 4

In my mailbox was started by The Story Siren and is a list of what you received in books over the past week either through the mail, library, or a bookstore.

For Review
Lockdown: Escape from Furnace by Alexander Gordon Smith
Milestones by Samira Armin Hodges
Dreamhunter by Elizabeth Knox
Shadow Government by Grant R. Jeffery
Widom Hunter By Randall Arthur

Won
The Poisoned Crown by Amanda Hemingway
From  Young Adult books Central

From Library
Top 10 uses for an unworn prom dress by Tina Ferraro
Sovay by Celia Rees
Ivy by Julie Hearn

I had a good week!
What did you get this week?

Fade by Lisa McMann

SOME NIGHTMARES NEVER END.

For Janie and Cabel, real life is getting tougher than the dreams. They're just trying to carve out a little (secret) time together, but no such luck.

Disturbing things are happening at Fieldridge High, yet nobody's talking. When Janie taps into a classmate's violent nightmares, the case finally breaks open -- but nothing goes as planned. Not even close. Janie's in way over her head, and Cabe's shocking behavior has grave consequences for them both.

Worse yet, Janie learns the truth about herself and her ability -- and it's bleak. Seriously, brutally bleak. Not only is her fate as a dream catcher sealed, but what's to come is way darker than she'd feared....

Ok first of I really enjoy this series. It is different and the characters are well written and seem so real. 

This book was more disturbing than the other book because it dealt with things more prevalent in society. 

One of the good things about this series is the fact that Janie's "talent"  is not easy on her, a fact that is really prevalent in this book. This book is so complex and thrilling it is written in a way that makes you feel for Janie and love Cabel. Another good thing the fact that it dealt with something that is a huge deal in the world and for me at least it was nice to see that illustrated in Young Adult literature because that is who it mostly affects.

Again this book was short but I don't see how it could have been any longer.

4.5/5

Interview with Samira Hodges; Milestone book tour

Today I have an interview with debut author Samira Hodges. Her book Milestones came out on August 1st so go check it out.

Where do you get your inspiration?

A lot of it comes from my super active imagination but I do get some of it from real life. I’ve had a lot of really neat experiences from traveling, to going to medical school in the  Caribbean , to being a doctor for the first time. I’ve met tons of cool and interesting people and I do occasionally get inspired by them. Occasionally, I will read a great book or see a fantastic movie and it becomes the motivation I need to set up my laptop and write for 5 hours without a break. But mostly (mostly), I would say I come up with ideas and stories just like that.

2-     What kind of research did you do for your book?

Actually not much. Milestones is a made-up world so I was able to be the master of the story. You may also notice that I don’t divulge the location of the camp and this is because it’s may be a real location that I deliberately chose not to name. You may also note a few medical-type references and since I’m a doctor, I didn’t need to do any research there either. For the most part, I write what I know.

3-     Do you use an outline when you write?

I do! I have an outline for books 1 to 3 of Milestones. It’s a very rough outline but it helps keep me focused and helps me stay on track with the sequence of events. I usually think up the entire story in one shot, write it down in point form and then start writing out the story, chapter by chapter. Occasionally, things will change and the story will take a different route. But that’s part of being an author. We evolve and our work evolves with us. Plus, we’re often unsatisfied with the first draft (and the second draft and the third draft…..)

4-     How long does it usually take you to write a book?

That’s a tough question because I’ve only written one book and am in the process of writing my second. My first book took one summer to write (but I was in school and had the summer off so that may have been an exception). Then I spent a year tweaking it. Milestones Two is already taking longer than that but mainly because I work 80 hours a week now so free time is a luxury…. and a rarity!

5-     Where you a big reader or write when you were growing up?

Definitely both. Probably more the latter than the former but honestly, I don’t think you can be one without the other.

6-     What do you do when you have writer’s block?

Find a way to get inspired. I read one of my favorite books or read someone’s inspirational biography or sometimes even watch a very moving movie. Sometimes, it’s best to step away, take a breath, do something different and come back to it when you feel ready.

7-     What motivates you to go and finish a book?

The story. I really want to tell the Milestones story. I feel as though it’s a story people may appreciate and it’s truly a story worth telling. Now that people have read the first one, I am even more motivated to finish the trilogy so that my readers can see how the story ends up.

8-     If you could travel anywhere from a book that is not yours, where would it be?

Can I be totally cliché here and say Hogwarts? The Harry Potter series is so unique and imaginative, I can’t say that I wouldn’t love to be part of the world JK Rowling has created. Although, Anne Brashares made me really want to visit  Greece too.

Check out the rest of the book tour stops to find out more! 

9/13: theundercoverbooklover.blogspot.com
9/14: wantmyya.blogspot.com
9/18: flipthepagebookreview.blogspot.com
9/20: addicted-to-literature.blogspot.com
9/21: booksobsession.blogspot.com
9/22: mariah-readingadventure.blogspot.com
9/25: readingrocks4me.blogspot.com
9/27: darlingreviews.blogspot.com

Be sure to check out her blog!

http://sahodges.blogspot.com/

IMM 3

IMM is brought to us by Kristi of The Story Siren.I did not get a lot this week but what I got I am really excited about!

Library
Dull Boy by Sarah Cross
Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
Something Maybe by Elizabeth Scott
Geektastic by Various authors

Won
Surf Mules Audio book from Heidi Kling's blog

Swag
An awesome Hollow shirt from Jessica Verday!
Bookmarks from Michelle Moran

What did you get?

Silver Phoenix: Beyond the Kingdom of Xia by Cindy Pon

No one wanted Ai Ling. And deep down she is relieved—despite the dishonor she has brought upon her family—to be unbetrothed and free, not some stranger's subservient bride banished to the inner quarters.

But now, something is after her. Something terrifying—a force she cannot comprehend. And as pieces of the puzzle start to fit together, Ai Ling begins to understand that her journey to the Palace of Fragrant Dreams isn't only a quest to find her beloved father but a venture with stakes larger than she could have imagined.

Bravery, intelligence, the will to fight and fight hard . . . she will need all of these things. Just as she will need the new and mysterious power growing within her. She will also need help.

It is Chen Yong who finds her partly submerged and barely breathing at the edge of a deep lake. There is something of unspeakable evil trying to drag her under. On a quest of his own, Chen Yong offers that help . . . and perhaps more.

First of all just look at the cover, it is beautiful! 

This book was very interesting, the story line was really different because the main character did not know that she was destined for greatness until the middle of the book which was refreshing from the normal 5 pages into the book the main character finds out that they are wonderful or whatever. 

Let me just say that I love books with strong female main characters! I am so glad that so many of them are coming out. This book definitely falls into that category. Ai Ling is so strong and believable because she admits that she has flaws and doubts herself like anyone would. Also Chen Yong is a great friend for her, he is a great part of this book because he helps her and she helps him in return. 

I really enjoyed all of the cultural parts of the book. The creatures were very interesting and vivid. I could not put this book down after I picked it up. It was fast paced and was a never ending ride. The only problem I had was that I wished I knew more about Silver Phoenix because she plays such a big part but I wished I knew more about that side of Ai Ling.

4.5/5

Maximum Ride Promotion Winners!

Thanks to everyone who entered the Maximum Ride Promotion! Unfortunately I could only pick two winners.

Congratulations to #7 Kristen from Bookworming in the 21st Century and #78 sharon54220

I have emailed both of you. Please respond within 48 hrs or I will have to pick a new winner

If you did not win don't worry I will be having another contest when I reach 100 followers

Cathy's Key by Sean Stewart and Jordan Weisman

Cathy was your average high school student--doodling in the margins of her journal, crushing on a cute boy, and hanging out with her best friend Emma.

As this story begins, she's trying to keep a job, her journal is stolen, the cute boy is not who he seems to be, and even Emma's side project/start-up company, Doubletalk Wireless, is about to get caught up in the mystery surrounding Cathy and her search for the truth about her father.

Her presumed-dead father.

It's just a simple story really: Girl loves Boy, Boy disappears, Girl discovers secret that will alter the course of humanity....


This book was a good sequel to Cathy's Book, it answered some unanswered questions from the first book plus added a few more that will hopefully be answered in the next book. 

In my review of Cathy's Book I mentioned that there were 2 color drawings in the margins of the book and some people did not understand so I will clarify. On the margins of the book there are illustrations that go with the story in blue ink which use the white of the paper creatively. So I hope that is more clear now.

Moving on to the story, it was well drawn out and and characters were somewhat developed, but not as much as I would have liked. Again having the evidence was really nice. One of the main things I had a problem with was the fact that the author would allude to things and then never explain them. But maybe they will be answered in the next book. Overall an ok book.

3/5