Monday, November 30, 2009

Spotted: New Generation Dead Cover


Book Three of the Zombie series will be out in June!

(Generation Dead and Kiss of Life were the first two)

For an interview with the author, check here
Or visit his website

Monday, November 23, 2009

YA Writers contest!


Writing Great YA Fiction
No query? No pitch? No problem!

Serendipity Literary Agency, in collaboration with Sourcebooks and Gotham Writers' Workshop, is hosting its first Young Adult Novel Discovery Competition for a chance to win a one-on-one consultation with one of New York's leading YA literary agents!

If you've written a novel for young adults—or have an idea for one that you would like to write—we invite you to enter our contest. Simply submit only an enticing title along with the first 250 words from the opening of your original YA novel using the form below. There's no entry fee or purchase requirement.

For more info - including prizes and how to enter check out the website!

Perfect for your NaNoWriMo project! - I'm thinking about entering mine, we'll see how brave I am.

DEADLINE = November 30, 2009,

Created: Archer's Quest Booktrailer



Friday, November 20, 2009

New Moon


Last night a co-worker and I went to see the 12:01 showing of New Moon. For a little bit in the afternoon, there was panic when we realized the movie theater we wanted to go to was actually sold out. We scrambled a bit, but finally found one.

I really enjoyed the second movie. I thought the visuals were nicely done.

Things I liked:
* The way they shot the three blank pages of the books
* the way Jacob changed in midair
* the Werewolf Clan
* the awkward date
* the chat (above) between Alice and Bella
* Jacob's hair becoming normal
* the relationship between Bella and Jacob
* Charlie
* Dakota Fanning was really great her her evil part

Things I didn't like:
* The wolves seemed huge to me and I thought they were normal sized when reading the books, but I don't really remember
* Bella saying "You're like you're own sun"

Things I wished happened:
* Another Stephenie Meyer cameo (I did look for her, but maybe I missed her)
* more Charlie - he's wicked funny
* more Dakota Fanning

What about you guys? Have you seen it yet? Did you like it?


Thursday, November 19, 2009

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Splendor: SPOILER ALERTS

New York high society returns with Dina absent from town; she’s taken up traveling to find her true love. He signed up for the army rather than deal with his new scheming wife. Will they find a way to be together after all? Meanwhile Dina’s sister gains a new house and finally discovers something suspicious about her new husband. He’s not very nice, but was she too late in discovering the truth? Penelope’s husband leaves her for the army but she finds a prince visiting New York. He takes a keen interest in her and she might have mistaken Henry as the highest society. Who wants to be a lady when she could be a princess? Carolina throws the biggest party of the year and everyone wants an invitation. In the midst of all the people she’s worked so hard to fool, she finds herself lonely until a certain boy returns home. Could wedding bells be in her future? There’s love in the air and these girls are determined to find their happily ever after. They’re not about to let anything stand in their way including each other. In the final book of this series, love is won and lost, fortunes gained, society whispers about these grand ladies as reputations dwindle and soar, and betrayals occur all in the quest for happiness.

I've heard a lot of talk about this book recently on facebook - about the loose ends not perfectly tied up. I confess I liked the ending. I think there's room for a spin-off series. But I also thought that it was similar to life chapters, we caught a glimpse in these characters lives and then we're left to imagine the rest of their journey. I can see both sides, but I felt the ending romantic - more imaginative - than I had anticipated. And of course I LOVED the covers of these novels - just gorgeous.

If you read, what did you think of series ending?

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

The Carrie Diaries


Meet Carrie before SEX AND THE CITY
This book will be out in April 2010, a month before the movie sequel hits theaters.

Will you read it?


Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Give up the Ghost

It's been a long time since Cass trusted anyone living. To outsiders, she's anti-social, but in reality, you just can't see her friends. A month before her sister died Cass had been going through a rough time with her former BFF. Now the only friends Cass counts are those who people can't normally see. Not only does Cass know all the dirt on people, she sometimes uses it to her advantage. However when one boy in the popular crowd approaches her for help, Cass can't help but become involved. His mother died not that long ago and he's looking for a chance to get in touch with her. at first, Cass thinks he's just another spoiled popular jock, but as she spends more time with him, she comes to know the boy under the mask. Cass realizes he has problems of his own and she might be the only one who can save him. But that would mean showing someone living that she actually cares. Can Cass show her true feelings or will she continue to shut out the world?

This book was different than what I expected - a more paranormal ghost haunting tale when in reality, it's more about the Cass and Matt than the ghosts. Still, it's a great read with an inviting cover. I really enjoyed the storyline. I could see Cass clearly and why she chose to hide herself away from the world. The question of popular vs being yourself was excellently executed and thoroughly entertaining. I look forward to the next book by Megan Crewe.

Monday, November 9, 2009

Thank You Rihanna


"If it can happen to me, it can happen to anyone."

So very true. For more info on her interview and other girls' stories, check out this article.

Don't suffer in silence. This IS a problem and it's one that probably won't change.
If you're in an abusive relationship, get help, get the facts, get someone to talk to.

The number for National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline is 1-866-331-9474. Their website is here

Don't hesitate!

Thank you Rihanna for speaking out and for sharing your story!

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Espressologist

Jane had a crazy idea - she started writing down the types of coffees people ordered and created personality characteristics based on their drink of choice. At first, it was just something she did in her spare time at the coffee shop where she works. But when a regular customer comes in with news that he's now single, Jane looks through her book of coffee matches to find him the perfect date. When she does the same for her co-worker, Jane realizes that she's found something unique. Unfortunately, when her boss overhears her and her BFF talking about the results, he forces the truth out of them. Then he realizes Jane's talent will be perfect for their holiday promotion idea. She will set up couples who walk in and order coffee based on their drink choice and one tidbit of information. Jane's freaked out when she's put on the spot. Will this best the best promotion ever or will Jane die of humiliation?


A cute romantic tale perfect for this time of year. Love the cover - it grabbed my attention right away. Throw in a friendship drama, work issues, and a dash of school with the romance and you've got yourself fun read with a side of coffee craving.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

November = NaNoWriMo

NaNoWriMo = National Novel Writing Month
or write 50,000 words in a month
For me that breaks down into a goal of 2000 words daily.
I do this because I know there are days when I won't reach that goal and then I won't be too far behind.

I like it because having this goal makes me sit down and write. For this story, I've actually outlined half the book. No, I don't know what the ending will be. I have a vague idea, but I'm not 100% sure on how it will all play out. For me that's part of the fun.

Are you taking part in this challenge?

The Spendor Falls

Sylvie's life changed forever during a dance - with one misplaced step. Now, the once youngest ever American Ballet principal dancer, can't dance. She has no idea what to do with her life. When she breaks down at her mother's wedding, consequences arise. While her mother goes on her honeymoon, Sylvie must spend the summer with family she's never met in the family mansion. Right away she discovers she knows nothing about the family as her father never mentioned them. Secondly, things are different in the South. Thirdly, she's very popular. Fourthly, two boys turn her head - one for his mysterious ways and the other with his charm. Before long, Sylvie comes immersed in the family history in order to discover more about the overgrown gardens at first, but then to find out more about the family after she hears talk about ghosts as she mentions some peculiar noises in the night. Could there be ghosts or is Sylvie simply going crazy? If there are ghosts, who could she talk with who won't think she's crazy?

A psychological subtle thriller that reminded me of the Gothic novels - mysterious, but at first you're not quite sure what to believe. VERY well done! I adored the Hell series previously written by the RITA award winning author.

The cover: I'm not too sure about it. It's a little bit interesting, but I wish there was something about the gardens, the ghost, the mansion or Sylvie on it instead.