Ugly Sweater Contest & Giveaway

Today, Jacinda Buchmann is celebrating the upcoming release of Indigo Infinity, the third book in the Indigo Trilogy, with a fun giveaway on her Facebook page. More details after I share her recently revealed cover...

Isn't it pretty?

Now the details...

All you have to do is go to my Facebook page and like or comment on my Ugly Christmas Sweater picture and then go to her page (link on my Facebook post) and vote for me. You'll be entered to win some really cool prizes. The fun starts at 6:00am MST today, December 8. Good luck!

For fun, I thought I'd also share my Ugly Christmas Sweater picture here.

Although I have to admit, I love me some Snoopy. 

Happy Monday!

Meet Some #UtopYA2014 Lovelies (Unofficial): Elizabeth Sharp

Sitting in an early gathering at UtopYA2014, I was still in my do-I-belong-here phase. Then, Donna (Elizabeth Sharp is her pen name) stood up and spoke of her first UtopYA conference experience the year before—how she started off shy but then became wrapped in the beauty of this community. It gave me the courage to not be afraid and put myself out there.

Please welcome the vivacious Elizabeth Sharp. Thanks for spreading such love.

ES: The world would be a better place with a little more love.  :)

Okay, I have to ask. Why did you choose a pen name?

ES: When I decided to publish, I didn't think I could sell a book that said Dull on the cover. While I was in beauty school there were a lot of "Opposite of Dull" jokes, so I decided to turn that into my pen name. I didn't like sound of "Donna Sharp" so I used my grandmother Elizabeth's name instead.

I loved Supernova (see my review here). You do an amazing job writing strong women. Where do you draw your inspiration?

ES: I am the youngest of nine kids, six of which are girls. Add to that my mother and some other role models and I have plenty of strong women to draw inspiration from.

You also do book covers through Sharp Cover Design. I love that your logo is: Sharp Designs, Dull Name. So clever! Do you have a favorite cover you’ve designed, and what do you think makes an amazing cover? 

ES: My favorite right now hasn't been revealed yet. lol. Of the ones that have, I have to say either Jordan Deen's Full Moon or Magan Vernon's My Paper Heart.

As for what makes an interesting cover, I think the biggest thing for me is good use of color and interesting artwork. A big pitfall I see a lot of authors falling into is putting too much on the cover, so it's too busy. The point of the cover is to grab I trest, not tell the story. The stuff inside does that.

I do love a simple, but eye-catching cover. Now, please tell us about your Dark Reflections series. Hidden Depths (book 2) was just released in May.

ES: I did something unique with this series. The story follows a love triangle, two girls after the same guy. Book One, Skin Deep is Bethany's story. She's a full figured girl who is bullied. Though she has strong feelings for her best friend, she's afraid to say anything because she feels unlovable. When she finds out demons are real and after her classmates' souls, she has to rise above her own issues to save everyone's souls.

In book two you meet Chelsie, the beauty queen who wishes someone would look past her pretty face to who she really is. When she meets Anderson, it's the first time she finds that, which captures her intrest. But before she can do anything about this new attraction when she finds out a demon is after her soul.

The final book (which came out September 30th) is Anderson's story, how he became The Guardian, how he deals with his mother's growing depression not tp mention having to save everyone's souls.

The most interesting thing about these books is the stories happen simultaneously,  the storylines completely interwoven. Book two starts a few days before book o e and ends maybe an hour after it.

Sounds amazing! You so inspired me at UtopYA. Would you please share your first UtopYA experience here, and explain why you keep going back?

Erin Danzer, Jennifer Laslie, Elizabeth,
Andrea Heltsley, Jordan Deen, Kristina Circelli

ES: I wanted to go to the first UtopYA,  but my son was born premature so was still on a heart monitor. So when I realized I could go to the second one, I was over the moon. When I got their, my crippling social anxiety was at an all time high. I couldn't eat all day because I felt sick, and I cried each morning on my way from feeling sp overwhelmed and helpless. Inside the event, I was incredibly quiet, withdrawn and lonely. I spoke with a few friends I knew very well, but felt like I was in their way so would quickly walk away. I sat through keynotes alone, and all the panels. As I was walking to lunch one day, telling myself the tears in my eyes were just the wind, I couldn't help but think. I didn't want to be the girl sitting by herself, and I definitely didn’t want to be going to lunch alone. Then this little voice soke up inside me, saying, “Then don’t.”

When I cam back from lunch, I made myself sit with people I didn’t know, starting conversations. And much to my surprise, they responded really well. So I talked to more people. And more. By the end of the weekend a change had started in my, one on such a large scale that I still haven’t taken it all in.

The greatest compliment I’ve been given is that I’m not the same girl who was at UtopYA before, because I really am not. And everything I have was built on what started those three hot summer days.

Just a few things that we’ve noticed since the event this year. I haven’t had a panic attack from people surrounding me since before my first trip, even though I’ve been to Sea World, Six Flags and a standing room only concert since. Just a month or two before the first event, I had a total breakdown trying to leave a musical…

I keep going back for two reasons. One is for the “booster shot” that helps maintain my forward momentum. The other is simply to give back and help others on that journey.

You certainly inspired me, and I'm grateful. Okay, I have to say... your son is beyond adorable, and I love how honest you are about your motherhood journey. How has becoming a mom inspired your writing journey?

ES: Honestly I don’t know if it’s been a help, other than making me appreciate the time I get to write. He definitely helps me see the world with new eyes though, and has brought some new experiences into my life that have enriched my writing.

Quick Questions…

Favorite Punctuation Mark: !!!!

Ocean or Mountains? Oceans

Favorite Alcoholic Beverage: Rum!

Favorite Dessert: Cheesecake

Shower or bath? Shower, unless it’s a large Jacuzzi style tub

Sweet or Sour?  Sweet

Thanks so much for hanging out on my blog. I can’t wait to see you at next year’s UtopYA!

ES:  Thanks so much for having me! I’m so ready for next year. Is it June yet?

More about the Author

Elizabeth has a near crippling Facebook addiction, dwarfed only by her need for Dr. Pepper. A self-proclaimed techno geek, she loves cell phones, computers, tablets and all things technological. The internet has to be the greatest invention since the wheel, in her opinion. She lives in a quiet subdivision with her husband, young son, three cats, and far too many electronics. It’s quite possible she has some raccoon in her DNA, because she loves glitter and anything that sparkles. She enjoys making jewelry and costumes. Halloween is her favorite holiday since it’s the one day of the year that you can be whatever you want. But her first love will always be writing. Otherwise, hearing voices in her head would make her feel schizophrenic.

Website: www.elizabethsharpbooks.com

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethSharpBooks

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SomeSharpWords

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/SharpWords

Pintrest: http://www.pinterest.com/sharpwords/

Please come back for more #UtopYA2014 Lovelies (Unofficial), and check out the announcement post to see the schedule.

Meet Some #UtopYA2014 Lovelies (Unofficial): Casey L Bond

Please welcome the lovely, and full of spunk and energy, Casey L Bond. Before Nashville, I knew Casey as the person who was first in line to show support on social media and share a smile or virtual hug. I wondered if she was as bright a light in person as online. No fear! She exudes joy and friendship. Love her!

Today, I am fortunate to have her hanging out with me on the blog. Join me in getting to know her a little better.

First, I loved Reap, Resist, and Shady Bay. You sure know how to write feisty characters who steal the reader’s heart. Any insight as to why these characters speak to you?

Read my review of Reap here, Resist here, and Shady Bay here.

Casey: Thank you so much for having me on your blog, Tia! Let’s dive in head first.

I write characters that I would love to read. If they aren’t fun and feisty, as you so-aptly put it, I lose interest quick and so do readers. Give me a strong female lead and a complex male and I’m in reader heaven!

And certainly, I hope that readers do fall in love with the characters in my books. The feeling that someone loves your characters as much as you do is overwhelming, humbling, exciting and awesome all rolled up together!

So true! Plus you're all kinds of fun and feisty yourself. Since I loved Resist so much (and the main character, Abby), I’m sharing the synopsis and cover here. Could you share a favorite line from it?

About Resist

Abby Kelley returns home from the Greater city of Olympus to find that things in Orchard Village are bad, very bad. The Olympian Guard has taken over village affairs.  The Lessers are being worked to the bone in the coldest winter Orchard has seen.  Villagers are being dragged away for the slightest indication of what they call “resistance.” She needs to keep her head down and her mouth shut. But, it’s so hard to do when everything within you screams rebellion.

Kyan is coming on strong, trying to convince her to take a chance on him. Shocking news of Crew’s activities in Olympus sweeps through the Villages. When Abby is taken away by the Olympian guard, Kyan sends word to Vesuvius for help. But, no one could have predicted their idea of help or what they might expect in return.

Who will be left to pick up the pieces of Abby’s heart?

Casey: 

**Snippet from Abby’s point of view**

“What do you think is going to happen?” I asked.

“I don’t know, Abs, but whatever it is, I hope I’m standing beside you.” His orange eyes burned into mine.

“I hope so, too.”

**And another snippet from Abby…***

Gray didn’t let me go. He pulled me closer. “He’ll cool off.”

“Why is he so mad?”

“Because he thinks he’s losing you. He doesn’t realize you were never his to lose.”

Love! This was such an emotional book for me, and it brought tears to my eyes at least twice. I also love the cover, which you designed. What do you think makes an amazing cover?

Casey: Two of my covers, Pariah and Devil Creek, were made by Stephanie Nelson of Once Upon a Time Covers. They are amazing. I am finding out that I love graphic artwork and that it’s something that helps me connect with my story even more.

Allyson contacted me because she liked my covers for The Harvest Saga and Sin. I offered to make the covers for her new serial series, the Mortal Sin saga, warning her that I wasn’t as skilled as most graphic artists. She was so fun to work with and I enjoyed making her covers! Not all have been released yet, so I’ll just share the first of her covers…

A cover needs to be eye-catching. Some of the best-selling novels have very simple covers. A perfect example is the cover of “The Fault in Our Stars” by John Green. It’s simple but fitting. I like a pretty cover. When I flip through books on my Kindle, the cover is the first thing that draws me in—like a moth to a flame. The synopsis has to then hook me in order for me to purchase the book. That’s why a cover is so important.

The first thing that a reader judges is the book’s cover, despite the old saying. J

I agree. A cover draws you in. Now, tell us about your Sin Series. What do you think readers love about serials?

Casey: I like stretching my boundaries and Sin certainly does that. It is fast-paced, fun and very sexy. Yep. (Look away, Mom). Serials are so fun. They’re similar to episodes in a television show. They release very quickly in succession and each segment picks up where the previous one left off. Serials aren’t a new phenomenon. Even “The Green Mile” by Stephen King was released as a serial!

People are busy. Some readers like to read just a little at the end of a long day. A serial completely fulfills that need. Each part of Sin will consist of 15-25,000 words or about 30-35 pages. Easy reading! Fast and fun!

In a time-crunched world, I couldn't agree with you more. What do you love most about writing?

Casey:  I love to create something new and different. My books are unique, I think. I try to make the characters very three-dimensional and relatable. World-building is one of my favorite things. For instance, The Harvest Saga is a dystopian novel that takes place in the near future. I’m amazed and thrilled that Reap won the Indie Authors and Book Blogs 2014 award for “Most Creative World-Building!”

But, writing itself is cathartic and something that I truly enjoy spending time doing. It isn’t something that I dread, but look forward to. It isn’t something I have to make time for, it’s something I want to make time to do. I love it and hope that with each book or piece of work I produce, that I get better and further develop my craft.

When you have that kind of passion for something, it shows in the work. Last question... UtopYA gathers an amazing group of people into one space. I came away with a lightness in my step and a determination to be the best writer I can. What do you think makes this conference so powerful and special?

Casey: Girl! After Winter Shadows was published, I entered the world of social networking. As I found more Young Adult authors, they pointed me in one direction: Nashville, Tennessee and UtopYA! So, I bought a ticket, applied for a table and in June set off to the south west!

It was amazing seeing so many authors, your awesome self included, that I had connected with online and had become friends with via social network sites. I was fangirling all over the place and some people probably thought I was a little crazy. (It’s true. J)

But, UtopYA was like a breath of fresh air for me and one that was desperately needed. I cannot tell you how much I learned about marketing and writing. Meeting the readers and bloggers was so amazing.

I left with a feeling of confidence that I hadn’t felt until that weekend. And it has made a difference in my focus as well. UtopYA is never going to get rid of me now that I’ve had such an amazing experience. You will be seeing me there for years to come!

Quick Questions…

Favorite Punctuation Mark: Exclamation Point!!!

Ocean or Mountains? I live in the mountains, but love the ocean so much. I would have to pick ocean.

Favorite Alcoholic Beverage: I rarely drink. If I do have anything at all, it’s a glass of Cabernet. My drink of choice is Diet Sunkist! YUMMY!

Favorite Dessert: Apple crisp.

Shower or bath? Bath.

Sweet or Sour? Sweet!

Casey L. Bond resides in Milton, West Virginia with her husband Elton and their two beautiful daughters, Juliet and Eris. When she’s not busy being a domestic goddess and chasing her baby girls, she loves to write young adult and new adult fiction.

Bond graduated from Hurricane High School in 1999. In 2003, she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Marshall University in the field of Criminal Justice.

You can find more information about Bond’s books via the following links:

Website

Facebook 

Twitter

Goodreads

Tumblr

Pinterest

Thanks for joining me today, sweet lady! I can’t wait to see you again in 2015. I’m going to tackle hug you!

Not if I tackle hug you first, Tia! LOL! J

Please come back for more #UtopYA2014 Lovelies (Unofficial), and check out the announcement post to see the schedule.

Exciting Cover Puzzle & Giveaway from Eva Pohler & ROW80 Update

I'm so excited to share the latest from Eva Pohler today...

                       

Over two dozen prizes, including a $40 gift card of your choice and ebooks by your favorite authors, have been donated to help celebrate the reveal of the sixth and final book in The Gatekeeper's Saga. 

The rafflecopter giveaway is now live and will end on July 30th during the big Facebook event, where a handful of Olympians will host games and award even more prizes. Some of these prizes include signed paperbacks, audiobooks, the Athena Locket, and an "I'm a BOOK G[R]EEK" tote, button, and t-shirt. 

The July 30th Facebook Party will take place from 7 PM to 10 PM Central Standard Time. Please join us here.

   

Each day from now until the event, a new piece of the puzzle will be added to the cover, which was created by Melinda VanLone of Book Cover Corner.

                                    
Then on July 30th and July 31st, book bloggers from all over the world will join me in posting the cover for all to see. You can enter the rafflecopter giveaway below. All books listed are ebook editions unless noted otherwise. 

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
*****

A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80) Update

I'm writing! It's such a wonderful feeling. When I get back in the groove, I always wonder why I ever stopped. I'm at almost 10K words on my anthology piece, and I've finally found a good groove. Yay!

Plus, I've kept up with blogging this week--both posting and reading. If I can stay in the groove, I should be back on track by the weekend so I can dive back into an edit. 

Cover Confusion

Let me preface my thoughts by saying I read a lot (roughly 100 books a year). Plus, I'm a mom to three. I can't always count on my brain to remember what I have read. 

It makes me crazy that books in a series don't have numbers on them to help me out. A simple 1, 2, 3, etc on the bottom of the binder or even within the book would be extremely helpful. 

My cynical mind wonders if big publishing houses choose to leave off the numbers so poor, helpless, overwhelmed people like myself will simply make a mistake and repurchase the book. But, I'm going to blame that on my cynicism. 

Still, please, I beg my fellow authors, do not confuse me even further by making the covers look too similar. I understand the importance of complimentary covers in a series, but each one should be distinctive. 

For example, I recently received the first three books of a series to review. The first book was blue and stood out, but books two and three were so confusing. 

Two hot guys with orange backgrounds (the exact same color, although the picture is a bit off) with one word F titles. If I had seen book three in the store, I would have assumed I already read it and kept moving. It's just too similar. The back covers didn't help, either.

Please tell me I'm not crazy!

Do you have any cover pet peeves or preferences?