Monday, September 19, 2011

My Debut Novel, "Silence"

My debut novel is now listed on Goodreads!

The novel is entitled Silence. It's a YA mystery/suspense novel about a party being held at a mansion, and a murderer inside the house.

It's written in third person POV and follows two main characters, Brooke Iris and Oscar Knight. The unofficial synopsis is now on Goodreads, but it will change.

I started writing Silence while I was in the middle of a different project, a YA novel about a volcanic eruption in a town isolated from the rest of the world called Ashes. I will probably resume on Ashes after I finish the Silence Trilogy.

And that's another thing. Trilogies. They're EVERYWHERE nowadays. But for some reason, all my stories fit perfectly into three books.

I haven't done the photoshoot for Silence yet. I do have a cover in mind though.

Silence isn't even finished yet. Not nearly done. I'll tell you this now. I'm on page 56 of my novel. I'm plan on writing every single day as much as I can. I still have school, but from 3:30 P.M. to 9:00 P.M., I want to write as much as I possibly can. I've notice that I do really well writing on Friday nights and the whole entire day for Saturday.

But listen to this. I came up with the storyline to Silence late Saturday Night. It's only Monday and I'm already on page 56. It's going pretty well for me!

I put the expected publication date for February 14, 2012, even though I am hoping to get it out MUCH earlier than that.

Thanks for taking the time to read this! I hope you everybody enjoys Silence! :-)

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Just an Update :-)

Hey guys.

I haven't been on my blog in awhile.

A few things have been going on in my life. I've been busy with school and other things, along with reading books. Here's some books that I've read over the course of two weeks that I won't be writing individual reviews about.

Dead Rules - Randy Russell (4.5/5)
The Hero of 1,000 Years - Christine E. Schuzle (4.5/5)
Heroes Reunited - Christine E. Schuzle (5/5)
Heroes of the Dove - Christine E. Schuzle (5/5)
The Secret Sister & The Silver Knight - Christine E. Schuzle (5/5)
An Abundance of Katherines - John Green (5/5)

Dead Rules took me about three days to read, while the Christine E. Schuzle novels are super quick to read and took only like a day to read, and An Abundance of Katherines took maybe three days.

I also got a new puppy on September 11! It's a miniature dachshund. His colors are red and white, and he's so sweet. He loves everybody :-)

But that's my excuse for not being around for so long! :-)

re: A Very Fever Giveaway!

If you don't know yet, Lauren DeStefano is giving away a SIGNED "FEVER" DUST JACKET. Have you seen the cover? If not, here it is...

I know. It's awesome.

And I really want a dust jacket. If you were at my house the day that the Fever cover was revealed, you would have heard me talk NONSTOP about how in love I am with it.

That's why I'm wanting to win one... SO BAD. :-)

You can enter this contest to! Read the post on Lauren DeStefano's blog about the giveaway!

P.S. It's international!

Link to her blog: http://www.laurendestefano.com/blog.php

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Author Interview: RJ Gonzales!

I got to ask RJ Gonzales, author of Mundahlia, a few questions about his new novel, upcoming novels from him, and don't forgot to read each question, he's shared great advice about writing!

1)How did you come up with the idea of Mundahlia? 
Mundahlians came about from greek and roman mythology and Egyptian deities/hieroglyphics and Native American stories of skinwalkers. They all had these fascinating tales or images of creatures that were half human and half animal. Mermaids, Centaurs, Minotaurs, Gorgons, Sirens…etc. The Egyptians worshipped deities such as Horus, Sobek, Anubis…etc. who were also creatures that had qualities of both an animal and human. I thought they were fascinating and so I wanted to give a story to where they went, and why the disappeared all of a sudden. 

2) Who was your biggest influence while writing Mundahlia? 
Legends, Mythology & Fairytales. In fact there are a few fairy tale references riddled throughout Mundahlia if you really pay close attention. 

3) How many books will be in The Mundahlian Era series? 
I had originally wanted it to be a trilogy, but honestly, trilogies are almost everywhere now-a-days. So I shortened it to just "The Mundahlian Era" because I could either end it in the second book or carry it on for as long as my characters are willing to. It's really as much as my decision as much as it is theirs. Why yes, that does sound a bit crazy, but it's the truth! lol The tagline for the series is "When our era ends, theirs begins." 

4) How did you come up with the cover to Mundahlia? 
The cover image (hourglass) is by photographer Mark Wragg. I though it was the perfect image because it showed that time really is running out. The tiger's reflection watching the sand fall came as a later addition, and portrays a very nasty villain that you will meet in the book. 

5) When did you first start to write Mundahlia? 
Mundahlia started out as a 5 page story I wrote sprung from a dream. I put that story away my freshman year of high school and didn't really see it again until senior year. After looking over it I realized I had something and spent half of my senior year as well as the summer and part of the following year adapting that 5 page story into a novel. So I guess if you'd add it up from start to finish, idea wise it was about 4 and a half to 5 years. If you only count writing wise, it took about a little over a year. 


6) Who was your favorite character to write about in Mundahlia?

Rini was definitely fun to write about. She's bookish, sassy, sarcastic, and doesn't let herself get bullied. She was definitely interesting to write with. Jett was a hoot to write with too. There are many characters in Mundahlia, not one is the same. I love all my characters and can't wait to see what they have in store next.

7) Let’s talk about a new novel by you coming in the future called Some Call Me a Witch. How did you come up with the idea of this novel?

I can't really say too much since it'll be a while until I publish it, and things could change. But what I can say is that it will be an Upper YA novel. There will be action, adventure, magic, fantasy, and most of all romantic elements involved. As if the title doesn't already give it away, the main character of the novel is named Emilia, or "Emmy" McBane and well, we can just say that some call her a witch. lol

8) When is Some Call Me a Witch suppose to be released?

I am working hard on it as we speak, but am also working on several side project such as "Unearthly" my standalone novel and a prequel novel to The Mundahlian Era called "The Heart of a King" which is the story of Jett's mother's relationship with the King up until the prologue that is at the beginning of Mundahlia. Currently I am hoping "Some Call Me a Witch" the first in the Emmy McBane novels, will be ready for publication sometime in 2013. However, I am going to take some time off to query some agents or publishers about it. I really recommend this to everyone out there wanting to get their book out there. You never know, you could have the very story that an agent or publishing house is looking for! :] Even if you get a few rejections, never ever stop querying agents or publishers.

9) Do you have a cover in mind for Some Call Me a Witch? If so, when do you think you will release it?
I do have a cover in mind, but it could change. I am going for something subtle like the cover to Mundahlia, or something "magical" looking. lol If anything I will probably end up releasing the cover sometime next year. 



10) Are you working on any novels that you’re willing to share on BookYAReview?

Yes I am. I am currently working on Unearthly and a prequel novella to The Mundahlian Era as mentioned above. But I am also toying around with a few ideas that could possibly blossom into a full novel. But for now those are pretty hush, hush :] lol

11) What has been your favorite novel to work on so far?

I have to say that Mundahlia was fun, I loved working on it so much and didn't want to stop. I hope the second one will be as fun to write as it was with the first.
Some Call Me a Witch is another one that is getting pretty fun. The characters are equally as awesome to write with as Rini and Jett are.

12) What is your favorite book of all time?

Don't make me choose! I love many books. Perfect Chemistry, Shiver, Hush Hush…Ah too many! :] haha. I've loved reading ever since I can remember. I grew up with "The Bailey School Kids" "Goosebumps" or "Hank the Cowdog" books when I was younger, that's probably what propelled me to develop an addiction to reading.

13) Did you like or dislike the editing process for Mundahlia?

I had a love/hate relationship with the editing process. I edited as much as I could, then had my cousin go over very minor things in the first 12 chapters. And still some things probably got through. I couldn't really afford an editor at the time, which is why I am taking my time with any other books I put out. I want them to be as checked as possible and will look into some local editors. On the other hand, I was able to add a few things in and take some things out so it was a very stressful process, but much needed.

14) What will be the name for the sequel to Mundahlia?

It will be another Mundahlian word which of course will be translated and defined like it is in Mundahlia. I don't really want to release the title yet, but if you look REALLY close in the blurred out un-final cover on Goodreads, you might be able to decipher the first few letters. What I can tell you is that the next books will be Upper YA/New Adult instead of regular YA. Mundahlia deals with older characters that are either at the end of their YA years or at the very start of their New Adulthood (19 and 21) also it will get edgier and steamier. 



15) How many books will be in the Emmy McBane series?
At this point, it's pretty much the same as it is with The Mundahlian Era, I will go on for as long as my characters will let me.

16) How did the inspiration for the cover of Mundahlia come to be?

I wanted something that showed that our time was running out, and when I saw the hourglass I knew it was perfect. If you look closely you will see the reflection of a tiger in the top portion, as though it is watching the sand fall, waiting for it to run out. That was a final little touch I added right before I published the book.

Thanks so much Brad! :]



Thanks to RJ Gonzales for answering my questions! Click on the links below to find him in different spots around the internet!: 


His Goodreads Author Profile
His Youtube Channel
His Amazon Profile (Don't forgot to order his book!)

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Author Interview: Richard Denney!

I was very lucky to get to ask Richard Denney eleven questions about his books and writing, but mainly about his new middle grade novel coming out Winter 2011, The Immortalists. Richard Denney is the author of A Girl's Guide to Falling in Love With a Zombie, Hillserpent Academy, Violet Fury, and Secrets. Other upcoming novels by him include A Girl's Guide to Breaking Up with a Zombie and Hollow, his new dystopian novel. Here are the questions and his answers!
1) How long did it take you to write The Immortalists? 

A: It took me about a month and a half to complete and three weeks to revise for the editor. 
I am still currently revising a couple of chapters, but all in all everything is set & ready to go. 
It is probably one of the most fun books I have ever written, it never made me want to pull my hair 
out or curse out of a window. I loved writing it. 

2) Who was your favorite character to write about? 

A: Rowan Burton, the main protagonist. He's our narrator, since the book is told in first person. 
His journey is full of adventure & fantasy and he is one of my favorite characters of all my books. 
I love how he puts people before him and will protect his family & friends no matter what. 


3) How did you come up with inspiration behind The Immortalists? 

A: I was in a writing flop, which means I simply couldn't write for about two weeks, it's like writer's block except you don't go insane. 
Well one day I sat down at my laptop and opened a blank document and stared into the screen. Nothing came. About three hours later, I was reading 
an article about immortality and BOOM! the idea hit me like a thunder storm. I did quick research and later that night, I poured three chapters out of me. 
I was in shock at the amount I had written and in awe at the idea I came up with. I can't say much about the story line because it will spoil the book, but once you read you'll 
hopefully enjoy the story. I believe that it is unique & original. I will give a hint: This book includes, Zombies, Wizards, Pixies, Hobgoblins and Ghosts. Hope that quenches your thirst a bit, until the book is released this winter 2011. 


4) How did it feel publishing your book, A Girl’s Guide to Falling in Love with a Zombie, for the first time?

A: To be honest, I was frightened. I was scared it was going to flop and leave me scarred. It turned out the book did really well for my first book and
grew me fans that I cherish to this day. I say that if your scared to publish whether it's self-publishing or big publishing, don't be scared to lose, because there are people out there who are willing to read the wonderful story you have created. NEVER GIVE UP.

5) Are you working on any upcoming projects you are willing to share?

A: I am currently revising "Hollow" my first dystopian novel, which has been receiving a lot of hype
and is making some go crazy because they want to read it so bad. May 2012 will be here soon, don't worry.
I am also working on my first contemporary novel called "The Summer I nearly farted in Jake Dawson's face"
and I can't wait for both to come out.

6) Do you prefer writing middle grade novels, or official YA novels?

A: I prefer Middle-Grade novels. I have always written middle grade stories and only recently in 2009 I began my journey into YA fiction.
I love writing both, but MG will always be my first love. In MG novels the author doesn't really have to worry about a love interest or teen angst.
In MG novels, it's all about the adventure and friendship and sex, drugs and relationships are non-existent and that's why I love MG more than YA.
I will always write both, I like being able to try something new all the time.

7) How did you come up with the covers to all of your novels?

A: Google. Seriously, the internet has helped me with coming up with cover concepts.
With self-publishing you have to do everything yourself but luckily there are many websites that sell
photos you can use for the cover and don't have to do so much hard work. 



8) Is The Immortalists a stand alone novel, or will a sequel follow it?

A: "The Immortalists" is going to be a trilogy. I have the next two planned for a 2012 and 2013 release.
I am very excited for the trilogy to come out and to see if the younger audience will respond and enjoy the
books and Rowan's journey.

9) Which was your favorite novel to write?
"The Immortalists" hands down! it was a breath of fresh air and a fantastic joy to write.


10) Do you get inspiration from any other authors?

A: My favorite authors are J.K. Rowling, John Bellairs, Tony Deterlizzi, Holly Black, & Michelle Harrison.
They each have inspired me a lot and without them being who they are, I'd be in a very different place right now.
If you have not read any books by any of these awesome authors, you should very soon.

11) When is the release date for The Immortalists?

A: This is the first time I am announcing the release date, your blog is lucky Brad!
drum roll please... louder...... LOUDER.... December 13th 2011!
hope you all enjoy the book when it comes out and thanks Brad for this great interview
and I wish you luck on your writing.

- R.D. 



Thanks so much to Richard Denney for his answers!


Click here to go to his author's Goodreads page
Click here to visit his blog
Click here to visit his Twitter 
Click here to go to his Youtube channel. Subscribe to him because he makes awesome videos and book hauls!


Don't forgot to order his books off of Amazon in paperback and for your Kindle! 

Claire de Lune - Christine Johnson

Torn between two destinies…
Claire is having the perfect sixteenth birthday. Her pool party is a big success, and her crush keeps chatting and flirting with her as if she’s the only girl there. But that night, she discovers something that takes away all sense of normalcy: She’s a werewolf.
As Claire is initiated into the pack of female werewolves, she finds her lupine loyalty at odds with her human heart. Burdened with a dark secret and pushing the boundaries of forbidden love, she will be forced to make a choice that will change her life forever. . . .

I borrowed Claire de Lune from one of my friends, because I was hearing mixed reviews of the novel. He said that he loved and I needed to read it, so I did. He has the paperback copy that matches the hardcover copy of the sequel to Claire de Lune, which will be posted at the bottom of this review.

Going into the novel, I didn't know what to expect. All I knew is that it was werewolf novel. The first fifty pages didn't captivate me like I expected it to. When I reached 100 pages, I was drawn into the story. All the action, drama, and suspense that Christine Johnson expressed through words was amazing and breathtaking. 

Beautifully written. Christine Johnson knows how to weave together a story like it's nothing! Incredible! 

Claire was a wonderful character. Her not knowing she is werewolf (*not a spoiler, it was said in the synopsis*) and then finding out on probably the most magical day of her life was thrilling and I couldn't believe what I was reading.

Claire's mom disgusted me though. She was trying to force things into Claire's mind that I didn't enjoy reading. 

Claire's mom was the only problem I had with Claire de Lune. But I'm very excited to continue the series with Claire.

Claire de Lune:
Published: April 19, 2011 (Hardcover was published on May 18, 2010)
Format: US Paperback
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Average Rating: 3.54 stars
Page Count: 272 pages
What number copy this is: 711 

Sequel: Nocturne 


Rating: 5/5 stars

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Trailer Thursday

This week for Trailer Thursday, I chose the trailer to the novel I'm currently reading, Fury by Elizabeth Miles. This is the UK trailer, but it's only official trailer I could find.