Monday, May 31, 2010

Sticky Beak (13)


Sticky Beak's all about sharing.  Sometimes we can't all get around to every single blog and website available so thats very Sticky Beak comes in.  By word of mouth (well you get what I mean) we are more likely to get to those blogs that we wouldn't have normally seen without someone pointing them out to us.

The links could be to your own post, a favourite blog post you would love to share, an author's website/blog, book/writing contests, reviews you really enjoyed, tour info or anything that you would love to share with others.  Just use the comments section for your links!!\

Here's mine:
 
Book Bloggers To Check Out:
The Book Pushers: This is a fantastic blog and I love their header.
The Tales Compendium: Aussie Book Blogger 
Terra on the Bookshelf: Aussie Book Blogger
Story Wings: Aussie Book Blogger
Ex-Libris:  A Fantastic Book Blog Buddy 
Book-Crazy: Once Upon A Time Project Guest Judge and awesome book blogger
Star Shadow: Once Upon A Time Project Guest Judge and awesome book blogger
Teenage Reader: Another great book blogger :)
Theres A Book:  Sometimes theres a book that can transform a child's world

Misc Stuff
Adventures in Children's Publishing: Two children's writers in search of readers...and the information, market info, insider tidbits, and writing advice they find en route...
 

Sunday, May 30, 2010

In My Mailbox (15)

In My Mailbox is a weekly post created by The Story Siren and inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie!! (This post was inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie.)

(All Synopsis from Goodreads)
 BOUGHT


Cruzito's Mailbox
Where the Wild Things Are Dvd
Note: - I put this on yesterday not seeing the PG rating (AND Bear in mind I've never watched this)within 5 seconds of this playing I switched it off.  There's no way I would let my son watch this until he's older lol. I could just imagine the nightmares.  But I'll watch it :) 

Anyways that was my IMM.  What did you get in yours?

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Author Signings - Trevor Salter

Trevor Salter, Author of Monsters Galore, More Monsters Galore and Mask and Mime is having a number of signings in the following weeks

(All Angus & Robertson Stores)
  • 17th June - at Riverlink at Ipswich Qld
  • 19th June at Browns Plains, Qld
  • 26th June at Redbank Plaza, Redbank, Qld
  • 3rd July at Mount Ommaney, Qld

 Monsters Galore and More Monsters Galore are available to be signed

    Books in the Spotlight

    The Starthorn Tree by Kate Forsyth
    Under winter's cold shroud, the son of light lies
    Though the summer sun burns high in the skies.
    With the last petal of the starthorn tree
    His wandering spirit shall at last slip free ...
    Nothing can save him from this bitter curse,
    But the turning of time itself inverse.
    The young Count of Estelliana lies sleeping, as still and cold as if he was dead. His mysterious slumber has subjected the people of his land to the harsh rule of Lord Zavion, the cold and ruthless Regent. But when Durrik, the son of the town's bell-crier, involuntarily prophesizes the count's death before the entire starkin court, he catapults himself and his best friend Pedrin into the adventure of their lives.
    Pursued by starkin soldiers, they must seek refuge in the Perilous Forest, home to the dangerous and unpredictable wildkin. It is only when they are forced into the company of the spoilt starkin princess Lisandre and her servant-girl Briony that they begin to realise the meaning of Durrik's riddle. But if Pedrin and Durrik are to waken the count and save their people, they must first survive the hazards of the forest where the sinister Erlrune of Evenlinn awaits them ...

    The Wildkin's Curse (Sequel to The Starthorn Tree)

    The Wildkin's Curse is a tale of true love and high adventure, set in a world of magic and monsters, valiant heroes and wicked villains. It tells the story of two boys and a girl who undertake the impossible task of rescuing a wildkin princess imprisoned in a crystal tower.
    Princess Rozalina has the power to enchant with words. She can conjure up a plague of rats, wish the dead out of their graves, and change people's hearts and minds with her stories. As much a curse as a gift, her magic will be used for evil by the ruling starkin if she is not set free and taught to use her powers wisely.
    A fantasy novel for readers aged 12+, The Wildkin's Curse tells of the power of stories to change the world. It is the second book in the Chronicles of Estelliana, which began with The Starthorn Tree.

    The Wildkin's Curse was released on the first May.




    You can read more about Kate Forsyth and her books over at her website.

    Friday, May 28, 2010

    Burned by P.C and Kristin Cast

    Title:  Burned
    Genre: Young Adult
    Publisher:  Atom Books
    Publication Date: 29th April 2010
    Stand alone or series:  Series (Seventh Book)
    Pages: 323
    Favourite line:  Ya'll need to get yourselves together.  Here's a newsflash from the only High Priestess you have left at this dang school: Zoey isn't dead.  And believe me, I know dead.  I've been there, done that and got the fricken tee-shirt.'

    Synopsis 
    'Y'all need to get yourselves together. Here's a newsflash from the only High Priestess you have left at this dang school: Zoey isn't dead. And believe me, I know dead. I've been there, done that and got the fricken tee-shirt.'
    Zoey Redbird is the youngest High Priestess in House of Night history and is the only person ? vamp or fledgling ? that can stop the evil Neferet from raising all kinds of immortal trouble. And she might just have a chance if she wasn't so busy being dead. Well, dead is too strong a word. Stevie Rae knows she can bring her BFF back from her unscheduled va-cay in the Otherworld. But it's going to take a lot more than hoping to bring Zoey back. Stevie Rae will have to give up a few secrets of her own ...

    My Thoughts
    Burned is the seventh book in the House of Night series and the best one in the series yet.  If you haven't read the other six I will try to keep this as spoiler free as possible.

    As I've said in my 100 pages Meme the story jumps between the characters moreso than the previous books giving a better perspective of the whole situation since Zoe is MIA.  I really enjoyed Stevie Ray and Stark's POV the most mainly because we get to delve deeper into Stevie Ray's world and Stark who has only recently stepped into the spotlight.

    The relationships in Burned have gotten alot more complicated too and I found that reading this book seemed a little different from the other six.  They are more mature in the decisions they must make.

    This is a must read book but I suggest reading the other six to fully enjoy Burned.

    Thursday, May 27, 2010

    Once Upon A Time Project Deadline

    Okay people.  Giveaway's closed.  For those of you that didn't have the time to enter this giveaway.  There will be a new giveaway starting next Thursday.  The maximum word limit will be a little higher too.  So stay tuned and in the next couple of days we will announce the winners.

    Thank you all for helping to get this Project going!

    Once Upon A Time Project Week 3 & Deadline



    Hey guys.  So it's Week 3 and Deadline time.  How you all going?  I can't believe how quick the last couple of weeks have gone!  Has anyone else had trouble writing, while trying to deal with life (kids work and everything in between)?

    So here is the last part of my story and hope you all like it.  I've been thinking this will be great to keep it going but as the first Once Upon A Time Giveaway is 500 - 1000 words I'd like to keep up with the rules LOL.  So here goes nothing:

    Shandy was at the other side of the shed tangled in some branches, her muzzle wedged into the thickest ones.  I took a few more steps then waited for my eyes adjust.  The sun had almost set which left me a few minutes to get her out of the branches and in the house before night fully set in.

    She whimpered and struggled more,  the closer I got.  When I was a few feet away our eyes met for the briefest moment before I realized my mistake.  She was never one to play behind the shed, or in Mum's garden for that matter so being stuck in the branches was out of the ordinary.  Once that thought had occurred, the branches around her began to twist and curl until it took a new shape, a sneering creature with a mouthful of needle-like teeth.  Then the whispers started.  Darkness was here.

    My heart thumped so hard against my ribs and my legs wanted to leave with or without the rest of my body  but I refused to give in to the panic that was steadily growing.  There was no way she would be able to get free of it.  This one was bigger than the ones from my room.  He stood around five feet tall and smelled horrendous.  Worse than my three day old socks.  Before I could take another step I was knocked off my feet landing hard on my back, my vision exploded into millions of white specks.  Pain radiated in waves from the back of my skull.  I could hear scratching and growling not far from me, but I couldn't bring myself to stand without throwing up. 

    "The boy, kill the boy."  The whispers were getting closer, and my skin crawled at the familiarity of it  I recognized those voices from my room.  I struggled to my feet and found Shandy taking the lead urging me on.

    Cold scaly fingers clamped down on my ankle and I tripped  face first onto the concrete.  Shandy spun around and growled low and deep but the fingers only tightened.  Sharp nails pierced my skin and I tried to yank my leg away.  Shandy lunged and more shrill screams erupted over the whispers.  My leg shook twice before it was freed and I was back on my feet running for verandah, Shandy close at my heels.  

    The back sensor light flicked on and a wave of relief washed over me, but I kept moving.  Mum opened the door and both Shandy and I leapt through it and she shut it just as quick, a panicked expression on her face.

    "What's going on? Are you seeing things again?"  She knelt down to take a look at my leg which I was holding awkwardly.  I brushed her away.

    "It's okay Mum.  Just playing with Shandy.  We're going upstairs now."  I hurried upstairs and flicked on all the lights including the two lights in my room.  

    They were back.  But why?
    (c) Melissa Freeman 2010 

    Okay that's it.  Hope it's okay.  Possibly a little rushed to make it before 9:30 so excuse the mistakes.  What do you all think??

    We have a half hour left before deadline so if you'd like to get your story in my email is melissa@spellboundbybooks.com or spellboundbybooks@gmail.com

    100 Pages Meme (3)

    The 100 Pages Meme was created by Ashlyn over at Teenage Reader.  If you would like to particpate in this please click here.

    Burned by P. C and Kristin Cast

    These first 100 pages have just flown by.  The dramas continue for poor Zoe Redbird in the 7th book of the House of Night series.  

    The book so far jumps between Zoe, Stark, Aphrodite, Stevie Ray and another charcter who I will not name.  It's definitely an interesting mix of character viewpoints.  Surprisingly, I'm really liking Aphrodite at the oment.

    The tension is super high within the first few pages and I haven't been able to put this down.

    It's so hard because I want to include so much here of what's going on but at the same time I don't want to give anything away for those of you who haven't picked this up to read yet.   

    I can tell already that this is going to be a book that will be read in one sitting and I think everyone is going to enjoy this one as much as I am right now.

    Sentences that have really stood out for me: (this is also featured on the back of Burned too)
    'Ya'll need to get yourselves together.  Here's a newsflash from the only High Priestess you have left at this dang school: Zoey isn't dead.  And believe me, I know dead.  I've been there, done that and got the fricken tee-shirt.'  I'm sure you will all be able to guess who that comes from.

    You can read more about this over at Goodreads.

    Wednesday, May 26, 2010

    Once Upon A Time Project - Reminder

    Hey guys.  Hows the writing?  Just a quick reminder that you have less than 24 hours to enter into Once Upon A Time Project for a chance to win an awesome prize!!  When it's closer to closing I will do a countdown on twitter for those of you that don't live in Australia (So you don't miss out because of the time difference)

    Thanks heaps to those of you who have sent stories in.  Next week on Thursday the new giveaway will start (for OUAT).

    The other two awesome book bloggers who will be helping to pick the stories are Reaganstar from Star Shadow and Jenn from Book Crazy.  Thanks guys.


    You can email your stories to either melissa@spellboundbybooks.com or spellboundbybooks@gmail.com

    Waiting on Wednesday (13)

    Waiting On Wednesday was created by Jill over at Breaking The Spine. It's a weekly post for you to share what upcoming books you can't wait for!

    This week I come across You by Charles Benoit.  Released date is 24th August!

    While I couldn't find a synopsis of this here is what I found on Goodreads.

    A note from the author:
    It's easy to forget that we spend our early teens afraid. We're afraid of fitting in, standing out, or being ignored. We worry that we'll never get a date, never get into college, and never amount to anything. Just like everyone predicts.

    It's also easy to discount these fears. Looking back, it seems impossible that we would have stayed awake all night worrying about what someone else thought of our clothes or that we ever doubted our abilities, our potential. But that's only because we know how the story ends.

    I wanted to write a book that started with these fears as givens, bottling them in tight and capping them off with that artificial indifference genetically required of all teens. Kyle Chase is not a bad kid. He's not a good kid, either. He's a typical kid. He's any kid. And, at one point in your life, he was you.
      

    Tuesday, May 25, 2010

    Books in the Spotlight


    InfinityAt 14, Nick Gautier is an average kid who runs with the wrong crowd. But on the night he decides to go straight and refuses to mug an innocent tourist, his crew turns on him and just as he thinks his life is over... a new one begins.

    Kyrian of Thrace isn't just a vampire slayer, he's a Dark-Hunter and he introduces Nick to a world that he never imagined.

    With new enemies who make his old ones look like wimps, Nick must either measure up or get sized for a body bag. It's kill or be killed and this kid who was born on the wrong side finds a strength inside him that he never knew existed.
    Now if he can only find someone to help battle the demons that don't reside inside him.

    **Note to Dark-Hunter fans

    The Chronicles of Nick *is* Nick’s real and true past. There is a huge surprise (several actually) in the book that I don’t want to spoil, but when you read the book, everything you think is an inconsistency will make perfect sense to you. More than that, you will understand exactly why Nick is the way he is and why he continues to hate Acheron the way he does. But you have to be patient. All will be clear on May 25, 2010.

    Nick’s series will run until it intersects with Night Pleasures and then Nick will have his own novel in the Dark-Hunter world.

    Book one, Infinity, begins when Nick meets Kyrian.
    Book two will pick up the next day after Infinity ends and will be out Feb 2011.

    Remember the one promise that I try to keep in every book: Just when you think you know the truth about a character or event, you find out that things are seldom what they seem. Nick is one of those characters. There’s a lot more to our little Cajun than what you’ve seen to date. That’s why it takes 12 books to tell his story.

    There are many, many secrets you’ll learn about a lot of characters, including Cherise and especially Jaden and Jared. Just hold on... you ain’t seen nothing yet :)

    (Above was from Sherrilyn Kenyon's website) 

    LINK TO DOWNLOAD SONG:

    READ CHAPTER EXCERPTS AND INTERVIEW:

    Tyger Tyger by Kersten Hamilton


    Title:  Tyger Tyger
    Author: Kersten Hamilton
    Genre:  Young Adult
    Publisher:  Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
    Publication Date: 15 November 2010
    Stand alone or series: Series (Goblin Wars)
    Book Length:  322
    First lines:  Please, Teagan fingers curled in American Sign language as she spoke.

    Synopsis
    Teagan Wylltson's best friend, Abby, dreams that horrifying creatures--goblins, shape-shifters, and beings of unearthly beauty but terrible cruelty--are hunting Teagan. Abby is always coming up with crazy stuff, though, so Teagan isn't worried. Her life isn't in danger. In fact, it's perfect. She's on track for a college scholarship. She has a great job. She's focused on school, work, and her future. No boys, no heartaches, no problems. 

    Until Finn Mac Cumhaill arrives. Finn's a bit on the unearthly beautiful side himself. He has a killer accent and a knee-weakening smile. And either he's crazy or he's been haunting Abby's dreams, because he's talking about goblins, too . . . and about being The Mac Cumhaill, born to fight all goblin-kind. Finn knows a thing or two about fighting. Which is a very good thing, because this time, Abby's right.

    Lock the windows and doors. Turn on every light. And pray. Because the goblins are

    My Thoughts
    This was just fantastic.  The synopsis was awesome especially the last line.  

    Teagan is a highschool girl who spends most of her afternoons at the zoo working with chimpanzees.  When she comes home one afternoon, she discovers that her parents have taken in their supposed cousin Finn.  But with Finn, comes other not so friendly visitors.

    Kersten has created a unique cast of characters and I loved every single one.  Teagan is such a caring young girl who will do anything for her family.  Finn is mysterious and lovely and I couldn't help but wonder what was going to happen next.  Abby was amazing and I felt she was more typical highschool girl than Teagan.  Aiden, Teagans younger brother was classic.  I loved the fact that he had his quirks and angelic appearance.  I think he had to be my favourite character by far.

    I was drawn in with how beautifully done Kersten's world was.  It was like I was drawn right into the book and when the bad guys show up, well I definitely got goosebumps.

    This was an amazing read full of sidhe, adventure and awesome characters.  Once starting this book I'm sure you will find it hard to put down until the very end.

    Beautiful Malice by Rebecca James

    Title:  Beautiful Malice
    Genre:  Young Adult
    Publisher:  Allen & Unwin
    Publication Date: 2010
    Stand alone or series: Stand Alone
    Book Length:  291
    First lines:  I didn't go to Alice's funeral.  I was pregnant at the time, crazy and wild with grief.

    Synopsis
    So. Were you glad, deep down? Were you glad to be rid of her? Your perfect sister? Were you secretly glad when she was killed?

    Following a terrible tragedy that leaves her once-perfect family shattered, Katherine Patterson moves to a new city, starts at a new school, and looks forward to a new life of quiet anonymity.

    But when Katherine meets the gregarious and beautiful Alice Parrie her resolution to live a solitary life becomes difficult. Katherine is unable resist the flattering attention that Alice pays her and is so charmed by Alice’s contagious enthusiasm that the two girls soon become firm friends. Alice’s joie de vivre is transformative; it helps Katherine forget her painful past and slowly, tentatively, Katherine allows herself to start enjoying life again.

    But being friends with Alice is complicated – and as Katherine gets to know her better she discovers that although Alice can be charming and generous she can also be selfish and egocentric. Sometimes, even, Alice is cruel.

    And when Katherine starts to wonder if Alice is really the kind of person she wants as a friend, she discovers something else about Alice - she doesn’t like being cast off.

    My Thoughts 
    I really enjoyed reading Beautiful Malice.  The cover is amazing and when I turned it over and read the back I had to pick this up and read it. 

    Katherine,was once a social butterfly, until a horrific incident leaves her and her family completely broken.  With that she withdraws from everyone and keeps to herself in school.  That is until Alice comes along and convinces her to go to a party with her, refusing to take no for an answer.

    Katherine and Alice's relationship is a complicated one.  Katherine, full of secrets and kind of a loner and Alice, so carefree and fun.  From the beginning I could tell there was something different about her.  Alice slips up every now and then, showing her darker side but never enough for Katherine to click on.  Then there's Robbie, who I liked from the moment he comes into the story.  I'm not sure exactly what jumps out at me from the start but Robbie and Katherine seem to get along from the very beginning.

    Being set in Sydney, it was great to be able to picture the scenery around the story so much easier because it was so familiar.  There hasn't been too many Australian authors I've read that I can say, yep this is such an easy flowing style yet complex read, but with Rebecca I didn't notice the pages I read until it was time to put it down.

    Beautiful Malice focuses alot on the relationships of the characters on the books, and I loved how the shocking incident is gradually revealed throughout the book instead of being told from the beginning.  I found that it kept the story moving.

    Beautiful Malice is a great read and I know I will be keeping an eye out for future books by Rebecca James.

    Monday, May 24, 2010

    Sticky Beak (12)



    Sticky Beak's all about sharing.  Sometimes we can't all get around to every single blog and website available so thats very Sticky Beak comes in.  By word of mouth (well you get what I mean) we are more likely to get to those blogs that we wouldn't have normally seen without someone pointing them out to us.

    The links could be to your own post, a favourite blog post you would love to share, an author's website/blog, book/writing contests, reviews you really enjoyed, tour info or anything that you would love to share with others.  Just use the comments section for your links!!\

    Here's mine:

    Writers:
    Writer Unboxed: Writing Comes Before Research, Or at least at the Same Time
    Angel Booth's Writing Blog: Writing: Get excited about your writing and succeed

    Misc Stuff:
    Book Lovers Inc: We want YOU as a book lover!  The big opportunity to join our group and become a full member of Book Lovers Inc.
    Novel Novice: Get  your copy of DEFINING Eclipse today.
    Voyager Online: I like them Vulnerable - Stacia Kane on Chess Putname (character from Unholy Ghosts)
    The Story Siren: Books To Pine For - Great feature for picking up new reads and there are some fantastic looking covers
      
    Contests:
    Fallen Archangel: Fallen Archangel Ultimate Fan Contest!!  ARC Copy of Crescendo up for grabs.

    Okay that's all form me.  What websites etc have you come across that you'd like to share?

    Sunday, May 23, 2010

    What's On For This Week (2)

    I almost forgot to post this tonight because I've been so absorbed with reading Tyger Tyger.  So how was everyones weekend??  Mine has been pretty uneventful.  I did try reading two books at once.  Tyger Tyger and Burned, but as I've learnt before, I can never divide my time up equally between two books.  And as it was Burned was read first (mainly because I had it in book version) and whoa what a book that was!

    Okay so here is what we have in store for this week.

    Monday
    -Stickybeak

    Tuesday
    Reviews
    -Beautiful Malice by Rebecca James
    -Tyger Tyger by Kersten Hamilton

    Wednesday
    -Waiting on Wednesday
    Thursday
    -Once Upon a Time Project Week 3 (and Giveaway Closes at 10pm AEST)
    I'm not sure how many are entering into this but if you could drop by and leave a comment here so that I have some idea of how this is all going that would be great. 
    -100 Page Meme (3) - Burned by P.C and Kristin Cast 

    Friday
    Reviews
    -Burned by P.C and Kristin Cast
    I'd love to start doing some Guest Posts eventually but to be quite honest I've no idea where to start.  If anyone has any ideas or would like to do a Guest Post you can email me.  I'd love to have others contribute to Spellbound By Books as well.  It will hopefully spice things up a little for everyone :)

    Saturday
    Yet To Be Decided...

    Sunday
    -In My Mailbox 

    So yeah that's what we got for this week.  I will be throwing in extra posts here and there but not sure yet what these will contain!

    If there are any ideas or if you'd like to do any Guestposts or contribute in anyway to Spellbound By Books just drop me a line at melissa@spellboundbybooks.com.

    100 Pages Meme (2)

    The 100 Pages Meme was created by Ashlyn over at Teenage Reader.  If you would like to particpate in this please click here.

     Tyger Tyger by Kersten Hamilton

    The synopsis for this sucked me in completely.  While it took me a while to finally sit down and read this (as it's PDF I constantly get headaches from reading to long)but as soon as I am reading through the headache because I NEED to find out what happens next.  Right now at 100 pages in there are so many questions about what is going on.  The main one was 'Where does Finn fit into all of this?  And is there a real version of him out there somewhere lol.

    I'm loving the writing style of Kersten and I'm glad I've picked this book up.

    A few sentences that really stood out for me so far:
    Don't be so hasty." Mr Wyllston patted Aiden's head, "To quote the Bard 'There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.' "

    You can read the synopsis for Tyger Tyger over at Goodreads.

    In My Mailbox 14

    In My Mailbox is a weekly post created by The Story Siren and inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie!! (This post was inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie.)

    WON
     
    [Refuge]e by Adnan Mahmutovic
    (From Goodreads)
    Mahmutović's work does not wallow in self-pity, nor do his characters. Inside the plain cover holds stories and poetry that speak truths, those that may cause one to feel discomfort, pity, and anger, yet Mahmutović does not ask the reader to feel this way, does not use his words to soothe or affect some change, instead, he says, "[RUFUGE]E is not a comfort. It is not a real shelter [...] whatever you, the reader, immerse yourself in here, whatever you find here to lift you up as being, be my guest."

    BOUGHT

    Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead (5th book in Vampire Academy Series)
    (From Goodreads)
    Dimitri gave Rose the ultimate choice. But she chose wrong…

    After a long and heartbreaking journey to Dimitri’s birthplace in Siberia, Rose Hathaway has finally returned to St. Vladimir’s—and to her best friend, Lissa. It is nearly graduation, and the girls can’t wait for their real lives beyond the Academy’s iron gates to begin. But Rose’s heart still aches for Dimitri, and he's out there, somewhere.

    She failed to kill him when she had the chance. And now her worst fears are about to come true. Dimitri has tasted her blood, and she knows in her heart that he is hunting her. And if Rose won't join him, he won't rest until he's silenced her...forever.

    Shadowglass by Erica Hayes (Second book in Shadowfae series)
    (From Goodreads)
    A seductive magic mirror, deep in a demon's lair. A simple warning: don't stare at the glass. A light-fingered fairy who can't resist.

    For Ice, a compulsive fairy thief, life is a wild party of mayhem, fae trickery and magical confidence scams. She's never cared about rules or warnings, so when she filches a demon's beguiling magic mirror, she can't resist taking a peek.

    Malicious enchantment strikes, and Ice can no longer tell a lie. If she can't undo the spell, she'll have to turn respectable. Two words: no way.

    It sounds simple, especially when Indigo, a frosty metalfae thief, agrees to help her, as he too has fallen foul of the mirror's mischief. But when the mirror's victims start turning up dead, it seems someone doesn't want Ice or Indigo cured. As they draw closer to answers — and to each other — Indigo remains stubbornly silent about the nature of his enchantment. Is he the killer's target? Or does he harbour a more chilling secret?

    FREE
    The Classmate Murders by Bob Moats
    (From website)
    Jim Richards has reluctantly turn sixty and has just quit his job as a security guard. He describes himself as "I live in my old bedroom in my parents house, lousy credit score, over-weight, balding, gray beard, I drink at least 8 beers a night, I'm now unemployed and I just became a senior citizen, I'm such a loser". One day he receives an email from a childhood sweetheart he hasn't seen in over 40 years, pleading for help but he doesn't get to her in time. A killer is now stalking and killing his old female classmates (while they are under police protection) for unknown reasons and Jim, along with his only friend Buck, a big, mustachioed biker, are trying to stop the killer before he gets to one woman Jim is falling for and before the class of '67 has lost any more of it's female alumni.

    That's all from me this week.  What did you all get???

    Saturday, May 22, 2010

    Interview with Shannon Delaney

    Spellbound by Books would like to introduce Shannon Delaney, Author of the upcoming Debut novel 13 to Life.  13 to Life will be out on June 22!

    A big thank you to Shannon Delaney for taking the time to answer these questions.  So here we go:

    1. How would you describe 13 to Life? 

    I'd describe it as something that can be read at different levels by different people.  Yes, theres action, romance and danger, but there's also some deeper underlying themes and subtleties some people will catch and others will skim across.  There are hidden bits that line things up in the next two books very specifically.  And to me, getting different things from a book?  Well, that's the way it should be.  We're all different readers, we all bring different things to our reading experience and should take away different ones, too.
     
    2. What was the easiest/hardest part of writing 13 to Life?
     
    Putting it in front of my editor was hardest. As a writer I think we all move (in the space of a single breath) from feeling we're the worst writer in the world to feeling we're the best. And back again. An editor's the one person who really gets to tell you how you rank in your profession as an author. The easiest part was writing the rough draft. The characters do most of it for me, frankly--I just sort of view and record the action through the lenses which are Jessie's eyes.
     
    3. What routines/habits do you have for where you write, when you write and how you write?

    The main one is I read aloud everything I write--at least twice. Other than that, I write when I can, as much as I can and as fast as I can (ignoring the internal editor until we're past the rough draft stage). Oh. Coffee helps, as does smoked salmon (lox and bagel = yum).
     
    4. What keeps you writing? 

    Writing's like an addiction.  I need to get the stories and characters down on paper.  It's like they all rent space in my head until they're ready to find their own home--in the right book, living the right adventures. 

    5. What do you hope people take away with them after reading your work?

    Overall, I want my books to raise questions about things in my readers' lives.  Yes, this debut series is about paranormal happenings, but as weird as the story gets it's still about people and the way we treat each other and ourselves.  If I can get you to wonder...about the characters' futures, about their choices or your own, I feel I've accomplished something.  I firmly believe we can learn something from reading anything--we don't only learn when reading straight fiction or non-fiction if we're open-minded.  
     
    6. Is there a question you've always wanted to be asked but haven't?  What would your answer be?

    I think I've been asked most of the questions I'd care to answer (sometimes multiple times). I always look forward to unique questions, though (but I'm low on caffeine today so I have few floating around in my head). 
     
    7. Any future projects you would like to share with us?

    I have a bunch of things planned (and a number "in the works').  Right now all I can really say is that the second book in this series has been accepted by my publisher and I expect book three will be accepted soon, too.  After that I'll be working on vastly different books.  But mainly YA.

    8. Are there any tips and advice you would like to pass on to aspiring writers? 

     Read alot, and write even more.  Set achievable goals and be persistent.

    9. Three things you can't live without?

    A way to write. Love. Yeah, it sounds corny, but that's how I roll. I'm fond of being loved (who isn't?) and I'm lucky to have a bunch of great people who really do love me. Without them I'd be so miserable (but still stubborn enough to live). Third? Common sense. Quite literally (and with me, it comes and goes). ;-)

    10. What book's have influenced your life most?

    Ugh. Technically the Bible, Shakespeare's works, and, oddly enough, the Valdemar series by Mercedes Lackey. They all have very unique merits.

    11.  And last, your stuck on deserted island which character from your books would you take with you and why?

    Hmm. A few months ago I would have said Pietr (Jess drives me crazy--we have some annoying similarities). But at this point, having finished book 2, I think I'd take Max along. Once you read book 2 you'll probably figure out there are a few decent reasons to keep him around (and not really for the reasons you'd guess from 13 to Life). I have the advantage of seeing my characters grow up before readers do.

    Find out more about Shannon Delaney:
    You can purchase 13 To Life here: 
    http://www.13tolife.us/ordernow
    http://tinyurl.com/13toLifeB-N
    St. Martin's Press has special stuff planned for 13 to Life in their upcoming http://wordsnstuff.net newsletter, so if you want to read the first two chapters, or an exclusive short story just for the newsletter, please sign up.

    Friday, May 21, 2010

    Monsters Galore Winners

    Thank you everyone for taking the time to enter this concert!!  I've used Random.org to pick three winners and here they are:

    Drum Roll (lol)
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    *
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    Lale G.
    (Fave children's book: Anything Dr Seuss)
    *
    *
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    Bethie
    Fave Children's book: Corduroy)
    *
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    and Gaby
    Fave Children's book: The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint Exupéry)

    Congraulations!!!  Emails have been sent!  Please email me back with your emails and I'll have these books out to you ASAP!!

    (My all-time favourite children's book is The Secret Garden and The wishing chair Enid Blyton.  Awesome book!!)

    Also, don't forget to enter into the Once Upon A Time Project.  All stories need to be in before 27th May 10pm AEST 
    Myself and two other fantastic Book Bloggers will pick the winners. 


    Thursday, May 20, 2010

    Once Upon A Time Project Week 2 Check In

    How's everyone doing??  Only 7 more days to get your stories in!!  How are they all coming along?  I know I've been having some issues writing my short story!  See I'm good at get the first few paragraphs written, but then what? LOL  How do I keep a reader's interest going?  Are any of you guys having some issues at all with your stories?

    Here is a little more of my writing.  Whether it's any good or not I'm still trying to work out.


    Within the first two weeks of Shandy arriving most of the shadow creatures disappeared.  There were still one or two each night that lingered at the edge of my room but they no longer felt hostile.  Mum and Dad grew to love her as well.  Although, maybe once or twice they threatened to take her back to the seller when she got into Dad's study and peed on his laptop.  It wasn't really her fault though.  She must have taken a disliking to Dad when he roused on her for chewing his shoes earlier that day.  Hard to say.


    Everything had settled down with my family but I should have known that good things don't last forever.


    ** 2 months later**


    "Shandy, where are you?"  It was late afternoon, the sun had almost set and there was no sign of her.  Ripped sheets scattered the backyard and Mum's potted plants were turned upside down, dirt and flowers everywhere.  I was surprised to find the mess.  It had been a while since she had raided the clothes line and the pot plants were a first.  Mum wasn't going to be happy.


    I bundled the sheets up but paused when my hand brushed against a piece of paper.  "What's this?"  My stomach tightened when I read the words that clung to the page.  Each sentence so familiar I knew it almost by heart.  The sheets dropped to the ground and I followed the paper trail to the corner of my father's shed; the sense of dread spreading.


    My signed copy of Lord of the Rings lay three feet in front of me torn to shreds.  A faint muffled growl came from the other side of the shed.  "Shandy?"  My voice shook and I regretted speaking the moment the words were out.  I stepped towards the sound forgetting for a moment about the dangers of the shadows... To Be Cont'd :)
    (c) Melissa Freeman 2010  

    Okay that's all from me.  If you have any last questions about Once Upon A Time you can email me at melissa@spellboundbybooks.com

    Thanks guys

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