On My Wishlist

On My Wishlist is a fun weekly event hosted by Book Chick City and runs every Saturday. It's where you can list all the books you desperately want but haven't actually bought yet. They can be old, new or forthcoming. Mr Linky is always at the ready for you to link your own 'On My Wishlist' post. If you want to know more click here.

I'm so excited I can hardly stand it!!! It's almost August and while others are anticipating the start of school (Yuck!) all I can think about is the release of some very anticipated books! Is it just me or do you feel like a kid in a candy shop when entering the book store to purchase your favorite books? I know I do...so let's get started.

*The first book on my Wishlist is Guardian of the Gate (Prophecy of the Sisters Series #2)by Michelle Zink

Goodreads Description:
The ultimate battle between sisters is nearing, and its outcome could have catastrophic consequences.

As sixteen year-old Lia Milthorpe searches for ...more The ultimate battle between sisters is nearing, and its outcome could have catastrophic consequences. As sixteen year-old Lia Milthorpe searches for a way to end the prophecy, her twin sister Alice hones the skills she'll need to defeat Lia. Alice will stop at nothing to reclaim her sister's role in the prophecy, and that's not the only thing she wants: There's also Lia's boyfriend James.

Lia and Alice always knew the Prophecy would turn those closest to them against them. But they didn't know what betrayal could lead them to do. In the end, only one sister will be left standing.

*Next and can I say I will be up all night finishing this one when I finally get my hands on it is Mockingjay (Hunger Games, #3)by Suzanne Collins


Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games twice. But now that she’s made it out of the bloody arena alive, she’s still not safe. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge. Who do they think should pay for the unrest? Katniss. And what’s worse, President Snow has made it clear that no one else is safe either. Not Katniss’s family, not her friends, not the people of District 12. Powerful and haunting, this thrilling final installment of Suzanne Collins’s groundbreaking The Hunger Games trilogy promises to be one of the most talked about books of the year.

*And last but certainly not least is Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices, #1)by Cassandra Clare. Yet another book I will be up until the wee hours of the night reading. I just can't begin to tell you how excited I am for this book!

Goodreads Description:
Magic is dangerous—but love is more dangerous still.

When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos.

Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What's more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa's power for his own.

Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by—and torn between—two best friends: James, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm's length...everyone, that is, but Tessa. As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world...and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.

So there you have it! I'm revising my tail of in order to be finished editing my MS before these release dates because once I get these books, its tunnel vision for me! How about all of you? What upcoming releases are you drooling over?

Book Review: Dark Flame by Alyson Noel

Goodreads Description:
At the start of this mesmerizing new installment of the Immortals series, Ever is helping her friend Haven transition into life as an immortal. But with Haven drunk on her new powers and carelessly putting them all at risk, their friendship becomes more and more strained. At the same time, Ever delves deeper into magick in order to get control over her enemy Roman and free Damen from his power. But when the spell she casts on Roman backfires, she’s bound to her deadliest enemy. Frantic to reverse the spell the moment the moon enters a new phase, she finds her efforts are fruitless—there’s a strange, foreign pulse coursing through her, one that propels her toward Roman. Desperate to break free of this terrible curse before Damen or the twins can discover what she’s done, she turns to Jude and delves deeper and deeper into dark magick, ultimately risking everything she knows and loves—including Damen.

Words can't express how much I love this series! And Dark Flame did not disappoint. From the moment I picked up this book I could not put it down. Throughout the entire thing I found myself talking aloud saying things like..."No...What are you doing?" I just couldn't help myself. Dark Flame keeps you one the edge of your seat because you have no idea what Ever is going to do next. And now I am dying to read the next installment...Night Star, due to be released November 23rd.

But to tide me over, the lovely Alyson Noel has yet another fabulous book coming out August 31st. Radiance is the first in a series featuring Riley, Ever's sister. She is an absolutely adorable character and I can't wait to get my hands on this book! For a sneak peek check out this beautiful trailer:



Doesn't Radiance look gorgeous? So tell me...what wonderful jewels are you reading right this minute? I'm just dying to know! And be sure to stop by Monday for an awesome interview with Anastasia Hopcus author of the newly released Shadow Hills.
Happy Friday everyone!

Create a Scene Tuesday

Kelsey Ketch over at Ketch's tavern is having an event titled, "Create a Scene Tuesday." Kelsey has come up with an amazing concept which she calls "The Writer's Hydra." Each head represents a challenge that writers must face when constructing a manuscript...Setting, Plot Line and Characters. You can view the post in its entirety here.

Now for the scene...she selects each of the challenges and participants are to create a scene accordingly.

This week's challenge:

Character – Highschool Student (female)

Action – Studying

Setting – Library


My entry:
     Through the haze and delirium of my seventh hour study hall I saw him, the elusive stranger that had been shadowing my steps for the past week. He just stood there outside the library door, watching and waiting. There was something mysteriously strange and fantastic about him that I couldn’t quite put my finger on. Truthfully though…he scared the hell out of me.
      The bell rang and students poured into the halls with brute force. But no one saw him. Though he stood there bold as brass in the middle of the hallway, not a soul acknowledged his existence.
      Sabrina was talking nonstop at her usual pace and I thought for certain she would crash right into him, but instead she simply stepped to the side as though an invisible barrier had blocked her path. Then, after hardly any time at all we had reached our lockers and she had resumed her rant.
     “Annastasia Clare! Can’t you at least pretend to be excited about your birthday? Even a little?”
     “Okay,” I said absently. “Whatever you want Sabrina.” My attention was averted to the figure that had been following us. Quiet like a glove he had slipped behind me and was now leaning against a neighboring row of lockers.
     “Happy birthday Anna."

So there you have it...to join in on the fun and to view Kelsey's entry be sure to visit her blog Ketch Tavern. Now I'm off to wade through my revisions and editing which have taken on a life of their own!
Have a great day everybody!

Interview With Emma Michaels

As promised, today we have Emma Michaels here telling us all about her upcoming novel "The Thirteenth Chime."


So to start things off Emma, tell us your summary of The Thirteenth Chime.

Destiny is a senior in college, engaged and very happy to be on Spring Break with her best friend and roommate, Stephanie. Together, they travel to the West Coast where Stephanie's mother is waiting for them. On their first night, something attacks them and sends both Stephanie and her mother to the hospital. Alone, and without any help from the police, Destiny has no choice but to contact David, her former boyfriend. When he arrives, he doesn't expect the welcome waiting for him, or that a trap created almost fifty years old is about to ensnare them into the darkness that is "The Thirteenth Chime"

What inspired the story?

A) There was a large storm one night that knocked out the power here on the island where I live. We went next door to share a few candles and lightning flashed while the wind howled outside. Thunder rattled the windows and then, suddenly, the sounds died down. The antique grandfather clock in the house began to chime and the sound echoed throughout the long hallway of the house. My heart thudded and I unconsciously reached out for someone's hand, wanting to feel a bond with anyone. It was in that moment that the inspiration for "The Thirteenth Chime" was born.

Was there ever a time when you felt like giving up? Why didn’t you?

A) Oh yes, there was a couple of times I felt like giving up. When you receive your first, second and third rejection, you think "okay, no worries I just need to keep going!". However, when you receive over a hundred standard form rejections from agents, all of whom didn't even ask to see a single sample of your writing, you can start to doubt yourself. Luckily, a dear friend of mine reminded me that these agents who I had been submitting to could not have based their decisions off of my actual work. When I realized that, I began submitting to publishers directly and wow, what a difference! I began receiving praise and offers immediately and I was very glad I didn't give up.

What have you learned about promoting books in your publication journey? What worked well for you?

A) Shhh! That is a secret! Actually, bloggers and blog readers have been WONDERFUL in their support and helping me get the word around before the release date. I owe everyone my gratitude for the encouragement and kind words I have received. I think for me, what has been most important is to keep in contact with the people who are the ones who actually read the books - our readers. Reaching out to them directly is very important and businesses and publishers are just now starting to realize the power that bloggers and blog readers hold. I hope that they will continue to so that there will be a better line of communication between the publishing world, authors and blogger/ readers.

What was a waste?

A) I learned a lot during all of the rejections I received from agents, not so much from them but from the work and research that I continued to do up to the point I was accepted to be published with my first novel. I think to me the waste was doubting myself because of the rejections I received. All that is needed is just one opportunity to make it all happen, and I am so grateful to have this chance to bring my debut novel, "The Thirteenth Chime", to readers everywhere.

What are you working on next?

A) I have another series in the works and due to the popularity that has already begun with "The Thirteenth Chime" I will be working on a sequel.

What is your perfect writing situation?A) Peace and quiet at my desk with my main laptop and mini at hand. A nice, stress-free environment helps, but it is the environment around me where I live that helps me to write the most.

Do you have any pearls of wisdom for aspiring authors?

A) Yes! Please never give up! I know those silly standard form rejections can really get you down, but I was just like you and now I'm here. Please don't give up! I want to get to read and enjoy your books just as I hope you will enjoy reading mine!

What is your favorite book of all time?

A) Tamora Pierce "In the Hand of the Goddess" or of course the bible.

What upcoming releases are you dying to get your hands on?

A) Beautiful Darkness or Torment. Both of the books that came before them were stunning debuts and I am really looking forward to seeing what each of the authors will do next!

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us.
A) Next year for ComiCon I am sooo going to go as "7of9" from ST:Voyager and I'm going to make my fiance dress up as Darken Rahl (he really does look like him!) Or at least, that is my hope. Hmmm... Maybe I should dress up as a mordsith... hmmm...

Thank you so much for the interview and to everyone reading! Your support means so much to me and I hope you all will love "The Thirteenth Chime"!!!!
Sincerely,
Emma Michaels

Thank-you Emma for stopping by and so graciously answering my endless string of questions! Your story is truly an inspiration. We wish you the best with your upcoming release!!!!! I for one can't wait to read it!

So there you have it..."The Thirteenth Chime," will be released on Friday the 13th of next month. How deliciously wonderful is that release date? You can follow Emma on her blog and on Goodreads.

Happy Monday everyone!

On My Wishlist

On My Wishlist is a fun weekly event hosted by Book Chick City and runs every Saturday. It's where you can list all the books you desperately want but haven't actually bought yet. They can be old, new or forthcoming. Mr Linky is always at the ready for you to link your own 'On My Wishlist' post. If you want to know more click here.




*First on my wishlist is Afterlife from the Evernight series. I can't believe we have to wait an entire year between books! I am dying to know what happens next!


Goodreads Description:
The fourth book in this electrifying vampire series has all the romance, suspense, and page-turning drama that have made Claudia Gray’s Evernight books runaway successes.

Having become what they feared most, Bianca and Lucas face a terrifying new reality. They must return to Evernight Academy, Lucas as a vampire and Bianca as a wraith. But Lucas is haunted by demons, both personal and supernatural. Bianca must help him fight the evil inside him, combat the forces determined to drive them apart—and find the power to claim her destiny at last.

Readers have fallen in love with Bianca and Lucas, and they will be thrilled to read this exciting conclusion to their romantic adventure.

*Next, is The Lost Saint by Bree Despain. Isn't this newly revealed cover gorgeous? I just started the Dark Divine and I am having trouble getting anything else accomplished.


Goodreads Description:
A family destroyed. A love threatened. An enemy returns.

Grace Divine made the ultimate sacrifice to cure Daniel Kalbi. She was infected wi...more A family destroyed. A love threatened. An enemy returns.

Grace Divine made the ultimate sacrifice to cure Daniel Kalbi. She was infected with the werewolf curse while trying to save him, and lost her beloved brother in the process. When Grace receives a haunting phone call from Jude, she knows what she must do. She must become a Hound of Heaven.
Desperate to find Jude, Grace befriends Talbot—a newcomer to town who promises her that he can help her be a hero. But as the two grow closer, the wolf grows in Grace, and her relationship with Daniel is put in danger—in more ways than one.
Unaware of the dark path she is walking, Grace begins to give into the wolf inside of her—not realizing that an enemy has returned and a deadly trap is about to be sprung.

*And finally The Thirteenth Chime by debut author Emma Michaels absolutely has my attention! Another stunning addition to my TBR list that I can't wait to crack open.


Goodreads Description:
No one knew of its existence until it was removed from the attic upstairs.

In a beautiful house that overlooks the sea, an antique clock has the power to change the course of their lives.

The power the clock resonates will not only force Destiny and ex-boyfriend David on a journey into the depths of one man's mind long dead, but into the mind of a man filled with hatred and bent on revenge.

With the only clues to the nature of the clock having disappeared into the sea, Destiny and David must retrace the steps the man had taken into the darkness, before they fall prey to the trap he had set in motion over half a century ago.

Hatred never dies.


Be sure to stop by Monday for a very special author interview when Emma Michaels herself stops by to answer a few questions about her soon to be released masterpiece.

Have a great weekend!

Book Review: The Body Finder

As one of my picks for the 2010 debut authors reading challenge, I couldn't wait to dive into "The Body Finder." I am happy to report that every wonderfully fantastic comment you've heard about this book is true...and then some. I could not put it down and practically devoured it in one sitting. The story was both sweet and disturbingly creepy all rolled into one droolworthy little package. I absolutely recommend it to anyone who loves a good romance and the thrill of a disturbed serial killer.


But don't just take my word for it...check out this fantastic trailer.


And because you know how much I love to judge a book by its cover...here's a little peek at the next book in this addictive new series.

GoodReads Description:
The missing dead call to Violet. They want to be found.
When Violet Ambrose's morbid ability to sense the echoes of those who've been murdered leads her to the body of a young boy, she draws the attention of the FBI. She is reluctantly pulled into an investigation that will endanger more than just her secret...but her relationship and possibly her life as well.

I don't know about you, but I can't wait to read this little jewel!
Have a fabulous day everyone!

A Much Needed Pick Me Up

Each and every day I thank my lucky stars that my agent,
plucked my query letter from the depths of her slush pile
and offered to represent my work. Yet another stepping
stone in this gut wrenching process on the road to get published.

The next step is being on submission, which I must say is
grueling all in itself. So I try to keep myself busy like the
rest of you by blogging and working on other writing projects and
steering clear of the comfort food. (Not easy!) There are up days
and there are down days. Yesterday was a down day...or at least it
started out that way until I read what was posted on one of my
favorite blogs.

To give you an idea of just how full of awesome Bree Ogden is, I
want to share this post with you that she composed on her blog
This Literary Life. It's a tribute to all of the authors that she
represents and I must say that I was blown away. In my opinion
it really shows just how varied an agents tastes can be, so don't give
up, the right one is out there for everyone.
I truly believe that.

Here is the excerpt from my book Fatal Beauties

“Everything was eerily still and quiet.
As I went about getting ready for the day ahead of me,
I found myself humming. I stopped short knowing what
could happen were I to partake in this innocent activity
too loudly. But then I remembered the reason and forgot to care.
I was happy.
Deliciously and undeniably happy.”


If you have the time be sure to check out the entire post.


I'd love to hear your thoughts as well as when you're having a down
day, what cheers you up?

Distractions...Distractions

So many distractions, so little time.
How do you deal with it all?

Between juggling a family, work, writing and reading when I take the time to think about everything that goes into one single day I can't help but wonder...how do we do this crazy little thing we call writing a book?

There are so many distractions. And by distractions I mean anything that pulls us away from writing, averts our attention. Here are just a few that could be potentially problematic for me...


Cooking and cleaning-If I could afford a maid and a chef I would be one happy girl!

Work-Yes, I still have to hold down another full time job in order to pay the bills. And I know a lot of other writers still hold down full time jobs as well.

Books, books and more books!-This one is a huge distraction for me. I love to read and with so many fantastic new books being released every week, my TBR list has taken on a life of its own!

Blogging-Oh yes! Another big one! I love reading all of the awesome posts that all of you write each and every day and if I'm not careful, I can blow my whole morning and think nothing of it at all. (But what a worthy cause!)

Myself- Yeah, I said it. I am a huge distraction. And I keep getting worse. For example I have two WIP's that I have completed a first draft on and I keep going back and forth between the two and its making me insane! (But that's a whole other post in itself!)

So, now that I've divulged my dirty laundry...it's your turn. When you're tucked away in the privacy of your own little writing oasis, what distractions do you battle?

Have a great day everyone!

Blogfest of Death

It's time! It's time! This is the Blogfest of Death.
(mwahahahahahahaha)
Okay I still can't pull that off like our illustrious hostess!
But I had to give it one last try...

So here goes nothing...my death scene is taken straight out of my WIP Radiant Fury.

My MC Anna has struggled relentlessly with the fact that she was ripped from the human world on her seventeenth birthday only to be returned as a Fury. Forced to let her human life go in order to protect others from meeting her same fate, Anna complies only to have it come back to haunt her. In this scene, the human she left behind, Phillip is stolen...held against his will until Anna willingly gives herself over to darkness. Curious? Read on if you dare...but we all know this can't end well.

     My eyes traced over the unforeseen tempest that had engulfed the entire alleyway. Amidst the battling creatures, I found myself desperate to find one thing and one thing only. My search was cut short when Tristan stepped free from the madness. With Phillip.
     “Let him go,” I pleaded. All around us the sounds of the ongoing struggle continued. Nothing more than a pious attempt to postpone the inevitable. As Tristan's unspoken demand dangled between us. I already knew what I had to do.
     “Oh I will,” he insisted. Tristan managed to subdue Phillip with one hand while reaching out to me with the other. “Come to me Anna. Surrender yourself and I will let your human go free along with the rest of your miserable clan.”
     I took two steps forward watching the others out of the corner of my eyes. Everyone grew still. Eerily so. Watching in horror.
     “You give me your word that no one else gets hurt,” I confirmed still moving slowly forward. Inch by inch, I refused to lift my gaze from his, while taking close care to insure everyone else stayed in their places.
     “Anna no. Get out of here,” Phillip choked.
Tristan ignored his cries and focused solely on me. “You have my word Anna. Come with me now and no one else gets hurt.”
     It was at that very moment that I paused, curiosity crashing through my veins. “What do you want with me?” I heard my voice asking before I could stop. It was an odd time to be inquiring, but time wasn't on my side. Not anymore.
     He tilted his head to the side chuckling. “You really have no idea how truly special you are do you Anna?”
     I shook my head, cowering away. “I’m not special,” I insisted, struggling to keep my voice even.
     “Oh no?” He curled his fingers into a fist and rested them beneath his chin. “Nothing out of the ordinary has ever happened around you? Something you can’t explain when you’re scared witless? Creatures in your midst going out of their own minds?”
     His words swirled in an intricate latticework through the air like newly fallen snowflakes. My thoughts traveled back to every unexplained incident that had happened in the heat of battle. The bizarre behavior of certain creatures…behavior that I had blocked from my consciousness. Telling no one, not even my fellow clan members. Not even Dominic.
     “I’m not special,” I repeated even louder. Around me Pixie and Calypso stirred nervously at this latest bout of information.
     “Anna what’s he talking about?” Pixie whispered in my ear.
     I shook my head. “Nothing.”
     “Tick-tock Anna,” Tristan drawled in a bored tone. But his motions showed something entirely different. His arm tightened around Phillip’s neck in a warning that couldn't be ignored.
     “I’ll come away with you.” Two more steps and I’d be his.
     I walked to him like I was in a dream…no not a dream, the most gruesome of nightmares. A nightmare to which I would never wake. Finally I stood before Tristan. I looked into his jet black eyes and saw nothing. No future. No past, just like the last time this fatal creature held my existence in his hands.
     It was funny. I wasn't scared. I wasn't sad. I was at peace with my decision. Everyone I cared about would be safe. My hand shook slightly as I reached out to him. I felt the cold chill of his skin against mine for mere seconds. This was the end.
     Out of nowhere Dominic came at me. He tackled me to the ground, wrenching my hand from Tristan’s grasp.
     When I opened my eyes his beautiful face swam into view. “Dominic what have you done?” I whispered.
     He rested his head against mine, the love he felt for me twisted with the desperation of the situation and marched across his face. “I’m so sorry Anna. I couldn't let him take you away from me.”
     Pushing my own feelings for him aside, I scrambled to my feet and made to join Tristan once again. But my strength alone was no match for Dominic. From behind he grasped me so tight that I feared my bones would crumble to dust.
     “Let me go. Can’t you see this is the only way?”
     “She’s not wrong.” Tristan assured us as we continued to struggle. “Only now the terms have changed."
     “Changed?” I asked shakily. I still struggled against Dominic, but in the back of my mind I knew. The calm resplendence in Tristan's voice rang with certain finality. My chance to save Phillip was gone.
     He smiled hungrily and with his smile a dark shadow followed, crossing his face and showcasing him as the monster he truly was. “Yes Anna, now no one you care about is safe.”
     The horrid creature didn’t wait for my reply. I watched helplessly, locked within Dominic’s iron grasp as Tristan reached out and placed both of his hands on either side of Phillip’s face. There was a loud crack and then it was over. He had broken Phillip's neck as if it were no more than a bothersome twig.
     I screamed as Phillip’s empty form fell limply to the ground.
     “Anna wait,” Dominic pleaded as he held onto me tightly. My knees gave out, forcing him to support my weight entirely.
     Before me stood Tristan. His lips were curled into a knowing smile as if he alone could see into my future. “I’ll be seeing you soon my sweet Anna. My master will be so disappointed to hear that his wait has once again been prolonged.”
     With that he blew me a kiss and melted into the shadows.


Can't wait to hear your thoughts! To view the other fantastic entries visit Tessa's Blog

On My Wishlist

On My Wishlist is a fun weekly event hosted by Book Chick City and runs every Saturday. It's where you can list all the books you desperately want but haven't actually bought yet. They can be old, new or forthcoming. Mr Linky is always at the ready for you to link your own 'On My Wishlist' post. If you want to know more click here.




*To kick off the new additions to my wishlist, I have Kelley Armstrong's new series coming to a bookstore near you next April. I hate the long wait, but this book sounds fantastic!

Goodreads description:
Maya lives in a small medical-research town on Vancouver Island. How small? You can’t find it on the map. It has less than two-hundred people, and her school has only sixty-eight students—for every grade from kindergarten to twelve.

Now, strange things are happening in this claustrophobic town, and Maya's determined to get to the bottom of them. First, the captain of the swim team drowns mysteriously in the middle of a calm lake. A year later, mountain lions start appearing around Maya's home, and they won’t go away. Her best friend, Daniel, starts getting negative vibes from certain people and things. It doesn't help that the new bad boy in town, Rafe, has a dangerous secret—and he's interested in one special part of Maya's anatomy: Her paw-print birthmark.


*Next on my list is the debut novel of Carrie Harris, Bad Taste In Boys. Now I am not your typical zombie fan, however this cover? Amazing! And the story sounds just as delicious! Can't wait to get my greedy little hands on this one!

Goodreads Description:
Someone’s been a very bad zombie.

Super-smartie Kate Grable gets to play doctor, helping out her high school football team. Not only will...more Someone’s been a very bad zombie.

Super-smartie Kate Grable gets to play doctor, helping out her high school football team. Not only will the experience look good on her college apps, she gets to be this close to her quarterback crush, Aaron. Then something disturbing happens. Kate finds out that the coach has given the team steroids. Except . . . the vials she finds don’t exactly contain steroids. Whatever’s in them is turning hot gridiron hunks into mindless, flesh-eating . . . zombies.

Unless she finds an antidote, no one is safe. Not Aaron, not Kate’s brother, not her best friend . . . not even Kate . . .

It’s scary. It’s twisted. It’s sick. It’s high school.


*And last but certainly not the least in today's lineup is the second installment in Jessica Verday's The Hollow trilogy. Are her covers not gorgeous? The ending of the first book left me dangling like a carrot, so I can't wait to read The Haunted.

Goodreads Description:
After a summer spent reclaiming her sanity and trying to forget the boy she fell in love with by the bridge where her best friend drowned - the boy who must not exist, cannot exist, because she knows that he is dead - Abbey returns to Sleepy Hollow, determined to leave the ghosts of her past behind. She throws herself into schoolwork, perfume-making and her friendship with Ben, her cute and funny lab partner, who just might be able to help her get over Caspian once and for all. But Abbey is never going to truly be able to move on from Caspian and Caspian has no choice but to return to her side: for Caspian is a Shade and Abbey is his destiny. The two are tied not only to each other, but also to the town of Sleepy Hollow and the famous legend that binds their fates - a legend whose true ending and dark truths they are only just beginning to guess...

That's all I have for today folks, but fear not...my wishlist is never ending so check back next Saturday for more droolworthy books! Also, be sure to visit Book Chick City to see what other participants have on thier own wishlists!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Sweet Dreams

With two kids and another full time job, finding the time to write isn't always easy. But somehow, I manage. During the school year, I get home from work only to rush off to football practice or ballet with my kiddos. When we return, I cook dinner, help with homework then get everyone ready for bed. Just thinking about it makes me tired already!

When the kids are tucked away and everything is set for the next days marathon, I can sit down and write. Usually I have notes from various ideas that I have scribbled down throughout the day and I use those as a starting point. But before I know it though my time for the day has run out...or at least other signs that I should retire for the day creep up.

So how do you know when it's time to give up for the day?
Here are a few of the telltale signs to look out for:

You find yourself fixated with the blinking cursor because your mind has drawn a blank.

You type the same thing over and over again or better yet type absolute nonsense.

Everything goes blurry and your lids grow heavy even with the pot of coffee you've just recently consumed.

The animals in the house give up on you and pass out on the floor. (My dog can be very dramatic!)

There's nothing but infomercials on television.

And my personal favorite...you fall asleep with the laptop clutched in your hands.

Anything sound familiar? When do you know it's time to throw in the towel for the day?

Road Trip Wednesday

Road Trip Wednesday is a "Blog Carnival," where YA Highway's contributors post a weekly writing- or reading-related question and answer it on our their own blogs. You can hop from destination to destination and get everybody's unique take on the topic. They also encourage everyone to feel free to post on their own blogs.

This Week's Topic:
What's your favorite reading memory?

To me reading is where is all starts. To read the stories of other writers and enter their worlds even for a short amount of time shows me that this crazy little dream that we as writers share can in fact become a reality.


I have always been an avid reader so I have lots of memories of reading. Many include my family looking at me like I have a third head. There have been several instances where my face has been planted in a book or series for days at a time. I love it when I pick up a book and it catches me from the first written word.

But my favorite memory of all would have to be when I was a kid and we were on one of our many family vacations in my mom's mini-van. I was the oldest so the very back seat was mine. That left the middle seat to my youger brother and sister. Did I mention that we didn't get along? Go figure! So they were stuck in the middle seat, together right behind my parents. And they fought and argued the entire way to our destination.

How did I cope with these long strenuous road trips? I simply put on my head phones and lost myself in one of my favorite books. By the time we arrived everyone else was in a not so good mood. As for me...I was just perfect thanks to my books!

So what about all of you? What are your favorite reader memories?
Happy Wednesday everyone!

In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren. Anyone can participate in IMM and you are not limited to only sharing books that arrive via your mailbox. You can also share books that you've bought or books that you've gotten at the library. You can find more information on how to participate in the In My Mailbox meme by visiting The Story Siren.

This week in my mailbox:

Ash by Malinda Lo...I am super excited to read this one, Ash was brought to my attention by the lovely Amparo Ortiz at No Rest For the Lazy.

The Iron King is on my 2010 debut authors reading list so I felt a little less guilty buying this one. Just a little.
Forgive My Fins by Tera Lynn Childs, well this one I just couldn't resist! I mean look at this droolworthy cover!

As you can see I am super weak when it comes to my book purchases. I have now stooped to hiding them and slipping them onto the bookshelf when no one is looking just like I do when I buy a new purse or shoes. (I know terrible isn't it?)

Have a great week everyone!

On My Wishlist!

On My Wishlist is a fun weekly event hosted by Book Chick City and runs every Saturday. It's where you can list all the books you desperately want but haven't actually bought yet. They can be old, new or forthcoming. It's also an event that you can join in with too - Mr Linky is always at the ready for you to link your own 'On My Wishlist' post. If you want to know more click here.



So the very first book I am dying for is the next installment in the Wicked Lovely Series. It is gorgeous! I absolutely love her covers!



Goodreads description:
The Summer King is missing; the Dark Court is bleeding; and a stranger walks the streets of Huntsdale, his presence signifying the deaths of powerful fey.

Aislinn tends the Summer Court, searching for her absent king and yearning for Seth. Torn between his new queen and his old love, Keenan works from afar to strengthen his court against the coming war. Donia longs for fiery passion even as she coolly readies the Winter Court for battle. And Seth, sworn brother of the Dark King and heir to the High Queen, is about to make a mistake that could cost his life.

Love, despair, and betrayal ignite the faery courts, and in the final conflict, some will win…and some will lose everything.

The exhilarating conclusion to Melissa Marr’s New York Times bestselling Wicked Lovely series will leave readers breathless.


Next on my list and out this week is Linger by Maggie Steifvater, I have not read Shiver yet, but fear not I am a super fast reader!



Goodreads description:
In Maggie Stiefvater's Shiver, Grace and Sam found each other. Now, in Linger, they must fight to be together. For Grace, this means defying her parents and keeping a very dangerous secret about her own well-being. For Sam, this means grappling with his werewolf past...and figuring out a way to survive into the future. Add into the mix a new wolf named Cole, whose own past has the potential to destroy the whole pack. And Isabel, who already lost her brother to the wolves...and is nonetheless drawn to Cole. At turns harrowing and euphoric, Linger is a spellbinding love story that explores both sides of love--the light and the dark, the warm and the cold--in a way you will never forget.

I have an enormously long list...so check back next Saturday for more droolworthy books! Have a great weekend everybody!

Is It Dead Yet?

When do you call it quits on a manuscript? We toil and slave, pouring our heart and soul into our work. But sometimes it just doesn't come together for whatever reason.

*Has the market suddenly become saturated with your idea?
*Is negative feedback leading you by the hand to frustration?
*Have you hit a wall?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions then you are in good company my friend. A couple of years ago, I sat at my laptop and started constructing a story with characters that I absolutely fell in love with. The problem? Saturated market, some positive feedback...but nothing substantial. I did finish the MS even 90% of a second installment. Then I hit a wall and started something else. This ended up being the right course of action for me. But I have always held a soft spot for this particular story.

I have now pulled out that old manuscript, blown off the dust and started anew. Why would I possibly want to put myself through this kind of torment you ask? Well, I had an epiphany and started revising and revamping the characters and the plot with renewed vigor. Whether or not this MS ever sees the light of day remains to be seen. But for the time being, I am having a ball challenging myself to bring this dead manuscript to life...twisting my creatures into something fresh and new...reworking the plot to something incredible. (In theory.) Have I completely lost my mind? Probably. Only time will tell.

So my question for you lovely writers out there is this...do you have an old MS on the back burner, one that you have hidden away like I did? Do you move on to something new when you hit a wall or keep at it until it shines?
Happy Friday everyone!!!!

Road Trip Wednesday

Road Trip Wednesday is a "Blog Carnival," where YA Highway's contributors post a weekly writing- or reading-related question and answer it on our their own blogs. You can hop from destination to destination and get everybody's unique take on the topic. They also encourage everyone to feel free to post on their own blogs...I just couldn't resist!

This Week's Topic:
What would your ideal writing desk look like? Right down to the perfect pen or laptop.



I have to have my pretty journals.


And my absolute favorite pens.


And my dream laptop.


Okay so this is my ideal writing area, (I know it was supposed to be the desk) I just couldn't help myself.

So what about all of you? Do you have a droolworthy space where you write? Or are you like me and dream about the day that you will have a place to call your own?

Vacation's Over

Well, I don't know if I'd call it a vacation, though we had fun...but boy am I glad to be back! I just got home lastnight and am totally spent. My brain is so jam packed with information it will take at least two weeks to process!

So what did I accomplish while in Kansas City at my conference?
*I have yet another big honking binder that I pray doesn't break my bookshelf at school. (Yes we got through the entire thing in a week!)
*I am now even more addicted to Starbucks (We had one in the hotel.)
*I got to see Eclipse! (I mentioned that already didn't I?) Sorry!
*Shopping!
*Finished my current WIP!
*Doodled several new ideas for an old manuscript
*Oh, and we visited so many good bookstores! My to be read pile is out of control! I could read until school starts and not be caught up!

So I am off to untangle my brain. Any advice on how that is accomplished would be greatly appreciated.


But I will leave you on a positive note...
While "writing" this morning, I stumbled onto a contest for a copy of Shadow Hills by Anastacia Hopcus. She is giving away 6 copies...so six lucky readers will get a sneak peak. This book sounds fabulous and I am dying to read it!
Here is the Goodreads description:

His love captivated her... his secrets might kill her.

Since her sister’s mysterious death, Persephone “Phe” Archer has been plagued by a series of disturbing dreams. Determined to find out what happened to her sister, Phe enrolls at Devenish Prep in Shadow Hills, Massachusetts—the subject of her sister’s final diary entry.

After stepping on campus, Phe immediately realizes that there’s something different about this place—an unexplained epidemic that decimated the town in the 1700s, an ancient and creepy cemetery, and gorgeous boy Zach—and somehow she’s connected to it all.

But the more questions she asks and the deeper she digs, the more entangled Phe becomes in the haunting past of Shadow Hills. Finding what links her to this town…might cost her her life. [close]

An absolute must read! Here's the catch...you have to enter by 6:00 tonight! Interested? Click here to enter. Good Luck!