PERFECTION's Book Birthday Celebration Winner!!!

First I want to thank everyone who entered. AND I want to apologize for the late delay in announcing the winner.

My internet had been out since August 1st and I just got it back on this past Tuesday. So, please forgive the delay.

Having PERFECTION release has been one awesome ride and I have just been ecstatic.

Thank you all!!

NOW to the winner....

*J.L. throws all the names into a magic hat and has her lovely assistant, Gil, choose one name at random*


The winner is.....

Nate Miller.

Grats.

*trumpets blare*

 

PERFECTION'S BOOK BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION.

Hi everyone.

I know, I've been MIA for quite some time now. Like cricket-chirping quiet. No contests, no posts, no interviews. What's the matter than me?

Well, besides a new job, which resulted in 37 days of training away from home, and the new job, and family coming down, and and and. You get the picture.

But today is something special. PERFECTION is a newborn. Newly released and out on the shelves.

SQUEE!! *runs about wildly with hands in air*

It's still hard for me to imagine. PERFECTION out in bookstores and available online. 0.0 WOW!

So in celebration, I'm giving away a signed 1st edition copy to one commenter. There is nothing you have to do but leave a comment with your email, so if you win, I can get in touch with you.

Contest ends August 1st at 12 midnight.

I'd like to take a moment and thank Spencer Hill Press and all the awesome hardworking folks. I *heart* you so much. And I'd like to thank all my followers for...well, following me.

Hugs to you all.

Okay, time for the contest to get started.

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/perfection-j-l-spelbring/1109462424?ean=9781937053345

http://www.amazon.com/Perfection-JL-Spelbring/dp/1937053342/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1374012963&sr=1-1&keywords=perfection+J.+L.+spelbring

Gone

Hi everyone,

Haven't forgotten about all of you, although I haven't blogged for awhile.

And now I'll be gone for the next five weeks.

But rest assure, I'll be back, and when I get back, I promise to have a contest.

Maybe one that will give away a copy of PERFECTION, and another book from the Spencer Hill Press library.

In the meanwhile, be sure to check out my sister blog over at Oasis for YA.

See you all soon.

Valentine Swoon-Worthiness Contest Winners

Happy Valentine's Day!!

I want to thank all the brave souls for participating. It was a lot of fun and I enjoyed reading all the toe-curling entries.

I also want to thank those who took the time to vote.

So, without further ado, the winners.....

1st place winner of the $15 GC is Larissa Hardesty.

YAY!

2nd place winner of the $10 GC is C. Michelle Jefferies.

YAY!

Grats to the both of you. Please shoot me an email. 

Valetine's Day Swoon-Worthiness Contest

YAY!

It's voting time.

The  swoon-worthy excerpts are listed as posts below, 1 through 8.

Here are the rules:

1) If you put your entry in for the contest, then you must vote for at least one, but not more than two other entries. YOU CANNOT VOTE FOR YOUR OWN. Please select desired entry by commenting under their post.

2) If you did not put in an entry but would like to participate, EXCELLENT. Please vote for at least one, but not more than two entries. Please select desired entry by commenting under their post.

3) If you are voting then you are committing to tell the author why you liked their post. This is an excellent learning exercise for all involved.

The winner will receive a $15 GC
Second place will receive a $10 GC.

Thanks to all those who participated.

Good luck

Valentine's Day Post 1

As soon as Shanna said goodbye and shut the front door behind her, my lips found Dani’s in what was meant to be a brief welcome back.

Her returning heat was electric as she dug her mouth into mine, none too gently. It was the kind of instant sensuality that only came with the familiarity of being together for six years.

Her fingers dug into my arms as her mouth moved to my neck, her teeth grazing lightly on my shoulder.

I took her face in both of my hands, stilling her for a moment.

“Dani, honey, you just got back. We don’t have to do this.”

She let out a small, guttural noise that was so desperate my body shook in a quick shiver. I kissed her lips, the side of her cheeks, moving to her ears and neck as she let out a quiet moan.

Apparently not appeased with my slow movements, she pushed me back on the couch, putting a leg on either side of me and she sat on my lap. Again, her movements were desperate and practiced at the same time – placing my hands exactly where she wanted them to be.

As she pulled the muddy blouse up over her head, my hands found her wrists, stopping her again. There were dark purple bruises on her upper arms, on her wrists, a few red patches on her chest where they’d kept the wiring.

“Sweetheart, please. You probably need some sleep. Some pain killers. Something.”

She draped her arms around my neck, giving me a coy smile.

“I need you, Tate. So please,” another kiss on my lips. “Stop.” She lifted the bottom of my shirt up and put her lips lightly on the skin right above my jeans. “Talking.”

I obliged, gladly.

Valentine's Day Post 2

She peeked up at the man who’d kept her from making an utter fool of herself and bit her bottom lip as heat invaded her body.

Kaige held on to Ebony’s waist and walked her back until she felt the cool wall unyielding behind her. He let go and placed a hand on either side effectively trapping Ebony between the wall and himself. She held her breath as his solid body crushed against hers. A yearning filled her center between her legs. She had no idea what the feeling could be, but she ached for it to release. She inhaled a sharp breath. His gaze smoldered in the shadows between them as they darted back and forth from her eyes to her lips and then he leaned his face in toward hers. Her heart hammered. She resisted the urge to push up against him. She closed her eyes unable to watch. Kaige’s lips brushed lightly against hers. A sigh escaped her lips.

“I’ve wanted to do this since the night you found me in your bed.” His whispered words roved over the sensitive flesh of her lips. Hot, sweet, words. A feeling Ebony never wanted to end.
Ebony arched her back and neck to meet him, but their lips didn’t quite touch. It was as if he were teasing her on purpose, keeping both their desires at bay. She felt the soft exhale, the hovering presence of his lips not even an inch away. She wanted to pull him closer but dared not move any further.

Valentine's Day Post 3

“Your cut’s worse, and I don’t want you bleeding on my only shirt when you kiss me.”

“Your only shirt?” I can’t stop myself from tugging on the hemline and brushing her skin. I pull her closer, just a few inches of air between us. My heart rate ratchets up a notch. Kiss her? That’s the stuff of dreams, not dirty no-tell motels. Still, the temptation…her curves, her lips… “Who says I’m going to kiss you?”

“Me.”

Smiling and peeking at me through her eyelashes, Zoe crouches to fish through the cabinet beneath my butt for the first aid kit. Her fingers slide across my knee when she puts the case on the counter. Her hip, and the cotton of my shirt, brush the inside of my thigh when she turns back to me. God, sitting here and not pulling her to me is going to stop my heart—again.

“This is going to sting,” she says, and pats an alcohol soaked pad over the cut on my shoulder. I suck in a sharp breath, but that’s all.

“So…” I look into her eyes and fight the magnetic pull between us. “You wouldn’t feed me in the hospital when I was broken and bandaged, but you’ll play in my blood?”

“Zain?” Her eyelids dip, giving her a dreamy expression, but her voice is alive with fire.

“Yeah?”

She presses the gauze pad to my cut, and I can’t help but wince.

“Shut up.”

I snap my lips closed. We’re inches apart and I want her too bad to touch her. Zoe’s free hand rides up my thigh to the hem of my boxers, then skims the fabric and slides up my stomach and chest to my cheek. She’s so close all I see are her eyes, and I feel her breath on my lips. The distance, the closeness, is too much and not enough. I lift one hand from its tight grip on the countertop, and rest it on the curve of her waist, my last two fingers touching bare skin.

Her eyelids close in a slow fall. The tension in her hand increases as she pulls my face to her.
The first gentle brush of her lips is a feather-light electric shock. She inhales through her nose, and abandons my cheek to bury her fingers in my hair. I slide my hand up her back and my butt off the counter, too. We’re a tangle of arms and legs and hands that don’t know where to rest in a dingy bathroom, and the moment couldn’t be more glorious. I’m kissing Zoe Morgan!

The gauze falls to the floor when Zoe throws her other arm around me. The soft press of her breasts against my chest is enough to make me want to hold my breath, and Zoe to me forever.

Then, all too soon it’s over. We break apart at the same moment, both of us breathing hard. I twist a finger in the hem of my T-shirt where it brushes her hips, and she licks her bottom lip, red and little puffy from kissing me.

Valentine's Day Post 4

“Coop,” I said slowly. “Why’d you kiss me?”

I studied his face, the way his lips parted. “Why? Did you like it?” He smirked.

“Yes.”

His eyes widened. Had I actually shocked him?

I don’t know why but I had. Somehow the room felt hotter. I caught those golden eyes of his. Felt him come closer, like a moth to a flame.

He took another step. I could feel him. It was like a heat radiated off of him, made me want him. I reached out a hand. His skin singed under my touch. God, I wanted him.

“Coop,” I whispered, the words barely escaped before his burning lips pressed against mine. I couldn’t breathe. I didn’t want to. All I wanted in that moment was him. His lips found my neck, fiery kisses that left me wanting more and more. The backs of my legs pressed against the edge of the bed. I was on it a second later, Coop on top of me, but I barely registered. My shirt was up and over my head. Heat surged inside me. A desire I couldn’t quench. Coop’s shirt was off now, tossed in a corner. His hard muscles felt like fire beneath my icy fingers.

Someone rapt against the door. Just like that the fire in me died, like someone had just thrown water onto it.

“Alex, honey,” my mother said through the door. “Sam is here to see you.” Ice washed over me. I blinked, Coop’s eyes were bronze. I was topless. Crap. Least I wasn’t braless.

Valentine's Day Post 5

“Lyris,” he said as she stood and faced him, “you look wonderful.” She looked down and blushed. He loved that her emotions were displayed in her pale skin.

“Did you sleep well?” she asked leaning in for a kiss.

“It’s definitely more comfortable then a cot,” he said, he wouldn’t tell her of the nightmare he had, he knew that she was in it—that much he remembered. “I have a gift for you, I want you to open it now because you might want it later. He brushed her face with his hand. “Please sit down and close your eyes.” She did as he asked and he retrieved the box and laid it in her lap and sat next to her. “Open your eyes,” he said and she opened them.

She looked down and then looked back at him. Her eyes dilated and he smiled.

“Open it.” he whispered.

She pulled at the silver paper to reveal a dark cherry wood box. The clasp was brushed steel. She opened it with trembling fingers. Nestled in black silk lay a white sword. The sheath was white lacquer, the handle wrapped in white, a beaded tassel hung from the pommel. The hand guard was calla lilies carved in brushed steel like the clasp on the box. She looked at him and then back at the sword. She pulled it out and a length of white silk unrolled from the top of the sheath.

“There’s more,” he said. She pushed at the hand guard with her thumb and unsheathed the blade. She gasped, “Lyris and Noble Standing, April 25, 2093” was etched on the brushed steel blade. She turned the blade over, “Forever” was etched on the other side. She replaced the blade and laid it to her side, for a second he wondered if she liked it until she leaped into his arms and hugged him tight enough to squeeze the air out of him.

“No sword master should be without her blade even on her wedding day,” he said.

Valentine's Day Post 6

I looked down the barrel of my glock and positioned a vital corner of his chest in my sights. I had a small window of opportunity to get the shot right. Too far south and I’d hit his heart, to my left was his lung and to the right was a major artery. In other words, there was a reason why my hands were shaking and sweat was making my finger slip on the trigger. One false move and he was toast. Dead toast.

There was something about this man with his warm, trusting honey brown eyes, teasing smirk and the way he reached into my heart and screwed around with my normally sane sense of judgment. He messed with my head in a way that messed with my gun performance and that wasn’t good. I needed to shoot him. In fact, it was imperative.

If I cared much, much less for the man, pulling the trigger might have been easier. However, I wouldn’t know if that was a true statement. After all, how could I shoot an innocent man? Much less, pull the trigger on him knowing I was deeply, madly and irrationally in love with him?

Maybe I should back up and explain that...

Valentine's Day Post 7

Class drones on forever. With every minute that passes I am more and more uncomfortable. I know he's going to corner me after class. I just don't know what I'm going to say. I steal another glance his way, this time his eyes have a softness in them, and that familiar flutter roams through my belly. I look straight ahead. Why in the world can't I get my life together?

The bell rings. I get up and gather my things, noticing the whole time that Alex is standing there waiting on me. Maybe if I drag it out and make him late, he'll leave without me. Fat chance, he probably doesn't even like high school or need it for that matter. I pull my backpack over my shoulder but he stops me and effortlessly grabs the strap placing it on his arm next to his bag. Ugh, now I definitely can't run. I look over and he gestures for me to walk in front of him.

Once we're in the hall I feel his hand under my elbow guiding me out the doors toward the parking lot. My heart speeds up at his touch. We pass many of my friends but they don't give us a second thought. I wonder if this is it. Will he demand I go right back to the sea? That thought hurts a little, I don't think I'm ready to go back.

His hand stays under my arm steering us to a black pickup truck, a few rows from the door. Once we're next to the truck he drops our bags, turns me so my back is against the truck, resting his hands above my shoulders against the black metal.

He lets out a deep breath as if he's been holding it in, "Ever, don't do that to me again." His voice is pained at the last word. I glance into his eyes, so much hurt. Without thinking, my hand goes up and rests on his cheek. He leans in so that his lips are an inch from mine. I close my eyes, knowing this is wrong but needing to feel something. His breath hitches but he doesn't move any closer. I open my eyes and he's still right there. I close the gap. My lips graze his gently. A feeling rises up like none I've felt. Not the intense need or tingle I feel with Jack. A soothing feeling, a calmness that I welcome. His lips explore mine. It lasts only a few seconds and he pulls away searching my eyes. My head screams at me, Ever this is wrong, what are you thinking?

Valentine's Day Post 8

Turning to face me, he moves his head down so we’re almost touching. “I still say you get closer to me during horror movies.”

My lips twitch at the challenge in his voice, and I lean forward, pressing my forehead to his. “I still say I hate horror movies, and making me watch something I hate is mean.”

“That’s me, the big meanie pants,” he says, his voice low.

I nod, moving my mouth closer to his. In a breath, his lips are on mine. I lift my hands, one going to his neck and tangling in his hair, the other reaching under his arm to his strong back. Our mouths move together, and his hands tighten on my shoulders.

He feels so good I lose all sense of time. My hand flexes on his back, gripping the muscles moving under it. He moans, and moves me, flipping my legs over his and laying me back onto the couch.

The angle changes the kiss, makes it deeper, more urgent. It’s my turn to moan as he leans over me, one arm holding his weight off me. The other hand caresses my face, then slides down my body, stopping at my waist.

My breath hitches as his hand caresses the skin at the edge of my jeans. He slowly raises his hand under my shirt, making small circles on my stomach, then my ribcage. The anticipation makes my heart pound. He finally reaches my chest, softly grasping me.

We moan together, and then we’re both just hands, and lips, and bodies. Brian breathes my name, and my stomach clenches. I run my hands under his shirt, wanting to touch all of him.

A door slams.

“Bree? I’m home!”

Mom. Shit.

Valentine Swoon-Worthiness

I know, it's been awhile since I posted. Christmas, New Year's, finishing FLAWED to send off to the awesome people of Spencer Hill Press, blah, and more excuses.

So, it's time for another contest.

Since it's getting close to Valentine's Day, I thought it would be great fun to have a bit of hotness here on the blog.

All you have to do is post 250-300 words of a swoon-worthy scene (please not too graphic) below in the comment section then we will put it up to a vote. This can be first kiss, a hot romantic scene, maybe just an electrifying touch.

When the contest closes, I will separate the posts into entries so that you can vote.

Whoever gets the most votes...wins. 

Up for grabs...
1st prize winner--$15 B&N or Amazon GC.
2nd prize winner--$10 B&N or Amazon GC.

Rules:

1) Post a 250 to 300 word excerpt of a romantic scene from your manuscript
2) If you post, then you are promising to come back and vote for your favorite. Now the catch: you have to tell the writer why it is your favorite. (That's the learning part of the exercise--writing is a non-ending road of learning.)
2.1) You cannot vote for your own. 
3) You have to be a follower of my blog.
4) Have fun!!!!!

Dates to know:

February 1st to February 7th: Post your excerpt.
February 8th to February 13th: Vote for your favorite. Please wait for the announcement to vote. 
February 14th: Winner announced. 

If there are any questions please leave them in the comment section and I will answer them to the best of my ability.

Hugs to you all and good luck!

The Great Spencer Hill Press Holiday Cheer Giveaway Winners

Happy Monday!

And what better way to start off a Monday than with winners of the Spencer Hill Press Holiday Cheer Away Giveaway.

I want to thank each and everyone of you for participating and going around and meeting the talented Spencer Hill Press authors and family.

I also want to thank the Spencer Hill family for all the uber awesome stuff they donated. 

Maybe it was you!  If you would like to know, look below!

Grandprize Winner!!
Brooke Watts DelVecchio

Grats Brooke!

Second Prize Winner!!
Sabrii Somerhalder

Grats Sabrii!!

Third Prize Winner!!
Antonia Calina

Grats Sabrii!!!

The three winners will be getting an email from me today. Or, if you like, you can email me!

Grats to all! And thanks once again for participating!

Happy Holidays!


 

The Great Spencer Hill Press Holiday Cheer Giveaway!

Yep! Another awesome contest hosted by the Spencer Hill Press family.  And you get to participate and win absolutely fabulous prize bags full of awesome stuff. Here's a peek at what you can get: books, critiques, giftcards, jewelry, swag, plus more!!

I feel lucky to be a part of a wonderful group of talented people. I could list all their names with descriptions of how awesome they are but, instead, I'm just going to provide the link and you can check it out yourself. If you've visited my blog before it has already been established I'm lazy. There now you know. 

The link---> Spencer Hill Press Awesomeness

See the banner above? Our very own talented Lisa Amowitz did that for us. She's pretty awesome. Not only is she a crafty storyteller, but she is also a graphic designer and illustrator. You can check more out about her here.

I also want to thank all the Spencer Hill Press family for their donations and spreading the word! For making this spectacular giveaway possible. Hugs and kisses to each and everyone of you. 

Back to the contest:

We are giving away three awesome prize bags to three very lucky people. Just in time for the holiday season, too. Our present to you.

GRAND PRIZE Holiday Cheer Away Holiday Giveaway Bag (Not everything is in pic)

Books:

TOUCH OF DEATH

One Spencer Hill Press book (winner's choice--can include soon to be release selections)

Jewelery:

Bracelet

TOUCH OF DEATH Handcrafted Pendant- www.stainedglasscreationsandbeyond.com

Handcrafted Necklace and Earrings

So Many Books, So Little Time Necklace

Giftcards:

$20 Amazon or Barnes and Nobel (Winner's Choice)

$15 Starbucks

Two $10 Amazon

Critiques:

First Chapter Critique-Mary Gray

First Chapter Critique-Rhys A Jones

Query Letter Critique-Trisha Wolfe

Cool Stuff:

GUARDIAN T-shirt

BETRAYED Fridge Magnet

Flashlight

Ornaments

Holiday Towel and Potholder

Candy- nom nom nom

Swag:

BREAKING GLASS Handcrafted Bookmark

FINN FINNEGAN Handcrafted Charmed Bookmark- www.stainedglasscreationsandbeyond.com

PERFECTION

TOUCH OF DEATH

FINN FINNEGAN

BETRAYED

ANGELINA'S SECRET

COPPER GIRL

OTHER TREE

PODs

SECOND PRIZE Holiday Cheer Away Holiday Giveaway Bag (not everything is in pic)

Books:

ANGELINA'S SECRET - 1st edition signed copy

Jewelery:

Bracelet

TOUCH OF DEATH Handcrafted Pendant- www.stainedglasscreationsandbeyond.com

Earrings

Giftcards:

$10 Amazon or Barnes and Nobel (Winner's Choice)

$15 Starbucks

$10 Amazon

Critiques:

First Chapter Critique-Trisha Wolfe

First Chapter Critique (2500 Words Max)-Elizabeth Langston

Query Letter Critique-Kimberly Ann Miller

Cool Stuff:

BETRAYED Fridge Magnet

Flashlight

Ornaments

Holiday Towel and Potholder

Candy- NOM NOM NOM

Swag:

FINN FINNEGAN Handcrafted Charmed Bookmark- www.stainedglasscreationsandbeyond.com

PERFECTION

TOUCH OF DEATH

FINN FINNEGAN

BETRAYED

ANGELINA'S SECRET

COPPER GIRL

OTHER TREE

PODs

THIRD PRIZE Holiday Cheer Away Holiday Giveaway

Critiques:

First five pages--Sarah Guillory

First 250 word-DK Mok

Either query or first 250 word critique (your choice)--Michelle Pickett

Please note: The giveaway is from Dec. 3rd to Dec. 16

                    Open to US and Canadian Residents only. Sorry to all our international friends.

                    

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And The Winner Is....

Happy Monday!

I know I'm a day late, but I do have the winner for my book trailer contest. Yep, I surely do.

It is....

Tammy Middleton!!!!!

Grats Tammy!

And thank you all for stopping by and participating.

Also in the works, just in time for the gift giving season, something big (and when I say big, I mean huge) brewing.

So, keep a lookout. Especially right about December 1st.

Thanks all! Have a great day!

PERFECTION Book Trailer

Today of all days is a wonderful time to premier PERFECTION's book trailer. 

Exactly six months from today PERFECTION will be released. I honestly still can't believe it.

Of course, I'm having a contest, too. I love contests--see below for the details.

When I go back and think about the wonderful transformation PERFECTION has gone through, I'm still astounded.  I can remember the very first time I sat at my computer and typed the first words, The year is 2012... Those word are long gone now, along with many others.

What a journey PERFECTION has gone through.

Because of the wonderful people of Spencer Hill Press: Kate Kaynak, Vikki Ciaffone, Alex Bennet, Rich Storrs, and all of the other awe-inspiring editors, and my wonderful beta readers, PERFECTION will soon be in print. I could never repay or begin to chip away at the mountain of gratitude I owe them.

Also, a very special thanks to Kate for the wonderful work she did to make the trailer. And to my awesome friend, Marc Miller, who donated his musical talent. Here's a link to Marc's facebook page. He just rocks.

I heart them all.

Without further ado, PERFECTION's trailer. I hope you enjoy.




I would love if you would take a moment to visit my Goodreads page and author page If you would like, there are places where you can vote for PERFECTION along with any of your other favorites on Goodreads. You can find them on the Goodreads' link I provided. All you have to do is scroll down a little.

Now for the rules of the contest:
1) Be a follower of my blog.
2) Add PERFECTION to your Goodreads' wishlist.
3) Like my author page. Remember to add to interests list. Or you can just friend me on facebook.
4) Leave a comment about what you liked or did not like about the trailer.
5) Leave in the comment section the best way to contact you.  You know, because you might win.
6) Leave in the comment section all the things you did. Each one gives you an additional entry.

That's it. Nothing hard at all. The prize will be a $10 gift-card to Barnes and Noble or Amazon (your choice). Winner will be announced November 11, 2012. 

Thanks so much for visiting.

Oh, and I mustn't forget, be sure to check out my sister blog, Oasis for YA, where I've been adopted. Great posts, contests, and writer(ly) information from wonderful and talented authors. 

My First Post Over On Oasis for YA

Morning!

I'm excited to share with you my first post over at Oasis for YA. I really hope you go check it out and let me know what you think.

Here's the link, Oasis for YA. It will take you right over there.

Also, coming soon here, within the next week or so, is something pretty cool.

Be sure to check back!

Thanks for stopping by, and I hope to see you over at the Oasis' blog. 

Exciting News

Good Morning!!!

I'm ever so excited to become an actually part of my extended family over at the Oasis for YA blog.

I'd like to thank my wonderful sisters for having me.  So, thank you: Larissa Hardesty, Jessie Harrell, Nikki Katz, Sheri Larsen, J.A. Souders, and A.E. Rought.  :)

Over the last couple of years, I've had the pleasure of beta-reading for these talented authors, interviewing them, hosting contests with them--and even some of their agents.

And NOW, I'm going to be an active member of their blog. So, you can catch me there and here. :)

Over at the Oasis for YA blogs, the girls are very active, bringing you contests, query critiques, contests, book reveals, raising awareness for causes, and talking about writing in general. Oh, and did I mention contests?

Lots of great information for readers and writers, alike!!!

So, if you hadn't the pleasure of meeting the wonderful, talented girls over at Oasis for YA, be sure to stop by and tell them hi. :)  And to add some brownie points for me, tell them I sent you.

By the way, being the great blog host I am, I even provided you the link. It's here -->>Oasis for YA!

Always thinking about my readers. Have to make it easy.

Enjoy visiting the blog!!

THE GRAND PRIZE WINNER OF THE SPENCER HILL PRESS SUMMER BLOG RUN

This is it. The Spencer Hill Press Summer Blog Run is finished, and I'm pooped. It's been a great run with visits from awesome authors, not to mention the great prizes.

Thank you all for stopping by and leaving comments.

So, here we are, the grand prize announcement. By the way, my hand is stiff from writing all the names down.

*swishes pieces of paper around in the magic hat of names*

The second prize winner of a $10 Amazon GC is....

karla @ bookaddict

Woot! Grats Karla.

And now for the Grand Prize winner of the $100 GC...

*drum roll and trumpets blaring*

Sarah Negovetich

WOOHOO!!!!

Grats Sarah!!!

Thanks again to everyone for all the fun. Now I'm taking a break.  :)

THE SPENCER HILL PRESS SUMMER BLOG RUN GRAND FINALE

I had a lot of fun hosting the blog run for all the authors at Spencer Hill Press. It was a long run with lots of great prizes.

Now, to top it all off, all the authors and I are giving away a Grand Prize of ....

*drum roll*

$100 gift card from either B&N or Amazon gift card (your choice). 

Second place prize is a $10 gift card from Amazon.

Just in time for Christmas, because nothing says I love you than a present of books...for yourself.

Here are the directions...

First, if you are a previous commenter on any of the other blog posts during The Spencer Hill Press Summer Blog Run, you don't have to do anything. You are already entered.

But, if you have not entered previously, don't fret, we have a way for you to enter, too. Just fill out the rafflecopter form below.

That's it. Easy peasy.

The contest starts now, and ends Saturday. The winner will be announced Sunday, September 30th. 

If you have any questions, please leave in comments, and I will answer them to the best of my ability.

   a Rafflecopter giveaway


Please note: I am using the Rafflecopter for you to enter; I will not be using it to pick the winner. The reason is because of all the people who have previously entered by commenting on a blog post during the summer run.

Thanks for participating. 

Winner of Mary Gray's Goodies

Hi,

I want to thank each and everyone of you for commenting and participating in The Spencer Hill Press Summer Blog Run. I've learned so much about all the awesome authors, and a little about the readers, too. It was rather quite fun.

I, also, want to send a special thanks to all the authors, who participated. Especially for letting me pick their brains with a jillion (of course, that is an exaggeration) questions.

So...

*swishes names around in magic hat of tricks*

The winner of the final prize is...drum roll please, 

*rat-a-tat-tat*  <--that's my drum roll

Elizabeth Prats!!!!

Grats Elizabeth. Thank you so much for commenting. And thank you, Mary, for the prize.

Now, some more awesome news....

The authors of Spencer Hill Press who participated in the run and I want to extend a GRAND PRIZE of $100 GC from either B&N or Amazon (you get to choose).  Pretty awesome addition to the wonderful prizes each had donated already.

AND, just in time for Christmas--um...you know, to buy presents for yourself.

More about the grand prize will be posted tomorrow, so be sure to come back then.

The Spencer Hill Press Summer Blog Run Finale--Mary Gray

The SPENCER HILL PRESS SUMMER BLOG RUN is coming to a close and gearing up toward the grand-prize, which is an extremely generous B&N Gift Card from all of the Spencer Hill Press authors, who have participated. 

More information for the grand prize will be on Monday, September 24th.

I am ever so pleased for my last author of the run to be, Mary Gray. 

Not to be confused with Mary Gary (it’s so painful when people do that!)

Once again, because I am thinking of my readers, I am providing all the links for you. Go checkout Mary on her webpage, Goodreads, and twitter. 

And the website is brand new with an integrated blog, and I finally got the Goodreads librarians to clear out all the extra books I had supposedly written. I’ve only written one book!

Mary, also, has a brand-spanking new facebook page, so please go over there and give her a like. 

Mary's debut novel, THE DOLLHOUSE ASYLUM, won't be released until Oct. 2013. I'm sure that seems like a lifetime from now, but we are going to give you a little bit here to keep her novel on your mind until release date.

What’s more, the cover will be released the week of October 8^th of THIS year, so only a few weeks until I can share something!

The title of your debut sounds really creepy.  I like that. A lot! 

Thank you! I owe the brilliance to my awesome editor, Danielle Ellison, and her former roommate, Nate. It used to be called my fragility but we wanted the title to be something more concrete, while still relaying the connotation of fragile and creepy. It is a creepy read. J

Thank you so much for visiting and helping me wrap up the Spencer Hill Summer Blog Run, Mary.

And thank you so much for having me! I haven’t been interviewed in such a very long time!

*laser-beam show with the Trans Siberian Orchestra playing kickbutt music*

 Mary considers pitching a few aerials, but decides that probably wouldn’t be a good idea.

Throughout the different stages of life, share with us your favorite books.

Child: TEN LITTLE MONKEYS JUMPING ON THE BED (My mom used to always act that one out)

Middle grade: THE TRUE CONFESSIONS OF CHARLOTTE DOYLE by Avi

Young adult: THE SNEECHES by Dr. Seuss (I used to perform that one over and over in competition)

Adult: Neal Shusterman’s UNWIND, Carrie Ryan’s THE FOREST OF HANDS AND TEETH, R.L. LaFever’s GRAVE MERCY, and Lucy Christopher’s STOLEN.

What book is on your nightstand, now?

AMAROK by Angela J. Townsend. A twitter buddy said she loved it so I can’t wait!

I'm reading that one, too, right now. YAY for Angela!

What author inspired you most?

Stephanie Meyer. It seems to be the popular thing to belittle her writing and her books, but it was only after reading her stories that I started writing my own. I always loved writing and English in school, but she showed me what it was like to get swept up in another world again.

Who is your number-one fan, and how does he/she support you?

My little sister. She always reads whatever I need her to look at and always has so many kind words. She gets what I’m trying to do—she’s not a writer herself, but we love all the same movies and books.

When did your love for writing sprout and why?

We were living in Virginia and I really wanted to move to Texas. My husband I were fighting about it constantly, and when I could see that we weren’t going to move anytime soon, I started writing in the afternoons and evenings when the kids were down. It helped me keep my mind off the fact that I wanted to move to Texas and I soon saw how fun it was to get swept up in my own worlds.

Can you tell us a bit about the first story you ever wrote?

It was called THE ETHOS and was actually picked up by a small press, though I halted the editing process when I could see that I didn’t want it to be my debut (it needed too much work, and I didn’t think my editor and I were a good fit). But it was about the descendants of Aristotle and how they embodied his ethos, logos, and pathos (ethics, logic, and persuasion) and used these persuasive tactics as super powers.

I see you're a stay-at-home mom, one of the hardest jobs in the world (I speak from experience). Do your children inspire your characters in your books.

I did have a character based off my daughter but ended up having to take her out in editing, but eventually I’m sure one will stick!

What steps do you take when writing?

My best writing takes place when I’m all alone and everything is quiet. I love to write in my car when there’s no internet access (when the weather cooperates) or else the library in a private study room. Sometimes I listen to music, but lately, not so much. I also work in spurts where I’ll read, read, read, or watch lots and lots of shows on Netflix, and then the writing bug will hit and I’ll do nothing but write.

How do you form your characters from thought to actually entities living within your words?

It’s been a very long process for me getting to know my characters. At first, they’re actually quite trite. But one idea at a time comes along and I’m able to see that side of their personality. At least, that’s how DOLLHOUSE has been (my characters were easier for me to see in my first book). But now they leap from the page and I owe a huge thanks to my editor for helping it happen. She had me do these character exercises where I had a day in the life of each character and identified aspects of their personalities (i.e. greatest weakness, what they want) and it helped so much. I will always use this process for future books.

Tell us a little about your world building.

I do best with one foot in the world and one out. (That’s why I always loved paranormal books.) For THE DOLLHOUSE ASYLUM though, my fantasy is mostly made up by the fear and otherworldly environment of an ordinary subdivision in the middle of nowhere. Lots and lots of fear. But for this story, I’ve learned to draw pictures of the scenes to help with the setting, and think about the props in the scenes like a play. This is something my editor has also helped me to do. I’m usually a directionless person, so the drawing bit helps. A lot.

Tell us some other hobbies you enjoy while not clacking away on a keyboard or running after kids.

Right now I’m obsessed with the show Supernatural (I get so much inspiration from TV shows and books). I also enjoy baking, basketball, and spending time with my husband, but honestly, since my kids are all so little I get very little time for myself, so I use the majority of that time immersed in other worlds.

Do you have a favorite recipe you would like to share with us?

Chicken and Dumplings (EASY crockpot recipe great for the fall)

1 lb. frozen chicken tenders

2 cans cream of chicken soup

¼ cup water

¼ cup onion

½ cup diced carrots

1 can Pillsbury biscuits

Dump everything but the biscuits in the crockpot and cook on high 3-5 hrs. Add the biscuits 30 min. before eating. Enjoy! (I love this recipe because it’s like a comfort food—so warm—but so easy when you have such little time.)

First thing to pop into your head….

Chocolate or vanilla? 

CHOCOLATE

Vamps or werewolves or zombies?

Depends on the story. I love them all. I love the vampires in Vampire Diaries and the werewolves in Supernatural, and I absolutely fell in love with the zombies in THE FOREST OF HANDS AND TEETH.

Shorts or slacks?

SHORTS! I live in Texas, after all!

Cupcakes or cookies?

If I make them, cookies. If Georgetown Cupcake makes them, cupcakes.

Hugh Jackman or Zac Efron?

Hugh Jackman! I love beardy men.

Um..Yep....

Most embarrassing moment in your life? (Unfortunately for you, you have to make this extremely good since you are the one closing the blog run...mua ha ha  *curls mustache with finger tips*)

When I eight months pregnant, I ran into the bathroom in Walmart once. But as I was taking care of business, I looked down to see this hairy foot. At first, I couldn’t makes sense of it. Why was there so much hair? And then I realized it was a man’s foot and I could just feel the tendrils of crimson running down my cheeks as I bolted past the five or so men outside the stall. It was only then that I noticed the urinals and realized there had only been two stalls.

Tell us a little about The Dollhouse Asylum:

This is the Publishers Marketplace listing:

Mary Gray’s THE DOLLHOUSE ASYLUM, in which a group of teenagers are granted asylum from the apocalypse–and then assigned new identities as famous, tragic literary couples and forced to reenact their stories… or die, to Kate Kaynak at Spencer Hill Press, in a nice deal, for publication in October 2013, by Kat Salazar at Larsen/Pomada Literary Agents (World English).

Where did the idea come from?

Again, I was living in Virginia at the time and kept dreaming of moving to Texas, and all I kept seeing was this terrified girl trapped in this perfect subdivision in the middle of nowhere. The love interest/villain had always been there, too (her captor, if you will). I knew she both loved and feared him and I wanted to explore their world.

How did you form the complexity of the plot?

Larry Brooks’ Story Structure helped A LOT. I also attended David Farland’s Professional Novel Writers Workshop before writing the plot that got me my agent (formerly, Kat Salazar). But the plotting has changed a fair amount as I’ve worked with Danielle to bring out the romance further (which is always good!) and better flesh out the relationship between my main character and the antagonist.

What do you like most about writing young adult?

It just resonates with me! I love how the young adult age is on the brink of everything. They’re not married yet (usually) and are in the throng of so many choices and yet so many things are holding them back (or so they feel). Like parents are usually a thorn in a young adult’s side. The choices they make then impact the rest of their lives and I feel like the young adult genre in literature is so vibrant and embraces trying new things. The emotions are so raw and real and I love the emphasis on romance. I need romance in my books. I love how young adults are so smart—they’re pretty much on par with adults (sometimes smarter!) and yet everything they feel is so intense, even heightened. I live to relive that when I write.

The Dollhouse Asylum blurb:

I’m not supposed to share that yet! But it will be available October 13^th along with the cover, so just a few weeks!

Time for the Tantalizing Teaser Temptation ... .

Without going into too many specifics, allow me to just share why this story is so important to me. So many women are in love with someone that is so bad for them. This story is in large part for these women. For them to see that the emotions are very real, that the trauma isn’t all in your head, that it tears your heart out to figure it out.

Be sure to check out more information with the cover reveal and blurb during October on Mary's website! Here's the link, again.

For all the lucky people who stopped by, Mary is kind enough to give away...

A $25 gift card to Amazon or Barnes & Noble—winner’s pick.

Just two things to enter:

1)  You have to follow my blog.  Need directions---scroll back up closer to the top, right hand side and click follow

2)  Since all the authors have shared an embarrassing moment, I thought it would be fun if the readers shared one of theirs.  Bwahaha!

Contest ends Saturday, Sept. 22nd.

Winners will be announced Sunday, Sept. 23rd.

Oh, and don’t forget, everyone who comments is automatically entered to win the grand prize of a Barnes and Noble gift card at the end of whole summer run. 

Thank you all for stopping by.  Please leave Mary a comment thanking her for her time and for the ultra-cool prize.