Ian Kezsbom

Ian doesn't have a huge online presence like my other honorees, but he's no less important to me! See, Ian is not only an uber talented writer, he's also an AH MAZE ING editor. MY editor and president of Fuzzbom Publishing the company that published not only THE BINDING STONE, but all of the JOURNEYS OF WONDER anthologies. Ian's a busy guy (almost as busy as his wife, Deborah). He's a father, a film editor, and a publisher/writer. But he always gets back to me no matter how much is going on. He's multi-talented and a very funny guy. He does have a blog under Journeys of Wonder (clicky click). Happy Turkey Week, Ian!

Don't forget today is your last chance to leave info about someone you want me to thank with a prize.

Angela Ackerman

Angela is another one of those people that spreads the awesomeness beyond expectations. She and Becca (who is also topped with awesome sauce) run Writers Helping Writers blog, which says it all in the name. But Angela is also funny, sweet, and smart. If you're a writer you need to check out their bookstore, full of helpful craft books like the Emotion Thesaurus.

So this shout out is for her! *sprinkles bacon and pixie dust* because she's also a bacon fanatic. ;D

Don't forget to leave info about someone you want me to thank with a prize.

Martina Boone

Martina probably doesn't need introduction. She's the mastermind (and I mean that literally) behind the Adventures in YA and Childrens Publishing blog. She started the First Five Pages Workshop with me. And she has the first book in her trilogyThe Heirs of Watson Island, BEHOLDEN, coming out soon (but not soon enough so go mark it on Goodreads). I've known Martina for a while now and I have to tell you, she is one of those people who can accidentally intimidate you with her brain power and creative process. She's supportive, brilliant, and unbelievably talented and I hope she knows how much I appreciate her!

Don't forget to leave info about someone you want me to thank with a prize.

Leslie Rose

I can't mention Julie without telling you about our third musketeer, Leslie! Leslie is kind, giving, creative, intelligent, and one of the funniest people I know. She's also unbelievably talented. It blows me away how she can switch genres at the drop of a pin and keep the amazing voice like she does. So this shout out is for her.

Don't forget to leave info about someone you want me to thank with a prize.

Julie Musil

Julie is not only my first writing buddy, she's seriously the nicest person I know. I can't even believe how sweet she is sometimes. She's also a talented writer and an avid blogger who has touched so many others. So this shout out goes to Julie!!! Look for her first book coming out soon. THE BOY WHO LOVED FIRE and go mark it to read on Goodreads. ;D

Don't forget to leave info about someone you want me to thank with a prize.

Spread the Love

I'm switching gears since Thanksgiving is next week. I want to take time out to say thank you because I'm so grateful to so many of you. I know I'll forget people, I have trouble with that sort of thing and I don't want to leave anyone out. But I do have a few extra special people I want to give a virtual hug to. 

But I want to spread the love! So here's the deal - leave a comment anytime this week or next and let me know who you're thankful for, their email/website, and a short reason why and I will pick a couple of these awesome peeps and give them a book or critique (you may want to specify what you think they'd like), letting them know it was YOU behind the whole thing. 

Why not do something nice for someone?

So next week (turkey week) I will be doing one short post per weekday about people I'm thankful for. I hope you'll go say hello to some of these folks because they are awesome. Trust me on that! And if I don't *feature* you, it doesn't mean I don't appreciate you. Let me know who else in the blogosphere you appreciate and I'll help share the love. 

Because supporting each other is one of the best parts of being a writer!

AND, BUT, BUTT, and a CONTEST!

He he. Like my title? Lee McKenzie pointed out a rule the other week that I just LOVE to break as well and that is starting a sentence with "and" or "but". Also, writing in fragments. See what I did there? LOL

If you do it too much, it's distracting. I usually end up fixing quite a few in edits, but it's part of my style as an author. I don't do it because I have a reckless disregard for grammar (though I admit I'm not the best at that). I do it because it lends power to my words, my flow, and my voice. If it doesn't? Then I get rid of it. 

OH. You noticed the contest part, did you? *rubs hands together* I've decided to give you all some incentive to participate. All you have to do is suggest a writing rule you want me to talk about in this blog series and I will use randomizer.org to pick a winner. Sound good? Easy peasy, just the way I like it! 

What do you win? How about a Kindle version of THE BINDING STONE? Already read it? I'll give you your choice of that or a five page critique. Oh and of course a shout out if and when I pick your suggestion. Contest is open now through Friday at midnight EST. No extra points, but my everlasting gratitude if you help publicize it. ;D

Back to my rule of the day. And you've also been waiting for the "butt" part, haven't you? Here's an excerpt (possible slight spoilers) from THE BINDING STONE just for you. Thought you might like to see Taj in action since the next book features him quite prominently. ;D


My hands tremble. Mira has grown silent and remains pressed against the ceiling staring at me. What does she see? Does she see a monster? A murderer? A traitor? 

“I will hold her here.” Taj’s voice in my ear startles me. 

“But–” 

“Yes, I have a lovely butt,” says Taj. “No need to thank me, it looks ever so much fun. Now, go save that handsome master of yours.” 

“But–” 

“Yes, he also has a nice ass. Too nice to get beat to a pulp. Now go.”   Taj’s hands rise toward the ceiling, and I feel the burden lifted from my own. He refuses to make eye contact with me. 

I lean in and kiss him on the cheek.

Character Interview With Kita from SONGSTONE by Lena Goldfinch

Stay tuned after the interview for contest and book info!! I LOVED THIS ONE, GUYS!! And isn't the cover gorgeous??

Hi, Lisa! Lena here. Thanks so much for having Kita on your blog. I'm just a little bit nervous about what she'll say, but I'm so glad you invited us here! :)

Kita, Tell my readers a little about yourself and what makes you special.

I was found as a baby crawling in the forest by a village girl named Noni. No one knows where I came from or who I am, but they all say I must be Huwi. They all fear me just a little, for the Huwi are a mysterious tribe with pale skin and blood red hair. Like mine. They live in the trees of the smoking mountain, among the ancient island spirits. They protect the sacred places. And they can turn to mist.

Don’t look into their eyes, mothers whisper to small children, or they’ll steal you.

They look at me and shiver. I'm sure they think I'm about to do something awful to one of them. I'm not sure why. It's not as if I have any special powers. For one thing, if I'm supposed to be Huwi, why can't I turn into mist? I suppose I can meld song into stone, and only a few can do that...but that's not really a mystical power. It just is. It's as natural as breathing. How else would we share our stories with the generations to come? 

I don't dare tell my master my secret though. As it is, he steals drops of my blood to perform his terrible black magic. How I hate him. He's such an evil, vindictive man, who punishes his enemies for the smallest offenses. What if he found a way to use my gift for evil, to capture a spell in the heart of the stone? I'm not sure how he'd do it, but I don't ever want to find out.

What are your favorite three things about the island you live on?

1. I love the sound of the island breathing: the sound of waves surging to shore and the sigh they make as they return to the sea. It's a beautiful place, and it's also a deadly place. That's something I deeply respect and admire.

2. I love sea turtles. I love how they loll the waves and bob gently up and down. Noni used to take me to watch the sea turtles when I was little, because she knew I loved them....

I think life for a sea turtle must be very simple. A sea turtle doesn’t have to worry about magic or wickedly sharp bird bones, or losing drops of her blood—or any of that. Besides that, they're simply beautiful and just looking at one can make you feel better. 

3. Lastly, I love trees (even though that only confirms to the villagers that I belong in the deep forests, beyond the green belt of Mount Tul, where the mysterious Huwi live). I especially love kala trees and dream of someday having a hut in the kala trees near the sea.

* Of course, everyone loves Pono, don't they? It's more than annoying how, in one day, he can win the whole village with one of his silly smiles. It's even more annoying that I find myself watching him when no one else is looking. But I don't really want to talk about that. I barely know you, after all.

If you could change three things about your life, what would they be?

I can't imagine changing three things about my life. All my energy is spent wishing for one thing and one thing only: I want to be free--to escape from my evil master, Matiko. I want him gone forever. I wish he were dead. 

I suppose that is three things, isn't it?

What I can barely admit to myself is how much I long to know who I am and where I belong. I want family, friends, and love. I hope this isn't too much to wish for, but I fear it is. If there is anyway that I could have it all, well, I suppose I'd be willing to give up just about anything for that.

Enter below for some really AWESOME stuff! The giveaway is open internationally, and one winner (randomly drawn) will receive:

·      A signed copy of Songstone (Paperback)

·      A sea glass necklace with turtle charm 

·      A $10 Dairy Queen gift card (U.S.) or a $10 Amazon.com gift card (international)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Book 

Kita can meld song into stone. In a world with no written word, storytelling—the ability to meld (or magically impress) song into stone—is greatly honored. The village honors her master as their medicine man, but Kita knows he's secretly a sorcerer who practices black magic using drops of her blood. She fears he’ll use her beautiful gift for a killing spell, so she conceals it from him. Each day, his magic tightens around her neck like a rope. His spells blind the villagers, so they can’t see him for what he really is.

Not that anyone would want to help her. She was found in the forest as a baby and would have died if a village girl hadn't brought her home. But the villagers saw Kita's unusual coloring and decided she belonged to the mysterious tribe who lives in the forests of the volcano, a people feared for their mystical powers. So they fear her too. Now seventeen, she can barely admit her deepest longing: to know who she really is and where she belongs.

Then Pono, a young journeyman, arrives from the other side of the island. He's come to fulfill a pact between their villages: to escort a storyteller back to his village—a storyteller who'll be chosen at the great assembly. Finally, in Pono, Kita sees her one slim chance at freedom and she'll risk her life to take it.

A dark, twisty tale of sorcery, tummy-tingling romance, and adventure, inspired by the folklore of New Zealand's Māori people.

About the Author

Lena lives in a scenic small town in Massachusetts with her husband, two kids, and a very spoiled Black Lab. She writes fiction for young adults, mostly light fantasy with a healthy dose of "sigh-worthy" romance. You can visit her online at www.lenagoldfinch.blogspot.com.

Author’s Links

Website: http://lenagoldfinch.blogspot.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lena_goldfinch

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/lenagoldfinch

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4412038.Lena_Goldfinch

Newsletter sign-up: http://lenagoldfinch.us5.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=d20c77e0f3ef8dff993ecfcf7&id=6b1c2994d1

Too Awesome Not To Tell You

Today I have two things to tell you about.
1. I LOVE IT WHEN GOOD THINGS HAPPEN TO PEOPLE I CARE ABOUT!

My good friend and AMAZING writer, Martina Boone, who most of you know through her blog (named one of the top 100 blogs for writers by Writer's Digest btw) Adventures in YA and Children's Publishing, has an announcement of epic proportions. For those without time to click on the link, I don't want you to miss it, so here's the excerpt from PW:

Martina Boone’s Southern gothic trilogy—with a dash of magic—following Barrie, a teen sent to live with her dead mother’s twin on a decaying plantation where she discovers a centuries-old feud and dark secrets that require making peace with the local spirits, who may not be as welcoming as the sunlit boy who steals Barrie's heart, to Annette Pollert at Simon Pulse in a pre-empt by Kent Wolf at Lippincott Massie McQuilkin (World).

SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ahem. 

And second I want to direct you to another blog. The AMAZING Laurisa Reyes is having her second annual Super Swag Sunday Giveaway and I'm honored to be just one of the 55 participating authors! Here are the detes:

The 2nd Annual 

SUPER SWAG SUNDAY

is finally here!!!

When:  June 24th thru June 30th

Where:  laurisareyes.blogspot.com

Why:  For a chance to win lots of cool promotional items signed by 55+ of today's best middle grade and young adult authors!

Every day for seven days, Laurisa's blog will spotlight some of the most amazing new books for kids and teens! Monday June 24th thru Saturday June 30th visitors will be able to enter for chances to win one of 6 Swag Packs containing everything from signed bookmarks and postcards, to pins, pencils, totebags, stickers, key chains, lip balm, charms and more all donated by 54 of today's top middle grade and  young adult authors! Most of it is autographed!

On the last day, SUPER SWAG SUNDAY, one last MEGA SWAG PACK will be given to one very lucky winner! This pack so far includes everything listed above PLUS:

1- hardbound copy of THE UNWANTEDS signed by author Lisa McMann
1- TEST TASTE charm bracelet
1- TOUCHING THE SURFACE T-shirt
1 - LOVE AND LEFTOVERS charm necklace
1 - SEND ME A SIGN guitar pick
1 - paperback copy of EVERTASTER: THE BUTTERSMITH'S GOLD signed by author Adam Sidwell
1- hardbound copy of THE SCORCH TRIALS signed by author James Dashner
1- paperback copy of THE ALWAYS WARS signed by author Margaret Peterson Haddix
1 - OyMG! T-shirt
1 - Original Artwork Print from FISHTALE signed by author Catherine Masciola
1- LOSING IT water bottle signed by author Erin Fry
1 - hardbound copy of LOSING IT signed by the author
1 - paperback copy of HYSTERIA signed by author Megan Miranda
1- hardbound copy of STARTERS signed by author Lissa Price
1 - poster of THE BINDING STONE signed by author Lisa Gail Green
1 - DRAGONWITCH pencil
1 - signed Margaret Petersen Haddix PIN!
1 - MONSTERS (Ilsa J. Bick) Back Pack & Advanced Reader Copy
1- Paperback copy of DESMOND PUCKETT MAKES MONSTER MAGIC signed by author Mark Tatulli
1 - DC SUPERHERO Totebag
1 - paperback graphic novel TERRA TEMPO

Just a few of the very cool MEGA SWAG PACK goodies!

Where is this all taking place???

LAURISAREYES.BLOGSPOT.COM

Stop by every day from June 24th - 30th  
for plenty of chances to win!

See you there!

Sexiest Cover Reveal Ever

Got your attention yet? LOL! I'm for REAL, guys. I have the privilege of being part of the amazing Lisa Desrochers newest cover reveal for her steamy New Adult book, A LITTLE TOO FAR.

Here's the synopsis:

Have you ever gone just a little too far?

Lexie Banks has.

Yep. She just had mind-blowing sex with her stepbrother.In her defense, she was on the rebound, and it’s more of a my-dad-happened-to-marry-a-woman-with-a-super-hot-son situation. But still, he’s been her best friend and confidant for better part of the last few years…and is so off limits. It’s a good thing she’s leaving in two days for a year abroad in Rome.But even thousands of miles away, Lexie can’t seem to escape trouble. Raised Catholic, she goes to Confession in hopes of alleviating some of her guilt…and maybe not burning in hell. Instead, she stumbles out of the confessional right into Alessandro Moretti, a young and very easy on the eyes deacon…only eight months away from becoming a priest. As Lexie and Alessandro grow closer, and when Alessandro’s signals start changing despite his vow of celibacy, she doesn’t know what to think. She’s torn between falling in love with the man she shouldn’t want and the man she can’t have. And she isn’t sure how she can live with herself either way.

—"More than a ridiculously sexy, HOT read, Desrochers takes you on a wild ride of self-discovery and bittersweet romance." —Jennifer L. Armentrout (J. Lynn), New York Times bestselling author of Wait for You

READY?

Gorgeous, right?

What would this post be without a frawesome contest to go with it? Here's the link and a teaser to wet your appetites:

 I trace a finger along the lines of the tattoo over his heart—the kanji symbol for knowledge—as he grasps my thighs and rolls his hips underneath me.
GIVEAWAY: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Ready to preorder? Put your tongue back in first, then Clicky below. You're welcome!!

Amazing Giveaway!!!

* Win a copy of IMPOSTER by Susanne Winnacker (Ends 6/14)

* Win copy of THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES (Ends 6/10)

* Win a copy of THE EMERALD RING & a real emerald ring! (Ends 6/22)

GET READY FOR

The 2nd Annual

SUPER SWAG SUNDAY!!!

When:  June 24th thru July 1st

Where:  laurisareyes.blogspot.com

Why:  For a chance to win lots of cool promotional items signed by 40+ of today's best middle grade and young adult authors!

Win? Did you say WIN?

YES!

Every day for seven days, Laurisa's blog will spotlight some of the most amazing new books for kids and teens! Monday thru Saturday visitors will be able to enter for chances to win one of 6 swag packs containing everything from signed bookmarks and postcards, to pins, pencils, totebags, stickers, key chains, lip balm, charms and more!

On the last day, SUPER SWAG SUNDAY, one last MEGA SWAG PACK will be given to one very lucky winner! This pack so far includes everything listed above PLUS:

1- hardbound copy of THE UNWANTEDS signed by author Lisa McMann
1- TEST TASTE charm bracelet
1- TOUCHING THE SURFACE T-shirt
1 - LOVE AND LEFTOVERS charm necklace
1 - SEND ME A SIGN guitar pick
1 - paperback copy of EVERTASTER: THE BUTTERSMITH'S GOLD signed by author Adam Sidwell
1- hardbound copy of THE SCORCH TRIALS signed by author James Dashner
1- hardbound copy of THE ALWAYS WARS signed by author Margaret Peterson Haddix
1 - OyMG! T-shirt
1 - Original Artwork Print from FISHTALE signed by author Catherine Masciola
1- LOSING IT water bottle signed by author Erin Fry
1 - hardbound copy of LOSING IT signed by the author
1 - paperback copy of HYSTERIA signed by author Megan Miranda

And more prizes are still being added to the pile!

So be sure to stop by laurisareyes.blogspot.com every day from June 24th thru July 1st for plenty of chances to win. Stop by now and follow the blog to receive notifications of when the event starts posting.

See you then!

Contest and Tour Schedule

*Breaking news: THE BINDING STONE is available for only .99 cents on KindleThursday and Friday this week! Click here to check it out* 

Okay - NEXT week will be writing related, I promise! LOL But you DO want to WIN stuff, right? I hope so. Cuz I took your advice and I'm having a contest!!!

You will have multiple chances to win because I am doing some ebook giveaways on other blogs as well. But here's the contest for MY blog:

1. Tell me one wish you'd make if YOU had a genie. 

2. Tweet, FB, Blog, write on your forehead, whatever to get the word out! LOL If you do that last one I want a pic! Extra points for everything.

3. You can win one of the following: A print copy of the book (as soon as it's available and only in the US I'm sorry to say) signed by MOI, An ebook copy of the book, a critique (5 pages), a lovely canvas tote bag with the gorgeous BINDING STONE cover on it, a signed rack card with the same lovely art. 

That's 5 prizes! AND the best part? I might just ADD prizes if I get enough interest. So spread the word!! Just fill out the form below. 

Here's the schedule for my lovely blog tour this week:
Tuesday: 
I have a guest post on Stina Lindenblatt's blog
Wednesday: 
Interview/character interview on Margo Berendson's blog 
Interview on Julie Musil's blog
Thursday: 
Laura Pauling has an Excerpt from the book!
Friday:
Leslie Rose features me on her blog

a Rafflecopter giveaway

It's coming...

Pretty Isn't it?

Soon my friends. THIS MONTH my first novel, THE BINDING STONE, will be available to the masses. Eep. I'm thrilled and scared and happy and excited and anxious and well you get the idea. 

So here is my question to you:

What should I do for YOU to celebrate? Everyone runs contests, but is that enough? What will get you (yeah you, the people that read but don't say hello!)  to comment and enter? To celebrate with me????

Suggestions? 

Be creative because you know I love that. And to prove it I'll pick one legitimate suggestion/commenter and do a five page critique for you! Just leave your comment and email so I can reach you. I'll use randomizer.org to pick a winner!

Don't forget to add it on Goodreads. Mostly because I'm obsessively checking the page. 
*sits and stares at computer*
*refreshes screen*
WHAT? I have an A type personality! ;D 

And come like my author page on FB because it's pretty new and I'm pretty lonely over there. :( 

And because I always like giving you posts of value - I want to leave you with my new favorite quote.

"A book, too, can be a star, a living fire to lighten the darkness, leading out into the expanding universe."
- Madeleine L'Engle

Vanquished

Those that have followed me a while know that I love best selling authors Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie. I've featured the first two books of their Crusade trilogy and now I present the final one - VANQUISHED. Stick around because if you comment you have a chance to win your very own copy courtesy of Simon and Schuster. 

This time I've invited my buddy Harold the werewolf to give us his review of the book. *takes allergy pill* 

Me: Harry - may I call you Harry?

Harold: No. I try to avoid that thank you very much.

Me: Sorry. Um, so what did you think of the book? Was it a fitting end to the trilogy?

Harold: My biggest problem with the first two books was that there was too much focus on the priest/vampire and not enough on the obvious hero - Holgar the werewolf. 

Me: Um, sure. Holgar is an awesome character, but so is Antonio. And Jenn. Well, all of them really. But it's the unattainable love between Antonio and Jenn that make the book. 

Harold: Excuse me, but who's giving this review? You or me? 

Me: *bites lip*

Harold: As I was saying, I was happy to see that Holgar had a decent part in this book along with the other characters. 

Me: Thanks for that review, Harold. Please stop chewing on the armchair.

My opinion? I thought it was an epic ending to an epic series. Nancy and Debbie did a great job switching from one interesting character to another and built up to an ending that deserved the mounting tension in the series. They didn't shy away from difficult subject matter either where it was necessary. Awesome!

Okay - now leave me a comment and I will pick a random winner for the book. Deadline is next week, Sunday. I'll announce the winner on Monday. I like to make it as easy as possible, but even though you don't get extra entries, I'd appreciate you spreading the word! 

Contest, New Blog Series, and Free Ebook, OH MY!!

Our E-anthology, Journeys of Wonder, is available for free download on Kindle today and tomorrow! Spread the word! 

Here's another thing I'd love you to spread the word about. Some of you may remember my series of WHY and HOW posts that I did a while back. I really enjoyed those, and especially answering your writing questions. Plus it's been a while since I've done a contest! SO... DUN DUN DUN.


I would like to do a series of posts on WHEN, WHO, or WHERE. Meaning, ask me in the comments a clever question about when to do something, who to do it to (or send it to, etc.), or where certain things belong, and I will: A. Pick the best question and give the winner a prize! (leave your email so I can contact you) B. Do my best to either answer your questions to the best of my ability or find a guest poster who can. 


GOT IT? 


Good! OH and the prize?? Let's go for a $10 Amazon gift card this time! Only those eligible for me to send that through email please. 

How?

photo credit

My "Why" posts have been going over pretty well according to the responses. So I have a question for all of you. But since I want ANSWERS, I am tempting you with a prize. 


I would like to help answer questions that you have on HOW. How do I...?  SO, the best (judged by moi) how or why question in the comments section by this time next week will win a first chapter critique by yours truly. Keep in mind my forte is YA, but I will also look at MG. This way the contest is open worldwide. Oh heck, Aliens are invited too, but it has to be in English if you want comments because that's all I speak!


If it's a great question but I don't know the answer? I will FIND SOMEONE WHO DOES and still get the answer. If I get more than one? I'll give away up to three critiques, but potentially use more questions. And don't forget I'll link back to those who asked them. 


Good luck! Can't wait to see what you come up with. ;D

Beauty Queens Extravaganza and Contest!

Boy do I have a post for you! See, my writing compadres, Julie Musil and Leslie Rose, and I have all finished reading BEAUTY QUEENS by Libba Bray. This book is too amazing to be contained in a single post, so the three of us have come together this week to bring you an uber-awesome BEAUTY QUEENS Blog Extravaganza complete with our own beauty contestant profiles and a contest too fun to believe. So make yourselves comfortable for part one, right here, right now.

And with me to review the book I have none other than a beauty contestant, Miss Writer’s Block!

Me: So what did you think of the book?

MWB: It was pretty. *Smiles*

Me: *Cringes away from blinding reflection off teeth* How did the story make you feel?

MWB: Confused and awed. I mean, I can’t even finish my book, let alone come up with yummy stories that work together so well and actually mean something. That’s why I went for the Title. *fingers ribbon*

Me: Thank you, Miss Writer’s Block.

 

My opinion? Oh come on. You guys know Libba Bray is my favorite author. I may or may not have blackmailed her into taking this picture with me at the SCBWI conference. Either way, this book did NOT disappoint. I’d say lots of good stuff about the genius of it, but let’s leave it at: If you want to be my friend you should read this book.

 

Now to my fun facts page based off the novel:

Miss Teen Dream Fun Facts Page!

Name: Lisa Gail Green

State: Excited!

Age: Emotionally? Fifteen.

Height: Tall enough to reach most of my shelves.

Weight: More than I’d like.

Hair: Fiery red

Eyes: Green/blue

Best Feature: My smile :D <-- see?

Fun Facts About Me

•         I can tickle myself. (I know weird, right?
•     I actually almost entered a beauty contest as a young teen. Thank GOODNESS my parents refused to let me do it. I am aware that the Corporation may frown upon this answer but I thought it was relevant.
•     Libba Bray called me a diva. I’m pretty sure it was meant in a good way. In fact, she signed my copy of the book to “Divalicious”. I want to be just like her when I grow up.

AND the contest!!! 

Do you want to win an autographed copy of BEAUTY QUEENS? It isn’t just any autograph either. It’s in true Libba Bray style, and you’ll just have to take my word for it. 

If you want to win simply leave a comment telling us one fun fact about you as if you were a contestant in the Miss Teen Dream pageant. You can enter up to three times by commenting on Julie’s blog tomorrow, and Leslie’s on Wednesday. You have ‘till next Monday (one week) to enter, and we will each announce the winner on our blogs next week. Nothing complicated. No extra entries for this or that, though we will give virtual chocolate for spreading the word. U.S. only please (we're poor writers).

Something Potter This Way Comes!

Have I got a surprise for you!! This week I'm joining seven other fabulous bloggers who can't get enough Harry. Figuring that most of you feel the same, we've created #PotterChat, complete with blogfest, scavenger hunt contest with fabulous prizes, AND interactive twitter chats ALL WEEK LONG! Here are the detes: 

Can't let go of the excitement of seeing Deathly Hallows Part 2? On pins and needles until the opening of Pottermore and hoping you'll be one of the lucky early entries?

Then join our #PotterChat every day this week for fantastic blogging and Tweeting on all things Potter! Each day, some of our lovely and extremely interesting bloggers will bring you a new post on Potter sure to help quench your craving for that golden Harry Polyjuice. Then, at special designated times on Twitter, join us for a #PotterChat, where you can discuss live with the bloggers and other fans all things Potter -- your review of the movie, your expectations for Pottermore, whatever.

But BEST OF ALL -- is the PotterChat Scavenger Hunt. Follow the clues from one blog to another and collect the Q&A answers. When all answers have been revealed, e-mail the answers with the name of the blog they were found on to PotterChat8@gmail.com. First correct entry gets first choice of prizes, second entry gets second choice, and so on.

Here are our fabulous Bloggers with links to their blog and Twitter:

Monday:

PotterChat Announcement!

Writability by Avalon Jaedra on Top Five Favorite Harry Potter Moments (9:30 a.m. Eastern)

Tuesday:

Jami Gold, Paranormal Author by Jami Gold on Harry Potter and Beyond: What Inspires You to Write? (8:30 a.m. Eastern)

Bekah Snow's blog by Bekah Snow on Heroes Worth the Read: Ways to Make Your Characters Jump into Readers' Hearts (7 a.m. Eastern)

Wednesday:

Alivia Anders; Musings of a Microwaving Burrito Enthusiast by Alivia Anders on Why We Still Feel Sympathy for the Bad Guys

Kiki Hamilton, Author, by Kiki Hamilton on The Magic of Harry Potter: People, Places and Things (10 a.m. Eastern)

Thursday:

Paranormal Point of View by Lisa Gail Green on How To Leave 'Em Wanting More! The Wonderful World of Potter (7 a.m. Eastern)

Lyn Midnight: Against the Odds, by Lyn Midnight on The Boy Who'll Live Forever... in Fan Fiction (9 AM Eastern)

Friday:

HarryPotterforWriters by S.P. Sipal on Coming Home to Theme (9 a.m. Eastern)

Final Round-up and Prize Winners

#PotterChat:

Here's the schedule for our one-hour #PotterChats on Twitter each day. We've tried scheduling for various time zones. Simply follow the owl...I mean the hashtag!  :-)

• Monday: 9 pm Eastern
• Tuesday: 4 pm Eastern
• Wednesday: 11 am Eastern
• Thursday: 9 pm Eastern
• Friday: 5 pm Eastern (where we'll reveal the prize winners!)

Scavenger Hunt Prizes:

• A copy of The Faerie Ring when it releases Sept 27th from Kiki Hamilton
• A first chapter critique by Lisa Gail Green
• 3 chapter Beta read swap from Bekah Snow
• A first chapter (20 pages or less) critique from Alivia Anders
• A query letter critique OR critique of your first 5 pages by Avalon Jaedra
• Beta read up to 5K words by Jami Gold
• A critique of your first two chapters OR a guest spot on my blog from Lyn Midnight
• A first chapter critique (up to 20 pages) by S.P. Sipal
• A PDF or Kindle copy of A Writer's Guide to Harry Potter by S.P. Sipal

Scavenger Hunt List of Clues:

Here are the clues that you will have to follow and find throughout the week. Once you have visited all 8 blogs and found ALL 8 clues, please e-mail your list of answers and which blog they were found on to Potterchat8@gmail.com

Please note: You cannot submit your entry until 9 a.m. Eastern on Friday, when all 8 answers have been revealed on the blogs!

1. In Sorcerer's/Philosopher's Stone, when Professor McGonagall introduces Harry to Oliver Wood saying that she's found him a Seeker, she also notes that Harry caught the Remembrall in a dive that even who could not have done?
2. In Chamber of Secrets, who helped get Harry out of trouble in Filch's office by persuading Peeves to crash the vanishing cabinet on the floor above?
3. In Prisoner of Azkaban, what shape did Dean's Boggart take?
4. In Goblet of Fire, what does Dobby reveal to be his pay per week for working at Hogwarts?
5. In Order of the Phoenix, the Weasley twins planted this outside of Umbridge's office before leaving Hogwarts.
6. In Half-Blood Prince, during Dumbledore's visit to Tom Riddle's orphanage, he instructs Tom to empty items out of his box in his wardrobe.  Name one of the three items mentioned.
7. In Deathly Hallows, this gift was the end of Peter Pettigrew.
8. In Deathly Hallows, on the radio show Potterwatch!, although he wanted to be called "Rapier," Lee Jordon initially introduced one of the Weasley twins as... (this name).

Thanks for visiting and for playing! We look forward to a wonderful week with lots of fun!
photo credit Pretty interesting post for HP fans. Creepy though!