Cindy Young-Turner

A Stiff Kiss 1st anniversary contest

Today Avery Olive, author of A Stiff Kiss, stops by to chat about her fun book anniversary contest!

The Super Awesome A Stiff Kiss 1st Anniversary Contest

Welcome… Welcome! Please stick around and read today’s post ‘cause it’s a Winner! Hehe. Okay, so I thought about trying something a little different for this next contest.

My goal is to try and get everyone involved more, while spreading the word about A Stiff Kiss. I know many of you might prefer the simple enter your email Rafflecopter, or leave a comment on a post… but I think, if people get involved, this will be a huge hit!

As an A Stiff Kiss Anniversary Participant, your goal is to get as many points as possible so that you can win the massive prize package I’ll be giving away.

But wait, I’m all about a pat on the back for participation, so I will be giving two smaller prize packages away to two random entrants, and… And… for everyone else, you’ll get a little something something too. So, if this works, everyone has the potential to receive some kind of goodie!!

Grand Prize includes:

1 signed and personalized paper copy of A Stiff Kiss (with a special note to the winner)

1 ASK Canvas Tote Bag

1 ASK T-Shirt

1 ASK Coffee Mug and set of coasters

1 ASK Mousepad

Signed Bookmark, postcard and mini poster

2 Participation Prizes include:

1 ASK Coffee Mug filled with Hersey’s Kisses

1 Set of ASK Coasters

1 ASK Mousepad

Signed Bookmark, postcard and mini poster

To see a picture of the prizes being offered, click HERE

Alright, let’s get to the fun stuff. I’ve created a list of activities, given each of them a point value and tried to come up with simple, easy to do and like I said, most importantly, fun things for you to accomplish. You will need to copy and paste this form, and fill it out in order to entered. All forms must be sent to averyolive1@gmail.com no later than February 28^th!

1. Tweet about A Stiff Kiss. I’ve created a few tweets that you can copy and paste, or create your own.

Tweet 1: Who knew kissing a corpse would change everything? #AStiffKiss out now! http://www.amazon.com/Stiff-Kiss-Avery-Olive/dp/193725433X/

Tweet 2: Have you checked out @AveryOlive #AstiffKiss ?Happy one year book anniversary! http://www.amazon.com/Stiff-Kiss-Avery-Olive/dp/193725433X/

Remember to use @averyolive or the hashtag #AStiffKiss so that I can track your tweets! International readers may tweet in their own language, so don’t worry J

1 Point per Tweet and no more than 2 Tweets per day! Enter how many tweets you did here…

Number of Tweets:

2. Post to your blog or other social media (Website, Tumblr and Facebook)

You’re goal is to share something about A Stiff Kiss. It can be posting a review, doing a simple cover and blurb spotlight, it can be asking me to do an interview (send an email to averyolive1@gmail.com if you’d like my help) You can re-use an old review, post or interview, however it must be imbedded into a NEW POST. You’re imagination should be put at use here, being extra creative is awesome!) Can be posted in your language of choice.

5 Points per Post. You can post a maximum of 3 times, at least one week apart but each post must be different. One post review, one post cover and blurb, one post something random like sharing with me your personal favourite cemetery…

Please include links to your post!

3. Spread the love by sharing your A Stiff Kiss Review. Most people forget that there are dozens of places to share reviews. Posting one in a new place can help spread the word. Find a new place (like Goodreads, Barnes & Nobel, Librarything.com, YaCentral) and post your review!

5 Points for each new location you post your review! Please include links to your reviews J

Enter Links Here:

4. Candid Camera! Take a photo of you (and others if possible) holding a copy of A Stiff Kiss, your e-reader with the cover (or opening page). If you see A Stiff Kiss in your bookstore, library, or own a copy, get as many people as you can into a picture!

Don’t have a copy or ebook of A Stiff Kiss? That’s Okay! If you’ve been lucky enough to receive ASK Swag in the past, take a photo with that or print out this handy 8 ½ X 11 POSTER (colour or black and white) and use that for your picture!

10 Points for each photo, plus 5 points for each additional person within the photo! Follow me on Instagram—tag me in your photo—post it on Facebook, post it to my wall, share it on twitter with @AveryOlive or #AStiffKiss or send me links.

5 Poster, poster, read all about! Print out this handy dandy 8 ½ X 11 POSTER (colour or black and white) and post it all around your town. Tape it up anywhere you are allowed to—libraries, school bulletin boards, telephone poles, get creative!

10 Points for each poster you put up (with photo proof, see activity 5 guidelines on how to make sure your photo is seen if you are not sending me links)

6 Get your Library to get in on the fun! Many library websites have a “request a book form” so, fill it out and request to have them purchase a copy of A Stiff Kiss for their shelves or go directly into the library and fill out a form or talk to your librarian!

10 Points for each request (take a screen shot of your screen when making the request (screen shot how to info HERE)

7 Stage a spooky photo! Since A Stiff Kiss’ main character is all about cemeteries, I want you to go out and stage a photo next to a tombstone. I know, it’s a little morbid, but Xylia will love it. Use your book, ereader, poster or swag and capture it along with a tombstone, creepy statue—anything you can find at your local cemetery!

15 Points for each spooky photo (with photo proof)

8 Buy a Copy today! Don’t own A Stiff Kiss? Buy a copy (print or ebook) today for yourself, your friends, to donate to your library or giveaway as a gift. I recommend BookDepository.com. Take a screen shot of your order confirmation or a picture of your receipt.

25 Points for each book (or ebook) purchased—don’t forget that photo proof.

9 Write an article! This is a big one, it might be nearly impossible to accomplish, but I have faith in you! Write an article about A Stiff Kiss (or me, Avery Olive) and have it printed in your school or local newspaper. The article can be a review, an interview, whatever you can come up with!

30 Points for each article printed. Send me links or get photo proof!

The Wild Card! This is for you wild ones out there. Show me what you’ve got! This is activity is strictly for you to think outside the box! If you can come up with a fun, creative way to spread the word about A Stiff Kiss, show it to me!

50 Points I’ll need photo proof, links—anything you can throw me!

Just a little extra.

Can I personally use your pictures and post them on the internet? Yes or No

Can I include your name when announcing prizes or thank you’s? Yes or No

Don’t forget to include your full name and mailing address because in my eyes, everyone is a winner!

Name:

Address:

Send completed form to averyolive1@gmail.com

That’s it, that’s all. I know, some are easier than others, but I think with a little planning and a little motivation, anyone out there can rack up the points!

Remember, for the ones that require proof, I need links provided or to be tagged on Facebook or Instagram, it posted on my wall or use @averyolive or #AStiffKiss so that I can see all your hard work!

For full contest details, rules and regulations, please visit HERE otherwise, get to work and spread the love of A Stiff Kiss!

Avery Olive’s Blog : Facebook: A Stiff Kiss Facebook Fan Page: Twitter: Instagram: Goodreads: Amazon: Barnes & Noble: The Book Depository:

Cover reveal: Speak of the Devil by Shawna Romkey

Shawna Romkey’s novel, Speak of the Devil, comes out in March. Check out her cover!

Speak of the Devil

What happens when falling in love and falling from grace collide?

After dying in a car accident with her two best friends, Lily miraculously awakens to grief and guilt. She escapes to her dad’s to come to terms with the event and meets some people at her new school who seem all too eager to help her heal. Sliding deeper into sorrow and trying to fight her feelings for two of them, she finds out who…what they really are and that they are falling too.

Can she find the strength to move on from the past, reconcile her feelings for Luc, find a way to stop a divine war with fallen angels, and still pass the eleventh grade?

Bio:

Shawna grew up in around farms in the heart of Missouri but went to the University of Kansas, was raised in the US but now lives on the ocean in Nova Scotia with her husband, two sons, two rescue dogs and one overgrown puppy from hell. She’s a non-conformist who follows her heart.

She has her BA in creative writing from the University of Kansas where one of her plays was chosen by her creative writing professor to be produced locally, and two of her short stories were published in a university creative arts handbook. She earned her MA in English from Central Missouri State University where she wrote a novel as her thesis.

She’s taught English at the university and secondary levels for close to twenty years and can’t quite fathom how all of her students have grown up, yet she’s managed to stay the same. She’s a huge geek and fan of Xena, Buffy and all kick ass women, and loves to write stories that have strong female characters.

http://trindiebooks.com/
http://www.shawnaromkey.com/

New release: January Black by Wendy Russo

I’m excited to share an excerpt from Wendy Russo’s debut novel, January Black, which released this week. Congrats, Wendy! This looks like a great read. And I love the cover! Wendy is celebrating her release with a blog tour and giveaways! I’m thrilled to be one of her tour stops. Also, somewhere below is a link to a hidden post on Wendy’s blog. (Password = matty). Commenters on this hidden post will be entered into a drawing for a free, signed copy of January Black.

Blurb:

Sixteen-year-old genius Matty Ducayn has never fit in on The Hill, an ordered place seriously lacking a sense of humor. After his school’s headmaster expels him for a small act of mischief, Matty’s future looks grim until King Hadrian comes to his rescue with a challenge: answer a question for a master’s diploma.

More than a second chance, this means freedom. Masters can choose where they work, a rarity among Regents, and the question is simple.

What was January Black?

It’s a ship. Everyone knows that. Hadrian rejects that answer, though, and Matty becomes compelled by curiosity and pride to solve the puzzle. When his search for an answer turns up long-buried state secrets, Matty’s journey becomes a collision course with a deadly royal decree. He’s been set up to fail, which forces him to choose. Run for his life with the challenge lost…or call the king’s bluff.

Excerpt from January Black:

“I looked over your last test today,” the king said, now leading the group.

The Regents’ School expelled Matty that afternoon from its elite King’s Class. The infraction itself was insignificant. However, he had been admitted to the class on a probationary basis, and only because the king arranged his admission on behalf of the commandant. Matty’s latest test answers were the last of a long line of subtle “subversions” that his instructors would tolerate, his father be damned.

After a long pause, the king continued, “I found your answer to question six interesting.”

“Interesting, sir?”

“Very.” The king turned to descend a sweeping staircase. “Unless you would rather have me believe that you were doodling.”

“No, sir.”

“Please explain.”

Matty was already in trouble. There was little use in holding back now. “The instructor is boring and the section is a joke.”

“And?” the king prompted him for more.

“He expects his answers, not correct ones.”

The king spun around at the bottom of the stairs, blocking Matty’s path. He crossed his arms. “You drew the atomic model for magnesium.”

“Yes, sir.” Matty said, meeting the king’s eyes as he stopped on the lowest stair. They were brown.

“It was a civics test,” the king said before walking away. Matty followed. “The question regarded the Assembly.” Downstairs resembled upstairs, except for a burnt orange wall in what Matty assumed was a sitting room. “Explain.”

“Twelve.” Matty looked around for something in the king’s home that would belong in the palace. He found nothing. “Twelve protons, twelve electrons, twelve prime regents.”

“So, the fact that magnesium is sour and highly combustible, that’s just a coincidence?”

While admiring the gleaming steel kitchen, Matty walked right into a wall. “Shit!” he cried out while grabbing his hurt shoulder. His heart stopped and splashed down in his stomach. He wondered if he blurted that as loudly as he thought.

The king’s reply was careless. “I do that all the time.”

“Really?” Matty asked. The desire to hide in a closet grew stronger by the moment as the king’s guardians tried not to laugh.

The king nodded but said, “No.”

Bio:

Wendy S. Russo got her start writing in the sixth grade. That story involved a talisman with crystals that had to be found and assembled before bad things happened, and dialog that read like classroom roll call. Since then, she’s majored in journalism (for one semester), published poetry, taken a course on short novels, and watched most everything ever filmed by Quentin Tarantino. A Wyoming native transplanted in Baton Rouge, Wendy works for Louisiana State University as an IT analyst. She’s a wife, a mom, a Tiger, a Who Dat, and she falls asleep on her couch at 8:30 on weeknights.

Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/January-Black-ebook/dp/B00B0I176M/ref=la_B00B0WODCI_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1358209826&sr=1-1

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16692299-january-black

Blog: http://wendysrusso.wordpress.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wendy-S-Russo/134565346603922

Cover reveal: The Last Keeper’s Daughter by Rebecca Trogner

Crescent Moon Press keeps coming out with beautiful covers and fabulous books. Check out this one, scheduled for release on February 15!

The Last Keeper’s Daughter by Rebecca Trogner

Born into old money, Lily Ayres lives at Waverly, her family’s estate situated at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Paris, Virginia. She is a strange, small, almost mute, young woman who has no idea that her father has given her to the Vampire King Krieger. Walter Ayres is the King’s Keeper and part of a secret society of historians who unearth, preserve, and attempt to understand relics of long forgotten civilizations.

Lily has never felt comfortable in the human world, but after she suspiciously falls down a flight of stone steps, and is healed and claimed by Krieger, she realizes there is another world. In this Other Realm she feels a sense of belonging, and begins to untwine the mysterious event which left her mentally and psychologically damaged. When Walter disappears in England, Lily works with human and supernatural beings to uncover his whereabouts. With each new discovery, she is pulled deeper into the vortex of magic, intrigue, and dark desires that permeates the supernatural world. The revelations revealed unfold a story of deception and betrayal that threaten to tear the thin veil between the supernatural and human world asunder.

About the Author:

Rebecca Trogner lives in the Shenandoah Valley region of Virginia, and frequently crosses the Blue Ridge Mountains that were the inspiration for Krieger’s home. She always dreamed of being a writer, but got sidetracked by the day-to-day adventures of life. With the encouragement of her family, she has finished her first novel and is currently writing the next book in The Last Keeper’s Daughter series. Rebecca lives with her husband and son, and a rescue dog named Giblet. To find out more about the author visit www.rebeccatrogner.com.

Twists and turns of the writing process

Well, here we are in deepest winter and this snow lover is disappointed yet again in the lack of Maryland snowfall. There’s still hope, though. Sometimes February can be our lucky month. The good news is that after a Nov/Dec writing slump/holiday frenzy, I am back to writing and once again excited about working on Thief of Destiny. I’ve had ideas for future scenes flitting through my head, which is exciting and energizing. I hope this will give me the boost to finally finish the book because I really want to find out what’s going to happen. I envy those people who say that when they start writing a book they know how it’s going to end or even the exact last line. I have a general idea of how I think the book should end, but it’s not exact. Right now I’m giving Sydney and Willem a 50-50 chance and I’m not sure what they are going to do when I get to where I think I’m eventually going to end up. All the more reason to hurry up and get there, right?

The interesting thing is that I just wrote one of the few scenes that had been in my head when I began the book. And it turns out this scene was influenced by Journey to Hope, the prequel I wrote that came out last month. It’s nice that Crescent Moon Press has given their authors the opportunity to write short spin-off stories of their novels. At first I wasn’t sure what story I might want to write. I even polled my critique groups to see, as readers, whose story they might like to read about and got some varied answers. The story I ended up writing about Edgar’s past was not what I first had in mind. I wanted to be sure I didn’t have too many spoilers in case someone read the prequel before reading Thief of Hope. I think I mostly succeeded in that, although there are a couple spoilers but I don’t think they would detract from someone’s enjoyment of the novel. But writing this piece about Edgar fleshed out some important bits that show up in book 2 (how’s that for a vague teaser?) and I wonder what would have happened if I hadn’t written the prequel. Would book 2 have taken a different course? I’m quite happy with the way things are going, so I think it all happened for a reason. It’s funny how writing works out that way.

I’m hoping to do more reading in 2013 also. I just finished Clash of Kings (thoughts to come soon) and have book 3 of the Dark Tower series waiting on my shelf. I’m currently reading War of the Seasons: The Human, a young adult fantasy by Janine Spendlove, who I met at Balticon last year. What are you all reading so far this year?