Book Spotlight: BANDITS

As a lover of romance and the not-so-average fang guy, I gravitate toward stories with a paranormal flare or otherworldly aspect, especially when doing a review. Even more sensitive to these facts when I'm asked or offered an ARC for review.

I've never reviewed and rarely read sci-fi. Not quite sure why. As a kid I was a major Trekkie. (Yup, I admitted that out loud.) But I was also an epic Buffy fan. Can't blame a girl for being fickle now, can we?

Today, I am pleased to bring my not-so-Sheri review, seeing how the story is categorically sci-fi.

Title: BANDITS
Author: LM Preston
Genre: YA Sci-fi (Fantasy, Romance)
Publisher: Phenomenal One Press
Release Date: June 2011
Pages: 348
Copy Review: supplied by the Publisher. (Thank you.)

Favorite Line or Passage: An imposing alien with skin of light was in front of him...Thickly corded multi-colored muscles covered its body, as lights within its transparent skin somehow appeared to move. 

Description: Daniel's father has gotten himself killed and left another mess for Daniel to clean up. To save his world from destruction, he must fight off his father's killers while discovering a way to save his world. Time is running out, and Daniel must choose to either walk in his father's footsteps or to reinvent himself into the one to save his world.

NIGHTSTAND WORTHY +1

My Splats: In a nutshell, this story is an action-packed adventure for any energetic teen who's ever been lost, misguided, or betrayed. With sprinkles of the Pirates of the Caribbean to Star Trek, the thrill-ride is endless.  

The world of Zukar control is one of danger and fear. Merwin is a planet of all (or most) that is not good, roaming thieves and criminals. All do what they must to survive, including parents raising children. Fast-paced and energetic, the story is set in a time where space travel is not just possible, but is the norm, and among the first generation of kids whose parents' original home was Earth.

I found that dynamic an interesting spice, giving the teens' pasts even more depth for the author to work with. There was always two sides to every issue: the way the kids believed their current world would handle it, and the way it would have been handled back on Earth. It was easy to see the generational difference between parent and child...teenager.

There was also wonderful character growth, primarily with the main character, Daniel. Feeling lost since the death of his mother, Daniel wants nothing more than to be loved, to love, and to be safe. None of which his father is supplying. How often do teens feel this isolation from a parent because they interpret a parent's actions a certain way. But in most stories (as in life), things are not always as they appear.

As the inner story progressed, it became clear that Daniel must undergo certain relationship struggles in order to gain the wisdom essential to saving his world. He needed the characteristics of a true man--willingness to put others before himself without regret. Lacking such wisdom, his decisions would be selfish and juvenile, and most probably the end of his world. (Just like real life.) I love it when life lessons can be taught through a fictional story.

His father actually set up his growth perfectly, believing in his son despite seeming like he was hurting him, betraying their family in ways I won't mention here for fear of spoilers. What I can mention in brief is the journal entries from Daniel's father. In my opinion, these were genius. I was able to connect with the dad and the relationship Daniel believed he had with him.

The sci-fi world building kept me guessing at every turn, from funky contraptions to hidden locks, as well as eerily strange animal species of the planet. All the action and grit built nicely until the climactic last stand, as Daniel and his teen group struggled to save their world. With each obstacle, the group gained strength and trust in each other and love of their world...or a world they hoped to live in. And of course, being YA, there was a sweet romantic twist.

And a special note: it appears this in not the final journey of these brave group of teenagers. I believe it was the first of many.

Bandits is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, & Phenomenal One Press.

For your enjoyment, take advantage of a SAMPLE READ and watch the fantastic book trailer.

The GRAFFITI WALL welcomes String Bridge

Writers Alley aka Writer's Ally is my cyber sticky note for tracing and tracking my writing trek as author, mother, and CP friend. But when I created the Alleyway, I wanted my presence on the web to be more than just about me. I wanted to explore and help others grow in their journeys as well.

So, my brainchild, The GRAFFITI WALL, was born. I welcome authors, illustrators, agents, editors, and publishers to share their experiences in the publishing industry all in hopes to promote themselves and pass on their wisdom to others.

Those who've been following the WALL for a while have seen many interviews and guest posts. I also, on occasion, choose to promote an author on my own. Today is one of those special occasions.

My amazing Ausi friend, Jess over on The Alliterative Allomorph, is promoting her first novel--String Bridge, due out November 1st, 2011 by Lucky Press. And she's hosting a giveaway to boot!! Participation is simple.

She'd like to spread the word about her new book trailer over cyberspace and each of you can help. In return, you'll be entered to win secondhand books! And who couldn't use another book???

Also, if you're interested in donating a secondhand book to her giveaway, she'll enter you in her ARC giveaway of STRING BRIDGE when it is released in August.

All you have to do is link to her BOOK TRAILER somewhere on the web. You can tweet it or Facebook it. You can even do a post about it, maybe incorporate the in's and out's of book trailer making.

Once you've linked, simply leave a comment on her POST with your link and you're entered!! Told you it was easy. And here are the second hand books up for grabs:

The five winners can choose one from the following books:

Books by Marian Keyes:

Watermelon

Sushi For Beginners

Last Chance Saloon

Lucy Sullivan is Getting Married

Books by Jodi Picoult:

Handle With Care

Songs of the Humpback Whale

Perfect Match

Mourning Ruby, by Helen Dunmore

Brick Lane, Monica Ali

A friend Of The Family, Lisa Jewell

The Wonder Spot, by Melissa Bank

The Memoirs of Cleopatra, Margaret George

The Reader, Bernhard Schlink

Saturday, Ian McEwan

A Long Way Down, Nick Hornby  

HERE's the book trailer and LINK.



As always, if any of you are interested in being featured on the GRAFFITI WALL, please let me know. I'd love to have you. The more splatters the better, I always say.

Character's FORBIDDEN 2 LOVE

FORBIDDEN LOVERS

The goldfish bowl teeters on the edge. I shiver as the thick glass rocks backward and shatters. Shards splinter the air. My heart aches at the thought of her being harmed.

Her scaly body falls into my arms. Water showers down over us, baptizing our union.

Here we are—the vampire cat and the feeble fish, not meant to be, yet in love.

I lean closer. Her blue eyes bulge, her plump lips swelling. “My love,” I whisper.

“Kiss me, before I dry up,” she murmurs, and slips out of my grip and down the kitchen sink.

I bellow.

This Flash Fiction comes to you via the Second Crusader Challenge, hosted by Rachel of Rach Writes. We were required to write a piece of 100 words or less beginning with the words: The goldfish bowl teetered... As an added bonus, we could attempt to stay within our genre. That explains my kitty with fangs and the romantic tragedy. LOL

HERE's a peek at other Crusaders who've given the Flash Fiction a try. Check'em out!

Enjoy your weekend!! Hearts to U, All!

Do You Have PURPOSE??

Christina over on Christina's Journey gave me a brand-spanking new award!! It's beautiful. Thank you, Chris!


Purpose, what's that really all about? As a mother, wife, and daughter, I guide, comfort, and love. As a writer, I do the same only in a different way.


I feel compelled to give this award to a few of my writer friends who have either become CPs or have shared their writing journey with me on a personal level. Stina of Seeing Creative, Marcy (my 1st ever CP) of Mainewords, and Jen of A Day Into the Writer.

Marcy over on Mainewords gave me this one. I love it! All that silver and of course black. Like the best color on the planet, ever!! I'm resorting back to my alter-ego: the rebel. Yeah, I've always love the color black, but when I was in school--Catholic school mind you--my mother thought it was inappropriate to wear anything black unless one was headed to a funeral. I loved black nail polish. Always wanted to wear it but she wouldn't let me. Wanted to paint my room black. Sure a bit morbid, but I'm cool with the undead and all such creatures. And hey, the nuns practically wore all black. Anyway, so today I'm wearing black nail polish and a stylish new award! 

I'd love to pass these on in thanks to certain bloggers/writers but also to uplift and promote them. Hope you'll pay them each a visit if you don't already know them.

C. Lee of TheWriteGame, Susan of Ink Spells, and Dianne of In High Spirits.

And believe it or not, I've been given another award. Geez Louise, I am not worthy. I am not worthy. But I am humbled. Thank you. Alison Pearce Stevens has given me the Versatile Blogger Award. (say 7 things about myself.)


I'd like to pass this on to LM (who is like the most versatile person I know), and Jen of Unedited.


Seeing how I've done this one before, I thought I could get a bit silly with it and give you a visual of my junior high years.


1. Eyeglasses the size of toilet bowls on my face.
2. Said eyeglasses turned brown in the sun. BROWN.
3. Matted dark hair, which I probably hardly washed. 
4. Absolutely, positively no curvaceous features. I was a stick figure.
5. Dork in a ridiculously ugly cheering uniform. Gosh, why didn't someone tell us??? Parent abuse.

6. Roller skates constantly on my feet (a product of the early '80s) with at least 10 to 12 rabbit's feet dangling from the laces. Why rabbit's feet, you ask? They were all my allowance afforded me out of the toy vending machine which was directly next to the cigarette vending machine.

7. Metal in my mouth, allowed to wear no makeup, and I'd much rather have been shooting hockey pucks in the driveway then spending time in that ugly cheering uniform. #vomitinducingsweatermaterial

Congrats, my friends and Alleywalkers. Thank you for sharing in my writing journey to and beyond publication. Hearts to you All!!


Tell me: what purpose does your writing have in your life?

Querying Elana J's Way

The word Query has been known to bring writers to their knees. It's natural. Taking a story with all its twists, turns, and gosh-only-knows word count, and compressing it into a single paragraph all while wowing the already hungry agent/editor/publisher is no easy task. 


But there are those who've found success through the process. It's all about weeding out the basic plot of our stories. And this lady is a gem in the realm of the query. 
The Graffiti Wall is thrilled to welcome back Elana Johnson, Author of POSSESSIONS, due out this summer. During PART I of her interview, we chatted about her personal journey to seeing her manuscript reach publishing light. Today, she's giving us a few pointers in the querying ring, info on a fab online conference, and her secret first kiss.


FROM QUERY TO THE CALL is an online writer's guide to writing a dynamic query letter, and it's written by you. What compelled you to write it?

I started writing for the QT blog (Query Tracker), and wrote a few posts on how to write a query letter. I felt like I knew what I was doing in that department, and I realized that very few people feel like that. So I embraced it. I went whole hog (like I usually do) and compiled all the information I’d spent two years learning into the ebook. It’s really the one-stop place to find everything you need to write a killer query, research agents, submit to them, and field “the call.”

Do you have any theories why some writers struggle desperately to hammer out a solid query while others breeze through?

If you’re struggling, it’s because you don’t know ~ 

A) the purpose of the query letter

B) you’re trying to cram too much into the query letter

C) you need solid examples and structure to craft a query letter.

{any one or all of these may be the problematic area}

That was my problem: the structure. So I studied query letters that worked, and found the structure. After that? No problemo.

Elana has more simple notes to writing a successful query on her blog under Writing a Query Letter. She also is now offering her ebook Query to the Call for FREE download off her website. Hurry over NOW! I'll wait.

Glad you've returned...back to Elana....

I'd like to mention a site you're a part of where authors can utilize your advice on queries and their work. WriteOnCon - an online writing conference. The first conference was launched in August of 2010. It was an amazing success. 

WriteOnCon is the most amazing opportunity out there for aspiring authors – and published or soon-to-be published authors! It’s basically a writer’s conference just online – and it’s free! Every writer, no matter the genre/age you write for. So come join!

Last summer, some of the top names in literary agents, editors, and authors wrote blog posts and recorded vlogs, which were posted on the main WriteOnCon site. There were critique forums, chats, panels, and live workshops, where writers could connect. 

This year's free WriteOnCon Conference is scheduled for August 16th-18th. It be a great place to hammer out a fantastic query letter and participate in critiques.

You belong to the book reviewers, The Bookanistas. This is a great way to support and promote other authors. How did you all decide on doing it, and what about the title? How did you decide on that?

Okay, this started as me being incredibly selfish, so I’m afraid to spill those inner details lest the blogosphere thinks less of me afterward… Just know that I’m incredibly selfish, surrounded myself with people way smarter than me, and got what I wanted.

Hah...sounds pretty wish to me. LOL

The name came from Lisa and Laura Roecker. Shelli Wells designed the badges we have. We sent mass emails and brainstormed until everything was worked out. Now we have a spreadsheet and a mailing list. It’s much cleaner. (Again, all due to people smarter than me.)

And as always, here's my silly question: On your site, your About Me page mentions a secret wish of yours: experiencing your first kiss again. What elements do you think it takes to correctly portray a first kiss in today's YA world?

Ah, the first kiss. I think the reason I put that on my site is because my first kiss was less than memorable. So in today’s YA world, I want to make that kiss magical, even if sometimes they’re not. I want it to be that way in my books. So I think to do that, you just have to be authentic to the situation and characters. That’s it.

So, what's with your first kiss?? Telly, telly...

Ha! Well, there’s nothing remarkable about getting kissed—for the first time—during a lame game. 

Thanks, Elana, for stopping by again! Want more E or her soon-to-be-coveted-book POSSESSIONS? Stop by her blog, website, or heck, join the RESISTANCE and help Elana spread the word about POSSESSIONS. 


Share your thoughts with Elana about your querying experience. Even better, what was your first kiss??

A Negative Thought Turned on It's Positive Head

I understand the holiday was yesterday, but I do not blog on Thursdays. I could not miss wishing you a 


Happy ST. Patrick's DAY!!


Years ago, while the kiddos were still weebit, the hubs and I used to take a skip and a jump down State to spend this festive holiday of GREEN beer with my cousin and her hubs. It was the only time of the year we'd get away for an adult night. 


We'd park our keesters on a barstool at this old Irish pub and have a blast. I don't know if any of you are Irish, but here's to you! 




My post today is not all that elaborate. Heck, it's simply a link. But I felt it valuable enough to give it it's own post.


There's nothing for me to add, really. I've written inspirational posts about keeping at it as a writer. Each failure brings you closer to your publication dream. All your hard work will pay off. There are days you wonder why you do this, why you plug away at a keyboard, why you spend time away from your family, why you toss and turn, why you can't think of anything else other than that damn plot point which you can't settle on, why, why, why...to infinity.





Well, here's a post you MUST read. Just read it.


AS A WRITER THINKITH


I'd really appreciate it if you'd come back and share your thoughts and insights. I'll compile a list of what you all have to offer and write up a post.


Happy Weekend and Hearts to you!!

AGENT News!! No, not me...just yet.

This wasn't my original post for today, but I'm sure the spunky Elana J. won't mind me putting off her query interview with me to celebrate with another wonderful author friend. 


Have you heard the news? The fabulous Carolina Valdez Miller has an AGENT, the vibrant Vickie Motter, of Andrea Hurst Literary Management!! 

I am thrilled to share this news and the amazing giveaway Carolina has put together.


Taken from her blog: 

Agent Signing Celebration Mega Giveaway

From Carolina

Winner 1: A 1st page critique from my agent Vickie Motter!

Winner 2:

A Kindle Wireless Reading Device


In order to win this one, you will need to follow all the blogs in the giveaway to qualify.

Winner 3:

Signed copy of Escaping into the Open: the Art of Writing True by Elizabeth Berg

Winner 4:

Signed Hardback of Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready

Winner 5:

Signed Hardback of Passing Strange by Daniel Waters

From Heather's Odyssey

Writers Digest Guide To Query Letters 

or

The Fire In Fiction by Donald Maass

From Critique Sisters Corner

2011 Guide To Literary Agents 

or

Writing The Breakout Novel by Donald Maass

From J. Koyanagi

(You will need to subscribe or follow her RSS feed)

One winner will win: 

WRITING DOWN THE BONES, by Natalie Goldberg

or

HOW NOT TO WRITE A NOVEL, by Howard Mittelmark and Sandra Newman

or

GIVE 'EM WHAT THEY WANT: THE RIGHT WAY TO PITCH YOUR NOVEL TO EDITORS AND AGENTS, by Blythe Camenson and Marshall J. Cook

From Simon Larter

One winner will win all three:

• Stephen King's ON WRITING
• • Ray Bradbury's ZEN IN THE ART OF WRITING
• Anne Lamott's BIRD BY BIRD

From LK Gardner-Griffie

(In lieu of a follow, you will need to LIKE her Fan page)

Winner 1: A signed copy of MISFIT MCCABE (or ebook)

Winner 2: A signed copy of NOWHERE FEELS LIKE HOME (or ebook)

 Winner 3: A canvas book bag

From Sara McClung

One winner takes all 3:

A signed copy of THE DARK DIVINE

A signed copy of RAISED BY WOLVES

WRITE GREAT FICTION: PLOT AND STRUCTURE

From Lola Sharp

TBA!

From Elizabeth Davis

A $25 Amazon gift card

From Tracey Neithercott

A Hardcover of Across the Universe

From Kristen Yard  

A Signed copy of PERSONAL DEMONS by Lisa Desrochers

From Christine Fonseca

(You will need to subscribe to her blog)

101 Success Secrets for Gifted Kids: The Ultimate Guide

Or

A partial Critique

From Jonathon Arntson

A $15 Barnes and Noble gift card

From Eisely Jacobs

TBA!

From Denise Grover Swank

ANGELFIRE by Courtney Allison Moulton

ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS by Stephanie Perkins

HEX HALL by Rachel Hawkins 

DEMONGLASS by Rachel Hawkins

HURRY...run over to Carolina's blog and fill in her entry form to ENTER. Giveaway is open until April 1st. Hope to see you all there!

Remember, Writers' Ally and The Graffiti Wall are for all of you. If you have news to share, want to tell cyberspace a bit about yourself, guest blog, or share a snippet of your work, feel free to contact me. 

What's your good news? I'm sure you have some.

Celebrating PICTURE BOOKS!!

I write YA. I write MG. Some of you know that I even dabble in picture books, evident HERE and HERE. So when I stumbled upon The Write-At-Home-Mom blog and the fabulous Megan was hosting a blogfest geared solely toward picture books, I was hooked and signed up. The blogfest was held Thursday, March 10th, a day I normally don't blog. 

Today I'm making amens. I'm sharing with you my favorite picture books. We were supposed to choose one book, but seeing how I missed the original date I decided to choose one PB for each of my four children.


For Josh: The Foot Book

Author: Dr. Seuss


From the publisher: Dr. Seuss's characters explore the zany world of feet.


From a parent's perspective, this book not only is colorful and quick-witted to keep a young child's attention, it's also plain-old fun to read. Sometimes kid's books grow tedious for the adult, especially if a child wants it read over and over again. I loved reading The Foot Book each and every night with Josh. The structure of each sentence or phrase draws a young reader in, giving them a hunger to become the readers we hope them to be in the future...our MG and YA readers.


Heart, Dr. Seuss!!


For Jake: I Love You With All My Heart

Author: Noris Kern


Synopsis: Polo the polar bear questions how his mother can love him with all her heart and learns from his many friends the all-encompassing quality of a parent's love.


This is one of the sweetest books I've ever read. It shows the vulnerability within every child and how important it is to reassure them often of how much they are loved. The images are wonderfully drawn, each with his/her own personality. Love that!!




For Kate: Just In Case You Ever Wonder

Author: Max Lucado


Synopsis: There are certain words that every child longs to hear . . . words of unconditional love, promises of support, prayers of encouragement. Just in Case You Ever Wonder wraps your children in its tender message of love, comfort, and protection, showing them that as they grow and change, you'll always be there for them-whether it's "monsters in the closet" or times when other kids are mean. Beloved author, Max Lucado, helps you express unconditional love for your child, simply, powerfully, and forever. (on B-N-N)


We own the board book version. Kate used to wrap her tiny hands around the hard pages with all her might. It is such a sweet read and a cherished memory for mom.


For CJ: No Matter What

Author: Debi Gliori


Synopsis: A sweet board book edition of a heartwarming story.


This book is all about the 'grump' that lurks in each and every child. The child who was put here to test us at every turn--to test how much we love them, to push and see if there will come a point where we won't love them.


It's beautifully written. 'Big's' patience with 'Little' is awesome, reminding parents as they read how hard it is to be little. 


Here are links to the other amazing writers who've participated in this blogfest. 

1.	Megan Bickel	11.	Sheri Larsen	21.	Katy Upperman
2.	Susanna Hill	12.	Jennifer Hoffine	22.	Kiera Parrott
3.	Shannon O' Donnell	13.	Christie Wright Wild	23.	Lorikeet Design
4.	Catherine Johnson	14.	Lady Jai	24.	Jim Hill
5.	Dawn Embers	15.	Julie Hedlund	25.	Pamela Jo
6.	Renee Taprell	16.	Sheery's Place	26.	Susan Kane
7.	Alison Stevens	17.	Carla Jansen	27.	Sheery's Place
8.	Jessica Stanford	18.	katharine owens	28.	Jenny Sharp
9.	♥ HOLLY♥	19.	erinn	29.
10.	Robyn Campbell	20.	Danette

Hope you enjoyed and become inspired by these wonderful childhood stories. All are available through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or your local bookstore. Tune in soon and I'll tell you all about my picture book I'm getting ready to query. 


Hearts 2 U All!


Now it's your turn. Tell me one of your favorite picture books.