Shadow Shifts Blog Tour Wrap-Up

Blog tours are tricky little things. There's so much organization that goes into them before and during the event, and that's not including interviews and guest posts that need to be written up. Scheduling posts, creating new content, keeping things consistent, and promoting the tour make for a full-time job. Luckily, I had Priya from Writerly Yours PR to help keep things under control.

I've had a lot of fun travelling the virtual globe and sharing tidbits about writing and Shadow Shifts (Liminal Series, Book Two). Meeting new bloggers and reconnecting with familiar friends makes the tour that much better. On Chantel DaCosta's blog, I  talked about the importance of community, and blog tours help to create that in the virtual writing world.

If I had to choose a favourite post, I'd be stumped. The interview questions from both Jorie Loves a Story and the Bemused Bookworm really made me think about my craft, the Liminal Series, and the message I send to readers. Talking about creating Urban Fantasy on L. Lombard's blog and writing for young adults on Chantel DaCosta's blog had me considering what readers need in comparison to what I want to write. Stepping outside of my comfort zone, I did a little research on fairies around the world for The Big To Do List and was surprised by both the similarities and differences to be found. The Crafty Angels showcased the adorable fairy lanterns I created for the Shadow Shifts launch in April, and even Tissa, a Liminal creature, had a chance to have her say on the Late Night Reveries blog. The posts were rounded off by a stunning review from MADD World that reminded me of why I write.

All in all, I'd say it was a successful tour that reached around the world from Canada to the US to Jamaica to India... maybe someday, I'll get to do a real tour of the world and meet these fabulous bloggers in person!

In case you missed it, here is the blog tour schedule. The giveaway has ended, but the books are always in stock via Amazon and Kobo. If you're looking for print books, Liminal Lights and Shadow Shifts are available through Amazon and various other online outlets.

May 15: Official Tour Launch—Writerly Yours: http://writerlyyoursauthorpr.blogspot.ca

May 16: Writing Urban Fantasy—Lisette Lombard: http://llombard.weebly.com

May 17: Interview/Excerpt—Jorie Loves a Story: https://jorielovesastory.com

May 18: The Difference Between Writing for Middle Grade and Adults—Chantel DaCosta: http://chanteldacosta1987.tumblr.com

May 19: Interview—Bemused Bookworm—http://www.bemusedbookworm.com

May 21: Book Review—MADD World—https://maddworld.ca

May 22: Fairies around the world—The Big To Do List: http://thebigtodolist.com

May 23: Community is vital for writing—Chantel DaCosta: http://chanteldacosta1987.tumblr.com

May 24: Fairy Lantern Tutorial—The Crafty Angels: www.thecraftyangels.com

May 25: Tissa Has Her Say—Amrita—https://latenightreveries.wordpress.com

May 26: Closing blog—Jennifer Bogart: http://jenniferbogart-author.blogspot.ca

Thanks for stopping by... and remember... beware of things that go bump in the night... 

The Newevember Virtual Tour!

Over the next few weeks, Newvember will be on tour in the virtual world. Thanks to some pretty wonderful bloggers, readers everywhere will get to learn more about my writing habits and why this novel is so great. 

Below, you'll find the detailed schedule, so please be sure to stop by the various blogs, say hello, comment if you'd like, and enter the Rafflecopter for your chance to win one of three pretty amazing prizes ($25 Amazon gift card, Newvember notebook, or a Newvember book bag). 

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thanks to everyone in advance for your support and encouragement!

Virtual Tour Schedule: 

November 8: Official Tour Launch – JenniferBogart 

November 10: Book & author Intro – PriyaPrithviraj 

November 12: Guest Post – Someday When I’m Famous 

November 14: NaNo Q & A – PriyaPrithviraj

November 16: Guest Post – Mommies Drink 

November 18: Book excerpt and review – Storiesof Chantel DaCosta: 

November 20: Book Excerpt – To Read, Readand Reviewed…  

November 22: NaNo Follow-up & guest post – Priya Prithviraj 

November 24: Book Review – L.J. Ivers 

November 26: Guest post – Heather GraceStewart

November 28: TBA  – Priya Prithviraj 

November 30: Closing blog – Jennifer Bogart 

1 dare, 30 days, 30 new things... The dare was simple, but it turned into a life-altering journey. This is inspirational thinking in disguise.

When Willow decides to take the stairs, instead of the elevator, she runs into Sawyer, who knocks her off her feet, and something in her psyche shifts. She is propelled into the adventure that is her own life. Filled with twists and turns that can only come from losing her inhibitions, she makes risky decisions, bares her soul, and discovers the chaotic emotions that lurk beneath the surface. Each new event becomes a catalyst in the development of Willow’s relationships with her friends, co-workers, siblings, and love interests.

Willow's life will never be the same after Newvember.

(Originally published in 2011 as Remember Newvember this revised version contains new and expanded scenes.)

Newvember Links:

Indiegogo link for print books: http://igg.me/at/newvember

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27384349-newvember  

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-ca/ebook/newvember 

Universal Amazon Link: getBook.at/Newvember

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017939DVC?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Amazon CAN: http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B017939DVC?*Version*=1&*entries*=0  

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B017939DVC?*Version*=1&*entries*=0  

Remember, Remember the First of Newvember...

Newvember 1st is coming up fast! There's so much happening - I hope I can keep up with ALL THE THINGS!

First of all - I'll be releasing the revised edition of "Remember Newvember". It will have a new title, new content, and a new cover! I can't tell you how excited I am for all the changes. Watch this space for details - order links, blog posts, games, prizes, challenges, giveaways, and more... it's going to be a fantastic month!

Second, I'm lining up bloggers and other social media gurus to help with a virtual tour for the release. I'm open for just about anything (legal)... so if you're up for it, and want to try something new, go ahead and email me so we can work something out. 

Also - I'm working on editing Shadow Shifts, book two of the Liminals Series! I know it's been a long time in coming, but I haven't forgotten about the magic. If you want to check out the unedited version, you can read it on Wattpad - just be forewarned that it's pretty raw at this point. 

Next up: NaNoWriMo! In celebration of Newvember, I'll be writing a campy space opera complete with bunyotes, orcupuses, cheesy (and I do mean the eating kind) romance, adventure, and swashbuckling good fun. Each chapter will be posted on Wattpad as it's completed... it will be unedited, so if you plan to read along, enjoy the ride and know that it's all for the pure love of writing. Anything goes in a rough first draft!  

One last thing to announce... I'm going to (finally) try to build a proper author website. That's another Newvember event... so bear with me as I untangle the web of internet knowledge that's a bit foreign to me. I've figured out Facebook and Twitter, wandered into the depths of Google+, frolicked with Instagram and Tumblr... and now it's time to tackle a proper website with pages, and links and everything. 

This Newvember is going to be the best Newvember in the history of all Newvembers! Remember to keep your eyes peeled, your minds open, and your hearts free to explore all the good stuff. 

Ryan's Legend and The Legend Returns - Editor's Review

Welcome to Day 7 of The Legend Series Blog Tour!

It's confession time... I love, love, love books for kids. When my children were little, I was happy to read the same book over and over and over with them. As they grew older, we ventured into smaller chapter books, and finally full-length novels. Both Ryan's Legend and The Legend Returns are novellas we would have enjoyed, more than once, snuggled up on the couch reading to each other.

It's clear that L.F. Young hasn't left his childhood behind. The first time I read the books, I could clearly hear the voice of Ryan in my head. Young's humour is spot on for early middle grade readers - innocent, silly, engaging - and the childhood adventures are something both adults and children can identify with.

Most importantly, a young reader can connect with Ryan. He's honest, forthright, and respectful of both his parents and his new best friend. He's a boy who likes to get dirty, loves adventure, and has a special respect for nature. Above all, he's believable. This is a character who could step off the page, walk into your house, and be best buds with any ten-year-old. He isn't perfect, but he's a charmer. 

As I worked through these books, it was easy to tell that L.F. Young respects and understands kids, nature, and the world around him. He doesn't dummy down the important stuff, he doesn't preach, and he doesn't mess around with the rights and wrongs of the world. He simply tells the story that's in his heart, and the end result is a fantastic adventure that makes for great family reading. 

If you're an emerging reader, a teacher, a parent, or a lover of  reading, this adventure-filled, dragon-dealing, fun-loving book is for you!

Day 8 of the blog tour will by held on September 25, 2015. Priya Prithviraj has a special video interview with L.F. Young prepared that you won't want to miss!  

Here's the cryptogram clue for Day 7 - if you'd like a PDF file of the clues to use in your classroom or at home for fun, feel free to contact Morning Rain Publishing, and they'll email it to you.

Don't forget to enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for a chance to win a notebook, an MRP book bag and a surprise gift!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And last, but not least, use the coupon code below to save 20% on both Ryan's Legend and The Legend Returns when you purchase directly from Morning Rain Publishing. They'll immediately send you a PDF copy of the books, but you can send them an email to request an alternative file format for your eReader (mobi or ePub).

The Fairly Stillwart Chronicles, Volume 2 - Editor's Review

Welcome to Day Ten of The Fairly Stillwart Chronicles, Volume Two blog tour!

Having worked with Scott in the past, I've come to expect and appreciate a certain quirkiness to his writing. His characters are always rich in depth and emotion, making you believe you could easily run into them on the street - even if they are sprites!

One of his strengths is that he doesn't talk down to middle grade readers. The writing is intelligent, the journey is intense, and it's clear Scott has tremendous respect for his audience. Even though this series is intended for younger readers, adults will also enjoy the wry humour, adventure, and fantasy elements of the stories.

Volume Two of The Fairly Stillwart Chronicles picks up at book four, where the previous chronicles left off. The sprites are in Newfoundland, enjoying maritime traditions when the evil Tory Blithe strikes, spurring them onward in their fantastical quest. Scott introduces his readers to brownies, selkies, and banshees, revealing a mystical world readers of all ages will find intriguing.

Don't forgot to stop by Scott's blog tomorrow to find out the answer to the riddles. He'll also be announcing the winner of the Rafflecopter giveaway!

The answer for Riddle #7 is: Leaf. For the answer to Riddle #8, check in with Scott on his blog. 

The coupon code is good for 20% off both volumes of The Fairly Stillwart Chronicles. It's valid until August 29, 2015

Don't forget to use the coupon code at the Morning Rain Publishing web store to purchase your copy of The Fairly Stillwart Chronicles!