A Peak Inside Stain's Pages...

In less than 6 weeks, Stain hits bookstores, which means it’s reveal time! My high fantasy/ fairy tale hybrid inspired by The Princess and the Pea has 32 chaps divided into three parts, with titles that highlight each scene’s essence and the Gothic fairy tale atmosphere. Check out the image for a sneak peek! 

Click to view high res image

And don't forget, if you preorder, you're eligible for a print copy of Morpheus's prequel origin story from my Splintered series (pictured below)! Follow this link for details.

The White Rabbit is out of the Hat...

At last! The frabjous gift I've been teasing for weeks has been revealed...

As part of my publisher's preorder incentive for Stain, I've written a brand new prequel "origin story" about our favorite moth-man, Morpheus! 

These print copies (with gorgeous original cover art) will ONLY be available via this campaign. It's not for sale anywhere, and it's not available online. So if you want to see how Morpheus became the master of mischief who stole the show in the Splintered Series (or if you've never read Splintered and want to meet him before starting the books--the story's spoiler free!) be sure to preorder Stain and follow the instructions you'll find at the link I provided below.

Also included in this gift pack is a signed bookplate for your copy of Stain, and a beautiful customized gold and purple enamel rose pin. Exclusive only to this campaign, it pays homage to some very unique roses from my gothic fairy tale.

Offer good until 1/14/19 or while supplies last. Allow 8 to 10 weeks for delivery.
Offer limited to residents of the 50 U.S. (and D.C.), aged 13 or older. 

For instructions on how to get your preorder gift pack, follow this link. 

So excited to finally share this short story; I had a blast hanging out with Morpheus and some of the Splintered crew once more in my warped Wonderland, and I hope you'll leap at this opportunity to go there again, too!

My visit to Prague and the Humbook Festival!

Sorry I’ve been so quiet! My generous Czech publisher, CooBoo, flew me into Prague for the fabulous #Humbook festival last week. Here are highlights, scrapbook style (click images to enlarge).

To see more pictures of the architecture, shops, and food I sampled, follow this link to my Prague pinterest board.

Now, I’m going dark a while longer. I've less than 2 months to finish Stain, my gothic Princess and the Pea fairytale retelling. Have an awesome Halloween, and I’ll see you when I come up for air!

YA SCAVENGER HUNT! Fall 2017

 Welcome to the fall 2017 YA Scavenger Hunt! This bi-annual event was first organized by author Colleen Houck as a way to give readers a chance to gain access to exclusive bonus material from their favorite authors...and a chance to win some awesome prizes! At this hunt, you not only get access to exclusive content from each author, you also get a clue for the hunt. Add up the clues, and you can enter for our prize--one lucky winner will receive one signed book from each author on the hunt in my team! But play fast: this contest (and all the exclusive bonus material) will only be online for 72 hours! 

HELP: If you're confused at any time, you can always get back on track by going to the YA Scavenger Hunt how to hunt page to read the steps. Or, go to the STUCK page for a bird's eye view of all the author's links. 

There are seven hunts going on simultaneously with up to 140+ books up for grabs INTL, and you can enter one or all! I'm a part of the RED TEAM--

but there are also BLUE, ORANGE, GREEN, GOLD, PINK, & PURPLE teams, each with different sets of signed books in their prize packs!

If you'd like to find out more about the hunt, see links to all the authors participating, and see the full list of prizes up for grabs, go to the YA Scavenger Hunt prize page.

SCAVENGER HUNT PUZZLE

Directions: At the bottom of this post, you'll notice that I've listed my favorite number. Collect the favorite numbers of all the authors on the RED TEAM and then add them up (don't worry, you can use a calculator!) for a chance to win the prize pack of books pictured below: 

Entry Form: Once you've added up all the secret numbers of the RED TEAM, make sure to fill out the form here to officially qualify for the grand prize above. Only entries that have the correct answer will be put in the drawing.

Rules: Open internationally, anyone below the age of 18 should have a parent or guardian's permission to enter. To be eligible for the grand prize, you must submit the completed entry form by October 8, at noon Pacific Time. Entries sent without the correct number or without contact information will not be considered.

SCAVENGER HUNT POST

For my post in the YA Scavenger Hunt, I'm honored to be hosting Hilary Thompson, author of the SoulShifter series:

Click image to enlarge

Hilary used to be such a practical girl. Then she let the stories out.

Now she creates worlds, people, and problems that are grounded in real life, if you accept that real life has magic around every turn.
She also teaches Writing and English, writes whenever and wherever she can, and reads as much as her eyes can handle. She plays superheroes and dress up games and reads books in bed with her children, and plays at homesteading and world traveling with her husband.


For the hunt, Hilary is giving away Book 1: Shift of Shadow and Soul 

There are three kinds of magic in the world, and Corentine has the wrong one. 

Long ago, the Restless King forced Corentine's people into hiding as he scoured their blood for the SoulShifter. When Corentine learns she possesses some of the forbidden Shifter magic, she must hide her power or risk the same death her twin suffered. 

Raised to trust no one, she rejects the General's son Sy, until she realizes his family secrets might be the key to unlocking hers. When his brother turns against them, they are forced to fight family to save what's left of their home, or accept banishment to find a new future.

If Coren and Sy can't convince their people to accept the light of Shifter magic, the growing Shadow will ruin everyone's chance of freedom.

Sulit Witch
Weshen Shifter
Umbren Shadow

When dark meets light, will all become Shadow?

Add book to GoodReads

BUY BOOK HERE

Find out more information on Lori and her books by following her online venues:

Website 

Twitter: @HilaryLThompson

FaceBook 

GoodReads author page 

And check out the cover reveal for book 3, seen for the first time here! Scroll down . . .

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Wow. Beautiful colors and artwork. It's simply magical! 

In fact, I think I'm going to look at it 7 more times, since 7 is a magical number.  Be sure to let Hilary know what you think of the cover in the comments below!

CONTINUE THE HUNT

To continue your hunt for another number clue to help you win the RED TEAM prize pack, you'll need to visit the next author here! But before you go . . .

CHECK OUT MY PERSONAL GIVEAWAY!

Although the official #YASH giveaways only last for 72 hours, my personal one is going on for a week. So you have through October 10th to build up those entries. What is this mysterious giveaway, you ask?

To celebrate the upcoming release of my gorgeous Splintered Series Collector's box set (hitting shelves October 10, 2017), I'm giving away the following international prizes:

1 - Signed Splintered Collector's Box Set

1 - Set Splintered Playing Cards

1 - 6 piece Set Splintered Character / Quote Cards

3 - Alice in Wonderland gift tags (designs may vary from picture)

That means four different INTL winners! See the rafflecopter below for entry options. Good luck to everyone, and happy hunting!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

RoseBlood's UK Blog Tour Day 6

Welcome to stop #6 on the UK Blog Tour! We're trying to figure out what went awry with yesterdays's post (stop #5), but since it didn't go live, I'm doing an encore presentation here. Enjoy!

RoseBlood Aesthetics

Today, Splintered’s own master of panache and charm is here to chat up my latest retelling by critiquing  spotlighting some of the scenes, fashions, and settings in RoseBlood, using the book's official pinterest board for inspiration. And to prove how accommodating he can be, he’s even embracing the Phantom theme (he claims it’s because the style complements his subterfuge top hat, but I suspect it’s more because Alyssa thinks masks are sexy). 

And with that, I give the floor to Morpheus, moth-man extraordinaire.

******

Thank you, luv. *tips head while holding mask in place* As most of you know, I’m not traditionally an admirer of human lifestyles. I find most everything about mortality tedious, pedestrian and boring. However, in exchange for wasting part of my precious eternity on this drivel, Alyssa vowed to give me a private fashion show later, in which she'll model any ensemble of my choosing: the sky is the limit. *smirks and flutters wings* So, let’s get a move on, aye? I have somewhere much better to be…

First, let’s start with the fashions.

Seeing as RoseBlood is a school of music and theater, you can expect costumes and sewing to play a role. And being a moth-man who knows his way around a needle and thread, this is one aspect I can appreciate, if not admire … However, I’ll be keeping it to a modicum of enthusiasm.

Speaking of sewing, our lovely little Rune is a seamstress in her own right. She’s also kind-hearted, loyal, and brave with a touch of darkness, like another stylish girl I know. *casts sidelong glance out the window* And Rune executes her homespun, natural style most brilliantly.

But perhaps I’m biased, as her tattered elegance and captivating voice bring to mind the birdsong wood nymphs who frequent Wonderland’s wilds—one of my favorite holiday spots.

On the note of mythical creatures, Thorn is admittedly too striking for a human. He must have a touch of the fae. He certainly has the cunning of one. But although I approve of his subversive schemes and clandestine constitutionals about the opera house, his style is far too casual for my liking. 

However, his addition of a hooded cloak adds a mystical dimension to any trappings. And as I’ve attended my share of banquets with satyrs and pan flutes providing the music, Thorn’s preference for playing his violin half-clothed is another taste of home that warms me to the cockles. As most of you know, I’m not adverse to showing a bit of skin whilst performing in any venue. If you have it, flaunt it.

As for flaunting what you have, Erik, a.k.a. Le Fantôme, has mastered this skill. Whether decked out in red velvet for a night of torturing guests at a masquerade, donning a woolen bolero suit in his childhood, or creeping down to his lab in a hooded monk’s robe for some scientific experimentation, he manages all with flair and finesse. And did I mention he has a mask for every occasion? A quaint obsession to which I can relate. *adjusts moth-trimmed top hat* Add to that a penchant for strangling anyone who stands in his way, and of any character in RoseBlood with whom I’d wish to have a spot of tea, Erik would be my top choice. Oh, the maniacal stratagems we could hatch over spider-leg scones and clotted dodo-egg cream…

This talk of tea brings to mind parties, and fair warning, paltry humans, there are two in RoseBlood that are brimming with horror and mayhem worthy of any netherling revelry. One in particular is reminiscent of Wonderland’s own psychedelic landscapes. But—*presses a gloved finger to lips*—mum’s the word. Wouldn’t wish to spoil the deliciously frightful discoveries awaiting you. Instead, let these visuals fuel your nightmares.

Nightmares are always on the fringe at RoseBlood. Who could expect anything less from a renovated opera house sitting atop a lake veiled in mist, adjacent to an abandoned chapel and cemetery?

But RoseBlood’s outsides are nothing compared to its insides. A haunted auditorium, golden stairways, and dorms carved out of dressing rooms. 

All of it pales to what lurks beneath, in the bowels—underground canals, a caged elevator, and beds varying from canopies to coffins.

This talk of bedrooms reminds me of a certain fashion show I’m anxious to attend, so I’ll be taking my leave. *drops mask, transforms to moth-form, and flutters toward the door* 

Do give my regards to the occupants of RoseBlood. And remember: If you wish to survive the story, keep your hand at the level of your eyes. 

******

Thanks for joining us today! Don't forget to hang out with us via our twitter chat during the #RoseBloodBall at 12:30pm central time (6:30pm GMT). I'll be answering questions via the hashtag, and we'll also be giving away a Thorn print to a lucky winner (INT)!

And hope to see you again Saturday for the final stop of the tour at The Arts Shelf where we'll be offering up a grand prize package (UK)!

RoseBlood Launch Event!

RoseBlood's Phantastic launch party will be a week from today (Saturday, January 14th, 2 pm) at my local B&N!

I'll be giving away collectible masks and phantomly/RoseBlood swag as long as supplies last. :)

Hope some of you can take part in the festivities!

Out of city/state? Books can be reserved to be autographed and mailed your way. Click the image below for full details.

My Japanese author copies of Splintered arrived today and they’re gorgeous little 4X6 mini books! The cover art is a vibrant, fun, manga design that makes me want a comic series even more than I already did. ;)

Coolest of all, they're in complementary sets. I was told that they split the Splintered story in half and made it into two books. 

There are enough of these little beauties to give away a few sets down the road. But for now, I'm holding them hostage to cuddle with for a while. <3

Happy Birthday, Untamed!

Today Untamed hits shelves!

Let’s fall down the rabbit hole one more time...

Untamed blog tour with INTL and Domestic prizes galore!

Today the virtual tour goes live, with a look back at Splintered, Unhinged, and Ensnared, and a leap forward into Untamed. 

I'd like to thank everyone for supporting the evolution of the Splintered Series, so I've provided prize packs + free books to be had for both INTL and Domestic fans alike! <3 

Here's the tour schedule where you'll find links for each blog post during the week-long event. 

Monday, 11/16/2015-  Two Chicks on Books- Revisit Wonderland settings /citizens + scavenger hunt for INTL prizes  

     

Tuesday, 11/17/2015- Fiktshun- Revisit the main characters + scavenger hunt for INTL prizes

Wednesday, 11/18/2015- All The Write Notes- Untamed playlist reveal

Thursday, 11/19/2015- Adventures of a Book Junkie- Untamed book trailer reveal + INTL giveaway 

Friday, 11/20/2015- Dark Faerie Tales- Untamed first chapter reveal + INTL giveaway

Also, there's a huge giveaway for 10 Untamed hardbacks and 5 Untamed posters hosted by my generous US publisher (domestic only) at each stop. 

I hope you enjoy revisiting some of the most pivotal characters and settings, and good luck in the giveaways!

Untamed Virtual Tour on the horizon!

Quick peek at the upcoming Untamed virtual tour:

• Nov 16: Revisit Wonderland settings /citizens + scavenger hunt for INTL prizes
• Nov 17: Revisit the main characters + scavenger hunt for INTL prizes
• Nov 18: Untamed playlist reveal
• Nov 19: Untamed book trailer reveal + INTL giveaway
• Nov 20: Untamed first chapter reveal + INTL giveaway

At each stop, my publisher will also have a rafflecopter with a chance to win one of 10 Untamed hardbacks and one of five Untamed posters domestically.

Blog locations will be posted soon!

Twitter giveaway!

For a shot at a beautiful Untamed poster and a signed Splintered Series set (books 1-3), check out this awesome giveaway during  November 2-9, hosted by my publisher over on twitter!

Click image to go to giveaway

Two months until Untamed hits shelves!

We're two months away from Untamed! In celebration, here's another sneak peak inside the book. This time, the dedication page, because it's to all of you for making this series possible with your support! 

Also, the Untamed  virtual blog tour is on the horizon, November 16-20. There will be a book trailer reveal, first chapter reveal, and playlist reveal among the stops, along with a chance to win a signed Untamed of your own (and lots of other fabulous prizes).

Stay tuned for upcoming details! 

Untamed Ink Color & Table of Contents Reveal + GIVEAWAY TIME

******THE GIVEAWAY IS NOW ENDED******

Here are the winners:

Audio set of Splintered, Unhinged, and Ensnared: 

Kris Dickinson

Author-Signed Untamed Galley Title Page:

Dyanna J. Craig

"Cheshire Clock"  8X10 print:

Lauren Michelle Romas

Alternative Alice in Wonderland 8x10 inch print:

Shelby Scott

  

Follow the white rabbit 5X7 inch print:

Melissa Marshall

Gothic Alice Digital Print Trading Card (2.5" x 3.5"):

Ina M. 

Set of three Vintage Alice in Wonderland gift tags:

Vivien (deadtossedwaves)

Signed Untamed swag pack:

Luis Gonzalez

Kristy Lorenz

Virginia Ann Spencer

All winners have been notified via email. Everyone else, thank you for playing along, and I'll have another giveaway soon, hopefully with an Untamed hardcover up for grabs!

                                               ******

Okay, so exciting news, I'm finally done with all of the Untamed edits, and even got to see the gorgeous PDF that will very shortly become a book. 

I've also been given permission to share a sneak peek at the color ink my publisher (Abrams / Amulet Books) is using this time, as well as a look at the table of contents so you can see the order in which the stories will be presented.

So without further adieu, here's a glimpse of the upcoming book:

Click on image for high res viewing

I can't tell you how excited I am! Blue is my favorite color. ;) Although there's no guarantee it will be this exact shade, since such things vary between jpgs and actual printed images/ text, we do know it's going to be a shade of blue (on the purplish side). 

For a more in-depth description of the short stories, go here.

Now, in celebration of finally being D-O-N-E, and as a tribute to the gorgeous artwork behind the Splintered Series (by artist Nathalia Suellen), I'm going to give away a full set of my books, and some fun Alice related art prints in all shapes and sizes. 

And yes, the giveaway is INTL! 

Here are the prizes:

Audio set of Splintered, Unhinged, and Ensnared 

Author-Signed Untamed Galley Title Page (8.5 X 11")

"Cheshire Clock"  8X10 print (signed on back by artist Jasmine Becket-Griffith) 

Alternative Alice in Wonderland 8x10 inch print

  

Follow the white rabbit 5X7 inch print
Frame not included

Gothic Alice Digital Print Trading Card (2.5" x 3.5")
Display easel not included

Set of three Vintage Alice in Wonderland gift tags

3 sets of signed Untamed swag packs

That's a total of ten winners. Check out the rafflecopter below for how to get entered! 

Oh, and if you'd like FIVE extra entries, you can get them simply by putting my Untamed countdown widget (located at the top of my sidebar) on your blog to help me get the word out. 

Just copy and paste the following into an HTML widget on your blog: <style> #cntdwn{background:url(http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k579/aghoward6970/Untamed%20final%20cover2%20countdown_zpsa9dg9owg.jpg) no-repeat 0 0; color:#000000 !important; display:block;

 font-family: Palatino Linotype, Book Antiqua, Palatino, serif !important; font-weight:bold; height:140px; padding:0px 20px 200px;width:177px; text-align:center;  } </style><script language="JavaScript">TargetDate = "12/15/2015 12:01 AM"; BackColor = "transparent"; ForeColor = "#000000 !important"; CountActive = true; CountStepper = -1; LeadingZero = true; DisplayFormat = "%%D%% Days, %%H%% Hours, %%M%% Minutes, %%S%% Seconds.";

FinishMessage = "Available Now"; </script> <script language="JavaScript" src="http://scripts.hashemian.com/js/countdown.js"></script>

Then leave me your blog's link in the window provided on the rafflecopter to prove you've done it, and you'll get those entries. 

Good luck everyone! Can't wait to share more Untamed excerpts / giveaways / and surprises over the next few months as we get ever closer to the December 2015 launch!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Ama-Con Signing

For anyone who's going to Ama-Con in Amarillo this weekend, I'll be hanging out at the Barnes & Noble booth from 1-4pm on Saturday to sign autographs, chat books, and drool over all the fabulous cosplays!

Hope to see some of you there!

Untamed sneak peek!

I've been promising another sneak peek of Untamed for a while, so here it is! 

This excerpt is taken from Alison and Thomas's story, and is in her POV. In this scene, she's thirteen years old and just about to meet Morpheus, who will change her life forever.

Click picture to enlarge

And here's the first teaser I posted a few weeks ago from the headlining story Six Impossible Things, for anyone who missed it:

Also, I just got a look at Untamed's formatted pages, and the color of the text is beautiful! I'll have a reveal for that in a few weeks, along with a giveaway to celebrate that the edits are all behind me and a real book is just around the corner!