Book Tour: Untold Promise {Author Interview + Giveaway!}

Good morning, my lovely readers!  You may have noticed today we're doing something a bit different... While paranormal has never been and probably will never be one of the genres I enjoy reading or writing, today I'm part of a blog tour for Untold Promise, the second book in a paranormal series!  I haven't read any of Caitlin's books, I'll admit, but I've gotten to know her fairly well as a friend from Go Teen Writers.  So let's all welcome Caitlin Hensley and make way for her interview - and giveaway!

Caitlin Hensley has been telling stories since she learned to hold a pen, and is pretty much obsessed with writing. She’s the author of The Inhuman Chronicles, as well as the novelette Together Alone. When not typing frantically on her laptop, she’s usually dancing, catching up on reruns of her favorite TV shows, or getting lost in a great book. She lives with her family and a slightly nutty Chihuahua in rural Oklahoma, where she often stands outside watching the clouds for signs of tornadoes that might veer her way.

Hello Caitlin!  We'll start with the basics: When did you first start writing? Have you always wanted to be a writer?
Actually, for as long as I can remember, I’ve loved to write. When I was about three years old, I’d scribble “stories” on sheets of notebook paper, and my mom would staple them together to make “books.” It was only a couple of years ago that I decided I wanted to publish some of what I’ve written, though.



That sounds so fun, and very familiar.  I was a writer child, too. :)

Do you outline your books, or write as you go?
I don’t like to plot too much, because to me, that feels like writing the story twice. I usually type out a loose outline, and then go from there, expanding the plot.

Hm.  That's definitely not like me!  I am very much a plotter at heart.

Are any scenes in your books based on real experiences?
Usually I don’t use my life as material in my books, but in Untold Promise, there’s a scene where someone is trying to break into Haily’s house. About a year ago I actually had a problem with a prowler, so that came in handy when I wrote the scene.

Oi!  Not sure I'd want that kind of real-life experience... it would make for a great story to tell my friends later, I'm sure!

Do you listen to music while you write? If so, what?
I love listening to soundtracks from movies and TV shows. Pirates of the Caribbean is one of my favorites, because all the music is so dramatic, and really sparks my imagination.

Oh, agreed!  I love, love, love those movies and their music.

Did you have to travel much for your latest project?
Only in my imagination.

Indie publishing or traditional publishing?
I used to want to be traditionally published, but I’m so glad I decided to publish my own books. Indie all the way!

Ditto!

What’s the title of your latest book?
Untold Promise. It’s book two of The Inhuman Chronicles.

What genre does Untold Promise fit into?
Paranormal fantasy with a touch of romance.

What’s the weirdest thing you’ve Googled?
For a recent WIP that takes place after a nuclear war, I researched radiation, Geiger counters, frostbite, how to help someone give birth, and different types of guns.

Haha, I recently scoured the internet for a silhouette of a pregnant woman in a dress for a story trailer... we writers really don't have the best internet history...

Any advice for other writers?
Trust your dreams. If you want to write, write. And if you want to publish, do it. Don’t let other people tell you that you can’t.

Where can people go to find information about your books?
Blog // Facebook // Goodreads // Amazon Author Page

Untold Promise official summary:
Haily Long’s life has been turned upside down. As she struggles to make sense of her new status as teenage witch, she experiences a series of psychic dreams about a man with a knife, whose one goal seems to be butchering her on a cold metal table. On top of that crisis, eccentric British vampire Luke wants to teach Haily witchcraft, her boyfriend Nathan is acting weird, and her annoying housemate Jake is acting weirder. Also, it seems very possible that Haily is seeing dead people. Secrets are uncovered, friendships are betrayed, and the psycho with the knife is closing in for the kill. It’s up to Haily to decipher her visions before it’s too late…

Now, the giveaway!  Open internationally to all ages.  Have at it!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Check out the other stops on the tour!

Marie Herman, guest post - http://how2writeabook.blogspot.com/

Jennifer Don, spotlight/interview - http://wolvenheart.wordpress.com/

Rachel Brune, guest post - http://infamous-scribbler.com/blog/

Zara Hoffman, spotlight - http://www.zarahoffman.com/blog.html

Karen Martin, spotlight/interview - http://karenemartin.com/blog/

Christina Moore, interview - http://diaryofanindieauthor.blogspot.com/

Emily Rachelle Russell, interview & giveaway - http://emilyrachellewrites.blogspot.com/ (You're here!)

Sarah Jayne Carr, interview - http://www.sarahjcarr.com/now-presenting.html

Dominique Goodall, character interview - http://dominiquegoodall.wordpress.com/

Heidi Nicole Bird, interview - http://www.heidinicolebird.com/


Marie Hampton, spotlight - http://mariehamptonauthor.wordpress.com/

My Imaginary Boyfriend, Episode Two: Five Minutes of Fame

See the contest this is for here: http://sjaisling.wordpress.com/2013/07/01/artwriting-contest-when-imaginary-worlds-collide/

Read my first entry (and the first part of this story) here: http://emilyrachellewrites.blogspot.com/2013/07/my-imaginary-boyfriend-episode-one.html

See even more of Rykel at his interview follow-up, where most of the questions are mine! Haha check it out: http://sjaisling.wordpress.com/2013/07/27/ask-rykel/

It so happens that the first 150-ish words of this story (the portion that can be seen before the jump) are also my entry into this contest: http://goteenwriters.blogspot.com/2013/07/new-writing-contest-ive-never-been-type.html


 I've never been the type of girl to say yes to just any boy.  I have a list exactly thirty items long that every potential date must meet - not to mention highly conservative parents.

You can see how holding hands with Jack Brant Rykel at a glam celebrity party is as great a shock to me as anyone who knows me.  (No pun intended.)

It wasn't the stardom, I'll tell you that.  I'd never even heard of the Conductives when I met him.  I can't really say what attracted me to him.  I knew he was trouble the moment I first saw him in a convenience store buying Red Bull.  Even now, I feel like I don't know much more than that.

So when he asked me out the first time I called him, I still don't know why I said yes.
 All he told me was to wear something nice and be ready at six at a coffee shop near my school campus.  Now, at 5:40, I sit waiting anxiously in said shop.  At 6:18, Rykel walks in.  He smiles when he sees me.

"Hey babe.  You ready?"

I smile and stand, smoothing out my knee-length blue dress.  I was so afraid of under- or over-dressing, but the Sunday-morning suitable dress, braided crown of hair, and gold flip flops work perfectly with his dress pants and not-completely-buttoned white dress shirt.  Of course, his many (many!) piercings really set us apart.

"Ready as I'll ever be."

He slides his hand into mine and I bite my bottom lip, nervous and pleased at the same time.  We walk out to the parking lot.

I hadn't really considered the fact that he drove a motorcycle back at the convenience store.  After a bit of finagling with my dress, I manage to get myself properly seated behind Rykel with my little black purse securely between my legs.

Rykel passes me a helmet.  "This will be yours for tonight, sweetheart.  You'll have to hold on tight to me so you don't fall off."

I smile shyly and curse my fair, freckly skin as I feel heat blossoming into a deep red blush.  "Thanks."

I strap my helmet on and wrap my hands around his waist.  He grins back at me.  "Ready, ginger?"

I laugh.  "Ready as I'll ever be!"

He revs up the engine and pushes off.  Wind rushes past my face and I laugh, giddy with the speed and excitement of riding a motorcycle for the second time in my life.  The noise from the wind makes it impossible to talk, so I just enjoy the wind whipping around us and the warmth of sitting so close to him.

Eventually we reach a large, elaborate brick building with a grand marble fountain and several vehicles pulling through the circular driveway.  To my surprise, Rykel slows and turns in to the driveway.

"What are we doing?"

He turns and grins at me again; I feel heat course from my heart through my body.  "You'll see."

We follow the course of the cars - even limos! - until it's our turn to disembark.  Rykel puts down the motorcycle rest, steps off the seat, and offers me a hand.  I slip my purse strap onto my shoulder and accept his help, careful to keep my dress pulled down as I slide off the seat.  Once I've pulled off the helmet, handed it to the valet, and patted down my red hair, I have a chance to look around.

Red carpet leads through the doors of a mansion, with cameramen and women lining the walkway.  They snap away as I stand taking everything in.  Rykel waves at the crowds, smiling.  I have no idea what to say or do.  Where are we?

Rykel slips his arm around my waist like it's second nature.  I glance up at him.  He smiles, whispering, "Just follow my lead."

We pose for photos.  Rykel signs autographs and shakes hands with fans - I guess they're his fans?  I wonder if he's an actor or singer or something.  Interviewers ask all sorts of questions, from "powers" to "girlfriend" and other things that I don't understand.  Who is this man standing next to me?

Eventually we make it inside, where there are much fewer cameras and nobody asking questions.  There's also several people wearing very nice, very formal, and very expensive-looking clothing, walking by tables of hors d'oeuvre and champagne flutes.

Rykel turns to me and lays his hands on my shoulders.  His shockingly blue eyes sparkle as he smirks at me.  "So, how we doin' sweetheart?"

I respond with the first coherent thought that I have.  "I'm underdressed."

He laughs and drops his hands.  I find myself surprised to be missing the warm, strong sensation.  "Nah, you look great."  He flips his hair out of his eyes.  "Anything else?"

I cross my arms.  "Who are you, and where are we?"

He takes my hand in his, uncrossing my arms, and gives a playful handshake.  "Jack Brant Rykel, Conductive training at Polytech, at your service."

I blink a few times.  "Conductive?"  Polytech?  Huh?

He cocks his eyebrow.  "Listen, babe, give me a minute and we can split if you want.  I'll explain everything.  You and me, some dinner maybe?  I just had to make an appearance, that's all."

"Um... okay.  That works."  I really have no idea what is going on.

He stops to talk with a few people, flirting openly with the ladies.  I'm receiving the general idea that most people here just tolerate him.  After a few minutes, he grabs my hand and leads me through one richly decorated room after another.  We reach a back door that opens into a parking lot.  With Rykel leading me, we weave among the vehicles until we reach his motorcycle.

It's a short drive to town and the small Asian restaurant where we stop.  Rykel pulls out my chair for me before sitting and we look through the menus without saying much.  When the waiter comes for our order, I get a chicken and noodles meal I used to have in Japan.  Rykel orders a... veggie meal?  I wait to talk to him until after the waiter has taken our menus and left.

"Are you one of those healthy eater people?"  He certainly doesn't strike me as one.

He shrugs.  "I'm vegetarian."

I raise my eyebrows in surprise.  "Oh."  I'm not sure what else to say.  "Seems there's a lot I don't know about you."

He laughs and I smile, quite aware of the butterflies racing inside me.  "You know that shock you felt when we first met, shaking hands in the gas station?"

"Yeah."  What does that have to do with anything?

He grins.  "There's a whole lot more to that."

My Imaginary Boyfriend, Episode One: Trouble

Hello, my lovely readers!  How is your Saturday morning?  I know today ought to be a new DIY Party Diva, but I've gotten bored with that series, and when you're bored then blogging is no fun and your readers can tell.  Instead, I've decided to use Saturdays like I do Tuesdays and Thursdays for now - writing about whatever strikes my fancy rather than starting a new series.  For today, I'd like to share a little something I wrote last week.  It's not your usual short story - in fact, there are no original characters of mine in it, but it's not a fanfiction, either!  (Not technically.)  It's an entry into my friend S.J's writing and art contest.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I strap my helmet on and wrap my hands around his waist.  He grins back at me.  "Ready, ginger?"

I laugh.  "Ready as I'll ever be!"

He revs up the engine and pushes off.  Wind rushes past my face and I laugh, giddy with the speed and excitement of riding a motorcycle for the second time in my life.


* * *

I never would have met him if it weren't for the trip to the convenience store.  I always forget something, every time I pack, whether I'm going somewhere or returning home.  Usually it's nothing big - a necklace, my perfume, an extra pair of socks - but every once in a while I forget something major.

In this case, my deodorant.

When you're on your first ever road trip in the middle of the summer with your best friend, deodorant is not just a modern convenience.  It's not something you're just uncomfortable without.  No, deodorant is a necessity.  That's how I ended up standing in the aisles of Joe's One-Stop Shop, one of the many gas stations with convenience stores that the GPS had led us to.

I hold a different brand of deodorant in each hand, and Mikaela watches me with her arms crossed, blowing her long auburn bangs out of her face.  "Come on, Emily, just pick one!  We have another hour left before we reach Gatlinburg."

I laugh.  "It's only one.  We're going to be there early anyway.  We can't check into the hotel until three."

"Whatever, just pick one!  It's only deodorant."

"Yeah, and I have sensitive skin!  Do you see any unscented?"

She pulls one of every single kind in the store, laying the seven different brands on the floor and sitting Indian-style on the tile.  I set the two I'm holding back on the shelf and run a hand over my long red ponytail, laughing at her there on the floor.  Crazy girl.

"Hm, let's see.  Nope.  Nope.  Nope."  She picks each one up, glances at the label, and slides it to a new pile on her right.

I try to stop laughing and scold her, but fail miserably.  "Mikaela, what are you doing?  Get up off the floor!  It's filthy!"  My words dissolve into giggles.

"Here's one!"  She pops up off the floor with a purple bottle in her hand.  "See?  Unscented.  Now let's put the others away and leave!"

I shake my head, still grinning, and help her return the various containers to the right shelves.  "Here, I'll go pay.  You want to start the car?"  She trades the deodorant for my keys and saunters off towards the door.  I watch her, biting back my envy at how her t-shirt and athletic shorts show off her slim body.  We're all made differently.  God designed Mikaela to be a bombshell with no interest in guys, and me to be a softie who could stand to lose a few pounds here and there.

There are two voluptuous women in shorts and tank tops chattering away in front of the register, something about kids and water bottles and a swimming lesson.  Even the skinny, bleach-blond cashier seems itching to be done, tugging at the piercings sticking out of one ear while she pushes buttons on the register.  I glance around the store while I wait for the women's many, many snack items to be rung up.

I can only see one other person in the store, a wrinkled old man with a cane standing outside the bathroom.  When I hear the bell on the front door ring, I turn to see who else is coming inside.  The door falls shut behind a rather wild-looking young man, who heads directly to the drink section.  I glance away, not wanting to stare, but keep watching him out of the corner of my eye.

The left side of his head is bald, while the other side is covered in thick, kind of long blond hair.  It flops around in front of his eye.  That must be so annoying.  The sleeves of his AC/DC t-shirt have been ripped off; his muscular arms sport a tattoo each - the right side, a bouquet of roses, and the left side, a sort of patterned band.  He's wearing jeans that are hanging low, according to the awful fashion today, and his belt has a chain hanging across it.  There's a beaded necklace, leather bracelet, and those huge circular earrings - plus at least two other piercings in the ear I can see.

That boy is trouble.

He reaches inside the glass refrigerator case and pulls out a Red Bull before getting in line behind me.  I focus on looking straight ahead.  The first woman's purchase is complete, and she stands to the side of her friend, still gabbing while the cashier rings up her food.

I glance at the rack of candy and lighters on the side of the register and notice a box of Mentos.  I'm almost out of those, so I reach over and grab a couple of rolls... and manage to knock down the whole rack in the process.

The rack clatters as it hits the floor and its contents go sliding and rolling in all directions.  The women stop talking to see what's going on, and the cashier bends over the counter.

I lean down and start scooping candy boxes and rolls up to return to their boxes.  "I'm sorry!  I'm so, so sorry!  I'll fix it, I promise!"

The cashier goes back to ringing up purchases, and the women return to their conversation.  I sigh in relief.  At least my little mishap doesn't seem to be a big deal.

Shaved-head guy kneels down to help me.  "Hey, babe, don't sweat it.  Lemme help you."

I look over at him and cock my eyebrows, but I don't say anything.  Babe?  Seriously?

We finish putting the candies and lighters back on the rack.  The guy picks the rack up and slides it back into place on the counter wall.  I brush the knees of my denim capris off, tug on the edge of my green t-shirt, and smile at him.  "Thanks."

He holds out his hand, holding my cell phone.  "No problem.  Name's Rykel.  Here, you dropped this."

"Oh, thank you!  I'm Emily."  My fingers brush his when I take my phone back.  A shock, like I get sometimes closing the minivan door, pulses through my arm.  I pull back and shake it out.

He laughs.  "Sorry.  Sometimes I come across a little... electrifying."  He grins, and I find myself thinking him cute and arrogant in the same moment.

I smile.  "Very funny."  Turning back towards the register, I find the women with the food are picking up their bags and leaving.  I set the bottle of deodorant on the counter and pull out my wallet.  Once I've paid, I grab the bottle and walk to the door.  "Nice to meet you, Rykel."  I nod back at him.  He waves, and I push the door open and jog to the van.

"What took you so long?"  Mikaela taps her fingers impatiently against the steering wheel while I close the passenger door and click my seat belt.

"There was a bit of an incident.  I knocked down a rack and some guy helped me pick everything up."

Mikaela laughs.  "At least it wasn't me!  Was he cute?"

I smile and shake my head.  "What's it matter?  Just drive.  The sooner we get to Gatlinburg, the sooner we can stop at Porkie's for dinner.  Man, their sandwiches are good."

As she pulls out of the parking lot, I look out the window.  Rykel's standing next to an oldish-looking motorcycle, opening his Red Bull and grinning.  Man, that guy must love his energy drinks.  He catches me watching and waves.  I smile and return the gesture before Mikaela pulls out onto the road and we head for the highway and the awesome vacation waiting for us in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

* * *

Three days after returning from my road trip, I need to call a babysitting client and cancel.  I'm scrolling through my phone contacts when I see a familiar name.

Jack Brant Rykel.

It takes me a few minutes to figure out how I know that name.  As soon as I remember, I laugh and shake my head.  "Persistent guy."  I click the menu button to delete it, but with my thumb hovering over the select button, I pause.  Why not?  I exit the menu and hit call instead.  The line rings four times before he picks up.

"Hey?"

I grin.  "You're nuts."

He laughs, a scratchy sound that tugs at a spot in my chest.  Looking back, I think that was the moment of no return.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

What do you guys think?  In case you can't tell, I'm actually the 'character' speaking.  The best friend is my real best friend, Mikaela P. in Florida.

And Rykel?  Well, you can meet him here: http://sjaisling.wordpress.com/2013/06/23/enter-the-incendiary-meet-rykel/

Read more about Rykel: http://sjaisling.wordpress.com/2013/07/16/tats-cats-and-combustion-an-interview-with-rykel/

The piece that inspired this entry: http://sjaisling.wordpress.com/2013/07/15/why-you-shouldnt-date-rykel/  (That, and the fact that I couldn't get the punk out of my head.)

Heart Torn in Two {The Feedback}

Have you heard the news?  I'm writing a fanfiction!  This is no one-shot or hastily posted fluff piece, either - no, I'm in this for the long haul!  But I've already told you about the fanfiction.  Today I'll let the readers speak for me!

Here's what the reviews on Fanfiction.net are saying:

Omigosh finally a decent suspian fic! You are amazing and I can't wait for more! :) ~ HarryPotterNut94

This is AWESOME! Can't wait for more ~ A.Gabrielle-Katherine

Oh my gosh I lovvvvve this so much! I've always preferred the movie-verse and the Suspian is so well written! I can just hear his accent holy crap. And Susan's sad mysterious understated natural beauty just radiates from her. The archer queen has returned! Can't wait for more! ~ Trapped In Narnia

This is interesting. A very different, deeper take on the series. I like it! ~ Alexa Skywalker

And here's what some fellow writers - of fanfiction and original works alike - have to say:

I've loved reading Heart Torn in Two since the day Emily told me about the idea. The subplot to C.S. Lewis' brilliant storyline gives a completely different take on the traditional story which furthers the characterization and world that all Narnia readers came to love. I can't wait to see where the story goes as she branches out of the world of the movie into her own imagination. ~ Kira Hellweg

It is an awesome story.  I love reading it, and I almost die while waiting for more! ~ Adriana Gabrielle

I don't tend to read fanfics, but this one intrigued me from the start. I was excited to read something about Susan and Caspian. Each chapter leaves me waiting for the next, and I must say that it is very well-written compared to a lot of fanfics I have read in the past. ~ Heather Manning

Book Review: Anomaly by Krista McGee

Anomaly by Krista McGee

Question.  Feel.  Believe.

Amazon Page
GoodReads Page
LibraryThing Page
Author Website

My Review of Starring Me (Also by Krista McGee)

From Amazon:

Thalli has fifteen minutes and twenty-three seconds left to live. The toxic gas that will complete her annihilation is invading her bloodstream. But she is not afraid.
Decades before Thalli’s birth, the world ended in a nuclear war. But life went on deep underground, thanks to a handful of scientists known as The Ten. Since then, they have genetically engineered humans to be free from emotions in the hopes that war won’t threaten their lives again.
But Thalli was born with the ability to feel emotions and a sense of curiosity she can barely contain. She has survived so far thanks to her ability to hide those differences. But Thalli’s secret is discovered when she is overwhelmed by the emotion in an ancient piece of music.
She is quickly scheduled for annihilation, but her childhood friend, Berk, convinces The Ten to postpone her death and study her instead. While in the scientists’ Pod, Thalli and Berk form a dangerous alliance, one strictly forbidden by the constant surveillance in the pods.
As her life ticks away, she hears rumors of someone called the Designer—someone even more powerful than The Ten. What’s more, the parts of her that have always been an anomaly could in fact be part of a much larger plan. And the parts of her that she has always guarded could be the answer she’s been looking for all along.
Thalli must sort out what to believe and who she can trust, before her time runs out… 

My Thoughts:

As soon as I read about this book, I knew it was the one I was waiting for.  No other review books had caught my interest for a while - until Anomaly.  I waited anxiously  for the date when it was available to request, and then waited for it to come in the mail, and then had to wait until I'd finished my other books first.

It was nothing at all like what I expected.

But at the same time, it was totally, definitely worth it.


This book had great, solid world-building.  I liked how it wasn't as far into the future as a lot of dystopians are - it was actually set with a timeline in which I could've been an old lady in this book, rather than long dead.  The world of pods and Monitors and Scientists is a bit plain and sterile, but that has its purpose.  The entire future world in this book is focused on productivity and logic and purpose, not pleasure or frivolities or leisure.  There's no need for colors or diversity, except in the talents and skills of people, since various tasks require different specializations.  This world actually reminded me of a much more sterile and scientific version of the world of The Giver (except there actually was color in existence, just not much in use.)

The tone used was rather surprising, and one I haven't seen in dystopians before.  There wasn't the bright, cheerful, proud future of mankind seen in a lot of older sci-fi and futuristic books.  But there wasn't the bleak, fearful, what-if-this-stuff-happens-oh-dear kind of tone I find in almost any dystopian I pick up today.  No, this was the tone of this-world-is-awful-but-God-is-good.  There was fear and uncertainty, yes - but overcome with the hope we can find in the Designer of the world.  I feel like Krista McGee might have achieved this balance even better than Jill Williamson did in Captives.

However, Anomaly was also more confusing than Captives.  I struggled to determine what was truth and lie, what was real and virtual reality (which actually doesn't make sense until much later in the book).  Part of that, I think, was a desired effect the author created.  After all, a book is supposed to pull you in with the characters, and I was just as confused and frustrated as Thalli.  However, a book is also supposed to help you understand what's going on in the story, and there were a few moments when I was a bit lost.  Still, it was gripping enough that I finished it in a day or two...

Speaking of characters, these weren't your everyday characters, either.  I did like Rhen, Thalli's podmate, although it's hard to connect with people born emotionless.  I totally sympathized with Thalli the anomaly.  Take one person who's normal by today's standards, raise them in the environment and relationships considered normal in this future world, and you'll pretty much have Thalli.  So easy to connect and sympathize with.  And let's not forget Berk... Berk, who also thinks and feels for himself, but is allowed to do so because he is going to be a Scientist.  Berk, who is caring and so full of emotion and feeling and so smart and protective and loving.  Berk, who understands.  Oh I am such a goner...

Ahem.  Then there's the Scientists.  I'm not sure whether these were meant as the kind of villains you understand but don't like, or the villains you just hate and yell at and wish you could punch in the face... repeatedly.  But regardless of the reaction Krista intended for her readers, I most definitely fit in the latter group.  The stuff with the tests and brain studies is cool, yeah, but it's also completely HEARTLESS AND CRUEL AND what happened to the Scientists' emotions huh?  I mean they were born in our world and not genetically engineered and just OI THEY ARE TWISTED.

Now that that's out of my system, I really only have one more point to cover.  The ending was just kind of strange.  A book has to have a great beginning to hook a reader.  It has to have a great middle to keep that interest and the illusions fiction is built on.  But it absolutely has to have a great ending if it wants to stay with the reader and make a good impression and last.  This goes double - possibly triple - for a book that starts at the end with the MAIN CHARACTER'S DEATH.  It makes you wonder how is the author going to work that?  It's not really going to end there, is it?  Oh but I don't want an epilogue that gives hope and all that even thought the character really dies... Then there's all this stuff that happens during the book and adds even more questions.  Pretty much this entire book builds up toward the ending - and I was pleased with it.  There are other directions I could see it going just as successfully and I might have liked those better, but what Krista McGee did worked.

Until the epilogue.

I'm still processing that.  Mostly my thoughts right now are those should've waited for the next book, after I'd had time to process the last chapter of the book and distance myself from the situation a little.

So, anyway, I really did like this book.  I would recommend it.  It's a great Christian dystopian.  But it's not anything like I expected, in more ways than one.  I look forward to the next book and give this one four stars.

I was provided a free copy of this book through BookSneeze in exchange for a review.  All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Hiatus

Hello, my lovely readers!  I'm taking a blogging break today, since my aunts, uncle, and cousin are here for a visit.  Enjoy your weekend, and I'll be back on Tuesday!

Heart Torn in Two {The Fanfiction}

Some of you, my lovely readers, may remember a fanfiction I've mentioned a few times recently, titled Heart Torn in Two.  You see, I'm currently working on a Prince Caspian movie fanfiction centered around Susan and Caspian's relationship.  Now, before the book purists and canon keepers groan or tune me out, give me a chance.  This is not your ordinary Suspian romance.

Source

My readers have plenty to say about my fanfiction - and the fans come from diehards to complete haters on the Suspian scale.  I'll share more about the readers' opinions next week.

Today, I want to share what exactly this fanfiction is all about.  "Two hearts. Two worlds. Two children. When Susan leaves Narnia the second time, she leaves much more than a lover behind and carries a great secret with her. Will her life ever be whole again?"

Source (a great article I highly recommend reading)

While it may seem so based on the chapters currently available online, this is not just a retelling of the movie.  It's also not just an exploration of Susan and Caspian's relationship.  It's not just something fun for me to write and fans to read.  Although Heart Torn in Two is all these things, it's much more.

Source

This is the story of a lonely, heroic queen and the young, handsome prince who manages to see through her tough exterior.  This is a story of wars and growing up and magic.  This is the story of two children, brought up in secret by an unusual family group, who discover the truth awaiting them within their bedtime stories.  Above all, this is a story of family.

Experience magic.  Fall in love.  Explore Narnia for yourself, in Heart Torn in Two.

The LA Shop: Chocolate Fountain {Review + Coupon}

I adore chocolate.  I mean totally, completely love the stuff.  We're talking a chocolate addiction here.

So, when a lady from The LA Shop offered me a chance to review one of the products - of which a mini chocolate fountain was a choice - naturally I gave an enthusiastic yes!

The fountain arrived in a rather foreign-looking box and the packaging was a little beat up.  There was a bit of a styrofoam explosion when I unpacked it...

 

I set it up, made sure all the pieces were there and in working order, looked through the instruction manual, etc. etc.  Then I had to wait until we could buy the right chocolate to use with it.

Finally, my mom finds some melting chocolate, I read over the manual, and we're ready to get this baby going!  I followed all the instructions for using the microwave to pre-melt the chocolate.  The chocolate melted, the fountain engine ran properly.... but no chocolate flow ensued.  My mom, my dad, and I all fiddled and speculated.  My parents did everything they could think of to get the thing working while I entertained the guests that had arrived for my spa party.  Eventually we just dipped our snacks in the chocolate in the bowl of the fountain.  After the party, the fountain still wouldn't work, and some of the chocolate had scalded.  Fail.

My mom and I were ready to write the thing off as a failure, but dad decided on Saturday morning to attack that thing and make it work!

He tried the slow-melt method in the instructions of leaving the melting chocolates in the bowl of the fountain on the heat setting for an hour, then turning on the fountain.  Once again, the only results were scalded chocolate.  Fail.

So then he decides that the chocolate's just too thick to flow properly, and adds milk.  It starts to work, but then the chocolate just makes a gloppy mess.  Still fail.

As always, when something goes wrong in the Russell kitchen, he hit the internets!  Then discusses the problem with the momma.  A fresh batch of melting chocolates, some shortening, and a few minutes later, we finally have a steady flow of gooey dark goodness!

Summary: do use melting chocolate, as the instruction manual suggests.  And it's perfectly okay to follow the microwave technique of melting (I don't recommend the one-hour melt-in-the-fountain idea).  But make sure to add shortening!  Otherwise the chocolate's too thick and clogs up the auger, which is what makes the fountain work.

Oh, and that instruction manual?  Personally I think the company should throw it out and start from scratch.  It's full of typos, misspellings, and poor grammar.  It calls for a minimum of four pounds of chocolate in a fountain with a two pound maximum capacity.  And the melting instructions were no help at all.  The instructions for setting up and clean up were okay, but I'd note that the removable pieces can also just go in the dishwasher.  We've cleaned them that way twice already.

In conclusion, the fountain is awesome!  The instructions for it are not.

The LA Shop is currently offering a 10% off discount for all shoppers who use the code "BLOGGERS"!

DIY Party Diva: Alice in Wonderland Unbirthday Party {Food}

Alice in Wonderland Unbirthday Party

{Food}

Theme: Alice in Wonderland; Guest list: Girls, ages 15-18

Eat Me

You can't have an Alice in Wonderland party without the iconic "Eat Me" treats!  As you can see, I had a birthday cake (since it technically was a birthday party), along with three miniature "Eat Me" cakes.  Other ideas include cookies, cupcakes, petit fours, goodies such as macaroons or candies in labeled bags, or pastries with little label flags.

Drink Me

These are right up there with "Eat Me"!  I bought fun shapes of plastic bottles with lids at Hobby Lobby, but you could also use glass.  Wash them well before filling with the drink of your choice (I went with my favorite punch).  Then make labels!  I used markers to write "Drink Me" and decorated with a curlicue design around the edges, and tied them on with curling ribbons.

Menu

Other foods I had at my party included:

Chocolate fondue with pretzel rods, pineapple, and strawberries

Mini eclairs

Kettle corn

Baked potato chips

And, of course, tea!

Book Review: Chasing Jupiter by Rachel Coker

Chasing Jupiter by Rachel Coker

When the world around you falls apart, dreams are all you have.

Amazon Page
GoodReads Page
LibraryThing Page
Author Website

My Review of Interrupted (Also by Rachel Coker)

From Rachel's Website:

Scarlett Blaine’s life in 1960s Georgia isn’t always easy, especially given her parents’ financial struggles and the fights surrounding her sister Juli’s hippie lifestyle. Then there’s her brother, Cliff. While Scarlett loves him more than anything, there’s no denying his unique behavior leaves Cliff misunderstood and left out. So when he wishes for a rocket to Jupiter, Scarlett agrees to make it happen, no matter how crazy the idea might be. Raising the rocket money means baking pies, and the farmer’s son, Frank, is willing to provide the peaches if Scarlett can help him talk to Juli. The problem is, Scarlett has a crush on Frank, one that only increases. Just as she thinks things might be going her way, Cliff suffers an accident that not only affects the rocket plans, but shakes Scarlett’s view of God. As the summer comes to an end, Scarlett must find a way to regain what she’s lost, but also fulfill a promise to launch her brother’s dream.

My Thoughts:

Rachel Coker never disappoints, does she?


She writes, she blogs, she dresses impeccably, and she's amazing with a camera.  Oh, and I think she draws, too...

But this post isn't about the amazing Rachel Coker.  It's about Rachel Coker's amazing book!  Amazing is definitely the word for it.  Amazing, and heart-rending, and unexpected, and just wonderful.

The characters... oh, the characters!  Juli, the gorgeous, hippie older sister; Cliff, the sweet but wacky little brother; Grandpop Barley, who's a few watts short of a lightbulb; Mama and Dad, who just want to keep the family cared for; and Scarlett Blaine, the sixteen-year-old who keeps them all together.  Also Frank.  Frank.  Oh, Frank.  Frank whose name I can't stand but who completely, totally stole my heart.  Forget Sam.  Frank is mine.

At least until Rachel releases her next book.

I can't say much about plot, because part of this book is the mystery going in.  (I can say that you won't possibly see what's coming, even when you're certain you do.)  It's about family, and dreams, and the changing times of the late 60's and early 70's.  It's about love, and hope, and peace.  It's about God giving you strength, not just fixing up your life.  It will make you laugh and sigh and blush and grin and shout... but most of all, it will make you sob.

There are great books, with grand paragraphs and striking symbolism that stand the test of time, even if they do bore or confuse some readers.  There are good books, that may have a few typos or be a bit too short or simplistically worded, but completely capture your heart and pull you in, never to let go.

Let me tell you, this is a good book.  Five stars.

I was provided a free copy of this book by a Zondervan publicist at DJC Communications in exchange for this review.  All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Young Adult Writers Alumni

Visit the blog! http://yawritersalumni.blogspot.com/
Check us out on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/383680995076950/
Visit Go Teen Writers! http://goteenwriters.blogspot.com/
See GTW on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/goteenwriters/

Hello, my lovely readers!  I am so excited to share a new project that I'm undertaking with you.  Many of you know I'm part of a teen writers' group called Go Teen Writers.  Recently, I met a high school graduate named Kira in that group.  We got to talking about how eventually all the teens in GTW will no longer be teens, and will be crowding out all the younger people coming to us.  So we decided to start a group for those in GTW ready to move on into adulthood!  Since this was my brainchild, I am an honorary member and very honored to also be an administrator.

What are we?
Young Adult Writers - Alumni is largely composed of members of Go Teen Writers who have graduated High-school and have moved into legal "adulthood".  Note: YAWA is not officially affiliated with or approved by GTW.

Who are we?
The YAWA Facebook group is open to anyone who has graduated high school and who loves to write! We are writers! And we write because that is who we are!

Where are we?
You can find the YAWA members on either the blog or the Facebook group (see above links).

What do we do?
YAWA is a blog/group for other writers of young adult literature or for young adult writers. We provide insights into the minds of published YA authors, writing tips from those who have been writing for most of their lives, guest posts, fun, contests, writing prompts, and friendship!

Who are our administrators?
Our current admins are Kira Hellweg, Emily Rachelle, Brian McBride, Carilyn Anne, and Sam Graber!

About our administrators:

Kira Hellweg is a recent graduate with a passion for music, Jesus Christ, and (oh, yeah) writing. She is the unpublished author of The Legend of Harthore, which is currently in the editorial stage. Her blog, Legend or Legacy, is currently focused on the above's imminent trilogy, but is sure to be invaded by her other WIPs and general writing tidbits.

Sam Graber is a homeschool graduate and avid reader and writer. He is a college student, and enjoys both playing and arranging music. Sam recently begun a novel titled Korina of Two Worlds, which he hopes to make his first published novel. You can find his author page on Facebook.

Brian McBride is a published author of a YA fantasy novel, Paradox, and is a frequent blogger at Shattering the Darkness. He is a musician, an artist, and loves photography.


And Carilyn Anne is coming soon!

Amazing Grace: Men Who Changed the World {DVD + MP3 Album Giveaway!}

Did you miss Thursday's post about FEE and the Blinking Lights Project?  Well go check it out!  I'll wait for you.  I also recommend refreshing your memory on my human trafficking blog posts.

Now that everyone's up to speed: the giveaway!  Well, not yet, actually.  First, I want to share what came with the free DVD in the discussion pamphlet.

Note sent with the DVD, also available on the initiative website:

Have you ever seen a movie so good, so moving, that tears flow freely as the audience rises to its feet to applaud as the closing credits roll? That was often the reaction in theaters when director Michael Apted’s remarkable film, Amazing Grace, appeared in theaters in 2006.


Two of the film’s central characters are William Wilberforce, the Yorkshire Parliamentarian whose campaign to end slavery ranks as one of the greatest humanitarian movements of all time; and Thomas Clarkson, the activist on whom Wilberforce relied for mountains of evidence and encouragement. Between them, over many years, they endured and overcame every obstacle imaginable, including ill health, death threats and defeats almost too numerous to count. But they changed the conscience of a nation and ended a terrible evil. The story brings the best of the human spirit to the fore—integrity, courage, conviction, leadership, optimism and perseverance—in a struggle to rid the world of the worst of human contrivances.

What once seemed an unattainable dream finally became reality in 1807. Abolition of the slave trade won Parliament’s overwhelming approval. Amazing Grace captures that monumental moment brilliantly. In real life, Wilberforce and Clarkson didn’t quit there; they worked for 26 more years until, in 1833, Parliament voted to abolish slavery itself and liberate all those within British jurisdiction who had been enslaved.

Two centuries ago, William Wilberforce and Thomas Clarkson showed us that a small number of dedicated humanitarians can make a world rife with tyranny and corruption a better place. All of us who would like to see it made better again should be thankful for this film. Its message is an inspiration for all time.
Thanks to Walden Media, we are able to offer free copies of this film, along with a brief pamphlet including discussion questions. Our hope is that this film will help promote discussion of the importance of individual character in a free society.

Sincerely,
Lawrence W. Reed
President, FEE

A few of the links for additional background reading for Amazing Grace:

A Student's Essay That Changed the World: http://www.fee.org/the_freeman/detail/a-students-essay-that-changed-the-world#axzz2XXvtnTw5

An Inspiration for All Time: http://www.fee.org/the_freeman/detail/an-inspiration-for-all-time#axzz2XXvtnTw5

The Question of Slavery: http://www.fee.org/the_freeman/detail/the-question-of-slavery#axzz2XXvtnTw5

Ten Reasons Not to Abolish Slavery: http://www.fee.org/the_freeman/detail/ten-reasons-not-to-abolish-slavery#axzz2XXvtnTw5

Ideas and the Abolition of Slavery: http://www.fee.org/the_freeman/detail/ideas-and-the-abolition-of-slavery#axzz2XXvtnTw5

America's Role in Ending the Slave Trade: http://www.fee.org/the_freeman/detail/americas-role-in-ending-the-slave-trade-a-second-look#axzz2XXvtnTw5
The Liberty Tradition Among Black Americans: http://www.fee.org/the_freeman/detail/the-liberty-tradition-among-black-americans#axzz2XXvtnTw5

My posts about human trafficking: human trafficking/modern slavery facts and how to take action against modern slavery.

(I have not read all of the articles entirely, but I've chosen these from a list of articles recommended by FEE.)

Discussion Questions:

(These are questions found in the recommended list with the DVD, edited and altered for this post by me.)

A. Slavery had been widely accepted and practiced for centuries, with many countries involved, before Wilberforce and Clarkson appeared on the scene in the 1780s.  Why do you think public attitudes in Britain finally turned against it?

B. How important do you think the role of Christianity was in a) supporting slavery and b) ending it?

C. What personal characteristics do you think Wilberforce possessed that helped him stay in the anti-slavery battle for so long?

D. Choose another character from the movie or one of FEE's articles and discuss his or her contributions to the anti-slavery cause.

E. What do you think were the most powerful arguments used to convince people that slavery was wrong?  How effective do you think these arguments are/would be today with human trafficking (modern slavery)?  What would you add for today's fight?

F. What were the most powerful arguments used to convince people that slavery was justified?  What are the most common and/or powerful arguments used today?

G. What do you think caused slavery to pick up again?  Do you think it will be easier, harder, or about the same to defeat slavery today as it was in Britain and England in the 17- and 1800s?  Why?

Giveaway! Open to all ages, USA addresses only.  Prizes include one Amazing Grace DVD and the entire Amazing Grace Original Score on MP3 - that's 25 tracks from the movie!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

For more information about or resources for Amazing Grace, stop by the Amazing Grace website!

The Blinking Lights of Warsaw, Poland

Happy Fourth of July!  Today seemed like a great day to talk about freedom-related topics, yes?

A couple of weeks ago, an organization called FEE was brought to my attention.  FEE, standing for The Foundation for Economic Education, was founded "to inspire, educate and connect future leaders with the economic, ethical and legal principles of a free society."  For more information about FEE and its history, stop by their website.  It's definitely worth your time.

One way FEE is carrying out their mission today is through what they call the Blinking Lights Project.  I encourage you to stop by that page on their website - the story is brief but absolutely amazing.  Why "blinking lights"?  Well...

It stems from an experience Lawrence Reed had back in 1986, when he took a trip behind the Iron Curtain to visit freedom-fighters in communist-run Poland.

There he met with Zbigniew and Sofia Romaszewski, two brave dissidents who had just been released from prison because of their work to spread the word of liberty.  

They had run an underground radio station that communicated the truths that the state-controlled media wouldn’t let their people hear.  They could only broadcast eight to ten minutes at a time before moving their location to stay ahead of the police.

Lawrence asked them “how did you know people were listening?”  So they told him something he’ll never forget:

“One night we asked people to blink their lights if they believed in freedom for Poland.  We went to the window, and for hours, all of Warsaw was blinking.”  

Those blinking lights were a harbinger of freedom to come for Poland, as just three years later the Iron Curtain fell and Eastern Europe was freed from communist oppression.

 That gives me prickles all over.  Insanely inspiring stuff right there.

As part of the Blinking Lights Project, FEE and Walden Media launched the Amazing Grace Initiative.  On the webpage, you can read about the true story behind the Amazing Grace film, view the trailer, and request your own free copy of the DVD and discussion guide.  (Currently they've run out of copies, but are working on obtaining more.)

I was able to sign up for a copy before they ran out - but not for me!  No, my family bought the Amazing Grace movie back when the DVD first came out.  (It truly is awesome, and will always be one of my favorite films.)  This promotional copy and discussion guide is for use here, on my blog!  Now, obviously I can't show a DVD on my blog.  (How cool that would be!)  But tune in Saturday for a chance to WIN this truly tremendous movie!

INSPY 2013 Winners!

Good morning, my lovely readers!  Remember when I told you about the INSPY awards?  Well, for a little refresher, it's "the bloggers' award for excellence in faith-driven literature," and I was one of the three Literature for Young Adult judges this year.

I absolutely loved judging this award and will definitely try to apply for judging again next year.  The books were all great and it was extremely difficult to choose one from the five.

The winner that Sheila, Sherry, and I finally selected was....

Literature for Young People: With a Name Like Love by Tess Hilmo (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, September 2011)

With a Name Like Love is a family story with a great plot – a murder to be solved, friendships to resolve, and family decisions to be made – and excellent, heart-grabbing characters. Olivene Love’s daddy is a traveling preacher, as was his daddy before him and his daddy before him, ”all the way back to the time of Moses.” Ollie herself is a good girl, typical oldest child. Ollie’s mama, Susanna Love, is “like living poetry” as she welcomes the people who come to their revival meetings. Ollie’s sisters – the pessimist who gets things done, the daddy look-alike longing to become a preacher like him, the simple-minded but graceful girl who almost has the dictionary memorized, and the eager-to-please baby of the family – fill out this wonderful and down-to-earth family.  Together, the Love family has a character and winsomeness all their own, rivaling other great families of literature such as the the Marches, the Melendys, or the Moffats. With a Name Like Love doesn’t look like much at first, but it is a surprisingly touching – and sometimes tearful – story about family and friends that will appeal to both boys and girls of all ages.

Don't forget to go see all the winners of this year's INSPY awards!