A Wonderful Winter This Way Comes

Okay, this isn’t really a summary, but it still relates to books - sort of. A really crazy long time ago, I posted a not-that-great summary of the new version of the classic tale of Cinderella: Marissa Meyer’s Cinder. I might’ve included Scarlet and Cress, also, but I definitely didn’t talk about Winter, the last and final ending of The Lunar Chronicles. Why?

BECAUSE WINTER IS COMING IN 2015!

Quite recently, in fact, I was running with my four best friends and remembered this very important fact. Being me, I ran around screaming “Winter is coming!” as loud as I coould without realizing I’d made a Game of Thrones reference at the same time. It still rocked, though. But I’m just really really really really really excited about this, I can’t even think. Byes.

MY PLAN

I’m supposed to be writing an essay for my English class, but I had this really great idea a couple minutes ago. Life is tough, duh. It’s the challenge that makes stuff interesting. But the thing is, so many people just get down and out about, well, everything. And they express it, too. I’ll admit, writing is a gazillion times better when there’s emotion behind the words, and speeches are more worthwhile when you can hear the feeling in the speaker’s voice. Food tastes better when you have fond memories of it, and games are better when played with people you love.

My point? Emotion makes all the difference. But back to my original statement: life is tough. Mostly people feel negative emotion, whether they bother expressing it or not, it’s there. And since that’s the emotion we as humans so often feel, it shows up in places we pour our souls out freely, like in music, and art, and literature.

But my idea. I believe that if we just cut the crap with all this sadness and misery and just make the choice to brighten up everything we do, it’ll be the opposite of spreading all those awful negative emotions we all know far too well. And yeah, I know, it sounds a bit stupid. I mean, making a choice to be positive? Easier said than done, obviously. But I really, really think that if some people start just being totally and completely positive and happy and kind, it’ll act like a type of cure, maybe. And the cure could just, sort of, destroy as much sadness as we can.

I’ve made a diagram to better illustrate this concept. (I’ve brought some slides with which to better illustrate…)

BBF: Ashley R. Carlson

NOTE: My original post for this author was being a demented lollipop so I redid it.

The Charismatics

Fantasy | Young Adult

An arranged marriage. A corrupt government known only as Legalia. A forbidden spiritual realm. Duchess Ambrosia Killaher was just seventeen years old when exiled to Shinery—a city of snow and darkness—to marry a man who despised her, finding her only solace in an invisible companion named Roan.

Now, as the poor starve in the streets below and rebellious acts become a frequent occurrence, Shinery holds its yearly celebration to commemorate Legalia’s rule. But when Ambrose catches a government official using a strange device on a servant, she is thrust into a secret world of the supernatural—one she never knew existed. With the help of a handsome stranger, Ambrose begins to learn of the past Legalia has covered up, and the terrible things they have in store for the future.

Releases December 13, 2014:

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Fun Fact about The Charismatics:

The Charismatics is very dear to me--it is my debut novel, something written over the last three months during a very transitional period in my life. As I wrap up completion with it, I realize that I subconsciously infused numerous elements of my favorite books and movies into the book, including magical creatures (Ella Enchanted), a strong heroine (Ever After), steampunk and spiritual elements, and a talking animal friend (The Golden Compass), and a surprise ending (The Harry Potter series).

The Charismatics is very much its own storyline, but I think it's pretty exciting to realize that all of the favorites stories that shaped my love for reading and writing found their way into my novel, on their own.

Author Bio:

-Ashley is a fantasy author, freelance editor, editorial intern for Midnight Publishing, and editorial contributor for Arizona Foothills Magazine.

-Ashley is currently working on a steampunk fantasy novel series and plans to release Book One in Fall 2014.

-Ashley grew up and currently lives in Scottsdale, Arizona (or the "bowels of Hell" as she affectionately refers to it during the summer months). She dreams of the greenery and water of the Pacific Northwest and plans to move there some day.

-Ashley is the proud mother of three animals-a neurotic German shepherd that follows Ashley everywhere she goes, a serene mutt from Mexico, and a cat that gives new meaning to the word "bitchy."

-Ashley enjoys Yelping for local restaurants, fostering kittens from nearby shelters, and watching the Real Housewives of...anywhere.

-Find Ashley on Twitter (@AshleyRCarlson1), Google+, or check out Ashley's blog at www.ashleyrcarlson.com for updates on her book, thoughts on writing, and thoughts on life! (And she doesn't mean Tinder, or online dating, or dating in general...no. None of that.)

Connect:

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Giveaway

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/79b5e7572/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway

BBF: Andi O'Connor

Silevethiel (The Vaelinel Trilogy #1)

Fantasy | Young Adult

Following her father’s murder, Princess Irewen Donríel is betrayed and left for dead in the forests of Mistwood. Rescued by the elf prince, Laegon Elendell, Irewen awakes an exile with no home, no country, and no people. But as the horrific memories of murder and betrayal return, she realizes the nightmare is only beginning.

The world of Vaelinel is failing—its fate bound to her in ways no one fully understands. A mysterious elven prophecy may provide her with some answers, but continuously hunted and fighting for her life, Irewen quickly learns that unearthing the truth will be more difficult than she ever imagined. Can she accept Laegon’s love and the friendship of the Wood Elves, or will she stand alone against the terrifying evil now threatening to destroy the entire world?

Buy Links:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Fun Fact about Silevethiel (The Vaelinel Trilogy #1):

A few people have commented that they don't understand why Silevethiel is the title of the book and focus of the cover when she isn't the main character. It's true, she isn't, but that makes her no less important. She's mysterious. We don't actually meet her until about half-way through the book, but she's an essential figure in the lives of the Elves as well as the main character. So much depends on her. Without her, the fate of Irewen, the Elves, and the world of Vaelinel would be much different.

Author Bio:

Andi O'Connor is the award winning author of the fantasy series The Dragonath Chronicles, The Vaelinel Trilogy, and The Legacy of Ilvania. Andi's first YA novel,Silevethiel, was named to Kirkus Reviews' Best Books of 2013. Her short story Redemption, is a Kindle Book Review, 2014 Kindle Book Awards Semifinalist. Andi is a member of the National Writers Association and the Boston Chapter of the Women's National Book Association. She currently resides in Pennsylvania with her husband, son, and four dogs.

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BBF: Samantha LaFantasie

Made to Forget (Nepherium Novella Series - Part One)

Science Fiction | New Adult

There’s something that lies within my memory. Hidden in the dark. Something that can kill me and those that I love. But I was in an accident, covered in mystery and deception. And my memory…was lost. There are those who want me to remember. I don’t trust them. And those I do trust…are fighting for me to forget.

Elsabetha Ellery wants to get her memory back, even if it kills her.

After waking up in a hospital with no memory, Elsabetha quickly learns those who claim to be her friend are anything but. And those who are her true friends keep themselves unseen.

Stuck with piecing together her broken memories alone, Elsa struggles with having faith in those she trusts and heeding the warnings of the dangers in recovering her memory. Ignoring them, she faces heavy consequences. Ones she doesn’t see until it’s too late, and a life is lost.

Buy Links:

Only $.99!

Amazon | Other Formats

Author Bio:

A Kansas native, Samantha LaFantasie spends her free time with her spouse and three kids. Writing has always been a passion of hers, forgoing all other desires to devote to this one obsession, even though she often finds herself arguing with her characters through much of the process. She's primarily a fantasy writer but often feels pulled to genres such as sci-fi, romance, and others.

Samantha became a bestselling author with the Pandora Boxed Set (which includes Made to Forget: Nepherium Novella series--Part One) on both Amazon and USA Today.

Samantha loves to take time to enjoy other activities such as photography and playing her favorite game of all time, Guild Wars 2.

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BBF: Jade Kerrion

Miriya

Science Fiction | New Adult

Destinies collide...

Thirty years into the First Genetic Revolution, society’s tolerance for human derivatives is wearing thin. Clones and in vitros are regarded with suspicion, and mutants with resentment. Yet in spite of the hostile environment, some alpha telepaths—like Miriya Templeton—have thrived.

Her luck is running out.

Destiny has set her life on a collision course with Danyael Sabre, the alpha empath who can kill with a touch. Whether he becomes friend or foe, whether he and she live or die, will depend on the choices she makes. On her decisions hang the outcomes of the Second Genetic Revolution. Miriya, however, does not believe in destiny, nor want any part of the revolution. It is up to the enforcer, Jake Hansen, to convince her otherwise, and he is running out of time.

Miriya is a FREE prelude novella to the Double Helix series which has won 8 awards to date. It also includes a link for a FREE download of Perfection Unleashed. You have nothing to lose by checking it out, so I hope you'll grab your copy today.

Buy Links:

FREE!

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Author Bio:

JADE KERRION is the author of the Double Helix series, which has won a total of eight science fiction awards, including the Gold Medal in Readers Favorites 2013. Her Guild Wars fan fiction was accused of keeping her readers up at night, distracting them from work, housework, homework, and (far worse), from actually playing Guild Wars. And then she wondered why just screw up the time management skills of gamers? Why not aspire to screw everyone else up too? So here she is, writing science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance novels that aspire to keep you from doing anything else useful with your time.

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An interview with the author:

When did you start writing?

I started writing in high school. My largest writing endeavor prior to getting published was fan fiction for the MMORPG Guild Wars. I started writing to publish in 2010. My debut novel, Perfection Unleashed, won 6 literary awards and launched the Double Helix series.

What inspires your writing?

My characters inspire me. They all have stories, and they're clamoring to be told. My favorite is the assassin, Zara Itani. She's part-Lebanese, part-Venezuelan, and can wreak more havoc with love than most people can with hate. She's the heroine (and I use that term with much hesitation) in the Double Helix series.

What is the best part about being a writer?

What I enjoy best is seeing the characters and the worlds come to life through words. It's an incredible feeling receiving feedback and reviews where people say how much they loved the characters that I loved and nurtured.

Tell us something cool about you or your book! Be sure to include the book titles.

I'm branching out into contemporary romance, so if you enjoy romance, please do sign up for my New Release newsletter at http://eepurl.com/A1_xL and you'll receive information on publishing news, giveaways, contests, and events.

See the BBF page of my blog for more info on giveaways, or read my other Blogger Book Fair posts.

YAY GIVEAWAYS!!!

Some giveaways *and such*:

Official BBF Giveaways

$50 Amazon Gift Card

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$30 Amazon Gift Card

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$20 Amazon Gift Card

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BBF: D.H. Aire

Dare 2 Believe

Fantasy/Science Fiction | Young Adult

Tomorrow the world as we know it is about to come to an end... and it's all my fault. If I'd never written the story, it might have been different. But now humanity's only hope will depend on those who think they are going to a new exclusive theme park and resort for the world's young rich and famous... and their fans. But the park is more than it appears, and its going to take a bunch of movie and television stars, a pop singer, and the kids who Dare2Believe to save us all. Oh, did I mention a devastating plague is beginning to ravage the world - and the laws of science are apparently about to take a holiday? For good or ill, my story of a distant world where magic defeated science is about to change our, uh, character forever. Dare2Believe... it's our only hope against the rising evil that schemes to destroy us.

Read on Wattpad

About the author:

D.H. Aire has walked the ramparts of the Old City of Jerusalem and through an escape tunnel out of a Crusader fortress that Richard the Lionheart once called home. He’s toured archeological sites from diverse cultures that were hundreds, if not thousands of years old… experiences that have found expression in his writing of his Highmage’s Plight Series.

D.H. Aire’s is the author of two novels: Highmage’s Plight and its sequel Human Mage. A number of his short stories appear in Separate Worlds first anthology, Flights of Fantasy, Vol. 1 (available on Smashwords.com and BarnesandNoble.com). His story, Crossroads of Sin, appears in the anthology RealLies (2013).

Highmage’s Plight, upon which Dare2Believe is based, is published by Malachite Quills Publishing. Link to my ebook to read sample chapters at: http://amzn.to/ynvrFH. Also available in print on Amazon.

The author is originally from St. Louis, Missouri and currently resides in the Washington DC metropolitan area.

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Fanfiction is a wonderful thing

About three-ish years ago this time of year I was seriously introduced to the wonders of fanfiction and the internet community for the first time. I'll admit, it's kind of a lot to take in all at once. There's the fanfics, of course, the forums, the blogs, and the YouTubers. Then there's the social networking, which is minor. A bunch of people are convinced that there's a ton of cyber-bullying going on online (and there is), but the truth is that for every nasty thing someone says on the internet, there's someone who cares so much, people who have been bullied, or hurt, and who are just there for you. The entire fanfiction/blogging community is just so amazing, and there are so many awesome people out there that are here for anyone that needs a little extra help. You are all just so beautiful and amazing. I'm not really sure where I'd be without you.