Cover reveal and giveaway, AHHHHHH!

I have been saving this cover and petting it like Gollum pets the precious for WEEKS now. I am so excited to finally show it to you and tell you that I know for FACTUAL TRUTH that Blood Rule, the next Dirty Blood book, will be out August 6th!!!!
yayayayay *happy dance*
Now, because no one cares about my words when there's a new cover below, I will skip right to that and show you the pretty. Ready?!

Blood Rule

Book 4 in the Dirty Blood series

Coming 8/6/13

Forty-six.

That’s how many hybrids survived the Hunter attack in the woods after I revived them with an injection of my blood. That’s how many followed me home to Frederick Falls. And that’s how many were now mentally linked to me through a blood bond.

Two days. Three valium. Fourteen hours of sleep.

That’s what it took to realize I wasn’t losing my mind as a result of the noise in my own head.

Sixteen.

That’s how many days have passed since I almost killed Alex. That’s how many days I’ve sat by his bedside, waiting for him to wake up. To ease the guilt, to understand his betrayal, to remember the exact shade of brown in his eyes.

Zero.

That’s my chances of skating by with Gordon Steppe and the Hunter Council. They want me for questioning. I’m afraid what’ll happen if I give them answers.

 ***

And because the only thing that would make this better is the chance to get something FREE, there's also a giveaway. Enter below! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

In the meantime, I am off on a motorcycle adventure. I will pick a winner when I get back. Enjoy the pretty!

Authors of UtopYA Ultimate Giveaway

The countdown has been going on for months, and now it’s almost time! One of the most fun conventions of the year is about to happen, and some of your favorite authors attending UtopYA want to celebrate. We’ve gotten together, and have some amazing prizes that you’re not going to want to miss out on.

Ultimate Swag Pack Giveaway:

True reading fans love to collect goodies from their favorite authors, but this giveaway takes that to the next level! If you’re going to UtopYA this year, you’re going to want to get your hands on this Ultimate Swag Pack. Some of your favorite authors have gotten together to give you their very best swag. I’m not talking about a signed bookmark (although those are included)—this prize pack includes the following:

·        Leather bracelet from Tiffany King

·        “Grant’s Cupcake” tee shirt from Sarah M Ross

·        Lavender/Spearmint bath salts from Heather Self

·        “Nick Rocks my World” mug and bath soaps from Ella James

·        Skull Necklace and other prizes from Amy Jones

·        Keychain from Morgan Wylie

·        Signed mini-poster and other prizes from Quinn Loftis

·        Custom USB loaded with books and Necklace from Laura Elliott

·        Modified Swag Pack from CA Kunz

·        Estilorian Swag Pack from Raine Thomas

·        Bracelet from SR Johannes

·        Archers of Avalon tote bag and coffee mug from Chelsea Fine

AND from me: A custom Imitation necklace AND a picture with Linc ON his motorcycle Saturday night!!!! <-- yes, for real!

And that’s just part of the prizes you can win!  So now that you’re salivating and reaching out your “gimme, gimme” hands, you’re probably wondering how to enter. We’re giving you a few options:

1.   Make a video hyping UtopYA and the authors of UtopYA. Then, post this video on FB or Twitter and email it to sarah@sarahmross.com (so we don’t accidentally miss it in the Twitterverse. This video can be short and sweet – basically telling people that UtopYA is coming and about the amazing authors that are going.

2.   Make a FB banner or meme hyping UtopYA and the authors of UtopYA. This is the same concept of the video, but for the more camera shy folks out there. Then, change it to your banner and email it to sarah@sarahmross.com to have your entry counted.

*We’re not giving a whole lot of instruction on how to do this on purpose. We want you to be creative! Get those juices flowing! Want to make a Utop rendition of “Call Me Maybe”? Or post a video of you stalking your favorite authors before you stalk them in real life at Utop? A meme of Grumpy Cat at Utop with the authors? The possibilities are endless! But make it creative! All the participating authors will vote on the one that WOW’s us the most.  And remember: This part of the contest is open to peeps attending UtopYA only! Prizes to be picked up at UtopYA!!

Not able to make it to UtopYA this year? Don’t worry! We have a great giveaway for you too! Enter the Rafflecopter below to win some amazing autographed paperbacks! (Open to US residents only! Sorry!!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Bucket lists and Birthdays

In honor of my awesomesauce friend Laura Elliott's 50th birthday (woot woot! Happy Birthday girlfriend! *throws confetti*), she is having a 50% off sale, EPIC giveaway, & bucket list feature on her blog. You can enter here for all of the fantastic books she is giving away, including an e-book of Imitation. 

The concept of a bucket list has become a big deal in my life over the past 18 months so I am SUPER excited about Laura’s idea to post about this! For me, a bucket list is something I keep so that I don’t forget to LIVE—something I’ve begun passionately pursuing: LIFE! Yes, I think real Living (capital "L") is something you have to pursue. Otherwise, you get comfortable and lazy and you stand/sit still until you find Life passing you by.

A while back, I went through a rough time and lost a baby. (You can read about Tyler here.) He was only five days old went he went to Heaven because of a bad heart. Losing him taught me a LOT about life, the fragility of it, and how fleeting it really is. It taught me that you only get to do this once and so what the hell was I waiting for? You don’t get a do-over so if you procrastinate or always speak of “future plans” of all those things you want to do, like “someday, I’ll _____," then someday never comes because you never let it.

In other words: Do it now! You might only have today!

My bucket list is kept on my bedroom wall because it’s important enough that I want to see my goals and desires every time I walk in. I took a paint pen and wrote the things I want to do. Things like: Buy a motorcycle (did that in December 2012!), take a ride in a hot air balloon, ride an elephant (this one is my favorite!), go to a professional basketball game, ride The Tail of the Dragon (it’s a motorcycle thing.), hit #1 on Amazon, travel everywhere (I have a shelf in my room that I wrote all of my bucket list destinations on.)

It’s funny. Once I wrote them, I saw them more as goals instead of far-off future dreams. It made them more real and present and I became more determined to experience them. Now, my favorite thing is to find new experiences, to do something I’ve never done before as often as possible, to live every day like it’s a bucket list kind of day.

And, being a writer, I found words that sum it up for me. I love this quote so much, I wrote it on the frame of my bedroom mirror:
“Write something worth reading or do something worth writing every single day.” –Benjamin Franklin

Another bucket list item: get more tattoos. My birthday was last Tuesday and look what I got:

Maktub. It means, "it is written." It's from The Alchemist by Paula Coelho and it's all about following your Path and fulfilling your Purpose. And learning to speak the Language of the Universe. If you haven't read it, you should. This book changed my life! 

Now, I want to know what's on your bucket list. Comment below and tell me one thing you want to do. Not one thing you HOPE to do or WISH to do, but WILL DO. I'll pick a winner at the end of the week to receive a swag pack in the mail including my brand new Imitation bookmarks! 

The Prophecy cover reveal and Stella.

I normally don't do cover reveals. Mainly because my list of author buds is MANY and my blogging tendencies are FEW. #slacker But this one... this one is definitely something you need to see. Regina Wamba with Mae I Designs has done an awesome job with this one and I love her so I am happy to show off her latest masterpiece for my friend Desiree Deorto.

The Prophecy; Divinity Stone Book One:

The people of Shiloh, Virginia thought it was just a story. A legend to keep children from misbehaving. A challenge to prove you have courage. What they didn't know was that it was real. All of it was real.

When Starlette McKinley moved from the sparkling lights of LA to the sleepy town of Shiloh, she didn't know that she would be the catalyst. She didn't know that the rage and energy pulsing through her would be the key to unleashing an insurmountable power that would either be the saving of mankind, or its destruction.

The blood will run, and the prophecy will be revealed.  But will she be able to overcome the insurmountable odds? Or will she succumb to the energy within, welcoming the darkness that has become her only friend.

What do you guys think?? Sound good? It'll be out in May. Maybe just in time for my birthday?

You can find out more about Desiree and the book by stalking, er, finding her on Facebook here.

In the meantime, what am I up to? Writing, beta reading, and motorcycle riding! I'm about to take off and do that 3rd one now. I will leave you with a picture of my newest baby...

Meet Stella. Say hello, Stella.

Inhale Exhale

Inhale Exhale, a New Adult Contemporary romance from my friend, Sarah M. Ross, releases May 7^th.   I can't wait for this one and she offered us a sneak peek today!

Check out the BLURB:

Jillian had a plan: celebrate the end of her first year of college with an amazing summer full of beaches, barbeques, and bonfires. When her mom insists she needs a summer job, and her boyfriend spends more time with his band than with her, Jillian’s plans go down the drain. 

Grant had a plan: finish his Masters, get a great job at Google, and get the hell out of Georgia. He might be giving up some of the fun of his youth, but he knows his all work and no play method would be worth it when his dreams came true.

But things never go according to plan. 

When temptation brings them together and tragedy tears them apart, Jillian and Grant will be forced to choose: fight for their dreams, or fight for each other.

Wanna read more? Here’s an excerpt:

“Are you sure you’re not breaking it just so I can come back out here? Cause if you want to see me, you don’t have to break expensive equipment to get my attention,” Grant asked earlier that day.

It was the third time I’d had to call IT, and the third time I’d gotten to see the mischievous smile on his face as he walked toward me.
“No, I promise you. I really am this dumb.” I winked playfully, allowing myself to flirt for a minute. It was harmless, right? I’d never actually act on it.
“I’m pretty sure the fact you can say that sentence in several other languages suggests otherwise.”
“Sono davvero questo stupido,” I repeated in Italian.
Grant ran a knuckle down my arm, leaving a trail of goose bumps along the path. “Beautiful,” he said in a whispered breath. My own breathing hitched at his words. “See? Like I said, not a dumb bone in you.”
The all-too-familiar blush crept back onto my face. “You don’t know me that well.”
“I’d like to change that. What are you doing tonight? A bunch of us from work are going to this beach party. I’d love it if you could come.”
For a moment, I pictured myself there. Laughing and having fun around a bonfire and splashing in the ocean. Grant in his board shorts that would hang low, revealing that deep V I was sure was there. But then I snapped out of it, remembering how inappropriate my thoughts were. “I have a boyfriend. I can’t.”
“It’s not a date, Jillian. Just a group of friends hanging out.” He packed up his supplies, but paused before leaving. He stared deeply into my eyes, making my palms sweat. Leaning in close, he whispered in my ear. “If I were asking you out, it wouldn’t be with a group of people. It would be only us—alone—so I wouldn’t have anything distracting me from admiring every nook and cranny on your beautiful face, Cupcake.”
I swallowed down the lump that formed in my throat. My mouth had gone dry; I was unable to form a thought, let alone words.
“Here.” He reached out and gently took my hand. “I’ll do this old school since you don’t like technology.”
My mouth opened, but I couldn’t respond. I stared at him as he took out a pen. He picked up my tiny hand, which shook slightly, and held it in his own. The contact was slight, but powerful. I was frozen in place as he wrote on my palm. The only movement came from my heart that pounded in my chest. Before he let go, he gently blew on the ink to help it dry, causing me to emit the faintest of moans.
“In case you change your mind,” he whispered, then winked and walked away.

Be sure to add this to your Goodreads page:

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17348805-inhale-exhale

To find out more about Sarah and her books, stalk her here:

Website: www.sarahmross.com

Email- sarah@sarahmross.com

Twitter - https://twitter.com/#!/SarahtheAuthor

FB- http://www.facebook.com/SarahtheAuthor

The Modified: an exclusive soundtrack

I have C.A.Kunz here today with an EXCLUSIVE preview of something really exciting! Chapter one of their new YA dystopian/sci-fi novel, The Modified, is featured in the back of Imitation because it ROCKS and, like Imitation, it is very unique and different from what's out there right now. Below is the debut of something VERY cool they've put together. Read on...


First of all, we want to congratulate Heather Hildenbrand on the release of her new novel, Imitation! We seriously can’t wait to delve into this book, and be immersed in yet another wonderful world Heather has created.

So, you can imagine our excitement when were approached by this awesome author to have the first chapter of our dystopian/sci-fi novel, The Modified, to be at the back of her new release. To celebrate this news and the release of Imitation, we’re going to DEBUT the two title tracks from The Modified music soundtrack. This is the first time anyone, other than us and the artists that performed them, have heard any of these songs. Buuuuut first we wanted to tell you a little bit about The Modified and its companion soundtrack.

Back Book Blurb:

What would you sacrifice to save the ones you love? To save the one who holds your heart? To save the world?

Kenley Grayson is all too familiar with these questions.

After Earth is thrust into its first intergalactic war with an unknown race called the Bringers, our military forces begin to suffer heavy losses. Desperate for a solution, the Allied Federation issues a worldwide draft for every able seventeen year old to enlist. As Kenley turns seventeen, she finds herself thrown into the very war that took her older brother’s life.

This year’s draft is a little different than in the past though. A new program, known as the Magnus Project, has been introduced, and only the best and brightest qualify. Kenley is amongst a select few whom are chosen to join this elite group of soldiers, and as a part of this project, undergoes a modification procedure that leaves her and her peers endowed with powers beyond their wildest dreams.

As Earth continues in its struggle against the Bringers, Kenley is transported to a high-tech training facility, the Magnus Academy, to prepare for the major battle that lies ahead. It’s here that she meets the California heartthrob, and son of a legendary war hero, Landon Shaw. As unexpected feelings toward Landon begin to develop, Kenley wonders if this is the right time or place for romance to bloom, especially when those feelings start to interfere with her training.

With the weight of the world on her shoulders, Kenley is constantly reminded of how important she and the rest of the Magnus cadets are to the fate of humanity. She is one of the Modified, Earth’s last line of defense against utter destruction.

The Modified soundtrack was produced and created by the amazing musician and engineer, Marvin (Lee) Wilson. After reading our novel, Marvin became inspired to write songs based on his reactions and the emotions the book brought out in him. The final soundtrack will include anywhere from 9 – 10 full length songs and is very close to being finished. We all hope that you enjoy the two title tracks off of the album, “Gravity” and “Fortify Me”, which you can find in a playlist below:

We must thank author Heather Hidenbrand once again for being the AMAZING person that she is by allowing us to be on her blog today to do a little promotion. We hope that you will all pick up a copy of her new release, Imitation, because we can pretty much guarantee that you’ll absolutely love what you read. Happy Reading!

This is SO COOL!!!! I love these songs and that they've been written exclusively for this story/series! Let me know in the comments below which one is your favorite. On Friday, I will pick a winner randomly and the winner will receive an e-book of BOTH The Modified AND Imitation... =) 

Of course, if you don't want to wait that long, Imitation is available now for Kindle and Nook for $2.99! 

And don't forget to follow the blog tour kicking off today! Watch Facebook for updates on where you can enter to win some awesome prizes!

Imitation: Cover Reveal and my excitement

Finally!!! I get to show you stuff! 

I have been waiting ... it feels like FOREVER to tell you about this one! 

If you're on Facebook, you probably already saw this because it was Everywhere on Monday. (Thank you so much for everyone who shared this amazing cover and thanks to Angeline for your vision and Stephanie Mooney for creating it and making it rock this hardcore!) 

I am so excited to do a YA dystopian. It was beyond exciting to write and I can't tell you how thrilled I am with the story. It's definitely unique and fresh. 

Imitation is Book 1 in the Clone Chronicles. 

It will be available 3/12. 

Here's the cover and a little something about it. Be sure to leave a comment and tell me what you think!

Everyone is exactly like me.

There is no one like me.

The rough fabric of my cotton nightgown chafes so I lie very still. 

They say my discomfort comes from being built like one accustomed to niceties. 

How is that fair when I myself have never experienced anything but copies of the real thing?

My entire life is an imitation.

I am an Imitation.

I’ve been here five years. Training. Preparing. Waiting.

And now I have a letter.

My assignment has begun.

I am a prisoner.

I am not Raven Rogen.

I am here to die.

A "where have I been?" post

It's February 12th. I haven't blogged in a month. Well, geez. I've been in the writing cave so long I think you deserve an update.

I've been pretty quiet about my projects (I have several) and WIP's (just finished one, finally!) and real life drama (it's starting to settle into something lovely)--so let's catch you up. MANY of you (did I say many? yeah. cuz it's a lot.) have messaged me recently, asking when the heck the next Dirty Blood book will be out and there better be another or we'll come and find you in your sleep... <-- in a totally non-threatening way. So, for all of you threatening to stalk me with violent hugs, here it is: 

For the past few months, I've been working on a new project. It's the first book in a new series. The title is--Are you ready for this? because this is the official announcement--IMITATION. It's very different from everything else I've published. (aren't they all?) it's a YA Dystopian. And it's been a ton of fun to write. I love it. My betas loved it. I think you're going to love it too. It's with the editor now (picture Jenn Sommersby wielding her comma-sword. The page is bloody, I assure you) and I will let you know AS SOON as I can when it will be available to you AND when I have a cover to show you. (next week, maybe?) 

My recent hiding out has been largely due to staying focused and finishing Imitation and because I didn't want to announce anything too early since I didn't know when it would be ready. So I stayed quiet and kept my head down. Also, as referenced in my last rant, er post, I've had some personal life Stuff (<-- capital S needed) going on. It's slowly working itself out and I find myself feeling mostly settled and enjoying the universe again. 

The good news is this: I have officially started working on Dirty Blood #4!!!!!!!! <-- THIS is what you all wanted to hear. no stalker-hugs needed. I started plotting in depth last night and will continue until I am ready to write (probably next week.) and then it's on like donkey kong. I don't have a title yet. Playing around with a couple of ideas. But this one is definitely going to rock socks!

So there it is. The latest and greatest. 

P.S. On a serious note, I am not complaining about the messages I get asking me when certain books will be written and out. I LOVE hearing from you guys! I get a lot from readers making suggestions about how they think the next book should go or what Alex's motives should be so he isn't in so much trouble with Tara--those are my favorite! Keep 'em coming, guys! <3 you! 

For no particular reason except that it's Tuesday, you needed to see this. 

How to lose friends and (negatively) influence people

If judging were a profession, we'd all be rich. No question.

I want to talk to you about judging because it's a topic I've dealt with a lot recently. Over the course of the past few months, my personal life has undergone drastic changes and I've been the target of a massive amount of judging. Let's call it a tsunami.

I've had rumors fly, comments and speculation made, accused of things, been thrown under a spotlight and forced to defend myself against lies, half-truths, and even actual truths that didn't line up with what these people have decided is "right" for me. 

Does any of this sound ridiculous yet? Agreed. Unfortunately, it's something so many of us do all the time internally. We see someone and we think we understand their situation enough to condescend and shake our head and go, "I can't believe them..."

Example: Last week, standing in the post office, an older lady at the counter kindly asked the mother of a toddler to call her little boy away from where he'd grabbed hold of the woman's pant leg. And the girl behind me went off on a rant under her breath about it. Calling the older woman rude and "I can't believe how mean and bitter some people are." It went on and on and ON. for the rest of the time I stood in line. I wanted to turn around and shake her. Really, I wanted to say, "You don't know her demons so stop pretending like you do!" Because we don't know. What if that woman had an injury and the little boy hurt her? She did move slow when she walked out. What if she'd lost someone? What if she'd lost a GRANDCHILD? You just don't know her demons or what she's battling. Or she could have no reason except that she didn't want some snotty-nosed kid hanging on her pants. Either way, she wasn't rude and it was her business. QUIT JUDGING.

The main reason I didn't turn around and say these things (or more--I thought about pointing out how I lost a baby a year ago and I might've done the same had the little boy latched onto me since the sight of small children still gets to me.) But I didn't say anything. Because I had a feeling that with someone as close-minded as her, the reason wouldn't matter. No matter the battle or cause for the woman's behavior, I'm pretty sure this girl would've still been a hater. 

Truth: No matter what you try to explain, some people are just haters. 

No reason or battle or demon will be good enough. Those people only ask for an explanation in the first place so they have the ammunition they need to tear you down. Guaranteed, you could have the best reason or explanation in the world and they will twist and fold it until it is something they can condemn you for. 

Yesterday, our sermon was based on Matthew 7:6. It's the end of the paragraph that talks about judging and how before pointing out the speck in your friend's eye, you should remove the plank from your own. It says, "Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces."

After hearing the sermon and reading cross-referenced verses, my interpretation of this verse is this: I don't owe anyone an explanation for ANYTHING. Especially those that only seek it to further judge me. If you were truly my friend, I'd already have offered you an explanation in the context of, "I need your shoulder to lean on." If you have to seek me out to find out the deets, it's safe to say you aren't enough of a friend to deserve them in the first place.

OR like I said before: No matter what you try to explain, some people are just haters. 

Re-read the verse, but replace "pearls" with "explanation of your choices." See? and "what is sacred" is your integrity. Trying to explain yourself to haters (dogs) is like throwing away your integrity. Because very soon, you're living by their rules and not yours. You must be true to yourself and your convictions. You have to answer for your choices; they don't have to answer for the decisions they influence you to make. Remember that. 

As a result of all the heat I've taken, there has been some MAJOR good. I've come to realize who my real friends are. And I've come to value them more. I've also reaffirmed where I stand and what I believe in and I am 100% SURE of the choices I've made and why I made them. I am confident that I am doing what's best for me. 

And to the Judgy McJudgersons of this world: you don't see the whole picture. You don't know my story or what I'm battling. Even if you did, you don't know what it feels like to be me. And you probably couldn't see it if I told you, for the size of the plank in your own eye.

 

Happy Birthday, Tyler.

My son Tyler would have been one today. 

My thoughts are jumbled, overwhelmed, stuffed full inside my head that is trying in vain to focus on mundane things like swim meets and finishing the Christmas shopping and how good this pumpkin spice creamer is--Anything to distract me from the knowledge that my son Tyler would have been one today. 

A year ago, this day, I was different. I was still pregnant, sitting in a bed, strapped to monitors as they prepped me for what was supposed to be a routine C-section delivery. I remember laughing with my mom, listening intently to the anesthesiologist--he was a jokester--and telling myself excitedly that even though I couldn't find a comfortable position, I wouldn't be pregnant much longer, and holding my baby in my arms would be infinitely more comfortable than holding him inside a belly that entered the room ten minutes before I did. 

I was also different inside. I had no idea what was to come. 

That's the thing I think about most today. How different I am inside as a result of losing Tyler. The grief and loss is unparalleled. It is unlike anything I've ever experienced or will again (provided I outlive my other two.) It never goes away and as I'm finding out today, even when I think it's faded, something like a birthday will come around and tear it open and it's as fresh as it was day one. But there are positives as well. I have learned not to take life for granted. To take chances and risks if it means LIVING. To embrace new experiences, more than that, to go out looking for them every single day. You only get one shot at this life and no one knows how long that shot will last. Time is limited. It can be taken from you in a blink. You don't get any do-overs. So, seize the day. Take a chance. Try something new. Make your time count. 

There is no question that Tyler's time counted. For him--I know he was aware of us holding him for three days straight without putting him down because every time we let go of him, his vitals crashed. And for us--people I'd never met were emailing and sending messages that their entire church or family or organization was praying for us and for him. Tyler almost died in delivery but he was revived. He almost died again the next morning in the NICU before the ambulance from UVA Children's Hospital could take him, but he didn't. We were told by his doctors at UVA that he wouldn't make it through the night but he did. (If he hadn't, I would've never gotten to hold him.) Every day he was still here, the doctors were amazed. They called it a miracle. They shook their heads because they couldn't understand it. But I know it's because of strangers that prayed. People I will never meet were impacted by the miracle of Tyler being here for those 5 days instead of 5 minutes. 

I gave a lot of thought as the day approached to the appropriate birthday celebration for Tyler. And this is what I came up with: Tyler's life was SO MUCH about the kindness of strangers. The people praying, the doctors and nurses who helped take care of him (Naomi, Kara, and Amelia--you are SO MUCH on my heart today and I love you), the staff behind the scenes who made it easier by giving us a room right inside the NICU with Tyler, and so many more. 

Because of these kindnesses, it seems fitting for Tyler's birthday that I would give back in the same way. 

This morning, my kids and I sat at the computer and bought Tyler's birthday present through a website called Kiva. Here's a little about it: 

We are a non-profit organization with a mission to connect people through lending to alleviate poverty. Leveraging the internet and a worldwide network of microfinance institutions, Kiva lets individuals lend as little as $25 to help create opportunity around the world.

Basically, you give $25 in the form of a loan to someone in another country who needs it. Could be for business, housing, education. Lots of reasons. Over time, that person uses the money to increase their income and repay the loan back to you. At the end of the loan's term, you have your money back and you've helped someone who otherwise might've fallen further into poverty. My 9-year-old daughter chose who we lended to. A group of teachers in Sierra Leone that needed money for their school funding. Here's the link to read about it.

It's such an amazing Pay It Forward concept. I love that I am helping, even in some small part, a group of strangers I will never meet, and that I don't need to meet them in order to make a difference. It's beautiful. And I think it's the perfect way to celebrate Tyler. Happy Birthday, baby. 

Photo by Bowman Art

This picture is going around Facebook in light of the school shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary yesterday. My heart goes out to those families and I just love this image because it reminds us our kids are in a safer place where no pain or harm can come to them. I hope that is a small comfort to the parents who've lost. 

Black Friday Sale on 20 YA titles!

Tired of the malls and the stores? Looking for gifts without breaking the bank?
How about 20 Young Adult books each priced at 99 cents now through Monday
on Amazon? Buy some books for yourself. Gift books for others. Books are still the
biggest entertainment bang for the buck, and there's SO many great titles to choose
from.

Like romance, adventure, humor, or contemporary? How about Sci-fi, fantasy, or
mythology? We've got you covered!

Asylum by K.A. Tucker

Awaken by Sarah M. Ross

 

The Book of Lost Souls by Michelle Muto

 

The Childe by C.A. Kunz

 

Dead Heat by Lisa Nowak

Echo of An Earth Angel by Sarah Ross

Fairy Metal Thunder by JL Bryan



Forever Me by Thomas Amo



Here by Ella James

How to Date an Alien by Magan Vernon

Inheritance by Willow Cross

Masquerade by Cambria Hebert

Natural Selection by Elizabeth Sharp

Perception by Lee Strauss

 

Prey & Magic (Book 5 of the Blood & Snow Series) by RaShelle Workman

Soul Kissed by Courtney Cole

Soul Quest (Book 1 of the Soul Quest Trilogy) by Amy Maurer Jones

Transfer Student by Laura Elliott

The Truth About Faking by Leigh Talbert

 

Whisper by Heather Hildenbrand

Q&A ... and my handsome face

Answers to your most burning questions. Contest winner. Me... in the flesh. . . What more could you ask for??

Breaking Radio Silence

I'm such a slacker.

I just looked at the date of my last blog post and it's been a ridiculous amount of time. So much so that I now have people/readers/bloggers emailing me asking if I'm okay or still here or whatever. Sorry, guys. I'm fine, just slacking.

To be fair, I think I had some slacking time coming, though. I've already published two books this year and three last year and before the indie movement of publishing books faster than we change our underwear that would've been a lot. Either way, I've been holing up in my blood-red-walled dining room and concocting sentences out of everyday words and putting them to digital paper at a much slower rate than usual. Also, there's Real Life, which has been chaotic and unpredictable and spinning me around like Dorothy inside that twister. (And yes, I've officially landed in Oz. I mean, it must be Oz because I don't recognize ANY of the scenery here.) All of that adds up to the fact that I've become a hermit and a stalker even by internet standards, reading FB posts without commenting and dialing back my obsessiveness with Twitter in a way that a 12-stepper would be jealous of. (Side note: Instagram is where you'll probably find me these days.)

The thing is, I miss you guys. And apparently you miss me too--or you're just nosy, if the emails I'm getting daily are any indication. Let's go with you miss me. I like that one better.

Here's my solution: Since half the questions and emails I'm getting revolve around Dirty Blood and the series and "when the hell is the next book coming out anyway?" I propose a Q&A via vlog wherein YOU, the reader, send ME, the author, all your nosy, um, I mean, well-thought-out and concerned questions about WHATEVER YOU WANT and I will answer them and post the video here for your viewing (and listening) pleasure.

And to sweeten the pot--because that's how I roll--I am offering up a signed paperback set of ALL 3 BOOKS: Dirty Blood, Cold Blood, and Blood Bond to one winner and e-book sets of the same titles to TWO more lucky winners.

Check out the new cover for the omnibus currently available on Amazon:

Sweet, right? SM Reine has mad skills...

You can enter for the set via the rafflecopter below. PLEASE be aware that I will pick and choose which questions I answer. If you ask me something dumb, be prepared for a dumb response. I reserve that right as someone who is good with words on paper but not always via vocal cords. You've been warned.

P.S. Contest ends 11/15 (or midnight 11/16 to be exact). I will (hopefully) post the vlog on Fri 11/16 and announce winners then. Yay!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Elementary Cafeterias Smell Like...Fear?

I had lunch with the spawn earlier today and wow ...
Being in an elementary school cafeteria again ... not only did it take me back (to a place and time I never wanted to return to--a place that, in my mind, smells of bologna and bad breath and sneakers worn with no socks), it was a real eye-opener about that part of my kids' day.

For one, that lunch lady is MEAN. Like, dragon lady material. I feel bad for my kids. Seriously. There are several "lunch monitors," I guess they're called, but this one... she makes ME want to get up and throw my trash away when she points her finger at my table. She says "move," and you better already be moving. The CIA should consider bringing her on. Interrogations would go a lot quicker.

You should've seen the kids' faces once they got called out for misbehaving or talking too loud. They were all "Sorry, ma'am, yes ma'am, please don't kill me ma'am." You could totally smell the fear.

Okay, two, there's a kid in my daughter's class who talked my head off about Pokemon YouTube videos the entire time--even when I tried to cut in and say "um, hang on, I should probably talk to my daughter. You know, the one I'm here to see and who keeps trying to get a word in edgewise but you don't breathe between sentences." Even then, he just kept right on talking. He's a gem.

Also-I think my ears are still bleeding with the amount of times he said "guess what?" (I never, ever guessed right in case you're wondering.)

Three, there are cliques even in FIRST GRADE!!

I'm eating with my son. We're sitting about halfway down the mostly empty table as most kids are still in line. I ask him, "So where do you normally sit?" And he points down the end of the table where five or six kids are clustered together while the remaining few are spread out sporatically, eating alone.

I say, jokingly, "Is that where the cool kids sit?" and serious as a heart attack, he nods. "Yep."

I do NOT remember there being a "cool kids" area at the lunch table in first grade. But maybe I'm just old and my brain is already forgetting things.

I also saw the boy from my daughter's class who, when she tried to show him around as a new student, made the comment that he "already knew where everything was," and are they "allowed to punch fourth graders at this school?"
Yes, I thought about tripping him. Or giving him a special, friendship note to take home to his mommy.
But I didn't.
You'd have been proud.
I only death-ray glared at him from down the table and promised my daughter I'd be coming for lunch a lot more often.

All in all, the amount of drama and "he's dating her" scenarios my daughter informed me of during those thirty minutes is either hilarious or sad--I can't figure out which. Both, I think. And I sure don't remember it being that way for me. Not in elementary school.
There was no drama because nobody of the opposite sex SPOKE to one another. You could sit by the person all day on the story-time rug, for months on end, and NEVER, EVER speak. That's how you knew you liked each other.
Now, not only do they speak, kids walk right up to each other and say "want to be my girlfriend/boyfriend?" and if the person doesn't answer, the asker will follow their crush around, repeating the question all day long. Persistence pays off, I guess? <-- These are the stories I hear from my daughter.

I have to say, elementary school is not the same as it was in my day.
Ohmygosh- that sounded TOTALLY old when I typed that. Geez! What about you guys? Was the drama level higher or lower in the stone ages?