Showing posts with label new adult. Show all posts
Showing posts with label new adult. Show all posts

Perfection

Hey, gang! Excited to share a New Adult debut novel from our pal, J.L. Campbell.

J.L. is a ridiculously prolific author with many books under her belt, so I can't wait to see what she does with her NA series! Here's a little FYI about the project–

Five Things You Didn't Know About Perfection

Perfection is my first foray into the world of New Adult fiction, but it has been an educational and fun-filled journey. The story ideas grew out of a series of novels I'd already written about three mature couples. Their daughters, when they first appeared were 14, 15 and 16. Over the duration of the series, these girls appeared onstage with their distinct personalities and when I closed the women's fiction series, I had no idea there were more stories to tell.

Then, the idea of showing the growth of the young ladies took root and soon, I had three complete stories. As I've said elsewhere, my three New Adult tales were gifts that dropped into my lap, complete with characters and storylines. After reading copiously on and in this category, I got ready to take on the challenge of creating a story with a gripping plot and compelling characters.

The first book, Perfection, follows the relationship of Natasha and Karim, who struggle to forge a trusting relationship despite their challenges.

Some unique features include the fact that:
  • Perfection takes place on the island of Jamaica, which gives armchair adventurers an inside look at another setting and culture.
  • Karim is a parent, which is not unique for a guy at age 22, but his circumstances do take a surprising twist. 
  • The three girls who show up frequently in Perfection are related by the marriages of their parents, so apart from being friends, they have a strong familial bond.
  • By no means am I the only storyteller to writes from the perspective of a male, but at four-chapter intervals, the reader gets a chance to see inside Karim's head. 
  • The two main characters are sports enthusiasts, who both do exceptionally well in their chosen fields.
Perfection is live at both Amazon and Barnes & Noble. There's a giveaway, so if you're interested win winning a copy of both Perfection and Fixation, which releases next week, enter on the Rafflecopter.


a Rafflecopter giveaway
About the Author

J.L. Campbell is an award-winning, Jamaican author who writes romantic suspense, women's fiction, new and young adult novels. She has written thirteen books, two novellas and two short story collections.

Her novels include the Island Adventure Romance series, which currently has four exciting, stand-alone stories and features feisty women and determined men. She also writes under the pen name Jayda McTyson. She is a certified editor, who also writes non-fiction.

Visit her on the web at http://www.joylcampbell
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Shadow Town Q&A With Author Robyn Jones

Hey, gang! It's my real pleasure to share a quick interview I did recently with author Robyn Jones. Not only is Robyn a good friend, but she's a talented writer to boot. Her newest release, Shadow Town: Maggie Lane Chronicles #1 is full of supernatural goodness, and it's also New Adult--which you KNOW I'm a fan of. 

 Plus, we both have fantastic interview initials. Seriously, just say, "EJ, RJ, EJ, RJ... over and over. It's catchy. :) 

 Let's see what Robyn has to say!



5 Questions for Author Robyn Jones:

EJ: Shadow Town features a protagonist caught up in two seemingly opposed worlds: She works as a property manager for a ritzy development during the day and a waitress at a dive bar by night. As the author, why'd you make those choices? How did it shape the storytelling?

 RJ: When Maggie’s character first perched on my shoulder, I lived in the weirdest neighborhood. I had car choppers to my left with an alcoholic patriarch who went on monthly benders. I had the year round Christmas decoration people to my right. We had drug dealers, a kid who sifted through people’s cars when they weren’t smart enough to lock the doors, and a guy who worked on his tiny yellow sports car for three years and it never left his front lawn. I thought about what Maggie would do if she managed that colorful cul-de-sac. She’d need a night job to balance all the crazies, that’s for sure.

EJ: Shadow Town is described as a New Adult Paranormal Romance. But there seem to be elements of sleuthing and adventure in there as well. Any specific inspiration for telling this kind of story? Is it truly a mashup, or does it strictly adhere to the pararom formula?

RJ: My childhood revolved around way too much 80’s television with awesome sleuthing women, that and my mom always said in her other life she was Kinsey Millhone from the Sue Grafton mystery series. So mystery appeals to me, but I’m head over heels for all things paranormal. I’m plain giddy when I’m daydreaming in the land of fang and magic.

EJ: New Adult, I'm a fan. Why'd you decide to dive in? What makes Shadow Town a good fit for the New Adult category?

RJ: Shadow Town floated between YA and Adult until I read my first NA book. NA offers a glimpse into the direct aftermath of childhood. Everything feels so huge, dreams, love, pain. In New Adult, I found a home for my mouthy 19 year-old MC.

 EJ: Maggie, the heroine of Shadow Town, seems like a real tough chick. What makes her so? Any challenges tackling the romance aspects with such a strong female lead?

 RJ: Maggie is life-hardened. Abuse has done a number on her, but there is no way she’ll let it break her. I loved writing the romance in Shadow Town because Maggie was determined to close herself off. The push/pull had me clicking away and cracking up because the girl is funny.

 EJ: Last one! Tell us why Shadow Town should be bumped to the top of our TBR piles, and where we can find it. (And you!)

 RJ: If you told Maggie her story was about self-discovery she’d flip you off. Mention falling in love or healing and she’d knuckle punch you somewhere tender. She’s lovable like that. Maggie pulls you into her snark and her pain, and leaves you cheering and waiting for more.

 You can find Shadow Town and my other books, Soul Walker and Soul Bender on Amazon and Smashwords.

I’m never too far from cyberspace. Stop by. I’m a chatty girl.

Goodreads
robgirlbooks.blogspot.com
@robgirlbooks

EJ: And while you're checking her blog, be sure to scope the Shadow Town tour page for a chance to win some Amazon $$$! (Click the banner below... click it! ;)


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Thrills, Chills & A Happy New Year!

Hey, gang! 2014 is here and so are we. If that doesn't mean we "won" 2013, I don't know what does! :) Here's hoping you reached most of your goals from last year and have big plans for this one as well.

 I've started the year with crappycrudcoughcongestionsnotbubble-itis, but other than that I'm hitting the ground running. I've got a big Moonsongs tour kicking off today to celebrate the release of the 5th book (Vampire's Ball released in late December while the slumbered away waiting for Santa). 

 You can check out all of the tour stops below, and be sure and enter the rafflecopter. Lots of signed books, Amazon $$$, and book bundles up for grabs.

 I'd love to have you stop by and say howdy!

 ALSO, you can nab a copy of my Moonsongs Anthology 1 (collecting the first three Moonsongs stories) for Kindle absolutely free today. I'd greatly appreciate the download (or sharing of the news for others to download) if you can spare a second.

Thrills & Chills Tour Schedule:

I'll be back here on Wednesday to share some Insecure Writer's Support Group fun. Until then, I'll ask: What's your #1 writing goal for 2014?

 Mine is to publish a full-length novel (or at least have the plans in place for future publication). Speaking of, I need to get back to writing it! 

~EJW~
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BIG NA Fall Fling Book Sale & My Dragon's Game Cover Reveal

Hey, gang! Very exciting day for me as I finally get to take the wraps off the cover of my latest Moonsongs book! But first, I want to share an opportunity to snag some awesome New Adult reads on the cheap...


Several New Adult authors (me included) have teamed up to offer their titles for free or a heavily discounted price over the next few days (October 15-18, specifically).

If you're not familiar with New Adult (think "what's next" after YA and before adult) or are just looking to grow your NA library, this is definitely a can't miss event! And the fantastic thing about this sale is that it offers a wide sampling of genres within New Adult. 

You'll find paranormal romance, contemporary romance, urban fantasy, and more!

The New Adult authors/books taking part in the Fall Fling are:

EJ Wesley

Moonsongs Anthology 1
http://www.amazon.com/Moonsongs-Anthology-1-ebook/dp/B00D020MOO
The Crimson Hunt

Lynn Rush

Frostbite
http://amzn.to/17S3I2X
Wasteland
http://amzn.to/wz4miA
Awaited
http://amzn.to/Pbfb32
Tainted
http://amzn.to/W0KqQW
Violet Midnight
http://amzn.to/SafFZY
Violet Dawn
http://amzn.to/XOBwXk
Violet Storm
http://amzn.to/1bSjwnr

Jaycee DeLorenzo

The Truths about Dating and Mating
http://www.amazon.com/Truths-about-Dating-Mating-ebook/dp/B00AAOCX2E

For more on my part, scroll to the bottom of this post!

Now for the cover reveal...

*drumroll*


Available Monday, October 22nd!

Jenny Moonsong recently inherited the title of "monster hunter" and an ancient tribal journal/how-to manual passed down by her Apache ancestors. She has already faced a werewolf, witches, and a troll. But nothing could prepare her for her latest confrontation...

Dragon's Game, Moonsongs Book 4, finds Jenny out of her rural West Texas element, searching for an evil witch in an urban Houston nightclub. After attempting to help a handsome and mysterious stranger out of a jam, she finds herself on the run from a ruthless gang who are even more dangerous than they initially appear.

Forced into a twisted game of life and death, Jenny must navigate the complexity of a budding relationship, and somehow survive a night filled with unexpected horror and paranormal mystery.

Dragon's Game is approximately 14,000 words or 45 pages, and is the fourth volume of the Moonsongs Books, an ongoing series of New Adult, speculative / urban fantasy novelettes by author E.J. Wesley.

 (These stories contain language and content better suited for readers 17+)

***
I'd appreciate it if you could add Dragon's Game to your Goodreads shelf! It will 'officially' go on sale October 22nd at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords. (But I won't guarantee you won't find it before then if you care to look. :)

New Adult Fall Fling Deal: And remember, for a limited time you can catch up on the entire Moonsongs series for just .99 cents (regularly $2.99)!

Moonsongs Anthology 1 (books 1, 2, & 3) is on sale October 15th - 20th at Amazon!

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Welcome To Werewolf College, Where Dorm Living REALLY Bites

Hey, gang! Very excited to bring you an interview today with Scarlet Dawn, author of the brand-spanking-new fantasy novel, King Hall.

The premise for this one is insanely cool, so you'll definitely want to check out Scarlet's thoughts and motivations on writing it.

But first, I wanted to mention that the fine folks behind the Authors For Oklahoma disaster relief fundraiser are still taking donations and entries for the book bundles they're offering up. The proceeds will go to help those still cleaning up after the Oklahoma tornadoes earlier this summer (yes, they're still at it, and lots of people still do not have their homes back). By donating, you'll also be entered for a chance to win one of several book bundles that were donated to the group by various authors. 

You can check all of the details, and help, HERE.

Now for the interview...


EJ: "King Hall — where the Mysticals go to learn their craft, get their degrees, and transition into adulthood. And where four new Rulers will rise and meet their destinies."

Okay, not going to lie, this sounds AMAZING! Reading the entire blurb, it's like Harry Potter meets the X Men meets The Hunger Games (all the revolution talk)--tell us how you came up with the concept.

SD: My inspiration came from another story I had started writing. I knew I was on the verge of something wonderful, but that original story just wasn’t good enough.

Blank page. I started over, twisting characters, the story…BAM!

King Hall was written.

EJ: So King Hall is VERY paranormal. We've got Shifters, Vampires, Mages, Elementals--you name it. Being completely honest, it seems like everything paranormal has been done to death by this point. How did you keep KH fresh? Conversely, what (if any) paranormals inspired you?

SD: You’re right. Paranormal has been done to death.

When I created King Hall, I did so with a clear idea that I was going to make these fantasy beings as I wanted them. No preconceived notions as to what a Vampire, Shifter, Mage, or Elemental was. That’s the beauty of writing…you can make it whatever you want to. 

I did that. These beings aren’t your typical paranormal/fantasy characters.

I let my imagination fly.

EJ: KH is New Adult... *claps hands together* WE LOVE NEW ADULT HERE AT THE OPEN VEIN BLOG! *stares sternly at audience until they nod in agreement* How'd you find the NA category, and how does KH fit into the New Adult scene?

SD: I love New Adult, though my reason is lengthy…

I adore the chaos that derives from even the simplest action a “new adult” takes, every step a minefield of individuality. But when I wrote King Hall a few years ago, I didn’t know anything about the “label”. I just wrote what I wanted, what stories came to me. This particular series really took hold, and I kept writing.

And writing…

Until I was done.

Even after writing the last sentence of the last book, I still knew nothing about New Adult. A few months later, when I started investigating on how to query, I read an article on NA. It fit. It was that easy for me. If it quacks like a duck, looks like a duck, then it’s most likely a duck. Same for The Forever Evermore series.

That said, I probably could have labeled this particular novel, King Hall, as upper YA (even though their ages are 19-22), but I had to think about the entire series as a whole. I didn’t want kiddies to get hooked on book one, only to have their minds blown by the erotic content of future books. I’m a mother of three wonderful teenagers, and while I’ve allowed them to read sections of King Hall, I would never allow them to read the entirety of the other books. It just gets too hawt for young minds. I was thinking about, not only my children, but other parents’ kids as well.

So, long story short, the New Adult genre fit. It’s where my writing-love is.

EJ NOTE: I hear this a lot from writers exploring NA: The content/story just outgrew YA, and I'm thrilled there's something that allows me to explore that now. Go New Adult go! :D

EJ: Lily, King Hall's heroine, seems like the, "I really want to be left alone and read my boo--oh hell, I've got to go save the world" sort. Can you tell us about some of the challenges she faces as a character (inward/outward)? Also, what's her biggest fear/greatest strength?

SD: You’ve nailed Lily on the head with your description.

Lily has been “hiding” within the Commoner world for her entire life until tragedy strikes, and her sadistic uncle tosses her into the most prestigious Mystical school in the world. You see, Lily’s a hybrid. Half Shifter/half Vampire. She should have been slaughtered at birth by the Executioner…

It’s easy to say her biggest fear is being “found out”, but by the end of this tale, there’s a new overwhelming fear. The Revolution.

EJ: Our favorite question here at the Open Vein! Where/when can we get our paws (shifter joke!) on King Hall, and where can we find you on the web?

SD: King Hall has just recently released! I feel so humbled by the response it has already received…becoming an international bestseller. My heart simply glows hearing all of the fabulous reviews.

King Hall can be purchased here:

Amazon
Amazon.uk










Meet Scarlet Dawn!
Facebook 
Twitter
Goodreads
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Hale Maree Tour, Mercy teaser, & BIG Book Giveaway

Hey gang! Really exciting stuff today ...

A few weeks ago, I believe I shared the cover for author Misty Provencher's debut Adult novel, Hale Maree. Well, she (the story) is now out in the world (HERE and HERE), and to celebrate Misty is touring and giving away some sweet prizes.

 More on the prizes below but first--Misty ALSO (lady is crazy busy!) has a new, New Adult story slated to debut next week. It's called Mercy, and it's all about gargoyle shenanigans. Here's a sneak peak: (Excerpt provided by author.)


I have seen this thing in a book once.  A photo that was not this, but similar enough to identify it.  It is out of place here, but as the thing scrapes to grip the rock, I am almost certain I am looking at a gargoyle.

"Surprised? Disappointed?" The thing says. "That a grotesque, an ugly would be sent to save you?  Not the beautiful, not the angelic?  Haughty Slip.  What is the matter with me?  I have wings."

And the thing spreads out hideous, thin wings, darker gray than it's body and spiny as the backbone of a starving child.  He pushes them down so hard that the water churns around me, bashing my body against the rock, over and over again.

Enough! I scream inside.  Leave me for the angels to find!

The gargoyle's giggle escapes in charred wisps, but the thing tucks in its wings with one sticky, awkward fold.

"Strength is not exclusive to beauty, darling."  The gargoyle growls, hovering closer to my face.  "You will exist, Slip.  And you will do it knowing that these ugly claws were the only ones that reached out for you.  They are what came to save you, and not those celestial beings."

It's finger, pointy as a stinger, swoops down to prod me, but at the last second, all of the gargoyle's claws spread wide.  The tines of its fingers clutch my skin and my soul is thrust back into my soft bread cage body.  A caustic scream awakens from my bloodless shell and echoes among the milky-eyed fish that stare up at me as I am carried away.

Mercy sounds pretty epic, right? And another home run cover to boot. I'll definitely be looking for it when it lands next week...

 Now for the giveaway! Below are two Rafflecopter forms where you can enter for a chance to win this pile o' booty:


So be sure to enter, and check out Hale Maree, too. The early reviews have been stellar. Best of luck on both Misty! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway a Rafflecopter giveaway
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New Adult Lit - Haters, Champions, & Being Heard

Howdy gang! Can you smell the slowly darkening, roasted meat of a bird lovingly rubbed with herbs and butter? Can you hear the chirp of an oven timer, prompting the removal of yet another pie or golden loaf of bread? Can you taste the toasted cinnamon and oozing marshmallows from your second helping of sweet potato pie?

 Thanksgiving is almost here, and if you couldn't already tell, it's my favorite holiday. From the fellowship to the food, there's nothing like it. I also love that it doesn't get all tied up with the social and/or religious stuff that spoils so many other holidays. Thanksgiving is for all who are grateful.

 And if I'm upright and breathing, I figure that's more than some folks have going for them, so I'm basically always grateful! One thing I'm especially grateful this year is New Adult (NA) literature. 
Photo Cred - Lisa L. Wiedmeier, WANA Commons
I rarely take time to blog about causes. Not because I don't have them. Ask my family and friends, I get fired up about plenty of things. It's just I've learned (the hard way, trust me) that the things I'm passionate about are usually things lots of other people are passionate about, too.

 The louder I squawk, the louder they squawk--and it all just ends up being noise. Noise that usually drowns out the things that the needed the attention in the first place (i.e. not me).

 Today, I make an exception.

 As many of you know, I'm a champion for the rise of New Adult literature. Now, I'm not the most prominent or eloquent--or tallest--of the banner waivers. (Maybe that's why I feel the need to stand on a soapbox for this issue.) But I definitely believe in it, and here's why.

 New Adult is more than marketing. NA is more than a niche being carved out by fringe authors and readers. NA is big, small, smart, and slow. NA goes beyond what YA can (and arguably should) do, and fills the gaps left by the leap from YA to Adult. 

 More importantly than all of that, New Adult gives a voice to a specific set of readers and authors. There's a group of people who are 18-26 years of age, and everyone has--or will--fall into that category if they've lived long enough. And those folks shouldn't have to apologize for wanting their own shelf in a bookstore.

 They read and write, and therefore have earned a say in what they want to see in a store. Well, at least in my eyes. As I pointed out above, there are definitely people who don't agree. A couple of recent articles I read reminded me of that (here and here). 

 Haters Gonna Hate, Yo

 I think the kids call them haters, but whatever they go by, it's clear NA has its detractors. People who are cheering just as hard for NA to go away as I am for it to exist. The ironic thing for me, is that these folks seem to be losing their rational minds when they argue against NA.

 They discount the Internet like it's a couple of goth kids crashing prom. Hello! The Internet practically IS society at this point. If it isn't on the Web, it might as well not exist in the minds of 80% of the US population.

 They say NA is being foisted upon the world by self-published authors. Which, other than being insanely offensive, is dead wrong. It's actually the opposite: the world (or readers) is foisting New Adult on literature. (A great article on NA sensation Tammara Webber and her BIG NA book deal, and why NA has happened.)

 So is the sky falling? Will a few 'knowledgeable' or 'important' people chime in, call NA a 'non-thing', and pee on the parade for the rest of us? Short answer: NOPE.

The NA THING is happening. It has already happened to an extent, and as long as authors and readers continue to demand it, NA will grow. And it needs to. 

 The Spice of Life

 I sometimes think there are people who would prefer that we all read the same 6 books, from 2 categories, and that's it. (If it's coming from an author or agent, probably THEIR 6 books, incidentally.) Which isn't only misguided, it's dangerous.

 That kind of thinking crushes the spirit of creativity. It stymies growth in both society and individuals. A great story can help someone take the next step in their life. A good book can shift the path beneath our feet, forever altering where, and how far, we can go. 

 For that to happen, there has to be as many stories as there are readers, because each person is going to be moved by something different. If they don't have it, an opportunity is lost.

 I'll leave you with this: Be you reader or writer, beware anyone who suggests a niche or group shouldn't exist, and support those who struggle to be heard. Fight for the books and stories you like to read and write to be recognized--at every level. And the louder people are who oppose the idea, the more important it becomes for you to speak up.

 ~EJW~  

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