NEW RELEASE - Recalled by Cambria Hebert

It's so awesome to have Cambria Hebert join us today. She is here to tell us about her latest release, Recalled and where she came up with the idea.

Welcome to YAlicious, Cambria!

Since the release of my new book, Recalled, many people have asked me where I came up with the idea for it. It is a Grim Reaper book, but it is a little different than most (well that’s what I hear, I’ve actually not read any published Grim Reaper books).

So when Melissa invited me onto her blog and asked me to talk about something to do with writing I decided to answer the question that I’ve been asked most since the release.

And really, there is more than one answer.

LOL. Hey, I never said this post was going to make sense. Ha ha ha.

I actually wrote the first chapter of this book several years ago, at the time that I started my first published novel, Masquerade. I have since written all four books in that series as well as four novellas that go along with it. (Why? Because those characters were louder in my head). The first chapter of Recalled (which I was then calling Love & Theft) pretty much sat on my computer and I did nothing with it. I always knew I wanted to write that book but I always thought it was about angels.

I was wrong.

That doesn’t happen very often.

Lol.

So when I was getting toward the end of writing my Heven and Hell series I realized that my brain was basically fried from writing about shifters, witches and demons and I wanted to switch it up.

Well about that time my cover designer posted a photograph online of a female model and it was that image that basically haunted me for like a week. I kept thinking about it, obsessing over it and those thoughts evolved into Recalled.

I actually bought the photo and planned to use it for the cover and then we didn’t. We went in another direction (creating the cover that you see today).

But it was the photo that spurred thoughts about Dex and Piper. I began to think about a guy who basically was hired to be an assassin. I wondered what would happen if he was given an assignment he didn’t like. I wondered what kind of person would hire an assassin.

Then I thought about the Grim Reaper, and wondered what kind of character he would make.

As you can see my mind is like a black hole. One thought leads to another and they are usually random.

Then the light bulb went off. I decided to mash up all those thoughts and ideas and put them into one book. I thought back to the first chapter of that book that had been sitting on my laptop for years and I realized that it was not an angel book, but it was this story.

So I wrote it.

And now it is available to anyone to read.

BIG thanks for having me here today!

It's a total pleasure having you!! I love the whole concept of the Grim Reaper and how you came up with the idea. Thanks so much for sharing. I'm super excited about reading it.

You can purchase Cambria's books on Amazon

Recalled

Masquerade

Charade

Tirade

Cambria Hebert is the author of the young adult paranormal Heven and Hell series and the Death Escorts series. She loves a caramel latte, hates math and is afraid of chickens (yes, chickens). She went to college for a bachelor’s degree, couldn’t pick a major and ended up with a degree in cosmetology. So rest assured her characters will always have good hair. She currently lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and children (both human and furry) where she is plotting her next book. 

If you'd like to connect with Cambria online, follow the links below:

Website

Goodreads

Twitter

Facebook

NEW RELEASE - Ethereal by Alivia Anders

Alivia Anders is in one of my Facebook groups. She is one cool chick with a wicked sense of humor. I love hanging out with her online. I am so stoked to have her on YAlicious today.

Her latest novella, Ethereal, has just been released so I wanted to highlight that, plus let you know about the rest of Alivia's awesome work. She also answered a couple of questions for me.
Happy reading :)

A novella inspired by the Illumine Series by bestselling author Alivia Anders, Ethereal will enchant readers with the dark, heart-breaking tale of Rinae.

Rinae Decante has always lived by two rules: run fast, and live reckless. Since the age of seven, she's been a victim of the foster-home system, lost and shuffled until ultimately forgotten under the sea of endless faces of children. When a horrifying event nearly costs another child their life by Rinae's hand, she's branded the devil's daughter, a freak that will never survive in society. Before she can be swept away by the state, Rinae gets lost in the streets, where she spends the next seven years fighting to keep her head above the water. And freaks were destined to be homeless, wandering the streets of New York City for nightclubs to escape the pressure of a broken life. 

The past carefully tucked behind her, Rinae tries to put one foot in front of the other. But the past, always watching, refuses to let her go. When a club-goer bumps into her one night as she escapes the pressures of a broken life, she doesn't think much of it. Until he claims to know what she is, and how to control it. Against every instinct, Rinae takes a leap of faith, trusting Tegen, a boy she is uncontrollably drawn to without reason. Together, they collide headfirst into the hidden world of supernatural beings, tangling with enemies and discovering what binds both of them together, learning that some times, inviting the past into the present can save you.

From March 2nd to March 8th, ALL BOOKS in the series are on sale! 

Illumine is on sale for $0.99

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE

Obumbrate is on sale for $2.99

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE

Riven is on sale for $2.99

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE

 ALIVIA ANDERS is the author of the Amazon bestselling Illumine Series. Born and raised in PA, she fell headfirst into the world of writing at thirteen with the discovery of internet fan-fiction and RPG-forum boards. A lover of chinchillas, mexican food, and coffee, she spends most of her time drumming up new ideas to spin into tales to enchant readers everywhere.

You can find out more about Alivia, and her upcoming projects, by visiting her Facebook or Blogger.

Books Available by Alivia Anders:

The Illumine Series:
Illumine (Book #1)
Obumbrate (Book #2)
Riven (Book #3)

Ethereal (Book #3.5)

Look for the title and cover reveal of book #4 to the Illumine Series in Summer, 2013! 

What inspired Illumine and Ethereal?

Illumine was inspired by a story idea I had kept with me since High School, although originally Kayden was a vampire to Essallie's nephilim. (Could you imagine a Nephilim-vampire story?) I was captivated to tell Essallie's tale, I mean, the girl's got balls like no other while still trying to understand where she fits in the world. For Ethereal, I had been toying with Rinae's backstory for months, back when Riven was originally in first-draft mode. I wanted to include her story into the book, but found it wouldn't fit right since the Illumine Series is told from Essallie's POV, not Rinae's. Thus, Ethereal was born. 

Where's your favourite place to write?

For some reason... hiding in my parent's bedroom on their huge bed does the trick. Only problem is the numb butt you get from sitting for so long, hah!

Who is your favourite author (if you can name just one!)

Super easy, JK Rowling, Jonathan Stroud, or Libba Bray. All of them own a piece of my heart for the enchanting tales they've told. 

If you'd like to connect with Alivia online, you can find her at the following links:

Facebook

Goodreads

Amazon Author Page

Blog

Discussion Time: Clear Picture vs. Impression

I am in the throes of writing the second book of my new Elements Trilogy - Unseen, plus editing the first book - Unknown.

As I work my way through the text, I have been thinking about descriptions. Because this is a fantasy series, I am having to spend more time describing things than I would in a contemporary novel.

I have never been one for much description. I always prefer to get an impression of what's going on and draw my own picture in my head. I don't need to know characters' hair or eye colour, I'd rather know about the way these characters wear their hair or the habitual expressions on their faces. That will tell me more about them than the specific details.

Same goes with the environments. I like a vague picture, something that gives away the mood of the scene. Is it a dark, spooky alley or a wide open field. Is there sunlight or is the space filled with shadows. Things like that. I don't need to know the shape of a house or how many bay windows it has.

But that's just me, everybody's different.

There is an art form to painting a good picture that's not overloaded with details, but also gives enough description to place the reader in the scene. I still have a long way to go in mastering this skill, but for now, I err on the side of less is more.

What's your opinion?

As a reader, what do you prefer?
As a writer, how much description do you think is necessary?

Special Post - TWO Cover Reveals by J. A. Huss

RANGE

I Am Not Junco, Book 4

by J. A. Huss 

 Release date: April 1, 2013

Cover by: James Ledger Concepts Series Website

Two years have passed since Inanna stole Junco away from Lucan. Two years of unimaginable pain. Two years of isolation, mutilation and torture. Two years of fear and loneliness in a morph tank. And that’s not something you just get over, even if you are psycho-assassin, Junco Coot.

Now Junco has to learn to live with the consequences. Her Siblings are suspicious and angry, half her team is dead, Tier is wreaking death and destruction, Lucan is holding his secrets close, and she is spiraling out of control.

There is only one partnership that matters anymore – only one person she will trust and take direction from – and only one way out of the Hell she’s been sentenced to.

Junco is tired of fighting and death. She’s had enough and this time she means to end it – once and for all.

Start Reading Clutch Today for Only 99 Cents!

BOOK TRAILER REVEAL

COVER REVEAL TWO

The Magpie Bridge

A Tier Novella

I Am Not Junco Book 4.5 by J. A. Huss

 Release date: April 1, 2013

Cover by: James Ledger Concepts

Raubtier Aves, 039-1, a.k.a TIER

Son of Lucan

Ranking Officer of the Avian military

Powerful

Ruthless

And devoted to Junco, no matter what

Tier was left with one specific order and he’s not about to screw it up. He might lose all his allies, his brothers, his shot at defeating the High Order, and his own Eternal Salvation - but he’s willing to risk it all to keep one small girl alive.

Tier reveals his part in the epic tale of The Seven Siblings, spilling secrets and motivations that will leave you breathless and wanting more.  The Magpie Bridge paves the way for the final installment in the new adult Series, I Am Just Junco.  The final book in the Junco Epic, RETURN, will be released on December 2, 2013.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

J. A. Huss likes to write new adult books that make you think and keep you guessing. Her favorite genre to read is space opera, but since practically no one reads those books, she writes new adult science fiction, paranormal romance, contemporary romance, urban fantasy, and books about Junco (who refuses to be saddled with a label).

She has an undergraduate degree in horses, (yes, really–Thank you, Colorado State University) and a master’s degree in forensic toxicology from the University of Florida. She used to have a job driving around Colorado doing pretty much nothing but shooting the breeze with farmers, but now she just writes, runs the New Adult Addiction and Clean Teen Reads Book Blogs, and runs an online science classroom for homeschoolers. 

WEBSITE

AUTHOR BLOG 

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

GOODREADS

Cover Love - February Edition

Yay - one of my favourite posts of the month.... cover love. I love looking at book covers, being inspired by the images, wanting to rip open a book, just to find out what it all means.

Here are some of the covers I have spotted this month, that I really love...

The Forgotten Ones by Laura Howard - due for release May 15th, 2013. There is something very wistful and romantic about this cover. I want to know what the girl in this image is thinking.

The Game by Shane Scollins - due for release March 2013. I love the haunting eyes and the maze beneath. It's a very intriguing cover. (Another one by Eden Crane - man that girl rocks!!)

Inhale, Exhale by Sarah M. Ross - due for release April 2013. Yet another wistful cover that makes me want to read the book.

Drowning in You by Rebecca Berto - due for release April 12th, 2013. I'm such a sucker for kissy covers. I love the expression on the girl's face. It draws me in, makes me want to read.

And, of course, I can't end this post without sharing my latest cover. Unknown is due for release June 2013. Thank you so much to my beautiful designer, Brenda Howson, for putting this together for me. You managed to capture the essence of the story perfectly :) And thank you to my model, Ruth Little, your gorgeous face was exactly what I needed to make this cover work.

Have you seen any stunning covers lately?

Winners Announced and Book Highlight - Hidden Wings by Cameo Renae

Before I introduce you to our lovely guest, I'd like to take a moment and congratulate our two Valentine's Giveaway winners.

Congratulations Lindsey Coolidge and Danael McGuire. The authors will be getting in touch with you shortly with e-copies of their books :)

And now for today's guest....

It is my great pleasure to introduce you to the lovely, Cameo Renae and her latest book, Hidden Wings. This little darling is getting amazing reviews and remains in the top 10 of multiple categories on Amazon. I have bought myself a copy and can't wait to get into it :)

Seventeen is a life changing age for Emma Wise.

As her family's sole survivor in a car crash, she is left with a broken arm and a few scrapes and bruises. But these are only outward marks; inside, her heart is broken and the pieces scattered.

Whisked away to Alaska, to an aunt she’s never met, Emma starts over. Secrets unveil themselves and now…she doesn't even know who or what she is.

A centuries old prophecy places Emma in the heart of danger. Creatures of horrifying and evil proportions are after her, and it will take Emma, her aunt, and six, gorgeously captivating Guardians to keep her safe. But, if she can survive until her eighteenth birthday... things will change.

I asked Cameo if she would be willing to tell us a little bit about her writing and she has generously obliged. It's so lovely to have you with us today. Welcome to YAlicious, Cameo :)

A lot of people ask me if I plot my stories. The answer is both yes and no.

When I get an idea for a story, I write out the main things that I think would make it a great story.

Who? What? When? Where and Why?

But usually that’s about the extent of my plot. I’ve never written more than one page of plot.

Why…you ask?

Well. In my writing world, I have found that plotting does not help me. I am what they call a “Seat of the Pants Writer” or a “Pantster”.  As I write, the story just takes on a life of its own. Ideas, scenes, new characters, and then the storyline all seem to fall into place.  Most of the time I am totally taken by surprise at the twists and turns the story can take.

One scene I was writing for the upcoming novel ~ Broken Wings had be BAWLING…like literally sobbing because someone’s death took me by surprise. As I was writing it I was like… NO!!!

It seems like my characters dictate the direction of the story, and I’m just along for the ride. But, I must say… it is quite an adventure to get lost in my mind, and my world. I hope you’ll pick up one of my stories and join me there.

If you happen to…THANK YOU!!! 

Thanks so much for sharing your style with us, Cameo.

If you'd like to connect with Cameo online, you can find her on the links below:
Facebook
Website
Twitter
Goodreads

Happy Valentine's Day Giveaway!

Happy Valentine's Day everybody!

Don't you just love love :)

I know, I know, I'm a total sap, but I can't get enough of romance. It warms my spirit.

So, to celebrate love, I asked a few author friends of mine if they'd like to help me spread a little.

Welcome to the Happy Valentine's Day Giveaway.

Thank you so much Taylor Longford, CJ Duggan, Angela Orlowski-Peart and Cameo Renae for your generosity.

We have two prize packs of multiple e-books for you to win. The giveaway will run for a week. Good luck! We hope you all have a super special Valentine's Day :)

THE PRIZE PACK

a Rafflecopter giveaway