T4T: The Red Magic Series by Jen McConnel

 

Welcome to this week’s Two for Thursday Book Blitz #T4T presented by Month9books/Tantrum Books!

Today, we will be showcasing two titles that may tickle your fancy, and we’ll share what readers have to say about these titles!

You just might find your next read!

This week, #T4T presents to you:

The Red Magic series by Jen McConnel!

Be sure to enter the giveaway found at the end of the post!

 

Witches must choose the path they will follow, and Darlena Agara is no exception. She’s been putting it off long enough, and in her case, ignoring it has not made it go away. In a moment of frustration, Darlena chooses to follow Red Magic, figuring she had outsmarted the powers that be, since there’s no such thing as Red Magic. But alas, Darlena’s wrong (again) and she becomes a newly declared Red Witch.

Her friends are shocked and her parents horrified by the choice Darlena has made. As a Red Witch, she now governs one third of the world’s chaos. She is the walking personification of pandemonium, turmoil, and bedlam, just as the patrons of Red Magic would have it to be. 

But Darlena believes there must be more to Red Magic than chaos and destruction, and she sets out on a journey to achieve balance. Only doing so puts her at odds with the dark goddess Hecate, who simply will not allow Darlena to quit. She encourages Darlena to embrace who and what she is and to leave good magic to the good witches. If only Darlena could, life would be simple, and she would not be the Daughter of Chaos.

DAUGHTER OF CHAOS is the first in a YA paranormal trilogy.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Google Play | BAM | Chapters | IndieBound | Kobo | TBD

 

WHAT READER’S ARE SAYING:

 

“At the beginning, this novel is reminiscent of other popular fantasy novels like the Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling and the Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan, but it quickly takes on a life of its own that will appeal to science fiction, fantasy, and young adult fans alike. Darlena’s struggles mirror issues that many teens face, making her a relate-able and likable main character. This is a title with wide appeal that will fly off the shelves.” – Voya Magazine

 

“Daughter of Chaos by Jen McConnel is a refreshing twist to the YA paranormal genre!” – Dianne, Tome Tender

 

“Witches and Greek gods! This seriously couldn't get any better.” – Kelly Hashway, Author

 

The gods of chaos cannot be trusted. 

Since battling her best friend, Darlena’s grip on Red Magic has been shaky. She heads to Scotland after the Winter Solstice in search of another Red Witch. 

On a sightseeing excursion with girls from her hostel, Darlena arrives at The Vaults, a mysterious underground city beneath Edinburgh. But there is something there that make Darlena’s instincts go haywire, as she lets loose a defensive burst of Red Magic, putting everyone around her in danger. 

If there was ever a time when Darlena needed the help of another Red witch, it was now. But beware the witch who wields Red Magic. 

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Google Play | BAM | Chapters | IndieBound | Kobo | TBD

 

WHAT READER’S ARE SAYING:

 

“I think I'm in love. This book had a totally different ending than what i thought it was. I was honestly surprised.” – Goodreads Reviewer

 

“'Gods of Chaos' is the phenomenal second installment in a young adult paranormal series.” – Stephanie, A Dream Within A Dream

 

“There are many twists and turns in this book. The ending was totally unexpected and completely epic.” – Intellectual Vixens

 

 

Jen McConnel now lives and writes in the beautiful state of North Carolina. When she isn't crafting worlds of fiction, she teaches writing composition at a community college. Once upon a time, she was a middle school teacher, a librarian, and a bookseller, but those are stories for another time.

Author Links: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

 

Complete the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win!

 

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Two For Thursday: Daughter of Chaos and Predator

Hello and welcome to this week’s Two for Thursday Book Blitz #T4T
presented by Month9books/Tantrum Books!

Today, we will be showcasing two titles that may tickle your fancy,
and we’ll share what readers have to say about these titles!

You just might find your next read!

This week, #T4T presents to you:

Daughter of Chaos by Jen McConnel and
Predator by Janice Gable Bashman!

Be sure to enter the giveaway found at the end of the post!

Witches must choose the path they will follow, and Darlena Agara is no exception. She’s been putting it off long enough, and in her case, ignoring it has not made it go away. In a moment of frustration, Darlena chooses to follow Red Magic, figuring she had outsmarted the powers that be, since there’s no such thing as Red Magic. But alas, Darlena’s wrong (again) and she becomes a newly declared Red Witch.
Her friends are shocked and her parents horrified by the choice Darlena has made. As a Red Witch, she now governs one third of the world’s chaos. She is the walking personification of pandemonium, turmoil, and bedlam, just as the patrons of Red Magic would have it to be.
But Darlena believes there must be more to Red Magic than chaos and destruction, and she sets out on a journey to achieve balance. Only doing so puts her at odds with the dark goddess Hecate, who simply will not allow Darlena to quit. She encourages Darlena to embrace who and what she is and to leave good magic to the good witches. If only Darlena could, life would be simple, and she would not be the Daughter of Chaos.
DAUGHTER OF CHAOS is the first in a YA paranormal trilogy.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks

WHAT READER’S ARE SAYING:
“At the beginning, this novel is reminiscent of other popular fantasy novels like the Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling and the Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan, but it quickly takes on a life of its own that will appeal to science fiction, fantasy, and young adult fans alike. Darlena’s struggles mirror issues that many teens face, making her a relate-able and likable main character. This is a title with wide appeal that will fly off the shelves.” – Voya Magazine

“Daughter of Chaos by Jen McConnel is a refreshing twist to the YA paranormal genre!” – Dianne, Tome Tender

“Witches and Greek gods! This seriously couldn't get any better.” – Kelly Hashway, Author

Jen McConnel now lives and writes in the beautiful state of North Carolina. When she isn't crafting worlds of fiction, she teaches writing composition at a community college. Once upon a time, she was a middle school teacher, a librarian, and a bookseller, but those are stories for another time.

Author Links: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

The hunt is on! Sixteen-year-old Bree Sunderland must inject herself with an untested version of her father’s gene therapy to become a werewolf in order to stop a corrupt group of mercenaries from creating a team of unstoppable lycanthrope soldiers.

When Bree went with her scientist father to Ireland, she thought it would be a vacation to study bog bodies. She never expected to fall in love with a mysterious young Irishman and certainly never expected to become the kind of monster her father said only existed in nightmares. Dr. Sunderland discovers that lycanthropy was not a supernatural curse but rather a genetic mutation. When they return home, her dad continues his research, but the military wants to turn that research into a bio weapons program and rogue soldiers want to steal the research to turn themselves into unstoppable killing machines.

Bree’s boyfriend Liam surprises her with a visit to the United States, but there are darker surprises in store for both of them. As evil forces hunt those she loves, Bree must become an even more dangerous hunter to save them all.

Bree will become the thing she hates, to protect those she loves!

'Predator' gives the werewolf legend a couple of new spins by introducing the Benandanti (an actual folkloric belief that certain families of Italy and Livonia were werewolves who fought against evil), as well as a modern scientific approach to mutation and the science of transgenics.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks

WHAT READER’S ARE SAYING:

“Predator is a fast-paced, creepy page-turner! Bashman had me at the opening sentence and she's still got me. I want more!” – Nancy Holder, New York Times Bestselling Author, The Rules


“Every twist and fascinating revelation fell into place smoothly, with an ending that will leave readers wanting more. With this kind of originality on the page, it is exciting to speculate at the surprises Bashman will unveil next.” – Suspense Magazine

“Predator" by Janice Gable Bashman is clean-teen fiction at it's best. It's smart, scary and suspenseful. The main character Bree is a super positive role model for teen girls--no mater what shape she takes” – Jennifer, Author

Janice Gable Bashman is the Bram Stoker nominated author of Wanted Undead or Alive and Predator. She is managing editor of the The Big Thrill (International Thriller Writers’ ezine). Janice lives with her family in the Philadelphia area, where she at work on her next novel. Visit her at janicegablebashman.com.

Author Links: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Complete the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win!

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Gods of Chaos blog tour: Guest Post by Jen McConnel @month9books @chapterxchapter @Jen_McConnel

Today we're hosting author Jen McConnel! She's a fellow Month9Book author who's got some words of wisdom for aspiring writers. First, let's take a look at GODS OF CHAOS, sequel to Daughter of Chaos!

Gods of Chaos (Red Magic #2)
Publication date: March 31, 2015
Publisher: Month9Books, LLC.
Author: Jen McConnel

The gods of chaos cannot be trusted.

Since battling her best friend, Darlena’s grip on Red Magic has been shaky. She heads to Scotland after the Winter Solstice in search of another Red Witch.

On a sightseeing excursion with girls from her hostel, Darlena arrives at The Vaults, a mysterious underground city beneath Edinburgh. But there is something there that make Darlena’s instincts go haywire, as she lets loose a defensive burst of Red Magic, putting everyone around her in danger.

If there was ever a time when Darlena needed the help of another Red witch, it was now. But beware the witch who wields Red Magic.

And now, Jen McConnel's guest post:

5 Nuggets of Wisdom for the Aspiring Author: by Jen McConnel

It seems like I always wanted to be an author; when I was a kid, my mom helped me make my first book, using contact paper and cardboard, and I dreamed of the day when I’d really see my name on spines in the bookstore or library. Eventually, I got caught up with trying to be practical, and I sort of wandered away from writing. But my first love was always there, waiting for me to come back, and I’m so glad I started writing again; I hope this time I won’t ever stop! Since it’s been a meandering path for me, I wanted to share five tips and things I’ve learned along the way to maybe help you on your own journey of words.

#1: Drop the aspiring and just write.

No one can validate your writing except for YOU. You might think that you aren’t a real author until you’ve found an agent, been published, become a best seller, fill in the blank. But the reality is, you are a real writer the minute you believe you are. So own it, and keep writing, and don’ wait for the universe to tell you it’s okay. Make it okay!

#2: Experiment!

Have you ever written poetry? Why not try some? What about Science Fiction? Do you usually create your work with an outline? Maybe it’s time to try pantsing, or vice versa. One of the best ways to keep your writing fresh (and to keep you from getting burnt out creatively) is to mix it up with different projects and styles. When you finish one draft, do something totally different, even if it’s just changing the way you edit your work. Variety is the spice of life, and it’s also a great way to stretch your writing muscles. Remember, no one needs to see these experiments (unless you want them to), so there’s no pressure. Try something new!

#3: Have fun!

Seriously. This is probably the biggest nugget of writerly wisdom I can offer. There will be times when you hate the work, but don’t let those times take over. Yes, writing is hard work, but it’s also an insane amount of fun. You get to create entire worlds on the page, no matter what genre you’re writing; every story is its own little universe, from characters to setting to story. It’s like perpetual make-believe; think back to how much fun you had with your imagination as a kid, and give yourself permission to approach writing with that same sense of wonder and play. Your work (and your heart) will thank you!

#4: Find your tribe.

Yes, writing is a solitary endeavor…when you’re drafting. But if you’re in this for the long haul, you need to gather your tribe around you. Join a writer’s group, or a professional organization. Go to workshops and conferences, take classes, or just show up to NaNoWriMo write-ins. Writer friends are some of the best friends; you can learn from them, and they will understand your unique brand of crazy at all stages in the creative process. If you write for kids or teens, the best place to start meeting your tribe is through your local SCBWI; the Carolinas chapter is my home base, and every year at the conference, it’s like the best family reunion ever. And once you find your tribe? Hang onto them; good friends make everything possible.

#5: Believe: in your work, and in yourself.

This is a nugget I picked up from the wonderful Neil Gaiman, in his poem “Instructions”: “trust your heart and trust your story.” Over the years, I’ve found that the single biggest factor to my happiness and the quality of my writing is my continued belief in myself and my work. Sure, there are patches (or canyons) of doubt, but I’ve found that I can push through the darkest places if I can return to my heart and remind myself of my belief in the words on the page…and my belief that I am the only one who can tell this story the way I’m telling it. Listen: no one else will ever write what you are writing; no one else will ever be you. So believe in your fabulous self, and keep writing!

About the Author:

Jen McConnel first began writing poetry as a child. A Michigander by birth, she now lives and writes in the beautiful state of North Carolina. A graduate of Western Michigan University, she also holds a MS in Library Science from Clarion University of Pennsylvania. When she isn't crafting worlds of fiction, she teaches college writing composition and yoga. Once upon a time, she was a middle school teacher, a librarian, and a bookseller, but those are stories for another time. Her fiction titles include YA and NA, and she also writes nonfiction. Visit http://www.jenmcconnel.com to learn more.

Connect With Jen

| Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest | Facebook | Blog | Website |



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Five Things I Wish I Knew About Publishing Before I Was Published, by Jen McConnel

Happy Friday! I don't know about you, but it's been one heck of a week for me! Luckily, our pub sister, Jen McConnel, whose YA novel DAUGHTER OF CHAOS is out now, has stopped by to tell us a few things she wished she knew before she was published. But first, here's a little bit about DAUGHTER OF CHAOS.

Title: Daughter of Chaos (Red Magic #1)

Publication Date: March 25, 2014

Publisher: Month9Books

Author: Jen McConnel

There comes a time in every witch’s life when she must choose her path. Darlena’s friends have already chosen, so why is it so hard for her to make up her mind? Now, Darlena is out of time. Under pressure from Hecate, the Queen of all witches, Darlena makes a rash decision to choose Red magic, a path no witch in her right mind would dare take. As a Red witch, she will be responsible for chaos and mayhem, drawing her deep into darkness. Will the power of Red magic prove too much for Darlena, or will she learn to control it before it’s too late?

Five Things I Wish I Knew About Publishing Before I Was Published

The path to publication is different for every author, even for every book, and I’ve realized that no amount of preparation beforehand can eliminate all the bumps and surprises in the road. Conferences help, the writing community is a boon, but ultimately, at the end of the day, each author is on her own personal path, and she has to make her own mistakes and learn her own lessons along the way. So, in the spirit of sharing, here are five things I wish I knew about publishing before taking this amazing plunge!

1. There is no “one size fits all” model.

Not every book will be a good fit at a large house, and not every book will work out in the self-pub or indie market. There’s no one right way to pursue publication, but sometimes it can feel like published authors are indisputable gurus. Let me tell you right now; I can only speak for my own career, and each of my books requires something slightly different. Make the choices you want to make for your work based on as many factors as you can consider, but ultimately, it’s your choice. Your publishing career might not resemble anybody else’s, and that’s totally okay. In fact, it’s more than okay: it’s one of the most amazing things about being a writer.

2. Your book will not be right for everyone.

Gasp, shock, I know, but even when we may intellectually acknowledge that our books won’t appeal to every single person on the planet, that doesn’t mean we don’t still sort of hope they will. But remember; you aren’t writing for every person on the planet. You’re writing for you, and maybe the girl who cuts or the boy who believes in magic. Tell the story you need to tell, and try not to worry about who will love it or hate it.

3. Finding a publisher isn’t when your work ends; it’s when a new type of work begins.

You sold your book: congratulations! Celebrate, relax, but then get back to work. After you’ve sold your book, your work will shift from writing and revising. You’ll keep writing (I hope!), but you’ll also start thinking about things like publicity, social media, bookstore signings, and school visits. It’s a whole different kind of work, and one that may feel jarring after years of puttering along, writing stories alone and critiquing them with your betas and CPs. Don’t resent the changes; you sold a book! But be warned, your writing life will look very different post book sale than it did before.

4. The books you’ve heard about are only the tip of the publishing iceberg.

As a reader, I used to think I was up on current books, but since tumbling into the world of writing, I’ve realized that there are so many more books out there than I was keeping up with. It’s amazing and intimidating at the same time; there’s something for everyone, true, but there’s also the gnawing fear that people might not find your book. You can help get your book in front of readers; just think outside the box when it comes to helping people hear about your wonderful book baby!

5. Publishing advice doesn’t always keep up with the industry.

I love attending conferences, reading blogs, and stalking the careers of my favorite authors, but the publishing industry is changing rapidly. Advice that was sound ten years ago may be out-dated now. How can you decide which advice to take and which to leave? Follow your heart and your own path. Read everything you can, ask questions, and plug into the professional writing community, but at the end of the day, you have to make the best choice for your book. No one else but you can do that!

Thanks so much for inviting me to guest post today, and for hosting my tour! Happy writing and reading, y’all!

About Jen McConnel

Jen McConnel first began writing poetry as a child. A Michigander by birth, she now lives and writes in the beautiful state of North Carolina. A graduate of Western Michigan University, she also holds a MS in Library Science from Clarion University of Pennsylvania.  When she isn't crafting worlds of fiction, she teaches college writing composition and yoga. Once upon a time, she was a middle school teacher, a librarian, and a bookseller, but those are stories for another time.  Visit http://www.jenmcconnel.com  to learn more.

Connect With Jen

| Twitter | Pinterest | Facebook | Blog | Website |

 a Rafflecopter giveaway