Heads Up! Countdown to the Three Two One Pitch Contest

So you think you can pitch? It's time again for us to give aspiring writers everywhere a chance to pitch to a literary agent. The next Three-Two-One pitch contest takes place July 25th and 26th. This gives you all about three weeks to get your manuscripts and pitches ready. Just a reminder to those who haven't participated before, a Three-Two-One pitch contest goes like this:

THREE - Pitch your story in only three sentences.

TWO - Two days to enter: July 25th and 26th.

ONE - One agent will judge and pick a winner.

Doesn't that sound great? Well then, get those pitches ready!

Do not enter your pitch on this post. We will make an official contest entry post on July 25th and entrants will post their three-sentence pitches (no run on sentences!) in the comments section of that post. At midnight on July 26th, We will turn off comments and no other entries will be accepted. The winner will get a full manuscript request!

We will announce our spectacular judging agent sometime prior to the contest, so keep an eye out!

This contest is open to unagented, completed and polished manuscripts in the genres of:

• Middle Grade
• Young Adult

To be eligible, you must:

1) Follow this blog - go ahead and click "Join this Site" on the right if you haven't already
2) Follow Dorothy on Twitter
3) Follow Elizabeth on Twitter
4) Spread the word! Tweet, Blog, or mention on Facebook about the contest and link back to this post or the official entry post.

So, don't forget: three sentences, two days to enter, one agent will judge. Good luck, everyone. We can't wait to read all of your pitches. See you back here on the 25th of July! :)

Book Excerpt: Secret of the Shielded by Ann Snizek

To all of our American readers... Happy 4th of July! And to help us celebrate, we have an excerpt of SECRET OF THE SHIELDED by Ann Snizek for your reading pleasure.

SECRET OF THE SHIELDED by Ann Snizek

Release Date:  March 9, 2013

Genre:  YA Fantasy, Sci-Fi

Length:  Over 75,000 Words

Publisher:  SnowFlower Enterprises

Presented by:  As YouWish Tours

About the Book:

This brave band of spectacular friends must go on a horrendous journey to remove all threats to the

newly reclaimed throne. They will discover amazing new truths and face heart wrenching choices. Who

are the Philo birds singing about? How will their song play out in the lives of these young people? Will it

all be for nothing??

Song of the Philo birds:

Twelve companions all will travel

Eleven this song try to unravel

Ten don’t know which is the way

Nine are going to have to pay

Eight are wondering what they will find

Seven speak with mouth and mind

Six shall get a brand new name

Five will never be the same

Four the enemy will take

Three have choices they must make

Two have powers they must use

Or, One friend in death will lose.

Excerpt:

Khevin's shoes scuffed softly on the ground as he moved. The fire snapped and the

nighttime creatures sang to the night beyond the cave. Her sleeping friends made little to

no sound as they slumbered and the horses made occasional sounds. Krissa enjoyed the

quiet. It felt relaxing to be able to think without a lot of commotion around her. She

smiled her thanks to Khevin as he silently handed her the medicated drink. Looking into

the cup, Krissa sighed and swallowed it. Quickly, she focused on changing into the

dragon's shape before she could fall asleep. It seemed easier that time.

"What time is it?" Krissa asked Khevin.

He looked at his watch. "It's 1:23, why?"

"Just curious," she said. Krissa discovered that the bandages didn't transform with

her, but did mold to her new shape properly. It amazed her. Her clothes became her skin;

though it never affected the color… she always turned a soft lavender color.

She also noticed that while she still hurt, she could move somewhat. Carefully, she

made her way to the mouth of the cave and looked out. Though it was dark, she had no

problem knowing where things were. Not that she could see them, but she could hear

them. Perhaps it was some sort of echolocation… like bats.

About the Author:

I grew up in Vermont mostly and now live in Virginia with my family (those still at home). My husband and I

have a blended family of seven kids.

My childhood was spent moving around a lot. (non-military) About five years ago, we started home-schooling our youngest children. Now there are only two remaining in home-school. I have tried to nurture the love of books in our children and now our grandchildren -- always nurturing their imaginations.

Recently, I have become active in our community with literacy, starting a local (and online) creative writing club and volunteer tutoring at the Adult Learning Center.

I struggle with Fibromyalgia and PTSD. So, have to be careful not to overdo things... I don't always listen to my own advice. I have a dry, sarcastic and corny sense of humor and always try to look at things optimistically. (again not always successful) However, I feel that if I don't give up -- for long --

then things will work out for the best eventually.

AUTHOR LINKS

Facebook

Jewel of Nirel Tour Facebook Event

Twitter

Website

Snow Flower Enterprises

Amazon Author

Goodreads

BOOK LINKS

Amazon Kindle

Amazon Paperback

B&N

Goodreads

Smashwords

Interview with Leigh Ann Kopans

Two years ago, I was lucky enough to beta-read a fantastic YA Sci-fi/Superhero novel, ONE by Leigh Ann Kopans. I was intrigued by the unique concept, and swept away by the main characters and swoon-worthy romance. And now, ONE is available for all to read! Today, I am delighted to have Leigh Ann Kopans here for an interview.

Raised on comic books and classic novels, Leigh Ann developed an early love of science fiction and literature. As an adult, she rediscovered her love for not only reading, but also writing the types of fiction that enchanted her as a teen. Her debut novel, ONE, is about a girl with only half a superpower, the boy who makes her fly, and her struggle to make herself whole.

Leigh Ann, her husband, and four children live in Columbus, Ohio. When she’s not immersed in the world of fiction, you can find her obsessing over the latest superhero movie or using her kids as an excuse to go out for ice cream (again.)

Welcome to We Do Write, Leigh Ann.

Hi Elizabeth! Thanks so much for inviting me to We Do Write today!

Thanks for joining us! Tell us about a little about ONE. What’s the story about?

One is about a girl with only half a superpower – she can float, but she can’t move through the air, so no flying. That sucks, because almost everyone else has enough powers to do something cool, or none. When she meets a boy with only half a superpower, and they realize what they can do together, the story really starts. 

Great goodness! What a beautiful cover! I love the idea of only having half a power. How did you come up with the idea?

I’ve been obsessed with superheroes as far back as I can remember. I grew up watching X-men on Saturday mornings, and I loved the mix of kick-butt powers and drama on that show. I thought about superpowers long and hard, and realized that they almost all had more than one component. I wondered what would happen if someone had only one of those components. 

Very cool. Do you have a critique group/partner or beta readers, or do you self-edit?

I have an ARMY of critique partners and beta readers. ONE went through three big edits, then two more light edits before it went off to the copyeditor. So far, TWO, the sequel, has been through two big edits, and is waiting for a lighter one before going to beta readers, and then it will go to the copyeditor. I can’t speak for TWO yet, but ONE had just over two dozen early readers before going to the final copyedit.

That's a lot of beta-readers. I'm happy to add myself into that two-dozen. Are you a plotter or a pantser?

ONE was pantsed, but that was the last book I’ll ever write like that. I have a day job and four kids, and for me, pantsing just takes way too long. Now, I outline with the help of a beat sheet, and it cuts the time it takes me to write a first draft down about 75%. 

Hmmm... you present a convincing argument. I may have to rethink my pantsing tendencies.  What’s the hardest part of writing for you?

I would say making sure every element of the plot makes sense, because that’s what it seems like to me…but if I look at my editor’s comments, the hardest part for me is ACTUALLY getting a consistent and likeable character voice and arc. 

What do you absolutely have to have nearby when writing?

Unfortunately, munchies. I’ve mostly transitioned to low fat popcorn and carrot sticks, but let’s just say writing as much as I do isn’t that awesome for my waistline. Can’t win ‘em all, I guess.

Wouldn't it be great if typing burned as many calories as running? We should look into that.

If you could have any super power, what would it be?

To never sleep. Think of all the books I could write! And read!

What's the weirdest thing you've googled?

I can’t think of a weirdest thing, but the saddest thing I’ve googled recently is “Good excuses for my suicide scars.” But that’s for a different book.

Quick writing test! Use the following words in a sentence: graffiti, cloud, trolley.

The graffiti scrawled on the side of the trolley blurred into a cloud of color as it sped by.

Finish this sentence: If I'm not writing, I'm probably ...reading or sleeping.

Who would you like to thank for supporting you?

Jamie Grey has been by my side literally from the moment I decided to self-publish this book, and I honestly think I would have quit at twenty different times if she hadn’t been there to pull me along. Trisha Leigh has been my publishing mentor and inspiration, and I’d be lost without her. And every member of my production and street team, #TeamONE, has gone above and beyond to make this book a success – and that’s over 100 people. 

And finally, where can people find you and your book online?

Thank you so much for asking!
I blog at www.leighannkopans.blogspot.com
My official site is at www.leighannkopans.com

And here are the buy links for ONE!
Amazon Kindle
Paperback (from Amazon)
Special Edition Paperback with comics (from Amazon)
Barnes and Noble Nook
iBookstore
Signed (from my site)
Createspace

Thank you so much for inviting me over! It’s been a pleasure. 

Congratulations on your release, Leigh Ann! Thanks for stopping by!

**Friday, July 5th, We Do Write will have an exciting announcement! Come check it out!**

Happy Book Birthday: Vortex by SJ Kincaid

How are you all doing on your summer reads? Need another book to add to the list? How about VORTEX by SJ Kincaid? It launches today from Katherine Tegen Books.

The impossible was just the beginning. Now in their second year as superhuman government weapons-in-training at the Pentagonal Spire, Tom Raines and his friends are mid-level cadets in the elite combat corps known as the Intrasolar Forces. But as training intensifies and a moment arrives that could make or break his entire career, Tom’s loyalties are again put to the test.

Encouraged to betray his ideals and friendships for the sake of his country, Tom is convinced there must be another way. And the more aware he becomes of the corruption surrounding him, the more determined he becomes to fight it, even if he sabotages his own future in the process.

Drawn into a power struggle more dramatic than he has ever faced before, Tom stays a hyperintelligent step ahead of everyone, like the exceptional gamer he is—or so he believes. But when he learns that he and his friends have unwittingly made the most grievous error imaginable, Tom must find a way to outwit an enemy so nefarious that victory seems hopeless. Will his idealism and bravado cost him everything—and everyone that matters to him?

Filled with action and intelligence, camaraderie and humor, the second book in S.J. Kincaid’s futuristic World War III Insignia trilogy continues to explore fascinating and timely questions about power, politics, technology, loyalty, and friendship.

Amazon
Barnes and Noble

Review: Kiss of Fire by Rebecca L. Ethington

Kiss of Fire, the swift moving first book in the Imdalind series by Rebecca Ethington made me smile, a lot. From the begining, Jocyln, the 16 year old protagonist, comes off as a full fledged character full of strengths, quirks, insecurities, and an unusual combination of self assured boldness and a deeply ingrained compulsion to avoid notice. Throughout the Kiss of Fire, I enjoyed watching Jocyln overcome the walls she's built around herself and begin to learn how to let people in and even trust.

Of course, a paranormal/urban fantasy  novel wouldn't be complete without the complicated love interests, social drama, strained family relationships, and magic: Kiss of Fire more than delivers.

Estranged from the father who walked away after her mysterious childhood coma, seemingly because of the bizarre scar that was the only physical reminder of that time, and living with the hardworking mother who still loves her ten years absent husband, Jocyln spends a lot of time home alone or hanging at her mom's workplace, the kitchen of an outrageously wealthy man whose son became her only friend.
Of course, even best friends keep secrets, and Jocyln is hiding more than her fateful scar under her hoodie. She's also hiding the burden of her missing father's apparent madness, her own fears regarding her sanity, and the feelings she knows can come to nothing. Of course, those are small secrets compared to Ryland's.

Ethington's approach to the ubiquitous wealth and privilege endemic to the genre surprised me. As soon as I read that Jocyln's world lies tangent to the extremely wealthy and powerful family for whom her mom works, I worried that the story would devolve into a tag-along tale in which a regular girl from a working family background gets to spend her time with the extremely privileged. Let's face it, we all read Twilight, and as a reader, I can only take so much "I'm not worthy." That's why I was delighted that in Kiss of Fire, while there are times when they come out and say "you're not worthy," Jocyln never took that notion into her personal world view, and neither did her best friend, said wealthy, handsome, smart, funny, able bodied Ryland. I was even more delighted as the plot unfolded and the heavy cost of Ryland's privilege unfolded.

I'm a big fan of leading ladies who make their own decisions, and while just about everyone tried to boss Jocyln around, and though she did, ultimately, tend to comply, she did so with agency. I liked the way that Ethington dealt with Jocyln's emotions, particularly dealing with her transition from living in the world as we know it into one in which magic is not only a very real force, but a part of who she is. I enjoyed this book, and am looking forward to the second in the series.

Review: Owlet by Emma Michaels

Fragility can be it's own strength, and in Owlet, by Emma Michaels, Iris, a seventeen year old girl who has grown up secluded and weakened by debilitating asthma finds herself waking into the adventure of her dreams while beginning to discover her true strengths in a past which has been kept from her. On her own island of Never-Never, Iris begins to face the past she lost and the improbable future ahead of her while under the threat of the Eyrie, which wants her dead. Enchanted by her once-would-be assassin, she faces this new world with an unbridled thirst for the truth, even when the answers may be more dark or peculiar than the tragic past she'd constructed to fill in the gaps in her memory.

Written in lavish prose, Owlet moves between dreams and the present with fluidity and grace. The author uses poetry and song to weave a spellbinding and emotionally charged journey on a far away island that juxtaposes the surreal with the mundane. After all, Never Never is still close enough to get Chinese take-out.

My one reservation is that for much of Owlet , the first book in the Society of Feathers series, the story happens to Iris, with little agency on her own part. Debilitated with each exertion and constantly being watched and micromanaged, even half of her soul bosses her around without her own full understanding or complicity. Iris' amnesia provides a good mechanism for learning about her world as she does, but in keeping the main character in the dark about so many things, while relying on dream revelation and the monologue of others, the story does not move forward so much as it unfolds around Iris. At one point, her inner voice reminds her, "You are not inadequate: you are perfectly Iris," though at that time, she is very much the helpless damsel in distress, having not yet come into her own strength.

I enjoyed the dreamlike prose and Micahels' subtle approach to the paranormal and modern fantasy YA genres. I like that Michaels chose to write a differently abled lead character, reminding readers that fantastical adventures and beautiful new worlds are not reserved for the demigods among us, but even the slightly frail and less than hale. I am looking forward to the continuation of the series, and am optimistic that reading along as Iris grows into her potential will be a satisfying fairytale. 

Happy Book Birthday, Ashes on the Waves!

If you like Edgar Allen Poe and Celtic culture as much as I do, you just might be happy to know that Ashes on the Waves, by Mary Lindsey releases TODAY! Check it out:

Liam MacGregor is cursed. Haunted by the wails of fantastical Bean Sidhes and labeled a demon by the villagers of Dòchas, Liam has accepted that things will never get better for him—until a wealthy heiress named Annabel Leighton arrives on the island and Liam’s fate is changed forever.

With Anna, Liam finally finds the happiness he has always been denied; but, the violent, mythical Otherworlders, who inhabit the island and the sea around it, have other plans. They make awager on the couple’s love, testing its strength through a series of cruel obstacles. But the tragedies draw Liam and Anna even closer. Frustrated, the creatures put the couple through one last trial—and this time it’s not only their love that’s in danger of being destroyed.

Based on Edgar Allan Poe’s chilling poem, "Annabel Lee," Mary Lindsey creates a frighteningly beautiful gothic novel that glorifies the power of true love.

Congratulations, Mary! This has definitely been added to my towering To Be Read pile.