Book Blast: The Battle for Arcanon Major + Giveaway!

Good morning, folks! Today, we have the pleasure of participating in a Book Blast for The Lost Dacome Files #1: The Battle for Arcanon Major, by Alexandra May.

The Battle for Arcanon Major

 “As daughter of our ruler I grew up in the crossfire of an ongoing war... All I’d ever wanted to be was a great warrior and ultimately lead my people into victorious battles." With only a small army at her command Halíka Dacomé, a skilled warrior and daughter of the Elemental King, is ready to lead one final battle to save her planet. A battle against the savage, bloodthirsty Primords who want to extinguish the diminished race of Elementals once and for all. But before battle commences her father is given an ultimatum from the enemy leader, Arfron Uhnok. If the king agrees, Halíka Dacomé must marry Arfron Uhnok to prevent further bloodshed. If the king disagrees they, as a race, will all perish. Horrified by her fathers decision Halíka Dacomé leads her army onward regardless of the consequences. Because her heart belongs to another. A love that blossomed many years ago. A love that her father has forbidden. Halíka faces her toughest battle yet and learns that not all battles are those fought with a sword... The Battle for Arcanon Major is an epic love story set against the backdrop of war and is the first Prequel to Elemental: The First.



Excerpt

 “When you’re out there on the battlefield with your captains and your soldiers, when you fight, you are the strongest, toughest, fiercest woman I know. Sometimes you scare me at how hardened you are.” “But that’s just—” “No, I know what you’re going to say. I know it’s who you really are and I love that person. She’s someone I admire so much.” “What are you trying to say?” “I’m saying that I feel honoured that I get to see the real you. When you’re with me, you turn into this soft, beautiful, lighthearted woman whom I adore. That woman who stirs something inside me to a point that I can’t bear to be without her. I never see that woman with anyone else. Not Cary, not her brother, no one. Halíka, I think I know how you feel about me but—” He looked down at our hands, somewhat crestfallen. “But what?” “You never say it, Hal. I’ve never, ever heard you say the word. Not even with those closest to you.” “What word?” “Love,” he sighed and rested his hand on my cheek, cupping my face. “The word is love. Is Halíka Dacomé capable of such a thing?”   Praise: "Excellent story. Plot line is great, definitely 2 thumbs up. Couldn't put it down, easy read, excellent prequel to the elemental. Would definitely recommend Alexandra May!!" "Amazing story had my attention the entire story it is hard to find a book like this, I definitely give it 5 stars." "Excellent short story. Plot line is great, definitely 2 thumbs up. Couldn't put it down, an easy read. Would definitely recommend Alexandra May!!"

 

  Alexandra May

 Alexandra May is an English author of three books, bringing together the epic saga of Halíka Dacomé and her modern day equivalent, Rose Frost. Elemental: The First, Elemental: Origin and The Battle for Arcanon Major draw in Alexandra's love of strong women characters, sci-fi, history, romance and a little warmongering on the side!  

 

Tour Schedule

  BookBlast Giveaway

 $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 11/8/13 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Book Blitz: Destiny by PT Michelle

Today we're taking part in the Destiny Book Blitz. Check out what the books in the Brightest Kind of Darkness series are all about and learn more about author PT Michelle.

Destiny by P.T. Michelle
(Brightest Kind of Darkness #3)
Publication date: October, 2013
Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult

Synopsis:
When destiny is on the line, will love be enough to light the way?

In order to save Ethan, Nara gets pulled deeper into his dark world, where everything she thought she knew about Ethan and herself turns on its head. Ethan and Nara turn up the heat with bone-melting seduction and heart-rending moments, but surprising revelations, lies, treachery, betrayal, and unimaginable evil will challenge their relationship and their future together. As the stakes rise, encompassing more than just her relationship with Ethan, will Nara make the ultimate sacrifice?

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13504881-destiny?ac=1

Excerpt:

Ethan leans against the sanctuary’s doorway, shaking his head. “I don’t understand, Nara. How did you get all these ravens to follow you here?”

I hold my hand out to Patch, who pecks at it. “Hey, be nice,” I say softly. The raven dips his head and puffs up his neck feathers, making me laugh. “Show off.”

As soon as I turn to address Ethan, he pushes off the doorway, alarm in his gaze. “Nara, watch out!”

A flutter of black appears in my periphery right before Patch lands on my shoulder, his bird feet gripping my jacket. I smirk and fold my arms. “It’s all right. He would never hurt me.”

Ethan’s forehead crinkles. “Ravens can be unpredictable.”

“Not as much as you might think.” I gesture toward Patch, who’s currently swaying back and forth on my shoulder. “Think of Patch…of all those like him as an extension of you.”

He crosses his arms and shakes his head. “I know I have a connection to ravens, but they’re just birds.”

“Oh really?” The one way I know we’ve connected in the past was when Ethan thought about me. I bite my lip and tell myself this is to help him remember. “Think about touching me.”

A sensual smile tilts his lips. “I’d rather do that than think.”

Okay, maybe this isn’t the best idea, considering I’m supposed to be keeping my distance from him. Then again, it’s the only one I’ve got. I purse my lips. “Just do it.”

“Fine.” His lips quirk, and as I see all kinds of sexy thoughts scrolling across his face, the birds begin to titter and hop around as if agitated, but nothing else happens.

“Concentrate.” I huff, setting my hands on my hips. “Walk outside the sanctuary behind the wire.”

Ethan grunts, but does as I ask. “Why am I out here?”

I nod to the fence between us. “Pretend you can see me but you’re unable to reach me.”

“How is this any different from reality?”

“Ethan. Now, think about what you’d do if nothing stood between us.”

I ignore the scowl on his face. “Close your eyes.”

As Ethan let’s his eyes slowly close, I do the same.

“I don’t like this.”

The hurt in his voice pulls at my heart. I can tell he’s talking about more than this exercise.

“Just…think about me, about us,” I say. “Imagine what you’d think about if we could only talk on the phone. What would you wish for?”

“You. With nothing between us.”

His wish, full of heat and want, carries on the sharp cold wind whipping through the bare trees. The longing wraps me in a layer of warmth, tugging at my heart, making my body tingle.

Purchase:
DESTINY BUY LINKS

Amazon: http://bit.ly/1bSlrMi
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/destiny-pt-michelle/1117135101?ean=2940148697626
Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/destiny/id725875082?mt=11
Kobo: http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Destiny-Brightest-Kind-Darkness-Book/book-iLfX3a6PBkuGL7ZXdHg6BQ/page1.html?s=3x4tomSevEqq68CcE0yc6w&r=1

BRIGHTEST KIND OF DARKNESS BUY LINKS

Amazon: http://bit.ly/GSnyBw
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/brightest-kind-of-darkness-ya-paranormal-romance-pt-michelle/1106016258?ean=2940044639706
Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/brightest-kind-darkness-ya/id460285698?mt=11
Kobo: http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Brightest-Kind-of-Darkness-Book/book--eJ-rrY8zEaXzhh7ymMbvg/page1.html?s=SQWmrxpp-0CVMXCpeq-Fcg&r=4

AUTHOR BIO:
P.T. Michelle is the author of the young adult series BRIGHTEST KIND OF DARKNESS. She keeps a spiral notepad with her at all times, even on her nightstand. When P.T. isn’t writing, she can usually be found reading or taking pictures of landscapes, sunsets and anything beautiful or odd in nature.

LINKS: Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest | Newsletter

Book Spotlight with Excerpt: Twisted by KayCee R

Tour Schedule

Twisted

Cayden Rivers wants nothing more than to be normal, but we don’t always get what we want. For years he has been hiding a secret, afraid of being labeled a “freak”. Every day he goes to school, plays football, spends time with his girlfriend, and helps carry his drunken adopted father to bed. Nobody knows the truth about his unnatural speed and strength, including his life-long friend Camilla.

Suddenly, four strangers enter Cayden’s life, and not only do they know his secret, they also have one of their own. With their help, Cayden discovers there is more to his power, something much more dangerous. Something other people will kill to possess.

Camilla wishes her parents were around more. She gets lonely sleeping in her big empty house night after night. Sure, she has all the money she could ever need, but the only person who is there for her is Cayden. He has his own family and a girlfriend who takes up most of his time, so Camilla knows he won’t be there for her forever, and recently he’s been acting really strange.

Will Cayden be able to keep his secret and his friendship with Camilla, or will his new found power destroy everything, including his own life?

Switching between Cayden and Camilla's point of view, Twisted will leave you aching for more.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble

KayCee R

KayCee is a 24 year old self-published author from Cleveland, Ohio. KayCee has always loved reading. After a re-occurring dream she decided to try writing about it. She wrote the first installment of Twisted when she was 20.

“I kept having this dream about these twins, and then I just decided to run with it. I wrote the beginning, the end, and then filled in the middle.”

KayCee finished the book in 8 months and then decided to share the book online. After seeing people get interested in the book and the characters, she decided to write another book and turn Twisted into a series.

KayCee has finished four novels in the Twisted series and is currently working on the fifth book.

Twitter * Facebook * BookRix

Excerpt

He told me all I ever wanted to hear from him, and it was horrible because it came at what cost? His death? Mine? Both? What ever happened to fairy tale endings? The endings in movies where the good guys win and where he and I would end up happily ever after? Instead it was a delusion while we waited for our deaths.

Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 11/4/13

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Interview with Stan Schatt + GIVEAWAY!

Yet another awesome author has agreed to join us for an interview and a giveaway. Today, we have Stan Schatt, author of EGYPT RISING.

Welcome to We Do Write, Stan. Tell us a bit about yourself.

I've had a number of careers in widely different areas. I went to med school and worked as an autopsy assistant (great for writing medical thrillers). I was an English professor (great for writing about college students). I worked in law enforcement (great for writing detective stories like the one I completed recently). I worked in the technology industry (great for writing technology thrillers or science fiction novels). I've worked in market research as an executive (great for corporate in-fighting scenes). Now I write full-time and love it. For many years I wrote evenings and weekends.

Wow! You certainly have some experiences to draw on. How long have you been writing?

When I was 12, I couldn't find a science fiction novel that appealed to me at my local school library. I came home, grabbed a pad of paper, and wrote my own SF novel in cursive. Of course no one else could read the book, but I enjoyed it because I knew what my audience (me) was looking for. No matter what my day job was, I continued to write books during evenings and weekends. I published my first book at 26 and now am up to over 30 books.


Tell us about EGYPT RISING. What’s the story about?

It's the story that came about because I asked myself what would it be like if someone very much like Indiana Jones had a teenaged daughter who not only had to deal with normal teen issues but also had to deal with everything from terrorists to ancient technology that she discovers, a weapon going back to the time refugees from Atlantis wound up in Egypt. Egypt Rising is also a story about relationships and about how a girl who considers herself nothing extraordinary discovers she has intelligence and courage she never thought possible.

You had me at Indiana Jones's teenage daughter... How did the idea of the story come to you?

I did a lot of research on the Egyptian revolution of 2011 as well on Egyptian history and culture. I decided I wanted to create a grand adventure for a teenaged girl while also describing how she deals with issues ranging from cliques, her ordinary physical appearance, Islamic fundamentalists, and a Queen Bee who makes the girl's life at school miserable.

Very interesting premise. I like it! Are you a plotter or a pantser?

I opt for a hybrid approach. I have learned the hard way that I need to write a detailed outline with key plot points so I don't write myself into a corner with no way out. I also have learned that if you just adhere to an outline, the result lacks life. So, I start with an outline and then let myself go when I get an idea, even if it means revising my outline.

What’s the hardest part of writing for you?

The hardest part is when I sit down to develop an outline. I already have an idea and I might even know how the book is going to end, but I need around 60 scenes. I might find that I only have around 30 scenes in my head, so I have to think about adding additional characters and additional plot points. That's the most challenging part of writing the book.

Finish this sentence: If I'm not writing, I'm probably ... reading or playing the ukelele.

Here’s the part where you thank the people who are supporting you. Let's hear your shout outs.

My wife is the inspiration for all my books. Two of my books are the direct result of my grandchildren. My grandson started to write a novel set in the game of Minecraft. He needed some help (he's only 9, after all), so I picked up the project. I couldn't have written the book without his technical assistance since I've never played the game. The result is Journey to a Different Dimension, a novel that is moving up very quickly on Amazon's list. My granddaughter told me she wanted me to write a novel with her. She's provided me with an outline, and Jane Blond, International Spy is now about half done.

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

All my books are available on Amazon. Eternal Press offers ebook copies of Egypt Rising.

Thanks for joining us, Stan! It was a pleasure having you! 

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Interview with February Grace + GIVEAWAY!

It's a beautiful fall day, here in my neck of the woods, and a perfect day for an interview with author February Grace. 

February Grace is a writer, artist, and poet who lives in Southeastern Michigan. She sings in key, plays by ear, and is more than mildly obsessed with colours, clocks, and meteor showers. GODSPEED is her debut novel.

Twitter: @FebruaryGrace
Facebook: www.facebook.com/FebruaryGrace
Blog: http://www.februarywriter.blogspot.co.uk/



Welcome to We Do Write, February! How long have you been writing?

I was a very early reader, and I’ve been making up stories since before I could write them down. I started really writing in the fourth grade, after a teacher gave me an extra credit assignment to rewrite the endings of fairy tales. I’ve been writing in one form or another ever since.

Tell us about GODSPEED. What’s the story about?

Eighteen year old Abigail Courage is cast into a world of secrets and intrigue when she is sent away

from the only home she has ever known, for reasons beyond her control.

Saved from certain death by a stranger's kind act, she is put into the care of brilliant, elusive Doctor Quinn Godspeed; and it doesn't take her long to figure out why he dwells in secrecy. The mechanical inventions he uses to keep her alive are all against the law: deemed unnatural by the moral code of society.

Through the doctor she is introduced to an unusual group of youths--also his patients-- who call themselves "The Freak's Chorus"; taking the unkind word as their own so 'no one can hurt them with it.'

As Abigail struggles to accept the truth of what Godspeed has done to save her, deepening feelings for him threaten to break her reconstructed, clockwork heart. Every day spent with him her curiosity grows...and she faces an uncertain future, even as she tries to unravel the mystery surrounding his past.

That sounds fantastic! How did the idea of the story come to you?

The first ideas for the story actually came to me in the middle of the night, when I was very ill and recovering from surgery. The initial idea was for a much darker story, but the quick notes I jotted down and the line “What is a heart if not the ultimate clockwork?” stayed with me, even as the story took shape later. 

That is an awesome line. It sucks me right in. Do you have a critique group/partner or beta readers, or do you self-edit?

I have a small group of beta readers that I trust, but I self-edit as well. GODSPEED will always be special to me because the book was published by Booktrope with no additional content editing from anyone else— just a thorough proofreading from a professional. Working with an editor is a new experience for me but one that has worked out well on my next novel, OF STARDUST, which will be coming out before the end of the year.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

Total pantster. If I try to plot too much it all falls apart. I admire people who can do it.

Oh, so do I. I'm a pantser through and through. What’s the hardest part of writing for you?

Having enough time where I am feeling decent enough physically and emotionally at the same time to actually do it. My health is bad and continues to be the biggest obstacle to my writing.

I'm sorry to hear about your health. What do you absolutely have to have nearby when writing?

My iPad. I don’t know what I did before I had it. I can play music on it, make quick notes, send emails as things come up— I would be lost without it.

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


I would want the power to heal people. There is so much suffering in this world; it’s really difficult to take to see what people suffer through. Yeah, definitely, healing would be it.

I'm a nurse, so I hear you. What's the weirdest thing you've googled?

I think that I actually just Googled it ten minutes ago: I was looking up who it was that sang the male back-up part on Lee Ann Womack’s 2000 hit, “I Hope You Dance.” But I must confess, that was just because I was curious, not because I needed it for a writing project. 

Quick writing test! Use the following words in a sentence: speedy, rancid, and octopus.

The speedy squid and obstinate octopus fled the rancid reef. (Sorry, that’s all I’ve got. LOL)

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

Thinking about writing.

Who would you like to thank for supporting you? Let's hear your shout outs.

Oh, there are so many, and I know that I risk leaving someone out *scared*. I want to thank my team at Booktrope, especially my book manager Wendy Logsdon who I would be lost without. I’m eternally grateful to my dear friend Matt for all his encouragement to keep writing when I didn’t think I could. I’m grateful to all the writers who have cheered me on, to everyone who has beta read for me and to all the readers who have invested time in my work. And of course, I’m grateful to my husband for making it possible for me to do whatever I can do on a given day, whatever that may be.

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

My home online is at www.februarywriter.blogspot.com . I’m on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FebruaryGrace but I prefer Twitter: @FebruaryGrace. GODSPEED is available online from all the major retailers in print and digital formats. My new book, OF STARDUST, is going to be posted in segments on Wattpad.com before you can buy it, so be sure to look me up there too, my username is FebruaryGrace.

Thank you so much for hosting me today!

Thank you for joining us! And now for the giveaway... 

Enter to win 1 x $20/£10 Amazon Gift Card plus 3 ecopies of Godspeed!

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Book Blast: Star Child: The City of Souls by Vacen Taylor

Starchild: The City of Souls

In The Age of Akra, a pilgrimage to the Valley of a Thousand Thoughts brings together four children as an ancient prophecy is set in motion. Having triumphed against dangerous adversaries, Mai, Long, Akra and Sahib are now pursued by the melkarie and must escape to the City of Souls. In the land of Naroan, in a city hidden under a blanket of living green, they are confronted with the challenge to find the Singing Soul.

But the underworld has other plans, and a beast so fierce is conjured to stop the children from finding anything that will add to the power to the prophecy of the seven nations.

Praise for Starchild:

“Strong and riveting start to what is sure to be an engrossing series for young readers keen on fantasy, mythology and sci fi.”

“Following in the footsteps of shamanic storytellers, the wizardess Vacen Taylor has delivered a winner! Mystical and magical, it’s a thoroughly engaging adventure that will delight both children and adults.”

Website * Amazon * Goodreads

*** Starchild: The Age of Akra (Book One) is only $0.99 in the Kindle Store for October ***

Excerpt:

The children were unaware of the dark forces that had gathered in the south. A force far greater than any seen before had grown into a power of unconquerable strength. From the very first night of Mai and Long’s journey, the eyes from which this force had grown had been searching for them. The search would not stop until the prophecy, its foreknowledge and the children were extinguished.

The four children had travelled a long way. The mountain had disappeared behind them and so had the crumbled Castle of Stone. Akra had been attentive throughout the whole journey, listening to Sahib talk about the City of Beams. Behind them Long listened in, but Mai sensed a twinge of jealousy was beginning to twist his thoughts. Sahib and Akra were friends now. Long’s ‘buddy for life’ had been yanked away from him—by a sealer of all things. Mai noticed the frown on Long’s face, pushing his eyebrows closer together as he watched Sahib and Akra talk. Every so often he stopped to rub his ankles. Mai knew the burns around them would not heal quickly. The wound left from the searing grasp of the invisible hands of the underworld, which had almost pulled him to his death, would soon blister. What she didn’t know was that two nasty red streaks were beginning to snake their way up Long’s legs, and with them came an unusual meddling in his thoughts.

When it was clear to Mai they had walked as far as possible for that day they found a place to rest. Long collected some dead wood, and with Akra’s fireruling skills a crackling fire soon spread its warmth as the darkness of the night settled over them. It was a clear night. A starlit blanket twinkled above them. Each of the children, too tired to eat, curled up around the fire and soon they were all asleep. Mai was happy to be back on her journey to the Valley of a Thousand Thoughts. But as she slept her flickering eyelids told a different story. Her mind replayed memories of the last few days that had passed. It was a skill only thoughtbankers possessed: the ability to replay a memory as if it were a dream.

Author Vacen Taylor

Vacen Taylor is an author, writer, storyteller, occasional artist and amateur photographer. She describes her writing as a basic prose style with the occasional splash of creative penning. She collects comics and loves superheroes, anime and science.



Facebook * Twitter * Website



BookBlast Giveaway
$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Open Internationally

Ends 11/4/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the publisher. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Guest Post: Adapting Jane Austen, by Stephanie Wardrop

Today we have Stephanie Wardrop, author of the SNARK AND CIRCUMSTANCE series of e-novellas. The third book in the series, PRIDE AND PREP SCHOOL, released this week! Check it out, and be sure to sign up for the GIVEAWAY at the end of this post!

Title: Pride And Prep School (Snark And Circumstance #3)

Publication date: October 15, 2013

Publisher: Month9Books, LLC.

Author: Stephanie Wardrop

Georgia can’t figure out why the burden of a Y chromosome seems to make guys so hard to understand. First, there’s the handsome but slippery Jeremy Wrentham. After Georgia shared some pretty devastating kisses with him, she found her way home and he found her sister!

And then there’s Michael Endicott, who never fails to let her know that her family’s quirkiness lies too far outside the pale for this preppie townie. But if he really feels that way, why is he in Georgia’s kitchen, asking her out? And why don’t boys come with instruction manuals?

Stephanie was kind enough to stop by and give us some insight into her writing process, and the joys and challenges of adapting Jane Austen to the modern high school setting. Thanks for joining us, Stephanie!

I originally decided to model my book on Pride and Prejudice because it had been a long time since I had written fiction, so I thought it would help to have a model to follow. It’s a great model, isn’t it? As Sheldon put it last night on The Big Bang Theory, “Amy’s beloved Pride and Prejudice is a flawless work of genius. He’s proud, she’s prejudiced - it just works.”

And while that turned out to be a fine idea, it also presented some obstacles, the first of which was answering for myself the question “Do you really think anybody – especially you – is going to write it better than, or even as well as, Jane Austen?” My answer was “no” on both counts so I didn’t struggle too long with that one.

Other problems were more complicated, such as how to translate a pretty distinctly Regency-era social climate into the present day world of an American high school.  But modern high schools are certainly rife with social stratification, people clamoring to climb the social ladder and find a perfect partner, snobs and students who are a little too assured of their own rightness in all matters. Making my Mr. Darcy a preppie from an old New England family seemed like a simple and logical choice, especially since as I began writing I had just moved to Massachusetts. Turning Elizabeth Bennett into a snarky vegan rights activist required my issuing myself a little more artistic license, but it was useful for creating the social and intellectual tension I wanted between my Darcy and Lizzy, Michael and Georgia.

The thorniest problem for me didn’t have to do with the main characters.  It was what to do with all the Bennett sisters.  I cut out one of them entirely (Kitty) but kept the plain and self-righteous Mary’s personality as my model for Leigh, and used Lydia’s flighty boy-craziness to color Cassie’s personality. After deciding who my Lydia figure would be, I wrestled a great deal with how I would translate the social scandal of Austen’s day into our time. Lydia runs off with the dashing Mr. Wickham in P&P and the scandalous couple must marry in order to salvage their reputations and allow them any place in  polite society, but I couldn’t see marrying off a fifteen-year-old in a contemporary YA novel. I thought about her having a pregnancy scare and considering (and having) an abortion, but that didn’t strike me as the right note for what I wanted to be a pretty funny novel.  I, at least, did not prove  adept at writing a hilarious abortion center scene.  So instead I had Cassie get into a scandalous situation by sexting, texting photos of herself to a cad rather than running off with him.  In Pride and Prep School she just starts to get into trouble.  You’ll have to check out Prom and Prejudice to see how Georgia decides to help her sister handle the problem. For now, I’ll just say that I turned to another nineteenth-century classic for inspiration: The Scarlet Letter.

It’s been a great experience writing the novel and also finding readers, whether they’re YA novel fans or the Janeites I’ve met online who love all things Jane Austen. Both are pretty amazing communities to be a part of.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Stephanie Wardrop grew up in Reading, Pennsylvania where she started writing stories when she ran out of books to read. She’s always wanted to be a writer, except during the brief period of her childhood in which piracy seemed like the most enticing career option—and if she had known then that there actually were “girl” pirates way back when, things might have turned out very differently. She currently teaches writing and literature at Western New England University  and lives in a town not unlike the setting of Snark and Circumstance with her husband, two kids, and five cats. With a book out—finally—she might be hitting the high seas any day now.

Links:  Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads 

And now for the giveaway. This is a good one!

GIVEAWAY Information:

Two (2) sets of the full trilogy – one in Kindle Format, one in Nook Format:  (INT)

o   Snark and Circumstance

o   Charm and Consequence

o   Pride and Prep School

One (1) DVD copy of EMMA, starring Gwyneth Paltrow (US Only)

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