Possess by Gretchen McNeil

POSSESS

by Gretchen McNeil


Paranormal YA

Harper Collins
www.GretchenMcNeil.com

3 Signed Copies will be given away on Friday, September 2, 2011!

About the Book:

Fifteen-year-old Bridget Liu just wants to be left alone: by her mom, by the cute son of a local police sergeant, and by the eerie voices she can suddenly and inexplicably hear. Unfortunately for Bridget, it turns out the voices are demons – and Bridget has the rare ability to banish them back to whatever hell they came from.

Terrified to tell people about her new power, Bridget confides in a local priest who enlists her help in increasingly dangerous cases of demonic possession. But just as she is starting to come to terms with her new power, Bridget receives a startling message from one of the demons. Now Bridget must unlock the secret to the demons' plan before someone close to her winds up dead – or worse, the human vessel of a demon king.

Check out our Exclusive Interview with the Author here:

1) How did you get the idea for the novel?

POSSESS was inspired by the books I loved to read as a kid. Some of my fondest reading experiences from my childhood and teen years involved scary stories. Horror, gothic, ghost stories – anything that would send a chill down my spine, make the hairs on the back of my neck stand up and force me to sleep with the light on. I wanted to write that kind of story. And when I thought about what scared me the most, exorcism and demonic possession was at the top of the list.

2) When did you first know that you wanted to be a writer? Have you had other jobs along the way?

Funny story. I never actually wanted to be a writer. I was a performer – a singer, to be exact – and my dream was always to be an opera singer. Unfortunately, that didn’t work out. It happens. Then about four years ago I was going through a very difficult personal tragedy, and I just woke up one day and said, “I’m going to write a novel.”

Totally ridiculous, I realize. And it was a horrible novel. But I was hooked. Totally hooked on writing. The story telling, the plotting, even the revising. HOOKED!

So yes, writing is actually my third career. I’ve been an opera singer and a television producer/voice over artist. Oh, and I also sing with the circus. Fourth career? Fifth? Dunno. I’m lost.

3) What scene or bit of dialogue in the book are you most proud of and why?

Most people who have read POSSESS talk about the doll shop scene, but actually my favorite scene takes place in a mental institution, when Bridget confronts her father’s killer. It’s a heartbreaking scene. I get choked up every time I read it.

4) Which fictional character do you have a secret crush on?

Gilbert Blythe. Hands down. I actually did a blog post on my Top Ten Fictional Crushes and Gilbert beat out Willoughby, Heathcliff, Captain Mal and Sirius Black. You know why? Because Gilbert was in love with Anne not for her looks, not for her shenanigans, but for her brain. Gilbert loved that Anne was smart. He loved competing against her. He loved sparring with her. He loved that he’d found someone so perfectly his equal. That, in my humble opinion, is exactly what true love should be.

5) What's up next for you?

Next up is TEN which is a stand alone contemporary horror novel about ten teens trapped on an island with a serial killer. It’s in the vein of Christopher Pike and Lois Duncan, and tentatively scheduled for Fall 2012 with Balzer + Bray. After that, I’ll be going back into Bridget’s world with the sequel to POSSESS which would be a 2013 release.

About the Author:

Gretchen McNeil is an opera singer, writer and clown. Her YA horror/paranormal POSSESS debut with Balzer + Bray for HarperCollins, August 23, 2011. Her second novel, TEN – YA horror/suspense about ten teens trapped on a remote island with a serial killer – is tentatively scheduled for a Fall 2012 release. Gretchen is a former coloratura soprano, the voice of Mary on G4's Code Monkeys and she currently sings with the LA-based circus troupe Cirque Berzerk (www.cirqueberzerk.com). Gretchen is also a founding member of the vlog group YARebels (www.youtube.com/yarebels) where she can be seen as "Monday." You can also visit the author online at: www.GretchenMcNeil.com.

**Please enter to win using the form on the left side bar of our website. Comments left on the post, while appreciated, are not used as entry. Thanks!

Love Story - Winners!

3 lucky winners will be receiving a free autographed copy of Love Story!

And here they are...

1) Jesse Burgoyne
2) Jaime Queen
3) Ashley Pittman

If you didn't win, but still want to read Love Story, you can order your own copies on Amazon by clicking here!

Or find it in our Free Book Friday Amazon Store!

Love Story by Jennifer Echols

LOVE STORY

by Jennifer Echols


Contemporary YA

MTV Books
www.Jennifer-Echols.com

3 Signed Copies will be given away on Friday, August 26, 2011!

About the Book:

SHE’S WRITING ABOUT HIM. HE’S WRITING ABOUT HER. AND EVERYBODY IS READING BETWEEN THE LINES.

For Erin Blackwell, majoring in creative writing at the New York City college of her dreams is more than a chance to fulfill her ambitions—it’s her ticket away from the tragic memories that shadow her family’s racehorse farm in Kentucky. But when she refuses to major in business and take over the farm herself someday, her grandmother gives Erin’s college tuition and promised inheritance to their maddeningly handsome stable boy, Hunter Allen. Now Erin has to win an internship and work late nights at a local coffee shop to make her own dreams a reality. She should despise Hunter . . . so why does he sneak into her thoughts as the hero of her latest writing assignment?

Then, on the day she’s sharing that assignment with her class, Hunter walks in. He’s joining her class. And after he reads about himself in her story, her private fantasies about him must be painfully clear. She only hopes to persuade him not to reveal her secret to everyone else. But Hunter devises his own creative revenge, writing sexy stories that drive the whole class wild with curiosity and fill Erin’s heart with longing. Now she’s not just imagining what might have been. She’s writing a whole new ending for her romance with Hunter . . . except this story could come true.

Check out our Exclusive Interview with the Author here:

1) What’s the first thing you do when starting a new book?

Starting is hard for me. I just write, and dialogue comes out. When I have 100 or 150 pages of dialogue, I put it in order and divide it into chapters, and then I write the rest of the story around that. I do not advise anyone to try writing this way. I would not write this way if I had a choice.

2) What’s the first thing you do when finishing a new book?

Read something completely different that I have been dying to read, usually something in another genre, to get my mind off my book. That way, when I come back to the manuscript in a few days, I can see it with a fresh eye.

3) Since becoming a writer, what’s the most exciting thing to ever happen to you?

This is going to sound dorky, but I am so excited every day to have more book contracts and to remain employed as a writer. I am not making this up. I am very grateful to have this job.

4) As writers, we all love to procrastinate. What’s your favorite procrastination activity?

Cleaning! My house is unusually clean right now. You should see my gleaming refrigerator.

5) Be honest, how many drafts did you have to write for this book?

Honestly, I am not a drafter. I write and edit interchangeably, whatever feels right to me. So my “first” draft probably takes a lot longer than many writers’, and it’s cleaner. My editor didn’t request a lot of changes, either, so what you read is pretty much what I wrote, with a few small changes.

6) Any horrific scenes that were cut from the original that you want to share?

I’m not much of a scene cutter, either. I go so slowly and think about the book so much that by the time I get the scenes down, I feel like they need to be there.

7) What are you working on next?

Right now I’m writing a new romantic comedy that will be published by Simon Pulse on December 20. I also have two more romantic dramas coming out in hardback with MTV Books in July 2012 and 2013.

About the Author:

Jennifer Echols is the author of romantic dramas for MTV and romantic comedies for Pulse. She currently lives in Birmingham. Visit the author online: www.Jennifer-Echols.com.

**Please enter to win using the form on the left side bar of our website. Comments left on the post, while appreciated, are not used as entry. Thanks!

Everlasting - Winners!

5 lucky winners will be receiving a free autographed copy of Everlasting!

And here they are...

1) Joni Bakr
2) Lindsay Ramirez
3) Samantha Strong
4) Alicia Guerrero
5) Rebecca Day

If you didn't win, but still want to read Everlasting, you can order your own copies on Amazon by clicking here!

Or find it in our Free Book Friday Amazon Store!

Everlasting (The Immortals) by Alyson Noël

EVERLASTING
(The Immortals)


by Alyson Noël

Paranormal Young Adult

St. Martin's Griffin
www.AlysonNoel.com


5 autographed copies will be given away on Friday, August 19, 2011!




About the Book:

The sixth and final installment of the epic love story that has enchanted readers across the world. Ever and Damen have spent centuries facing down bitter rivals, jealous friends and their own worst fears—all in the hope of being together forever. Now in Everlasting, their destiny is finally within reach.

Will they be united—or torn apart forever? Readers will finally discover the truth in this anxiously awaited conclusion!


Check out our exclusive interview with the Author!

1) How did you get the idea for the novel?

The Immortals series was inspired by grief. A few years ago I lost three people I loved in five months, and shortly after that I nearly lost my husband to leukemia (he’s in full remission now!). Experiencing that sort of intense grief and fear got me thinking a lot about life and death, mortality and immortality, the bonds that tie us even after a loved one is gone, and how our youth loving culture sort of seeks physical immortality by trying to remain youthful looking for as long as we can—and yet, what would happen if we really could achieve it? What would it mean for us, our loved ones, society in general? What would be the price? And since I’ve been interested in all things paranormal since I was a kid, Ever and Damen’s story seemed like the perfect vehicle to explore all of those themes.

2) This would make a great film. Any talks of turning your book into a movie?

The dramatic rights for both The Immortals and Riley Bloom series were optioned to Summit Entertainment in a 10-book deal, so my fingers are crossed!

3) If your book were to be turned into a movie, would your dream cast be?

I hate to admit it, but I’m really bad at this game! I see the characters so clearly in my head while I’m writing that it makes it impossible for me to replace them with real people. Though, if they need me to sit in on a casting call for Damen, Roman, and Jude, I will clear my schedule to be there!

4) Since becoming a writer, what’s the most exciting thing to ever happen to you?

Seeing my first book, FAKING 19, on the bookstore shelves was definitely a dream-come-true moment! I worked on that story off and on for 15 years, so it was amazing to finally see the finished product. Also, hitting #1 on the New York Times Bestsellers list was a pretty surreal moment too. I’d always dreamed it would happen, but when it did, it came as a great and wonderful surprise!

5) What's up next for you?

There will be more books in the Riley Bloom series, including Dreamland (09.13.11), and Whisper (04.24.12), with more to follow—and I’m also working on a new paranormal YA series, Soul Seekers, set to debut in 2012!

About the Author:

Alyson Noël is the #1 New York Times Bestselling Author of The Immortals series: Evermore, Blue Moon, Shadowland, Dark Flame, Night Star, & Everlasting -- and the Riley Bloom series: Radiance, Shimmer, Dreamland (09.13.11), & Whisper (04.24.12). Visit her online at: www.AlysonNoel.com or visit the series website at: www.ImmortalsSeries.com

**Please enter to win using the form on the left side bar. Comments left on the post, while appreciated, are not used as entry. Thanks!

Thirteen Reasons Why - Winners!

4 lucky winners will be receiving a free autographed copy of Thirteen Reasons Why!

And here they are...

1) Becky Parland
2) Kelly Killorn
3) Robyn Stewart
4) Alterlisa Richards

If you didn't win, but still want to read Thirteen Reasons Why, you can order your own copies on Amazon by clicking here!

Or find it in our Free Book Friday Amazon Store!

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

THIRTEEN REASONS WHY

by Jay Asher


Young Adult

Razorbill


4 autographed copies will be given away on Friday, August 12, 2011!

New York Times Bestselling Author!

www.ThirteenReasonsWhy.com


About the Book:

Clay Jensen doesn't want anything to do with the tapes Hannah Baker made. Hannah is dead. Her secrets should be buried with her.

Then Hannah's voice tells Clay that his name is on her tapes -- and that he is, in some way, responsible for her death.

All through the night, Clay keeps listening. He follows Hannah's recorded words throughout his small town...

...and what he discovers changes his life forever.

Check out our exclusive interview with the Author!

1) How did you get the idea for the novel?

It was a lucky moment when two ideas that had been there for years suddenly slammed together. The unique format of the novel was an idea I had after taking an audiotour through a mock-up of King Tut's tomb. From then on, I was on the look-out for a story that could be enhanced by a simultaneous dual-narrative structure, where one narration was a recorded voice and the other narration was the thoughts of someone listening to the voice. Around the same time I went on that tour, a close relative of mine attempted suicide. Over the years, she and I talked a lot about how she got to the point where she thought ending her life was the only way out of her pain. Eventually, the format and subject matter came together, and the entire premise was just there. I wrote approximately the first ten pages that night.

2) Your characters seem so alive and real...what's your secret?

Since I was writing in first-person, I felt my job was to let the character's thoughts and words flow without adding my own judgement. If a character was being overly emotional, misleading, or cruel, I had to let the character be that way. Writing characters with flaws, but not always pointing out those flaws, makes readers engage more with the story. I feel writers need to leave some room in a story for the readers. If two people read my book, I hope they view each character in slightly different (or very different) ways. Otherwise, it would've meant I wrote one-dimensional characters.

3) When you start a new book, do you like to outline the entire story or fly by the seat of your pants? What about your characters? Do you figure them out entirely before you start writing or do they reveal themselves to you along the way?

I have to know where I'm aiming to end the book, especially the emotion I'd like the reader to have when the finish the last word. Knowing that emotion helps shape every scene leading up to it. Other than that, I don't like to know very much. For each of Hannah's thirteen reasons, I knew maybe a one or two sentence description, and then I put the reasons in an order that seemed logical. But I tried not to think about the details or how one story would flow to the next. From the beginning, I wanted this to be suspenseful, so it made sense to discover the story as I was writing it, just as the readers would eventually do as they read it. For most of the characters, their voices were very strong immediately. I didn't know much about the characters or what they'd been through, but I knew how they sounded, so I kind of sat back and let them tell the story to me. (I know, that sounds completley psychotic, but it is what it is.)

4) When you set out to write a book, are you usually sparked by a story idea or a character?

It's always a story idea. I love big hooks and concepts. Those are the types of books I like to read, so those are the books I want to write. I honestly don't know how some writers start with a character.

5) How do you come up with your character names?

When I began writing Thirteen Reasons Why, I used whatever names popped into my head and sounded good with the other names. At some point, I realized those names were somewhat common when I was in high school, and even though I'd only been out of school for ten years, I wondered if that group of names would ring as true to a more current high school audience. I went to the Social Security Administration website that lists the top baby names for any given year. Calculating ahead to when my book was likely to be released, and then calculating back to when those characters would've been born, maybe two of my original names were even in the top fifty. So I changed a few of their names so there would be a stronger sense of reality.

About the Author:

Jay Asher's first novel, Thirteen Reasons Why, spent over a year on the New York Times bestseller list, with foreign rights sold in over 30 countries and more than 1,000,000 copies in print in the US alone. The movie rights sold to Universal Pictures. His next novel, The Future of Us (co-written with Carolyn Mackler), comes out November 2011. Its movie rights sold to Warner Bros. Visit the Author online at: www.ThirteenReasonsWhy.com.

**Please enter to win using the form on the left side bar. Comments left on the post, while appreciated, are not used as entry. Thanks!

The Karma Club - Winners!

5 lucky winners will be receiving a free autographed copy of The Karma Club!

And here they are...

1) Karen Thaxton
2) Meghan Taylor
3) Kathy Burnette
4) Patricia Hill
5) Stacie Gorkow

PLUS! 5 lucky winners will be receiving an autographed Karma Club Poster!

And here they are...

1) Heather Grenitz
2) Elizabeth Leyden
3) Lindsay Devine
4) Suzanne Hunt
5) Alexis Halls

If you didn't win, but still want to read The Karma Club, you can order your own copies on Amazon by clicking here!

Or find it in our Free Book Friday Amazon Store!