Obligatory Dream Cast post

Yes, you read that correctly. Today I wanted to have a bit of fun...and what better way than to imagine who I would like to play the characters from my own book on the big screen!


So without further ado...cue the hotness.

Oliver Goodwill as Chance 

Chance was very difficult to cast. He had to have a certain look (this guy has it), but he also had to have those vibrant green eyes that Ava can't look away from (this guy doesn't have those, but his are nice!). 

Matt Dallas as Erik 

Erik was much easier to cast--and Matt Dallas fits him perfectly. Dark hair, blue eyes (though a bit gray in this photo, but I ain't complainin!), mysterious aura. Perfect.

Danielle Panabaker as Ava

Ava was another easy one to cast, because from the moment Ava came to me, Danielle Panabaker is the face I saw. There's just something both innocent and bad-ass about her look, and that same mixture comes across on-screen as well--she is Ava to me.

Milo Ventimiglia as Aldric

Milo is sort of like Danielle in that he has that innocent/bad-ass thing going on, which works well for Aldric (though he's not really innocent, lol).

Chris Zylka as Sebastian

This is 100% Sebastian. Wavy blond hair, chiseled features, a bit of evil thrown in--Sebastian.

Lacey Chabert as Kayla

Though she's too old now, younger Lacey perfectly captures the character of Kayla--sweet, tough and innocent all rolled into one.

Megan Fox as Lila

Though she doesn't quite look the same now (a bit of work done, I believe), Megan Fox is the perfect blend of beautiful and powerful--exactly like Lila.

Well, that's it guys. These are the faces I saw when writing BLOOD BORN. Thoughts? Possible cast changes? Lemme know!

just a little update

First, let me apologize for being MIA in the blogging world last week. I was on a deadline and had to put all my energy into finishing the first draft of book 2 in THE BLOOD PROPHECY TRILOGY.

 Totally what my pen felt like last week!

Which leads me to today's blog post. All the time I see posts from writers (published and on-the-way-to-being) listing the progress of what they're working on. I don't know about you, but I love these types of posts. Any time I read that others have added to their word counts, or edited a draft, or even found their way out of a particularly difficult scene, it just fuels me to open my WIP document and get to writing...it's great motivation to see others succeed!

So today, I thought I'd create my very first Progress Report blog post!

Now, I'm nowhere near as busy as some of the prolific writers out there (hello, Jennifer L Armentrout and Jennifer Echols. Hey, maybe I should change my name to Jennifer? Hmm...), so this post might be a bit lax on the the Progress part. But, it's progress nonetheless, and I'm proud of it!

So, as far as THE BLOOD PROPHECY series goes, I just sent off the first draft of BOOK 2 (that's the official title until I receive word that it's okay to share the actual title with you all) to the editor last week--YAY! 

Mirror image of how I looked when it was done!

It was a long haul for that one (it's true what writers say...the 2nd book is much more difficult than the first), and my mind needed a break, so I took the past three days to regroup. My original plan several months back was to jump right into the third and final book to finish up the trilogy and move on, but alas, things tend not to work out as we plan, right? I have several ideas for book 3 that need to simmer and marinate and work themselves out in my head before ever seeing paper or computer screen, so I'm pushing it to the back burner for now. It isn't due till next year, so I have plenty of time to wait (fast forward a year, to me scrambling to meet the First Draft deadline!).

I have a couple of new projects that I'm working on, both of which are pretty much in the first stages.

UNNAMED PROJECT 1 - It's YA (duh). It's dystopian (I know, overdone, right? But hey, I wrote about vampires long after the genre became saturated, so I guess it's kinda my thing.). It has a title, but I'm keeping that quiet for now. It's only about 8,000 words so far--and has been about that many for a long time now. It's not that I don't want to finish (I will, promise), it's just that the contracted books have to come first, you know? But I fully intend to give this story its due allotted time very very soon. 

UNNAMED PROJECT 2 - Also YA (duh again). Contemporary (a completely different world for me). This one is in the planning stage as of now--some character sketches, overall idea, a few scenes mapped out in my head. I'm very excited about this one, and it should actually be listed as U P 1 since I plan on working on it now. Some friends on Twitter turned me on to the world of contemporary and I love it, and I'd had this idea a long time ago but never thought I could write it. Now, after reading some excellent books in the genre, I feel like I'm ready to give it a go. I'm not saying I suddenly learned how to write contemps, but I'm willing to try.

That's pretty much it as far as WIPs go. Of course like all other writers out there, I have an endless supply of ideas and characters milling about the ole noggin, just waiting for me to get off my lazy bum and tell their tales. And I will...one day. :)

What about you guys? Any writing projects keeping you up at night? What are you working on? Tell us!

Donate for a friend...and you could win books!

My good friend and awesome blogger Yara (check out her blog, Once Upon A Twilight, and follow her on Twitter @TwilightsDance) and her family recently lost their home and almost everything else in a fire. Thankfully everyone was safe, but they will be dealing with a lot of stress over the coming months.


You can help alleviate that stress a bit by donating to the fund set up by Twilight Moms. Every penny raised goes directly to Yara and her family, to help them rebuild after the devastation.


And if you check out my friend Lani Woodland's blog, LaLaLand, you'll see that Lani, Angela Corbett, Brenda Pandos, Kristie Cook and I are holding a giveaway for everyone who donates. There are books and swag up for grabs, so please check it out...and most importantly, donate anything you can for Yara!

TGIF at GReads!

The awesomeness that is Ginger (or G, as I like to call her!) over at GReads! has created a great meme that is tons of fun. Each Friday, she poses a question for anyone to answer. Go check her out and join in the fun!

This Friday's Question:

Recommend It:

Which book from the

last ten you've read

would you recommend

to a friend?

 I can honestly say that I would recommend all of the past ten books I've read! Honestly, I've been fortunate to pick ten winners (well, thanks to a few recommendations!). But if I must choose a couple for the sake of this post, I will. ;-P

To try to make this as fair as possible, I'm gonna recommend one from both paranormal and contemporary, two YA genres that I absolutely love! (to all authors whose books I've read, remember this is only for the last ten!)

First up, paranormal. Now, there have been tons of these books that I have read and loved, so I'm thankful to Ginger that she narrowed it to the past ten (thanks, G!). And out of those ten, one stands out as my favorite. That one is...

HUSHED

by Kelley York

pub date 12/6/2011

product description from goodreads.com

He’s saved her. He’s loved her. He’s killed for her.

Eighteen-year-old Archer couldn’t protect his best friend, Vivian, from what happened when they were kids, so he’s never stopped trying to protect her from everything else. It doesn’t matter that Vivian only uses him when hopping from one toxic relationship to another—Archer is always there, waiting to be noticed.

Then along comes Evan, the only person who’s ever cared about Archer without a single string attached. The harder 

he falls for Evan, the more Archer sees Vivian for the manipulative hot-mess she really is. 

But Viv has her hooks in deep, and when she finds out about the murders Archer’s committed and his relationship with Evan, she threatens to turn him in if she doesn’t get what she wants… And what she wants is Evan’s death, and for Archer to forfeit his last chance at redemption.


And for contemporary...

ENDLESS SUMMER
by Jennifer Echols
pub date 4/19/2011

product description from goodreads.com

Two irresistible boys. One unforgettable summer.

Lori can’t wait for her summer at the lake. She loves wakeboarding and hanging with her friends--including the two hotties next door. With the Vader brothers, she's always been just one of the guys. Now that she’s turning sixteen, she wants to be seen as one of the girls, especially in the eyes of Sean, the older brother. But that’s not going to happen--not if the younger brother, Adam, can help it.

Lori plans to make Sean jealous by spending time with Adam. Adam has plans of his own for Lori. As the air heats up, so does this love triangle. Will Lori’s romantic summer melt into one hot mess?

Remember, these are just two of the ten that I would (and have) happily recommend to anyone willing to listen!

What about you? What are your faves to recommend?

Waiting on Wednesday...PURITY!

The lovely Jill (a fellow Alabamian!) over at Breaking the Spine created the Waiting on Wednesday meme for us bloggers to showcase books we're waiting on.


Today's WoW selection is a good one, and my first contemp pick of 2012! The cover was just revealed last week, and its beautiful simplicity makes me wanna read it almost as much as the awesome synopsis. Please, be sure to rush to your Goodreads TBR lists and add...

PURITY
by Jackson Pearce
pub date 4/24/2012 (same as mine!!)

product description from goodreads.com


Hours before her mother died, Shelby promised her three things-- to listen to her father, to live life without restraint, and to love whenever possible.

Those promises were easy to keep when she was younger, but things get tricky when she turns sixteen. Shelby's still-grieving father joins a committee at their church to host a Princess Ball-- a dance where young women pledge their purity (namely, their virginity) to their father's safekeeping until they marry.

But Shelby has a Life List-- things she wants to do, to live without restraint like she promised her mother-- and getting married young isn't on it. Waiting until she's thirty to have her first time isn't on it either. But how is she supposed to keep her promise to listen to her father if she refuses to pledge? By exploiting a loophole- by losing her virginity before the Ball.

She and her best friend Jonas make a list of potential partners, but somewhere in-between failed attempts at losing her virginity, trying to answer some lingering questions about God, and planning the Ball with her Dad, Shelby starts to understand what her mother really meant, what her father really needs, and who really has the right to her PURITY.


Seriously, I am in love with that synopsis! It sounds so different and interesting, and I know that it's gonna be a superbly written book, just like all of Ms. Pearce's work! Be sure to pick up a copy when it releases on April 24th...and if you want, pick up a copy of my book, BLOOD BORN, which debuts that day, too! :)

Tune in Tuesdays at GReads!

I must admit that I am starting to love Tuesdays...thanks to Ginger over at GReads!, I'm enjoying some awesome music!

This week features one of my favorite singers EVER. A few years ago when my job consisted of tons and tons of travel, I would pop her CD into the player and let it roll over and over, loving every song. Unfortunately, she hasn't put out anything new lately, but I still listen to her classic hits whenever I can, so I hope you enjoy!

Thank You - Alanis Morissette

Uninvited - Alanis Morissette

Monday Must Reads!...ANNA and the FRENCH KISS!

Not familiar with this little feature? It's simple, really. Monday Must Reads! is a feature I created to showcase books that I think you, well, Must Read (ha!).


This week's Must Read is a good one, by one of my new favorite authors. It was recommended to me by a few people, the most vocal being my pal @GReadsBooks (she's good at forcing recommending books!), and I am so glad I finally read it! If you haven't yet (which I'm sure you have), please pick up and enjoy a copy of...

ANNA and the FRENCH KISS
by Stephanie Perkins
pub date 12/2/2010


product description from goodreads.com

Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris - until she meets Etienne St. Clair: perfect, Parisian (and English and American, which makes for a swoon-worthy accent), and utterly irresistible. The only problem is that he's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her almost-relationship back home.

As winter melts into spring, will a year of romantic near - misses end with the French kiss Anna - and readers - have long awaited?


I can't say enough how great this book is, really. Beautifully written with vivid descriptions that transport you to Paris, France, it's a winner, trust me! And if you'd like, check out my review here!

TGIF at GReads!

The awesomeness that is Ginger (or G, as I like to call her!) over at GReads! has created a great meme that is tons of fun. Each Friday, she poses a question for anyone to answer. Go check her out and join in the fun!

This Friday's Question:

2012 Must Reads:

Which books are at the

top of your list to be

read this year?

Of  all the questions Ginger has given us for TGIF, this one is by far the toughest! I mean, how in the world am I supposed to give a list of all the books I wanna read this year?! I think I'll just list my top 3...otherwise we'd be here all day!

Top of the list of 2012 Must Reads? None other than...

INSURGENT

by Veronica Roth

pub date 5/1/2012

product description from goodreads.com

One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth's much-anticipated second book of the dystopian Divergent series is another intoxicating thrill ride of a story, rich with hallmark twists, heartbreaks, romance, and powerful insights about human nature.

DIVERGENT was one of my favorite reads of 2011, so I am eagerly awaiting INSURGENT, because I just know it's gonna be better!

Next on my 2012 Must Read list is...

SHINE 

by Jeri Smith-Ready
pub date 5/1/2012

product description from goodreads.com


No other love has burned so bright

Life can change in an instant, and no one understands that better than Aura. It’s been almost a year since her boyfriend tragically died. She’s finally letting go of Logan’s violet-hued ghost, but not her search to uncover the truth about her past. As the first in a generation that can see ghosts, Aura is convinced that she has a connection to the Shift. She’s trusted Zachary, ever patient and ever by her side, with all that she knows. But when the government threatens his life in an attempt to learn Aura’s secrets, she will stop at nothing to protect herself and the one she loves...even if that means betraying her own heart.

SHADE and SHIFT are two of the best books I've ever read, and though I don't want this story to end, I can't wait to see how it ends!!


And my final pick for 2012 Must Reads is...

TOXIC

by Jus Accardo
pub date 5/1/2012

product description from goodreads.com

Sequel to TOUCH.

When a Six saved Kale’s life the night of Sumrun, she warned there would be consequences. A trade-off. Something taken for the life they gained. But Dez never imagined she’d lose the one thing she’d give anything to keep… And as if it’s not enough Dez finds her immunity to Kale fading, the Six brought in to help Kale learn to control his killer touch starts drooling on him the moment they meet. Worse than that? Jade can touch Kale. But bimbo Barbie is the least of Dez's problems.

After Dez and Kale got away at Sumrun, her father lost not only his most powerful weapon but an important piece of the Supremacy project. Forced by Denazen to remedy the situation, he poisons Dez and offers her a choice—surrender to Denazen for the cure…or die. Determined to find a solution that doesn’t involve being bagged and tagged—or losing someone she loves—Dez keeps the poison a secret. But when a rash of Denazen attacks hit a little too close to home, Dez is convinced there’s a traitor among them. Jade.

Sacrifices, broken promises, and secrets. Dez will have to lay it all on the line if there’s any hope of proving Jade’s guilt before they all end up Residents of Denazen. Or worse, dead...

TOUCH was such a wonderfully written, exciting read that totally took me by surprise. I cannot wait to read more about Dez and Kale!!

As I'm sure you can see, all three of my top picks come out on 5/1/12. Needless to say, I'll be super busy for several days afterward!!

What about you? What are some of your top picks for 2012 Must Reads?

Waiting on Wednesday...THE ONE THAT I WANT(again)!

The lovely Jill (a fellow Alabamian!) over at Breaking the Spine created the Waiting on Wednesday meme for us bloggers to showcase books we're waiting on.


Today's selection has been featured here before...as a Waiting on Wednesday post. I know, it just doesn't seem fair, does it? Hey, it's my blog, I'll do what I want! haha No seriously, I did feature this one a couple of months back, and when it went on sale I scooped it up and devoured it (like I do all of this author's works). But that was only the ebook.


Now, I am seriously waiting on the hard copy of...

THE ONE THAT I WANT
by Jennifer Echols
paperback pub date 2/7/2012


product description from goodreads.com

Gemma can’t believe her luck when the star football player starts flirting with her. Max is totally swoon-worthy, and even gets her quirky sense of humor. So when he asks out her so-called best friend Addison, Gemma’s heartbroken. 


Then Addison pressures Gemma to join the date with one of Max’s friends. But the more time they all spend together, the harder Gemma falls for Max. She can’t help thinking that Max likes her back—it’s just too bad he’s already dating Addison. How can Gemma get the guy she wants without going after her best friend’s boyfriend?


Like I said, I've already read this one (and loved it!), but bet your patootie that on 2/7/12, I'll be picking up a copy! And if you're interested in reading my review, you can check it out on the author's website (how cool!) here.

DESTINY'S FIRE Blog Tour stop, with a review!

I am so SO happy to be a part of the DESTINY'S FIRE Blog Tour! My friend Trisha Wolfe's debut novel, DESTINY'S FIRE, is amazing--filled with hotties and steampunk and romance and...did I say hotties? (Reese!!!) Ahem.

So, today my little ole blog is a stop on the blog tour, and I couldn't be more thrilled. I'm proud to help promote and spread the word about this fantastic book, and I hope each of you who reads this runs and buys a copy now--especially since it releases TODAY! (Happy Book Birthday, Trish!)

Check out all the other stops on the blog tour, and be sure to visit the final stop on January 18th for a Grand Prize giveaway!

What, exactly, is DESTINY'S FIRE? Well, here's a bit about it...

DESTINY'S FIRE

by Trisha Wolfe

pud date - TODAY!

product description from goodreads.com

It’s the year 2040, and sixteen-year-old Dez Harkly is one of the last of her kind—part of a nearly extinct race of shape-shifters descended from guardians to the Egyptian pharaohs. Her home and her secret are threatened when the Council lowers the barrier, allowing the enemy race to enter the Shythe haven. 

As the Narcolym airships approach, Dez and her friends rebel against their Council and secretly train for battle. Not only is Dez wary of war and her growing affection for her best friend Jace, but she fears the change her birthday will bring. When Dez’s newfound power rockets out of control, it’s a Narcolym who could change her fate… if she can trust him. 

Dez’s guarded world crumbles when she discovers why the Narcos have really come to Haven Falls, and she's forced to choose between the race who raised her and the enemy she's feared her whole life.

Need to know more? Learn everything about the book and the author here:

Blog  Twitter  Website  Facebook  Tumbler  YouTube

Come on, a race of shape-shifters, Egyptian pharaohs, a growing love for her bestie...what more do you need?! In case that awesome synopsis doesn't hook you, here's 

My Review:

DESTINY'S FIRE tells the story of Dez Harkly, a shape-shifting descendant to the Egyptian secret service. She's spunky, tough, loveable--all the qualities one needs in a kick-butt heroine! From the very beginning, I fell in love with Dez and rooted for her right up to the very end. 

I'm not going to go into too much detail for fear of spoiling this awesomely fun read for others, but trust me when I say DESTINY'S FIRE has it all: an exciting, well-paced plot that moves with the right amount of action; well-rounded characters that jump from the page with distinct voices; and enough steam-inducing romance to melt glaciers. Seriously! Though the plot was so fun and addictive, it was the romance that hooked me and reeled me in--and makes me wanna jump inside Trisha's head to get the rest of the story. (One word: Reese!) (Okay, two words: Jace!)

My Rating:

 

Overall, DESTINY'S FIRE is a fantastic read that keeps you hooked from beginning to end, and I couldn't be happier to give it 5 Stars. I urge each of you to pick up a copy today and fall into the magical world Trisha Wolfe has created!!

Monday Must Reads!...Destiny's Fire by Trisha Wolfe

Okay, so it's been, like, forever since I had a Monday Must Reads! post, and for that I do apologize! Not familiar with this little feature? It's simple, really. Monday Must Reads! is a feature I created to showcase books that I think you, well, Must Read (ha!).


Today's Must Read is a good one. Well, a great one, in fact! I just finished it yesterday, and I must say that I LOVE it! It's a new venture for me (being steampunkish and all--and SO much more!), but it's filled with everything good: excellent writing; fun, entertaining plot; great characters; love! Yes, I urge you all to hit your fave book-buying website tomorrow when it releases and pick up a copy of...






DESTINY'S FIRE
by Trisha Wolfe


product description from goodreads.com


It’s the year 2040, and sixteen-year-old Dez Harkly is one of the last of her kind—part of a nearly extinct race of shape-shifters descended from guardians to the Egyptian pharaohs. Her home and her secret are threatened when the Council lowers the barrier, allowing the enemy race to enter the Shythe haven. 

As the Narcolym airships approach, Dez and her friends rebel against their Council and secretly train for battle. Not only is Dez wary of war and her growing affection for her best friend Jace, but she fears the change her birthday will bring. When Dez’s newfound power rockets out of control, it’s a Narcolym who could change her fate… if she can trust him. 

Dez’s guarded world crumbles when she discovers why the Narcos have really come to Haven Falls, and she's forced to choose between the race who raised her and the enemy she's feared her whole life. 

See, I told you it was so much more than just steampunk! Believe me when I say this one is a MUST READ! And be sure to stop by tomorrow, when I'll be posting my review of DESTINY'S FIRE as part of the Destiny's Fire Blog Tour! 

And congrats to my pal Trisha Wolfe on her debut!!

TGIF at GReads!

It's been a few weeks since I joined in the fun that is TGIF, so I'm happy to be back! The awesomeness that is Ginger (or G, as I like to call her!) over at GReads! has created a great meme that is tons of fun. Each Friday, she poses a question for anyone to answer. Go check her out and join in the fun!

This Friday's Question:

Reading Resolutions:

What are some of your

reading goals for the

new year?

Last year was my first foray into setting an actual reading goal. I used goodreads as a base, and set a goal of reading 50 books in 2011. I am happy to say that I reached and surpassed that goal! This year, I'm sorta thinking "Hey, if it ain't broke"...so I'll once again be setting a goal of reading 50 books this year! 

I know, for some of you 50 books is a cake walk. And I wish I could read 500 books in a year. But being that I have a little thing I like to do on the side (yes, I am a writer), I don't have all the free time that I used to! So, 50 is an attainable goal for me. (As a sidenote, I have writing goals for 2012, but that's for a future post!)

I also plan on filling that goal with many more contemporary YA books this year. Last year, I didn't jump onto the Contemp bandwagon until the end of the year, but those I read (Anna and the French Kiss, Lola and the Boy Next Door, and everything by Jennifer Echols!) rocked. So, this year I'm going to expand on that streak by reading many more contemps...wish me luck!

What are your reading goals for 2012? Join in the TGIF fun by signing up on Ginger's blog now!

Winner of HUSHED by Kelley York!

Sorry for the delay on today's post...I usually get these up much earlier than this! 


So I won't delay any longer...the winner of the ecopy of HUSHED by Kelley York is....

Mandie Baxter!!

Congrats, Mandie! I'm so happy you won! I'll forward your info to the proper authoriities (er, um, I mean people!) and your prize will be on its way...enjoy it!

And thanks to those of you who entered the giveaway!

Tune in Tuesday at GReads!

It's been a while since I've hopped on the Tune in Tuesday bandwagon sponsored by the awesome Ginger at GReads!, so I thought I would kick off my return with my current (and most likely long-lasting) fave song. I know everyone who turns on the radio has heard it, so it's not gonna be a surprise. But I seriously love it, so I'm picking it!

Someone Like You - Adele

Adele's voice is haunting, mesmerizing, soulful...really, I could go on and on. She is one of those singers who can reach inside you with her voice and grab you, squeezing you tightly and filling you with emotion. She's amazing! And since I'm currently in the midst of some angsty, soulful scenes in my current WIP, this song is played daily by yours truly. 

I hope you enjoy, and be sure to visit the other stops on Ginger's Tune in Tuesday meme here!

My 500 Followers Giveaway winner!!

I want to thank everyone who entered my 500 Followers Giveaway...you guys are the best! Getting right to the point, the winner of a signed, personalized ARC of my upcoming debut novel, BLOOD BORN, and some swag is...

Barbara W!

Congratulations, Barbara W! If you will, please email me your mailing address and how you'd like your ARC personalized (or just signed, up to you!), and I'll get it out to you asap! And a huge thanks to you all for entering the giveaway and for following my blog!

And be sure to check out my other giveaway going on here.

Happy New Year!

TOXIC by Jus Accardo Cover Reveal!!

Hey everybody, I'm so super excited to be a part of the cover reveal for Jus Accardo's sophomore novel, TOXIC! If you haven't read her debut novel TOUCH, then you are seriously missing out on an awesome read. So go now and read it, because you're gonna want to read more.

And that "more" is coming soon...in the form of TOXIC, the second book in the Denazen series. Wanna see the cover? Then you've come to the right place!

Ladies and gents, feast your eyes on...

Doesn't that look awesome! That's Dez, the MC (the cover for TOUCH features Kale, the uber-hot male lead, so go check it out, too!).

Now, hurry on over to the TOXIC goodreads page here and mark this one as To Be Read. And be sure to pick up a copy when it releases on 5/1/2012!

And a huge thanks to the author, Jus Accardo, for letting me be a part of this awesome cover reveal...can't wait to read the book!!