The Stars Are Falling by Michelle Birbeck – Blog Tour & Guest Post

 

The Stars Are Falling

By

Michelle Birbeck

“Is saving the one she loves worth killing the whole world?”

Release Date: 3rd July 2014

Genre: Young Adult/Sci-Fi

Published by: The Writers Coffee Shop

Available from: Amazon, Kobo, Barnes and Noble, and TWCS PH

 

Summary:

 

Jenny is content trying to survive university and sneaking glances at her housemate, Dale, in between hours spent watching the night sky. When the first meteor streaks through the night, landing close enough to shake the house, however, everything changes.

 

What’s left in the crater isn’t a lump of rock from outer space, but something that looks like a man. Soon after, the killing begins. Anyone who gets in their way is disintegrated with an all-consuming light so hot nothing remains.

 

Hundreds more descend from the heavens, bleaching the night sky, shaking the ground. They want to eliminate all threats to Earth, starting with the biggest one: the human race.

 

Jenny and Dale know a way to do both: save Earth and stop the human race from being wiped out. They just have to stay alive long enough to convince the falling stars to spare the human race.

 

Author Bio: 

Michelle has been reading and writing her whole life. Her earliest memory of books was when she was five and decided to try to teach her fish how to read, by putting her Beatrix Potter books in the fish tank with them. Since then her love of books has grown, and now she is writing her own and  looking forward to seeing them on her shelves, though they won’t be going anywhere near the fish tank.

Connect with Michelle Birbeck on: Facebook, Twitter, Website and Goodreads

Giveaway Link: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway 


Video Trailer:

 

 

Guest PostByMichelle BirbeckAuthor of The Stars Are Falling 

I read an article recently that said adults should be ashamed for reading young adult books. That these books were childish, written for children, and not as complex or well written as books aimed at adults. I have a one word response to that, but it isn’t one that can be shared in public.

My personal feelings on anyone reading young adult books are pretty simple. If you like it,
read it. No matter whether it’s young adult, horror, thrillers, crime, or romance novels. If you enjoy reading something, then pick it up, read it, enjoy it, and never, ever let anyone make you feel less for enjoying something.

But that is onlythe short answer. As a new young adult author, this notion of being ashamed of reading childishly written books hits closer to home than it might have done
when I first began writing.

On no level at all do I think The Stars Are Falling is childishly written. Not when the main issue of the book is the human race destroying the Earth and our next generation fighting to save it. This is an issue that affects everyone, and without those people fighting to save the world, there will eventually not be a planet to save. I’m not sure it’s possible to write about such serious matters in a childish manner, no matter how much fun, excitement, and aliens you throw in there.

So where does all this leave The Stars Are Falling? It’s not a serious, scholarly book meant for the driest of readers. And it’s not a book meant for reading at nap time. It’s a young adult novel. A book with issues that are real and characters that haven’t lost their lust for life, as too many adults do when work and life take hold.

It’s also an escape, as is any book. A means of breaking away from reality for a few hours
and going on a fast paced adventure where aliens are real and one nineteen-year-old girl really can save the world.

Books are meant to open our minds and let us explore the world without ever leaving our favouritereading spot. The Stars Are Falling is such a book, no matter whether it’s young adult or not. So read. Read books you never thought you’d like. Read books that are too young for you and too old for you. And if you enjoy it, go find more.

And never, ever let anyone tell you that you have to be ashamed for what you’re reading. 

Connect with Michelle Birbeck

Website/Facebook/Twitter

JUST SING Release

Just Sing

Book One

of the

Seven Oaks Series

by 

René Gilley

“Follow you dreams, follow your heart, love your family and Just Sing.”

Release Date: 5th June 2014

Genre: Young Adult/Performing Arts/Music

Published by: The Writers Coffee Shop

Available from: Amazon, Kobo, Barnes and Noble, and TWCS PH

Summary:

Sixteen-year-old Lily O’Brien has one goal in life—to sing. Her dream is to get into a top notch college vocal program, but the summer before her junior year, her high school cuts their awarding-winning vocal ensemble. She might as well kiss her dreams goodbye.

When the snobby new neighbors move into their mansion up the hill, Lily is positive summer can’t get any worse, and she’s determined to hate and ignore them—until she meets Aiden.

He’s broken and beautiful, and they become reluctant friends. Through her newfound friendship, she finds the strength to step outside the comfort of her plan and follow her dream.

But when Lily’s family is about to lose their home, she puts her wishes aside and finds the answer to save their generations-old ranch in the last place she expected.

Author Bio: 

By day, René Gilley works as a portfolio manager for a Fortune 50 company, but her nights and weekends are spent writing young adult and new adult romance books. Her brain never shuts off—always dreaming up new situations her characters can get into. 

Her California home is often the backdrop for her books. Her debut novel, Just Sing of the SEVEN OAKS SERIES, was years in the making. Like her character, René seeing Just Sing being published is a dream come true.

She’s a wife, mother to two beautiful daughters, and fourdogs. She’s proud to be a triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) survivor and believes in giving back through book profits to charities that support breast cancer.  

Connect with René Gilley on: Facebook, Twitter, Website and Goodreads

Video Trailer:

             

Praise:

 

Just Sing evolves mostly around Lily’s struggle with her family, the reality of her dreams, and her first relationship issues with the neighbors’ son Aiden. Honestly Lily is a truly amazing… She is strong-willed and her loyalty and love for her family is admirable. –Between Dreams and Reality Blog

 

With the popularity of shows like American Idol and The Voice, Gilley’s Just Sing promises to bring high engagement to any YA reader who dreams of the stage, lives the stage, or enjoys the stage as a spectator… -Fictionally Yours Blog

 

Just Sing was a complete and pleasant surprise. There’s not many YA novels out there that can capture my heart and soul wholly. And this book is definitely one of them. -Goodreads Review

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just Sing Book Trailer

My book comes out in one month–June 5th–to celebrate I’m sharing my book trailer for my debut young adult book, JUST SING!

My Writing Process Blog Tour

When I went to my first writer’s conference, I was kind of in shock. I couldn’t believe how nice everyone was. I got over my suspicion and realized that the writing community is full of helpful people, and is what I like to call a pay-it-forward group of mostly amazing individuals. I talk to my writer friends daily and some days I don’t know how I’d get through the day without them. Today I’m participating in the “My Writing Process Blog Tour.” If you haven’t had a chance to check it out, talented authors have shared their insights about the craft.

My amazing CP, Jennifer Blackwood, tagged me to join the tour. Jen is awesome. She just snagged herself an amazing agent—Courtney Miller-Callihan of Greenburger Associates—and you need to look out for this girl since she’ll have an awesome announcement soon!

So here’s how the tour works. I’ve got a few questions to answer, and then you’ll get to meet an author who will join the tour next week!

1. What am I working on?

At the moment, I am working on two books, they’ll each be the first book in two new adult series. The first one is called Mr. September and the second one is called Listen, book one of the Perfectly Flawed Series. Once I finish these, I’ll be working on book II, Going Home, of my young adult Seven Oaks Series. The first book of the Seven Oaks Series, Just Sing, is almost here, it comes out June 5, 2014!

2. How does my work differ from others in its genre?

I’d say all of my books are character driven and I do feel like I have some unique characters. I’ve been told my hero in Just Sing, Aiden, is not your normal cookie cutter young adult cute, perfect guy. I like my darlings relatable 🙂

3. Why do I write what I do?

The time in life when you’re a young adult (13-17) and new adult (18-25) is so pivotal in a person’s life. One decision—good or bad—could send you down a path that determines how you will live your life. Having that pressure, along with a carefree attitude many possess around this age, really calls to me. I also have two teenaged daughter’s so it’s fresh in my mind how trying and amazing this time in life can be.

4. How does my writing process work?

Like my CP Jen, I’m a plotter and pusher of Blake Snyder’s beat sheets. This tool I believe is what made my book marketable. The best thing about this tool if you’re a plotter, you can do the beat sheet up front, use it as your map, and it will help you write your story and hit all of your plot points. But if you’re a panster it works too. Once you write your story, you’ll be able to take it and put it into the beat sheet. This will show you if your story is lacking and how you can fix it. When someone asks me for advice, the first thing I give them is the beat sheet.

Another thing I have used is the concept of The Twelve Steps of Intimacy. This is a gradual process how your character’s intimacy grows in a story. Once you read it, to me it makes sense, and it’s one thing I pull out when I’m editing my stories—to see if the growth of intimacy between my characters makes sense.

That’s all from me. Next week you can learn about an amazing author and publishing sister, K.B. Hoyle, of the TWCS Publishing House.

K. B. Hoyle is a bestselling author, a creative writing teacher, and a former classical history teacher who uses her knowledge of the ancient and medieval worlds to pen fantasy tales for young adults. She has been married since the age of twenty to the love of her life, with whom she has three wonderful little boys. Her quest to write inspiring fiction began at the age of eleven when she started her first fantasy novel. The pen truly is mightier than the sword, and K. B. has always viewed her writing as a way to introduce truth, beauty, and goodness into the hearts and minds of young people.

K. B. is currently writing the Young Adult Fantasy series The Gateway Chronicles, and Breeder, the first in her New Adult Dystopian trilogy, and she never stops brainstorming all the stories she plans to write in the future. You can find out more about K.B. at her website, www.kbhoyle.com & her blog http://nightnark.blogspot.com

Trailer Reveal: A Long and Winding Road: A Caregiver’s Tale of Life, Love and Chaos by Linda Brendle

Today I have the pleasure of revealing the trailer for A Long and Winding Road: A Caregiver’s Tale of Life, Love and Chaos by Linda Brendle. Come take a look!

A Long and Winding Road: A Caregiver’s Tale of Life, Love and Chaos

By Linda Brendle

 

Trailer Link on Youtube: http://youtu.be/HQU4LNJ5scY

Blurb:

Sometimes reality really bites. Alzheimer’s has wrapped Mom’s brain into knots, vascular dementia has attacked Dad, and instead of carefree retirees, we have become caregivers. Regardless, dreams die hard, and we somehow stumbled into the purchase of a forty-foot motor home. That’s when all four of us set out on this seven-week trek across sixteen U.S. states. Now, Dad stopped-up the toilet again, Mom wet her last pair of clean jeans, and David just announced that he was hungry. My head is beginning to pound, and I know this isn’t going to be the easygoing retirement we’d imagined for ourselves.

Linda Brendle takes you on a roller-coaster ride of emotional and spiritual challenges that many families are facing right now. Co-dependency, mental breakdowns, and finding love after divorce are just a few of the issues weaved into this journey of caregiving. Whether you’re looking for an inspirational story to help teach you how to “let go and let God,” considering becoming the caregiver for one of your own parents, or are just looking for an entertaining travel book, this story is sure to strike a tender nerve.

Release Date: July 1, 2014

Author Bio:

After 15 years as a family caregiver, Linda began writing to encourage, inspire and amuse other caregivers. She loves to travel and since retiring has traveled mostly by motorcycle and RV. She and her husband live in a small East Texas town where she gardens, writes and attends church.

Website:http://www.LifeAfterCaregiving.WordPress.com

Twitter:www.Twitter.com/LindaBrendle/

Facebook:www.facebook.com/linda.brendle

Google+:http://goo.gl/5Ov8qo

Goodreads:http://goo.gl/SeqyBz

Yahoo Voices:http://goo.gl/NT0bdt

Red Letter Christians:http://goo.gl/xYSvRf

Links:

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20983741-a-long-and-winding-road

Anaiah Press: http://www.anaiahpress.com

Blog Tour, Amazing Author Q&A, and Giveaway – Kiya: Rise of a New Dynasty by Katie Hamstead

I’m thrilled to participate in the blog tough for Kiya: Rise of a New Dynasty, the 3^rd and final book in the Kiya trilogy. Not only do we get to learn about Katie and her final book, but also I put Katie in the hot seat and she was a trooper to answer my questions. It’s not often I get a chance to ask an established author and acquiring editor all the questions that keep me up at night. Enjoy!

Kiya: Rise of a New Dynasty (Kiya Trilogy Book #3)

By Katie Hamstead

Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press

Genre: New Adult Historical Romance

Release Date: February 25th 2014

Add it to  Goodreads

Buy it here: Amazon /  B&N / Kobo

 

Blurb

Tut has grown into his position as Pharaoh, but he is a wild young man. Naomi fears for him, not only because of his recklessness, but because he has put his trust in Ay–the man determined to destroy Naomi—despite her and Horemheb advising against it.

Meanwhile, death and slavery hang over Naomi and her family. With fear of the booming Hebrew numbers causing talk of enslaving them, conscription is reinstated and Naomi fears for the lives of her other children. Especially since Ay’s children are now adults, and just as dangerous as their father. They threaten to take Itani, conspire against Tut, and push for power.

But Tut is in trouble. While Ay’s daughter draws Horemheb’s attention, and Naomi deals with the struggles of her family, everyone’s distraction could spell death for the young Pharaoh.

 

About Katie: Born and raised in Australia, Katie’s early years of day dreaming in the ―bus, and having her father tell her wild bedtime stories, inspired her passion for writing. After graduating High School, she became a foreign exchange student where she met a young man who several years later she married. Now she lives in Arizona with her husband, daughter and their dog.

She has a diploma in travel and tourism which helps inspire her writing. She is currently at school studying English and Creative Writing. Katie loves to out sing her friends and family, play sports and be a good wife and mother. She now works as a Clerk with a lien company in Arizona to help support her family and her schooling. She loves to write, and takes the few spare moments in her day to work on her novels.

 

Places you can find Katie:
Blog / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

 

You may also be interested in reading these reviews:

Kiya: Hope of the Pharaoh & Kiya: Mother of a King

Now onto the questions my inquiring mind wanted to ask Katie 🙂

1)      This is your last book in the series, how does it feel to be winding it down?

It’s bitter sweet. I’m sad that it’s over because it has been a fun ride, and still is. It’s been so wonderful sharing my work with people and having them love it as much as me. At the same time, I’m eager to move onto what’s next and share more stories with the world.

2)      To someone writing a series, what is the number one piece of advice you would give them?

Don’t lose your flow. I feel like I put so much raw emotion into the characters because I wrote the story out in one constant flow. I climbed into their heads and stayed there.

3)      A lot of people wait for the entire series to be out before they read it. Do you prefer to wait or read as each book is released?

I would read a book I liked either way, but if the whole series is out even better!

4)      Which book in the series was the hardest to write and why?

The second. I felt like there was so little going on historically that I had to fill time, especially since I needed to go from two year old Tut to eight year old Tut within the pages. I ended up making a slower paced novel with plenty of character development to set up a bridge between books one and three.

5)      Which character was your favorite in the series and why?

Tut. I loved how playful and upbeat he was. Most of the characters in this feel like they wrote themselves and he’s no exception. Everything about him was fun.

6)      Do prefer writing a series versus a standalone book?

You know, I don’t know. Both have qualities I love, so I think it depends on the story.

7)      You write different Genre’s, which one is your favorite?

New Adult anything. I can’t pick a favorite. As long as it keeps me interested, I’m there.

8)      You’re an acquiring editor and a submitting author, is it hard to wear both hats?

Yes and no. I think being an author that acquires gives me an appreciation for the work on both ends. I also strive to give the authors who submit something to work with when I turn them down because I know how helpful it can be to understand why I said no rather than just thinking “did they even bother to really look at this?”

9)      What are top three things you look for as an acquiring editor?

Interesting concept, strong writing, excellent hook.

10)   How has being an editor helped your writing?

It helps me see things in a more analytic manner and see things how the reader would perceive it. A reader wouldn’t be able to say things like “oh this is passive voice” or “huge info dump here” they would just sense something is off. Being an editor has helped me pick these things up and so I can implement them into my writing.

11)   You have a lot on your plate, and are able to do several releases per year. Any tips to those writers out there who are trying to balance it all?

Just to set time aside to do what you need. I must admit I’m not the best at balancing everything and often burn the candle at both ends, but I do have a very supportive husband who helps me whenever he can. Know your limits, know when the best times are for you to write and set that time aside is the best thing I can recommend.

12)   What’s next for you?

My next big release is my Cadence Anderson Series. There are two books, the first book comes out in June, and I’m really excited for them. I really feel like I poured my heart into them and I’m excited to share them.

Onto the loot, this is an amazing giveaway! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you so much Katie Congratulations on finishing your trilogy and all the success you’ve had with it!

 

Fatal, by T.A. Brock (It has zombies so it’s going to be awesome!)

To celebrate her release week, I’m honored to have a guest post for Fatal, by T.A. Brock

Ten Reasons Zombies Are Super Speshul

Hey there, fellow zombie lovers! If you can relate to this…

… then we can be marvelous friends and you should definitely keep reading!  Zombies are a misunderstood bunch if you ask me. Today I’m going to share with you some things that make zombies AWESOME.

1. You don’t have to worry about them borrowing your favorite book and never returning it. This applies to most zombies but not necessarily my FATAL zombies. Mine are intelligent and therefore would borrow your signed copy of Eleanor and Park.

1. They love you for your brains. You guys knew that one was coming, right? Though my zombies don’t dine on brains, this HAD to make the list. You know, for all the other zombies out there.

 

1. They are very open-minded. Metaphorically. And sometimes even literally. You won’t find them being all Judgy McJudgekins. They’re dead, after all. And besides, they WANT to make friends. They’re always wanting hugs and stuff.

1. If you meet one named Rob, you can tell your friends you met Rob Zombie. I mean, if you live to tell them.
2. They aren’t picky eaters. As long as it’s flesh, they don’t care. Throw a hunk of meat at ‘em and BOOM. Dinner done.
3. They make great dance partners. Especially if you’re practicing Michael Jackson’s Thriller.

1. They are optimists. The glass-half-full type. You call it the apocalypse; they call it, “Hello, World! Nice to meet you!”

1. They’re tough, dude. They can take quite a lickin’ and keep on tickin’. Sure, they might lose… parts, but they don’t go down easily.
2. They like to jam. You’ve probably heard them trying to sing along to their favorite song. It might sound more like a grunt or moan to you. It’s very sweet actually.

1. They get the ultimate second chance. No YOLO for these guys. There you are, thinking your life is over when you die, and then… suddenly, you’re back. And yeah, maybe you smell a little and you don’t crave regular food anymore. But dude, you get life number two. How cool is that? (And to celebrate, you want a hug. It’s a shame all you get in return is a whack to the head.)

So… what do you think? Do you agree that zombies ROCK? Word of advice though, do be careful when hugging one. Sometimes their hunger gets the best of them. 😉

And to celebrate the release week of Fatal, enter your chance to win one of ten ecopies  – a Rafflecopter giveaway

Buy Fatal Here:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Fatal-T-Brock-ebook/dp/B00IX21PX8/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1394492054&sr=1-1&keywords=fatal+TA+Brock

BN: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fatal-ta-brock/1118890135?ean=2940149363728

First love can be brutal. Sometimes it can be Fatal.

Grayson Patch hasn’t been human since he was seventeen years old… and that was nineteen years ago. When he rose from the dead, he had no memory of his former life. Grayson desperately wants to recapture his lost humanity. And he’s been told that there is one person in this world who can save him from his current fate before he begins to decompose. One person, whose life must be sacrificed for his.

Cori Abbott has a million things to worry about. She’s the new girl in a school that’s a fraction the size of her old one. Her antisocial tendencies are crippling her ability to make new friends. And then there’s the recent, sudden death of her father, the only man who ever understood her. The last thing Cori wants is the attention of a strange, withdrawn, and consistently angry guy who seems to hate her for no apparent reason. A guy she can’t stop thinking about.

Will Cori break through Grayson’s cold exterior and find the human within, the boy who can love and understand her like no other? Will Grayson sacrifice Cori to rid himself of his undead curse, even if it means losing her forever?

Information about T.A. Brock:

Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20492239-fatal?ac=1
Find T.A. Brock on Facebook
@TA_Brock on Twitter

JUST SING Cover Reveal

This gallery contains 1 photo.

Dreams do come true! Revealing the cover of my young adult debut book, JUST SING Blurb: Sixteen-year-old Lily O’Brien has one goal in life—to sing. Her dream is to get into a topnotch college vocal program, but the summer before her … Continue reading →

Branded Cover Reveal by Katie Hamstead

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17973222-branded

Blurb:

Terrorists have invaded Sydney, and Allison King barely escapes her brother’s wedding reception alive. She and her siblings flee, but their parents are killed by firing squad.

Now Ali’s on the run and terrified. While searching for other survivors, she is captured by the General who leads the invasion. He’s smitten by Ali, and when she refuses to submit to his whims, he brands her for death. In a wild act of defiance, she snatches the branding rod and sears the mark onto his face. Marking not only him but also sealing her fate. Ali manages to escape and flees into the bush once more where she finds a group in hiding. Even with the scars left by the General, Ali learns to love and falls in love with the young man who found her—Damien Rogers.

But the General is hunting her. When he discovers their location, and finds her with another man—Damien—his wrath is kindled and his obsession is inflamed. Ali must put herself on the line or the General could kill her family, those who help her, and most significantly, the man she loves.

Kiya 2 Book Blitz & Goodreads Book Giveaway

Today is the day that the second book in the Kiya Trilogy releases; Kiya: Mother of a King.

You can find book one, Kiya: Hope of a Pharaoh HERE

To celebrate, Katie has opened up the comments on her blog for you to ask what you want to know about the series. And yes, book 3 is written and contracted so you will be seeing the final installment before you know it.

So, here is the details for Kiya book 2:

Amazon Kobo B&N Goodreads

 

Nefertiti has forced Naomi to flee Amarna with Malachi and the three children. But even under the protection of Naomi’s family in Thebes, Nefertiti still hunts her and Tut. Nefertiti sends assassins to kill them, and while Naomi fights to protect the children, Malachi fights to keep her safe.

With three children in tow, one of which isn’t her own, she is labeled the harlot outcast wife of the pharaoh and is shunned. She isn’t safe among her own people, and flees from being stoned to death. Although her family protects her, she must find a way to survive.

While Naomi struggles to keep herself and Tut alive, old adversaries return as Smenkhkare takes advantage of Akhenaten’s ailing health. Naomi must rely on Horemheb’s promise to protect Tut’s birthright, but her feelings for Malachi could cause more problems with Horemheb than she expects.

CQ is also hosting a giveaway for Kiya: Mother of a King on Goodreads! So jump in!

Goodreads Book Giveaway

KIYA

by Katie Hamstead

Giveaway ends November 20, 2013.See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

 

Enter to win