The Heroic Blog Tour Kicks off this week with the first stop at Spinebreakers on Monday - and I will be hosting a stop on Saturday! For more infomation on the schedule see the banner below. But first check out the trailer:
Sunday, 21 April 2013
Heroic/Phil Earle Blog Tour!
The Heroic Blog Tour Kicks off this week with the first stop at Spinebreakers on Monday - and I will be hosting a stop on Saturday! For more infomation on the schedule see the banner below. But first check out the trailer:
Saturday, 20 April 2013
I want to read that...
Goodbye, Rebel Blue by Shelley Coriell
From Goodreads: A young adult novel about bucket lists and boys, death and destiny.
Rebecca "Rebel" Blue, a loner rebel and budding artist, reluctantly completes the bucket list of Kennedy Green, an over-committed do-gooder classmate who dies in a car accident following a stint in detention where both girls were forced to consider their morality and write bucket lists. In this hilarious and life-changing journey, Rebel meets up with a nice boy, a gimpy dolphin, and a past she's tried to forget as this bad girl tries to do good.
I really enjoyed Shelley Coriell's previous book - Welcome, Caller, This is Chloe - and can't wait to get my hands on this one!
It is published October 2013 by Amulet books.
From Goodreads: A young adult novel about bucket lists and boys, death and destiny.
Rebecca "Rebel" Blue, a loner rebel and budding artist, reluctantly completes the bucket list of Kennedy Green, an over-committed do-gooder classmate who dies in a car accident following a stint in detention where both girls were forced to consider their morality and write bucket lists. In this hilarious and life-changing journey, Rebel meets up with a nice boy, a gimpy dolphin, and a past she's tried to forget as this bad girl tries to do good.
I really enjoyed Shelley Coriell's previous book - Welcome, Caller, This is Chloe - and can't wait to get my hands on this one!
It is published October 2013 by Amulet books.
Friday, 19 April 2013
Author Interview: Megan Shepherd
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| Kristi Hedberg Photography |
Megan Shepherd is the author of The Madman's Daughter. [You can read my review here] She has kindly stopped by to answer a few questions...
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The Madman’s Daughter is a retelling /re-imagining of HG Wells Island of Dr Moreau. What inspired you to write it?
When I was a teenager, I loved the classics, especially Gothic ones. They’re so full of adventure and romance and mystery. I’ve also always been intrigued by mysterious islands and loved the TV show LOST. My interest in both of those things combined to remind me of The Island of Dr Moreau, and I re-read it for pleasure. As I was reading I was impressed with how relevant the science still was today, and I realized there are no major female characters, so I decided it might be interesting to retell it from a new character’s perspective.
Did you need to do a lot of research?
Unfortunately I’m not well read in history or science, the two topics that required the most research. I had several doctor friends read the manuscript to make sure the medical science sounded accurate (naturally it’s science fiction, so it’s not actual science!). The historical research was fascinating: how corsets worked, the professions available to young single women, sailing schedules, popular piano music at the time. I certainly know a lot more about Victorians and their quirks now!
It’s safe to say the story is rather dark in places! Did you manage to creep yourself out when writing it?
Oh, yes. Absolutely. Most acquaintances know me as a rather optimistic, sweet person. I think they were shocked to read my book! I’m a true animal lover, and I have two cats I adore, so the animal surgery scenes were an enormous emotional challenge. Writing those scenes meant prodding at my greatest fears, but I believe that in order to scare my readers, I have to scare myself, too.
As it is the first book in a planned trilogy can you give us any hints for what to expect in the following books?
The second and third books continue Juliet Moreau’s tale (and some other characters might just return as well…) in London and in Scotland, respectively. The second book is inspired by the science and themes in The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson, and the third book is inspired by the legacy of Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein.
Have you always wanted to be a writer?
I only started writing about five years ago. Growing up, my family owned a bookstore, so I’ve always been surrounded by books. Looking back, it seems quite natural that I’d go into writing. But for the longest time I wanted to work overseas with the foreign service. I still love traveling and languages and cultures, but writing is exactly the right job for me.
What has the publication process been like for you?
I wrote three full manuscripts before The Madman’s Daughter, and started another dozen or so. I didn’t query them widely because I knew they weren’t good enough. It wasn’t until I wrote The Madman’s Daughter that I felt confident enough to seek literary representation. Luckily, I got an offer from my agent two days after I queried him! The book sold in the US a few weeks later, and then started selling overseas, and then was optioned for film. It’s been wonderful working with my editor to bring the book into print.
Do you have a typical writing day? Any ‘must haves’ before you can sit down to write?
I like to ease into the writing day. I usually go to the gym in the morning, then have a cup of tea and check email/twitter/social media for a half hour or so, and then dig into writing. I’ll write until six or seven in the evening. Sometimes after that I’ll do some of the business and marketing of the job. The only thing I must have is tea—lots of it!
What is your favourite aspect of being a writer? And the most challenging?
They are one in the same, I think. I love most the ability to spend my time creating something. My job gives me the freedom to think deeply and dream big, but at the same time, it’s terrifying to stare at an empty page with all my hopes and expectations resting on my shoulders. It’s incredibly challenging to translate the ideas in my head into words on a page.
---
Thanks Megan!
You can check out Megan's website here.
---
The Madman’s Daughter is a retelling /re-imagining of HG Wells Island of Dr Moreau. What inspired you to write it?
When I was a teenager, I loved the classics, especially Gothic ones. They’re so full of adventure and romance and mystery. I’ve also always been intrigued by mysterious islands and loved the TV show LOST. My interest in both of those things combined to remind me of The Island of Dr Moreau, and I re-read it for pleasure. As I was reading I was impressed with how relevant the science still was today, and I realized there are no major female characters, so I decided it might be interesting to retell it from a new character’s perspective.
Did you need to do a lot of research?
Unfortunately I’m not well read in history or science, the two topics that required the most research. I had several doctor friends read the manuscript to make sure the medical science sounded accurate (naturally it’s science fiction, so it’s not actual science!). The historical research was fascinating: how corsets worked, the professions available to young single women, sailing schedules, popular piano music at the time. I certainly know a lot more about Victorians and their quirks now!
It’s safe to say the story is rather dark in places! Did you manage to creep yourself out when writing it?
Oh, yes. Absolutely. Most acquaintances know me as a rather optimistic, sweet person. I think they were shocked to read my book! I’m a true animal lover, and I have two cats I adore, so the animal surgery scenes were an enormous emotional challenge. Writing those scenes meant prodding at my greatest fears, but I believe that in order to scare my readers, I have to scare myself, too.
The second and third books continue Juliet Moreau’s tale (and some other characters might just return as well…) in London and in Scotland, respectively. The second book is inspired by the science and themes in The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson, and the third book is inspired by the legacy of Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein.
Have you always wanted to be a writer?
I only started writing about five years ago. Growing up, my family owned a bookstore, so I’ve always been surrounded by books. Looking back, it seems quite natural that I’d go into writing. But for the longest time I wanted to work overseas with the foreign service. I still love traveling and languages and cultures, but writing is exactly the right job for me.
What has the publication process been like for you?
I wrote three full manuscripts before The Madman’s Daughter, and started another dozen or so. I didn’t query them widely because I knew they weren’t good enough. It wasn’t until I wrote The Madman’s Daughter that I felt confident enough to seek literary representation. Luckily, I got an offer from my agent two days after I queried him! The book sold in the US a few weeks later, and then started selling overseas, and then was optioned for film. It’s been wonderful working with my editor to bring the book into print.
Do you have a typical writing day? Any ‘must haves’ before you can sit down to write?
I like to ease into the writing day. I usually go to the gym in the morning, then have a cup of tea and check email/twitter/social media for a half hour or so, and then dig into writing. I’ll write until six or seven in the evening. Sometimes after that I’ll do some of the business and marketing of the job. The only thing I must have is tea—lots of it!
What is your favourite aspect of being a writer? And the most challenging?
They are one in the same, I think. I love most the ability to spend my time creating something. My job gives me the freedom to think deeply and dream big, but at the same time, it’s terrifying to stare at an empty page with all my hopes and expectations resting on my shoulders. It’s incredibly challenging to translate the ideas in my head into words on a page.
---
Thanks Megan!
You can check out Megan's website here.
Thursday, 18 April 2013
The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd
Published: 11 April 2013
From Goodreads: London, 1894. Juliet Moreau has built a life for herself-working as a maid, attending church on Sundays, and trying not to think about the scandal that ruined her life. After all, no one ever proved the rumours about her father′s gruesome experiments. But when she learns her father is alive and continuing his work on a remote tropical island, she is determined to find out if the accusations were true.
Juliet is accompanied by the doctor′s handsome young assistant and an enigmatic castaway, who both attract Juliet for very different reasons. They travel to the island only to discover the depths of her father′s madness: he has created animals that have been vivisected to resemble, speak, and behave as humans. Worse, one of the creatures has turned violent and is killing the island′s inhabitants. Juliet knows she must end her father′s dangerous experiments and escape the island, even though her horror is mixed with her own scientific curiosity. As the island falls into chaos, she discovers the extent of her father′s genius-and madness-in her own blood.
This was a really gripping story. I found myself quickly immersed in the darkly delicious (and rather creepy!) story. I have to admit I have not read (nor was I familiar) with H G Wells' The Island of Dr. Moreau on which this is based - but I can tell you it definitely held my interest (and I just might have to check out the original classic!)
I really loved Megan Shepherd's style of writing - it still has a modern feel yet I also felt transported to a different time. And I loved the voice she gives Juliet. Getting into her head and seeing all the dark and grisly happenings from her point of view really made this story for me.
I loved Montgomery - I really like the history he has with Juliet and the way it's obviously from their first meeting that all the old feelings are still there. Edward was intriguing - I didn't liked him as much as Montgomery but I have to admit there is definitely something about him that holds your interest.
The island - and its inhabitants - give the story a very claustrophobic feel. And the science, although very much science fiction, is presented in a way that makes it very believable and real. The story is also very much a mystery - with Juliet trying to find out the truth - I loved it.
I can't wait to find out how the story will proceed!
Make sure to stop by tomorrow - I have an interview with Megan Shepherd!
Sunday, 14 April 2013
Crash Extract (Month of Men Blog Tour)
I'm really pleased to be part of Simon & Schuster's Month of Men Blog Tour - a month long tour featuring the hottest voices in New Adult Fiction! For more info click the above banner.
Simon & Schuster will be publishing Nicole Williams' Crash and Clash in June, with Crush to follow in July! For those who can't wait that long, I have a sneak peek of Crash for you guys!
Here is more information about the first book:
From Goodreads: Southpointe High is the last place Lucy wanted to wind up her senior year of school. Right up until she stumbles into Jude Ryder, a guy whose name has become its own verb, and synonymous with trouble. He's got a rap sheet that runs longer than a senior thesis, has had his name sighed, shouted, and cursed by more women than Lucy dares to ask, and lives at the local boys home where disturbed seems to be the status quo for the residents. Lucy had a stable at best, quirky at worst, upbringing. She lives for wearing the satin down on her ballet shoes, has her sights set on Juilliard, and has been careful to keep trouble out of her life. Up until now.
Jude's everything she needs to stay away from if she wants to separate her past from her future. Staying away, she's about to find out, is the only thing she's incapable of.
For Lucy Larson and Jude Ryder, love's about to become the thing that tears them apart.
Sounds great, right? Check out the extract below:
Make sure you check out the rest of the Month of Men Blog Tour! Details can be found here.
Simon & Schuster will be publishing Nicole Williams' Crash and Clash in June, with Crush to follow in July! For those who can't wait that long, I have a sneak peek of Crash for you guys!
Here is more information about the first book:
From Goodreads: Southpointe High is the last place Lucy wanted to wind up her senior year of school. Right up until she stumbles into Jude Ryder, a guy whose name has become its own verb, and synonymous with trouble. He's got a rap sheet that runs longer than a senior thesis, has had his name sighed, shouted, and cursed by more women than Lucy dares to ask, and lives at the local boys home where disturbed seems to be the status quo for the residents. Lucy had a stable at best, quirky at worst, upbringing. She lives for wearing the satin down on her ballet shoes, has her sights set on Juilliard, and has been careful to keep trouble out of her life. Up until now.
Jude's everything she needs to stay away from if she wants to separate her past from her future. Staying away, she's about to find out, is the only thing she's incapable of.
For Lucy Larson and Jude Ryder, love's about to become the thing that tears them apart.
Sounds great, right? Check out the extract below:
[Please click here to read the extract via the Scridb webstie]
Make sure you check out the rest of the Month of Men Blog Tour! Details can be found here.
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