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Monday, July 31, 2017

Andora's Folly // Blog Tour Day 3

Welcome to Monday, the day of the week that is either my best or worst. How about we make it a good one this week?


Links



Today's Schedule


Another excellent review is being featured today, as well as the first and only person brave crazy enough to do all three kinds of posts. Both of these lovely ladies were also beta readers for Andora's Folly.

Hanne T // Review
Victoria Lynn // Spotlight + Interview Vlog + Review

Giveaway + Snippet


We all know I love a giveaway ;) I will choose a random winner of one Andora's Folly e-book from the commenters on the first post at the end of the blog tour!

This meme comes from one of my favorite scenes in the book and was created by Lisa.




I'm so thrilled at all the reviews coming in! I think I have more on Amazon for Andora's Folly than I do for Martin Hospitality now XP What do you think of the interview vlogs?? They're SO fun to make!

Sunday, July 30, 2017

Andora's Folly // Blog Tour Day 2

Here's a quick post with people awesome enough to post on a Sunday for me, as well as the next quote meme :)


Links



Today's Schedule


Here's the schedule for day 2! I'm super excited to read their reviews :)

Emily Mundell // Review (from a beta)
Faith Potts // Review (from a beta)


Giveaway + Snippet


You didn't really think I was going to give you a blog tour without a giveaway, did you? Here's how it works! I will choose a random winner from the commenters on the first post at the end of the blog tour!

Today's quote meme is brought to you by Sarah Grace. And I love it XD

andorameme_sarahgrace.jpg


Thank you for reading! What were you thoughts on the reviews the girls left me? Did they intrigue you? ;)

Saturday, July 29, 2017

Andora's Folly // Blog Tour Day 1

Welcome to the launch of the Andora's Folly blog tour! I can't believe I'm already doing this again! The Martin Hospitality blog tour was less than six months ago. I keep telling myself things will calm down after this ... I'll stop inflicting myself with deadlines and dreams. But at this point I highly doubt that ;)


Cover + Synopsis + Link


designed by Anika Joy

A Pandora's Box retelling


Andora is a beautiful young woman with insatiable curiosity. Raised in splendor, she is spoiled by her privileged life. When a love letter is slid under her door, her life takes a drastically unromantic turn. Nothing makes sense—her arranged marriage, the gifts her parents bestow on her wedding day, or her new husband’s temperament.

As Andora begins to unravel the mysteries around her, she ignites a chain of events that have the power to sabotage her entire village forever. Only her new-found wisdom as a desperate peasant's wife can save her from her folly.

And of course, since the tour is launching today, that means Andora's Folly is available for purchase! I published it only in Kindle, so I apologize for any inconvenience that causes. But, I do hope to do a paperback version eventually. Still, don't wait around to read it! You can get your copy now on Amazon. There's also a Goodreads and Pinterest board you don't want to miss ;) If you purchase a copy, please leave an honest review once you're finished reading! If you've already, today--release day--is the best possible day you could leave me a review. Stats or something like that. ;D

Today's Schedule


While I've got eight full days of tour planned, I'm only going to share the schedule a day at a time :) That way you'll be less intimidated and more likely to visit the posts! (And please do visit the posts! You never know what you might find.)


Madison Guy // Spotlight (from an alpha reader)

Maddy // Interview Chat

Giveaway + Snippet


You didn't really think I was going to give you a blog tour without a giveaway, did you? Here's how it works! I will choose a random winner from the commenters on this post at the end of the blog tour! So if you've read this far, leave a comment! And share the post so your friends can leave comments and have a chance to win an e-book as well :) 

And the last order of business: a quote meme. These things are so fun and I had a couple friends make a bunch of them for me! I'll be sharing one each day of the blog tour. A little incentive for you to come back: get a new snippet and visit the new posts. ;) Today's is one I created.

designed by me


You have to comment to be entered in the giveaway! ;P In all seriousness, though. How did you enjoy Madison and Maddy's posts? Are you excited for Andora's Folly??

Tuesday, July 25, 2017

Coronation by Livy Jarmusch // Blog Tour

I'm thrilled to be bringing a brand new book from a lovely young lady. Livy Jarmusch, founder of Crown of Beauty Magazine, has published a novel! I can't wait to find the time to read this :)

Cover + Synopsis


Livy was so kind to reach out to me, and I'm so glad she did. I haven't made it very far into this book yet, but I love the opening. That's always a good sign!


You can't tell me that the clouds, castle, and colors on the cover don't make you want to swoon! It looks so sweet and welcoming :)

Prince Addison is only several weeks away from inheriting the Kingdom of Tarsurella. The entire Palace is ablaze with excitement, as the Royal Family prepares for the event of a lifetime. Despite the exciting event which is near at hand, Addison and his younger siblings (all seven of them!) must carry on with their daily activities. Addison’s sisters, Princesses Bridget, Chasity, and Hope, have their struggles with being iconic European starlets of a modern day monarchy. The teen heiresses grace magazine covers, smile for photoshoots, and gracefully glide through important interviews–until a certain American popstar arrives on the scene. Kennetic Energy, the wildly popular band from the United States, is chosen to play at Addison’s Coronation. David Carter, the band’s handsome lead singer, fumbles through awkward moments with Princess Hope–in front of the cameras. When an embarrassing rumor sparks that Princess Hope is dating the young fellow, she is determined to get the band fired from their Royal gig. Meanwhile, Princess Chasity is dealing with her own fragile affairs of the heart. Her new security guard, Hanson Fletcher, is completely captivating, yet entirely frustrating. She attempts to keep the entrance of her heart firmly protected, while following the wisdom of Proverbs 4:23. But can she be successful in guarding her heart, from her security guard? The Coronation is Book #1 in The Tales of Tarsurella Trilogy.

If you ask me, that sounds quite unique! It strikes me as the homeschool and Christian version of Princess Diaries. In other words? Awesome.

Links + Memes




I've already decided I want the above wardrobe, so I'm bound to enjoy the book ;)

Coronation was published on July 6 and can be found on Amazon and Goodreads.

About the Author


Livy Jarmusch is a dreamer, singer, songwriter and orphan advocate. She loves fairy-tales, the smell just after it rains, golden retriever puppies and peppermint ice-cream cones. If you really want to get to know her, follow her on Pinterest, and if you find yourself repinning everything, you're sure to be the best of friends! To join this princess on her pilgrimage through life, follow on Instagram @livylynnglittergirl & Pinterest @livyglittergirl.





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Are you familar with Livy Jarmusch or her magazine?

As a random announcement, I did decide to do a Facebook party for the Andora's Folly release on Saturday! So if you (or your parents) have Facebook, you can find the event here. Spread the word and thanks for reading :)

Saturday, July 22, 2017

A Vlog + Blog Launch

Hey, everyone! Today I have the next installment of the Very Awesome Vlog Challenge. But the big news is I'm also launching a review blog, Loop + Paschall. The neatest part about it is, the blog belongs to my brother and one of his friends. I'm really excited to share all of this with you guys!!


Blog Launch


So Loop + Paschall. The online names of two teenage guys I've grown up with who enjoy watching movies. Sometimes to rave over, sometimes just to laugh at. Since their after-church conversations for the past few years have largely consisted of swapping opinions and critiquing different things, I had the brilliant idea to suggest a joint review blog. They both shrugged it off and went on talking about their differing opinions on the movie version of John Carter.

Well, now they have caved. What's more, I think they're actually excited about doing the blog thing! Last Saturday marked their first review: Spider-Man: Homecoming. The post for today is Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, one they went to see in theaters together. Without me.

Without any further ado, here's a screen shot of their header (which I designed and already featured :P) AND the link you've all been waiting for.


Leave them some comments. Subscribe. Go crazy! We all know how rare the male blogger breed is. ;)

VAVC #6 Vlog


And now for the vlog ;) Life has been super duper crazy of late, but I squeezed this video in when babysitting a sleeping child. Besides, Ivy got her video posted, so I had to do mine ;) As the video says, I hope to film one with her next month!! So much excitement.^.^

As always, you should join the link-up! Right here.



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Are you as excited about Loop + Paschall as I am?! Are you going to the OCW Summer Conference, too? (Please say yes + yes!!!!)

The Andora's Folly blog tour is coming your way next Saturday! If you signed up, be sure you got the mega e-mail with all the information! Until then, Andora's Folly can be pre-ordered here.

Thanks <3 p="">

Tuesday, July 18, 2017

Reintegration Cover Reveal

A Tuesday post! Today I'm bringing you Ashley Bogner's cover for her novel Reintegration.


And that is my placeholder photo so that the cover image doesn't spam your feeds without you clicking on my post ;)

Synopsis + Tagline

As a Regulator, seventeen-year-old Katherine Holliday’s duty is to protect the people of the Federation from a group of violent rebels who have exiled themselves to the mysterious wilderness. When one of these rebels is captured within the Federation, the government leaders propose an alternative to execution, a procedure they call Reintegration. The procedure involves erasing the rebel’s memory and attempting to make him a member of society. The rebel, a young man named Matthew, is not the violent criminal Katherine expects, and she can’t help but befriend him. A few weeks after Matthew’s Reintegration, Katherine realizes the procedure failed and she is now presented with a choice no one else can help her make. Can she warn her superiors that Reintegration failed, which could mean death for Matthew? Or will she defy everything she knows to help him escape—and risk her own execution?

I don't know about you, but I think this sounds very interesting! Most books with similar settings  end with the rebels being caught, and the main character is almost always a rebel. So I like the changes Ashley made that standard. :)

Her tagline is also epic: A perfect citizen. A captured rebel. One decision could destroy them both. Really good, right?!

It releases on August 18, exactly one month from today! You can find it on Goodreads here.

The Cover!


And now for the cover by Magpie Designs!!


Isn't it pretty?! I adore cityscapes in covers, but I love how that's not the focus. The fonts are really awesome and the colors in the drop a nd at the top  ... really well done! And it suits the description very well :)

About the Author

When Ashley Bogner was in third grade, she decided she would be a published author when she grew up. Ashley is a homeschool graduate and has lived in seven different states. She completed a year of Bible college and in the fall will begin pursuing a degree in Communication Studies. After college, her plan is to work in the Christian publishing industry. When not writing, she can be found baking, posting book reviews on her blog, and watching her favorite movies over and over to the point of memorization.

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There you have it! This is the blog post by the author on her blog, if you'd like to read that and see the other people participating in the cover reveal. :)

Check out my last post if you want to participate in the Andora's Folly blog tour! Sign ups close this Thursday, July 20. :D

Saturday, July 15, 2017

Pre-order and Blog Tour! // Andora's Folly

Yes, you read the title right! Andora's Folly is now available for pre-order. I plan to do a blog tour so you can sign up and get all the information about that here as well :)


The day has finally come!! I have never done pre-orders before, so it was a bit of a learning curve. I really wanted to figure it out this time since I was dealing with only a Kindle edition :) You can learn more about it on Amazon and pre-order your copy of Andora's Folly here.

You would be doing me possibly the biggest favor ever by sharing that pre-order link! So if you're excited about the book, please share it around :)

The official release date is not until July 29, so if you pre-order, that's the day the book will appear on your device. That's also the day I plan to begin the blog tour!

The blog tour will run from Saturday, July 29 - Saturday, August 5. If you have any interest in participating, please sign up on the form below! (or click here)



Sign ups close Thursday, July 20, so you have to act fast ;) If you know anyone that might be interested, definitely share the link to this post. The more the merrier!

Expect an e-mail next weekend with all the details so we can get rolling! Let me know if you have any questions. I still feel very unorganized when I do all of this, but I try. I don't want to confuse anyone ;)

I have an epic promo team feverishly working hard to get some marketing done for me, which gives me a little spare time. What would you think about a Facebook launch party?? Honestly the organization involved scares me, but everyone adores those things. Does it make sense to do that for only a Kindle book? I don't know ... Anyway, let me know if that's something you would participate in and I'll start getting my thoughts together :)

Aaand, I think that's all I have for you. Thanks so much for the excitement, support, and participation!

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Are you excited?! Because I'm excited!

Also, I know I've dropped the ball on my writing prompts, but I'll have them up on this Pinterest board soon, hehe ... ;)

Saturday, July 8, 2017

Happy Birthday to The Old River Road

One of my dearest blogger friends Ivy Rose is celebrating two birthdays today.
  1. the first birthday of her debut novel The Old River Road &
  2. her 19th birthday!
Naturally, I agreed to throw a party for her :D

Party Favors


To celebrate The Old River Road's first birthday, the e-book will be discounted to $0.99 on Amazon July 8th - 10th. If you haven't read her book, this is a great opportunity!! Ivy is also revealing the title of book two in the Long Lake Legacy series, so stay tuned for that ;)

But first some about her debut novel.

The Old River Road

1885

When seventeen-year-old Clara Boutwell married her dashing coworker, William McDonald, she was convinced her life was near perfect. The journey before them as newlyweds in the great city of Chicago was promising and exciting. But a frightening disease soon takes William in its grip, forcing them to the clean air of the western frontier in a desperate attempt to save his life. But pioneering doesn’t prove to be easy, with miles between neighbors instead of fences. On the eastern Washington prairies, the McDonalds face hardships and trials in a new world where everything is tested, from physical endurance to emotional strength—down to their relationship and faith in the Lord.

     This novel tells the incredible true story of Clara and William, the great-great grandparents of the author, in a sweet narrative full of laughter, tears, and the struggles of an early pioneering family. Prepare yourself to share in their experience as you read this account of a pioneer family in Washington state, and see their lasting legacy that has endured into the fifth generation.

Get on Amazon ~ Add on Goodreads

You can read my 5 star review HERE

Aaaaand, now for book two!!

Along the Riverbank



MOCK COVER, not the final product

Add on Goodreads

Is that title not awesome?! The publication date is 2018. But trust me, her current WIP will make it worth waiting on this sequel! ;)

The Tour


Check out the other blog tour stops this weekend:


Faith Potts @ FireflyStory Space

Victoria Lynn @ Rufflesand Grace

Jesseca Wheaton @ WhimsicalWritings

Anika Joy @ This Journey Called Life

About the Author


Ivy Rose is a young novelist with a passion to create beautiful fiction. She’s been accused of wearing out coffee makers and clearing the entire house of its chocolate supply. Armed with a desire to create scenarios readers can easily relate to, she writes in many genres about ordinary individuals faced with extraordinary choices. When not studying for exams, she can be found practicing fiddle, TaeKwonDo, or ATV-ing the Pacific Northwest.





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There you have it! Be sure to hop over to Ivy's blog and congratulate her!! Definitely snag her e-book while it's on sale because this book is a.ma.zing. And family friendly. And a true story. Truuuuust me ;)

Saturday, July 1, 2017

7 Writing Lessons from Downton Abbey

Welcome to July, everyone! We're halfway through 2017. HALF. WAY. So it would be a great time to reflect and update, share my goal progress, plan out the rest of the year, send out my June newsletter ... but nope. I've been binge re-watching Downton Abbey with my sista and I'm about to go watch yet another episode that will probably make me cry. So here's a writerly, fangirly, spoiler-free post on Downton.


This show basically marks an entire era in my life and it will always be the most dear thing to me. Re-watching it has cemented it in my heart for eternity, even if it make me cry more than is healthy. But look. It has taught me so much as a writer. Julian Fellowes is goals, okay?

1 // Conflict can be called for

This show is sooo dramatic. So much conflict. My Mom can't always handle the soap-opera nature of the gazillion storylines, but I really don't mind it in this instance, because the drama is handled so well! Very rare is it for me to roll my eyes because it seems like they're peppering the story with more conflict just because the writers enjoy being dramatic. Okay, so certain characters having a dozen failed romances or ten hard blows seems a little overblown. But does it evoke emotion and further the overall plot? Yes and yes. So use that conflict to make your readers sweat. They'll cheer all the more when you reach the happy ending.

2 // Historical settings are awesome

I love the historical aspect to Downton Abbey! It begins in 1912 with the sinking of the Titanic and doesn't end until six seasons and something around 17 years later. (I think.) Watching the change that came during that era is extremely fascinating. Women's rights, World War I, motorcars, jazz, and to a large degree the loss of the class system. I like the in-depth look that shows the gradual change. Yes, it takes a lot of research. Knitting your plot to its present time adds so much, though! Even if that present time is today.

3 // Generations are important storytelling devices

Part of the reason the historical changes that come about are so fascinating is because you get to see multiple generations (and classes) react. For example, the grandmother feels much differently about swivel chairs than does the middle class lawyer. The grandmother is often unsettled by the changing times, but is also very levelheaded in who she sides with at every dinner table argument. Having characters of different ages allows for differing perspectives in almost every conversation ;) I think we could use more of that, especially in genres for targeted age ranges. Why does no YA book include grandparents, hm?

4 // It is possible to follow two dozen characters at once

I'm not kidding. Downton follows so many characters at once. There's around 10 servants and 8 upper class family members being followed at any given time. That easily means a main upstairs and a main downstairs plot line with several tiny ones that only need a few minutes' screen time. But it's always such a beautiful balance, and it means there's something worth watching for every viewer in every episode :) It makes the plot so masterful, though I can't even imagine the work it takes from the writers.

5 // Dialogue is the key to everything

The dialogue. *heart emoji* Every 45 minute episode has literally 10+ quotable lines. And not quotable just because they're catchy, but because they're deep and thought-provoking and witty and insightful. Characters don't have to be shallow! Everyone has something meaningful to say about something. Do we waste words in real life? Yes. LOTS of words. But your characters operate on a compressed timeline for a purpose. So put the dialogue to good use! I love something 100x more if it has dialogue that makes me giggle, think, and want to shout "yes!!" After all ...


6 // Details are an excellent finishing touch

In a television show, details can be visual. The embroidery. The architecture. The hairdos. The hors d'oeuvres. Just a panning camera with the theme song can make me grin. Who am I kidding, a photo will do the trick. Getting to see the work (or lack of work) that goes into all of the details crimping hair is hard makes them all the more precious. When writing, details help paint a picture in your readers' minds. Don't forget to use description and mention the little things people will connect to and adore.


7 // Misery should be worthwhile

Downton Abbey has a lot of reality. It explores the honest misery and heartfelt delight of every character introduced. And even when the characters do something shocking and I'm afraid the entire focus of the series will spiral into promoting the morally wrong ... it doesn't. Downton has scandal and evil. But for the most part, that is how it's presented. And for every element of that they introduce, there are consequences, and it becomes a vital part of who that character is. I don't want to go as far as saying you can put anything in your stories if it has a purpose ... but I will say you shouldn't put in your stories if it doesn't have a purpose.

*all pictures retrieved from Pinterest*

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The question of the day is obviously have you watched Downton Abbey?? ((If you did and you didn't like it, I'll try to forgive you. But you'd be wiser not to tell me that at all.)) On a wholly unrelated note, what are your plans for Independence Day?

If you liked this, you might also like ... 7 Writing Lessons from Beauty and the Beast ;) Shameless self-promotion, I know.