THE PACK - TEASER EXCERPT

Shamira, the main character is blind, and a vigilante on the prowl to get answers about the missing kids on Mars.

“Looks like you made out pretty good today,” she said and walked toward him. She didn’t give him a chance to reply as she punched him with enough power to smash his back and head against the wall.

Cracking his neck to the side, he licked his lips. His voice filled with lust as he said, “Hey! You like it rough, don’t ya? I do too, you fine young thing.”

She grinned at him, and with lightening speed she gripped his neck. He gulped when she tightened her grip and her knee jabbed into his groin with force.

“Don’t try to sweet talk me. I want information. You know where the kids are being held, don’t you? Tell me, and I’ll let you go with memories of Earth,” she said.

She held his neck with her clawed glove. Using her other hand, she reached into her pocket to pull out a truth tick that she pierced into his neck. She waited for the flat mini computerized bug to do its job. It sharp legs sunk into the Lenny’s skin and the biological replica of many species, inserted a poison into Lenny that forced him to tell the truth.

“I’m not talking. I ain’t getting killed for no one, sweetness,” Lenny said with a wince from the tick’s deepening claws. His speech slurred while the tick started to do its dirty work.

“We’ll see about that. Just give it a moment, sweetness,” she said and promptly spit in his face. He disgusted her. His kind had no morals.

The scent in the air changed, and she heard someone approaching. One of Lenny’s sidekicks, she could smell Lenny’s scent on him. She swiftly took the metal ball out of her pocket, waited for the guy to come closer, and without turning from her captive, tossed the ball at him while she faced Lenny as he weakened. The metal web burst from the ball and slammed its running victim against a wall of the buildings they were sandwiched between. She heard him gurgle while the web drew tightly to strangle its victim within an inch of his life. It allowed only enough air into his lungs for him to stay alive.

“Now, where were we? Oh yeah, you were telling me about where those kids are being held"and as a matter of fact, where Security Force Leader McCann of Sector Three may be,” Shamira said.

NEW WEEK NEW SET OF GOODIES - itunes card $25 being offered this week. CLICK here and send your address and email for placement in raffle. Don't worry - everyone will get something (poster, magnent, or keychain if you don't get the itunes card)

PARTY SPOTLIGHT GUEST - SCOTT MEEK

How are you diggin the party?
The party is always good as long as the drinks are flowing! haha

Tell me about yourself?
Retired Navy, former suburban husband turned Yuppie. I prefer to think of myself as separate from the crowd, "abby normal", if you will. I have a natural aversion to trends, so I'm often doing things that others don't do or wouldn't do. I spend a lot of time in books; just trying to keep up with the 100+ I've bought and haven't read yet.

Are you in the book business? What do you do?
I dunno if I'm in the business, but I am writing a series of novels, always cranking out social commentary on my blog, having fun with pictures and words and sentences, and occasionally I'll pump out a short story.

Have you read any of LM Preston’s books?
I have not read the two books she so sweetly sent me; however, I have given them to my daughter, who is also a read-a-holic, and I'm sure I'll be hearing something by the end of the summer. I asked her last weekend, but she's caught up in "Vampirates" at the moment.

What are you currently working on?
I am currently working on the marketing aspect of my first book "Dying Light", putting together my website, writing short stories for my New Baltimore world, trying to get back to the sequel "Midnight Sun", and considering helping a friend write a screen play for an indie film. I'm also reading 5-6 books at home and at work, have three magazine subscriptions, and am looking for someone to do a graphic novel with. Finally, I'm helping as many people as I can in their own endeavors.

Big things in your future?
You bet. Always.

Scott’s Website: http://deependothepool.blogspot.com
Tweet Scott: http://twitter.com/dsmeek36
Scott’s Blogs:
http://bmorelockedloved.blogspot.com/
http://dyinglightthenovel.blogspot.com/
Serialized Novel-Dorothy Locked and Loaded: http://dorothylockedandloaded.blogspot.com/

NEW WEEK, NEW SET OF GOODIES for THE PACK, click here to find out more VIRTUAL BOOK LAUNCH PARTY

Email the publisher on the site above to get free poster and keychain.

Diversity In THE PACK

I love diversity in my books. Mainly because where I live there are so many races and flavors that I just can’t help but reveal my love of diversity in my writing. Not to mention my kids have friends of all nationalities and it’s refreshing how they all love each others differences while being curious about them.

In The Pack, which takes place in the future, the main character is bi-racial. She’s in love with a Caucasian boy who looks past her handicap to pursue her as a friend and girlfriend while he convinces her to trust others in their journey to save the missing kids on Mars.

This book is about friendship, trust and family. Color is minor when life or death come into play. Lastly, Shamira realizes that even though she is flawed, her new friends are flawed also. Those flaws become minor when you love someone.

THE DYNAMICS OF RACE

Now, I have to be honest, as an African American Female writer of Young Adult Science Fiction, I get strange looks at scifi fairs. I love it! It’s a topic of conversation and many stop to ask me if I’m the author and what made me desire to write science fiction. Living in a diverse setting as I do, I welcome innocent questions of curiosity based on race. It’s a great way to learn about others and to dispel myths or misconceptions. I explain that as an engineer, writing science fiction just came natural to me. That what I write as an author picks me, I don’t pick it.

DON'T FORGET YOUR PARTY FAVORS! EMAIL THE PUBLISHER HERE - YOUR MAILING ADDRESS AND NAME FOR YOUR PARTY FAVOR!

SPOTLIGHT PARTY GUEST - SHERI LARSON

How are you diggin the party?

Great people and books, what more could I ask for? I love parties and celebrating others' success. The music is great, too. *winky*

Tell me about yourself?

I am a former dental assistant turned stay-at-home mom. As mother to four humanoids (3 boys and a girl) and wife to my amazing hubby, life is never dull. With the kids being involved in every activity under the sun--ice hockey is the big one; ouch, I know--labeling us 'active' is an understatement. And yes, we have a dog.

Approximately two years ago, after a long hiatus from writing, I decided to take that leap from novice writer to serious writer aiming to hone my craft. At the gentile nudging of my hubby, I began reading insatiably, joined a writer's group, and took writing and publishing courses.

Being a former dancer and theater junkie, creative expression has always been important to me. I found a renewed love of the written word and a true passion I'd ignored. Thus, the evolution of ME has continued into a feisty writer of all that is YA and MG. I love dreaming up stories about angels, ghouls, vampires, faeries, and the average teenager who's not so average. Dropping my characters in places they obviously don't belong and helping them find their place, wherever that might lead them, is an adventure for me. I must also admit that my writing is usually flavored with romance; can't help it.

A quirky tidbit about me: I am a Monday Night Hottie--the group of ladies, ranging from ages 24 to 60, that I began dancing with two years ago. They are my angels of sanity. Oh, I also love homemade salsa with cream cheese on almost anything. Sure, odd. See where my characters get it?

Are you in the book business?

If blogging and hobnobbing with other writers who blog, reading in my genre daily, studying about the craft like crazy, and tapping the keys of my laptop until hubby wrenches it from my grip means I'm in the business...then sure, I'm in.

Have you read any of LM Preston’s books?

I haven't read EXPLORER X-ALPHA yet, but I have interviewed LM for the GRAFFITI WALL on my blog. She's brilliantly driven and a fountain of wisdom. Her organization skills are at masterful level, handling her family and her writing career. I know that must sound clique but it's true. She's also been extremely helpful to me, passing on some of her writing skills through critiquing my work.

What are you currently working on?

I'm currently working on the final edits of my YA Paranormal Romance, MARKED BEAUTY, and my synopsis. After a few helpful critiques from some talented writers and even an agent, I've revamped my query and written a new opener to the book.

It’s about sixteen-year-old Ana Tate, a beautiful tomboy, who learns she’s unwittingly bound to a centuries-old curse and her secret empathic ability could be the cure. She must overcome her fear of love and her family’s surprising immortal link to Viktor, the undercover yuppie lycan she despises, and save him or surrender to the curse.

As Ana struggles to unearth Viktor’s secret, he battles dangers to keep her safe, trying to figure out what to do. But when love creeps in and Viktor mysteriously disappears like her mother did years ago, Ana discovers this is much more than simply breaking a curse.

There were a few times Ana made me cry, reminding me how hard it was to be a teen--struggling to accept myself and what I felt, and trying to figure out what someone else felt. When Ana realizes that love is a sacrifice, she also sees that Viktor is not as human as she thought and neither is she.

Big things in your future?

Good gosh, heck yes! If anyone would have told me four months ago that I'd be blogging successfully and mingling with talented authors like LM, I'd have told them they were crazy. I've met so many incredible people. I am humbled.

Links:

Writers' Ally -- home of the famous GRAFFITI WALL

Oasis for YA - 5 YA writers join forces to celebrate all that is YA.

Twitter - @SherWordsGirl

NEW WEEK, NEW SET OF GOODIES for THE PACK, click here to find out more VIRTUAL BOOK LAUNCH PARTY

WORLD BUILDING MARS FOR THE PACK

The planet Mars I built for my book THE PACK was self sufficient in every way. I researched the climate of Mars, which is cold. The terrain, the colors, and the soil – and I created a world that was made to sustain human life.

For the cold – I created underground piping systems that warmed the ground.

For the wind – I created magnetic rods that would pull sand towards them and limit movement

For electricity – I used solar panels for energy

Cities – They were called Sectors

NEW WEEK - NEW SET OF GOODIES, Key Chain and Poster. Remember, all that comment and send address to publisher will be placed in drawing for free hotel room in Orlando or Williamsburg. CLICK HERE TO EMAIL INFORMATION FOR DRAWING

INTRODUCING BUFFY ANDREWS, PARTY GUEST SPOTLIGHT

Check out Buffy’s blog at: http://buffyswritezone.blogspot.com
Find out more about THE PACK, Book Launch Party at http://www.lmpreston.com/THE-PACK.html

How are you diggin the party?
I'm absolutely lovin' the party. I love parties and I love books so the combination is pure awesomeness. Thanks for the invite.

Tell me about yourself?
I’m Assistant Managing Editor of Features and Niche Publications at the York Daily Record/Sunday News in York, Pa. I work with a terrific team of award-winning editors and reporters who make me proud each and every day. Honestly, I couldn’t imagine working with a better group of people. They are my heroes. We produce everything from a daily newspaper features section to a high-end glossy home magazine to a variety of online initiatives.

I love writing for kids and teens and hope to find an agent who believes in my work as much as I do.

I’m blessed with a wonderful husband and two awesome sons, all of whom think I'm way weird because I find things that only a 9-year-old would find funny. (Smiles)

I love running and had both of my knees operated on for medial meniscus tears. (OUCH!) I taught indoor cycling for five years and was called Buffy the Cycle Slayer (original, I know).

I'm learning to golf but I don't keep score because, well, I really don't want to know my score (yes, it's that bad). If I can hit the ball off the tee, I'm happy. Oh, and I get to wheel around a purple golf bag and use pink golf balls, which is way cool.

You can follow me (@Buffyandrews) and my fictional character (@Grandma_Dorothy from ELLA’S DANCE) on Twitter.

Oh, and my blog. I would love to have you visit my blog at, http://buffyswritezone.blogspot.com

Are you in the book business?
If being in the book business means having a book published, not yet. But I'm working hard to make that happen. (Fingers crossed)

Have you read any of LM Preston’s books?
Explorer X Alpha is on my to-read list. And, of course, The Pack will be too when it arrives in August. I love LM's enthusiasm and passion for her work.

What are you currently working on?
Thanks for asking. I'm getting ready to query my newest YA, THE LION AWAKENS.

It's about two teens, Annie Lange and David McClure, who learn their parents aren’t dead as they have been led to believe. Instead, they live in a parallel universe ruled by a tyrant hell-bent on taking over Annie and David’s world.

The 17-year-olds discover this secret when they find flash drives hidden in gifts left on their porches. The drives contain video messages from their parents and lead them to a mentor who helps the teens discover and master abilities they were previously unaware of. Mind Control. Telekinesis. Superhuman speed.

It's a fun read packed with action. There were moments while writing it that I cried. Annie and David fall in love and, well, sometimes things don't always work out the way we want them to.

Big things in your future?
Well, I hope so. (Even "little" things would be great.)

I love posting quotes on my blog that inspire me. Here are two:

"When your heart is in your dreams, no request is too extreme." --Jiminy Cricket. ... Gotta love the cricket! (Smiles)

"History has demonstrated that the most notable winners usually encountered heartbreaking obstacles before they triumphed. They won because they refused to become discouraged by their defeats." --BC Forbes, 1880-1954, ...Oh yeah. That's what I want to hear. You go everyone!

NEW WEEK - NEW SET OF GOODIES, Key Chain and Poster. Remember, all that comment and send address to publisher will be placed in drawing for free hotel room in Orlando or Williamsburg. Click Here

WHAT IS IN A NAME?

Just a few days til the end of the contest. Remember, email publisher your address if you want your freebies. Not much else to do to get a Party Favor. Drop in every week and see what the prizes are. This is the Parteeeeee site and prizes and contest for goodies can be found here weekly before the Launch and then monthly.

WHAT IS IN A NAME? WANT TO KNOW WHAT SHAMIRA'S LOVE INTEREST VALENS IS LIKE?

When I decided to name her love interest, I didn't really look for a name just for a meaning. My dad's middle name is VALENTINO and I wanted to name one of my sons Valentino....but, my Husband was strongly against it. He wanted the kids named after him. Soooooooo.......

Since I'm a writer, I create my characters and they are like children to me. So, I named SHAMIRA's love interest, VALENS.

VALENS means Healthy, strong and is of Latin origins.

REMEMBER to win prize pack, comment and send your email address.

PARTY FAVOR PRIZE and TIDBIT about THE PACK

What better way to kick off this party than with a Free Book, Poster and Magnent Pack? Yep, this means you will get a signed copy of the book to read before the party kicks off.

I'll randomly pick person who comments. Email your address to the publisher at this link: http://www.lmpreston.com/THE-PACK.html (send your name, address you want the book/gifts to be sent, and your email.) You must leave comment to be considered. Also, you will be notified by email what your prize is and that it is on the way! Everyone will get something. This contest will run from (June 8th, 2010 to June 15th, 2010, 10pm)

TIDBIT ABOUT THE PACK

I like for all of my main character's names to have a true meaning.

SHAMIRA: Means, Guardian, defender

If you have read my MG series, Explorer X - Alpha. Look up the name of the main character there (Aadi) and it will give you the nature of his character.

DON'T BE SHY...I want to give all this stuff away.

Kick Off For THE PACK Virtual Book Party!

Oh, yeah! Are you ready? Today is the beginning of the countdown of the Virtual Book Launch Party for THE PACK. This is my official Party Blog! Yep, you heard it. I'll be posting all kinds of secret tidbits about The Pack. Background information, pictures, character interviews and much more. Stay tuned, and enjoy the music. WANNA START WINNING PRIZES? FOLLOW THE PARTY AND POST! START OFF BY TELLING ME WHAT YOU ARE GOING TO WEAR TO THE PARTY.