LM Preston's LAUNCH PARTY 'S

I'm working on some really Great New Stuff

2012-02-10T06:31:00.000-08:00

Well although my writing is a bit behind, the ideas are flowing. I'm in promotion mode for my Middle Grade but am doing the following fun things to bring you all some great new books in the next year.

The Pack-Retribution (due out Sept. 2012 - Book 2 in The Pack series) I'm in the final stages of revising this. Just got the 2nd run from the editor. Once I finish revising this in about a month or two, the ARCs will be submitted to the printer. The artist is working on the NEW cover art for this so look out for that in about 2 months.

Purgatory Reign (out in 2013) This is my new paranormal series with a sprinkle of scifi and romance. It's gonna be hot. I'm working on the 1st set of edits for this. I will be subbing it to agents and if nothing bites this year - Phenomenal One Press will publish it. This is a 3 book series. Upper YA.

Bandits - Wastelands (out in 2013 - Book 2 in Bandits series) I am writing this now. My personal deadline for the first draft is April 1st and I'm way behind. But stay tuned.

Big Crush - short story (out in 2013 as part of anthology) This is the first short story I've written in like forever. It was fun and I may turn this into a series. It's an Urban Middle Grade short story.

Fire's End - a Middle Grade Fantasy I'm working on with my daughter who is 10 years old and has amazing ideas. It's shaping up fine and if we ever finish it...who knows.

PLANS to write first draft of the following:

Explorer X-Beta (to come out in 2013)
The Pack - Deception (to come out in 2014)

Explorer X-Beta is now on KDP and Amazon!

2012-01-24T08:55:00.000-08:00

I'm excited to announce that my second book in the my middle grade science fiction adventure novel, is available for FREE in ebook kindle format on KINDLE DIRECT and only $0.99 on amazon until release day of the Paperback version April 1st.

The paperback release date is April 1st and will be kicked off with a twitter party TWITTER PARTY is April 3rd, 2012 and BLOG TOUR the week of April 8th-17th.

Hey Hey Hey 2012 Releases!

2012-01-02T13:52:00.001-08:00

Just to keep you all updated on where and what I'm doing for the New Year I am giving you a preview. More to come with bookstore signings being set up.

RELEASES FOR 2012

Explorer X - Beta (Book 2 in the Middle Grade SciFi Adventure, Explorer X - comes out April 2012)

The Pack - Retribution (Book 2 in the Upper Young Adult, The Pack - comes out Fall, 2012)

RELEASES FOR 2013

BANDITS-Wastelands (Book 2 in the Upper Young Adult, BANDITS series)

Explorer X - Theta (Book 3 in the Middle Grade, Explorer X series)

I'm currently working on a new Paranormal series I'm hoping to sell. But it will be coming out in 2013 no matter what so stay tuned!

AUTHOR SIGHTINGS Places I'm hanging out 2012
Check out my website for updates: www.phenomenalonepress.com

Farpoint Convention (Baltimore, MD) 2/17-19th
Public Library Conference (PA) - 3/12th
Twitter Launch Party (Promo Explorer X-Beta) - 4/3th
Explorer X-Beta Blog tour - 4/8-17th
Book Expo America (NY) - 6/6-7th
Otakon (Baltimore, MD) 7/27-29th
Shore-Leave (Baltimore, MD) 8/3-5th
Baltimore Book Festival - 9/28-30th
Capclave (Baltimore, MD) - 10/12-14th

Tease Explorer X - Beta Book Trailer

2011-12-09T06:43:00.000-08:00

Please enjoy the new book trailer created by Alicia 'Kat' for EXPLORER X - BETA

The First Book Review by:
Book Reader's Heaven

AMAZON LINK
B & N LINK

If you are interested in reading the eARC check it out at NetGalley this January 2012.

www.phenomenalonepress.com

If you are interested in reviewing Explorer X-Beta please leave message in the comments with your contact information and I will send you a free copy :-D

New Ebook Cover Reveal!!!!

2011-12-03T08:01:00.001-08:00

Hiya!

Phenomenal One Press is happy to announce new ebook covers for The Pack and Bandits!!!

Yay!

The New Ebook Cover for Bandits:

Purchase for just $0.99 for the month of December
Kindle: Click Here
Nook: Click Here
Smashwords: Click Hehttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifre

The New Ebook Cover for The Pack: (Effective 12/20/2011)

New cover active on 12/20/2011
Kindle: Click Here
Nook: Click Here

STILL TIME TO SIGN UP FOR FREE PAPERBACK ARC OF

Explorer X-Beta
Middle Grade Adventure

GoodReads Giveaway: Click Here
Sign up to win free copy!

Explorer X- Beta Release update

2011-11-14T19:01:00.000-08:00

Calling all bloggers! I'm looking for a few interested bloggers who'd like to review a copy of Explorer X-Beta.

Please post your email addy if you want to review.

Stay tuned for the book trailer coming in December!

Giveaway Alert!!!

2011-11-06T06:11:00.000-08:00

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Explorer X - Beta

by LM Preston

Giveaway ends December 05, 2011.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter to win

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Bandits

by L.M. Preston

Giveaway ends November 14, 2011.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter to win

New Cover for BANDITS - Ebook

2011-10-21T15:33:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited to release the new EBOOK cover for BANDITS. It's being tested for 3 months and if we get votes to keep it during our contest next month then the paperback cover may get an update.

My MG Series, EXPLORER X - Beta COVER Tease

2011-09-11T08:43:00.000-07:00

Well one of the best part of being an author is seeing an artist capture your characters and the world you've built on the cover.

Although Explorer X-Beta comes out next Spring I just have to show you the cover :-D

Here's the First Book of the series:

Fright Night - Movie Review

2011-08-22T04:33:00.000-07:00

I have to admit it, I have a Vampire addiction. It's a secret one, and started long ago.

Fright Night is a remake of a Summer 1985 classic cult flick that I LOVED (okay, movie choices back when I was a teen was limited). It was one of these vampire flicks I'd watch over and over again.

Well, Hollywood decided to remake it ... and,

Here's the BLURB from IMDb:
A teenager suspects that his new neighbor is a vampire. (yep, that's all they said)

MY REVIEW:

Just so you know, I didn't have high expectations here and...well, the movie was just okay. It was however, an improvement over it's predecessor. This version had a twist like the movie Disturbia where the villain was handsome and a little more sadistic than the goofy vamp that was in the first flick. Not to mention this one had much better special effects. Charlie - got to love him, accidentally sees his neighbor, who is a vampire, bite a women. Then a dead body is found. This leads to his seemingly psychotic obsession with his neighbor being a vamp. And it all heats up from there. No much gore, but a lot of blood and blown up bodies. Teens would think it is just okay since kids nowadays like more brutal horror flicks. But my teen son gave it a 3 our of 5 fangs. I however, give it only 2 fangs out of 5.

Bandits, The Pack and Explorer X in the blogsphere

2011-08-22T04:32:00.001-07:00

Hiya!!! I'm on the road again.

Check out this pic I took on the Big Island in Hawaii.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND ME IN PERSON ...I'll be giving away books too!

Baltimore ComicCon (Sat and Sun) August 20-21st. I'll be giving away books and scoping out artist for my Graphic Novel for Explorer X - Beta.

Baltimore Book Festival (Sat) September 24th. I'll be doing a buy one get one free special and signing books.

NAIBA Fall Festival (Sat) My books will be displayed by MBPA (Mid Atlantic Book Publisher Association)

Collingswood Book Festival (Sat) October 1st. I'll be doing my buy one get one free special here also.

Central Pennsylvania Book Festival (Sat) October 22nd. I'll be doing the buy one get one free here, as well as giving out ebook coupons for free ebook copy of your hardcover book.

Virginia Library Association - (Sat-Sun) October 21-22. My book will be displayed by Association Book Exchange.

VIRTUAL VISITS

Kindle Daily - BANDITS is on display, Dec. 22 and 29th, see excerpt and it's on sale for $0.99 ebook.

The Soundry - Kindle Party! Tune in for reading of The Pack and sale of all my books in ebook format. 7pm Reading Sept 24

My Book Babies Are Roaming the Net

2011-07-19T04:14:00.000-07:00

Just because I've been on vacation, my books haven't. My in person tours have slowed until the Baltimore Bookfest (which is one of my favorite events).

But you can check out my babies in the blogsphere:

Writerly Wednesday invited BANDITS to drop in.

The Frugal eReader gave away copies of The Pack

Book Blogs has Ad for The Pack

FrugalFinds is doing a giveaway of The Pack

So check out some of the places my babies are hanging out - you just may be able to win one for free.

Here's some fun depictions of my characters from The Pack and Bandits:

Launch Party Favors! Winners of the Goodreads Bandits Giveaway!

2011-05-28T16:19:00.000-07:00

The Bandits Launch Party has kicked off with a bang! Online Giveaway's in which over 200 readers downloaded their free copy of Bandits on Smashwords! 100 books signed and given away at BEA! And for the Launch Day Final Prize giveaway - Goodreads Winner's take the pirate's booty of 10 books.

Here's the winners for the Goodreads Give Away!

Vicki Krivak
Mary Campbell
Janice Crespo
Shawna Guilford
Ruth Thompson
Becca Kher
Keisha Lyons
Jennifer Burger
Mardi Studer
Sharon Hoskison

Still 2 days to download your complimentary Launch Party copy of Bandits, re-release–FREE EBOOK coupon code:LV67U http://dld.bz/YzJw

FREE! Ebook BANDITS in Honor of BEA Give Away!

2011-05-18T17:29:00.000-07:00

FREE! Ebook BANDITS in Honor of BEA Give Away! http://bit.ly/iNSY8V coupon:LV67U good til May 31st!

Pre-release Promo for BANDITS (Teen Pirates-Treasure-Love-Death) FREE ebook BANDITS http://bit.ly/iNSY8V coupon:LV67U good til May 31st! Check out the great reviews on my website www.lmpreston.com BANDITS has been getting 4 and 5 stars! Please enjoy and post a review on amazon http://www.amazon.com/LM.-Preston/e/B002R7KUCC/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

BANDITS was released early in EBOOK

2011-05-09T06:37:00.000-07:00

Yippee! I have a lot to be happy about. We just released Bandits in ebook format. This was the first time we did it ourselves – hands on when my publisher hobnobbed with some other small presses and they told him it was best to upload the books ourselves rather than have our servicer do it. Oh, they said it would be easy. Well, ebook to Kindle was definitely easy. Ebook to Smashwords took five attempts before it was formatted correctly for the Premium Catalogue which gets your ebook formatted to Barnes.

$2.99 is the intro price for Bandits in Kindle (http://www.amazon.com/LM.-Preston/e/B002R7KUCC/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0) and Smashwords.

$0.99 The Pack in Kindle (http://www.amazon.com/LM.-Preston/e/B002R7KUCC/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0) and B&N (May-June) (http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Pack/L-M-Preston/e/9780984198993/?itm=1&USRI=the+pack+by+lm+preston)

$0.99 Explorer X-Alpha in Kindle (http://www.amazon.com/LM.-Preston/e/B002R7KUCC/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0) and B&N (May-June) (http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Explorer-X-Alpha/L-M-Preston/e/9780984198924/?itm=1&USRI=explorer+x+-+alpha+by+lm+preston)

The big Paperback Release day is June 1st! So get yours at pre-order price now.

TOUR Plans for MAY

*Tip* on the right of my blog there are links and In Person tour dates. (http://lmpreston.blogspot.com)

Gaithersburg Book Festival on May 21st

Book Expo America!!

I’ll be giving away FREE BOOKS and signing on May 25th (look me up LM Preston).

The Caffienated Book Diva Reviewed Bandits!

2011-04-15T22:24:00.000-07:00

Yippee! The Caffienated Diva Reads Reviews BANDITS please drop in and say hello :-D

http://thecaffeinateddivareads.multifacetedmama.com/?p=2175

Can someone pinch me please?

My Action Junkie Writing Style

2011-04-07T04:18:00.000-07:00

It's true, I'm an action junkie. It's what keeps me writing young adult scifi. I know action wrapped in the a story, a fast-paced, character's with attitude and arrogance isn't everyone's cup of tea, but hey - you get that when you are on a Pirate Planet (Merwin) in Bandits, or when you are a shunned, blind, vigilante uncomfortable with people (The Pack), or you find out your parents sent you to a camp where you are a lab rat who's been altered to evolve into alien species and conquer them (Explorer X-Alpha).

You know why I create characters like this? Well, hey, I get those kids. I understand them - sure they have fear, but they do what they gotta do. They are a product of the world they live in. Some kids - at least mine - don't seem to have fear, they hold more hope, and an attitude that they are invincible. Do they have super powers - well yeah they do - naiveté. And you know what else - they make me feel invincible. They remind me not to give up. When I question myself - my writing, my future in writing, they tell me I will do great things. You know what, to me, I have - truly writing has allowed me to do more in my life, to touch more people either bad or good - but to connect with them in ways I never dreamed I would.

Sometimes when you don't know you should be afraid to attain the impossible, you do it anyway - and just sometimes you do it! You do the impossible because NO ONE EVER TOLD you that you couldn't.

So, find your inner hero, and when you hear that voice that says - "You Can't" you answer it and say, "I WILL!"

Aadi, Eirena and Damien in Explorer X-Alpha

Shamira in The Pack

Daniel in Bandits

SPOTLIGHT OF A KID WITHOUT FEAR – SHE’s DONE AWESOME THINGS SO FAR
Maggie Mei Lewis, a now 16 year old girl, wrote her first picture book at the age of 13 years old, found her illustrator on ebay, and asked her mother to start a publishing company to distribute her book and sell it. Huh!? Yep, - there it is again – no fear. No one told her that she couldn’t do this. Besides, she had an awesome mom to support her.

Now, Moonlight Memoirs, is getting awards, and Maggie’s tour schedule is hectic, not to mention her book is selling very well. She recently won the 2010 Next Generation Indie Book Awards.

So there you go, an example of a teen who has done amazing things. Who had the confidence, to blaze her own path.
Buy her book, Moonlight Memiors, http://www.amazon.com/Maggie-Mei-Lewis/e/B003I3HLH6

Maggie's website: www.moonlightmemoirs.com/
Melody Lamb, Illustrator: www.melodylealamb.com/html/maggie_mei.html

BANDITS is GETTING GREAT REVIEWS! Yippee!

2011-03-31T20:07:00.000-07:00

For those of you that don't know it, I'm a mom of four. About a year ago, my son asked me to write a book about Pirates. I knew that I had to really do it up for him, I wanted him to read it soooo much. Well he did, and he told me what I needed to do to make it even better - but most of all, he said, "Mom, you nailed this!"

CURRENT REVIEWS ARE MAKING ME SHIVER WITH EXCITEMENT

Check them out, please comment and support these wonderful bloggers that took a chance on BANDITS and gave it a read.

Okay, I'm gonna cry...JOYFUL tears. More awesome amazing reviews of Bandits!!!

LovLivLife Reviews
http://www.lovlivlifereviews.com/2011/03/review-bandits-by-lm-preston.html

The Bo0ki3 Reviews:
http://thebo0ki3.blogspot.com/2011/03/bandits-review.html

Writer's Alley
http://writersally.blogspot.com/2011/03/book-review-bandits.html

All Consuming Books
http://tigersallconsumingbooks.blogspot.com/2011/03/review-bandits-by-lm-preston.html

SO WHEN SOMEONE TELLS YOU THAT YOU CAN'T DO SOMETHING - Tell them I WILL - BUT MY WAY

There's GONNA BE A PARTY! Here's a Party Favor!

2011-03-27T16:30:00.000-07:00

Oh yeah baby!!! There's going to be a Launch Party for Bandits! We'll be giving away some awesome prizes.

So until then, stay tuned.

NOW TO THE PRIZE!

We have a ton of books! So we are going to give away a YA Pack.

HERE's THE LIST:

THE PACK by LM Preston
SHADOW WALKER by LA BANKS
OTHER by Karen Kincy

To get the prize....

Follow me on:
BLOG: http://lmpreston.blogspot.com/
PARTY BLOG: http://bookpartylmpreston.blogspot.com
TWITTER: http://twitter.com/LM_Preston
FACEBOOK:http://tinyurl.com/2fev6qc

and send Email to publisher on : www.lmpreston.com to confirm.

Kirsten Hubbard author of Like Mandarin talks Release Day

2011-03-13T11:36:00.000-07:00

Spotlight Blog and Author:

Welcome Author, Kirsten Hubbard dropped by A Writing Process or a Write of Passage

Learning the craft of writing,
for her Release Day Interview: Like Mandarin available today!

Some of you know I'm a travel writer as well as a YA author. I've been fortunate to visit some pretty colorful places, and certainly, I'd love to celebrate my release day in Thailand or Tikal (or more appropriately, the Wyoming badlands!). But I'll be spending it right here in San Diego, mostly in my house and home office. My launch party isn't until Saturday, and my friends and family won't come down until Friday. So it'll be and the dog til the husband gets home. Maybe it's a little mundane, but it fits, since it's the site of my most exciting journey of all: writing and publishing LIKE MANDARIN.

That all sounded really zen, didn't it? Really, I expect my release day to go like this:

7:30 - Wake up (if I ever got to sleep), butterflies with harpy eagle wingspans twirling in my stomach. Linger in bed and check my email on my iPhone while Husband heads off to work. Like every morning.
8:00 - Shuffle (bounce) into the kitchen and make chai. Like every morning.
8:05 - Sit at my computer, in my office or at my kitchen table or coffee table, and prevent myself from checking Goodreads/Amazon/Bookscan. Except really I'll check all three, immediately.
9:00 - Repeatedly.
10:00 - Eat some Thin Mints. Get stressed about launch party Saturday.
10:15 - Read some Metafilter and CNN and so forth, and talk to my YA Highway co-bloggers, but every fifteen minutes head back to Goodreads/Amazon/Bookscan.
12:00 - Realize how ridiculous I am being, and that I need to get out of the house. Take shower and sing "Afraid of Everyone" by The National at the top of my lungs. Decide to leave my iPhone at home. Except really I'll bring it.
12:30 - Treat myself to a Thai iced tea with boba.
12:45 - Take my Thai iced tea with boba somewhere scenic and relaxing, like Balboa Park, or the beach, and walk around a little bit, maybe for ten minutes, until early sense of refreshment is replaced by debilitating sense of off-the-grid terror, and then I will sit on a rock and check Twitter, Goodreads, Amazon and Facebook on my iPhone.
2:00 - Arrive home and head straight for my computer.
2:30 - Eat more Thin Mints. Call my mom. Get stressed about launch party Saturday.
4:00 - Walk the dog -- but only a couple blocks. The internet awaits!
5:00 - Put on An Outfit and get bouncy waiting for Husband to release me from my own head.
5:30 - Husband gets home! Talk a SoCal mile-a-minute about all the internet things that happened today. Like every evening.
6:00 - Get in car and head to indie bookstore.
6:10 - Locate my book.
6:11 - Cry.
6:30 - Head somewhere with happy hour margaritas or mojitos.
8:30 - Arrive home and head straight for my computer. Intend to spend some time working on third book, but instead, get wrapped up in great conversation with great friends.
12:00 - Can't believe it's over! Fully initiated. I am an author.

Awesome Reviews for BANDITS - I'm Fainting like now!

2011-03-11T10:06:00.000-08:00

Oh, I just had to share. I *jumping up and down* got another 5 star review for Bandits!

Book Reader's Heaven:

check it out: http://gabixlerreviews-bookreadersheaven.blogspot.com/2011/03/review-ya-novel-bandits-by-lm-preston.html

and

Eva's Sanctuary:

Check it out: http://vampirekiss1967.blogspot.com/2011/02/review-of-bandits.html

Would you like to give it a read? Check out the above reviews and let me know if it's an adventure you'll love.

The other is from Librarian, Dawn Lewallen check her out on twitter

Her email quote: "Finished Bandits this weekend. LOVED it!!!! I especially liked how you were able to show the character's disgust and frustration without having them go into a swearing tirade and the romance between Jade and Daniel was gentle and romantic. A perfect YA novel!!"

The Winner Isssssss!

2011-03-04T15:30:00.000-08:00

Yep, there's finally a winner!

ARC Copy of BANDITS and a $20 itunes Gift Card. Yippeee!

Haley Hanes is the winner! Please email publisher your mailing address by clicking EMAIL on the publisher website: www.phenomenalonepress.com

I love give aways!

Book Signing and Latest Book Reviews of BANDITS

2011-02-22T17:33:00.000-08:00

Okay, here's another week of excitement. Yeah, I've been furiously working on editing my MG novel and outlining a new series while anxiously waiting for reviews to come in on BANDITS.

MY BOOK SIGNING at BARNES & NOBLE

This was my first official bookstore signing of the year. It's a finishing off of my tour of THE PACK, my upper YA, but I was giving away a free ARC copy of BANDITS. It was a great crowd and I sold ebooks and paperbacks at the event. The owner even invited me back for the summer book festival. I was so honored.

Me with Eva, local Book Blogger. There were 3 other great Local Authors in attendance!

BOOK REVIEWS for BANDITS ARE COMING IN and SO FAR ARE GREAT!!!

I can say that I'm humbled to the point of tears. Yep, tears, that I got emails regarding reviews of Bandits.

Here's the first one:

Please drop in and comment.

Eva's Sanctuary:

5 out of 5 stars,
http://vampirekiss1967.blogspot.com/2011/02/review-of-bandits.html

The other is from Librarian, Dawn Lewallen

Her email quote: "Finished Bandits this weekend. LOVED it!!!! I especially liked how you were able to show the character's disgust and frustration without having them go into a swearing tirade and the romance between Jade and Daniel was gentle and romantic. A perfect YA novel!!"

YAY!!!

So if you want to review BANDITS, let me know :-D We still need some great blog reviewers to take a peek at it.

Also, stay tuned it goes for official review at Foreword Magazine this week...*I'm biting my nails for that one*

Book Signing This Sat 2/19th and ARC Gift with Purchase

2011-02-17T04:39:00.000-08:00

I'm soooo excited. Oh, and stay tuned for the winner notification for the last give away.

Come out and see me and a ton of other authors this Sat. 2/19 at

Barnes and Noble:
Long Gate Shopping Center
4300 Montgomery Road
Ellicott City, MD 21043
410-203-9001

I'll be giving you a free ARC of BANDITS with any purchase of my books!

BANDITS Party KICK-OFF PRIZE

2011-01-31T03:49:00.000-08:00

BANDITS is coming! THE Publisher is printing the ARC Copies and I want you to Win an ARC Copy of BANDITS and a $20 itunes Gift Card.

Contest Dates: Jan 1st, 2011 to Feb. 4th, 2011

The winners from THE PACK blog tour are getting their complimentary copy of BANDITS and you can get yours too!

CONTEST RULES:

Check out the BOOK TRAILER and leave a comment with your name = +1 point (go to www.lmpreston.com or double click above to go to youtube and leave comment)

Follow both my blogs: http://lmpreston.blogspot.com/ and http://bookpartylmpreston.blogspot.com/ = +2 points

Facebook friend me: www.facebook.com/people/Lm-Preston/100000094441527

Follow me on twitter: LM_Preston and send DM with your number of points = +1point

First one come, first one serve.

Also, some random conselation prizes of the ARC with unknown goodies will be sent to those who Direct Message me on Twitter

The New Year Winner!!

2011-01-07T22:39:00.001-08:00

Welcome FAULK from Bandits! This is a pic from the booktrailer artist, Shoshana Epsilon! I'm sooooo excited!

WINNERS for the New Year!
Terry Hutchinson and Ashley Freeman

Great Event and More Give Away's for Christmas

2010-12-13T13:54:00.000-08:00

I had a wonderful event at the Finksburg Library! Tons of kids showed up to participate in the world building workshop. I gave away candy bags, book prizes, and each kid told how they built their worlds and how it fit in with their story.

I'm participating in another event sponsored by the FCC called GEN MOBILE (click here to hear more about the topic) Basically I'm on the panel and discussing Cell Phones and Teens.

WELL FOR THE CHRISTMAS PRIZES!!!! TA DA!!!!

The publisher is giving away 1 itunes gift card for $25 and a T-shirt! If you purchase an ebook of THE PACK ($3.99 or less) or paperback.

- Purchase ebook for $3.99
- Be the first one to Email Publisher at website by clicking EMAIL (www.lmpreston.com)
- Provide reciept number, purchase location, date, name of purchaser and mailing address.

HAPPY HOLIDAY's!!!!

Stay tuned for excerpts of new books!

Join Me at WORLD BUILDING WORKSHOP-Finksburg Library

2010-11-30T03:47:00.000-08:00

Heya!

I'm excited to share that I'll be at FINKSBURG LIBRARY on TUES. NOV. 30th, 2010 giving my WORLD BUILDING Workshop for kids!

If you are in Carroll County Maryland, come out at visit me!

Tues. 6pm Finksburg Library,
2265 Old Westminster Pike
Finksburg, MD 21048

We will do WORLD BUILDING Exercises, RAFFLES, grab goodie bags!

Also I'll be giving all kids a free copy of one of my books! Thanks to my generous publisher, Phenomenal One Press.

THE PACK (YA Scifi)

EXPLORER X-ALPHA (MG Scifi)

BANDITS (YA Fantasy with splash of Scifi) Coming Spring 2011

Peek Reading at the event

To Find out more about the books, check out website: www.lmpreston.com

Winners of Hat's Yippee!

2010-11-17T17:55:00.001-08:00

We actually had a rogue winner, but she didn't follow through with an email of address. So, here are the winners of the hats for the November give away.

Kaylie Williams
Amanda Wise

Yay!!!

Hat winner...One went Rogue

2010-11-11T06:44:00.000-08:00

Hey! I have only one winner for the hat identified. Mavie Cruz is the other but I need her to email me her contact information. I'd love to send it to her. But never fear, I believe I may actually have it, somewhere in my past emails.

Stay tuned.

Also, I'm sooooooo excited. I just got a proof copy of BANDITS to review. Does revisions ever ever end?!

Here's where you can read an teaser of it.

Thanksgiving Give Aways

2010-11-05T03:46:00.000-07:00

Well, we were thinking. It's a great time to give-away stuff! With Thanksgiving comes great shopping spree days like BLACK FRIDAY and eating Fest THANKSGIVING. So my publisher and I would like to give away something that will make you cozy and comfy.

2 HATS, yep great hats with pictures of THE PACK on them. Just email the publisher your contact information and prize code 71YZ24 (click here)and the first two peeps to send an email gets the prize.

Stay tuned for some pics of BANDITS book trailer.

THE PACK - RETRIBUTION (Sequel)

2010-10-27T20:36:00.000-07:00

I started writing the sequel to THE PACK a few months ago. I got really sidetracked with other projects (Bandits and Explorer X-Beta), but I'm rearing to go and signed up for Nanowrimo in order to get it done.

In the sequel, I bring in more action, scifi toys, and some real great mystery (thanks to mystery writer, Austin Camacho who sat down and gave me tips for making my mystery snag my readers).

Wish me luck on my Nano adventure and stay tuned for prizes next month!

THE PACK Poster Give Away!

2010-10-20T03:00:00.000-07:00

I love give aways! The T-shirts are gone! Yay to winners: Donna Yves and John Fisher!

NOW its time for a new give away!

Wait for it....

Wait..for...

MUGS! The pubisher Phenomenal One Press is giving away 2 free mugs until the end of Oct!

These will have the cover of THE PACK on them!

Just go to the publisher's website (www.phenomenalonepress.com > click on EMAIL and email your request for a prize and the first 2 peeps to email get the MUGS :-D

ReVISIT THE PACK Love Reviewers

2010-10-13T13:29:00.000-07:00

I’m soo excited about the wonderful reviewers that gave THE PACK and Shamira a shot. My teen, blind vigilante is kicking even more butt in the sequel I’m working on named, THE PACK-RETRIBUTION.

Here’s some of the awesome reviews I got during my blog tour, and please visit some of these great bloggers sites.

Ellington School

P.S. I Love Books

Stop, Drop and Read

Rabid Reader

Ramblings of A Teenage Bookworm

The Baltimore Examiner

Please have fun at these blogs. They usually have great contest where you can win free books and prizes!

Want to visit a ton of other great YA Bloggers and see more reviews? Check out my home blog at : http://lmpreston.blogspot.com

BANDITS UPDATES - New Month New set of PRiZes

2010-10-06T17:16:00.000-07:00

Yippee! A new set of prizes are kicking off this month. Since October is Halloween month the publisher has given me some cool T-shirts to give out. I have 2 shirts up for grabs this month.

Just email the publisher your info, and the link to this blog with T-SHIRT - October prize in the subject. First 2 peeps to respond get the goods. Just click the EMAIL button on the pub website. www.phenomenalonepress.com

BANDITS UPDATE!!!!! Whoooooooot!
This is the pre-pub cover.

We are working on the BOOK TRAILER for Bandits and I'm so excited!!!

Our artist for THE PACK, Shoshana Epsilon has also agreed to find time to do the book trailer for BANDITS! wooooot!

Here's a snippet about Shoshana,

I am heavily involved in Second Life. If you haven't been there, you should check it out: This is NOT a game. If you want to "win" something, you will be sadly disappointed. (Games *do* exist there, but the world itself if not a game.) Second Life is an awesome world where you can be creative and see things you never could have seen in Real Life (abbreviated RL by afficiandos).

In Second Life (SL), I have many activities. Primarily, I am a Mentor, a photographer, and a curator. As time goes on, I'll discuss these activities in more detail. Suffice it to say that I am happily occupied all the time there.

TEEN SECOND LIFE, check it out: http://teen.secondlife.com/footer/cs

That's all I'll write for now. Thank you!

-- Shoshana

Here stuff can be found here:

Her Flickr pages: http://www.flickr.com/photos/shoshanaepsilon/

Her Red Bubble Page: http://www2.redbubble.com/people/shoshanaepsilon

BALTIMORE BOOKFEST - 2 for 1 DEAL

2010-09-24T22:52:00.000-07:00

Oh yeah! I'm going to be at the Baltimore Book Festival that runs this entire weekend. Tons of books, authors, readings, music, great food and everything that has to do with books.

BUY ONE of my books at the festival, get the other for free!

Here's the Press Release: http://www.prlog.org/10939283-book-signing-at-baltimore-book-festival-sat-sun-3-5pm-author-lm-preston-of-the-pack-explorer.html

Join author LM Preston of THE PACK and EXPLORER X-ALPHA, “Kids that do the impossible Book Signing Event”, Games and Giveaways at Baltimore Book Festival, Sat. 10/26-27 from 3pm-5pm.

Baltimore Book Festival
Maryland Writer's Association Booth
MOUNT VERNON PLACE , 600 BLOCK NORTH CHARLES STREET, BALTIMORE, MD 21201

EXPLORER X - ALPHA (MG, Scifi)

THE PACK (YA, Scifi)

If you're not able to make it, you can get my books from the following. If you purchase one and want the other for free, email the publisher with your receipt and contact information. www.lmpreston.com and click on EMAIL.

THE OFFER IS ONLY GOOD FOR THIS WEEKEND (Sept. 24-25, 2010)

THE PACK's IN EBOOK just $3.99

2010-09-20T09:26:00.000-07:00

I'm sooo happy to announce that THE PACK just released in ebook format and is on sale now for as little as $3.99 a copy!

Yep, you heard me for $3.99 or less on some sites.

Here's where you can download your copy.

Amazon Kindle - THE PACK by LM Preston for $3.99

Barnes & Nobles - THE PACK by LM Preston just $3.99

BANDITS - Tease

2010-09-14T18:07:00.000-07:00

Here's a tease from BANDITS.

Coughs sounded behind him. Daniel knew his brother and cousin were not far behind. The roar of an engine lit the night. He ran toward the front door to pursue the men who fled, but he tripped forward, stumbling over a firm body. He used his free hand to brace himself before falling face first on the floor. The smoke started to dissipate out of the opened door and Daniel didn’t have to look at the body to see whose it was. The punch of dread hit him dead in his chest when he pushed himself back off the slightly rounded stomach of his father’s large form.

Daniel held back a sob and swallowed. “Keep Nickel back! Keep ‘im back,” he yelled. He sat back on his knees and forced his angry eyes to land on his father.

“No! Damn! Who-did-this?” His lips formed a scowl. Tears from the smoke and his grief fell slowly. Balling his fist, he punched down on his bent knees as grief and desolation caved in on him. Anger at his father - even dislike -didn’t take away the fact that he loved the old man and wanted, him there with them. “Arghhhhhh!” His fist tightened, “I never wanted this. I’ll kill them. Why didn’t you just yell for help? I would’ve saved you,” his voice cracked. He raised his fists and pushed them against his eyes to stop his tears.

Daniel heard his brother cry behind him. “No, no... Dad! Please don’t be dead. NO!” Nickel tried furiously to fight his way out of Faulk’s firm grip.

Daniel’s muscles tightened, and years of training as a thief reminded him to push those sappy feelings of regret down. “Don’t let him go Faulk. Not yet.” He quickly pulled himself together. His expression grave while he examined his father to see if he was breathing. Nothing, he’s gone. The old man’s …gone.

Introducing FAULK from BANDITS

2010-09-10T21:40:00.000-07:00

Faulk is Daniel's estranged cousin who's come to claim friendship and kinship with Daniel. He's compassionate and doesn't hold back with Daniel. He's determined to be more than just a bad relation, but fights to earn Daniel's respect and friendship. Not to mention he's head over in 'like' with hottie, Jade.

DON'T FORGET...SIGN UP FOR THE PRIZE FOR THIS MONTH...CLICK HERE to find out more!

Introducing JADE from BANDITS

2010-09-03T06:28:00.000-07:00

JADE - (meaning) A beautiful jewel to be treasured

BANDITS comes out Spring, 2011 and I must say I really enjoyed creating the world I built in this book. Within that world of cutthroats, pirates, fish people are humans that live there.

JADE is a 15yr old girl and leading lady in Bandits. She fiercely wants to escape her brother’s protectiveness to find an adventure and prove herself as their equal in all things. She’s also had a crush on Daniel, her brother’s best friend for as long as she could remember.

This is a picture of her that the artist made for the cover. Look for her and Faulk on the back cover of Bandits coming this Spring.
What do you think?

DON'T FORGET...SIGN UP FOR THE PRIZE FOR THIS MONTH...CLICK HERE to find out more!

COVER DESIGN of BANDITS

2010-08-31T05:26:00.000-07:00

Designing a cover is probably one of the most fun parts of being part of the development process with a small press publishing company.

I actually have some say so in the cover design. Ultimately, Frank, the owner of Phenomenal One Press has the final say, but he doesn’t make that decision alone. We actually poll teens throughout the variations of design. Is that an exact science? Not always, but it helps us gage whether someone would pick the book up when it’s smashed in there with tons of others.

COLORS
Since Bandits takes place on a planet of a million islands, the colors we chose for the background reflected the world built within the novel. We still wanted the colors to be dynamic enough to catch a potential reader’s eye. The catch is, everyone is different.

Some of the samples we sent out to be reviewed, teens wanted brighter colors or more sinister combinations. However, the colors we chose gained the highest number of votes. Not an exact science, but what we found that works.

CHARACTERS
We decided to show the likeness of the three main characters in BANDITS. Since the characters are diverse in race and gender, we thought it would be cool to put all of them on the cover. Daniel, the main character is captured on the front cover. Faulk and Jade, his cohorts in the search for the stolen treasure, are captured on the back cover.

We found an awesome company with an artist that sketched each character. Stay tuned for a sneak peek of Faulk and Jade.

With the characters, we looked through hundreds of pictures with different poses and characteristics. We captured a few of each character and noted what we liked and didn’t like about them. Then we polled some teens to get their opinion of the attractiveness of each character and the pose.

Once we tallied the responses, the publisher made the final decision and the artist sketched the characters for us.

WHY IT MATTERS?
Covers are the last place you want to go cheap. Typically publishers spend anywhere between $700 to $5000 for a good cover, and that’s what Indie publishers have to compete with when trying to make their product attractive to readers. Let’s face it, if you don’t have a cover that will at least invoke someone to pick it up – then selling the book becomes even more difficult.

SO – what do you think?
What do you think of this sketch of Daniel? Do you want to know why he has that expression on his face? Do you want to know….his story?

EXPLORER X - ALPHA Prize Pack!

2010-08-24T08:19:00.000-07:00

My MG debut novel, EXPLORER X-Alpha came out this Feb, 1st, 2010. GET A FREE COPY by following me below:

CHECK OUT THE BOOK TRAILER ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE BLOG PAGE...

THIS CONTEST RUNS FOR THE MONTH OF SEPT. 2010
Follow Me below, and goto The Pack Party site and email me your info. "Sept. Prize Pack", CLICK ON 'The Pack' and email publisher your info. CLICK HERE: http://www.lmpreston.com/

BLOG: http://lmpreston.blogspot.com/
PARTY BLOG: http://bookpartylmpreston.blogspot.com
TWITTER: http://twitter.com/LM_Preston
FACEBOOK:http://tinyurl.com/2fev6qc

For most kids, a trip to space camp is the trip of a lifetime for Aadi it was life altering. After receiving a camp immunization needed for travel to Mars, Aadi finds that the immunization is the catalyst of an insidious experiment. He realizes what is happening too late for a change of fate. The full experiment is set in motion when he and his co-pilot, Eirena, crash in a distant galaxy called Shrenas, where they change and realize the full extent of their power. This turn of events forces him to grow up quickly, accept his change, and to decide to save a world, or to do what he was trained to do dominate it. His power is coveted by the warring leaders of Shrenas, and he is forced to choose sides a decision that may prove just how much humanity he has left.

BANDITS (Teaser) Spring 2011

2010-08-17T12:02:00.000-07:00

The cover is still being worked on and the book is now in editing. However, I want you to check out the teaser of the back cover and the preliminary placing of the cover.

BANDITS – Back Cover Blurb

Daniel’s father has gotten himself killed. A thief and a mercenary, Daniel is now determined to find the treasure his father snatched. Being a Zukar is all he knows and wants for his future. Up until his father’s murder, his father’s faltering loyalties to the Zukar hung heavy as a rift between them. But now, with his father's blood on his hands, his time is running out to find his father’s killer, the missing treasure… and to save his world.

He wants to go alone to retrieve his father’s stolen treasure, but he is accompanied by his flight school dropout cousin Faulk, his best friend’s stubborn little sister Jade, and his own younger brother Nickel. Jade is off limits since her brother is his best friend, but unfortunately, Jade’s set on changing his mind. Daniel just can’t decide if she’s worth the beating he’ll get from his friend in order to have her.

They’re on the run from the king’s officials and an unknown killer. The king desires to kill any Zukar child who is unprotected and will stop at nothing to get them. Who’s more dangerous, Daniel doesn’t know. All he knows is someone is bent on killing him and taking the treasure he thinks his father died foolishly to protect.

Through the islands of Merwin to an unknown planet, they seek to find the treasure that changed his father’s life – all for a price that is too high. To claim the treasure, Daniel will have to test everything he knows and everything he is or will ever be in order to earn the right to save their lives and the home of those he loves.

The Winner is....

2010-08-12T07:20:00.000-07:00

Natasha Davis!!! She got a free 3 night hotel stay at Wyndham Bonnet Creek, right next to Disney World Orlando just by pre-purchasing THE PACK through Amazon.com and sending in her scanned receipt. Her name was basically picked out of a hat by Frank, the publisher and her adventure is set!

Yay! I love give-aways. Stay tuned for the next give away like this when Bandits releases next spring.

Also, next month we are giving away a t-shirt. Tune in weekly for news and updates on prizes. Teasers for Bandits will be posted also and glimpse of the cover in the making :-D.

Excited About Radio Interview with Biz Mommy

2010-08-08T06:39:00.001-07:00

I'll be on Biz Mommy this Monday, August 9th at 1:30pm (http://www.blogtalkradio.com/bizmommy). Biz Mommy is an Internet Radio and blog devoted to Busy Mommies and I must admit I'm one. I'll be talking about THE PACK series about my hero Shamira who's blindness and apparent weakness is her strength. Also, the fact that I prefer to write about parents that love and support their kids even if it appears unorthodox to do so in most YA.

Also, stay tuned so I can tell you a tidbit about my upcoming release next spring of Bandits. About a boy named Daniel who struggles with is contempt with his father to save his world.

Lastly, stay tuned for the announcement of the winner of the hotel stay to Orlando or Williamsburg. It'll be announced on this blog later this week.

To read some of the pack, go to my website at www.lmpreston.com and check out all the books coming out.

V.J. CHAMBERS Spotlight Party Guest

2010-08-05T03:59:00.000-07:00

Well my party is winding down, but why does it have to? No reason, let's party on! V.J. Chambers has stopped by the party and I can't wait for you to hear about her books that garnered some great reviews. Please give a warm welcome to V.J. Chambers.

How you diggin the party?

Cheers! I'm diggin' it. :P

Tell me about yourself?

I'm an indie author, and I make a living teaching high school. I'm also fond of snakes, cheesecake, my boyfriend Aaron, Stephen King books, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and corduroy pants (although not exactly in that order).

Are you in the book business? What do you do?

I've written and published six books on my website and in ebook form. Four of those books are also available in print. My store: http://vjchambers.com/store.html

I like to write books about people in unbelievably difficult (often supernatural) situations and their struggle to free themselves, find love, and make their way in the world. Four of my books are for an older young adult audience (I'd say 16 and over) and two are aimed at adult audiences.

Have you read any of LM Preston’s books? Say something smashingly great about LM Preston or her books.

LM Preston is without a doubt driven. I admire her desire to work with young writers in a workshop atmosphere. As a teacher myself, I think interacting with youth is tremendously important. Furthermore, she's worked in IT, which is awesome. I think everyone reading this should be buying at least four of five copies of all of her books, because this lady has got it going on!

What are you currently working on?

Currently, I'm working on the revisions for the first book in a sequel trilogy to my trilogy about Jason and Azazel, who are my most popular characters.

I also have a work in progress about a group of kids in their late teens/early twenties who are possessed by the spirits of Arthurian legend.

Big things in your future?

The final chapters of Death Girl are being serialized currently. For more on Death Girl, a young adult horror-suspense novel, you can check this out: http://vjchambers.com/deathgirl.html. I have a book trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_71dXCgSt0

And as soon as my revisions are complete, I'll have The Stillness in the Air, book one of the Jason and Azazel: Apocalypse Trilogy, available for sale, and it will begin serializing on my site. I don't have specific dates yet, but it will be sometime in the fall.

How to Find Valerie:
www.vjchambers.com
http://vjchambers.blogspot.com
twitter.com/vjchambers
http://www.facebook.com/pages/V-J-Chambers/75550165763

WANT TO GO TO THE PARTY? Go to the PARTY BLOG click here.

TODAY IS THE DAY!

2010-08-02T10:00:00.000-07:00

Release day was on Sunday, August 1st and the publisher is estactic with the number of pre-orders that came in. Those that purchased the book and emailed their purchase receipt information in will be announced as the winners for the $25 itunes gift card and the Hotel stay in Williamsburg or Orlando. Keep your fingers crossed!

Tons of others got free books, posters, magnents and other goodies.

Thanks for participating in the Virtual Launch Party.

IT AIN'T OVER YET

Tune in weekly for tidbits on upcoming projects and to find out what the prize offering is for September. Hopefully you can have your name in the new book Bandits.

NICOLE LANGAN of TRIBUTE BOOKS - Spotlight Party Guest

2010-07-31T21:35:00.000-07:00

Please welcome Nicole Langan, publisher, book reviewer, blogger and much more.

How are you diggin the party?
Any time books equal fun - count me in!

Tell me about yourself?
My name is Nicole Langan and I live in northeast Pennsylvania near Scranton.

Are you in the book business? What do you do?
I am the owner of a small publishing house, Tribute Books (http://www.tribute-books.com) and I review books at my blog Tribute Books Reviews & Giveaways (http://tributebooksreviews.blogspot.com).

Have you read any of LM Preston’s books? Say something smashingly great about LM Preston or her books.

I've read Explorer X-Alpha. Following is an excerpt from my review (http://tributebooksreviews.blogspot.com/2010/03/review-giveaway-explorer-x-alpha-by-lm.html):
First time novelist L.M. Preston succeeds in writing a book boys will want to read. Not an easy task when 12-year-olds are more captivated by a flashing screen than a stationary page. But Explorer X-Alpha primes its audience for an action-filled look at space camp in the year 2080.

What are you currently working on?
For Tribute Books, I'm working on promoting Thumbing Through Thoreau: A Book of Quotations by Henry David Thoreau by Kenny Luck (http://www.thumbingthroughthoreau.com)

Why God Matters: How to Recognize Him in Daily Life by Karina Lumbert Fabian and Deacon Steven Lumbert (http://www.whygodmatters.com) which are on virtual tours for June 2010, and I'm also getting Industrial Pioneers by Patrick Brown ready for publication.

For Tribute Books Reviews & Giveaways, I'll be reviewing and giving away copies of Female Nomad and Friends by Rita Golden Gelman through Promo 101 - Virtual Blog Tours with Nikki Leigh (http://bookpromotionservices.com) on June 16 and The Confessions of Catherine de Medici by C.W. Gortner through Pump Up Your Book Promotion (http://www.pumpupyourbook.com) on June 25.

Big things in your future?
For Tribute Books, Kenny Luck will have a book signing at the Shop at Walden Pond in Concord, MA (http://www.shopatwaldenpond.org) for Thumbing Through Thoreau on July 10. Karina Fabian will be attending the Catholic Writers Conference (http://www.catholicwritersconference.com) in Valley Forge, PA on August 4-6.

For Tribute Books Reviews & Giveaways, we'll be participating in BlogMania on September 15-16 (http://blogmaniaevent.blogspot.com) with over $100 in book giveaways.

THIS IS THE LAST WEEK of WEEKLY GIVEAWAY PARTY FAVORS! CLICK HERE and send your contact information to the publisher for your freebies. Go to the PARTY BLOG click here

SHAMELESS PARTYING

2010-07-30T10:35:00.000-07:00

Yep, the day soon approaches. D-DAY. Release Day! Yippee! If you haven’t gotten your party favor yet, this is the last week for getting a free book. Sunday, August 1st is the birthday for THE PACK. I’m having a small party of friends and posting up some teen comments from kids that got a free sample of books for their classroom. Yessir, we gave an entire class a copy of The Pack to read and give me feedback. Although, the book can be enjoyed by grownups, it was written with 7th-9th graders in mind.

WHAT’s HAPPENING WITH THE PACK next

I’ll officially start my in-person tour of The Pack on August, 14th. Come by and see me at the African American Book Expo in Columbia, MD. I’ll be hitting Books-A-Million (Dupont Circle, DC – Sept. 11th), Ukazoo Books (Towson, MD – Sept. 18th). At the Baltimore Book Fair, I’ll be giving away 2-books for just $7 with my signature, a great poster and keychain. Why do I love giving stuff away to my readers? Because I love them. Young people are my passion and writing strong male & female characters for them is my small way of respecting the strength they hold within during the most vibrant part of their lives.

MY PARTY BLOG – The place that keeps on giving

This is my official party blog site. That means that every month I’ll be giving something away. Whether it’s a poster, magnet, t-shirt, pen anything. Also, it’s a place where you can drop in and find out about what’s coming next. Also, some writing contest will be coming for a big prize giveaway for the holidays.

DON’T BE SHY Get your freebie :-D

So don’t be shy. Comment and when you want to find out about other YA books, Authors, Movies, Teen issues and tons of scifi stuff drop over to my LM Preston’s

Blog: http://lmpreston.blogspot.com
And for teasers of upcoming books: www.lmpreston.com
THIS IS THE LAST WEEK of WEEKLY GIVEAWAY PARTY FAVORS! CLICK HERE and send your contact information to the publisher for your freebies. Go to the PARTY BLOG click here

JOHN KUDRICK, Editor - PARTY GUEST

2010-07-27T14:21:00.000-07:00

Please welcome John, who's an awesome editor that was a guest Editor at the Maryland Writer's Association (MWA)

John David Kudrick is an editor and wordsmith who offers a full scope of services to authors, from manuscript evaluations and developmental editing to copyediting and book proposal development. With more than a decade of editorial/writing experience and a master’s degree in writing, John David has been privileged to work with some of the finest publishers in the nation, including David C. Cook, NavPress, Realms Fiction, Marcher Lord Press, and Whitaker House – where, as senior editor, he worked on James Byron Huggins’ Nightbringer, a book that Library Journal named one of its annual top five Christian novels. To date, John David has had the opportunity to serve as editor on 75 published titles, including both non-fiction and fiction.

How are you diggin the party?

Good stuff! My first virtual party, and I'm liking it.

Tell me about yourself?

In a nutshell, I'm all about God, my wonderful wife, our three peanuts, fiction (reading, writing, and editing it), fitness, and getting outdoors to enjoy nature, especially if it involves a fishing pole in my hands. In terms of career, I've worked at a monthly newsmag, a daily newspaper, a book publisher, a marketing firm, and now for myself as a full-time freelance editor/writer (see next question).

Are you in the book business? What do you do?

Indeed I am. Right now, I'm a self-employed freelance editor/writer who works mostly on fiction book manuscripts, although I am more than happy to help out with non-fiction, too. I do everything from initial evaluations and offering guidance to authors, all the way to the nitty-gritty of copyediting and proofreading. I also help authors with query letters, proposal packages, and marketing copy. And I do it all from my IKEA standing work station in a corner of our bedroom, which is where I am typing this right now.

Have you read any of LM Preston’s books? Say something smashingly great about LM Preston or her books.

Right in the middle of The Pack now (even read it in the chiropractor's waiting room today), and if I wanted to describe LM Preston as a writer with one phrase, it would be: An unbelievably wild and creative imagination that seems to have no bounds.

What are you currently working on?
As a book editor, I am working on a fantasy with dwarves, witches, and men; another fantasy with dragons, elves, and men; a YA vampire novel; an international thriller; a chick-lit novel that I am in absolute awe of; and a Christian living book on spirituality. As a writer, I'm working on an e-newsletter for a Middle Eastern department of tourism and some website copy for a humanitarian aid organization that also happens to be based in the Middle East.

Big things in your future?
Lots more editing projects coming down the pipeline, but I am determined to make time for my own fiction writing. So I have my sights set on being published and throwing my own virtual book-release party (thanks for the great idea, LM, and thanks for having me as a guest!).

Find out more about John David:
www.johndavidkudrick.com

THIS IS THE LAST WEEK of WEEKLY GIVEAWAY PARTY FAVORS! CLICK HERE and send your contact information to the publisher for your freebies. Go to the PARTY BLOG click here

SUSAN KAYE QUINN - Spotlight Party Guest

2010-07-24T00:14:00.000-07:00

Please welcome my spotlight guest, and check out her book! If you like romance and adventure she's delivered it.

How are you diggin the party?

I’ve been popping in and out, marveling at all you have going on, lady! Nice!

Tell me about yourself?

I write middle grade and young adult books, and I'm a mom of three boys, ex-engineer, rocket scientist, and elected official. But mostly I write stories for kids and love every minute of it. My first published novel, Life, Liberty, and Pursuit (2010, Omnific Publishing), is a teen love story about a college-bound girl who falls in a pool, the Navy recruit who rescues her, and their struggle to choose between following their dreams and daring to love.

Are you in the book business? What do you do?

I guess I am now! My book just published this last week, and I’m still trying that “published author” label on for size. So far, it feels kinda tingly, but several shades of awesome. But for some time now I’ve been blogging about writing and reading children’s books and connecting with writers. Having worked in many different fields, I have to say that the writing community is the warmest, most collaborative place I’ve ever seen.

Have you read any of LM Preston’s books? Say something smashingly great about LM Preston or her books.

Although Explorer X-Alpha is on my TBR list, I haven’t read it yet, which is something I need to remedy right quick. Especially because LM is the trifecta of awesome: MG writer, SF writer, and fellow blogger!

What are you currently working on?

Now that Life, Liberty, and Pursuit is launched, I need to get back to my other two WIPs: a middle grade science fiction (yay!) novel called Byrne Risk that’s near-ready for querying, and a young adult paranormal novel, Open Minds, which I’m still drafting. I have another pesky idea for a boy-centric middle grade novel knocking around in my head, but it needs to wait in line while I get these books written.

Big things in your future?

Hopefully more of the same: writing, blogging, publishing. I’ve only been writing for about a year and a half, but the passion for it has completely taken me over. I want to do this for the rest of my life. Is that too big to ask for?

FIND SUSAN HERE:
Blog: www.ink-spells.blogspot.com
Author of Life, Liberty, and Pursuit (June 2010, Omnific Publishing) www.LifeLibertyandPursuit.com

GET YOUR PARTY FAVORS! CLICK HERE and send your contact information to the publisher for your freebies. Go to the PARTY BLOG click here

WRITING A SEQUEL

2010-07-21T04:28:00.001-07:00

I'm currently writing the first draft of the sequel to The Pack. It's called, The Pack - Retribution. This is the 2nd sequel I've written and I must admit, it's easy in some ways and difficult in others.

THE EASY PART OF A WRITING A SEQUEL

I know my characters well. These characters become real to me when I write them the first time. With each page they reveal more and more about themselves in that first book in the series. It's exciting getting to know them and finding out what comes out at the end.

THE HARD PART OF WRITING A SEQUEL

The most difficult part are the boundaries. You've created this character and you want to make sure that you don't change them from the core character you've created. You have to bring new readers up to date without boring returning readers. There is a fine line in writing sequel's that I've had to learn to work between.

GET YOUR PARTY FAVORS! CLICK HERE and send your contact information to the publisher for your freebies. Go to the PARTY BLOG click here

THE SKINNY ON THE CHARACTERS

2010-07-16T04:20:00.000-07:00

When I created the characters in this book, I had to create kids that had been through a lot. Most grownups assume that just because a kid is young, that they are not brave, edgy, a hero. Well I knew real life kids that were and I used them as examples for my characters.

HEDI – Shamira’s best friend, had to work for her friendship with Shamira. Hedi had been kidnapped, raped, abused and enslaved by the crime organization on Mars. But she fought against the organization by using her hacking skills to find out secrets about their mysterious leader. She kept her flirty nature as a shield to hide behind, but inside she just sought to be loved.

MITCH – He and Shamira never saw eye to eye. He didn’t like the fact that he’d saved Shamira’s life and she didn’t seem to trust his motives. He’d been blackmailed with the life of his sister and became a drug runner for the crime sect that was taking over Mars and he just wanted a way out with his sister.

ANTHONY – The jovial giant that is filled with hope, but afraid to show his doubt. He’s fiercely loyal to his friends and his friendship with Mitch and Hedi go way back to the day they’d been captured. He’d do anything to protect them all. He has tons of respect for Shamira and sees her and Hedi like baby sisters he needs to protect.

GET YOUR PARTY FAVORS! CLICK HERE and send your contact information to the publisher for your freebies. Go to the PARTY BLOG click here

MONIQUE - 'THE MOVIE DIVA' Spotlight Guest

2010-07-15T04:17:00.000-07:00

Hello all, please say hello to Monique, our Movie Diva. She has a Movie and Entertainment blog that is a MUST SEE. Check her out daily before you venture out to the movies or out on the town to the video store. Here’s her link www. Moniqueblog.net

How are you diggin the party?
Great!

Tell me about yourself?
I'm Monique Jones, an entertainment blogger. My site, Moniqueblog.net, primarily focuses on movies, but I also write about niche pop-culture topics such as Archie Comics and Harry Potter.

Are you in the book business? What do you do?
Aside from writing Polite Society and my other book ideas, I have been the art director for Aura, the literary magazine for my school, the University of Alabama at Birmingham. My sister, Ashley, who was editor-in-chief of the magazine, has been published in several literary magazines, including Aura.

Have you read any of LM Preston’s books? Say something smashingly great about LM Preston or her books.
I have been reading The Pack, and it's a really great read. Her ideas-people living on Mars, the main character being a blind girl who fights evildoers-are all really evocative.

What are you currently working on?
I'm working on several book ideas, but the one which is the most unique is Polite Society, a story about a group of young adults-some servants and some part of the elite-dealing with each other, relationships, and secrets. What makes this book unique is that it will be written entirely online. It can be read at societybook.wordpress.com

Big things in your future?
I hope for Polite Society to be one of my first successes in the book world, and after that, it'd be great if it became a movie or a tv show. Of course, I hope that for all of my book ideas. Other than that, I'll be using my major-journalism-to make it big in the entertainment industry. Hopefully, I can become the next Roger Ebert.

The PDF to the first chapter is attached; the first chapter as well as other info is on the site (societybook.wordpress.com). Also, you can use any images of the characters on the site; they're all drawn by me. Thanks for this!

GET YOUR PARTY FAVORS! CLICK HERE and send your contact information to the publisher for your freebies. Go to the PARTY BLOG click here

ROZA MARIE - Spotlight Party Guest

2010-07-13T04:11:00.001-07:00

Please say hello to ROZA MARIE one of the great mods on YALITCHAT.ning.com you can drop into her blog or find her on Wed nights at the YAlitchat at 9pm using the hashtag #yalitchat

How are you diggin the party?
Yes. Love the party. Writers of all kinds coming here telling their story it is way cool.

Tell me about yourself?
I graduated from the University of Akron, and have a degree in Math (Which I rarely use). Teaching wasn't for me, so I began working at a sales company Byco Distributing, where I met my husband. Awww. I know. Anyways, we had our daughter, then our son, and we also have a lovely blue healer (That's a dog, our third child hahaha). We co-own a business. My current career business owner/ Office manager/ writer. I love writing, reading and playing outdoors. I believe in doing one crazy thing in life once, that way you can say you lived it with adventure. I've been writing since college and haven't quit, and my husband encouraged me to take it as far as I could go. So, one day at 24 yrs old I am learning about the business, and three years later... Here I am.

A quirky tidbit about me:
I love music, writing chapters with songs I listen to and swimming at least ten l

Are you in the book business?
I am not the owner of Books a Million because my last name happens to be Million if that is what you are asking LOL. Although I do get that one a lot. ;) Then I have to say nope but I am a writer, a group coordinator to a writing site YALITCHAT.NING.COM. and I am blogger.

Have you read any of LM Preston’s books?
I've beta read Bandits. But I've never read any of her recently published works. LM Preston is amazing with time management skills, LM Preston does a lot with the little time the world provides us with =)

What are you currently working on?
I just finished up a wip called Runaways: It's about seventeen yr old Felicity Taylor, on the run from the magical world she belongs to. This hybrid fairy was accused of killing her roommate Mary Swan. With the help of her guardian Brooks Rawson they might be able to figure out who actually murdered Mary.

I am also working on another wip called Limiting life: It's about sixteen year old Grey Anderson, an athelete and bookworm, with golden colored eyes. She has no idea that the doodles she draws out of bordem is actually the teachings of her past. Eric Covenington must gain a friendship with Grey before a dark shadow takes her, and turns her into a weapon against the magical world.

Big things in your future?
I hope so. I am querying right now, and hope to snag an agent soon for one if not all my lovely works. =)

ROZA MARIE’s Book Blog: http://adayintothewriter.blogspot.com/

GET YOUR PARTY FAVORS! CLICK HERE and send your contact information to the publisher for your freebies. Go to the PARTY BLOG click here

What Are Reviewers Saying?

2010-07-12T04:18:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the reviews I got for The Pack. It's an exciting high for authors to get reviews. I hope you enjoy some of these. While you are at it, follow these wonderful Book Bloggers who take their passion for books and share it with the masses.

Book Reader's Heaven

Emma Michael's

Cajun Book Lady

Satisfaction For Insatiable Readers

Cheryl's Book Nook

The O.W.L

Bookish In A Box

My Four Monkeys

Luke Reviews

Wordsmithsonia

Badass Bookie

Reading At The Beach

The Bodacious Pen

Brenda Loves Books

A Reader's Adventure

PICK UP YOUR PARTY FAVORS HERE! email contact information to get your free party favor! Stay tuned for the big giveaway!

MAGGIE MEI LEWIS - Spotlight Party Guest

2010-07-09T22:27:00.001-07:00

Please welcome Maggie Mei Lewis, author of Moonlight Memoirs

I am please to have a wonderful copy of her book. My 6 yr old loves the pictures and poetic style of this book. I'm honored she is visiting us. This awesome picture is Maggie holding her IBPA award for her book. To think, at 13yrs she wrote a book, found her own Illustrator and started a publishing company with the help of her mother. An amazing young person that shows that thinking outside of the box can grant you riches beyond your imagination.

How are you diggin the party?
It's really cool, and I can't wait to see all the different books and authors featured! The Pack was an awesome book!

Tell me about yourself?
I am 16, and the author of Moonlight Memoirs the children's book. I wrote it when I was 13. I found my own illustrator, Melody Lea Lamb, on eBay. We had fun working together - I'd give her the words from the book for the illustration and some guidelines for what I wanted. Then, Melody would interpret the words into her beautiful illustrations!

Are you in the book business? What do you do?
My parents started a book publishing business, Good Times Press, and my book, Moonlight Memoirs, is their first published book.

Have you read any of LM Preston’s books? Say something smashingly great about LM Preston or her books.
I read the Pack, after meeting LM Preston at the Key School Bookfair. She is a kind, wonderful person, and her books are very alluring. Once you start reading, you can't put it down!

What are you currently working on?
I have been busy promoting Moonlight Memoirs, and trying to get it out there and noticed by more people. There's so much stuff to do, that I hadn't even realized existed. It's been an interesting experience and I keep learning more new things.

Big things in your future?
I hope to write another book, when the inspiration comes to me.
Maggie’s Blog: http://maggiemeilewis.blogspot.com/
Follow her on Twitter: Click here
Read her book:

GET YOUR PARTY FAVORS! CLICK HERE and send your contact information to the publisher for your freebies. Go to the PARTY BLOG click here

THE PACK GADGET LIST

2010-07-09T04:33:00.000-07:00

As a SciFi buff and engineer I love gadgets. Many gadgets. I guess that's why I love writing SciFi, but when writing YA Scifi I don't have to go into the over the hill design specifications for my gadgets. Here is a list of gadgets and weapons used by Shamira and her team.

Club/Sword - Shamira's favorite weapon is a sword that starts off shaped like a club, but with the flick of her wrist it can become a sword then a sword riddled with tiny knives.

Globnet - This is a tiny metal ball that Shamira throws. It expands into a metal net and slaps the victim to any stabilized object nearby.

Truth Tick - This is a bug like mini-robotic tick that when it is attached to the victim will force them to tell the truth

Flying Shoe tags - Valens creates this and they are metal tags that attach to the bottom of shoes and allows the wearer to fly and glide several feet up in the air.

Wind disc - These disc kick up the wind and sand by creating a mini-tornado then after a period of time it blows up

DON'T FOGET TO EMAIL PUBLISHER FOR YOUR PARTY FAVORS! Click Here and send your contact information for your free prize!

ALLY PELTIER, Editor - SPOTLIGHT PARTY GUEST

2010-07-07T06:02:00.001-07:00

Ally E. Peltier is an editor, writer, and publishing consultant for individuals and businesses such as Simon & Schuster, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Kaplan Publishing, Rodale Inc., and more. Ally formerly acquired and edited books for Touchstone Fireside/Simon & Schuster and has published articles in a variety of venues, including The Writer, Writer's Digest 2009 Guide to Literary Agents, and ConsumerSearch.com. A Master of Arts in English and Creative Writing, Ally also ghostauthors nonfiction books and teaches workshops for writers.

How are you diggin the party?

I think this virtual book party idea is clever and perfectly suited to the way books are marketed these days. Very cool! I’m definitely diggin’ it.

Tell me about yourself?

I’m a book lover, no question! I’ve been reading since I was three years old and when my eyes give out I’ll just “read” audio books. I’m passionate about the written word and clear communication. I’m also passionate about helping people get published, whether via traditional routes or self-publishing or Indie publishing. I love going to conferences and speaking to writers, sharing my experiences and knowledge of the business to help them better achieve their goals. You’ve got to educate yourself about the industry and be an active participant in your success—like LM Preston!

Are you in the book business? What do you do?

I used to work for the Touchstone Fireside imprint of Simon & Schuster, where I learned what really goes on inside a publishing house and what it takes to turn a manuscript into a finished book. I had a wonderfully supportive boss and coworkers there who taught me so much. Since 2004 I’ve been a freelance editor, writer, and publishing consultant. I work with a variety of publishing professionals, writers, and also business owners to create or edit content—I do everything from book manuscripts to website copy and brochures.

Have you read any of LM Preston’s books? Say something smashingly great about LM Preston or her books.

I have a copy of THE PACK waiting in my “to-read” stack, and I’m looking forward to it. Lanita is such a great example of how to publish the right way—she takes her time to produce quality books (hiring professionals like editors and designers to help her) and formulate a marketing plan, which she then executes with creativity and enthusiasm. I hope other writers considering Indie publishing route take note. Her partnership in ownership of Phenomenal One Press shows her passion for her work.

What are you currently working on?

This summer I’m writing a couple of proposals for ghostwriting projects and also working with a publisher to create digital content for a series of health books. I’m really excited about that because we’ll be doing e-books and other types of content for e-readers and mobile devices, which are kind of the “new frontier” in book publishing. I’ve got a few article ideas to send around this summer as well.

Big things in your future?

I’m about to launch a new white paper on fiction book proposals to round out my current offerings (get free white papers at www.ambitiousenterprises.com/ae_free_content.php). I also hope to turn my attention to a few e-book projects I’ve been formulating so that I can launch those early next year. I’ve always got a new ambitious enterprise on the horizon :)

Find out more about Ally!
www.ambitiousenterprises.com
www.facebook.com/aepeltier
www.twitter.com/allypeltier

Get free white papers at www.ambitiousenterprises.com/ae_free_content.php

DON'T FORGET TO PICK UP YOUR PARTY FAVOR! EMAIL PUBLISHER CLICK HERE

HOW THE PACK WAS BORN

2010-07-05T09:03:00.001-07:00

There were several things that influenced the idea of The Pack. I had originally planned for this character to be a male. I had told my beta team (my kids and husband) about this idea I had about a blind vigilante that organizes a group of misfit kids to fight against a major crime organization on Mars.

My daughter told me that she wanted me to write about a female main character. That it would be cool to have a girl in the role. I smiled and Shamira’s face appeared in my minds eye.

I decided that her mission would be to save the missing kids, because I wanted to write about missing kids escaping from captivity. Every day at my job I pass a board of missing children. My heart went out to them, and I always hurt for their loss. Once a former colleague who’d been a police officer told me of a horrible case where he had located missing kids that were captured and being used in despicable ways by their captors who had enslaved them for years before disposing of them.

These sad facts were the makings of The Pack. In The Pack, Shamira goes from a blind loner who is super enhanced. To a leader of many that become her friends that help her in not just saving kids, but changing her world forever.

WANNA FREE PARTY FAVOR? CLICK HERE AND EMAIL YOUR ADDRESS TO THE PUBLISHER

THE PACK - TEASER EXCERPT

2010-06-28T05:00:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-24T10:10:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-22T05:22:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-18T23:42:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-16T06:06:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-14T07:02:00.000-07:00

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?

2010-06-11T04:08:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-08T06:06:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-06-07T11:19:00.000-07:00

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.