Tera Lynn Childs

A Little Nicole and Then a Lot

2012-02-16T08:00:00.000-06:00

I made a promise (a long time ago, it feels like) that when the Oh. My. Gods. Facebook page reached the 500 likes benchmark I would write a short story about Nicole. Guess what? The Oh. My. Gods. Facebook page has more than 500 likes!

I'm almost done with the story. I will be polishing over the weekend and posting it (on the Facebook page only at first, so if you don't like it already you should now) shortly thereafter.

Now, before this happens I want to warn you. I know everyone wants to know who Nic's god is and everything else about her. This is not the big, massive, reveal-all-Nicole's-secrets story you might have been waiting for. But (and that's a big but) that story will be coming soon! I promise.

For a while I've been playing with the idea of writing some longer-length stories (more like novellas) to continue the Oh. My. Gods. series and, well, I am finally confessing in public that this will happen. (It will!) And the first one will be ALL ABOUT NICOLE!

So, just have a little (more) patience. Look for the freebie short story coming next week and then and the whole truth about Nicole will be coming your way (hopefully by Spring).

Hugs,
TLC

Recent Pictures

2012-02-09T08:00:00.000-06:00

I've been really bad about uploading my pictures to Flickr lately (really bad) so I thought I'd start sharing some here on the blog.

fire pit at the Hotel 1000 in Seattle

iced soy chai latte at Empire Cafe in Houston

with Broadway guru Seth Rudetsky at Blue Willow Bookshop

basket of hedgehogs at Blue Willow Bookshop

vegan Super Bowl snacks (buffalo dip and green salsa)

Hugs,
TLC

Essential Writing Low-Tech

2012-02-08T08:00:00.000-06:00

Late last year I wrote about my essential writing tech (including my Alphasmart, earbuds, and Write or Die) but I need to give equal respect to the low tech side of my writing life. As much as I embrace technology in my writing and everyday lives, I depend just as much on some low tech essentials for my creative process.

Pens } Not just any pens. Sanford uni-ball Vision Elite micro pens. In black. I've tried dozens (hundreds maybe) of different pens, but I keep coming back to these. The ink flows perfectly and doesn't require too much or to little pressure.

I have a ton of these pens lying around. In a cup at my desk. In a zipper punch in my computer bag. In my purse. There are probably even a couple hiding in my bathroom and my car. You never know when you'll need to jot down an idea, and this is the pen I need to let the ideas flow most freely.

Highlighters } As both a Virgo and a visual learner, I am a big fan of color coding. Big fan. (see Post-Its below) And I use highlighters a lot to make things stand out (duh) or to track particular characters or plot threads in a chart or outline.

I'll mark everything romance-related in pink or plot-related in green. I'll indicate scenes that need more Brody in blue and more Peri in purple. They make it easy to see at a glance what needs to be done. And sometimes (okay, a lot of times) I just use them to make my notes prettier.

Post-Its } I have more Post-Its than I could possibly ever use. But they are useful for so many things! I use the small ones, torn in half, to make a rough plot chart in my notebook. With the Medusa trilogy, I use a different color to represent each POV character so I can make sure each sister gets her fair share of page time.

I use the bigger ones to play with plots on white boards, sliding glass doors, walls, or any other flat surface that's available. I'm loving the Tropic Breeze collection at the moment because they're recycled and they're mermaid-colored.

Moleskine Journals } These are my most recent obsession. I have always kept book notebooks, a dedicated place to brainstorm and record details for each book I work on. I used to rely on pretty spiral notebooks with soft plastic covers (I have tons of Milquelrius notebooks) but lately I've been using the pretty-colored Moleskine Volant.

The paper is super smooth, they come in pretty colors, and they're small enough to fit in almost any bag. I have dozens. Did I mention they come in pretty colors? Swoon.

That's it. My essential writing gear confession is complete. Now you know all my secrets--okay, not all my secrets, but you know all the tools I use to write my books.

Do you have any particular supplies you use in your writing or school or work life?

Hugs,
TLC

All About Just For Fins

2012-02-07T08:00:00.000-06:00

Since I've only ever posted the cover of Just For Fins on the blog I thought I should go ahead and share what details I know.

First, as a reminder, the cover.

Next, the blurb.

When Lily Sanderson decided to remain Crown Princess Waterlily of the mermaid kingdom Thalassinia, she knew she couldn’t just coast along in the current. But since she’s spent the last couple of years on land—with gorgeous human Quince by her side—Lily’s not sure she has the fins to lead a kingdom. Even her maddeningly pretentious cousin Dosinia seems to know more about ruling than she does.

But Lily has to dive in deep to keep her promise to Tellin, her mer bond in name only, whose kingdom is suffering in the changing ocean climate. Lily knows this is a seven seas–sized problem: from sea animals dying to oil spills and threats to humans. They’ll need to create some serious waves to make the mer community aware and get it to join together to make things right. Even if that means facing one of the iciest queens in the mer kingdoms.

Just when Lily thinks her double life on land and sea can’t get any more complicated, an ancient mer law might separate Lily and Quince after all. It feels as if the pair is up against a solid tsunami wave!

In this third installment in the series that began with Forgive My Fins and Fins Are Forever, Lily will have to find a way to balance safety and justice for the mer people as well as for the humans she loves.

Finally, the release date.

July 3, 2012

In case you want to keep track, there's a countdown timer.

Anything else you need to know?

Hugs,
TLC

Blurb Contest Winners

2012-02-06T08:00:00.000-06:00

Thank you to everyone who share a blurb for my new website contest! I headed over to my good friend randomizer.org to pick winners. Here they are, in no particular order:

Marida Li
AshleighCartmill
1110cg
seal
Lindsey Wilson

If you're one of the winners, congrats! Email me at tlc(at)teralynnchilds(dot)com and include the following info:

which of my books you want
whether you want it signed to you, someone else, or generically
your mailing info

If you're not one of the winners, sorry! There is always another contest just around the corner. Or, you know, over on my website.

Hugs,

TLC

Shiny New and a Contest (or Two)

2012-02-01T09:36:00.000-06:00

Hooray! After weeks (months) or hard work (playing around) my shiny new website is finally up. "But wait," you might be saying. "It looks just like the old site." Um, well, sort of. But it's got new features and things that make it much easier to update (read: more news, contests, and bonus materials).

Do me a favor? Go check it out, make sure all the links are working and all the pages display properly. After so long looking at a computer screen my eyes start to cross.

You'll also note there is (finally) a new website contest. That's contest number one.

Now for contest number two (and another favor). You see those pretty slides on the home page? The ones will pretty swirly backgrounds, images of my books, and not much else? Well, those need blurbs. This is where you come in!

Choose one (or more) of my books and write a short (25-50 word) blurb about it (or them). Blurbs should capture the best of the book (Mermaid! Princess! Magical kiss!) but without giving away any spoilers. (If you're writing a blurb for a sequel, try to see if you can do it without spoilers for the earlier books.)

Everyone who writes a blurb and shares it in comments will be entered to win their choice of my books and there will be five (5!) winners.

What are you waiting for? Get writing!

In other news, it's (unofficial) parentheses day (apparently) as you can tell from my (overuse) of them in this blog post.

Hugs,
TLC

What I'm Writing

2012-01-31T08:00:00.000-06:00

By now you know that I'm usually pretty secretive about my works in progress and, well, that's not exactly going to change. But I am going to start talking about what I'm working on. Sometimes I'll be very vague, sometimes I'll tell you more than I should. Either way, this is not only a method to let you know what going on, but also to keep me on track because nothing motivates like public accountability!

So, in the first edition of What I'm Writing...

1. Fae Romance proposal -- This is an adult romance inspired by a young adult short story I wrote called When Magic Sleeps. I'm at the revise-it-out-of-craphood stage so it's in shape to send my agent. I'm giving myself two weeks.

2. Sweet Venom extras -- At the same time, I'm working on extras for the back of the Sweet Venom paperback. (I know, I know. What if you already have the hardcover? I'm working on that. You might have to wait a while, but you'll get them eventually. In unrelated news, you should totally sign up for my newsletter. I'm just saying.) I'm giving myself two weeks on this too, though hopefully I'll get them done sooner.

I'm also working on page proofs for Sweet Shadows and will soon have page proofs for Just For Fins, but that's pretty much everything I'm working on right now.

What are you working on? Homework? Writing? Creating a Pinterest empire?

Hugs,

TLC

il Bacio della Sirena

2012-01-30T15:46:00.000-06:00

I recently found out that Forgive My Fins is going to be released in Italy! (How cool is that?) And--even better--I already have the gorgeous cover.

Isn't that breathtaking?

I love how the kept the greenish hair (even though we all know that Lily's hair is blond--I like the consistency) and how she looks ... I don't know, Italian.

So far I've been really happy with all my foreign covers. Not all authors are so lucky. What do you think? Do you like foreign covers better? What are some of the best foreign covers you've seen? Do you like seeing how book covers get reinterpreted around the world?

Hugs,
TLC

Let the Packing Begin

2012-01-21T15:56:00.001-06:00

Hugs,
TLC

Off to Seattle

2012-01-20T08:10:00.000-06:00

My mom and I are heading to Seattle today to pack up my apartment and put my stuff in storage until we figure out where we're going. This is what Seattle looks like right now:

Robert Sorbo / Reuters

(Well, not exactly, because it's still dark there, but you get the idea.)

The weather is supposed to improve from cold and icy to rainy and chilly today, and hopefully it will be melted off the roads by the time we arrive tonight.

Fingers, toes and eyes crossed.

Hugs,
TLC

12 Days of Books: WINNERS!

2012-01-19T09:39:00.000-06:00

With a little help from my good friends at randomizer.org I have the list of winners for the 12 Days of Books extravaganza giveaway. Good luck!

Day 1
Oh. My. Gods

sammyjones57 aka Amber

Day 2
Goddess Boot Camp

Cristina Longoria @PrissyCrissy08

Day 3
Forgive My Fins

Wendy(Mocha ღ Latte) @CaffeLatteQUEEN

Day 4
Fins Are Forever

Alanna @ The Flashlight Reader

Day 5
Sweet Venom

Mad

Day 6Just For Fins teaser

mariska

Day 7
Sweet Shadows teaser

Erin @parnormbooknook

Day 8
Oh. My. Gods. and Goddess Boot Camp

Kris @ Imaginary Reads

Day 9
Forgive My Fins and Fins Are Forever and Just For Fins teaser

Lyssa Anne

Day 10
Sweet Venom and Sweet Shadows teaser

Bridget R. Wilson

Day 11
Oh. My. Gods. and Goddess Boot Camp and Forgive My Fins and Fins Are Forever and Just For Fins teaser and Sweet Venom and Sweet Shadows teaser

Noelle

Day 12
Oh. My. Gods. and Goddess Boot Camp and Forgive My Fins and Fins Are Forever and Just For Fins teaser and Sweet Venom and Sweet Shadows teaser AND Just For Fins and Sweet Shadows (as soon as they are available)

Samantha Geesin

If you're one of the lucky winners, email me at tlc@teralynnchilds.com. Be sure to mention which day you won and include your mailing addy if your prize includes a physical book. Also, tell me who, if anyone, you want me to sign the book to.

And if you're not on the list... don't worry, there will be more giveaways soon enough.

Thanks for the fun blog o' crazy the last two weeks!

Hugs,
TLC

12 Days of Books: Last Day

2012-01-18T08:00:00.000-06:00

Today is the last day to enter to win the awesome prizes from the 12 Days of Books giveaway. Check the links below one more time to make sure you entered all 12 days.

Day 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12

Hugs,
TLC

Calling All Blog Topics

2012-01-17T08:00:00.000-06:00

As you might have noticed, I'm trying to be better about blogging regularly in the new year. I'd like to post a least a few times a week, if not more. But that means I need topics. Lots and lots of topics. I have a few in mind, but not enough.

That's where you come in. Let me know what you want to read about on the blog. Tips, thoughts, and advice on writing? Between the pages info on my books? Pop culture commentary? If you have something in particular you want me to talk about here on the blog tell me about it in a comment.

Hugs,
TLC

Reading Challenges: 2012 Edition

2012-01-16T10:00:00.000-06:00

I've only tried to complete a reading challenge one other time and it was a tragic failure. (So far I've only read one book on the list.) But this year I am determined to up my reading quota this year and to help motivate me I'm going to participate in two (TWO!) reading challenges.

Debut Author Challenge

Hosted by the incomparable Story Siren

The goal is to read (and review) twelve young adult debut novels between January 1, 2012 and January 31, 2013. (I probably won't review them because I'm not a reviewer.) I'm sure my list will change over the year, but here is my current debut TBR:

Cinder by Marissa Meyer
Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
Fracture by Megan Miranda
Tempest by Julie Cross
Everneath by Brodi Ashton
Incarnate by Jodi Meadows
Article 5 by Kristen Simmons
Slide by Jill Hathaway
Hemlock by Kathleen Peacock

Obviously I need three more books on this list. Any suggestions?

GoodReads Challenge

Since you get to choose your own number, and I'm already two weeks behind on the year, I have challenged myself to read 50 books this year. One book a week for the rest of the year. Surely I can manage that. I don't have a TBR pile, I have a TBR box. Or, really, boxes.

You can track my progress on GoodReads and shame me if I'm falling too far behind. (Yes, I'm already behind.)

So those are my challenges for the year. Fifty books, including twelve young adult debuts. Are you participating in any reading challenges?

Hugs,
TLC

12 Days of Books: Wrap Up

2012-01-15T10:00:00.000-06:00

12 days
22 books
10 teasers

The 12 Days of Books giveaway extravaganza will be open to entries through January 18th. After that I will use randomizer.org to choose winners, whom I will then notify. Check the links below to make sure you entered all 12 days.

Day 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12

Hugs,
TLC

12 Days of Books: Day 12

2012-01-14T10:00:00.000-06:00

Day 11: Oh. My. Gods. and Goddess Boot Camp ...

and Forgive My Fins and Fins Are Forever and Just For Fins teaser ...

and Sweet Venom and Sweet Shadows teaser ...

and Just For Fins and Sweet Shadows (as soon as I have copies)

To enter, leave a comment. (Facebook and GoodReads readers click over to Blogger.)

Hugs,
TLC

*open internationally

12 Days of Books: Day 11

2012-01-13T10:00:00.000-06:00

Day 11: Oh. My. Gods. and Goddess Boot Camp ...

and Forgive My Fins and Fins Are Forever and Just For Fins teaser ...

and Sweet Venom and Sweet Shadows teaser

To enter, leave a comment. (Facebook and GoodReads readers click over to Blogger.)

Hugs,
TLC

*open internationally

12 Days of Books: Day 10

2012-01-12T10:00:00.000-06:00

Day 8: Sweet Venom and Sweet Shadows teaser

To enter, leave a comment. (Facebook and GoodReads readers click over to Blogger.)

Hugs,
TLC

*open internationally

12 Days of Books: Day 9

2012-01-11T10:00:00.000-06:00

Day 8: Forgive My Fins and Fins Are Forever and Just For Fins teaser

To enter, leave a comment. (Facebook and GoodReads readers click over to Blogger.)

Hugs,
TLC

*open internationally

12 Days of Books: Day 8

2012-01-10T10:00:00.000-06:00

Day 8: Oh. My. Gods. and Goddess Boot Camp

To enter, leave a comment. (Facebook and GoodReads readers click over to Blogger.)

Hugs,
TLC

*open internationally

12 Days of Books: Day 7

2012-01-09T10:00:00.000-06:00

Day 7: Sweet Shadows excerpt

To enter, leave a comment. (Facebook and GoodReads readers click over to Blogger.)

Hugs,
TLC

*open internationally

(Psst. This is also a never-before-seen-cover reveal.)

12 Days of Books: Day 6

2012-01-08T10:00:00.000-06:00

Day 6: Just For Fins excerpt

To enter, leave a comment. (Facebook and GoodReads readers click over to Blogger.)

Hugs,
TLC

*open internationally

12 Days of Books: Day 5

2012-01-07T10:00:00.000-06:00

Day 5: Sweet Venom

To enter, leave a comment. (Facebook and GoodReads readers click over to Blogger.)

Hugs,
TLC

*open internationally

12 Days of Books: Day 4

2012-01-06T10:00:00.000-06:00

Day 4: Fins Are Forever

To enter, leave a comment. (Facebook and GoodReads readers click over to Blogger.)

Hugs,
TLC

*open internationally

12 Days of Books: Day 3

2012-01-05T10:00:00.000-06:00

Day 3: Forgive My Fins

To enter, leave a comment. (Facebook and GoodReads readers click over to Blogger.)

Hugs,
TLC

*open internationally

12 Days of Books: Day 2

2012-01-04T10:00:00.000-06:00

Day 2: Goddess Boot Camp

To enter, leave a comment. (Facebook and GoodReads readers click over to Blogger.)

Hugs,
TLC

*open internationally

12 Days of Books: Day 1

2012-01-03T10:00:00.000-06:00

It's time for the slightly-delayed 12 Days of Books giveaway extravaganza! Starting today there will be twelve consecutive days of books giveaways here on the blog. The giveaways will be open for entries until January 18th. Check back every day to see what's up for grabs. Now, let's get on with the books.

Day 1: Oh. My. Gods.

To enter, leave a comment. (Facebook and GoodReads readers click over to Blogger.)

Hugs,
TLC

*open internationally

2012 Resolutions

2012-01-02T12:52:00.000-06:00

I don't always make resolutions. Mostly because they're usually big, sweeping dreams that gradually fall to the wayside as life goes on. They become sources of shame for things I didn't accomplish. This year, though, I feel the need. I have a few things I resolve to do in 2012 (and beyond) and I'm determined to follow through.

Go Digital } I resolve to buy only digital editions of books and magazines, with the only exception being autographed copies bought at book signings.

Use Time Wisely } I resolve to value what time I have and to take advantage of every moment I have to work toward my goals and dreams.

Leave Nothing Undone } I resolve to tackle my tasks and obligations sooner rather than later, because you never know what tomorrow will bring.

My life has changed a lot in the last few weeks and it's going to change even more in the coming months, but I have a new perspective on how little time we really have on this planet and I resolve to make the very best of mine for myself and my family.

Did you make resolutions this year?

Hugs,
TLC

Looking Ahead to 2012

2012-01-01T08:00:00.000-06:00

Now that you've read my Looking Back at 2011 post, it's time to make my predictions and goals for the future. I did this last year (Looking Ahead to 2011) and I think I did pretty well. I wrote the second Medusa book, worked on some secret projects, wrote the anthology story (that got shelved when the anthology imploded, but that's another story), traveled lots for writing, moved to Seattle, and stayed vegan. Let's hope I can do as well in the coming year.

Writing

As of right now, my only contracted deadline for the year is the third Medusa book (which has a probable title, but I'm not sharing it yet) which is due on June 1, 2012. I'm equal parts excited and terrified to wrap up the trilogy in this book.

I have a few other secret projects in the works (as always) but I'm not quite sure yet which I'm going to tackle first and in what order. I have a few YA ideas to play with, a couple of paranormal romances, a sci-fi series, and even a cozy mystery idea. More ideas than time to write them, for sure.

Stay tuned to the WORKS IN PROGRESS widget in my sidebar to see what's up.

Travel

This year I have some writing-related travel planned again. I'll be in Chicago for the RT Booklovers convention in April, followed by TLA in Houston. I'll be in Anaheim for the RWA national conference in July. Other than that I'm not sure, we'll have to wait and see what comes up.

For personal travel, most of that will be related to my mom and the summer program. I'll be traveling with her to Austin for PLASA, to Houston for TETA, to Long Beach for USITT, and maybe a couple of other places for theatre-related conferences and conventions.

I'm also hoping to take another research trip to San Francisco before I start in on the third Medusa book. Maybe before or after Long Beach, which is at the end of March.

Moving

Sadly, due to the circumstance with my dad, I'm going to be leaving Seattle without ever really feeling like I lived there. Later this month I'll be packing up my stuff and putting it in storage so I can stay with my mom in Oklahoma. Then, once we get through the next few months and the next summer of my parents' theatre training program in Las Vegas this summer, she and I will figure out where we want to be. Together.

Personal

My personal goals this year are simple. Stay vegan. Get healthy. Support my mom. Everything else will just have to fall into place around that. I think the universe will understand.

Cheers to a great 2012.

And fingers crossed that the apocalypse decides to reschedule. I have other plans.

Hugs,
TLC

Looking Back at 2011

2011-12-31T10:00:00.000-06:00

Last year around this time, I posted a retrospective on the previous year (Looking Back at 2010) and a prediction on the coming one (Looking Ahead to 2011). Time to evaluate and plan again, so here's the summary of my world in 2011.

Writing

This year my fourth (Fins Are Forever) and fifth (Sweet Venom) books came out in hardcover and Forgive My Fins came out in paperback. Forgive My Fins also came out in the UK, Germany, and Scandinavia (that I know of) and will be out soon in Brazil (if it's not already out).

This year I wrote the second Medusa book (Sweet Shadows) and it's been revised and copyedited. I'm only waiting on page proofs to show up and then it will be completely done and ready for its fall release. Just wait until you find out what's in store for Grace, Gretchen and Greer this time!

I also wrote the third mermaid book (Just For Fins) in record time and even managed to turn the revision around super fast as the world around me when sideways. I'm expecting copyedits soon, followed by page proofs, so the next step in Lily and Quince's world can hit the shelves on July 3, 2012.

Revising Just For Fins

At the beginning of the year I released my unpublished chick lit books (Eye Candy and Straight Stalk) as ebooks. I'm so glad to be able to share those fun characters and their stories with the world.

I worked on a few other projects and proposals throughout the year, some of which have been shelved (either temporarily or permanently) while others are still works in progress. I planned to participate in NaNoWriMo this year, but life had other ideas.

Travel

I did a lot of writing-related travel this year. In April I attended the RT Booklovers convention in Los Angeles (one of my favorite cities), where I got to sign with Sophie Jordan at Mrs. Nelson's in La Verne, eat vegan country fried steak at Doomie's Home Cooking, and meet hundreds of amazing teens at Teen Day.

From there I went to Austin for the TLA conference (Forgive My Fins was on the Bluebonnet Award list).

In the summer, as my parents headed to Las Vegas with my dog, I drove from Oklahoma to Seattle to find an apartment. On the way I camped in my car in national parks. I stayed in Pawnee National Grasslands, Grand Teton National Park, Craters of the Moon National Monument, and Mount Rainier National Park.

Grand Teton National Park

After spending two weeks on Heather Davis's couch, I headed to New York for the RWA national conference. While there I popped up to New Haven, Connecticut, to do a library visit for the fabulous Jennifer Rummel (aka YABooknerd).

From New York I took the train down to Washington, DC, where I got to spend the 4th of July with my cousin Rachel and her husband Kifly. I had an amazing time, even though I was getting sick.

Then I flew to Houston to celebrate the release of Fins Are Forever at my favorite bookstore, Blue Willow Bookshop. From there I joined my parents in Las Vegas for the rest of the summer. As my dad headed to Chicago to design a show, my mom and I drove a moving truck full of my stuff up to Seattle.

I flew back down to Vegas for the first ever (and maybe last) MerCon. I went on my first ever (and hopefully not last) book tour, traveling to Houston, Dayton, and Chicago to sign Sweet Venom with Sophie Jordan. I also got to attend the amazing Austin Teen Book Fest where I met tons of amazing readers and lots of great authors.

Zombies at Austin Teen Book Fest

At the end of October I flew to Oklahoma to be with my parents as my dad had heart surgery and, except for flying once more to Vegas for the Vegas Valley Book Fest and then driving back to Oklahoma with Daisy and then flying back to Seattle for a day only to hurry back when my dad had complications, I've been pretty much here ever since.

This might have been my busiest travel year yet. And if you know anything about my travel habits you know that's saying a lot.

Moving

In August, after nearly a year and a half of planning, I finally moved to Seattle. Daisy and I found a perfect little apartment on the quiet side of Capitol Hill, where we see only trees out our windows and are within walking distance of groceries, buses, and (most importantly) coffee.

My Home Office

Personal

This part of my life definitely took the hardest hit this year. For the first ten months everything was fine, then I found out at the end of October that my dad needed heart surgery. I flew home to Oklahoma and was there as he came out of that with flying colors. Then, after two weeks at home, he ended up back in the hospital with a very serious infection. He battled that for twenty-four days and finally got to come home again. He went back in for one minor procedure when, just as he was about to be released one more time, his heart stopped. On December 18, 2011, after more than 68 years on the planet, 46 years at my mom's side, and 35 years as my father, he died. I am so glad to have been so close with him and am proud to continue his legacy with the integrity and the big dreams he taught me to carry.

Goodbye Daddy, I love you. Always.

Hugs,
TLC

Change of Plans

2011-12-27T10:23:00.000-06:00

You might have noticed that the promised and much-anticipated 12 Days of Books giveaway did not start on Christmas day as planned. That is because dad, who had successful heart surgery at the end of October which was followed by a serious infection that left him in the hospital for 24 days, died on December 18, 2011.

Don Childs
1943-2011

Words cannot describe how much he will be missed. The coming weeks and months will hold a lot of change for me and my mom. We have a powerful legacy to live up to and to uphold and we have to figure out how to go forward without him. It will be a hard road and one full of doubts, but we are strong (he made us strong) and we will get through.

Life is slowly getting back to the everyday and that includes blogging and giving away books. The 12 Days of Books giveaway will begin on January 3, 2012.

Hugs,
TLC

What Do YOU Want For Christmas?

2011-12-10T11:53:00.001-06:00

No, I haven't fallen into a giant vat of Silk Nog and become trapped like a zombie in quicksand. (Although, if I were going to choose a liquid death, Silk Nog would definitely be my choice. It's phenomenal.) The past couple months have been mad crazy hectic. Between finishing up Just For Fins and dealing with my dad's extended stay in the hospital, I'm afraid blogging has been at the bottom of the priority list.

But no more! To make it up to you, I'm going to give you a Christmas gift. The problem is, I don't know what you want. I have a few ideas in mind, and I'm going to leave it up to a vote. Choose your present in the poll below and, as always, majority rules!

You have until midnight on December 15th to cast your vote. (Note: The 12 Days of... gifts would start on Christmas day. The short stories would post on Christmas day.)

Hugs,
TLC

Today is Not Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T09:52:00.001-06:00

You might have noticed my semi-absence from the online world lately. Well, it's not just because I am under crazy deadline to write and revise Just For Fins. It's also because my dad had a quadruple bypass four weeks ago. I flew home to Oklahoma for that and then, when he got the all clear from his surgeon and things seemed to be looking so great, I flew back to Seattle.

And then the next day... he went back to the hospital with an serious infection. I turned right around and flew back to be with him and my mom as he went through another (not as complicated) surgery to help get rid of it.

As of today, he's doing well but still in the hospital. We're waiting to find out if the infection is all gone so that he can come home again. Yesterday, we (my mom and dad and I) decided that today wouldn't really be Thanksgiving. Since Thanksgiving is just an arbitrary day, we would wait to celebrate it when my dad gets home.

So, for all of you who are celebrating the great feast today, Happy Thanksgiving! But I'll be partaking of my tofurkey roll and Grandma's stuffing at a later date.

Hugs,
TLC

PS. To everyone who is patiently (and not so patiently) waiting for an email from me, I'll get to them as soon as I can. You can understand why my priorities are elsewhere (Dad and Just For Fins) at the moment.

Essential Writing Tech

2011-11-18T10:00:00.000-06:00

One of the most common questions I get when speaking at a signing or event is about my writing process, what a typical writing day is like for me. Or even what is my must-have item for writing. My first response is usually that I have to leave the house. I write most of my words in coffee shops, sitting in a comfy chair with a steaming or icy caffeinated beverage at my side.

But that's not all it takes to get me writing. I have a few essentials--and a few non-essentials that I just really like--to make getting words on a page, if not easier, then at least less painful.

Alphasmart { This is my magic machine. It's ultralight, practically indestructible, and holds something like 200 single-spaced pages of text. It has a simple on/off button and autosaves everything as you write. And, perhaps the best thing, it only shows five lines of text at a time. Going back requires pressing the up arrow a billion times so it really encourages me to just keep writing and worry about editing the garbage later.

Earbuds { As much as I like writing in public, I need to be able to tune the public out while I'm writing. A lot of writers must have complete silence, but I need the white noise of familiar music. Most of the songs on my playlist are ones I know by heart and can tune out while I pound the keys. Also, they usually signal the general public to leave me alone. (Some people don't take the hint.)

The music in my iPhone at the moment is a crazy mix of everything from classical (Ravel and Musorgsky) to country (Michael Peterson and Faith Hill) to showtunes (Hair and Legally Blonde) to pop (Brittany Spears and Taylor Swift) to soul (Adele and Florence + the Machine) to indie (Hey Marseilles and Pickwick).

Write or Die { When I don't have my Alphie with me, this little gem is my salvation. You can use the web version or buy the desktop software for $10--and now there's an iPad app I'm have to try. You plug in how many words you want to write in how many minutes and then it makes you write them. If you don't, the screen turns red and it makes angry sounds. If you choose kamikaze mode, it'll delete words if you stop for too long. Talk about motivation.

I have plenty of other gadgets (netbook, iPad, Nook, ray gun--okay, not that last item... I have one, but it's more helpful for deleting than writing) but with these three things I can produce many a book.

So, to all the writers out there, what are your essential writing technologies?

Hugs,
TLC

Do Books Make You Cry?

2011-11-16T10:00:00.000-06:00

Several weeks ago I opened an unsuspecting can of worms on Twitter by asking the simple question: What books make you cry? I had just read a pretty bad romance that still managed to make me sob at the end, and I wanted to know if my followers had books made them break out the tissues.

Oh. My. Gosh. Apparently a lot of them!

I wanted to share these with you, because I think it's amazing proof of the emotional power of books--even commercial fiction. In case you're looking for a good tearjerker, here are some great ones:

the everafter, the last song, in a heartbeat and a few more that i don't remember haha
The Book Thief. I was crying like a baby.
Also, @RobinMcKinley's PEGASUS made me cry weepy girl tears at the end.
If I Stay. Had me crying 20 pages in.
i got all misty-eyed at the end of Delirium.
I couldn't finish Twenty Boy Summer because I sobbed so hard I had to stop
Night by Elie Wiesel
How about Melissa Marr's Ink Exchange? That one was really angsty and good.
when i was younger, the first time I read Speak & Go Ask Alice, they made me cry
Once Was Lost by Sara Zarr was really good too, though not a tearjerker. Tell Me A Secret had me in v. angry tears. So good.
13 reasons why didn't make me cry exactly, but it did make me rather emotional
Between Shades of Gray made be cry, debut coming out March 22nd. Fantastic book though
Oh, SHIVER also made me cry!! Oh-so-much!
OH. @HannahMosk's Invincible Summer had me BAWLING. Oh my gosh I rarely cry that hard in a book.
I wasn't expecting Jellicoe Road to affect me so much. I did cry when I finished the last HP though, because it was over.
Anne Tyler's Accidental Tourist just KILLS me every time.
Delirium definitely made me cry .. pretty sure The Sky is Everywhere did as well
i am number four made me cry
As You Wish by Jackson Pearce made me cry. The Forest of Hands and Teeth; Looking for Alaska; Mockingjay; Harry Potter 7
I'm Not Her by Janet Gurtler that's coming out in May (I think) is a bit of a tear jerker too. But a fantastic book.
Delirium made me cry too!!!!
I also cried when I read Sing Me to Sleep...
The Forest of Hands and Teeth.
er, not that Some Girls Are is really a romance...but it DID make me tear up. Often.13 minutes ago
The Chosen One and Hate List did. Though I was also v. angry too b/c of their circumstances.
I'm a sucker for romances too. Also Catching Fire, The Sky is Everywhere, Shadow Kiss, Some Girls Are....
anything by @SparksNicholas and of course the beginning of shadowfever by @KarenMMoning made me ball my eyes out
One Day, A Blue So Dark, Nineteen Minutes, and Just Listen.
Compromised by Heidi Ayarbe had me in tears. And Hate List by Jennifer Brown makes me so angry I cry.
The Iron Queen, HP and the Half Blood Prince, I'm trying to think of others.
I cried when I read yours, but probably because I was a wreck that day.
Angel by James Patterson made me cry, but NOT b/c I was happy. I was incredibly ANGRY and depressed and frustrated.
Burned by @EllenHopkinsYA, Deathly Hallows. Lots more.
Jellicoe Road. And Before I Die. Pretty sure I used an entire box of kleenex each time.
I only get weepy over Pride and Prejudice. :)

Have you read any of these books, and did you have the same weepy reaction? What other books have made you cry? I tend to avoid sad, sappy books that I know will end in tears. Do you enjoy that kind of experience, or do you stick to happier stories?

Hugs,

TLC

The Great Big 4-1-1 Contest

2011-11-15T10:00:00.000-06:00

So I'm getting bored watching my number of followers and likes slowly climbing and I want to speed them up a notch. To that end, I'm hosting the 4-1-1 contest.

The Goal
4,000 followers on Twitter
1,000 followers on this blog *
1,000 likes on my Facebook page

The Prizes
3 complete sets of my books--1 each on Twitter, this blog, and my Facebook page. That's every book that's in print when we reach the full 4-1-1. Right now, it's five.

Oh. My. Gods.
Goddess Boot Camp
Forgive My Fins
Fins Are Forever
Sweet Venom

The Charge
If you already follow me on the blog and on Twitter and you already like my Facebook page, then your mission is to get book-minded friends (please don't beg your family) to do the same. Tweet, Facebook, and blog the word about the contest and I'll be giving books away before you know it.

When we reach the 4-1-1 goal, then I will give further instructions on how to enter yourself specifically in each of the three contests.

Hugs,
TLC

* for the purposes of this contest, the 1,000 followers need to be on Google Friend Connect (in the sidebar under Followers) not Networked Blogs

Monday Giveaway: Wherever You Go

2011-11-14T10:00:00.000-06:00

So blogging and Monday Giveaways have fallen by the wayside for a few weeks (I had a crazy fast unexpected deadline and then my dad had open heart surgery, so life has been a little crazy) but I'm starting to feel back in control and back at blogging.

First things first, I need to pick a winner for my last giveaway of Holly Cupala's Tell Me A Secret. *runs to Randomizer.org and plugs in numbers* And the winner is... SwimmerGirl! Send you mailing info to tlc[at]teralynnchilds[dot]com and I'll get it on its way!

And now for the new Monday Giveaway! This week I'm giving away a signed ARC of Wherever You Go by my Seattle writing pal Heather Davis.

Seventeen-year-old Holly Mullen has felt lost and lonely ever since her boyfriend, Rob, died in a tragic accident. The fact that she has to spend most of her free time caring for her little sister and Alzheimer’s-stricken grandfather doesn’t help. But Holly has no idea that as she goes about her days, Rob’s ghost is watching over her. He isn’t happy when he sees his best friend, Jason, reach out to help Holly with her grandfather—but as a ghost, he can do nothing to stop it. Is his best friend really falling for his girlfriend?

As Holly wonders whether to open her heart to Jason, the past comes back to haunt her. Her grandfather claims to be communicating with the ghost of Rob. Could the messages he has for Holly be real? And if so, how can the loved ones Rob left behind help his tortured soul make it to the other side?

Told from the perspectives of Holly, Jason, and Rob, Wherever You Go is is a poignant story about making peace with the past, opening your heart to love, and finding the courage to move forward into the light.

One of the most unique aspects of this book is the use of multiple points of view in different first, second, and third person. To enter this giveaway, comment with your point of view preference. Do you like first or third? Present or past? Or could you care less, as long as it's well written and well told?

Hugs,
TLC

JUST FOR FINS Cover

2011-11-13T10:25:00.001-06:00

Since the shiny new cover for JUST FOR FINS (the upcoming third book in the Fins mermaid series) has shown up on GoodReads, it's probably safe to share it here, too.

This cover uses the same model as FORGIVE MY FINS (I have a sneaky suspicion that the girl on the cover of FINS ARE FOREVER is actually Dosinia) and I think it's just magical. Plus, I love the purple lettering.

What do you think?

Hugs,
TLC

Finally, A Blog. With News.

2011-10-27T09:00:00.000-05:00

After five long, torturous weeks of (mostly) secret-keeping (and if you know me at all you know I am terrible at keeping secrets) I finally have permission to share the most amazing news!

There is going to be a third Fins book!

Yes, more Lily and Quince. And Tellin. And Peri. And Doe and Brody and a whole new cast of mer characters you've never met before! Also, I have two words for you: arctic mermaids. *dies with happiness*

And, the even more exciting news (you might be thinking that things can't more exciting, but they can!) is that it will be out next summer. As in summer 2012. As in before Sweet Shadows comes out. As in, yes, I'll have two books out again next year.

Hooray!!!

The first draft is (just barely) finished and still needs lots of work. Lots of work. And the book has a probable title, but I'm going to hold off on that for a little while.

That's all for now.

As you were.

Hugs,
TLC

PS. Aren't you impressed that I didn't even make you guess or wait or follow some elaborate treasure hunt of obscure clues and random websites to learn this news? I think I'm maturing. Or, maybe, I'm just exhausted after finishing the first draft of the book in record time.

PPS. I'm not sure what's up with all the italics and parentheticals. Maybe it's a new trend. Or, maybe, it's another symptom of post-draft exhaustion.

Monday Giveaway: Tell Me A Secret

2011-10-03T10:00:00.000-05:00

*** contest over and the winner is SwimmerGirl ***

This week's Monday Giveaway is the debut novel from fabulous and darling Seattle YA author Holly Cupala. I'm giving away a signed copy of Tell Me A Secret.

It's tough living in the shadow of a dead girl. . . .

In the five years since her bad-girl sister Xanda's death, Miranda Mathison has wondered about the secret her sister took to the grave, and what really happened the night she died. Now, just as Miranda is on the cusp of her dreams—a best friend to unlock her sister's world, a ticket to art school, and a boyfriend to fly her away from it all—Miranda has a secret all her own.

When two lines on a pregnancy test confirm her worst fears, Miranda is stripped of her former life. She must make a choice with tremendous consequences and finally face her sister's demons and her own.

In this powerful debut novel, stunning new talent Holly Cupala illuminates the dark struggle of a girl who must let go of her past to find a way into her own future.

And check out this amazing trailer!

Plus, check out Holly's YouTube channel for more even videos.

Okay, to enter to win this powerfully emotional book, comment with ... well, I won't ask you to reveal a secret. Um, tell me what book you're most looking forward to reading this Fall. (Facebook and GoodReads readers please click over to Blogger to comment.)

Hugs,
TLC

Winners, News, and Not News

2011-09-30T08:00:00.000-05:00

Okay, first let me say that this has been the year of crazy. For sure. Between moving and traveling and deadlines and book releases and tours and, just, well, everything, it's almost amazing I'm still capable to form coherent sentences. And I'm about to head out to the Austin Teen Book Festival (woot-woot!) and thought I should catch up on a little bit of stuff before I go.

Winners

1. I don't think I ever picked winners for my June/July website contest (my bad!) so I'll make up for that now. The three winners of the Forgive My Fins paperback are:

Sheila P.
Dina V.
Lily A.

2. Since I'll be traveling this weekend, I'm going to go ahead and pick the August/September winners of Fins Are Forever now, too:

Akchita S.
Molly M.
Jessie M. (bonus winner of a Forgive My Fins t-shirt)

3. I picked winners for the Forgive My Fins UK booklet, but they haven't responded yet so I thought I'd repeat them here:

Tayte A.
Kim H.

4. And, finally, the winner from this week's A Need So Beautiful giveaway is:

Nicole M.

News

I'm thrilled to announce that Templar, the UK publisher of Forgive My Fins and Fins Are Forever, is also going to publish the Sweet Venom trilogy, with the first book coming out Fall 2012.

Not News

Gah! I have news that I'm dying to share (and you are going to be so excited!) but things are still being finalized and I can't spill until it's all figured out. I promise I will blast from the roof of the blogosphere as soon as I can!

I'm out for the weekend, ready to meet all the awesome readers and bloggers and librarians and other authors at the Austin Teen Book Festival. Hope to see you there!

Hugs,
TLC

Monday Giveaway: A Need So Beautiful

2011-09-26T08:00:00.000-05:00

*** contest is over and winner is Nicole M ***

Yay, Monday Giveaway is back (after a brief, deadline-and-release-induced hiatus) with a signed copy of A Need So Beautiful by the lovely and adorable Suzanne Young. I have secret news I can quite share yet, so instead read this.

We all want to be remembered. Charlotte's destiny is to be Forgotten...

Charlotte’s best friend thinks Charlotte might be psychic. Her boyfriend thinks she’s cheating on him. But Charlotte knows what’s really wrong: She is one of the Forgotten, a kind of angel on earth, who feels the Need—a powerful, uncontrollable draw to help someone, usually a stranger.

But Charlotte never wanted this responsibility. What she wants is to help her best friend, whose life is spiraling out of control. She wants to lie in her boyfriend's arms forever. But as the Need grows stronger, it begins to take a dangerous toll on Charlotte. And who she was, is, and will become--her mark on this earth, her very existence--is in jeopardy of disappearing completely.

Charlotte will be forced to choose: Should she embrace her fate as a Forgotten, a fate that promises to rip her from the lives of those she loves forever? Or is she willing to fight against her destiny--no matter how dark the consequences?

And, in case that hasn't convinced you this is a wonderful book, then watch the trailer.

Awesome, no? Want to win this book? Just comment with your guess about what my secret news is. (I can't comment--yet--but I bet some of you get it right.)

Hugs,
TLC

Are You Ready, Austin?

2011-09-24T10:00:00.000-05:00

The Austin Teen Book Festival is just around the corner and this year I am lucky enough to be a participating author!

The festival takes place October 1st at the Palmer Events Center and is FREE and open to the public. I'm going to be on a series of fabulous panels called Supernatural Suspense with these amazing authors:

Oh, and the keynote speaker this year is the incomparable Scott Westerfeld. Read more about the festival and the high-tech press they have planned in this School Library Journal article.

Can't be at the festival? Follow the festivities on the festival's Twitter account (@AustinTBF) and the hashtag (#ATBF11).

Hugs,
TLC

Fix My FAQs

2011-09-23T10:00:00.000-05:00

I'm in the process of changing over my website to a Wordpress site (which will make updating and adding fun stuff so much easier) and I notices something really important. My FAQs are woefully out of date. I need some new Qs to A, and that's where you come in. Leave your Q(s) in comments or email them to tlc[at]teralynnchilds[dot]com so I can add them to the updated FAQs page.

Hugs,

TLC

Fun Friday Giveaway from the UK

2011-09-16T10:13:00.000-05:00

*** contest winners are Tayte A. and Kim H. ***

Last week I got a very fun package of goodies from the UK publisher of Forgive My Fins and Fins Are Forever. The first is a cover flat of next summer's release of Fins Are Forever. Isn't it gorgeous?

(By the way, it's really hard to take a good picture of a shiny cover.) To me this looks more like Dosinia than Lily, but that works for the story.

They also included a few of the promotional booklets they made to include in a popular UK magazine. On one side is the cover of Forgive My Fins and the first chapter of the book. If you flip it over, you'll see the cover of A Tangle of Magicks by Stephanie Burgis and the first chapter of her book.

Since I got a few of them, I wanted to share. I'm going to give away two of these adorable booklets. To enter, simply comment by telling me what one country in the world you most want to visit. (Mine would be a tie between South Africa and Argentina.)

Hugs,
TLC

Have You Reviewed?

2011-09-15T14:00:00.000-05:00

Reviews are not something I talk about often here on the blog. They can be a volatile subject. If I find a good review, I don't want to get all gloaty about it (unless it's from a big time review journal). If I find a bad review, I don't want to draw more attention to it than absolutely necessary.

This blog isn't about good or bad reviews. It's about posting them.

A lot of the success of a particular book is based on potential reader perception of the book. If you're checking out a new author for the first time, you might head over to Amazon or GoodReads to check out their review star rating and how many reviews have been posted.

High marks from lots of reviewers might be just the thing that changes a potential reader into an actual reader.

So what's my point here? It's simple. Post your reviews. If you've read a book, and especially if you've already written a review for your blog, copy and paste it to the big three if you can. (That's Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and GoodReads.) It's one of the best things you can do to support a book you love.

This is especially helpful for self-published books, like Eye Candy and Straight Stalk, because those have to work harder to get reader attention.

A big thank you to everyone who already does this, and a big thank you in advance to everyone who will.

Hugs,
TLC

Fun Times in the Emerald City

2011-09-14T10:00:00.000-05:00

Now that I am officially a resident of Seattle, it's about time I do a book signing here. The Emerald City launch of Sweet Venom and my life here will happen at the fabulous Secret Garden Books in Ballard on September 21st. Here are all the details:

Who: Me (obviously) along with Gretchen, Grace and Greer
What: Chit-chat, book talk, and general hijinx
When: Wednesday, September 21st, 7:00pm
Where: Secret Garden Books at 2214 NW Market Street in Ballard
Why: Fun times and vegan cupcakes
How: Um, if you can't figure that out...

If you want to register official-like, visit the Facebook event page and RSVP.

Hugs,
TLC

Release Day Winners and Bookstores

2011-09-12T10:03:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday, everyone. It's been a busy week and now it's time for me to pick winners from the Sweet Venom release day contest. Courtesy of Randomizer.org, here they are:

Cesya MaRae Cuono
Abena Opoku
thestoryqueen

Winners email your mailing info to tlc[at]teralynnchilds[dot]com.

In other news, many of you have noticed that Sweet Venom is not in Barnes & Nobles yet. You may remember that way back at the start of the year, Sweet Venom was supposed to come out on October 4th. The release date got moved up because of my tour. Well... apparently that caused some confusion and a delay in shipping the books to Barnes & Noble.

The good news is that things are getting straightened out and books should be on their way and (hopefully) in stores this week. The more good news is that Barnes & Noble is going to do some extra promotion for Sweet Venom in October, but that's just bonus.

Anyway, keep checking with your Barnes & Nobles and let me know when Sweet Venom shows up there.

Hugs,
TLC

Which Medusa Sister Are You?

2011-09-09T10:00:00.000-05:00

Sweet Venom stars Gretchen, Grace and Greer, identical triplets who--although genetically the same--have been raised in very different lifestyles. Which means they've grown up to be three very different girls. Want to know which sister you're most like? Take this short quiz to find out.

1. It's the first day of school and you're getting dressed. What do you put on?
a. Whatever's closest to the bed when I roll out twenty minutes before class.
b. My favorite jeans, an organic cotton tee, and Chuck Taylors.
c. The latest designer classics and fashionable high heels.

2. How do you spend your free time?
a. Working out, training, beating up on the nearest punching dummy.
b. Doing homework, hanging out with my family, and saving the planet.
c. What free time? Between extra-curriculars, student government, and social events my schedule is full.

3. What's your favorite color?
a. Black, it's tough, practical, and doesn't show dirt or blood.
b. Green, it's the color of nature and the environmental movement.
c. Gold, it's the color of wealth, success, and power.

4. Describe your ideal boy.
a. He's not intimidated by strength and doesn't freak in the face of danger.
b. He's cute, kind, and loves his family.
c. He's popular, powerful, and destined for a successful life.

5. What's your average dinner?
a. Whatever's ready and waiting in the freezer.
b. Something vegetarian with loads of veggies and tofu.
c. A gourmet meal prepared by our housekeeper.

Add up your answers and check the key below.

Mostly a's? You're a Gretchen. You're tough, maybe a bit of a loner, and you never back down from a fight. You live for danger and the adrenaline rush. You can't stay this way forever, though. One day you're going to meet a boy you can't scare away with sarcasm and snark.

Mostly b's? You're a Grace. You're sweet, smart, conscientious, and committed to the environment. You love your family and try your best to stay out of trouble. You hate lying and keeping secrets, but there will come a day when you find they're necessary.

Mostly c's? You're a Greer. You're a natural leader and it's a role you enjoy. But it's really only a stepping stone to your future as a CEO or member of congress. You are poised, confident, and every girl in school wishes she had your life. And you secretly adore their envy.

So, which sister are you?

Hugs,
TLC

Fashion Tips From Greer

2011-09-08T18:00:00.000-05:00

Hello readers,

At Tera's request, I am here to offer you a handful of fashion tips.

First, grooming is essential. You cannot be fashionable with frizzy hair, rough cuticles, or unkempt eyebrows. Make personal care a priority. I set aside one evening each week to pamper myself with a home spa.

Second, find your own style. Not every fashion icon has the same style, otherwise they would not be a fashion icon. Learn to recognize the fit and styles that work best for your, buy those in classic, high quality pieces.

Third, be confident. Above all else, fashion and beauty come from within. The most stylish haircut, makeup, and clothes cannot overcome a lack of confidence. Believe in yourself and your fashion will follow.

Sincerely,
Greer Morgenthal

Fighting Tips From Gretchen

2011-09-08T14:00:00.000-05:00

If you want to win a fight, with a beastie or a human, remember these things:

Evaluate your environment. Check the space around you for exits, obstacles, and potential weapons. These are things you or your opponent might be able to use.
Use the element of surprise. If you can sneak up on your opponent, you'll have a significant advantage. If you can't, then surprise them with an unexpected move.
Keep a cool head. Panic can be costly in a fight. If you find yourself freaking out, try taking a deep breath and picturing yourself victorious. Believe it, achieve it.

Gretch

Eco Tips From Grace

2011-09-08T08:00:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone, Grace here. Tera asked me to share some of my best eco-friendly tips with you, so here are some things you can do to lighten your footprint on the planet.

Turn off the lights. This seems silly, but if you think about all the lights in all the rooms in all the houses in all the world... well, the power savings really add up.
Turn off the water. Same goes here. You don't need to leave the water running while you're brushing your teeth or scrubbing your dishes. If you're really dedicated, you can turn off the shower while your shaving your legs.
Recycle what you can. Even if you don't have recycling in your home or building, fill reusable shopping bags with paper, plastic (check the numbers), aluminum cans, and (if your recycling center accepts it) glass. Think about how much you can keep out of the landfill with just one or two trips a month.

xoxo
Grace

Sweet Venom Map of San Francisco

2011-09-07T10:00:00.000-05:00

Since Sweet Venom is the first time I've gone on a research trip for a book (check out my posts from last April where I posted some pictures of of the locations) I thought it would be fun to create a map of all the places where things happen in the book.

View Sweet Venom in a larger map

Please not that I've taken some (a lot of) artistic license with these locations. Many of them serve different purposes in real life than in the book. Just know that when you read about a location, these are the places I picture. Don't show up at Groove Merchant Records and expect to find an oracle waiting there (but do expect to find awesome jazz, soul and funk albums).

Hugs,
TLC

Sweet Venom Release Day and Giveaway!

2011-09-06T07:00:00.000-05:00

The day that felt like it would never come is finally here! My brand new book baby, Sweet Venom, hits shelves and ereaders across the country today.

Want to know more?

Grace just moved to San Francisco and is excited to start over at a new school. The change is full of fresh possibilities, but it’s also a tiny bit scary. It gets scarier when a minotaur walks in the door. And even more shocking when a girl who looks just like her shows up to fight the monster.

Gretchen is tired of monsters pulling her out into the wee hours, especially on a school night, but what can she do? Sending the minotaur back to his bleak home is just another notch on her combat belt. She never expected to run into this girl who could be her double, though.

Greer has her life pretty well put together, thank you very much. But that all tilts sideways when two girls who look eerily like her appear on her doorstep and claim they’re triplets, supernatural descendants of some hideous creature from Greek myth, destined to spend their lives hunting monsters.

These three teenage descendants of Medusa, the once-beautiful Gorgon maligned in myth, must reunite and embrace their fates in this unique paranormal world where monsters lurk in plain sight.

Want to order it?

Indiebound (hardcover)
Amazon (hardcover | kindle)
Barnes & Noble (hardcover | nook)
Books-a-Million (hardcover)

Of course it's not a release day celebration if there isn't a giveaway, right? How about three copies of Sweet Venom? This is the last one I'm doing with my own books for a while, so don't miss the chance. I'll choose winners next Monday.

To enter, tell me your favorite character or story from Greek mythology.

Hugs,
TLC

On Title Hunt Winners and Titles

2011-09-05T11:28:00.000-05:00

After jumping the gun a little bit and trying to end the Sweet Venom 2 title hunt contest early, it's now officially over and I can officially announce the title. Say hello to...

Sweet Shadows

There were some very creative guesses (Sweet Poisons, Sweet Daemons, Sweet Victory) but most of you figured it out.

I don't have any information about a release date yet, other than Fall 2012, but I can tell this book bursts into brand new territory. It's even more action-packed that Sweet Venom. I can't wait to see the cover. I've seen the picture they're going to use and, well, let's just say it's going to be breathtaking.

And of course, now that the contest is over and the title revealed, it's also time to choose winners. I headed over to Randomizer.org and let it do my choosing for me. Without further ado, the winners are...

Grand Prize

(Sweet Venom + $50 GC)

Kate Roth

Runners Up

(Sweet Venom)

Ambur Hostyn

Donna Rushton

Lyssa Anne

Mandy Rose

Congratulations to the winners and thank you to all the bloggers who hosted letters and everyone who entered!

Sweet Venom hits bookshelves in a matter of hours (!!!) and I'll be kicking off release week with--of course--more giveaways. Tune in tomorrow to say happy book birthday to Sweet Venom and to join in the celebration fun.

Hugs,
TLC

Sweet Venom 2 Title Hunt

2011-08-30T02:01:00.000-05:00

*** Okay, now the contest is over. Winners will be posted soon. ***

With the release of Sweet Venom just one week away (ONE WEEK!) it's about time I reveal the title for the second book in the trilogy, due out next Fall. You know I never do anything easy, so I've constructed a title hunt challenge, with the help of a lot of my blogger friends. Here's how it works:

Visit the bloggers on the list at the bottom of the post.
Each blogger will give you a letter.*
Once you have all of the letters (see the clues below to know how many you should have) then unscramble them to find the title.
Then come back here and fill out the form below.

*Bloggers have duplicate letters. Just because you find several of one letter, that doesn't mean it's repeated that many times in the title.

The title will look like this:

Here are some hints:

There are 8 different letters in the title.
1 letter appears three times, 2 letters appear twice, and the other 5 letters appear only once each.
Keep in mind that titles in series often share characteristics.

Once you're ready to guess (only one per person) fill out this form:

Oh, and did I forget to mention the prizes? Five (5) winners will get a signed copy of Sweet Venom, and the grand prize winner will also get a $50 gift card to the bookstore of their choice.Now, if you're ready to start, here's the list of participating bloggers.

ETA: It has been pointed out that some bloggers oopsied on posting their letters for the hunt. I've disabled their links. There are still plenty of other posts to give you all the letters.

The contest will be open for until midnight PT on Sunday, September 4.

Good luck!

Hugs,
TLC

PS. I always forget to say if things are open internationally, but this one is.

Monday Winners: Sweet Venom

2011-08-29T10:22:00.000-05:00

I had so much fun reading the answers to last Monday's contest question. You guys are definitely an eclectic bunch and you sure know where to shop. The winners of Sweet Venom are:

Gaby (from Oh My Books!)
Deserae McGlothen
Safari Poet
Kristen H. (@bookgoil)
Valorie004

Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to everyone who participated. Winners email me your mailing info asap to tlc at teralynnchilds dot com and I'll get your prize in the mail!

Tune in tomorrow for another awesome contest, aka the Sweet Venom 2 Title Hunt!

Hugs,
TLC

Venom Squad: Do You Have Bite?

2011-08-26T12:00:00.000-05:00

You may have heard about my awesome Splash Team, the fabulous group of readers, bloggers, librarians and teachers who've helped me spread the word about Forgive My Fins and Fins Are Forever. Well, now it's time for Sweet Venom and the Venom Squad.

Membership opened up first to current Splash Team members and then to newsletter subscribers. But there are still a few spots left and now it's open to the general public. These spots will fill quickly, and when they're gone the form will be disabled.

If you're ready to find out more about the Venom Squad and sign up to help tell the world about Sweet Venom, then fill out this form.

Hugs,

TLC

Monday Giveaway: Sweet Venom

2011-08-22T08:00:00.000-05:00

*** contest over, see this post for winners ***

I know, I know. I've missed two Mondays in a row. But today, I promise to make up for it! Last week I got my author copies of Sweet Venom, which means I have two big boxes of shiny finished books.

These books won't do me any good sitting around in my apartment (I don't have that much storage space) so I've decided to give a few away. Five (5) copies to be exact.

Grace just moved to San Francisco and is excited to start over at a new school. The change is full of fresh possibilities, but it’s also a tiny bit scary. It gets scarier when a minotaur walks in the door. And even more shocking when a girl who looks just like her shows up to fight the monster.

Gretchen is tired of monsters pulling her out into the wee hours, especially on a school night, but what can she do? Sending the minotaur back to his bleak home is just another notch on her combat belt. She never expected to run into this girl who could be her double, though.

Greer has her life pretty well put together, thank you very much. But that all tilts sideways when two girls who look eerily like her appear on her doorstep and claim they’re triplets, supernatural descendants of some hideous creature from Greek myth, destined to spend their lives hunting monsters.

These three teenage descendants of Medusa, the once-beautiful Gorgon maligned in myth, must reunite and embrace their fates in this unique paranormal world where monsters lurk in plain sight.

Now this giveaway isn't going to be as easy as the usual Monday Giveaway. You're going to have to do more than just comment. Here's how to enter:

Follow this blog, if you don't already.
Go check out the character collages on my Sweet Venom page.
Decide which girl you are the most like.
Come back here and leave a comment telling me what store you think that girl would most likely shop at. (i.e. You might say Greer would shop at Nordstrom--but don't, because I just gave you that one.)

This contest will run through next Monday, the 29th, and if winners get me their addresses quickly they'll get the books before release day!

Hugs,
TLC

Sweet Venom 2 Title Hunt Sign Up

2011-08-10T13:17:00.000-05:00

So, Sweet Venom 2 has a title. At the moment it's still secret, but I'm ready to share. Only you know I don't just give titles away. I'm organizing a hunt. This one won't be (quite) as complicated as the last one.

The big hunt will be on August 30th (one week before the Sweet Venom release) and I'm going to need some help. Lots of help, actually. Lots of blogger help. If you're a blogger and you want to participate in the hunt, just fill out this Google form and await further instructions.

(Note: Because of how the hunt will be set up, even blogger hosts who help out with the hunt will be able to enter.)

Let's get hunting.

Hugs,
TLC

Check Out Birthday Palooza

2011-08-09T14:00:00.002-05:00

Lucia at iLive, iLaugh, iLove Books is having a big, giant celebration in honor of her birthday. Among all the other great guest posts for her Birthday Palooza, I shared a very special letter to Lily from her mom. Read the letter on Lucia's blog and enter win a set of Fins books.

Hugs,
TLC

YA Scavenger Hunt: Angela Corbett

2011-08-01T02:00:00.046-05:00

*** contest over and the winner is Kelsey (kfergie13 [at] gmail [dot] com) ***

The YA Scavenger Hunt (the brain child of Tiger's Curse author Colleen Houck) is taking over the web and this is one of the stops. On this hunt you can read exclusive bonus material, sign up for giveaways, and get an all access pass to top secret insider information. This fabulous sneak peek into what’s coming up in YA literature is for one day only!

As a bonus we’ve put together a puzzle with one keyword found on each website. Complete it and you will be eligible for a fantastic grand prize which will include signed editions of books, signed bookmarks, jewelry, and many more exclusive gifts with at least one from every author!

Directions: Copy and paste the puzzle below onto a document or blank email page and fill it out as you proceed through the Scavenger Hunt. Search for keywords, one on each website that will be highlighted in RED, and insert them into the puzzle, then fill out the Google form here.

Rules: To be eligible for the grand prize, you must submit this filled in puzzle before midnight on August 1st Pacific Time. All the keywords must be in the correct place, and you must include your full name and address. Entries sent in without name and address will not be considered!

Scavenger Hunt Puzzle

Welcome fans of young adult literature! Don’t forget to _______ up in time to join our special event! In ____________ you roll the dice and, like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get. Our scavenger hunt is very similar. Surprises wait around every corner. Turn one page and you’re chasing a _________ through a _________ _____________. Turn another and you are being ________ by a _______ which leaves your heart ________. YA ________s are full of ___________ heroes who must ___________ themselves for the greater good. Some of the characters travel through ______ or have a _________ __________. If there is one thing YA books have taught us, it’s that if you leave your ___________ keep an eye out for a patrolling ________. They’re very dangerous. Maybe not so frightening as a ____________, but still you should be careful. Also beware lest you become __________ by vampires. ______________ one is a different story. Just remember that bite has ___________ ramifications and that afterwards the sun can ______ you unless you get bitten by a glittering type. Whether you like dark, paranormal, romance, fantasy, ___________, Sci-Fi, or a combination of those, we’ve got something for you.

We think that each fan is a __________ and we love you all!

On With The Hunt!

I have the honor of hosting debut author Angela Corbett, whose book Eternal Starling comes out this December.

Here's the dish on Angela:

Angela Corbett graduated from Westminster College with a double major in communication and sociology. She started working for her hometown newspaper, The Leader, when she was sixteen and won awards for feature, news, and editorial writing. She has also worked as a freelance writer. Angela lives in Utah with her extremely supportive husband, Dan, and their five-pound Pomeranian, Pippin, whose following of fangirls could rival Justin Bieber's.

Here's the dish on Eternal Starling:

A love so strong, even eternity can’t separate them.

Evie Starling has lived a relatively uneventful life hanging out with friends, gossiping about boys, and driving her 1966 Mustang. All of that changes when she moves to Gunnison, Colorado, to start college and meets two mysterious men.

For centuries, Alex Night and Emil Stone have yearned for Evie—but they each have their own reasons for wanting to be with her. When both men claim to be her soul mate and tell her about an unbelievable past, Evie learns that she’s not the person she thought she was. Soon, Evie finds herself in the middle of an age-old battle between the Amaranthine Society—the soul protectors, and the Daevos Resistance—the soul destroyers. With a past she doesn’t understand, and a future rife with danger, Evie has to decide who she can trust. But Alex and Emil aren’t the only ones who want Evie, and her soul is about to become the rope in an eternal tug-of-war.

Here's the exclusive sneak peek at Eternal Starling:

Oops! The one day only Scavenger Hunt is over and the exclusive bonus material is gone. Be sure to check out Eternal Starling when it comes out in December!

Here's Angela's secret code word: Eternal

Now, track down the other stops on the YA Scavenger Hunt to find lots of other bonus materials (including an exclusive excerpt from Sweet Venom), to enter bunches of author-sponsored contests, and to enter to big massive Grand Prize contest.

Here's your next stop: Visit this author.

Here's a hint: Visit Angela and Colleen, too.

Here's a giveaway:

While you're here, let's do a giveaway. Here's your chance to win an autographed paperback set of Oh. My. Gods. and Goddess Boot Camp AND an ARC of Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini! Leave a comment about whatever topic your heart desires to enter.

Hugs,
TLC

PS. Monday Giveaways will return next week.

Changing Chick Lit Prices

2011-07-27T12:00:00.000-05:00

Just an FYI to let you know that, at the end of the summer, prices for the Eye Candy and Straight Stalk ebooks will be going up to $2.99.

If you want them at the bargain basement price of $0.99 get them now!

Hugs,
TLC

Alert: YA Scavenger Hunt!

2011-07-26T10:00:00.015-05:00

Maybe you've heard about this on other author blogs, but the YA Scavenger Hunt (organized by the fabulous Colleen Houck, author of Tiger's Curse) will be here for one day only on August 1st.

Who: Too many YA authors to name, including Josephine Angelini, Angela Corbett, Andrea Cremer, Kady Cross, Heather Davis, Bree Despain, Clare Dunkle, Marley Gibson, Abbi Glines, Colleen Houck, Tara Hudson, Elana Johnson, Alexandra Monir, Lisa Nowak, Gregg Olsen, Beth Revis, Lisa and Laura Roecker, Inara Scott, Sophie Jordan, Lani Woodland and many more.

What: An exclusive BONUS offering from each author. This might be an exclusive excerpt (*cough* Sweet Venom *cough*), an extra chapter, a short story, a bit of news, a new cover or any bit of insider info from the author's world. Everything will go back in the vault on August 2nd and you might never see it again.

When: August 1st (and only August 1st)

Where: YA author blogs and websites across the net.

Why: Because you love bonus material AND because there will be lots of prizes up for grabs, too. I'll be giving away a set of Oh. My Gods. and Goddess Boot Camp.

How: Come back to my blog on August 1st (yes, this mean's next week will have no Monday Giveaway) and find my surprise guest author's bonus material. You'll also get a clue to find the next stop on the hunt.

See you back here on Monday!

Hugs,
TLC

Monday Giveaway: Wolfsbane

2011-07-25T14:12:00.002-05:00

*** contest over and the winner is Emily Dye ***

It's mid-summer, so Mondays don't suck as much as usual, but I have another fun giveaway for you this week. This time it's an ARC of Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer (book two in the Nightshade series).

This thrilling sequel to the much-talked-about Nightshade begins just where it ended-Calla Tor wakes up in the lair of the Searchers, her sworn enemy, and she's certain her days are numbered. But then the Searchers make her an offer-one that gives her the chance to destroy her former masters and save the pack-and the man-she left behind. Is Ren worth the price of her freedom? And will Shay stand by her side no matter what? Now in control of her own destiny, Calla must decide which battles are worth fighting and how many trials true love can endure and still survive.

To enter to win, tell me if prefer getting a book as an ARC, a hardcover, a paperback, or an ebook. (Facebook and Goodreads readers please click over to Blogger.)

Hugs,
TLC

*Open Internationally*

Giveaway and Review Copy Policy

2011-07-20T12:16:00.000-05:00

The more books I have out, the more requests I get from readers and bloggers for freebies of some sort. this has gotten a bit overwhelming, so I thought it was time I posted my freebies policy here on the blog.

I know it seems like, as a multi-published author, I must be rolling in dough/time/stuff to give away. That is mostly untrue. I make a living with my writing. I struggle to find the time to keep up with social media, blogging, web presence, promotion, fanmail, and--oh yeah--writing books. And everything that I have to give away is something I designed, ordered, paid for, and have to ship myself.

Because of those considerations, I have to weigh each request individually. I can't send everything to everyone, though I often wish I could, and I end up having to pick and choose which requests to fulfill. Here's how that happens.

Review Copies

I don't have any. My publisher sends me a (very) few ARCs of each book, and those are generally reserved for friends, family, and the occasional contest. Any review copy requests I get are forwarded to my publisher. To get on that list, send me an email with the following information:

Your Name
Your Blog Name
Your Blog URL
Your Mailing Address

Swag Giveaways

After countless "cut and paste" requests that were probably sent to dozens of authors, I've had to become very picky about where I send my swag. Here are some things that make me more likely to fulfill a request:

Address me by name
Mention the title of one or more of my books
Have read at least one of my books
If you're a blogger, have reviewed at least one of my books
Explain why my books are perfect for your readers/students

I'm far more likely to send stuff to a blogger with a hundred followers who absolutely loved one of my books and who wants to help share that love with their readers, than to a blogger with a huge following who just wants to add my swag to a massive giveaway. Since I can't send to everyone, I choose to send to those I think will appreciate it the most.

If you just want some freebies for yourself or to add to a big giveaway, check out the Freebies section on my website.

Hugs,
TLC

Monday Giveaway: Everlasting

2011-07-18T10:00:00.010-05:00

*** contest over (finally!) and the winner is April Millwood ***

As evidence for how much Monday's suck, this blog post is a few hours late. But it's worth it! This week I'm giving away a signed (yes, SIGNED!) copy of Everlasting by Alyson Noel.

The sixth and final installment of the epic love story that has enchanted readers across the world. Ever and Damen have spent centuries facing down bitter rivals, jealous friends and their own worst fears—all in the hope of being together forever. Now in Everlasting, their destiny is finally within reach.

Will they be united—or torn apart forever? Readers will finally discover the truth in this anxiously awaited conclusion!

And for extra fun this week, check out the gorgeous book trailer!

To enter this week, comment with your opinion on book trailers. Love 'em? Hate 'em? Couldn't care less about 'em? (Facebook and Goodreads readers please click over to Blogger.)

Hugs,
TLC

*Open Internationally*

Sweet Venom Tour Dates and Summer Events

2011-07-15T12:00:00.047-05:00

Finally I have confirmed details to share about this Fall's tour for me (Sweet Venom) and Sophie Jordan (Vanish). If you're in the Midwest, you might be in luck. Here are the times and locations:

September 7 @ 7pm
Blue Willow Bookshop in Houston, TX

September 8 @ 7pm
Books & Co in Dayton, OH

September 9 @ 7pm
Magic Tree Bookstore in Chicago, IL

October 1
Austin Teen Book Festival in Austin, TX

Is one of these stops somewhere near you? I'll also have news soon about a signing in the Seattle area, and don't forget I have three Las Vegas events this summer, so if you're in Sin City please stop by.

July 16 @ 4pm
Barnes & Noble on N. Rainbow

August 11 @ 7pm
Mermaid Ball @ Barnes & Noble on N. Rainbow

August 12-13
MerCon @ the Mirage

Hope to see you at one of these events!

Hugs,
TLC

Meerjungfrau sucht Prinz fürs Leben (or How Lily Became German)

2011-07-14T12:00:00.000-05:00

Happy release day to Forgive My Fins in Germany! Or I should say happy release day to Meerjungfrau sucht Prinz fürs Leben! (Don't worry, I have no idea what it says either.) But here's the adorable cover:

I love the tail and the curlicues!

Lily sure looks like she's having fun on that German rock. And check out the look on her face. She's got everything under control.

I haven't seen a real life copy yet, but when I do I'll share pics. So, does anyone out there speak German? I'm curious about the title, the description on the Fischer Verlage website, and why it says "Über Tera Lynn Childs" on my bio page. Hmmm....

Hugs,
TLC

Forgive My Fins Gets A British Accent

2011-07-12T13:49:00.003-05:00

You might have noticed there was no new Monday Giveaway this week. I claim travel brain. Look for a fabulous new giveaway next Monday. I promise you won't be disappointed.

This happened while I was on the road in my summer travel craziness, but the UK edition of Forgive My Fins came out on July 1st. Here is the beautiful, shiny cover of the British edition.

I especially love the bubbles up the side.

Isn't it gorgeous? It's even prettier in real life, since it's all metallic and shiny. My UK publisher, Templar, did a fantastic job! And I have to say that I had fun figuring out the "Anglicizations" (aka translating American English into British English) and making my mer world UK ready. Can't wait to tackle Fins Are Forever for next summer's release.

On top of everything else, Templar arranged a truly awesome blog tour. With a dozen stops, you can get everything from reviews to interviews to guest posts by moi on music and writing. Get the complete schedule and links on Templar's blog.

As an aside, I think I have to accept that my summers will always be full of travel craziness. I mean, since I sold my first book in 2006--while spending part of the summer in Florida before going to a conference in Atlanta and then visiting my soon-to-be PhD program in Boston--I have had nothing but summers of crazy. In the future, if I have a very sane summer where I only visit one only one distant location, that will be considered a crazy summer. For me, crazy is now normal. I should have seen this coming...

Hugs,
TLC

Mermaid Cupcake Contest Winners!

2011-07-10T15:17:00.000-05:00

Thank you everyone who participated! Winners are based on number of votes, with no duplicates (so if you were in the Top 10 twice, you will only get one prize). There are 11 winners instead of 10 because there was a tie for 10th.

Book Winners (Top 5)

Daniela
Joy
Racquel
Janel
Ashley

Swag Winners (Top 11)

Malia
Yolande
Sarah
Bella
Leslie Ann
Colette

If you're one of the winners, expect an email from me soon. Or, if you want to beat me to it, send your mailing info to tlc at teralynnchilds dot com. Thanks to everyone who participated and voted! Expect more fun contests coming soon!

Hugs,
TLC

Fins Are Forever Release Day!

2011-06-28T10:00:00.000-05:00

Fins Are Forever officially releases today! Lily is off on another adventure, with Quince, Shannen, Peri, and all the gang along for the ride.

If you spy it in a bookstore, let me know. I love hearing about sightings in the wild.

Hugs,
TLC

Monday Giveaway: Fins Are Forever

2011-06-27T10:00:00.003-05:00

*** contest over and winners are Mrs_laura_koehler and Garrett ***

Since it is release week (Fins Are Forever comes out on TUESDAY!!!) then it seems only fitting that I give away a couple of copies to help reduce the Monday of suck.

On Lily Sanderson’s eighteenth birthday she’ll become just a girl—still a mergirl, true, but signing the renunciation will ink Princess Waterlily of Thalassinia out of existence. That leaves plain old Lily living on land, dating the boy she loves, and trying to master this being-human thing once and for all.

Now that Lily and Quince are together, mer bond or not, she’s almost content to give up her place in the royal succession of Thalassinia. But just when she thinks she has everything figured out, the waves start to get rough. Lily’s father sends a certain whirlpool-stirring cousin to stay with her on land. What did Doe do to get herself exiled from Thalassinia and stuck in terraped form, when everyone knows how much she hates humans? And why why why is she batting her eyelashes at Lily’s former crush, Brody?

The seafoam on the raging surf comes when a merboy from Lily’s past shows up—Tellin asks Lily for something that clouds her view of the horizon. There’s a future with Quince on land, her loyalty to the kingdom in the sea, and Lily tossing on the waves in the middle. Will she find a way to reconcile her love, her duty, and her own dreams?

There will be two copies up for grabs. To enter, tell me about your favorite mermaid. (Bonus points if it's someone from Forgive My Fins--just kidding.)

Hugs,
TLC

PS--This one will have to do for two weeks because I'll be on the road. Besides, it's summer! How much can your Mondays really suck right now?

Calling All Cupcakes

2011-06-25T15:48:00.000-05:00

You already know that Fins Are Forever comes out on Tuesday (or at least you should--where have you been?!?) and to celebrate I wanted to have an extra special contest. And, if you read this blog or follow my Twitter at all, you probably also know that I love cupcakes. Especially vegan ones.

What you might now know is that the paperback edition of Forgive My Fins comes out the same day and that, in the back, there is a special extras section. And this section includes a "recipe" for mermaid cupcakes. (No, nothing gross like seaweed flavored or anything...)

So, in honor of Fins Are Forever release week and fabulous cupcakes everywhere, I'm hosting a MERMAID CUPCAKE CONTEST.

THE ASSIGNMENT Share your best mermaid cupcake creation. Your design doesn't have to be baked in the kitchen, although that might be tastiest! You can draw or collage or sculpt out of clay or use any media you want. Whatever it takes to make a cupcake creation worthy of a mermaid princess.

THE PRIZES The top 10 entries will get a swag pack, with bookmarks, postcards, buttons, and mer mark temporary tattoos. The top 5 entries will also get a Fins book sets (a paperback copy of Forgive My Fins, with great extras in the back, and a hardcover copy of Fins Are Forever).

The easiest way to enter it on Facebook. Just go to my author page, click on the Photo Contest tab and follow the instructions. But if you don't have Facebook, you can email your entry to tlc at teralynnchilds dot com and we will add your entry to contest.

Voting will start on July 3rd, so be sure to check back and vote for your favorite. I'll be picking winners and then announcing them on July 9th (or so).

Good luck and get cooking!

Hugs,
TLC

Monday Giveaway: The Summoning

2011-06-20T08:00:00.016-05:00

*** contest over and the winner is Raychelle! ***

This week I'm giving away a particular favorite. The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong is the first in her Darkest Powers trilogy and it is downright awesome. And, guess what, this one is signed!

Chloe Saunders sees dead people. Yes, like in the films. The problem is, in real life saying you see ghosts gets you a one-way ticket to the psych ward. And at 15, all Chloe wants to do is fit in at school and maybe get a boy to notice her. But when a particularly violent ghost haunts her, she gets noticed for all the wrong reasons. Her seemingly crazed behaviour earns her a trip to Lyle House, a centre for disturbed teens.

At first Chloe is determined to keep her head down. But then her room mate disappears after confessing she has a poltergeist, and some of the other patients also seem to be manifesting paranormal behaviour. Could that be a coincidence? Or is Lyle House not quite what it seems…? Chloe realizes that if she doesn’t uncover the truth, she could be destined for a lifetime in a psychiatric hospital. Or could her fate be even worse…? Can she trust her fellow students, and does she dare reveal her dark secret?

As always, comment to enter. This week tell me if you'd rather be normal... or paranormal. I'm a writer, so you can probably guess my answer! (Facebook and Goodreads readers please click over to Blogger.)

Hugs,
TLC

*Open Internationally*

Buzzing About Fins Are Forever

2011-06-19T16:00:00.000-05:00

Hooray! It's Fins Are Forever celebration week over on Books, Boys, Buzz... The Buzz girls are sharing their favorite water memories and you can win one of three sets of Fins books (a Forgive My Fins paperback, with cool extras in the back, and a Fins Are Forever hardcover). Click over and comment all week long to enter.

Hugs,
TLC

Buzzing About The Clearing

2011-06-14T14:00:00.001-05:00

At Books, Boys, Buzz... this week we're celebrating Buzz Girl Heather's nomination for the RITA award, the highest honor in romance writing. Check out the posts about inspirations in our lives and comment to win a great prize pack.

Hugs,
TLC

Monday Giveaway: Mermaid Middle Grades Books

2011-06-13T10:25:00.001-05:00

*** contest over and the winner is Kasuranna! ***

Happy Monday morning everyone! This week's suck-removing contest is a double dose of mermaid books for a slightly younger audience. I'm giving away a two pack that includes The Tail of Emily Windsnap by Liz Kessler and Aquamarine by Alice Hoffman.

For as long as she can remember, twelve-year-old Emily Windsnap has lived on a boat. And, oddly enough, for just as long, her mother has seemed anxious to keep her away from the water. But when Mom finally agrees to let her take swimming lessons, Emily makes a startling discovery - about her own identity, the mysterious father she's never met, and the thrilling possibilities and perils shimmering deep below the water's surface. With a sure sense of suspense and richly imaginative details, first-time author Liz Kessler lures us into a glorious undersea world where mermaids study shipwrecks at school and Neptune rules with an iron trident - an enchanting fantasy about family secrets, loyal friendship, and the convention-defying power of love.

Hailey and Claire are spending their last summer together when they discover something at the bottom of the murky pool at the Capri Beach Club. There in the depths is a mysterious and beautiful creature with a sharp tongue and a broken heart, a mermaid named Aquamarine who has left her family to search for true love on land. Now, as this mythological but very real being starts to fade in the hot August sun, a rescue begins

On the edge of growing up, Hailey and Claire learn that life can take an unpredictable course, that friendship can be forever, and that magic can be found in unexpected places.

Leave a comment to enter. Let me know if you dreamed of being a mermaid when you were a little girl (or a merman when you were a little boy) or if you wanted to be another kind of magical creature. (Facebook and Goodreads readers please click over to Blogger.)

Hugs,
TLC

*Open Internationally*

Monday Giveaway: Boys That Bite and Stake That

2011-06-06T07:01:00.001-05:00

*** contest over and the winner is Brittany Hiester ***

Hooray, Monday giveaways are back (and just barely, because I almost forgot) with a pair of books from one of my lovely fellow Chills and Thrills Teen Book Tour authors. Today I'm giving away signed copies of Boys That Bite and Stake That by Mari Mancusi.

Two sisters—as different as the sun and the rain. For one, getting into the Blood Coven is to die for. But for the other, getting out could be lethal...

When Sunny McDonald gets dragged to Club Fang by her twin sister Rayne, she doesn't expect to find anything besides a bunch of Goth kids playing at being vampires. But when some guy mistakes Sunny for her dark-side-loving sister and bites her on the neck, she finds out that his fangs are real—and deadly.

Now, Sunny has less than a week to figure out how to reverse the bite, or else she's going to end up as the perpetually undead. And not only will she be a vampire, she'll also be bonded to Magnus—the bloodsucker who bit her—forever. And forever is a really long time...

Two sisters—as different as the sun and the rain. For one, getting into the Blood Cover is to die for, but it seems destiny has something else in mind...

Rayne McDonald had it all figured out. Get turned into a vampire, become the mate of the Blood Coven leader, and live the high-life for all eternity. Too bad the head vamp took a bite out of her twin sister by mistake. Now, not only is Rayne still not a vampire, but she learns she's a slayer instead—destined to destroy vamps gone bad.

After being recruited by a secret organization, Rayne is given her first mission: infiltrate a seedy bar downtown and expose its vampire owner, Maverick, for purposely spreading a nasty blood virus. Luckily the Blood Coven sends some help—in the form of sexy vampire Jareth. Will vampire and slayer be able to settle their differences and work together to bring down the evil Maverick? Or will they find their own hearts on the line?

Comment to enter, as always. The question of the week is do you like/love/loathe vampires? Let the battle begin.

Hugs,
TLC

PS. I am officially driving across the country right now, so expect long delays from me when it comes to comments, questions, and emails.

Buzzing About Platinum Hit

2011-05-31T11:15:00.000-05:00

Today I'm talking about Bravo's new singer-songwriter competition show Platinum Hit over on Books, Boys, Buzz...

Hugs,
TLC

Giveaways Return Next Monday

2011-05-30T09:15:00.000-05:00

Since this Monday is a holiday it already sucks less than most, so I'm forgoing doing a giveaway in favor of an NCIS marathon and finishing the first draft of Sweet Venom 2. (No holidays for writers, apparently. At least not ones on deadlines.)

Have a safe Memorial Day.

Hugs,
TLC

Chills and Thrills Tour Wrap-up (Weekend Two)

2011-05-26T10:00:00.005-05:00

After the previous weekend, I was a little nervous to drive my car back to Texas. Especially since I drove down the morning of the signing without the extra buffer of an overnight stay to make sure I got there on time.

Saturday, May 21, 2011

I headed out from Stillwater pretty early in the morning, since it was a four-plus hour drive to A Real Bookstore in Fairview, Texas. I got there without car incident (whew!) with plenty of time to spare. Which meant I got to drop in at The Container Store (whee!) where they were having an "Organized Travel" sale (double whee!).

Then, once I'd spent my savings, I headed over to A Real Bookstore. I was an hour early and got totally called out by the event manager, Jeremy, as I was trying to sneak across the store. But I hung out in front of the store, chatting with Kari from The {Teen} Book Scene and then Tracy Deebs and Jennifer Archer when they arrived.

There was a great turnout, with lots of bloggers and aspiring writers. Arena from The Nerd's Wife and Melina from Reading Vacation posted some great pics and recaps of our event there. And Rosemary Clement-Moore made the trek to support us at the signing. We had a blast!

(I totally stole this adorable picture from Melina's blog!)

We also hung out in the cafe afterward, chatting (as we are so fond of doing) for like two hours. We even drew the attention of an aspiring romance author who happened to be sitting nearby, who was then ~~crazy~~ brave enough to approach us and ask very smart questions about becoming an author. All in all a really fun day.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

My car remained functional and in tact despite the overnight stay at Rosemary's. Which proved, I suppose, that her house is not cursed with car trouble. I made the short drive from her house to the Barnes & Noble at North East Mall in Hurst, Texas.

We had another good turnout, including some of the ladies from Fresh Fiction (waves at Sara and Candy), a couple of book bloggers, some teachers, and Misty, one of my fabulous Splash Team members, who brought me adorable gifts!

The bar is set, Splashers. I expect prezzies!

After the signing, I finally made the long drive back to Oklahoma for the last time. There were tornado warnings in the Fort Worth area and severe thunderstorms in southeast Oklahoma, but luckily I managed to beat them all home. Now I'm home for a while, finishing up Sweet Venom 2 for my editor, and getting ready to make the big move.

Hugs,
TLC

Chills and Thrills Tour Wrap-up (Weekend One)

2011-05-25T10:00:00.002-05:00

For the past two weekends I've make the long trek down to Texas to participate in booksignings as part of the Chills and Thrills Teen Book Tour. The tour (which still has one weekend of signings down in Houston) was quite the adventure. In more ways than one.

Friday, May 13, 2011

For a Friday the 13th, it was pretty uneventful. I headed out of Stillwater at 8:30am with the plans to meet the fabulous Jamie Harrington for lunch at Freebirds in Denton at 1:30ish. Other than the fact that my brand new car brakes were really stinky and Tom-Tom sent me to the wrong place, it was great. I gave Jamie some lemon vegan cupcakes and then went on my way.

I arrived in Austin at around 8:00pm and went out to dinner with my friend Nora. We went to Austin favorite Kerbey Lane, where they have a vegan menu. I ordered the hippy burger and it was delicious!

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Made the drive from Austin to San Antonio (with some ridiculous traffic along the way) for the first Chills and Thrills signing at the Barnes & Noble in the La Cantera mall. It was awesome. We had a good turnout (maybe due, in part, to the fact that Rick Riordan was signing after us). Other than two missing tour members (one had mixed up the time, the other had a family emergency) it was delightful.

Jennifer Archer, Marianne Mancusi, and Tracy Deebs.

I had lunch after with author Clare Dunkle, whom I met up with later that evening at Chris Barton's signing in Austin. Before the signing I had dinner with Nora and my friend (one of my dad's former student's) Holly who has a decorative cake business. She makes cakes that look like bras!

Sunday, May 15, 2011

The second tour signing at Book People was great! Lot's of Austin area book bloggers showed up (waves at jenbigheart and MundieMoms) and we had some great questions from the crowd. This was the only event where all seven tour members were signing (me, Jennifer Archer, Lara Chapman, Jordan Dane, Tracy Deebs, Sophie Jordan, and Marianne Mancusi) so that made it extra special.

Jennifer Archer, Tracy Deebs, Sophie Jordan, Marianne Mancusi, Jordan Dane, and me (holding Lara Chapman's book because she was running late).

After the signing, I hung out with Sophie a bit (I got the most adorable little dog jewelry bowl at Anthropologie) and sent home vegan cupcakes with her and Marianne. (There was a bit of a vegan vs. non-vegan cupcake war on Twitter between me, Marianne, and Rosemary Clement-Moore, so I had to deliver the goods for my side.)

Then I headed up to Arlington to stay with Rosemary Clement-Moore for the night. My plan was to deliver the vegan cupcakes, spend half the night chatting, and then get on the road early to get back to my Sweet Venom 2 revision in Oklahoma. Only my brakes had other plans. My brand new brakes failed (it's a long story and you can read all about it on the Buzz Blog) and I ended up staying an extra night.

Monday, May 16, 2011

Bye bye car.

Got to spend the whole day with Rosemary, chatting and having lunch at a vegan restaurant and waiting to hear news about my poor car. By the end of the day I knew I'd be spending another night, but my car would be fixed the next morning.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Finally drive back to Oklahoma. Even though it was only a day later than planned, it felt like forever. Mostly because I'd left my revision work and home and I was eager to get back to it. Thus ended weekend one of the Chills and Thrills tour. I'll dish the dirt on weekend two tomorrow.

Hugs,
TLC

Buzzing About High School

2011-05-24T14:05:00.000-05:00

We're talking about high school and graduation this week at Books, Boys, Buzz... so click over to enjoy some fun tales and embarrassing pictures.

Hugs,
TLC

Monday Giveaway: Can I See Your I.D.?

2011-05-23T10:26:00.001-05:00

*** Contest is over and the winner is Stephanie Karina. Send your mailing info to tlc at teralynnchilds dot com. ***

Today's edition of getting the suck out of Monday's goes the non-fiction route. Normally I'm not into reading non-fiction (watching it, sure, I'm totally addicted to the Discovery Channel) but when I heard Chris Barton reading sections from Can I See Your I.D.? I was sold. Check it out.

From the impoverished young woman who enchanted nineteenth-century British society as a faux Asian princess, to the sixteen-year-old boy who "stole" a subway train in 1993, to the lonely-but-clever Frank Abagnale of Catch Me If You Can fame, these ten vignettes offer exhilarating insight into mind-blowing masquerades. Graphic panels draw you into the exploits of these pretenders, and meticulously researched details keep you on the edge of your seat. Each scene is presented in the second person, a unique point of view that literally places you inside the faker's mind. With motivations that include survival, delusion, and plain old-fashioned greed, the psychology of deception has never been so fascinating or so close at hand.

So, what do you think? Sound like something you might like to try? Don't be scared off by the non-fictioniness, because these stories are really awesome reads. To enter to win this signed copy, just comment or tell me about one time where you pretended to be someone or something else.

Hugs,
TLC

Mermaid Short Story Poll

2011-05-19T09:50:00.000-05:00

I'm thinking about writing a short story or two set in the Forgive My Fins world, but my brain is deadline fried and I need some suggestions. Is there a secondary character you would like to know a little more about? Or maybe an aspect of the mermaid world you want to understand better? Anything about Forgive My Fins (or Fins Are Forever, if you've read it, but no spoilers please) that sparked some curiosity? No promises on when the short story will surface, but any and all ideas are welcome.

Hugs,
TLC

Double Monday Giveaway: Tempest Rising and Texas Gothic

2011-05-16T09:06:00.002-05:00

*** Contest is over. Winner of Tempest Rising is Teri Hack. Winner of Texas Gothic is Mona Garg. ***

Because this Monday has more suck than usual (I'm trapped at the home of the delightful Rosemary Clement-Moore because my just-replaced car brakes failed) I'm making this a double giveaway day.

The first prize will be a signed copy of Tempest Rising by Tracy Deebs. If you loved Forgive My Fins and want to read about the darker side of mermaids, this is the book for you! (Bonus: The giveaway includes a mini pedicure kit and dark blue nail polish that matches the cover!)

Tempest Maguire wants nothing more than to surf the killer waves near her California home; continue her steady relationship with her boyfriend, Mark; and take care of her brothers and surfer dad. But Tempest is half mermaid, and as her seventeenth birthday approaches, she will have to decide whether to remain on land or give herself to the ocean like her mother. The pull of the water becomes as insistent as her attraction to Kai, a gorgeous surfer whose uncanny abilities hint at an otherworldly identity as well. And when Tempest does finally give in to the water's temptation and enters a fantastical underwater world, she finds that a larger destiny awaits her-and that the entire ocean's future hangs in the balance.

Next up is a signed ARC of Texas Gothic from Rosemary Clement-Moore. I haven't had the chance to read this yet, but Rosemary's books are always awesome.

Amy Goodnight's family is far from normal. She comes from a line of witches, but tries her best to stay far outside the family business. Her summer gig? Ranch-sitting for her aunt with her wacky but beautiful sister. Only the Goodnight Ranch is even less normal than it normally is. Bodies are being discovered, a ghost is on the prowl, and everywhere she turns, the hot neighbor cowboy is in her face.

Just comment to win. Share your suckiest Monday ever story if you like.

(Facebook and Goodreads readers please click over to Blogger.)

Hugs,
TLC

Bidding on the Underground

2011-05-11T14:00:00.003-05:00

Today on the Supernatural Underground I'm talking about my lots up for auction at Brenda Novak's auction to raise money for juvenile diabetes research.

Hugs,
TLC

Buzzing About Revisions

2011-05-10T15:28:00.000-05:00

Today on Books, Boys, Buzz... I'm talking about the office supplies I need to get through a book revision.

Hugs,
TLC

Monday Giveaway: Abandon

2011-05-09T08:00:00.002-05:00

*** the contest is over and the winner is Small Review ***

In my new quest to rid Mondays of as much suck as possible, here's the second giveaway in which I offer up for grabs Abandon by Meg Cabot.

Though she tries returning to the life she knew before the accident, Pierce can't help but feel at once a part of this world, and apart from it. Yet she's never alone ... because someone is always watching her. Escape from the realm of the dead is impossible when someone there wants you back.

But now she's moved to a new town. Maybe at her new school, she can start fresh. Maybe she can stop feeling so afraid.

Only she can't. Because even here, he finds her. That's how desperately he wants her back. She knows he's no guardian angel, and his dark world isn't exactly heaven, yet she can't stay away . . . especially since he always appears when she least expects it, but exactly when she needs him most.

But if she lets herself fall any further, she may just find herself back in the one place she most fears: the Underworld.

I read this in one sitting last week, when I should have been finishing my first draft of Sweet Venom 2 or processing my email or any number of other things, all of which I completely abandoned to consume Abandon. It is so very good. You know I love mythology, and this is mythology brought into the modern world in a wonderful story. This is the first in a trilogy and I am dying for the next installment.

To enter, simply comment on this post--if you want to say something specific, tell me which tale from Greek myth is your favorite. (Facebook and Goodreads readers please click over to Blogger.)

Hugs,
TLC

*Open Internationally*

Buzzing About Discoveries

2011-05-03T14:00:00.001-05:00

It's release week again over on Books, Boys, Buzz... and this time we're talking about discoveries. Check out the posts and enter to win a very cool prize pack.

Hugs,
TLC

Monday Giveaway: The Body Finder

2011-05-02T09:10:00.002-05:00

*** the contest is over and the winner is Mercedes Robinson ***

As I mentioned a few weeks ago, I have a ton of ARCs and books from my travels recently to the Romantic Times convention and the Texas Library Association conference. I can't keep them all (*pictures shelves collapsing under insane weight of books*) so, in an effort to make Monday's slightly less suckier, I'm going to do a series of Monday Giveaways.

First up is The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting.

Violet Ambrose is grappling with two major issues: Jay Heaton and her morbid secret ability. While the sixteen-year-old is confused by her new feelings for her best friend since childhood, she is more disturbed by her "power" to sense dead bodies—or at least those that have been murdered. Since she was a little girl, she has felt the echoes that the dead leave behind in the world... and the imprints that attach to their killers.

Violet has never considered her strange talent to be a gift; it mostly just led her to find the dead birds her cat had tired of playing with. But now that a serial killer has begun terrorizing her small town, and the echoes of the local girls he's claimed haunt her daily, she realizes she might be the only person who can stop him.

Despite his fierce protectiveness over her, Jay reluctantly agrees to help Violet on her quest to find the murderer—and Violet is unnerved to find herself hoping that Jay's intentions are much more than friendly. But even as she's falling intensely in love, Violet is getting closer and closer to discovering a killer... and becoming his prey herself.

I positively zoomed through this book. It's AMAZING (*insert writer jealousy here*) and I can't wait to read Desires of the Dead. Exciting Note: This one is SIGNED by Kim herself.

To enter, simply comment on this post. (Facebook and Goodreads readers please click over to Blogger.)

Hugs,
TLC

*Open Internationally*

Get Your Sweet Venom Sooner

2011-04-29T10:02:00.000-05:00

I teased this news yesterday on the blog and I've announced it on twitter and facebook, for those of you whole only find me here on the blog or who might have missed the other announcements, I have some very exciting Sweet Venom news. My publisher has decided to change the release date (for a potentially very cool but not yet sharable reason) and now Sweet Venom will hit books stores on...

September 6

That means that two months from now you'll have Fins Are Forever (yay!) and then two months after that you'll have Sweet Venom (double yay!!!). Isn't that exciting? And a little nerve-wracking because I have one less month to prepare, but if the reason for the change falls into place that it will be well worth it. Keep your fingers crossed.

Hugs,
TLC

A New Fins Are Forever ARC Winner!

2011-04-28T20:03:00.000-05:00

Okay, so AnnieAnde was a no show to win the last ARC of Fins Are Forever. *sad face* But there must be a winner of this ARC, so I went back to Randomizer, got a new number, and the new lucky winner is...

Shannon the BookStalker

Hooray and congratulations, Shannon! This one is (pretty much) a guarantee, because I know how to find her on Twitter.

Once again, thanks to everyone who followed me and entered the contest (and nudged me to pick a winner ... twice). Remember, there will be more chances to win actual books closer to the June 28th release date.

Hugs,
TLC

PS. Check back tomorrow for some exciting news about Sweet Venom!

Texas May Tour Dates

2011-04-26T12:15:00.000-05:00

I now have official dates and times for my signings in Texas next month. Find out more about the Chills & Thrills Teen Book Tour on the tour blog and come see me and other fabulous YA authors at these events:

Saturday, May 14 at 12:00pm
La Cantera Barnes & Noble
San Antonio, TX
Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 2:00 pm
Book People
Austin, TX
(Forgive My Fins is their Not Just Another Teen Book Club pick for May, so you can come get your copy signed!)
Saturday, May 21 at 2:00 pm
A Real Bookstore
Fairview, TX
Sunday, May 22 at 2:00 pm
Barnes & Noble at North East Mall
Hurst, TX

Hugs,
TLC

Last Call for AnnieAnde

2011-04-25T12:13:00.001-05:00

If you are AnnieAnde (and that link leads to your Blogger profile) then you are the winner of the last Fins Are Forever ARC and you need to email me! If I don't hear from AnnieAnde by the end of today I'll pick a new winner.

Hugs,
TLC

Fins Are Forever ARC Winners!

2011-04-19T16:36:00.000-05:00

Boy are you guys impatient to find out who won the very last ARCs of Fins Are Forever (at least the last ones in my possession). I love it, because that means you're excited for the book!

I don't get to pick the Goodreads winner (that's all handled by the site) and I don't think I should announce the winner publicly because it's not available on the Goodreads site. If you won that ARC, you should have gotten an email from Goodreads notifying you.

But I do get to pick the winner on my own blog. Duh. So I went over to my favorite random number site, plugged in my number of followers, and slogged through them to come up with:

AnnieAnde

Congratulations, Annie! Email your mailing info to tlc at teralynnchilds dot com and I'll get the ARC in the mail ASAP.

Thank you to all my followers. I promise this won't be the last of the rewards for reading my blog. And stay tuned, because there are sure to be future contests here on the blog, on my website, and on other blogs around the web, where you'll be able to win a hardcover copy of Fins Are Forever.

Hugs,
TLC

RT Book Haul

2011-04-11T12:30:00.001-05:00

Last week I hit the Romantic Times Booklovers Convention in Los Angeles. I have to admit that the location had a lot to do with my attendance (I love LA!) but this year's Teen Day promised to be an amazing reader event and I just couldn't pass up going.

More on the fabulous Teen Day later, but for now I want to dish on the books I snagged at the Avon Dusk to Dawn mixer and the Teen Day YA Party. Some of these are just for future giveaways (you're welcome!) and some are just for me.

The Gathering by Kelley Armstrong (signed) -- I got to hear Kelley read the prologue and it sounded amazing. I'm two chapters in and I think it's going to be awesome.

The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting (signed) -- I already have this on Nook, so this signed paperback will soon be up for giveaway grabs.

Abandon by Meg Cabot -- Mine, mine, mine!

Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer -- I still have to read the first one, and now I get to read them back to back. Yay!

Graveminder by Melissa Marr (signed) -- Sounds and looks so great. And, well, it's Melissa Marr, so I'm sure it will be.

Avalon High Coronation by Meg Cabot -- My first manga.

Enclave by Ann Aguirre -- This one looks amazing, and I love anything about the apocalypse.

So, are any of these on your Must Read list? Which one would you most want me to give away?

Hugs,
TLC

10 Days to Win Fins Are Forever

2011-04-08T08:00:00.011-05:00

Just a quick reminder that you only have ten (10) days left to enter for two chances to win an ARC of Fins Are Forever! Enter once just by following this blog (over here on Blogger, for all you Goodreads and Facebook readers). Enter again on Goodreads.

Good luck!

Hugs,
TLC

Buzzing About Cali

2011-04-05T11:00:00.000-05:00

Today on Books, Boys, Buzz... I'm talking about my upcoming trip to Los Angeles. Find out what I miss about southern California and what touristy things I've never done.

And remember, if you're anywhere near La Verne, California, this Thursday at 5:00 you should come to Mrs. Nelson's Toy & Book Store to see me and Sophie Jordan!

Hugs,
TLC

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