Vala Agendas Blog Tour

Hello Everyone! I hope all is well with you! I’ve got J.F. Jenkins here and she’s sharing some great information about herself and her new book “Vala Agendas”.  Take it away J. F.! 🙂

1)       What inspired you to write your Book?
Like most of my books, I had a really trippy dream. I call it “Divine Inspiration”. 🙂

2)       Who is your favorite character and why?

That’s a tough one to answer. There are many that I like equally for various different reasons. I guess if I had to narrow it down, however, I would pick Jewl, and that’s for reasons to be revealed in later books.

3)       Why should readers read your book?

Because it’s awesome? Lol. No, in all seriousness, because it’s the beginning of a journey like no other.

4)       Tell us a little bit about your writing process.

I just write. There isn’t really any other way to describe it. When I get an idea, I sort of think about where I want it to go and take it there. Usually there are twists and turns along the way of course, but I just keep writing even if I’m not necessarily feeling like it.

5)       What’s next for J. F. Jenkins the author?

I’m working on the fourth book in the Vala series, Denver’s book, which has no title at the moment. Then I’m going to finish the last book in my Dragons Saga.

Fun questions:

1)       Tell us something that no one else knows about you.

I can’t tell you that! Then everyone will know!

2)       What kind of books do you enjoy reading?

Everything and anything! Seriously, I span multiple genres.

3)       Who’s your favorite author?

Stephen King

4)       What’s your favorite guilty pleasure?

Big Time Rush

5)       If you could sit down and talk with a famous author, who would it be and why?

Probably Stephen King and that’s just because he’s so interesting to listen to.

Thanks J.F. for taking the time to be here today and anyone who wants to purchase her new book the links are below! Check it out!

Cheyenne Loveless was just a boring sixteen-year-old girl. Then Denver Collins bit her and everything changed. Her plants start talking to her, she finds out she’s a Nymph, and a witch and the angel of death show up at her doorstep to take her away to the prestigious Vala School and Seminary. Oh, and she has no choice in the matter.

All she wants to do is blend in and return to being invisible, but the more time that passes, the harder that becomes. Plus she’s a daughter of the Divine, an exclusive secret society which rules the world of myth, and discovers she is a key ingredient to an ancient covenant created before she was born. A covenant …

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Vala-Agendas-ebook/dp/B005WNXJRG

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/vala-j-f-jenkins/1111910922?ean=2940013301627

Forbidden Mind Blog Tour for Kimberly Kinrade

Hello Everyone! I hope all is well with you! I’ve got Kimberly Kinrade here today and she’s answering some questions and talking about her new release! Check it out!

What inspired you to write your Book?

Years ago, I dreamed of a girl named Sam who could read minds and was rented out to the rich as a spy. I jotted the idea down and went back to sleep. Last fall, while preparing two other books for launch, I wanted to put out a short story and remembered this dream. Well, turned out it wasn’t a short story, it was a trilogy that is now becoming a saga, with more than 40 spin-off books now planned in this world, though the world becomes so much bigger than Forbidden Mind.

Who is your favorite character and why?

I’d have to say Lucy is my favorite in Forbidden Mind, though Hunter Riley is my favorite by the third book, Forbidden Life. Lucy is spunky, brave and irreverent at times, and she just has a great energy that I love about her. She’s also a martial arts expert, can tell when people are lying, and can hack into anything.

Why should readers read your book?

If they love a fast paced romantic adventure, super powers, and stories with lots of unexpected twists, I think they’ll love the Forbidden Trilogy. It’s been compared to X-Men meets Dark Angel and Alias.

Tell us a little bit about your writing process.

I’ve been learning how to plot better, because the outlining process has always been hard for me, but with so many books now set in the same world, and so many spin off trilogies, I just have to be more organized in my writing. So I come up with an idea, then I flesh it out. Once I’m ready, I’ll do a rough outline, just a synopsis of the story, then start breaking it down into chapters until I have a detailed outline with which to begin writing the prose. This helps me avoid any major plot hole issues and allows me to focus on the writing.

I usually average anywhere from 3,000 to 6,000 words a day once I’m heavily involved in a project, though I’ve been known to do 10,000 to 15,000 in a day when on deadline. (And then I crash for a week, having lost all ability to form words.)

What’s next for Kimberly Kinrade the author?

On November 26th, I’m launching The Forbidden Trilogy, which will have all three books from the Forbidden series that are now available (Forbidden Mind, Forbidden Fire and Forbidden Life) plus some major bonus content including interlude scenes between books, character profiles, a question and answer, and a book club discussion guide.

I also have another Three Lost Kids children’s chapter book coming out on that day.

On January 15th, 2013, my husband, Dmytry Karpov, and I are releasing a romance called Sunrise & Nightfall and I’m ridiculously excited about this book! He’ll risk everything to save her life. She’ll sacrifice it all to save his soul.

And in May, 2013, we are launching a complete trilogy, The Fallen Trilogy–Blood of the Fallen, Tears of the Fallen and Flight of the Fallen. This is a spin-off series from Forbidden Trilogy and stars Luke and Lucy. I think fans will really enjoy it.

 

Fun questions:

Tell us something that no one else knows about you.

Well, my husband and best friend pretty much know everything there is to know about me, but let’s see… most people don’t know that I was one signature away from joining the military out of high school. I skipped a grade, then was recruited by all the branches after I scored really high on my ASVAB. They wanted me for military intelligence. Just think, I could have been a real spy!

What kind of books do you enjoy reading?

I love paranormal YA, thrillers, epic fantasy, dark fantasy, romance, paranormal romance… I have a wide range of likes.

Who’s your favorite author?

Do I have to just pick one? C.S. Lewis, Neil Gaiman, Patti Larsen, Dmytry Karpov, Lane Diamond… just to name a few.

What’s your favorite guilty pleasure?

Chocolate!

If you could interview one celebrity who would it be and why?

 Neil Gaiman. I adore his work and he’s been such an inspiration to me.

Below is the Cover and some info on Kimberly’s book! Check it out!

Forbidden Mind Tour Info

 

Author: Kimberly Kinrade

Title of book: Forbidden Mind (Forbidden Trilogy, #1)

Publisher: Evolved Publisher

Original: September 7, 2011,

New edition launch: June 26, 2012

Length of book: 248 pages

YA paranormal romance/thriller

 

Forbidden Mind Book Trailer

 

http://youtu.be/d83G74NUK2M

 

Forbidden Mind Blurb

49% of Americans believe their government officials are honest. I don’t know these officials, or their supporters, but I know their secrets, and 49% of Americans are wrong.

My employers pay me well to be right, to know things others can’t. But I don’t know why they brought that boy in, strapped to a stretcher, barely conscious. He asked me for help when I could give none.

I’m a wealthy spy, a talented artist, a martial arts black belt, and a prisoner. They tell me that on my eighteenth birthday, I will be released, free to go to the college of my dreams. It’s my eighteenth birthday, and a man in black is at my door. I know he’s not here to free me.

I know, because I can read minds.

My name is Sam, and this is my story.

So begins the tale of Sam and Drake–from the time they link minds, forging a bond that leads to an unconventional romance–to their fight for survival against the corrupt, twisted organization known as ‘Rent-A-Kid.’ 

“…a thrilling, dark and deeply romantic read that had me sitting on the edge of my seat and eagerly awaiting the next installment.” ~ Refracted Light Young Adult Book Reviews

 

“The plot is very ALIAS and DARK ANGEL-like with X-MEN as its backdrop (awesome combo!). Forbidden Mind BLEW my mind!” ~Sour Skittles Book Blog

Winner of 2011 Forward National Literature Award

 

Links:

Amazon

Goodreads

 

Forbidden Mind is the first book in the Forbidden Trilogy by Kimberly Kinrade. Check out Forbidden Fire (Book 2 in the Forbidden Trilogy) and get it on Amazon here. http://amzn.to/ISOH5P . Forbidden Life the third and final book in the trilogy will be available in October on Amazon!

 

Author Bio:

Kimberly Kinrade was born with ink in her veins and magic in her heart. She writes fantasy and paranormal stories for children, YA and adults and still believes in magic worlds. Check out her YA paranormal novels Forbidden Mind, Forbidden Fire and Forbidden Life and her illustrated children’s fantasy chapter books Lexie World, Bella World, and Maddie World all on Amazon.

She lives with her three little girls who think they’re ninja princesses with super powers, her two dogs who think they’re humans, her two cats who think they’re gods, and her husband, also known as the sexy Russian Prince, who is the love of her life and writing partner.

For a list of her books, check out: http://Amazon.com/author/kimberlykinrade

Website: http://KimberlyKinrade.com

For a fun fan experience, join the team at I.P.I. at http://IPIAcademy.com

For kids and parents of young kids, join the Lost Kids at http://ThreeLostKids.com

 

Twitter: @KimberlyKinrade

IPI Twitter: @IPIAcademy

Facebook: /KimberlyKinrade

IPI Facebook: /IPIAcademy

The Last Question for Megan’s Children’s Book Event

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hello Everyone! I hope everything is going well with you! Today is the last question for Megan’s Children’s Book Event and the last question is…..

Why do you think Children should be encouraged to read? And what is the importance of reading for Young Children?

Okay, here is the answer to why do you think Children should be encouraged to read?

I love this question because it allows me to get up on my soap box and preach about the importance of reading. J First of all, reading with your child is a great bonding experience between parent and child. I read to both my boys before bed and it was such a wonderful experience to have their tiny bodies snuggle up to me and listen to me read. They both are wonderful cuddlers now and I believe it’s because we used to snuggle when we read.  Now, they read to me and it’s great to see their confidence grow in their reading ability.

Studies have shown that reading improves social and analytical skills, and builds self-esteem.  Let’s think about this for a second, the ten to twenty minutes that you spend with your child reading each night could be the answer to some of those emotional issues that all kids experience in their teen years. Now, I don’t have any statistics on that and I’m probably oversimplifying the situation, but I really feel that the conclusion I’m drawing has a grain of truth to it. So, when you’re reading with your kids and you’re reading the same story over, and over, and over again. Just think of it as a way of saving money on future therapy bills.  🙂

Just take a look at what the New York Times has to say about reading fiction in this article “Your brain on Fiction” http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/18/opinion/sunday/the-neuroscience-of-your-brain-on-fiction.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all

Now, the second question…what is the importance of reading for Young Children?

Well…I feel I’ve answered this in the above question, but I’ll say it again. Reading builds social and analytical skills and improves self –esteem. But there are other benefits as well. Avid readers tend to do better in school and reading also reduces stress.

So there you have it, the last question for Megan’s Children’s Book Event. And if you haven’t entered any of her giveaways stop on by her blog and enter…you could win!  http://readingawaythedays.blogspot.com/

Thanks for stopping by and leave a comment and tell me how you feel about reading. 🙂

Another Question from Megan McDade for her Children’s Book Event

Hello Everyone! I hope all is well with you today! I’m still participating in Megan McDade’s Children’s Book Event. You can find it at her blog at http://readingawaythedays.blogspot.com/ . So take a moment and stop by and check out all the giveaways and fun stuff that’s going on over there.  🙂

The next question that I have to answer is:  What was your favorite fairy tale or classic book and why?

Well…the answer to this question is a toss-up between “Cinderella” and “Snow White”. And the reason for this is very simple.

I enjoy stories where the underdog wins. 🙂 In both of these fairy tales I identify with Cinderella and Snow White. Let’s analyze this a little bit. Both women are targeted by stronger females who are in a position of power. In Cinderella, she’s victimized by her evil stepmother, and in Snow White she’s persecuted by the wicked Queen.

I love it that these two innocent victims win in the end. They win by not being manipulative or conniving. I think that’s great! What a great example to set for our children. A person can win by just being themselves! What an awesome message!

So, there you have it. My answer to Megan’s question for this third week in September, so let’s help Megan in her quest to encourage children to read! Stop by her blog and enter one of her giveaways http://readingawaythedays.blogspot.com/.

And if you have a tween/teen who you want to turn on to reading, check out the Super Spies! I’ve been told readers have turned off the TV to read these books!

This book opens in a small town in Michigan where fifteen-year-old Sarah Cole is stuck spending the summer at her Aunt and Uncle’s with her sister, Lacey. She’s not happy with the situation until she befriends a girl named Jackie. The three girls stumble upon the ruthless murder of a reclusive neighborhood woman. One of the officers investigating the crime believes the girls are responsible for her death. Fearing that this officer will frame them for the murder, the girls organize their own detective squad. They become the Super Spies and start their own fact-finding mission.  The Super Spies can’t understand why anyone would want to murder the “Cat Lady” until they start digging into her past and discover a horrible crime that happened thirty years ago. They uncover a connection between the two crimes and attempt to bring this information to the police, only to be reprimanded for meddling in the inquest. Not only are the girls upset by the admonition, but they also struggle with the fact that their exuberant investigating could provide a legal loophole allowing the killer to go free. To make matters worse, the police don’t even believe them. Frustrated by this turn of events, the Super Spies realize it’s up to them to snare the Cat Lady killer, or die trying…

This book opens in a small town in Michigan where Sarah and her sister Lacey are now living with their Aunt and Uncle. Still reeling from the fact her parents have disappeared, Sarah starts the school year with her new friend Jackie Jenkins. When Sarah learns the school has been bombed, she’s filled with dread. Uncle Walt is a teacher, and he was in the school when the bomb exploded. Taking matters into her own hands, Sarah decides to search for him. The rest of the Super Spies are right behind her. When a fireman chases them away from the school, Sarah becomes suspicious. She decides to investigate. The FBI arrives on the scene. Sarah realizes this bombing could have even bigger implications. Searching for the bombers, Sarah is introduced to the world of terrorism. She fears that the bombing and her parents’ disappearance are connected and terrorists are involved. To make matters worse, the bombers are determined to finish the job. Can the Super Spies find the bombers before it’s too late?

Thanks for stopping by! 🙂

Another Question for Megan’s Children’s Book Event

Hello Everyone! I hope all is well with you! I’m here today to answer the second question for the Children’s Book Event that is being hosted by Megan at http://readingawaythedays.blogspot.com/.

So, here’s the question:  What was your favorite book as a child and why?

This is a tough question because I don’t remember the title, only the series. I’m sure some of the more mature (wink) authors out there remember the Boxcar Children series?

I loved those books. I would go to the library and check them out and then race home so I could start reading them right away.

Looking back, I realize the reason I liked them so much was because they were stories about four siblings. I could relate to that because I was the oldest of four siblings. Two brothers and a sister just like the Box Car children. I loved their independence and camaraderie!

I loved how they worked together to make a home out of an abandoned boxcar. At that age, I thought it was so cool that they could function without adult supervision. 🙂 I don’t remember the stories now, but I do remember they always left me with a sense of my own abilities. They filled me with confidence. If the Box Car children could do it, I could too! 🙂

And I feel that’s what reading should do for kids, fill them with confidence and pride. 🙂 Books can do this in so many ways, by providing good role models and teaching life lessons. That’s what I hope to accomplish with my Super Spies series. 🙂

So there you have it! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and reading my post and let’s help support Megan in her quest to encourage children to read. 🙂 Stop by her blog http://readingawaythedays.blogspot.com/ and leave a comment or enter one of her giveaways! 🙂

Children’s Event! Here are the answers to those questions! :)

Hello Everyone! I hope all is well with you! I’m here today to answer some questions from Megan from

http://readingawaythedays.blogspot.co.uk/.  The questions that I’m answering today are: What is your first memory of reading as a child?  Do you have memories of your parents reading bedtime stories to you? And, do you think it’s important to read bedtime stories to your children?

So here we go!

What is my first memory of reading as a child?

I would have to say it is the first time my mother brought home a Bobbsey Twins mystery for me. I was SO EXCITED! You see, it was the first gift that I can remember getting for no reason and I didn’t have to share it with my brother or sister. It was just for me! J It was also the first chapter book that she had ever bought for me and I was consumed by the story. I kept the bag that it came in and I would get on my bike and ride around the neighborhood with that bag clutched in my hand as I gripped the handlebars. It would sway in the breeze and I felt sooo grown up! J You see, I was pretending to ride my bike to the book store and buy the book on my own. J Yeah, I had a very active imagination (still do!). But from there, more books arrived and I would sneak out of my bed at night and hide in the upstairs bathroom and read by the night light. J The next series that I became interested in were the Trixie Belden series and Nancy Drew series. My life was complete as long as I had a book to read. J

Do you have memories of your parents reading bedtime stories to you?

I don’t have specific memories of them reading to me at bedtime but I’m sure they did, otherwise where would I have developed my love of reading? J

Do you think it’s important to read bedtime stories to your children?

Absolutely! I started reading to both boys when they were babies and they would love to cuddle with me while a read before their nap or bedtime. We’ve made it a habit to read together almost every night. However, it’s changed since they’ve started school and reading on their own. Now, they read to me and it’s so much fun seeing what their interests are and how they’re developing as readers.

I also feel very strongly that reading helps youngsters develop self-esteem and it’s instrumental in helping develop social and analytical skills. And it’s my firm belief that the more a child reads the better he/she will do academically.

So get out there and get your kids interested in reading! It’s good for them. And they’re more likely to read if you let them read what they want. Even comic books are okay!

If you’ve got a tween/or teen who’s interested in mysteries! Have them check out my Super Spies series!

http://www.amazon.com/Super-Spies-Lady-Killer-ebook/dp/B007JZH61K

http://www.amazon.com/Super-Spies-School-Bomber-ebook/dp/B008P8O7OY

Blog Tour for “The Super Spies and the Cat Lady Killer”

Hello Everyone! I hope all is well with you! This summer has been great and I’m excited as I venture out on a blog tour for “The Super Spies and the Cat Lady Killer” with my tour guide Megan McDade! The schedule is below.

**Please note that these are in the United Kingdom and Australia so there are time zone differences.

The United Kingdom is five hours ahead of us.  (When I say ahead of us I mean EST)

And Australia is one day and two hours ahead of us. (When I say ahead of us I mean EST)

Blog Tour Schedule:

August 6th: Book excerpt and giveaway of an ebook of The Super Spies and the Cat Lady Killer @ my blog http://readingawaythedays.blogspot.com/

7th: Review @ http://aboveaveragebelowspecial.blogspot.com/

8th: Review @ http://thecoverbybrittany.blogspot.com/

9th: Promo & giveaway of an ebook of The Super Spies and the Cat Lady Killer @ http://littlepocketbooks.blogspot.com/

10th: Guest & giveaway of an ebook of The Super Spies and the Cat Lady Killer @ http://www.imabookshark.com/

11th: Review @ http://myescape84.blogspot.com/

12th: Review @ http://readinglittlebitofeverything.blogspot.com/

12th: Interview @ http://youngadultbookaddict.blogspot.com/

Stop by and leave comments on these sites! I’d love to hear from you!