The Secret of the Keepers tour!

I'm so excited that so many fantastic bloggers wanted to participate in the debut tour of Keepers! I'll update daily, so feel free to check in!

Nov. 9th-- Tracy Riva's book review
Nov.  8th-- Blkosiner's Book Blog Author this-or-that
Nov. 7th-- Tale of Many Reviews Guest Post and Giveaway
Nov. 6th--Novels on the Run
Nov. 5th--Hope Collier book review 
Nov. 4th--Narratively Speaking: Author interview 
Nov. 2nd--Blkosiner's Book Blog review
Nov. 1st-- Narratively Speaking: Review
Nov. 1st-- Patricia Particularity: Review

Question of the day--What's up with Kate and Hol?

Seven days left!


There have been quite a few questions over the past few months regarding The Kailmeyra Series.

As the debut of The Secret of the Keepers draws near, I thought I'd answer some of the more common questions.

FAQ: Kate and Holly are Nora's best friends in high school. They are on the first pages in The Light of Asteria, yet they do not play and active role after the third chapter. What's the deal? Will we see them in The Secret of the Keepers? 

There were many opening scenes to Asteria, but when I wrote this one my Katie was picking out colleges. So were her four best friends. Even though they were sure they would all stay close after graduation, I knew I wanted to prepare her for the possibility that they might drift apart. It would've been easier if the girls had chosen to go to the local university, but these girls are adventuresome and scattered to the four winds. I wanted Katie to open her mind to the idea of meeting new people, not just stay in her dorm room skyping her besties. 

Also, it seemed a good way to show Nora's willingness to put others first. Just the fact that she helped Kate and Hol move in, even when it was painful for her, adds depth to her character. It gave the reader a glimpse into her heart, and let them see her struggle, her fears. It shed light on her pure nature, and seemed authentic to her spirit.

To be honest, I've been surprised at the following Kate and Holly have gotten. I love the fact that quite a few readers related strongly enough to them to write me and ask for more of Kate and Hol. Even though they do not make an appearance in The Secret of the Keepers, they may still may play a part in the third.


If you have a question you would like answered, just comment on this post and I'll email you!

Does age make a difference?

The other day I received a tweet from Alex Bennett who runs the site Electrifying Reviews.  Alex is an incredible high school student who is really making a name for himself in the blogosphere.

I don't know about you, but I jump at the chance to have YA reviewers, because, after all, Asteria was written for YA readers. And so when Alex tweeted last week that he wanted a copy of the book, I went that afternoon and threw one in the mail. Here is his "In My Mailbox" Vlog.  I also have another teen blogger, Myranda Harman, that has requested a copy as well. (pssstt... it's on the way :- ). She is a high schooler from right here in Kentucky. If you get a chance, stop by and say hi to her. She's a real cutie!

Most of Asteria's reviews have come from seasoned veterans, although we have had a couple of reviews from the twenty-something crowd. Overall the feedback has been very positive, but this is the first time high school students, other than Kate's friends, will be sharing their thoughts and opinions.

That made me wonder. Do you think that age brings perspective or cynicism? How do young bloggers view stories differently from their more seasoned counterparts?

A tribute to Book-Crazy Jenn

Every time I friend someone on twitter or Goodreads, I click on their site and 90% of the time it leads to a blog. I've come to realize that the world is full of fascinating people. I love how blogging allows the freedom to express, how we can interact in ways not possible just a decade ago. I've met quite a few blogger friends, and it's because of them I've grown not only as a writer but as a person as well.

 I've decided to honor these fine folks by dedicating the next few posts to some of my favorites.
 We'll start with Jennifer Sprague, book reviewer extraordinaire.

 Jenn was one of the first blogs I started following, even before Asteria went live. I love the way her reviews reflect her feelings. She writes straight from the gut and tells you what she really thinks without ever becoming negative. The love of a great story is what drives her passion, and I admire her kindness and honesty. Since January Jenn has read 119 books. Amazing, isn't it?

Here's a little about Jenn: 
First off, I am Jennifer, Jenn for short. I am a single mom of two kids. Aubrey, my daughter is 11 - she's an avid reader and loves to get lost in a good book. She is a really outgoing kinda girl, who has tons of friends, and can basically get along with anyone. Zachary is my son and he's 6. Zachary is just starting to learn to read, and I hope he loves it, someday - for now, reading is not his "thing." He's my shy guy...

I started really getting back into reading when I picked up Twilight, the movie had just come out on DVD, I saw it and something made me want to pick up the book and the movie....so I did. I devoured the book, with in 2 days I was finished and had bought all the rest...with in a week they were read! (I stayed up all night at least once to finish, I just could NOT stop.)

Since then, I have been reading non stop, finding I would rather pick up a book than turn on the TV, which is so not like me! :) Before, I started my renewed love for reading, that's where you found me, any time - even sitting working at the computer...the TV was on...now, I am getting back into music, as well as reading!

Mostly I read YA Fiction. And this blog is mostly to help me remember all the awesome books I have read, find new awesome authors and new friends!

If you're a reader who needs an honest review, or if you're simply looking to interact with a warm, genuine person, Jenn's your woman!

Next post, Bubble Cow!