I’m wrapping up the Hollywood Ever After blog tour this week. Which means you’re almost out of chances to register for the totally awesome giveaway items:
A custom Hollywood Ever After charm bracelet
2 Autographed paperback copies of Hollywood Ever After
Hollywood Ever After book swag/pretties (bookmarks, bookplates, cover magnets, buttons…)
And since you WANT to register, here are this weeks final stops:
Returning to my Greek Mythology Blog Challenge after almost a decade (maybe not quite that long, but it felt like it), we’re back! And today we’re on the letter D (yes, only D – I know, I’m really really slow…)
D is for Daemon. Who or what is daemon?
Notthe ‘bad boy’ Salvatore brother from Vampire Diaries, sorry… No, daemon was a spirit assigned by Zeus to watch over a mortal throughout his life. There daemon was also a kind of inner voice or inspiration – something that would help with decisions and actions. Kind of like a guardian angel. Or possibly, a conscience…
Not at all the way we think of the word that eventually evolved from daemon – demon.
The Roman equivalent for this word = Genius.
But since I mentioned Damon (as in Salvatore brother) I thought I’d post a lovely picture of Ian Somerhalder (aka Damon Salvatore) to help everyone start the weekend with a smile.
You’re welcome Anyone have plans this weekend? The minions and I will be seeing the new Spider-Man.
I had a fantastic book signing at a Real Bookstore in Fairview with a wonderful group of fellow North Texas writers AND hugged some friends I’ve dearly missed since relocating.
This afternoon I’m attending Fresh Fiction’s Boas and Tiaras tea party! Talk about a fun weekend.
I will post pics next week – maybe… We’ll see how they turn out – LOL!
And it made me realize how much has changed since my last birthday. Now town, new house… new profession. This is my first birthday as an author. And I want to share the party vibe with you. So - it’s Giveaway time!
Find all the answers can pick between my releases – Hollywood Ever After (releasing on the 14th) or Medusa, A Love Story - digital or paperback AND book goodies as well. Okay, maybe more than 2 – we’ll have to see how this goes. Put your answers in the comments and I will draw, post, and email the winners on Monday!
Yes, the quiz is a little ‘self-promoting’ but you should be able to track down the answers online (Goodreads, Facebook, Amazon, my BLOG, etc). Ready? Go:
1. What two books do I have coming out in December?
2. Who sings the song in the Hollywood Ever After Book Trailer?
3. How did I get the idea for Medusa, A Love Story?
4. Which author am I fan-girl crazy over? (hint… Medusa’s cover…)
5. What are the hero and heroine’s names in Hollywood Ever After? Medusa, A Love Story?
Bonus Question: Why do you want to win one of my books?
If you’ve read and reviewed either book please let me know! You deserve some book pretties in a big way. And hey, it’s my bday, right? Thank YOU for reading my stuff and writing such GREAT REVIEWS! Reviews are like the BEST birthday present or Christmas present all jumbled together. Yes, reviews are that COOL to me – all authors! So if you write reviews then you’re like… uber-Santa?
Starting next week: Medusa, A Love Story starts her Blog Tour. Show her some love, please. We, she and I, are a little nervous about our first tour!
Medusa, A Love Story has received such praise from readers that I’m dreading the first bad review. It will happen, I know it. All authors get them – all books receive them. But not today! *fingers crossed* Today Medusa is getting love – YAY!
Today you, my lovely reader, can visit Constance Phillips fantastic blog to listen to excerpts from the ‘soundtrack’ I created while writing Medusa. Warning – it’s a bit ‘emo’ (my teenage daughter is not a fan) and heavy. But, it fits the book to perfection.
Looking for a review or two? Or three? Sure, let me help with that. I know Proserpine or Rhonda or Dan - well, I didn’t. I guess I do now. But their reviews aren’t based on their affection, or lack of, for me – but how the book affected them.
I posted a lot of this on the Plotting Princesses Blog – but I decided to make it ‘interesting’…
Everyone who votes and leaves a comment will be enterred for a drawing of Medusa A Love Story, a button, and magnet too…
You do not have to vote for my top contenders, you just have to leave a suggestions. A name will be picked from all those that leave a comment and I’ll contact you to get your address.
So, take your time and think about this. This is what I’m looking for – ARES:
Imagine, if you will, a pretty mental dude. He lives for battle, death, violence, and blood. He’s a visceral reaction, a nightmare, an adrenaline jolt that leaves no doubt that he will kill, torture, and maim without the slightest hesitation or regret. And yet, I need to make him irrisistable to Aphrodite – without softening him one iota. Finding that person, visually, has been tricky.
He has to have crazy eyes. The kind that intrigue, terrify, and demand… So, there you have it. I know, he sounds awesome, right?
You can pick from my top two contender (below) or give me someone new to consider – just leave your answer in the comments! I’ll draw the winner on the morning of the 15th!
I have something to tell you, and it might be hard to hear. Especially is you were a fan of Clash of the Titans – either version… *Ahem* Are you ready? It was Bellerophon, NOT Perseus, that rode Pegasus.
Who was Bellerophon? A totally kick-butt and take no-prisoners kind of Greek hero. He wasn’t perfect – killing his brother, ravishing/seducing/rejecting a queen, and sent into exile…You know, nothing’s ever ‘easy’ or ‘straightforward’ when it comes to Greek Mythology, that’s why it’s so cool.
Before there was Heracles, there was Bellerophon – and Perseus and Cadmus. His most recognized accomplishment was killing the chimera. In order to complete his task, he would have to fly – via the winged horse, Pegasus. The winged stallion had no interest in helping Bellerephon, so the Olympians came offered help. Athena came to him in a dream, offering him a golden bridle that he should place on the horse while he was drinking. Of couse, it worked and Bellerophon slew the chimera.
Performing such a task earned him great fortune and fame… and a little bit of an ego trip too. So much so that he thought he had earned the right to join the Gods on Olympus. The Olympians didn’t see it that way. When Bellerophon and Pegasus started to fly to their mountain-top realm, the Gods send a gadfly to sting Pegasus, knocking Bellerophon back to earth. Pegasus went on to Olympus, where he was welcomed.
Yep, it’s The Day! I’m thrilled, nauseous and totally freaking out.
Today is Medusa, A Love Story’s Official Release day – aka: Book Birthday!
This is MY first Book Birthday, too!
Which is… well, words cannot describe the way it feels.
I’m sharing a few review snippets…
Astrid (Amazon review) said: ”I have been waiting for weeks for this book to come out and I was not disappointed. A tragic love story of great depth and heartbreak. How Ariston pours his heart out to Hades brought tears to my eyes. Perfect for anyone who loves mythology and reading of the power of love.”
“Medusa, A Love Story is a beautifully written story with characters who are stunningly alive and well crafted. A creative twist on mythology! If you’re into myth and/or romance you’ll be well pleased.” – Raven (Amazon review)
“The love between the hero and heroine is enviable. It’s what love stories are made for, really. It just tugged at me and kept me thinking about it long after I read the book.” Lynn Rush, author of Wasteland and Awaited.
“Sasha really had me feeling for Medusa’a plight. A really enjoyable read and I will definitely be reading more of her books.” Kay, Goodreads review
“Beautifully and poetically written!” Jessi, Goodreads review
“This is a beautiful love story, and the beginning of a fantastic series. Do yourself a favor and read it as soon as it’s available. Sasha is a very gifted storyteller and has a rich way with words.” Allison, Goodreads review
Want to buy a copy? I just happen to have the links for you :
You can follow the fun on Twitter: #MedusasBookBirthday
In case you missed it – here’s the book trailer
When I hit 2000 followers, I will be giving away a signed copy of Medusa, too – a bookmark and some other promo items. Why? Why not? It’s a BIG DAY for ME and Medusa, A Love Story.
I sincerely hope you enjoy my first novel. I loved writing it and, all nerves aside, I’m proud to share it with you!
If you find yourself enjoying my take on Ancient Greece and the Olympians, Hades is up next… He’s a pretty dreamy anti-hero. I’ll let you know when his birthday is on the horizon!
***I’d also like to ask a favor from you readers.***
A book needs reviews, so do authors. Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads, and Shelfari are all wonderful places to post a review. Your reviews help spread the word about books, builds interest, and impacts an authors reputation. Think about it and, if you’re up for it, write and share a review on one, or all, of these sites. Not just for Medusa (that would be awesome) but for other books you’ve loved or want to recommend.
To celebrate the upcoming release of Medusa, A Love Story – I’m going to take on the A to Z Blog challenge – Greek Mythology Style.
I promise to keep it short and sweet, but there’s just so much cool stuff …
A is for Arachne.
Who is Arachne? Arachne was a mortal woman and, according to myth, a truly gifted weaver. Her tapestries were so intricate and fine that there was no denying her superior talent. According to some accounts, Arachne was both talented and boastful. So boastful that she eventually drew the attention of Athena.
Athena, Goddess of Wisdom, Strategy, and Reason, created many things. Amongst them – the loom. A competitive deity, she took offense at Arachne’s bragging and arranged a competition between Arachne and another skilled weaver. Arachne’s tapestry was the undeniable winner. And Athena was livid, turning Archne in to a monster.
What was she? Half woman and half… I bet you can figure it out. First right answer in the comment section gets an autographed bookmark and postcard for Medusa, A Love Story !
***Ultimate Coolness ALERT – Medusa, A Love Story is on Amazon NOW for pre-order! Click here!***
On Monday I’ll start my A to Z Blog Challenge. I’m really excited to ‘speak Greek’ and delve into something that makes me so very happy. I mean, is there anything cooler than Greek Mythology? Is there? Nope, don’t think so.
And with Medusa, pretty baby, coming out on May 15th – it seems an appropriate thing to do.
I’m thinking about giveaways, prizes, launch parties and book signings… Because, those are also things I need to do. My question is, what do you want? What makes you go, “Ooh, I want to sign up for that contest?” I mean, look at my covers… They are gorgeous. Would you want them on a magnet? A bookmark?
Launch parties – yay or nay? I’d really like to do this. I can see the themes – a Greek Restaurant for Medusa, a fancy Red Carpet do for H.E.A. But lots of authors say attendance for book signings or launch parties are pretty low, that it might not be worth it for new authors. And I can see how that might be the case. But shouldn’t I try to go out, meet readers, and wow them with my book?
Finally, how do YOU pick a book? Is it from reviews? Recommendations? Media/social networking buzz?
I so appreciate your thoughts. As a newbie that wants to do ‘right’ by readers and her books, I thought I’d throw my questions out there and hope for some answers. Have a fantastic weekend!