ENDURE LIVES!

First, a follow up on last week’s Poison post. Friends of Bridget Zinn have asked authors to join in on the poisonbook.tumblr site to share their poison and I’m sharing my poison today. There’s a lot of great entries!

Now, onto the NEWS.

Guys. GUYS. I’ve been bursting at the proverbial seams in waiting to share the news.

Are you ready?

*drum roll please *

In January, I submitted my YA dystopian, ENDURE, to my editor, Rhiannon, at Etopia Press. A few short weeks later, she replied with…

An offer to publish it!

BUT THAT’S NOT ALL!

There’s so much story to tell in ENDURE, that it will be published in TWO BOOKS!

That’s right.

ENDURE will be book one and EVOKE with be book two.

***SQUEE!***

I’ve already been slicing and dicing, dividing the manuscript into bits and bandaging it with new plot lines and action.

Looking forward to finally getting to share this story with you guys.

I’ve got some (unedited) blurbs for both…

ENDURE (Endure Book One):

For decades, immortal Vie have rabidly hunted Anemies like seventeen-year-old Justin and his sister. Their blood is a drug—and a scourge. Justin’s blood causes the Vie to age, a powerful threat, and yet a priceless hope for the Earth’s downtrodden humans.

When Justin’s sister is kidnapped by the Vie, he vows to rescue her. He strikes a deal with the human resistance, but they’re nothing but a cult with delusions that a messianic Anemie will free them all.

In a race to find his sister before she dies, Justin learns that not all Vie are evil, and not all humans are good. Trapped with choosing between saving what’s left of humanity and saving his sister, Justin can’t decide which option is going to get him killed first.

EVOKE (Endure Book Two):

Seventeen-year-old Justin has escaped the long reach of the immortal Vie, Nathan Abarron. Along with a freed human slave, Cara, he now faces the wilds outside the city wall. Dotted with pockets of unfriendly and paranoid Anemie communities, the wilds are just as dangerous as the city.

When Cara gets injured, Justin must search for the very group he wants to avoid. Lucky for him, an ally of his father recognizes him and guides him through the tenuous ropes of forest-dwelling Anemie society.

The fragile relationship shatters when Justin’s secret gets out—his blood can age Vie. It’s the weapon that all Anemies have been waiting for and the Anemie leader plans to use every last drop.

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Flake-out Friday–Meme Me

Last week, two awesome writers and bloggers tagged me with the Lucky 7′s meme!

Thanks to Carol Riggs and Cate Peace!

So, I present to you page 77, lines 7-14, of ENDURE, my YA dystopian that’ll be pubbed mid-2013!

“Is that your assignment? If so, then you should know.” She scanned me up and down, eyes pausing on every wrinkle and stain of my stolen uniform.

“I, uh, just got transferred…”

“Then your boss should’ve told you everything.” She looked down the street. “I have to go. I’m late.”

I caught up to her again and grabbed her elbow. “Wait. Please. I need your help. My sister. She’s in the lab. I need to…talk to her.”

Hehe, not too exciting out of context, LOL! Uh-oh, does that mean I have to edit it???? *head desk*

Ok. Your turn to share. Turn to page 77 of your novel and post lines 7-14 (if you dare, mwahahahaha!) (seriously, I’d love to see what you’ve got!)

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Author Christine Fonseca Guest Post

I’m so excited to be here with Laura for Day 3 of the blog tour for the launch of my debut novel, LACRIMOSA. Laura was one of the first to read this book forever ago, so I was thrilled when she indicated that she wanted to be part of the tour fun.

For this post, we both thought it would be EPIC to bring a special interview with Nesy and one of Laura’s characters, Justin. Take it away Justin -

Justin [adds another log onto the fire and rubs his arms]: Sorry, it gets cold at night in the mountains. I want to thank you for traveling here to meet with me. Smith is keeping watch, but we’ll have to talk fast…just in case, you know, the Vie ambush us. [laughs nervously] Then again, I guess you know about surprise attacks and fighting and stuff. What is it that you do again?

Nesy: Without giving too much away, I’m a warrior of sorts. Most similar to your Samurai of the pre-industrial Japan, I think. Just thinking of me as a bad-ass with a sword

Justin: That’s awesome! I wish I knew sword fighting…though I am pretty handy with a Taser and a stake. [wry grin] So, what’s it like to keep your identity secret? I mean, I have this tattoo that tells everyone what I am—an Anemie—so I can’t hide it, but you, I can’t tell what you are. So cool.

Nesy: I’m fortunate because I can hide in plain site most of the time. People don’t often think of pretty teenage girls as hardened warriors, which helps. A lot. Still, most of the things I battle against can see through my disguises, so I have to be vigilant and careful.

Justin: [clears throat] I wanted to ask you…have you ever lost something so important you’d give your life for? My sister, Sammie, was kidnapped by the Vie, and I have to get her back…I’m just not sure how to do it. And I kind of feel like an idiot hiding in the forest, but…I don’t have weapons like you and we don’t have a strong enough army to take down the Vie. Do you have an army?

Nesy: [deep sigh] I’ve lost many things. Important things. I have never been one to hide if someone I [cough] “love” is in danger, army or not. Of course, I have training you do not possess. Have you ever considered asking for help in some way? I mean, through your prayers, I guess you’d call them. You never know, maybe help will come. Especially against the forces of evil.

Justin: Um, yeah, I don’t know. The closest I got to praying was when I had to join a cult for safety. Not something I like to remember. [shudders] Okay, one last question. What’s it like where you’re from…Celestium, right?

Nesy: Yes, my home is Celestium. And it is beautiful. Colors – indigo, emerald, ruby, and gold, seem to fill the sky, glistening off of the towers and citadels that make up my world. It is like nothing you have seen other than in your dreams. There is a calm, a peace, I long for, especially when I have been away for long periods of time.

Justin: Cool. Sounds like an awesome place. Way better than here. I wish I could bring Sammie there. Maybe someday, right?

Nesy: Oh, I have a feeling you will both come to know it one day.

Justin: Thanks for meeting me. Good luck with your mission. I hope to see you again.

Nesy: You will Justin. You will.

*****

Such a great interview! Thank you to Laura and Justin.

Ready for the last part of my reading of Chapter 1? Be sure to check out Michelle’s post on Operation Awesome tomorrow. And be certain to check out the entire schedule for the tour here – there are special giveaways throughout the tour…

including the EPIC Nesy Prize pack filled with her favorite things:

Just complete this form.

You can enter up to twice daily (through the tour and my blog).

And there’s more – collect the daily clues to enter the EPIC grand prize giveaway that includes books, swag and a special surprise.

Today’s clue – DUTY

Short Blurb for LACRIMOSA

As if casting out demons isn’t hard enough, five-hundred-year-old Nesy has to masquerade as a teenage girl to do it. Nesy is the best of the warrior angels called Sentinals. She never makes mistakes, never hesitates, never gets emotionally involved. Until she meets Aydan.

He is evil incarnate; a fallen angel that feeds off the souls of others. Everything Nesy is supposed to hate. But she can’t, because he’s also the love of her former life as a human girl—a life that ended too soon, tying her to emotions she was never supposed to feel.

Now Nesy must choose between doing her duty—damning Aydan to the fiery depths of hell—or saving him, and condemning herself.

Author Endorcement(s):

“LACRIMOSA reaches out, grabs readers by the heart, and takes them on an emotional journey from the first page to the last. The last novel you’ll need to read to understand true sacrifice.”

~Elana Johnson, Author of POSSESSION

Availability:

Publisher: COMPASS PRESS

ISBN: 0984786368 (ISBN 13: 9780984786367)

Hardback and Digital formats from Amazon, Barnes and Noble and fine retailers.

Kindle buy link– http://www.amazon.com/Lacrimosa-Requiem-Series-ebook/dp/B007HEVTS4

Nook buy link – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lacrimosa-christine-fonseca/1109329729?ean=2940013923256

Additional Titles in the series include DIES IRAE (a Requiem Novella), LIBERA ME (Oct 2012) and REQUIEM (March 2013).

The book trailer can be seen by linking to YouTube – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwTQoOFKEZg

About Christine Fonseca

School psychologist by day, critically acclaimed YA and nonfiction author by night, Christine Fonseca believes that writing is a great way to explore humanity. Her debut YA Gothic series, The Requiem Series, including DIES IRAE and LACRIMOSA, examines the role of redemption, sacrifice and love. Her nonfiction titles include 101 SUCCESS SECRETS FOR GIFTED KIDS and EMOTIONAL INTENSITY IN GIFTED STUDENTS.

When she’s not writing or spending time with her family, she can be sipping too many skinny vanilla lattes at her favorite coffee house or playing around on Facebook and Twitter. Catch her daily thoughts about writing and life on her blog.

For more information about Christine Fonseca or the series, visit her website – http://christinefonseca.com or her blog http://christinefonseca.blogspot.com.

I totally enjoyed this book when I first read it and I can’t wait to read it again!!!! CONGRATS, CHRISTINE!!!!!!! *hugs*

Check out Sarah’s response (today), then Lydia’s response (next week) to the Sisterhood of the Traveling Blog topic of: Prologues–Love ‘em or hate ‘em?

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Flake-out Friday–WINNERS!

Whee! Boy I had fun last Friday announcing my pub contract for ENDURE. THANKS to all you guys for your support and retweeting and facebooking, etc.

Now, to announce the WINNERS!

1st place (winner of a novel of your choice):

INDIGO!!!!!!!

2nd place (winner of the necklace and earrings set symbolizing ENDURE):

ISHTA MERCURIO!!!!!!!

 

CONGRATS!!!!!!!!

ENDURE Blurb:

Seventeen-year-old Justin’s anemic blood is a blessing. Or a curse. It all depends on who you ask.

In the Post-Collapse world where the immortal Vie lord over the rapidly diminishing mortals, Anemies like Justin and his sister are rabidly sought after. Their blood causes the Vie to age, a powerful threat, and yet a priceless hope for the Earth’s downtrodden humans.

When Justin’s sister is kidnapped by the Vie, he vows to rescue her. He strikes a deal with the human resistance, but they’re nothing but a cult with delusions that a messianic Anemie will free them all. They think that person is Justin; whereas Justin thinks they’ll need someone stronger than a teenage boy who gets dizzy after running twenty feet.

In a race to find his sister before she dies, Justin learns that not all Vie are evil, and not all humans have his best interests at heart. Trapped with choosing between saving what’s left of humanity and saving his sister Justin can’t decide which option is going to get him killed first.

 

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Flake-out Friday: My Novel’s Gonna Be Published, Yo!!

OMG OMG OMG OMG!!!!!!!!

A lot of you know already, but today is my OFFICIAL announcement of signing a publishing contract!

Last week, I accepted an offer of publication by Kae Wilson Publishing. They’re a new small press, and their team is fabulous! I’m totally excited to work with them. Not only will the team help with editing, cover design, etc, but they will ALSO help with MARKETING!!

Talk about feeling supported!

I’m nervous about this (seeing as it’s my first book to be pubbed, and it’s also my baby, LOL!), but with the Kae Wilson team, my mind is set at ease.

SO, to spread the joy (and celebrate the AWESOMENESS of this occasion), I’m gonna gift TWO commenters with the following prizes:

1st place) A novel of your choice (either e-copy or paperback)

2nd place) A necklace and earring set symbolizing my novel, ENDURE

Please spread the word! The giveaway will be open until next Wednesday (March 7, 2012, at midnight EST). I’ll announce the winners next Friday!

ENDURE Blurb:

Seventeen-year-old Justin’s anemic blood is a blessing. Or a curse. It all depends on who you ask.

In the Post-Collapse world where the immortal Vie lord over the rapidly diminishing mortals, Anemies like Justin and his sister are rabidly sought after. Their blood causes the Vie to age, a powerful threat, and yet a priceless hope for the Earth’s downtrodden humans.

When Justin’s sister is kidnapped by the Vie, he vows to rescue her. He strikes a deal with the human resistance, but they’re nothing but a cult with delusions that a messianic Anemie will free them all. They think that person is Justin; whereas Justin thinks they’ll need someone stronger than a teenage boy who gets dizzy after running twenty feet.

In a race to find his sister before she dies, Justin learns that not all Vie are evil, and not all humans have his best interests at heart. Trapped with choosing between saving what’s left of humanity and saving his sister Justin can’t decide which option is going to get him killed first.

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Flake-out Friday–December

As I surfed Amazon a few days ago, I discovered a YA novel (due out in May 2011) with the title ENDURE.

MY title.

Grrrr!

I’d named my YA dystopian ENDURE and now it belongs to someone else. * stomps foot *

What’s a girl to do?

I could come up with another title, I guess, but I really suck at it, LOL!

Man, I wish I could come up with this uber-awesome, totally symbolic, captures-the-entire-book-in-one-word title.

Or maybe I should just use some random word for the title. You know, something that has nothing to do with the book.

Sort of like the song December by Collective Soul.

I like this song, but what the hell does it have to do with December?!?!?!

Whatever.

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Wasteland Blog Tour Beka and Justin Style

 

Hi all! I interrupt this regularly scheduled Mental Health Monday post to feature an interview with Beka, from WASTELAND by Lynn Rush, and Justin, the main character in my YA Dystopian ENDURE.

Take it away, Justin and Beka!

Hi Beka, I’m Justin. Sorry we had to meet in the underground, but since dusk is coming, I thought it best we go into hiding so we don’t get interrupted by the Vie, the immortal overlords. I hope the flashlight is enough for you to see. Er, not that there’s much to see here. We have a few supplies and stuff, but we keep on the move and travel light most of the time to avoid detection.

Laura tells me you’ve dealt with a lot of demons since you’re a Guardian. That’s awesome because I need some tips from you. You see, I have to find a way to get my sister back and the Vie are so strong that I can’t possibly do it without a plan.

First of all, what kind of special powers do you have, if any?

Well, I have this internal demon meter. I get this little feeling when a demon is near. It’s a subtle hum in my ears, raised hairs on my neck. It’s constant if I’m near a demon. The closer I get I can zero in on exactly who is the demon.

Another is that I hear the Archangel, Michael’s, whispers. That’s how I know whom I’m supposed to guard. We call them our Charges.

The third is, I’m immortal. I’ve been around a long, long time. And I’m difficult to kill. The only way I’ll cease to exist is if they take my head.

Wow. I can’t do any of those things. I just have weird blood that makes the Vie age. So, what’s your favorite strategy for fighting demons? Do you ambush them or do you think “offense is the best defense?”

It really depends on the situation. For example, if a demon comes into a crowded place, I’ll be more strategic. Follow him or her to a more remote location. Then I’ll attack. I can’t risk injuring any humans, and I must keep our supernatural abilities hidden. Humans just aren’t ready to grasp the fact that there are serious supernatural beings interacting with them on a daily basis.

Your world sounds cool, like there’s more humans than demons. We have a lot of Vie here…they’re pretty much like demons, I guess. Hey, do the demons you encounter have trancing abilities? I mean, can they control you with their thoughts or voice or anything? 

I haven’t come across one who could do any such thing—so far. Evil runs deep and long as does it’s wicked magic, though, so I would not put it past them to learn how to do that, or evolve into that ability.

[A crash sounds in the corner near the door. Justin scans room with flashlight.]

Sorry, must be a rat. What happens if you, I don’t know, are weaponless or something?

A good Guardian always carries a blade. A sword is better, but with all the security and trying to be discreet, a blade—or three—tucked in various spots is a must.

But, if I am caught without a weapon, I can still hold my own. Always look at your surroundings to see what you can use as a weapon. Anything that will enable me to take their head, I will use. And as long as I “keep my head,” I’ll survive the encounter.

I like tasers. They work pretty good against the human slave-goons that the Vie use to police the rest of us.

[Justin sighs and scratches his head.]

Um, have you ever had to work with a demon to kill another demon? I’m kind of facing that right now and I don’t know whether or not to believe him.

Funny you should ask that. I’m having to entertain that concept right now, too. I’m torn. Protecting humans and vanquishing demons is why I was created. But I’m learning there are different types of demons out there. Ones thrown into the life not because they chose it. I won’t rule it out, just yet. But you must be cautious. Always cautious.

[A siren sounds in the distance. Justin stiffens.]

Must be another raid. Don’t worry. They don’t check the underground…much. Do you have anybody helping you?

[Beka slides a blade out from her ankle holster]

Don’t worry. I’m ready if there’s trouble.

I do have help. My brother, Russell. At least we let everyone around us think we’re related. We are in a sense, considering we’re both Guardians, but I trust him like a brother, so it fits. He’s strong and noble. Also keeps me in check sometimes when my mind—or heart—wanders to places it shouldn’t.

Man, I wish we had Guardians here. One last question, then I think we should go. Anybody trying to take advantage of you? Like, do people think you have more powers than you really do and they want to use you for their own greedy plans? I’m dealing with that too, so any tips would be great.

Actually, very few people know we exist. Some select people, those who serve the Light, help us blend in, assimilate. They are very special people we call Familiars. But no, none of them have ever tried to take advantage of me. It’s just not in their nature.

Beka, you’re awesome. I totally learned a lot—I owe you. I hope we meet again…preferably after all the demons are dead and after I rescue my sister. Follow this tunnel and you’ll end up near the bridge. Good luck.

**********

Thanks, Justin. You certainly run a great interview! Thanks, Beka, for stopping by, despite the dark and dank underground setting. Glad you’re safe and the Vie didn’t interrupt you guys.

Lynn’s awesome enough to give away a signed copy of WASTELAND to one of you guys! It’s totally worth it. Once I started reading it, I couldn’t put it down!

All you have to do is comment here. You’ll earn extra entries if you Tweet or Facebook. Just let me know what you do when you leave a comment.

You have until Monday, September 26, 2011 MIDNIGHT EST to enter, then I’ll announce a winner on Wednesday, September 28!

**********

Bio:

Lynn Rush began her writing career in 2008. She has both an undergraduate and graduate degree in the mental health field and has enjoyed applying that unique knowledge to developing unique characters.

A former inline speed skater and mountain biker, Lynn has been known to test the limits of her athletic endurance. So, when she’s not writing, she spends time enjoying the Arizona sunshine by road biking nearly 100 miles per week with her husband of fifteen years and going on jogs with her loveable Shetland Sheep dogs.

Catch the Rush: www.lynnrush.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/LynnRushWrites

Twitter: www.twitter.com/LynnRush

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/k6NAZa

Amazon:  http://amzn.to/pavzwE

Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/pbigOg

All Romance Ebooks: http://bit.ly/nujjjp

You Tube Trailer:  http://youtu.be/k-KRE1yMiNk

Book Blurb:

Bound by the blood contract his human mother signed four centuries ago, half-demon, David Sadler, must obey his demonic Master’s order to capture fifteen-year-old Jessica Hanks. But as he learns more about her, he realizes she may be the key to freedom from his demonic enslavement.

The only obstacle—Jessica’s distractingly beautiful Guardian, Rebeka Abbott. He must not give in to their steamy chemistry, or he will lose his humanity. But fresh off a quarter millennia of sensory deprivation as punishment for not retrieving his last target, he may not be able to resist temptation long enough to save what’s left of his human soul.

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