When The Movie Is Better Than The Book

I watched Insurgent yesterday (YAY!) and thoroughly enjoyed it. I think it’s better than Divergent turned out, though I really enjoyed it too.

The book Divergent was the reason I saw the movie. 

I cannot say the same for Insurgent. For whatever reason, I just couldn’t get into the book and gave up 40 pages in (something I rarely do). That didn’t deter me from watching the movie and I’m glad it didn’t.

So what happened? Is the movie really better than the book? Is Insurgent the exception to the rule (where the book is always better) for me?

Looks like.

Honestly, I’ll prolly try reading Insurgent again at some point…I just can’t give up on the story. Nevertheless I still feel the film was fantastic.

  

Interestingly, I’m also reading Shutter, a new YA book about the descendants from characters in the novel Dracula (Harker, Stoker, Helsing, etc). They fight paranormal creatures like ghosts, zombies, and vamps. It’s a good book, however, I’m struck with the thought that this may be another case of the film having the potential to be better than the book. Now, this book isn’t being adapted to film as far as I know, but if it was, I’m sure the special effects would be beyond cool to see. 

  

Gosh, I can’t believe I’m saying this! 

How about you? Have you ever experienced a film that’s better than the book? Do tell! 

Curious–Three Books in One for the Holidays!

Curious (3 novels in 1)

D L Richardson

 

Curious Xmas

 

Tag line:

Three full length novels in one supernatural collection.

 

Book blurb:

Three full length novels in one supernatural collection. 

In THE BIRD WITH THE BROKEN WING, a guardian angel finds herself trapped in Purgatory with a young soldier she was assigned to watch over. She knows the terrible secret that’s keeping him trapped in limbo, but can’t understand why she’s stuck with him.

In FEEDBACK, three teenagers receive the organs of deceased CIA agent and take on the task of completing the mission the spy died midway through, that of deactivating bacteria bombs threatening millions of lives.

In LITTLE RED GEM, bad advice from a ghost, magic courtesy of an unsuspecting half-sister, and a televised music talent show see this teen make more of a mess in death than she ever made in life.

That’s over 500 pages of action, drama, adventure, teen issues, and romance in one unputdownable book.

 

Book details

Release date: December 1st, 2014

 

eBook

No. of pages: 535

ISBN: 9781311944474

ASIN: B00O7GQRLY

 

Paperback

No. of pages: 564

ISBN-13: 978-1503096110

ISBN-10: 1503096114

 

Genre: YA paranormal

 

Book tour – Dec 1st 2014

http://www.paranormalcravings.com/release-day-promo-dec-1st-curious-d-l-richardson/

Paranormal Romance and Authors That Rock

Once Upon a YA Book

Ashley’s Paranormal Book Blog

Dauntless Indies

Dalene’s Book Reviews

LMB Book Blog

Deal Sharing Aunt

Totally Addicted to Reading

Indy Book Fairy

Sapphyria’s Book Reviews

Plus featured on these great author sites

Brinda Berry

Laura Diamond

Ally Shields

Noelle Clark

Dani-Lyn Alexander

Sara Hubbard

Angela Myers Parson

 

 

Links to buy

 

E BOOK

 

Amazon US

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O7GQRLY

 

(Please note this ebook is enrolled in KDP Select and is only available at this time on Amazon)

 

 

PRINT BOOK

 

Create Space

https://www.createspace.com/5087293

 

Amazon

To be advised

 

More print retailers coming soon

 

 

What’s up for grabs?

One ebook per tour stop, author/tour host selects winner

One major prize of one print book through Rafflecopter

 

 

Link to Rafflecopter

 

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/9df87f507/

 

 

Other links

Good Reads

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23274893-curious

 

Achievements

 

Little Red Gem

 

Highest Rated YA Fiction ebooks OmniLit

Runner up Best of 2013 Standalone YA Paranormal Cravings

Book trailer featured on USA Today

 

 

 

 

The Bird with the Broken Wing

 

#2 Best Sellers OmniLit

Best Selling Young Adult Fiction ebook OmniLit

Highest Rated Young Adult Fiction ebook OmniLit

 

 

 

Feedback

#1 Best Sellers OmniLit

Best Selling Young Adult Fiction ebook OmniLit

Highest Rated Young Adult Fiction ebook OmniLit

Best Selling Science Fiction & Fantasy ebooks OmniLit

 

Hallow’s Eve Cover Reveal and Excerpt

Hallows Eve banner

Can one night of magic heal his heart?

Blurb:

Twelve months ago, Hal’s world crashed and burned, taking the love of his life with it. He’s waited all year for that one special night when the souls of the departed come home, hoping his candle will summon back one in particular to heal his broken heart. But the forbidden knowledge he’s learned could call something far worse, and put more than his own soul at risk…

 

Hallow's Eve

Excerpt:

 

The thud and chink of beer bottles and glasses on the bar announced Dan’s return.

“So?”

Hal shook his head. “Not tonight.”

“Oh, c’mon, man. Just one beer.”

Hal dropped his gaze to the glass he was still drying with a vehemence it didn’t deserve, avoiding his friend’s pleading stare. “Thanks, but I’m not in the mood.”

Dan made an exasperated sound. “Look, I know it’s nearly a year—”

Pain lanced into his chest. “Stop.” He looked up.

A frown creasing his tanned face, Dan glared back, but he shut up.

Hal sucked in a breath. He didn’t want to fight with Dan over this. The guy had stopped Hal’s life completely falling apart after last Halloween. “I know what you’re trying to do,” he murmured, and relief flickered in Dan’s brown eyes. “But I’m not ready to let it go.”

“I’m not saying you should, man. But how about getting back into some social interaction? You can’t spend the rest of your life as a recluse.”

“I won’t.” Hal smiled. Dan had no idea.

“Then come out for a beer.”

“Another time.”

“Tomorrow then. I know you’ve got the Halloween shift off.”

Hal put down the glass he’d abused. “I’m busy.”

“Oh, yeah? Doing what? Trick or treating?” Dan scoffed. “What is it with you and Halloween? You never struck me as religious enough to find it offensive, but you don’t go out and have any fun either. So how come you always take the night off?”

Hal looked around the bar at all the tawdry holiday decorations, and debated how to answer. Maybe Dan thought he was a closet Christian or something. The truth would shock the hell out of him. Especially with what Hal had planned this year. “My…family don’t see it as something to joke about.”

“Oh. Strict Catholic or something?”

“Something like that.” Hal smiled at the thought of his parents taking Holy Communion. But let Dan interpret it any way he liked.

Coming 8th October, Hallow’s Eve will be available in all digital formats from Amazon, B&N, Smashwords, All Romance eBooks, and most digital online retailers.

 

Link

 

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Bio:

 

After spending twelve years working as an Analytical Chemist in a Metals and Minerals laboratory, Pippa Jay is now a stay-at-home mum who writes scifi and the supernatural. Somewhere along the way a touch of romance crept into her work and refused to leave. In between torturing her plethora of characters, she spends the odd free moment playing guitar very badly, punishing herself with freestyle street dance, and studying the Dark Side of the Force. Although happily settled in the historical town of Colchester in the UK with her husband of 21 years and three little monsters, she continues to roam the rest of the Universe in her head.

 

Pippa Jay is a dedicated member of the Science Fiction Romance Brigade, blogging at Spacefreighters Lounge, Adventures in Scifi, and Romancing the Genres. Her works include a YA science fiction novel—Gethyon—published through BURST (Champagne Books), a scifi romance novella—Tethered—published by Breathless Press, a YA paranormal romance—Restless In Peaceville—published by Lycaon Press, three self-published short stories (Terms & Conditions Apply, The Bones of the Sea, and Reboot), and she’s one of eight authors included in a science fiction romance anthology—Tales from the SFR Brigade. She’s also a double SFR Galaxy Award winner, been a finalist in the Heart of Denver RWA Aspen Gold Contest (3rd place), and the GCC RWA Silken Sands Star Awards (2nd place).

You can stalk her at her website, or at her blog, but without doubt her favorite place to hang around and chat is on Twitter as @pippajaygreen.

You can also find her on Facebook, Pinterest, Google+, and Wattpad
Giveaway:

(1 Pentagram necklace and 6 jasmine scented glitter tealights, open internationally, 1st-31st October, no cash or other alternative)

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RAFFLECOPTER CODE (CLICK HERE)

Cover Reveal: RELUCTANT PRINCE By Dani-Lyn Alexander

Reluctant Prince Cover

 

Reluctant Prince

Kingdom of Cymmera
Book One

By: Dani-Lyn Alexander


Betrayal lies cloaked in shadow.

Seventeen year old Ryleigh Donnovan is certain her life is cursed. Nothing ever goes smoothly, and her first job interview is no exception. An earthquake rocks the building, sending Ryleigh on a frantic search for her younger sister, a search which lands her in the hospital. Terrified they’ll push her for answers she can’t afford to give, Ryleigh flees with a mysterious stranger.

Jackson Maynard is about to be ordained as a Death Dealer, a warrior for the Kingdom of Cymmera, but first he must pass one more test. When he fails to acquire the human girl the prophet has chosen, he’s forced to stand trial for treason. Banished from his realm, he seeks out the girl from the vision, Ryleigh Donnovan, and together they embark on a journey to save his dying kingdom.

 

Now Available on Net Galley

 

Buy Links:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

 

Advance Praise:

“A gorgeously wrought fantasy realm with a heroine who will make you cheer!”

~Wendy Higgins, NYT and USA Today bestselling author of the Sweet Evil trilogy.

 

“Reluctant Prince grips you from the beginning and won’t let go…fresh and engaging.”

~ Ally Shields, author of the Guardian Witch series.

 

“A thrilling ride on a rollercoaster of danger that’ll keep you gasping for breath with every turn of the page.”

~ Laura Diamond, author of The Zodiac Collector.

“Dani-Lyn weaves a tale of family bonds, untapped abilities and an alternate world of fantastic wonders, all discovered by a courageous heroine and a swoon-worthy hero I want to see again and again!”

~ Contemporary Romance Author, Theresa DaLayne.

“Reluctant Prince takes readers on a heart pounding journey through the realms. Fantastical world building and a captivating hero keep pages turning to the end.”

~ Julie Anne Lindsey, author of Prophecy and Deceived

 

Dani-Lyn Alexander

Bio:

Dani-Lyn Alexander lives on Long Island with her husband, three kids and three dogs. She loves spending time with her family, at the beach, the playground, or just about anywhere. In her spare time, which is rare, she enjoys reading and shopping—especially in book stores. Some of her favorite things include; Bernese Mountain Dogs, musicals, bubble baths and soft blankets. She’s an incurable insomniac and has an addiction to chocolate.

 

Meet Dani-Lyn on the Interwebz:

Website

Facebook

Twitter

 

It’s THE ZODIAC COLLECTOR’s Birthday!!!!

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It’s finally here–ZODIAC’s birthday!!!! *throws confetti*

Click HERE to check out a giveaway on Chandara Writes blog. 

It looks like Zodiac is earning some FIVE star reviews–thank you!!!!

“FIVE STARS. I knew this novel was promising when I read the blurb on Goodreads, and it far surpassed my expectations. A dystopian with mounting suspense, tons of conflict, and an interesting theme, this novel was hard to put down! Anything but predictable, Laura Diamond had me guessing what was going to happen next, throughout!” ~April Wood, blogger of A Well Read Woman

In case you haven’t seen it, here’s what THE ZODIAC COLLECTOR is about:

For almost-16 year-old Anne Devans, the annual Renaissance Faire means three things—her dad spending weeks in the smithy, her bipolar mom doing some manic costume making, and another ruined birthday for her and her twin sister, Mary.

This year, Anne wants things to be different, and she’s going to do things her way.

On the eve of the Faire, Anne (along with a reluctant Mary) conjures up a spell that will make their 16th birthday party a whirlwind event. Little do they know that it’s a literal request.

After the mini tornado in their room subsides, the girls realize they’ve invoked the power of the Gemini Twins, Castor and Pollux. That’s the good news. The bad news is they also caught the attention of a sorceress named Zeena who has been collecting children born under each Zodiac Sign to enhance her power. Once she captures Anne and Mary, Gemini twins, the entire Zodiac—and the world—will be hers.

Anne leads the fight against Zeena, but her one-sided decisions could throw them into a world so far from home, even the Renaissance Faire would seem like a brilliant vacation. Between managing their new Zodiac powers, dodging their manic mother and trying to stop Zeena, they’ll get a 16th birthday they’ll never forget.

Book Details:

Young Adult Fantasy/Paranormal

Paperback, 328 pages

Published by Spencer Hill Press

Publication Date: September 23, 2014

Purchase Links:

Amazon.com

Barnes and Noble

Kobo

Goodreads 

So I thought it would be fun to share information about our zodiac signs (you’ll see me posting on Twitter and FB about it!). Please add your zodiac sign and a couple characteristics in the comments. 😉

I’m LIBRA–fair, indecisive, and must have balance!!! 

BEA Saturday 5/31–signing ARCs of Zodiac Collector

I’m SO excited to be taking part in Spencer Hill Press’s author signings this week at Book Expo America. This will be my first ever signing and I’ll be signing ARCs of ZODIAC COLLECTOR!

I’ll be signing at the Spencer Hill booth #2567 on Saturday at 1PM. I hope to see you there–don’t hesitate to stop by, introduce yourself, say hello, & grab an ARC. I can’t wait to sign a copy for you! 😉

I’ll also have fun swag: bookmarks with the *original* cover art.

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Susan Kaye Quinn Indie New Release Giveaway!

Indie Extravaganza: New Book Releases You Should Check Out – PLUS Gift Card Giveaway!

Looking for some great NEW indie reads?
All of these books are New Releases in the last few months. Skip to the genre you love, sample a new indie author… and enter the giveaway at the bottom! (Also check out the FREE books associated with these New Releases at the bottom.)
And THANK YOU for supporting indie authors!
(click on covers to learn more)

p.s. is it me, or are these indie covers amazing?


Young Adult Science Fiction
 
 


Science Fiction/Dystopian
  
  
 
 

Young Adult Fantasy
  

  

  


Fantasy
 

Young Adult Contemporary Romance
  

Contemporary/Historical Romance
  
  

Young Adult Suspense

Middle Grade
 

Steampunk/Alternate History
 

Thriller/Suspense
  

FREE Books
Connected with New Releases Above
  
 
 

Giveaway includes Gift Cards, Original Art, paperbacks, ebooks, and a mug!

LORE is here!

A few months ago, six YA/NA authors pooled their brains together in a pensieve-like bowl and developed an anthology idea. We six feverishly penned our modern retellings of myth and folklore and now it’s available for your reading pleasure!

I’m SO excited to be a part of this. The authors I worked with are SERIOUSLY talented. I admit, I spent a fair amount of time fangirling over these lovely ladies and the words they so beautifully wove onto the page.

My story, SUNSET MOON, features Eloise, a Native American teen struggling to find herself in the mess of a life she’s living. I hope you enjoy her journey.

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LORE: TALES OF MYTH AND LEGEND RETOLD

A collection of six folklore retellings that will twist your mind and claim your heart.

SHIMMER by Brinda Berry: A heartbroken boy rescues a mermaid… but is it too late to save her?

BETWEEN, by Karen Y. Bynum, is about a girl, a genie, and a ton of bad decisions.

SUNSET MOON by ME: Eloise doesn’t believe in Native American magic–until the dreamcatcher spiders spin her down an unknown path.

THE MAKER by Jayne A. Knolls: An incapacitated young man bent on revenge builds a creature to do it for him.

A BEAUTIFUL MOURNING by Theresa DaLayne: The story of a Maya goddess torn between duty and love, and the ultimate sacrifice she must make to achieve true happiness.

THE BARRICADES by Cate Dean: When a human girl risks everything to save the life of an Eternal prince, will their feelings for each other change the world they know, or tear it apart?

Cover art by Lisa Amowitz.

LORE on Goodreads

LORE on Amazon

I’d like to give a BIG THANK YOU to all of those who already purchased LORE. The anthology ranked on THREE categories on Amazon and got up to #28 on Anthologies! WOOT!!!

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Is Blogging Still A Thing? Maybe Not For Me…

I’m sure you’ve heard the statement, “Blogging is dead.” It seems to circulate the interwebz every few months. I gotta say, I never thought it to be the case. Until now.

My change in perspective has to do with my own approach to blogging. Most of you have no doubt noticed the change in my blog. Since summer, I’ve cut waaaaay back on posting. Part of it had to do with juggling three novels at once (never want to do that again–talk about skirting the edge of burn out!!!!) and some struggles I was having at the day job. Initially, I thought I’d be back in business by fall. Well, that didn’t happen. Deadlines got pushed out for various reasons, the day job stuff didn’t lessen, and my creativity took a nose dive. I pulled back to completing the essentials while letting the extras slide.

I hate the idea that my blog became an “extra.” I know I’ve lost readers. I know it’s because I’m not actively reading and commenting on others’ blogs. I also know I can’t keep it all up anymore. The momentum I’d gained with my first releases, New Pride and Shifting Pride, has ground to a halt.

And I don’t know where to go from here…

Sure, I’m still actively writing and will have 3 new publications in the coming year (Endure’s sequel, Evoke, with Etopia Press, The Zodiac Collector with Spencer Hill Press, and a sekrit project). WOOT!

I love my stories. I’m proud of my publications. And I’m hopeful for the future.

Getting back to blogging…

One thing is for certain. I’m going to have to reinvent part of myself. And when I say myself, I mean my online presence, my platform. I’ll have to try new ways of connecting with readers.

I’m not sure what that’s going to look like, but I’m considering it part of the process, part of the journey, if you will.

How about you? How do you keep your blogs going? Have you reinvented yourself? How’d you do it? What’s your favorite strategies for reaching readers?

 

Book Versus Movie On YAtopia

Hey all!

On Saturday, I posted on the YAtopia blog about film adaptations of books. Which one to you think is better: the book of the movie? Hop on over and leave your two cents.

One of the examples I used was Ender’s Game. Well, I saw it over the weekend and LOVED it! Are you guys gonna check it out?

How about Catching Fire and The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug? They’re definitely on my list.

Switching gears a bit…

If you take a look on the right side of my blog, I’ve added ZODIAC COLLECTOR to my list of works. Click on the picture (on the side bar) and it’ll take you to the Goodreads page. Zodiac is due for publication in May 2014!

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