BLOOD CROWN by Ali Cross Cover reveal!

 

About BLOOD CROWN: Serantha is the daughter of the Emperor of the West, who rules over the remnant of humanity who escaped a dying Earth and took to the stars a thousand years ago. With no habitable planets found during their exile, the android Servants who were supposed to care for them rose up, took the name of Mind, and murdered her father. Now the androids amuse themselves by forcing humans like her into mindless drudgery. But flashes of memory hint that Sera is no ordinary human.

On the other side of the galaxy, Nicolai, Son of the East, has abandoned his crown and joined the rebel forces in the war against the Mind. Humans have no real chance... unless the enhanced DNA developed by the Blood Crown scientists can unlock mankind's potential. When Nic and Sera are united, they discover their true potential--and together, humanity just might have a chance. But there's a legion of androids and nine years of mistrust between East and West... and coming together will require more than they ever expected.

Release date: February 20, 2014

About Ali Cross: Ali Cross is the sensei of Novel Ninjutsu where she holds a black belt in awesome. She lives in Utah with her kickin' husband, two sparring sons, one ninja cat, one sumo dog and four zen turtles.

Ali is the award-winning author of young and new adult fiction and moonlights as Alex Cross when she can write wild middle grade adventures set in the faraway places of her imagination.

Social media links:

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ali_cross

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authoralicross

Blog: http://www.alicross.com

Book on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19241969-blood-crown

Author on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5188441.Ali_Cross

Tumblr/Pinterest/Etc: http://desolationdiaries.tumblr.com/

Indelibles (indie authors): http://indeliblewriters.blogspot.com/

Emblazoners (middle grade authors): http://emblazoners.com/

Dauntless (authors): http://dauntlessauthors.blogspot.com/

Amazing August Author Event!

I think I could get some Christmas shopping down on Saturday. (Hope to see you all there!):

Writers on Wednesday ~ Jenn Johansson

This week we welcome J.R. Johansson or Jenn as most of us call her. Jenn is awesome and funny cute. And a soon to be a published author! Her book, INSOMNIA, looks scary cool.

Enjoy Jenn's interview!

Give us your elevator pitch.
Parker is a 17-year-old boy who spends every night trapped in the dreams of the last person he made eye contact with, and it's killing him. Until he meets Mia. In her dreams he can finally get true sleep, but when someone begins stalking her, everyone believes it is Parker. He must learn who is truly to blame and clear his name before the stalker makes good on his threats to end her dreams forever.

What’s your favorite snack?

I love licorice...Red Vines, Twizzlers, even the Good & Plenty with the black licorice centers. I think I could live off of licorice and Diet Coke. :)

What is your most memorable high school experience?

In high school, I did a lot of performing in choirs and musicals, but my most memorable experience was probably when I learned to play the drums for the sole purpose of being in the band for the all-male performance choir. But hey...it worked. I had a date to every dance that year. ;-)


What was the first book that turned you into a reader?

That would have to be A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle. It's still one of my absolute favorites.

Are you a night owl or early bird?

Oh, I'm such a night owl. I'm not even able to communicate in full sentences until noon most days. Me in the morning = not a pretty thing


What do you never leave home without?

My phone. I'm fully addicted. It's a little sad.


Do you have any pets?

I have two cats. A girl - Cleo - and a boy - Phoenix. They're cute, cuddly, and extremely social. Phoenix is now fully grown and seems to believe he's a parrot. He loves to try to perch on my shoulder while I'm writing. Maybe I should have named him Muse.

What is one piece of advice you would give aspiring writers?

Keep writing, no matter what. No matter where you are in the process, this is crucial!

Writers on Wednesday ~ Jean Reagan

Welcome today, Beehive Award nominee, Jean Reagan! Congrats!


How did you find out about the Beehive Award nomination?

A friend sent me the link announcing the nominees.  I had no idea whatsoever that the nominations for next year's awards had happened because I've been excited for my author friend, Bobbie Pyron, whose book (A DOG'S WAY HOME) is being voted on right now for this year's Beehive Book Awards! 

How did/do you feel?

I was so, so, so excited!  After telling my husband and daughter (using my high, squeaky excited voice), I forwarded the link to my agent, editor, and all my extended family.  It was fun to see my book listed amongst all those notable books, but then I quickly realized, "Oh, dear.  I should celebrate now and not wait until the votes are counted!" 
 

Give us your elevator pitch.

In HOW TO BABYSIT A GRANDPA, a four-year old boy thinks he's babysitting his grandpa although the reader is in on the joke.  The "babysitter" shares tips on taking care of a grandpa, like: snacks for a grandpa, how to entertain a grandpa, what to draw for a grandpa, what to do when you see a puddle, how to have Grandpa take a nap and then, of course, how to wake him up.  The hardest part of the day?  Goodbye time.  But fortunately, there are tips for how to say goodbye. 

BTW:  HOW TO BABYSIT A GRANDMA will be published the fall of 2014 with the same delightful illustrator, Lee Wildish. 


What's your favorite snack? 

Toast with homemade (by my daughter) apple butter.  The apples are homegrown, too! 


What do you never leave home without?

In the summer, the answer is easy:  bear spray.  My husband and I are wilderness volunteer rangers in Grand Teton National Park.  I don't even go to our outhouse without bear spray.  During the rest of the year when we live in Salt Lake City, I never leave home without my cellphone.  (Boring, huh?)


Do you have any pets?

We have a cat named Marley who thinks she's a dog.  When someone rings the door bell, she beelines to check out who is there.  But, nope, she doesn't bark. 

Recently a friend commented, "Wow, your kitty sure doesn't miss a meal," so now we've put Marley on a diet.  Her disposition has soured a bit as a result.

    
Do have a favorite getaway?

Backpacking in the Sierras.  It is so unbelievably beautiful.  


What is one piece of advice you would give aspiring writers?

Join a critique group.  Truth be told, my critique groups help me so much that they should all be listed as co-authors on my books and magazine stories.  
Another piece of advice is to celebrate every step along the way:  beginnings, completions, submissions, small accolades, and even those darn, inevitable rejections.   


What are your goals for 2013?

I just sent a board book manuscript to my agent.  My goal is to sell it in 2013, fingers crossed!


Please feel free to visit my website www.jeanreagan.com to learn more about me, my books, and my summer "gig" in the Tetons.