Book reviews!

Finally getting around to some book reviews. The first review is for MATCHED by Ally Condie: Cassia never has to make any decisions in her life. Her choices are decided by society, and society will even pick her mate. But a mishap on her 18th birthday sends the picture of another boy who is not her chosen mate. Suddenly, she starts thinking about making her own choices in a world where that is not allowed. Highly recommended - looking forward to the sequel.
WITHER by Lauren DeStefano is another dystopian fantasy, but with a more Victorian feel than the former. This book has lush descriptions of people, clothing and even food. Tension builds in the book and the ending leaves one wanting to read the sequel.
THE DRAGON OF TRELIAN by Michelle Knudsen is a middle grade fantasy about a magician who must find his magic and a princess who finds a dragon. Shannon Hale readers will enjoy this book, as I did. I'll be looking for the sequel to this fantasy as well.

Marigold Book Trailer

Working away on BELLADONNA

I had a good week for writing!  I am working away on BELLADONNA: Book Two of the Elven Chronicles.  Because this book starts in London and then moves through Ireland, at times it feels like more of a travelogue than a novel.  So, I am tweaking and inserting some action & dialogue to keep it moving along.  I'm sure I'll make a lot more changes in the final edit, but I think it's going to be a good sequel to MARIGOLD.

Library author event

I had an author reading at a local library on Tuesday.  I volunteer at this library and normally, around 2:30, the library starts filling up with kids.  But on the day of my reading, there were very few kids, and I suspect that there were some after-school activities going on.  But, the kids who came to my reading were enthusiastic, and one girl checked out my book immediately.  Also, I read my first chapter, and they wanted me to read more - very nice!

My book is on amazon

My book is now out on amazon.com, and my world has changed!  I had my first school author event last Monday, and it was a huge success!  I read the first chapter from my book and after, the kids kept asking questions even after the bell rang for recess.  One of the parents emailed that her daughter read the book immediately and declared it the "best book ever"!  Very exciting!  I have my first library event coming up Nov. 16, and I'm looking forward to it.

I'm having a difficult time getting author readings in bookstores, though.  I went to the NCIBA trade show and gave away about 10 books, with a free author readings flyer.  Although my cover was admired, I only have one tentative reading for February.  I think that many bookstores are busy getting ready for the holidays and don't want to order more books now.  I'll keep trying in January.