Everything But the Kitchen Sink + Giveaway

Well, hello there! 2013 was a crazy year, and I've sort of fallen off the blogging train. Sorry about that!

Consequently, I've missed posting about a few things! Including a bunch of signed books I have to give away!

First, let me share a couple of amazing book events I went to. In early November, I attended launches for Jessica Souders's book REVELATIONS, which is the sequel to her amazing debut RENEGADE.

And I made Jessica a present for her release:

My phone didn't take a great photo of them, but they are canvases with Jessica's favorite scenes from each book mod podged on them, and then the cover printed on vellum over the top. RENEGADE's is surrounded with blue sea glass, and REVELATIONS's is surrounded with rope and sea shells. :)

Keep reading for a GIVEAWAY of a signed copy of REVELATIONS and some swag!

Then, the very next day, I went to Vivi Barnes's launch for her debut OLIVIA TWISTED, a retelling of Oliver Twist with hackers! I got to read an ARC of OLIVIA TWISTED, and I LOVED it!

 Here she is, signing Jessica's copy of OLIVIA TWISTED.

And here she is reading from a chapter!

I gave Vivi a present, too, but I didn't get a picture of it. I made her a scrabble tile necklace with her cover on it. :)

Keep going to get to a giveaway of a signed paperback of OLIVIA TWISTED and swag!

I have two more books to give away, as well. You know how I always get signed books to give away after I attend a conference? Well, I got two books signed for you guys at the SCBWI FL Orlando Workshop in June. Annnnd they've been sitting on my nightstand ever since. #FAIL So I have a paperback of WITH OR WITHOUT YOU by Brian Farrey and a signed paperback of BEWITCHING by Alex Flinn to giveaway, as well.

So, at the end of this post is a Rafflecopter form for you. To make things easier for myself, I'm doing one Rafflecopter, but I want you to win the book you want most, so make sure to list the books in order of MOST WANT to LEAST WANT. I'll choose four winners and try to give everyone their fave if I can. <3

I was going to do a 2013 wrap up and wishes for 2014 post, but this post is long enough, no? I'm going to another conference this week, so hopefully I'll be more ON IT, and do another giveaway when I get back!


a Rafflecopter giveaway
Happy 2014, everyone!

GATED Launch!

I had the BEST SATURDAY EVER attending the launch for Amy Parker's debut GATED.

Do the gates keep the unchosen out or the chosen in?

In Mandrodage Meadows, life seems perfect. The members of this isolated suburban community have thrived under Pioneer, the charismatic leader who saved them from their sad, damaged lives. Lyla Hamilton and her parents are original members of the flock. They moved here following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, looking to escape the evil in the world. Now seventeen, Lyla knows certain facts are not to be questioned:

Pioneer is her leader.

Will is her Intended.

The end of the world is near.

Like Noah before him, Pioneer has been told of the imminent destruction of humanity. He says his chosen must arm themselves to fight off the unchosen people, who will surely seek refuge in the compound's underground fortress--the Silo.

Lyla loves her family and friends, but given the choice, she prefers painting to target practice. And lately she'd rather think about a certain boy outside the compound than plan for married life in the Silo with Will. But with the end of days drawing near, she will have to pick up a gun, take a side, and let everyone know where she stands.

GATED on Goodreads

A group of five authors from Orlando roadtripped over to Tampa to Inkwood Books for Amy's launch. We had so much fun. Tara Gallina drove. She could give Danica Patrick a run for her money. Heehee!

A couple of my favorite quotes from the road:

"You'll have to do the tuck and the roll because I'm not slowing down."

"Are you sure you're not Polish?"

"And why is he wearing a petticoat?!"

On the way, Sarah Nicolas made an Instagram video of us answering "How many spaces after a period?"

We arrived on time, thanks to Tara's driving, and even got a parking spot right in front. Christina Farley took some great pictures, so here are a few:

 Tara, me, and Jessica Souders making our purchases.

 Amy's gorgeous spread celebrating GATED!

 The group! Also including Vivi Barnes, Krystalyn Fowler, Joe and Lisa Iriarte, and Lucienne Diver!

 I took this one. :)

Plus, Christina made a video of the day, so check it out! And then go buy GATED! (Also, Christina and Tara are both hosting giveaways of GATED on their blogs, so be sure to click on their names to enter.)