ONE MORE DAY Kickoff

December is a very busy month. There’s food to be bought, baking to be done, lights to put up and…a book to promote?

Yep, in the middle of all the fixings and trimmings, the strands of tangled Christmas lights, ensuring the dragon is well-fed, seven YA authors (myself included) are preparing for a whirlwind internet tour of the new anthology by J. Taylor Publishing, ONE MORE DAY. There will be virtual parties, giveaways, games, virtual cakes and good eats throughout the month of December, and everyone is invited to travel with us and join in the celebrations.

Not sure what ONE MORE DAY is about? From the back cover…

What if today never ends?

What if everything about life—everything anyone hoped to be, to do, to experience—never happens?

Whether sitting in a chair, driving down the road, in surgery, jumping off a cliff or flying … that’s where you’d be … forever.

Unless …

In One More Day, Erika Beebe, Marissa Halvorson, Kimberly Kay, J. Keller Ford, Danielle E. Shipley and Anna Simpson join L.S. Murphy to give us their twists, surprising us with answers to two big questions, all from the perspective of characters under the age of eighteen.

How do we restart time?

How do we make everything go back to normal?

The answers, in whatever the world—human, alien, medieval, fantasy or fairytale—could,maybe, happen today.

Right now.

What would you do if this happened … to you?

***

Sounds great, doesn’t it? The book releases December 2, 2013, and to kick off the blog tour, I asked each of the authors a simple question: If there was one moment in time you could freeze for eternity, a moment you’d love for everyone to see, what would that moment be? From December 1 – 7th, you will find each of the authors’ answers right here, so I hope you drop by to experience those moments. Sprinkled throughout the month, you will also find various guest posts and/or interviews by some of the authors so you’ll have more than one opportunity to get up close and personal with them.

In the middle of all the ONE MORE DAY posts here, I will also bring you a few interviews and blog posts for other authors who have their own books they’re proud of and want to show off. After all, the spirit of the holidays and Christmas is not about tooting our own horns. It’s about helping others and giving them boosts, applause and accolades whenever we can.

J. Taylor Publishing has a list of many of the blog stops and the dates which you can find here. There is a virtual Facebook party on December 6, 2013, beginning at 7 PM CST. There will be giveaways, fun contests, and a lot of fun to be had, so sign up and I hope to see you there. I am also in the process of setting up a Goodreads giveaway, so stay tuned for more details.

Whatever you do, please make sure you visit each one of the ONE MORE DAY authors’ websites, take a look around and leave a message or several messages throughout the month. Don’t forget to like their Facebook and Twitter pages. We would all love to hear from you because without you, our words, our stories would be homeless. We bow to our readers’ stupendousness. You guys completely rock my world. On behalf of Linda, Erika, Anna, Marissa, Danielle, Kimberly and myself, thank you for your support, and have a wonderful holiday season. Hope to see you around the internet and don’t forget to bring your friends! The more the merrier!

Author Websites:

ARC Review: One More Day by L.S. Murphy + Others (bookarooju.wordpress.com)
“Anthology” or “So Many Stories, So Little Time to Wait!” (everonword.wordpress.com)
ARC Review: One More Day by L.S. Murphy and Various Authors (kookiekrysp.com)

Tangibility of the written word

J. Taylor Publishing’s ONE MORE DAY young adult anthology debuts December 2, 2013, which means my short story, Dragon Flight, will be available to millions of people to read.

Millions of people. What a mind-blowing concept. As a writer, that’s all that really matters – having my work out there for others to read and share. Sure, I’d like to top the best-seller lists. I mean, who wouldn’t like to be spoken of in hallowed greatness among YA fans of Cassandra Clare, J.K. Rowling, and Suzanne Collins? And while I’d like to have a theme park named after my novel, I think J.K. Rowling already cornered the market on that one. I do envision movies, however. Epic movies, with an all-star cast, maybe even directed by the great Peter Jackson himself, but I digress.

For now, I am thrilled knowing two of my short stories are out there and someone, somewhere is or will soon be reading them. The Amulet of Ormisez is available in e-book and in one week, Dragon Flight will be available in paperback and e-book, which just makes me jump up and down and squeal and do the little Snoopy happy dance. The idea of being able to hold and sign a book featuring a story of mine just blows me away. It is the ultimate high for this author. I’ll actually be able to give something tangible to my friends and relatives as presents this holiday season. It’s personal. I can write a note inside. I can hand it to them. There is nothing virtual about that.

I don’t know how I can explain what this means to me. I guess the only way is like this. We all know how great it is to Skype with our friends and loved ones. We get to see them, talk to them, laugh and cry with them…but it will never replace actually holding each other, touching each other, laughing and crying in the same room with each other. To give the gift of a virtual book conjures the same meaning for me. I’m not sure I’m ready to move into a virtual world, where everything we experience is on a reader, online, and someday, in a hologram. We’re losing our personal touch with people. We’re losing how to interact with people face-to-face. I think we’re becoming too tech savvy, so much so that we’re losing what’s ‘real’. And in our eagerness to progress, move on and be ‘up-to-date’, we’re losing valuable lessons, skills and a tangible form of art.

While I see the importance of e-books and I understand all the arguments for them, they can’t replace the authenticity, the sensation of holding a real book. There is something magical in turning the pages, experiencing the freshness or age of a book. Hiding under the covers with a flashlight as a child, so you can stay up to turn the last page of the chapter. To pass on and share a book without needing permission. I am in love with reading, but I’m also in love with books. Tangible books. Pages that will yellow with age, bindings that will crease and tear and perhaps even unbind from all the times it’s been opened and read. That’s what I want to happen to the books containing my writings. I want them to be well-read, loved, cherished, seen by many – not sitting in a dark reader to never be stroked, loved, needed and perhaps read only once before being cast into cyberspace. What a heartbreaking fate for some of life’s most beautiful words.

Dragon Flight is almost here!

Oh my gosh, I can’t control the squeals of delight! First, I get an e-mail from my publisher that the print books of the ONE MORE DAY anthology have been approved by the distributor and the paperbacks will start showing up soon. While I had another short story, The Amulet of Ormisez, published last year, it was only available in e-book format only (Kindle / Nook). This year, ONE MORE DAY, and my short story, Dragon Flight, will be available in print and e-book! I am soooo happy I can’t stand it!

Secondly, I saw the purchase link for the paperback on Amazon!

I just can’t believe it. I’ll actually have something to sign. Something I can touch and give to others who don’t have e-readers. This is such a glorious thing to me.

I’m also very excited to promote this anthology because there are several authors debuting in this work and I’m so happy for them. It is an incredible feeling knowing a publisher thought highly enough of your work to take a chance on it and publish it. There are no words that can express how thrilled I am for these new authors. They all have intriguing stories to tell in ONE MORE DAY, and I’m honored to be appearing along with each of them. (Psst…just to let you know, there is one author who is still in her teen years. How awesome is that!).

I will be posting a blog tour schedule soon so you can keep up with all the shenanigans we’re all doing. I’ve also got a great line-up starting December 1 and running through Jan. 2, 2014 of author guest posts and interviews, etc. You’ll also find other authors I’m promoting during the month of December and I’m über excited to help them out as well.

I hope you stay tuned for all the fun, interviews, guest posts, and giveaways of ONE MORE DAY. Share the word. Spread the joy. And thank you for your loyalty and friendship. I, we, couldn’t do any of this without our readers, fans and loyal following. You guys are the best. Thank you for everything.

ARC Review: One More Day by L.S. Murphy and Various Authors (kookiekrysp.com)

“ONE MORE DAY” – A Review

As one of the authors in J. Taylor Publishing’s new YA anthology, ONE MORE DAY, I had the pleasure of reading the ARC and I have to say, I am quite honored to be a part of this anthology. There is a lot of talent to be found in this anthology set to release on December 2, 2013 in both e-book and paperback. (yay! Paperback!!!)

My review of the anthology is below. Why don’t you add it to your “TBR” list and find out what all the talk is about. 🙂

“Time Piece” by Anna Simpson

I thought when I first started reading this I would be lost and confused, but boy, was I wrong. This was a delightful, rhythmic, ‘groundhog day’ tale with a perfect ending. Truly delightful and a great start to the anthology.

“Dark Rose” by Marissa Halvorson

Ever wonder what would happen if two universes collided? Ms. Halvorson provides an answer in this out of the ordinary tale where time weaves and distorts. I thought the story needed more explanation as I felt confused in places, yet at the same time, that fuzzy, disjointed feel is what makes this story unique and gripping.

“Dragon Flight” by J. Keller Ford

This is my own story and I can’t comment other than saying I had a blast writing this. Thank you J. Taylor Publishing for believing in the story and including it in One More Day.

“The 13th Month” by L.S. Murphy

Wow, this story is just too cool, and heartbreaking. What a fantastic read. There is a similar Harry Potter-ish prophecy going on but the outcome was not what I expected. My only complaint is that this story could have been longer as the finale seemed sort of rushed and not completely explained. I did, however, enjoy the ending and the MCs resolve. Great characterization of the MC.

“Sleepless Beauty” by Kimberly Kay

This was probably my favorite out of all the stories. I just really loved the whole retelling of this fairy tale story. The tale was fun, fast-paced and had me grinning a lot. Though the ending was predictable, I enjoyed it so much I read it twice.

“Stage Fright” by Erika Beebe

I really enjoyed the premise behind this story and I believe many of us can relate to the MCs fears and pressures of wanting to fit in in high school. Who hasn’t had to face the snobbish girl and more importantly, their own self doubt? This story blends past experiences with new ones and delves into how one event can change everything we believe about ourselves. Though difficult at times to follow, I love the way Ms. Beebe dives into the human psyche and gives our MC the option of being victim or victor. If you were ever in the drama club in school, you’ll like this story.

“A Morrow More” by Danielle E. Shipley

This is a fantastic fantasy story with great characters and world-building. I enjoyed the twist and turn, especially the dragon. I felt the ending was a bit abrupt, but this could be attributed to only have so many words to tell the tale. This, unfortunately, is one of the pitfalls of writing short stories. Though I would have loved to have seen this tale go on for a bit more, I was quite pleased with this piece and will definitely check out other works by this author.

What if today never ends?

What if everything about life—everything anyone hoped to be, to do, to experience—never happens?

Whether sitting in a chair, driving down the road, in surgery, jumping off a cliff or flying … that’s where you’d be … forever.

Unless …

How do we restart time?

How do we make everything go back to normal?

The answers, in whatever the world—human, alien, medieval, fantasy or fairytale—could,maybe, happen today.

Right now.

What would you do if this happened … to you?

ONE MORE DAY – WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

What if today never ends?

What if everything about life—everything anyone hoped to be, to do, to experience—never happens?

That’s the prompt J. Taylor Publishing threw out there a few months ago when they opened up their site to submissions for their December 2013 Young Adult anthology, ONE MORE DAY. Six short stories were chosen from six different authors, and glory be, mine was one of them! 🙂

In celebration, I’m giving away 5 signed bookmarks to five people who do the following:

Add ONE MORE DAY to your Goodreads “To Read” list? (leave your Goodreads name for verification)

Here’s what you’ll get if you add the book:

Isn’t it pretty? Don’t you want one?

Leave your Goodreads info in the comment sections below. Also be sure to check out the other author websites and blog for more good giveaways and shout-outs!

Free Tchotchkes for Everyone!

Yes, yes, it’s true! I have free tchotchkes for everyone. What the heck is a tchotchke you ask? It’s a trinket, a souvenir, an ornament, and J. Taylor Publishing has released their tchotchkes for their new anthology, ONE MORE DAY, coming out December 2, 2013. I’m super excited because my short story, “Dragon Flight” will grace the pages. (And yes, there will be real pages, not just virtual ones. This makes me very, very happy.)

Until the book comes out, please feel free to download any of these you like for free. Under no circumstances are they to be sold as they belong to J. Taylor Publishing. Enjoy!!

bookmarks

Psst! Wanna know a secret?

Today I’m revealing a big, big secret I’ve been keeping for weeks. Trust me, I’ve wanted to share it with you for so long but my publisher wouldn’t let me. Today, however, they released me and six other authors from our bondage and said, “Go! Tell everyone you can! Shout it to the world, to outer space! Give them ONE MORE DAY!”

So here it is, everyone! The cover reveal of J. Taylor Publishing’s latest anthology, ONE MORE DAY! And my YA short story, Dragon Flight, will appear on the pages inside. Isn’t it pretty??? 🙂

Blurb:

What if today never ends?

What if everything about life—everything anyone hoped to be, to do, to experience—

never happens?

Whether sitting in a chair, driving down the road, in surgery, jumping off a cliff or flying …

that’s where you’d be … forever.

Unless …

How do we restart time?

How do we make everything go back to normal?

The answers, in whatever the world—human, alien, medieval, fantasy or fairytale—could, maybe, happen today.

Right now.

What would you do if this happened … to you?

***

Does the blurb excite you? Anyone up for helping out with upcoming blog tours, interviews etc.? If so, give me a shout out! The book releases December, 2013 in ebook and paperback (this makes me very happy! I’ll actually be able to sign a book!!!) There will be tons of giveaways coming up over the next few months, not just from me, but all the authors involved, so get ready to jump on the ONE MORE DAY train. Reciprocal reviews and blog tour spots for your works may be possible as well for joining in this adventure.

In the meantime, enjoy the cover and stay tuned for more news. If you’re into YA, you’re not going to want to miss one word about this anthology. It’s going to be tons of fun.

Protected: Sunday Snippet Critique Blog Hop

Happy Christmas Eve

Hi everyone. Just wanted to jump in and tell everyone Happy Christmas Eve. Enjoy time with family and friends. If you go to church, may your candlelight service be wonderful and beautiful and full of the spirit of God.

Enjoy your Christmas. I hope it is a blessed one for you.

Today, the Make Believe authors are featured on Burning Impossibly Bright . There is also a giveaway going on over there so pop on over for your chance to win a copy of the anthology.

Bless all of you and have a wonderful Christmas.

Christmas Eve Story Challenge!! (tobiasmastgrave.wordpress.com)
Happy Christmas Eve (fourdeeroak.wordpress.com)
Memories of Christmas Eve (journal365.wordpress.com)
On the Eve of Christmas (stumbledownunder.com)

Blog Tour eff-ups. Yep, I made one, but it’s all good

Okay, cut me some slack. It’s my first blog tour. 🙂

For those of you who haven’t tried to put a blog tour together, let me tell you it’s tons of fun, incredibly hectic and completely EASY to make mistakes, especially if you’re not paying attention. Sad thing was, I thought I had it all together. My Google Calendar doesn’t have a blank spot on it from Dec. 1 – Jan. 3. Apparently, however, I made a boo boo and didn’t mark it on my calendar. I double-booked appearances today. You can find me blabbing away on the blogs of two of my anthology mates:

Kelly Said and Terri Rochenski *bangs head on desk*

Oh well. They are both such sweethearts and made me feel better by not calling me names AND YOU guys are lucky because you get to blog hop with me all day. Isn’t that fun? Nod and say “Sure it is.”

Sorry girls. I’m glad it all worked out though. I couldn’t ask for better antho buddies.