Fairy Bad Day Scavenger Hunt

Have I really neglected my blog for so long? Wait, please don't answer that! Anyway, tomorrow I promise that I will post some links to some more cool competitions that I've got running about the place but today it's all about the Scavenger Hunt and blog tour that has so kindly been organized by The Teen Book Scene.

On each stop of the tour as well as doing an interview (with some very fun questions!) there is also a letter. So all you need to do is collect all the letters and figure out what word they form (and I promise that it's not something complicated like wheelbarrow or stegosaurus, but if you're really stuck just enter anyway and tell me how fabulous I am because when it comes to me, flattery will get you everywhere!!!!!!)

Once you've figured out the word, or come up with an large amount of lovely things to say about me, just send me an email with the answer to amanda at amandaashby dot com (no spaces) and put Fairy Bad Day comp on the subject line, just so I don't miss your entry. Oh, and btw, this is an International competition so I really don't mind where I have to post it!

As you can see the prize is above! A signed copy of both Fairy Bad Day and Zombie Queen of Newbury High, some Skittles, a fairy cell phone charm and some gorgeous bling jewelry. Now, you might ask why I have included bling jewelry when it has nothing to do with my books and the truth is that as well as being a writer, I'm a magpie and if I see something pretty and shiny, I simply must have it. In fact some people might call me the queen of bling (I've not met these people yet, but I'm sure that they're out there!)

So while I was looking for a prize to send out, I found a lovely shop fully of blinged out necklaces and rings and quite before I knew what was happening, I bought some. And then, because I am a kind and sharing author, I bought a second set and decided to make that part of the prize. Plus, the idea of someone reading my books while wearing a glittering leaf necklace and a ring the size of a golf ball makes me feel very happy indeed!

So, that's the competition. The final letter should go up tomorrow but if you have already figured out what the word is (smart cookie) then you are welcome to send me your entry early!!!!!

So good luck and happy scavenger hunting and I'll draw the winner next Wednesday (the day before I move out of my house and get ready to move to Australia!!!!!)

Thursday, June 9: Erica’s Review (The Book Cellar)
Friday, June 10: Erica’s Interview (The Book Cellar)

Saturday, June 11: Jami’s Review (YA Addict)
Sunday, June 12: Jami’s Guest Post (YA Addict)

Monday, June 13: Kristen’s Review (Bookworming in the 21st Century)
Tuesday, June 14: Kristen’s Interview (Bookworming in the 21st Century)

Wednesday, June 15: Lauren’s Review (Lauren's Crammed Bookshelf)
Thursday, June 16: Lauren’s Guest Post (Lauren's Crammed Bookshelf)

Friday, June 17: Faye’s Review (Ramblings of a Teenage Bookworm)
Saturday, June 18: Faye’s Guest Post (Ramblings of a Teenage Bookworm)

Sunday, June 19: Lea’s Review (YA Book Queen)
Monday, June 20: Lea’s Interview (YA Book Queen)

Tuesday, June 21: Kelsey’s Review (The Book Scout)
Wednesday, June 22: Kelsey’s Interview (The Book Scout)

Thursday, June 23: Kari’s Review (A Good Addiction)
Friday, June 24: Kari’s Character Interview (A Good Addiction) Retweet this button on every post blogger

GCC presents Elana Johnson

First up I'd like to thank everyone for all the Fairy Bad Day support. You guys rock big socks of goodness, and tomorrow I'll be posting a photo of the scavenger hunt prize but in the meantime I'm touring Elana Johnson and her book, Possession.

I've got to say that I'm already hanging out for this book, not just because it sounds amazing (and has a gorgeous, haunting cover) but because it's blurbed by James Dashner and after reading The Maze Runner, I trust him implicitly and so should you!!!!!

So here is the skinny:

Possession

Vi knows the Rule: Girls don’t walk with boys, and they never even think about kissing them. But no one makes Vi want to break the Rules more than Zenn…and since the Thinkers have chosen him as Vi’s future match, how much trouble can one kiss cause? The Thinkers may have brainwashed the rest of the population, but Vi is determined to think for herself.

But the Thinkers are unusually persuasive, and they’re set on convincing Vi to become one of them….starting by brainwashed Zenn. Vi can’t leave Zenn in the Thinkers’ hands, but she’s wary of joining the rebellion, especially since that means teaming up with Jag. Jag is egotistical, charismatic, and dangerous: everything Zenn’s not. Vi can’t quite trust Jag and can’t quite resist him, but she also can’t give up on Zenn.

This is a game of control or be controlled. And Vi has no choice but to play.

What People Are Saying:

"Possession held me completely captivated from beginning to end. And what an end! I fell in love with the characters and had countless moments of 'Wow.'"
--James Dashner, bestselling author of The Maze Runner and The Scorch Trials

And now it's time to put Elana through the MOT questions. Btw, MOT stands for Moment Of Truth. Do you like that? It sounds very cool and cutting edge, which of course perfectly reflects my journalist skills. (Okay, maybe not but it still sounds cool!!!)

1 How did you come up with the idea for this book?

I came up for the idea for POSSESSION during the classic “What if?” game authors play with themselves. My thought: “What if we couldn’t make our own choices?” A brainwashing society stemmed from there.

2 What’s been your favorite author moment so far in your career?

Actually selling the novel. Sometimes I still can’t quite believe it.

3 It’s Oscar speech time! Who are the three people that you would most like to thank for helping you write this book?

Oh, wow. Just three? Well, number one would be my husband, Adam. He’s put up with a lot for me to write and market POSSESSION. After that? Beth Revis and Lisa & Laura Roecker. They totally count as one person. And Christine Fonseca! And Ali Cross! (See, I need more than 3!)

4 Describe a typical writing day.

Oh, I don’t have writing days. See, I work outside my home, and that takes up a lot of time and energy. When I am at home, I’m cleaning or cooking or taxiing my kids to their activities. I squeeze writing in between all those cracks, and sometimes I do have two dedicated hours at night, from 9 – 11 PM to write. Sometimes.

5 Tell me one strange random fact about this book.

I had to rewrite parts of this book so much that one time, I just took a 30-page chunk and deleted it all. Talk about liberating. Then I wrote new stuff to fill the gap. Retweet this button on every post blogger

My first Fairy Bad Day photo!

Woot! My wonderful and talented friend, Jessica Brody has sent me the most delicious photo of Fairy Bad Day where it is a top teen pick in B&N. Don't I have some lovely shelf mates, and it's extra cool because just below my book is Go Ask Alice, which I read over 18 years ago and was probably my first foray into YA fiction (as opposed to middle grade books).

Also, don't forget the scavenger hunt that is currently going on. I'll post a photo tomorrow of the prize pack!!!!

Thursday, June 9: Erica’s Review (The Book Cellar)
Friday, June 10: Erica’s Interview (The Book Cellar)

Saturday, June 11: Jami’s Review (YA Addict)
Sunday, June 12: Jami’s Guest Post (YA Addict)

Monday, June 13: Kristen’s Review (Bookworming in the 21st Century)
Tuesday, June 14: Kristen’s Interview (Bookworming in the 21st Century)

Wednesday, June 15: Lauren’s Review (Lauren's Crammed Bookshelf)
Thursday, June 16: Lauren’s Guest Post (Lauren's Crammed Bookshelf)

Friday, June 17: Faye’s Review (Ramblings of a Teenage Bookworm)
Saturday, June 18: Faye’s Guest Post (Ramblings of a Teenage Bookworm)

Sunday, June 19: Lea’s Review (YA Book Queen)
Monday, June 20: Lea’s Interview (YA Book Queen)

Tuesday, June 21: Kelsey’s Review (The Book Scout)
Wednesday, June 22: Kelsey’s Interview (The Book Scout)

Thursday, June 23: Kari’s Review (A Good Addiction)
Friday, June 24: Kari’s Character Interview (A Good Addiction) Retweet this button on every post blogger

More Fairy goodness!

Well, I'm all over the place today so here are some links!

First up, my lovely friend Stacey Jay who gave me such a wonderful quote, is actually running a competition to give away an arc of Fairy so go and show Stacey some love and if you haven't read all her books then do, she rules!!!!!

There is also a copy of Fairy Bad Day up for grabs over at Elizabeth Scott's blog (squeal - I'm such a fan girl of Living Dead Girl)

Some other stops on my GCC tour are:

Stephanie Kuehnert
Lucienne Driver
Lauren Strasnick
Denise Jaden

Also, don't forget to keeping following the Scavenger Hunt!!!!!!

Thursday, June 9: Erica’s Review (The Book Cellar)
Friday, June 10: Erica’s Interview (The Book Cellar)

Saturday, June 11: Jami’s Review (YA Addict)
Sunday, June 12: Jami’s Guest Post (YA Addict)

Monday, June 13: Kristen’s Review (Bookworming in the 21st Century)
Tuesday, June 14: Kristen’s Interview (Bookworming in the 21st Century)

Wednesday, June 15: Lauren’s Review (Lauren's Crammed Bookshelf)
Thursday, June 16: Lauren’s Guest Post (Lauren's Crammed Bookshelf)

Friday, June 17: Faye’s Review (Ramblings of a Teenage Bookworm)
Saturday, June 18: Faye’s Guest Post (Ramblings of a Teenage Bookworm)

Sunday, June 19: Lea’s Review (YA Book Queen)
Monday, June 20: Lea’s Interview (YA Book Queen)

Tuesday, June 21: Kelsey’s Review (The Book Scout)
Wednesday, June 22: Kelsey’s Interview (The Book Scout)

Thursday, June 23: Kari’s Review (A Good Addiction)
Friday, June 24: Kari’s Character Interview (A Good Addiction) Retweet this button on every post blogger

You Had Me at Halo is now out on Kindle

I'm interrupting my Fairy Bad Day excitement to say that I've finally managed to put my first novel, You Had Me at Halo up on Kindle. It first came out in 2007 with NAL but is now out of print. However, since I still get emails about it, I thought I would bring it out in the digital world.

You Had Me at Halo

When Holly Evans wakes up dead at the tender age of twenty-two, she's pretty sure things can't get any worse (especially since her boyfriend was about to propose to her with a diamond ring the size of her knuckle). But Holly's wrong and it turns out that she's still got some mortal baggage to unload before she can walk through the pearly gates, which is why she's being sent back to earth to get things sorted out.

Problem is that when she lands in the body of computer geek, Vince Murphy, she discovers that instead of having left the building, Vince is still very much alive (and remarkably unimpressed at the idea of sharing with a dead girl). So now Holly has to sort out her unresolved baggage in the next forty-eight hours while stuck in the body of a guy she barely noticed while she was alive. And if she doesn't? Well, let's just say that she's probably not going to live the alternative.

"It's The Lovely Bones meets Bridget Jones in this fluffy take on what happens after death...it's a fun, witty traipse through the afterlife." Publisher's Weekly

"This book has a delightfully quirky concept that develops into a fun and interesting story. Peopled with a fascinating variety of characters, it also has an intriguing mystery and a charmingly different type of interaction between the hero and heroine. Expect a delightful tale with a wonderfully distinctive ending." 4 1/2 stars Romantic Times Bookclub TOP AUGUST PICK (and nominated for a 2007 RT Reviewer's Choice Award)

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Fairy Bad Day Scavenger Hunt!!!!!

So Fairy Bad Day actually came out last week, but I was so busy bouncing up and down like a Tigger that I kind of forgot to blog about it!!!!! I've still not seen a photo of it out in the wild so if anyone takes a snap for me, I'll make sure that the karma gods look down on you favorably!!!!!!!!

I think what made this release extra special was all the lovely reviews I've been receiving from YA bloggers. It never ceases to amaze me how much energy and passion the YA bloggers put into their reviews and their sites (says me who can barely remember to blog from one week to the next!). Anyway, I just wanted to say a special thanks to Heather, Amelia, Jenny and everyone else who has thrilled me with their kind words!

It's going to be another busy week. Not only am I attempting to pack up the house to move back to Australia (in under three weeks. Zonks) but I've got two blog tours going on! One is with the Girlfriend's Cyber Circuit so I will keep you posted when they are up and the other is with The Teen Book Scene.

It runs from the 9th of Jun to the 24th and there is a scavenger hunt which will end up back here with a cute prize. There will be a signed book plus lots of cute fairy goodness and some tasty New Zealand chocolate (and Skittles. Of course there has to be Skittles)

Oh, and because Fairy Bad Day officially weighs a ton, most of my competition prizes aren't signed since I send them straight from Book Depository. So who knows, if strange things happen and I become wildly famous then you might be one of the few people with a signed copy!!!!!!

Thursday, June 9: Erica’s Review (The Book Cellar)
Friday, June 10: Erica’s Interview (The Book Cellar)

Saturday, June 11: Jami’s Review (YA Addict)
Sunday, June 12: Jami’s Guest Post (YA Addict)

Monday, June 13: Kristen’s Review (Bookworming in the 21st Century)
Tuesday, June 14: Kristen’s Interview (Bookworming in the 21st Century)

Wednesday, June 15: Lauren’s Review (Lauren's Crammed Bookshelf)
Thursday, June 16: Lauren’s Guest Post (Lauren's Crammed Bookshelf)

Friday, June 17: Faye’s Review (Ramblings of a Teenage Bookworm)
Saturday, June 18: Faye’s Guest Post (Ramblings of a Teenage Bookworm)

Sunday, June 19: Lea’s Review (YA Book Queen)
Monday, June 20: Lea’s Interview (YA Book Queen)

Tuesday, June 21: Kelsey’s Review (The Book Scout)
Wednesday, June 22: Kelsey’s Interview (The Book Scout)

Thursday, June 23: Kari’s Review (A Good Addiction)
Friday, June 24: Kari’s Character Interview (A Good Addiction)


The blog tour is also a scavenger hunt. You can collect a letter on each stop to form a word that will need to be entered on Amanda's blog at the end. Happy hunting! Retweet this button on every post blogger

And so the fun begins!

Squeal - Fairy Bad Day is out tomorrow and I'm taking deep breaths and trying not to act like a crazy person!

Today I'm over at Adventures in Children's Publishing talking about all things books and there is also a giveaway so make sure you head over!!!

Also, I've just received a review that made me all kinds of happy! You can check it out here!

Anyway, over the next couple of weeks I've got loads of online adventures planned so I'll keep everyone posted as it happens! Oh and don't forget that life is always better when you're eating a bag of Skittles!!! Retweet this button on every post blogger

GCC presents Jessica Brody

Yay, today it's time to tour my lovely friend Jessica Brody. Jessica is a total dynamo of energy who happens to love chocolate and 90s English pop music, which pretty much makes her the perfect person!!!! Oh, and we also both have books coming out this week!!!!!! Jessica's new book is called My Life Undecided and it looks totally adorable! Here is the blurb:



My Life Undecided by Jessica Brody

PLEASE READ THIS! MY LIFE DEPENDS ON IT!

Okay, maybe that was a bit melodramatic, but I’m sorry, I’m feeling a bit melodramatic at the moment.

Here’s the deal. My name is Brooklyn Pierce, I’m fifteen years old, and I am decisionally challenged. Seriously, I can’t remember the last good decision I made. I can remember plenty of crappy ones though. Including that party I threw when my parents were out of town that accidentally burned down a model home. Yeah, not my finest moment, for sure.

But see, that’s why I started a blog. To enlist readers to make my decisions for me. That’s right. I’m gave up. Threw in the towel. I let someone else be the one to decide which book I read for English. Or whether or not I accepted an invitation to join the debate team from that cute-in-a-dorky-sort-of-way guy who gave me the Heimlich Maneuver in the cafeteria. (Note to self: Chew the melon before swallowing it.) I even let them decide who I dated!

Well, it turns out there are some things in life you simply can’t choose or have chosen for you—like who you fall in love with. And now everything’s more screwed up than ever.

But don’t take my word for it, read the book and decide for yourself. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll scream in frustration. Or maybe that’s just me. After all, it’s my life.

Reviews:
"Brooklyn is a sympathetic protagonist with whom teens will identify. Her journey is fun to read, and decision-challenged readers will learn an important lesson about self-acceptance along the way."
--School Library Journal

"Brody taps into a universal human desire...An amusing coming-of-age story with many funny moments...[Brooklyn's] flustered, off-the-cuff narration should keep readers as invested in her actions as her blog followers are."
--Publisher's Weekly

I. How did you come up with the idea for this book?

This book was definitely one of those “aha!” moments that I hear writers talk about. My husband and I were watching TV, an ad for a reality show came on and I said, “Wouldn’t it be cool if there was a reality show where you could vote on what the characters did. As in, “who they went out with?” or “Whether or not they forgave their backstabbing best friend.” Like American Idol meets The Hills. We both agreed although it would be cool, it wouldn’t be practical from a production standpoint since they shoot those reality shows months before they air. I was not deterred though. I said, “Fine, I’ll write it as a book,” and then marched up the stairs and in ten short minutes, wrote a page-long synopsis for what would become MY LIFE UNDECIDED and sent it to my editor. She wrote back right away saying that she loved it and the book was born!

2. What’s been your favorite author moment so far in your career?

I think every time the first copy of my latest book comes in the mail. I just received my first copy of MY LIFE UNDECIDED last week and it was truly an amazing moment. You would think by the fourth book, you’d be jaded and go, “Oh, cool” and then just toss the thing aside. But you don’t. Each book is more exciting than the last! I spend about twenty minutes just touching the cover, making sure it’s really real.

3 It’s Oscar speech time! Who are the three people that you would most like to thank for helping you write this book?

My husband definitely comes first. He helps me write every book in that he helps keep me sane. And reminds me when I’m in throes of despair and threatening to quit forever (and yes, this happens with every single book) that it’s just a phase. It will pass. Just like I did with the last book.

And then I’d have to thank my editor. She read this book on her vacation. Now, that’s dedication.

And lastly, I’m going to thank that invisible muse/ghost/writing spirit thingy that lives inside my walls. I’m not kidding myself thinking that I wrote this book by myself. I swear she (he?) comes out when I need her (him?) most, puts me to sleep, takes over the writing and then erases my memory so I don’t remember a thing.

4. Describe a typical writing day

Wake up. Check email. Despair about lack of email. Make coffee. Check email. Despair about continued lack of email. Check twitter. Check Facebook. Check email spam filter in case any important emails somehow landed up there. Despair about lack of important spam email. Open book document. Stare at title page. Stare at table of contents. Open word count calculator excel spreadsheet (yes, I have one). Despair at how many words I must write today to meet my deadline. Check email. Force self to close email program on computer. Check email on phone. Force self to hide phone. Write. Take break to check email. Write some more. Take break to check twitter, and since I’m already stopped, might as well check email. Finish word count. Check email.

Rinse and repeat.

5. Tell me one strange random fact about this book.

Fitting to the theme of the book (decisions and indecisiveness) I couldn’t for the life of me, come up with a title for it. During the entire three months I was writing it, the title page read, “Untitled Blog Book.” So, I took a hint from my main character and polled 50 of my closest friends, asking them to submit book titles to me and vowing to pay $200 to the person who submitted the title that stuck. My friend Mike came up with My Life Undecided and he’s now $200 richer.

Hahaha - I love that Jessica was too indecisive to come up with a book title about an indecisive girl! Actually, I've just finished writing a book with an indecisive heroine and let's just say that I didn't have to search too hard to make it feel real!!!

Anyway, not only is Jessica an amazing author but she's pretty great at making book trailers as well! Check it out!

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