Sunday, March 31, 2013

GOING UNDER Ultimate Prize Pack Giveaway (April1-30)

Hey All! I've been itching to get this giveaway underway. It'll be open through the month of April, so share this post and tell your friends. Note that most of the prizes are directly related to the book, so if you haven't read it yet, you might be a bit confused. For those who have read it, you get it. Right? :)


This giveaway is open internationally! One grand prize winner (of all the goodies listed below). Three runners-up will receive signed paperback copies of Going Under (new cover). I suppose this information would have helped yesterday. Sorry! :)

 

Interview and HOODIE

If you loved Going Under and you want to learn more about me and the development of the book, check out the interview today with Keren at Gothic Angel Book Reviews. Don't read the interview if the book is still on your TBR list. Don't want to spoil anything for you :) Thank you, Keren, for interviewing me. Loved the thought behind the questions, and loved giving fans an indepth look at how the story came together.


HOODIE



Keep 'em coming. So far, the response is overwhelmingly in favor of a sequel. You may just get what you want after all.

Two-second survey. Take it: Click here to take survey

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

HOODIE 2? And are you quite sure?

I've been hearing from some disgruntled fans lately about my suck ass Hoodie epilogue. Sooo, I just want to get some feedback about a sequel. This is feedback. No promises. (Guys, no one has even heard of this book except for the 4000 who downloaded it for free last Thanksgiving and Monica's friends on goodreads.) That being said, if you'd like to take the survey, it would help me to analyze a sequel situation from a numbers perspective. (Survey link below)

Do we miss Anton and Emma?
 
 
 
 
Can they find love again?
 
 
 
SURVEY
 
 
 
Thanks for participating. I'll keep this up for a while to collect data and get back to you in a few weeks.

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

New Cover, New Review, Upcoming Interview

I've got a new cover for Going Under. And it's not because I didn't like the old one. I helped design the old one. I found half-naked Brooke on a diving board for the old one. I screamed when I got the completed design of the old one. I think the exact words were, "This is so f**king sexy! SEXY!" The problem is that it may just be a bit too sexy for New Adult. Or too conceptualized. Either way, I had to tell Brooke to put her top on.

But she didn't. If you notice in my new cover, she's still (at least) half naked, but it's more subtle. More demure. More "New Adult." I love it. Actually, I really dig this cover, especially with the red-tinted water. Just beautiful really. But for my diehard I-love-the-other-cover-way-better fans, just say to me what Gretchen would: "Total. Bitch."

(Seriously. I totally dare you to comment on this post with those two words: Total. Bitch.)


(Robin Ludwig Design Inc.) 



Next order of business: New review out today on Book Bitches Blog! Brooke (how cool, right?) is reviewing my book, and I hope she includes the sexy pictures she did in her goodreads review because wow. Sexy. Brooke--hot. Ryan--scrumptious :) She's also got a little giveaway treat in store for you, so make sure you stop by the blog.

In other news . . . Keren over at Gothic Angel Book Reviews is posting an interview with me Sunday, March 31 (tentative but pretty sure it's happening but I'll let you know later on in the week). I'll link her blog so you guys can check it out. She asked me some pretty intimate questions about Going Under--which I was more than happy to answer--so if you're interested in learning about how the book concept came about, head on over and check it out.

And last but not least: Fans? YOU ARE AMAZING! I love your reviews. I love to hear from you. I love reading your status updates when you're in the middle of Going Under. I love your support. I'm just over the moon about what's happening with this book. And so maybe I oughta pull a George Costanza and go out on what I consider to be the top: "All right! I'm outta here! It's been real." :)

Friday, March 22, 2013

Much Love

Thank you to everyone who has been spreading the word about Going Under.

You. Are. Amazing.

Truly. Your enthusiasm and excitement over my book has been overwhelming. I just have to give a shout-out to Monica on goodreads for her over-the-top love for my work. You're my Number 1 cheerleader! You're so sparkly that I think you could get anybody to read anything you recommend. Really. You just have that infectious persuasion about you :) So listen to Monica, everyone. She knows what she's talking about.

Start spreading the news if you haven't. Keep spreading the news if you have. Take some time to review me on Amazon if you can. I really really hate asking people to post reviews, but we all use them. We all read them to decide whether to make purchases. So think about it. You'd be doing me a great favor, and I'm so appreciative of it.

Hopefully you'll see Going Under in Kobo and B&N Nook within the next few days. Smashwords has distributed it, and those stores are pretty quick to get books on the shelf. iBookstore will probably take 2 weeks. If you need an epub version for your e-reader, go to Smashwords.

I'm running a month-long giveaway in April. Not telling you what's in the Going Under Ultimate Prize Pack just yet, but check back here on April 1 and you'll know. And I think you'll like it (but only if you've read the book. If you haven't read the book then you won't understand the prizes).

Oh. And you'll be seeing a change fairly soon. Actually two changes. Thought I'd throw that out there to be really nebulous and annoying :)

xoxo

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Thanks a lot, Terry

I have to play catch-up today because yesterday my computer was hit with a nasty virus--a Trojan, to be exact. Ironic and inconvenient. So for all the blogs that posted information about Going Under yesterday, I am so appreciative, and thank-you's are coming your way!

Now for the wow. Wow. Wowzers. You all are amazing. I know not everyone has taken kindly to this book. I knew it would be controversial (I can't seem to write stories that aren't), but your reactions and overwhelming support have been mind-blowing. Thank you. Thank you for the good and the bad (though I prefer the good!). Thank you for the honesty. Thank you for the feedback. Thank you for your emails. Thank you for your "likes." I guess I can really only convey my gratitude in two ways:


I ♥ goodreads

 
I ♥ book bloggers


And now for the reviews: I don't know how blog etiquette goes--if it's acceptable to post a comment about a review of my work. So you're going to get emails instead. It'll take some time, so bear with me. Also, I'd like to send out a blanket request to use sentences from your reviews on the "Editorial Reviews" section of my book. But I'll give you the specific sentences in your emails. Thank thank thank you for such thoughtful reactions to my book. Some made me squeal. Some made me laugh out loud. Some brought tears to my eyes. You bloggers . . .

Review Stops:
 

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Going Under Information

Media Tuesday, March 19. That's the big day. I'm totally stoked and having major anxiety. Got some reviews coming out on Wednesday, March 20, and I'm crossing my fingers. Just love me, please!
 
Here's information you want to know for Tuesday, March 19:
 
1. Going Under will be available on Amazon Kindle, Smashwords, and in print on Createspace (I'll link these on this post and on the "Books" page when I have the buy links)
 
2. It may be available in print on Amazon, but doubtful. Takes a few days to show up after publication.
 
3. You won't see Going Under in iBookstore, B&N Nook, or Kobo for at least a week. Smashwords will be distributing it, and it takes awhile to show up in those stores. I could have published it directly with Kobo and B&N, but figuring out the publication specifications hasn't been easy. If you have an e-reader that requires .epub format, you can buy the epub version at Smashwords.
 
4. Release day price on Amazon Kindle and Smashwords? 99 CENTS!!
 
I am very grateful to all the blogs who are participating in my promotional blitz starting Tuesday, March 19. Check them out below. And I want to especially thank everyone who took the time to review my book. I'm nervous as hell, but so appreciative that you agreed to give me a shot.

 
March 19th
PROMO Stops


1. Reading Addiction Blog Tours - Meet and Greet






 
 
March 20th
Review Stops

 
March 21st
PROMO/Excerpts


Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Teaser Tuesday - GOING UNDER (Excerpt 4)

Last one! It's almost here . . . Tuesday, March 19. I'll have some details for you in terms of buying options, price, and fun giveaways on Sunday, March 17. Check back here! xoxo

(excerpt)

I had no business getting all dolled up for Ryan. I was supposed to be focused on Cal, but somehow he became just some guy in the background, out of focus and unimportant in my life. I thought I heard Beth screaming from a far off place, asking me what the hell I was doing, but I ignored her. She couldn’t control my life. I’d get to Cal when I got to him. She had to understand that.

I studied myself in the full-length mirror. I’d never looked prettier for work. I thought I looked like a Barbie doll, my hair pulled up high on my head in a ponytail, locks curled and tumbling in flirty waves from the elastic band. I pumped up the eye factor with heavy mascara. I wanted to go for an Edie Sedgwick look—all ‘60s glam. I even ironed my uniform, a typical diner waitress outfit. Blue shirtdress that hit just above my knees. I slipped on my Keds and grabbed my apron.

I planned to knock his socks off.

 
. . . I approached him after counting to twenty. I didn’t want to seem too eager.

“Hi,” I said. I felt bright and bubbly and on top of the world.

“Hello.”

I placed my hand on my hip and popped it out. “Come here often?” I couldn’t resist.

“Once. The waitress was cute, but she’s got nothing on you,” Ryan said.

Damn right she doesn’t. I went Edie Sedgwick for you, buddy.

“God, you look gorgeous,” he said.

Oh, those heart flutters. I wanted to feel those heart flutters forever.

“I’m in an ugly uniform,” I said, looking down at my outfit. I smoothed my apron on my stomach.

“Not ugly at all. Sexy more like.”

I blushed, and this time he saw. I couldn’t conceal it under the glare of the restaurant lights.

“Hungry?” I asked, and pulled out my order pad.

“What would you recommend?”

“Honestly? I’ve only eaten the turkey sandwich. It was all right,” I confessed.

“Don’t you get to eat for free?” Ryan asked.

“Are you kidding? A little bit of a discount, sure, but nothing for free,” I said. “And anyway, I’m so tired after work, I don’t want to stick around and eat. I want to go home.”

“I can understand that,” he said. He looked over the menu. “Well, I guess I’ll try this steak sandwich.”

“A man who eats manly meat,” I said. “I like it.”

“Manly meat, huh?” he asked, chuckling.

“Sure. Didn’t you know steak was the manliest of meats?”

“Making a note of it,” Ryan said.

I nodded. “And to drink?”

“A Cherry Coke,” he said.

“Now that’s a little girly, but I’ll let it slide.”

“Well, I really ordered it for you,” Ryan said. “See, I thought you could bring it over here along with two straws. You could sit across from me, and we could drink it together.”
 
© S. Walden, 2013

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

I have another ARC . . . why not?


I have one more Going Under ARC, so I decided to do another goodreads giveaway. The giveaway is really short, and depending on where you live, you'll most likely receive the book after publication. Please note that it's a first-round proof. I've since made minor changes (including fixing a few grammatical errors), so keep that in mind when you drop in your name. No plot changes were made. Enter to win by clicking on the widget to your right.



Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Teaser Tuesday - GOING UNDER (Excerpt 3)


“Dad, when was the last time you had a date?” I asked.

He jerked his head up, glaring at me.

“Whoa, it was just a question,” I said. I took another bite of my calzone.

I watched his eyes soften and the hint of a smile play on his mouth.

“Five years.”

“Holy shit, Dad! Five years?!”

“Brooklyn, must the whole restaurant know?”

“I’m sorry. It’s just, wow. Five years. Yikes.” I sipped my Coke, eyes wide, eyebrows raised in disbelief.

“Will you wipe that look off your face?” he asked. “There’s no one out there. What do you want from me? And anyway, I’m your father. We shouldn’t be discussing this.”

“What does being my father have to do with it?” I asked. “Now my English teacher is single. And she’s cute.” I bit into my calzone and continued with my mouth full. “And surprisingly not an idiot.”

“Are most of your teachers idiots?”

“Yes.”

Dad chuckled. “Glad to know my tax dollars contribute to well-deserved salaries.”

“Oh, Dad,” I said airily. “Let’s not get all political. Let’s talk about Ms. Manning.”

“Let’s not,” Dad replied.

I ignored him. “She’s in her early forties, I think, but she totally looks like she’s in her thirties. Nice skin and hair. She always looks really professional. Dresses to the nines. Her shoes are fabulous.”

“Brooke . . .”

“And she’s an avid runner. She told me she runs about four miles a day and tries to do a long run of about ten miles every Saturday,” I continued.

“Brooke, please.”

“And she’s competing in her first half-marathon this November.”

“Brooke!” Dad interrupted. “I’ve got a gut, okay? I’m not dating a runner.”

I pursed my lips and watched Dad run his hand through his chestnut hair.

“Dad, you barely have a gut. And you’re really handsome. It’s time you get back out there on the field,” I said.

Dad burst out laughing.

“What?” I asked.

“Nothing,” Dad snorted. “I just love the way you compliment me, that’s all.”

I grinned. “Well, it’s true. It’s barely there,” I laughed. “Go date Ms. Manning and start running with her, and it’ll be gone in a week. Jeez, it’s so unfair. Men can lose weight like that!” I said, snapping my fingers.

“Oh, no they can’t,” Dad argued.

“Well, whatever. Will you just promise me that you’ll keep an open mind and start looking?” I should have left it right there, but I couldn’t. “Mom’s gone.”

“Hmm,” Dad replied. He rubbed his forehead and looked at me. “Kind of like how Beth’s gone.”

I tensed. “What are you saying?”

“Honey, you don’t do anything but go to school and work and hang out with Gretchen. I’m not blind.”

“As a matter of fact, I’m going to a party tonight.”

Dad’s eyebrows shot up. “Oh really? Where is it and who’s throwing it?”

“I don’t know,” I said. “Some rich guy whose parents are gone for the weekend.” I winked at him.

“Very funny, Brooke,” Dad replied. “Where is it and who’s throwing it?”

I sighed. “Gretchen’s friend, Olivia. It’s totally cool. I mean, I’m sure some people will bring alcohol, but Dad. Come on. You know me.”

Actually, Dad didn’t know me at all, and I thought he’d say it out loud. But that would have embarrassed the both of us, so he opted for something else.

“And what if the party gets busted by the cops and you’re arrested for being there with alcohol?”

“They wouldn’t arrest me, Dad. They’d just call you.”

“Oh really? You know this from past experience? And anyway, you’re eighteen. Legally an adult. They wouldn’t call me to pick you up.”

I huffed. “Dad.”

“Brooke.”

We stared at each other for a few seconds.

“I’m not letting Gretchen go to this party by herself,” I said.

“Any particular reason why?”

“Um, yeah. Have you met Gretchen? She’s ridiculous,” I explained.

Dad laughed. “Fine, but she’s not drinking either.”

“Dad, she doesn’t touch the stuff. Empty calories,” I said, finishing off my calzone. I eyed Dad’s second slice of pizza.

“Don’t even think about it,” he said, picking up the slice and taking a huge chunk out of it.

 

© S. Walden, 2013