Created and hosted by the Ninja himself, Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writers Support Group posts the 1st Wednesday of every month. Click the image to learn more or sign up.
Optional Monthly Question: What’s harder for you to come up with, book titles or character names?
For me, it’s definitely book titles. I have this whole obsession with names and their meanings and keep a list of possible names I could use at any time. Book titles, on the other hand, elude me. Even after I’ve settled on one, I never really feel it fits. At some point, I have to call the book something so people will know what they are getting. It’s not easy making that final decision.
****
So, first off, this is going to be a long one, but for good reason. I’ll be back to my shorter posts next time, I promise.
Now, I’d like to congratulate Juneta Key on her member spotlight in the May newsletter. Not only is she a great blogger and writer, she’s constantly giving back to the community. A very well-deserved recognition.
Now, on to the personal updates. Please stick around for a special new release message at the end.
So, in case you missed it, I unpublished the first two books in the Eternal Curse Series (they are still available to anyone who asks for them). You can learn more about that at the link above. Needless to say, I have a lot of writing to do with that rewrite as well as finishing the first draft of my Sayings sequel, which I still don’t have a title for. I seriously thought I’d be on my 3rd or 4th draft by now, but as usual, my day job, which is convenient for writing, is also so stressful as of late, that it’s blocked all my creativity… Oh well, that’s life.
On a slightly fun note, I’m in position 56 on the IWSG blog hop list. When I started out, I was 181. All that means is that many people have come and gone, and likely come back again in the time I’ve participated in this blog and I’ve been sticking with it and moving up the ladder. Being part of this group is one of my greatest accomplishments. I’m sadly thinking of reducing my blog to once a month post, still being open to interviews and spotlights whenever someone needs to fill a spot or wants some free promo… We’ll see what happens.
In typical Toi Thomas fashion, I’ve taken on a project that’s probably too ambitious for the likes of me to pull off, but since I can’t stop the dreams from keeping me up at night, I’m going for it. I’m attempting to host a fan-fueled book fair in my local area sometime next year (or the year after 😉 ). I’ve created a cute little mascot named Carnie the Bookworm. Would you like to meet him?
Over at A Small Gang of Authors, we are hosting our first ever book cover contest. We’d love for you to head over, check it out, and vote in the comments. Thanks bunches!
NEW RELEASE & GIVEAWAY!
Catch the sparks you need to write, edit, publish, and market your book!
–
Write with Fey: 10 Sparks to Guide You from Idea to Publication offers an
abundance of data in one handy book. From writing your novel to prepping for publication and beyond, you’ll find sparks on every page, including 100 bonus marketing tips. You’ll also discover how to write specific scenes and characters, adding depth to your work.
–
• Spark One: Being a Writer
• Spark Two: Story Essentials
• Spark Three: A Book’s Stepping Stones
• Spark Four: How To
• Spark Five: Character ER
• Spark Six: Editing
• Spark Seven: Publishing
• Spark Eight: Marketing
• Spark Nine: Writing About
• Spark Ten: Final Inspiration
–
With so much information, you’ll take notes, highlight, and flag pages to come back to again and again on your writing journey.
Chrys Fey is the author of the Disaster Crimes Series, a unique concept blending romance, crimes, and disasters. She’s partnered with the Insecure Writer’s Support Group and runs their Goodreads book club. She’s also an editor for Dancing Lemur Press.
–
Fey realized she wanted to write by watching her mother pursue publication. At the age of twelve, she started her first novel, which flourished into a series she later rewrote at seventeen. Fey lives in Florida and is always on the lookout for hurricanes.
So, are you a whiz at book titles but struggle with character names or vice versa?
Would you ever unpublish a book? Does the idea of it terrify you?
What did you think of Carnie?
You gonna enter Chrys Fey’s giveaway?
Greetings readers, bloggers, geeks, and authors and welcome to The ToiBox of Words. I’m your host Toi Thomas, author of Eternal Curse, and today I have a treat to share. A while back, I had the pleasure to interview a wonderful author named, Megan O’Russell. A good time was truly had by all, and here’s how it went down (be sure to stick around for the Kindle Fire & eBook giveaway at the end).
sourced from Twitter.com
Toi:Hi thereMegan! It’s so awesome to have you here at the ToiBox Blog. I’m excited to learn more about you and your work.
Megan: It’s good to be here Toi. I can’t wait to get started.
Toi:So tell me, who isMegan O’Russell?
Megan: I am Megan O’Russell, and I have three young adult series, including the Girl of Glass series. Book two in that series, Boy of Blood, was released on April 10th and I am thrilled to send this new story out into the world!
Toi: Wow, three YA series. I see you’ve been busy.
Toi: Well before we dive into your special message today, let’s get to know you, the person inside the author.
Toi Thomas:Who is so you and why?
sourced from awesomestories.com – “Betsy Ross”, Age 21, Adept, Fair Use
Megan: I had to take a poll. The answers I got were Betsy Ross and Susan B Anthony… they may have been kidding.
Toi: Those are quite interesting. Guess that makes you a cross between a patriotic seamstress and an activist.
Toi:So, what makes you geek out?
Megan: Hamilton, Harry Potter, and Disney are the three biggest geek loves I have at the moment. If I had to choose only one, it would be Harry Potter, though I would feel like I was betraying the other two.
Toi: Ah, the struggle is real when you have to choose between the things that make you geek out the most. For me, it’s books, movies, and comic books.
Current book cover art (2007) by Taeeun Yoo, showing the Mrs. Ws (at the left) and the children at the CENTRAL Central Intelligence building (at the right)
Toi:What was your favorite book or story, pre-teen years?
Megan: Anything Madeline L’Engle. I love all of her books. There’s something in the way she wrote that was just so welcoming.
Toi: It’s hard to believe I haven’t read her books, but I’m very familiar with them. I bet you were excited to get A Wrinkle In Time movie.
Toi:Now, in terms of interviews, whose brain are you just itching to scratch?
Megan: Leigh Bardugo, author of Six of Crows and the Grisha Trilogy. It would be wonderful to sit down with such a brilliant contemporary.
Toi Thomas: Ooo, that’s a good answer. Those are both really popular series. For me, at this moment, I’d probably like to interview Marissa Meyer for her Lunar Chronicles.
Toi: Now that we know a little more about you, the person, let’s learn about you, the author, and dive into your special message.
sourced from Goodreads.com
Toi:Whacha got for me today?
Megan: Boy of Blood is the second book in my Girl of Glass series. Taking place in a mid-apocalyptic world with chemically induced vampires, the series takes a look at the fall of society from the point of view of the upper one percent.
Toi: This sounds like a unique twist to both the vampire and apocalyptic story tropes. Kudos to you.
Toi:Who’s starring in this 2-dimensional script read ofBoy of Blood?
Megan: Nola Kent is my protagonist. She’s spent her life living in the safety of the domes, secure in the knowledge that she is protected. When watching those on the outside of the glass suffer becomes too much, she is drawn into a world of darkness she never imagined.
The thing I love most about Nola is her heart. She doesn’t do everything right–she sometimes hurts people–but even when she screws up, she always began her actions through a place of compassion.
Toi: Sounds like you have a pretty solid, strong female character to lead your series.
Toi:Now, what’s so special about this story that’s going to reel in the readers?
Megan: We’ve all seen dystopian worlds from the point of view of those starving on the street. The Girl of Glass story twists that trope. The question then becomes how much suffering can you watch before it is your obligation to help?
Toi: That’s a great selling point, and you’re right; that’s not a perspective we often receive in stories such as this. I’m intrigued.
Toi:Past, present, future, is there a rhyme or reason to your writing?
Megan: At the moment, I’m purely working on the Boy of Blood book release fueled by massive amounts of coffee and queso. After life calms down, I’ll be back to editing book three in the series, currently titled Night of Never.
Toi: Oh, I can totally relate. Sometimes the book release can be more grueling than the whole writing process, but it all pays off in the end.
Toi:What author(s) has most influenced your writing? Why or how?
Megan: Madeline L’Engle for her sense of engaging wonder.
Toi:I can see that. It’s got to be hard being a fan without also being influenced as a writer.
Toi: Now this is where the questions get a little kooky; are you ready?
Megan: Yeah, do that.
sourced from Wikipedia.com – Theatrical release poster
Toi:If you could only watch one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Megan: Big Hero Six because Baymax brings me joy.
Toi: I know what you mean. Wish I had a Baymax in my life.
Toi:When the soundtrack of your life is playing in your head, what songs express your glee and what songs bring out your rage?
Megan: Basically, Mumford and Sons Pandora station for Joy, Flogging Molly Pandora for Rage.
Toi: Wow. I guess it’s good Pandora offers so much variety; everything you need for joy and rage is right there.
Toi: Let’s play zombie urban survivor. What 3 things do you need to survive a black-out in Central Park the day zombies attack?
Megan: I’d want a hunting knife, rope, and matches.
Toi: I like it. Forget about flashlights; let’s light some stuff on fire. LOL!
Toi:What’s the most fun experience you’ve ever had, to date?
Megan: My husband and I took a two-week road trip through Ireland. That was the most relaxed and joyful I have ever been. Live music, wonderful scenery, amazing people. I would go back in an instant.
Toi:That does sound nice and relaxing. I haven’t been anywhere as special as Ireland yet, but I too love those quiet, intimate road trips with the hubby.
Toi: Last question of the day; here we go.
Toi:Not that you can see into the future, but in your opinion, what does the future hold?
Megan: I’m going to err on the hopeful side. In five years, we’ll all have realized that all humans are humans, nothing more nothing less. I personally will have a thriving publishing career and own a house near the water… and a cat.
Toi: Now, that’s a future I can get behind. I wish you all the best.
Toi:Thank you so much, Megan,for spending time with me today.
Megan: Thanks for having me, Toi. It was tons of fun.
Okay readers, bloggers, geeks, and authors, that’s all for today. Be sure to follow this blog to see who will be visiting next time. And don’t forget to check out this cool Kindle Fire & eBooks GIVEAWAY. For more fromMegan O’Russell, check out these great links:
If you’re here for The Cephalopod Coffeehouse, you’re in the right place. I have a treat for you today. I’m a huge fan of Stacey Rourke and jumped on a chance to read an ARC of the second book in her Unfortunate Souls Chronicles. Before you dive into all the Rourke goodness, if you want to see the result of my Graphic Novel Read-A-Thon, just click the bold text to watch the wrap-up video.
Without further ado, I give you…
Title: Entombed in Glass
Series: Unfortunate Soul Chronicles #2
Author: Stacey Rourke
Genre: YA Fantasy, Fairy tale retelling
Release Date: March 29, 2018
Mirror, mirror on the wall.
What’s behind that fated call?
He’s the seer of present, future, and past,
Yet remains a nameless face entombed in glass.
Raised as a servant in the underwater kingdom of Atlantica, Alastor worked his way up to a regal member of the Royal Guard. Only as a decorated soldier did he stand a chance of winning the hand of the woman he’s loved since childhood … Poseidon’s only daughter, Princess Vanessa. But, when the war against humans rages, dark magics are evoked to give the mermen a fighting chance. Temporarily granted legs, they charge from the sea into a doomed battle.
Doing the bidding of his masters as a trusted pawn,
The claims of his loyalty couldn’t be more wrong.
Waking on land, with bodies all around, Alastor’s lone goal becomes returning to the ocean and the only life he’s ever known. A plan that is quickly diverted when Hades, Lord of the Underworld, appears with a twisted agenda all his own. Cast to a land far from the lapping comforts of home, Alastor’s sole companion is a troubled misfit named Sterling that soon comes to depend on him. Trained to be a hero, how far is Alastor willing to go to return to the woman he loves? And can he live with the sacrifices he’s forced to make?
Each day he schemes to break free from their thrall,
and honor a self-made vow … to kill them all.
BUY
My Review
I’m really enjoying the Unfortunate Souls Chronicles series. I thought Rise of the Sea Witch was wonderful. This second installment of the series, Entombed in Glass, is also pretty good. Where the first book in the series focused on one central story, the second book in the series veers off a bit. I think because there’s so much going on in this second book, it was hard for me to fall in love with it, as much as I did the first book. I would say that this book is a 3.5 to 4-star rating overall, where is the first one was a 4.5.
–
BUY
So, I was very excited and surprised to see that there was a definite connection between the first and second book in the series. At first, I was afraid that the Unfortunate Souls Chronicles would all be standalone stories, but I like that they are connected. As Vanessa’s tale ends in book one before Ursula rises, her true love Alastor’s tale begins in book 2. If only the book focused just on his story, it might have gone over better for me. But, don’t get me wrong, it’s not a bad story. I really did enjoy it.
–
BUY
In book 2, we get to follow Alastor on a journey to return home, but he’s not alone. First, he’s forced into the service of Hades, god of the underworld. Next, he gets a traveling companion in Sterling, who has a story all of his own. This is where things get a bit complicated. We have an Atlantean living on land, trying to make his hero’s journey, while also being accompanied by a character who clearly seems to be from Wonderland. As if that wasn’t confusing enough, at some point we make it all the way to Neverland. I won’t say too much more than that for fear of giving away spoilers.
BUY
– Clearly, there’s a lot going on in this story. How it is that Alastor goes from the sea to ending up stuck within the mirror is a very interesting and involved story. In true Rourke fashion, there is a lot of humor, but there’s also a lot of terror and fright. It’s a complicated story and just barely gets by without being convoluted- a true mark of Rourke’s mastery.
–
This whole installment seems to boil down to the idea that Alastor is a good man of his word who is constantly stuck trying to do the right thing, and unfortunately, ends up sacrificing himself to help others. It’s clear that his story doesn’t end here. There has to be another book for all his journeys and hard work to pay off and make sense.
–
I received a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review, which in no way influenced my review or rating.
–
Recommended to true fans of YA fairy tale retellings and mash-ups.
RONE Award Winner for Best YA Paranormal Work of 2012 for Embrace, a Gryphon Series Novel
Young Adult and Teen Reader voted Author of the Year 2012
Turning Pages Magazine Winner for Best YA book of 2013 & Best Teen Book of 2013
Readers’ Favorite Silver Medal Winner for Crane 2015
Stacey Rourke is the author of the award winning YA Gryphon Series, the chillingly Legends Saga, and the romantic comedy Reel Romance Series. She currently hard at work on the Unfortunate Soul Chronicles, and additional literary projects. She lives in Michigan with her husband, two beautiful daughters, and two giant dogs. She loves to travel, has an unhealthy shoe addiction, and considers herself blessed to make a career out of talking to the imaginary people that live in her head.
HOSTED BY:
Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We assume you agree with this.
If you do not agree, we ask that you read no further or consider deleting your cookies after your visit. Thank you. AcceptRejectRead More
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
