Review, Interview & GIVEAWAY: Jaidis Shaw & "Destiny Awaits"

RATING: ★★★★★
Soon To Be Released! 

Synopsis:

Alayna Scott always knew that she wasn’t your average twenty-year-old. The visions she receives around water were a dead giveaway. But even her visions couldn’t prepare her for the tragic car accident that claimed the lives of her parents. With everything she loves gone, Alayna packs up and moves to the small town of Juniper Grove in hopes of starting over.

Jayden McKnight can’t explain the sudden attraction that he feels whenever Alayna is near but he does know that he wants her for his own. So when a local vampire selects Alayna as his next victim, Jayden will stop at nothing to ensure her safety – even if that means bringing Alayna into a world that she never knew existed.

Love will blossom, challenges will be made and Alayna will find herself fighting not only to survive, but against what she may become

Review:

After surviving a terrible automobile accident where she loses her parents, 20 year-old Alayna tries to gather the pieces of that shattered past by starting anew in the town of Juniper Grove. Alayna finds comfort in a a handsome and friendly young man named Jayden who assists her in refurbishing the garden in the fixer-uper home that she has purchased. One night, as Alayna strolls back home and ignorant of the town's curfew, she is viciously attacked by a mysterious man with a craving for blood. When Alayna questions Jayden about the attacker, Jayden has no choice but to open the doors to his mystical world. While Jayden nurses Alayna to health, both discover that the spark that ignited during their friendship has flourished into a burning flame, and in the end it is love that will conquer.

Author Jaidis Shaw has created a magical world in present time, where mythical creatures live undetected among humans. Shaw captures the essence of this mystical world by developing a cast of characters that works well to deliver the reader a wonderful and innovative plot.

Filled with thrills, love and the unexpected, Jaidis Shaw's "Destiny Awaits" will unconsciously absorb you into the realm of your untapped imagination. 

Author Jaidis Shaw

Author Interview: 

Q: How long did it take you to write this book?

A: I started writing the original draft back in 2004/2005 but then had to put it on hold when I was diagnosed with epilepsy. After my first short story had been accepted for publication, I decided that it was time to get my book done.

 

Q: What was your inspiration to write this book?

A: I spent my childhood growing up in MI and then we moved to SC when I was in the 10^th grade. I was bullied relentlessly for being a ‘Yankee’ and had no friends that I could turn to and so I took to my writing and the idea for this book for formed.

I will be talking more about why I started writing my book next week when I make a vlog as part of an upcoming Charity blog hop that begins on March 30th.

Q: What genre do you find the most difficult to write in and why?

A: I have only tried my hand in paranormal romance, suspense and western genres. I have a story idea that I have been wanting to work on that is a high-tech sci-fi (or could even have a Steampunk flair) but I just can’t seem to tell the story that way I think it should be. I’ve actually considered trying to find a co-author for it who knows more about the genre to help me.

Q: Do you have any writing projects you are currently working on?

 

A: I started book two of the Juniper Grove Chronicles before book one was ever finished. It is all mapped out and ready to go when I have more time to sit down and pull the pieces together. Although it is the second book, it is not a sequel and instead takes a closer look at the life of Violet who readers will meet briefly in Destiny Awaits.

Q: If your book became a movie, who would be your first choice to play the lead roles?

A: I have spent a lot of time thinking about this question, as I’m sure that most authors do. There are two actresses that I think would be great for the role of Alayna. The first is Kate Mara. I think she has the look down and could pull off the serious side of the character.

    

The other actress is Emma Stone. She also fits the look but I think she would be better suited to pull off the snarky attitude that Alayna has throughout the book. Her eyes are better for the part as well.

I’m still on the search for the main male lead.

Q: Do any of your characters have qualities/characteristics that are similar to yourself?

A: I bestowed my love of water to Alayna. There is just something about water that I connect with and it often helps calm and rejuvenate me. I have been known to stop whatever I’m doing and go sit on the porch and watch the rain. Oddly enough, the only form of water that I can’t stand is ice. It hurts me to see water constricted like that.

Odds & Ends:

Q: One food you would never eat?

A: I refuse to eat anything that lives in water. Probably has something to do with the above question.

Q: What was the scariest moment of your life?

A: The scariest moment was probably when I had a seizure while taking my Biology exam in college. The teacher refused to give me the medication as the entire staff was instructed and that one seizure turned into Status Epilepticus which means that I had a grand mal seizure every few minutes for the next 6.5 hours. It was pretty scary when I finally came too and didn’t know who my family was.

Q: As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A: Either an author or a veterinarian. You can see which option won out.

* I'd like to thank Author Jaidis Shaw for this interview and for giving me the opportunity to read and review her debut novel due for release, tentatively, in the months of April/May of 2012. It's an honor to be the first to present her literary achievement to the public and a privilege to know her.

About the Author:

Jaidis Shaw currently resides in a small town located in South Carolina with her husband and her beautiful daughter. With a passion for reading, Jaidis can always be found surrounded by books and dreaming of new stories. She enjoys challenging herself by writing in different genres and currently has several projects in the works.

When not reading or writing, Jaidis fills the position of Book Tour Coordinator for Nurture Your Books™, maintains the Juniper Grove blog and loves encouraging her daughter to let her imagination run wild.

Learn more about Author Jaidis Shaw on her sites:

Juniper Grove: www.junipergrove.net

Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorJaidisShaw

Twitter: www.twitter.com/#!/JaidisShaw

GoodReads Profile: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5556095.Jaidis_Shaw

Destiny Awaits on GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13557288-destiny-awaits

YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/JaidisShaw?feature=g-user-u

GIVEAWAY!

THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED

*Must be 13+ years old to enter. Open World Wide. 


Tweet your entry daily and increase your chances of winning!

She Writes Again: Crazy in Love

She Writes Again: Crazy in Love: **Occasionally, I write short stories. This particular one is not for the faint at heart. For those of you wondering, the book is nothing ...

Kristina's Books & More: Reasons why YOU should read Creatura by Nely Cab!

Kristina's Books & More: Reasons why YOU should read Creatura by Nely Cab!:

Today on the blog I have two wonderful ladies helping me show some love for a book we've all read and loved! We want to share with you the r...

REVIEW: Shadow on the Wall by Pavarti K. Tyler

RATING: ★★★★
Coming May 1, 2012! 

REVIEW: 
Recai Osman is a handsome and wealthy businessman in the city of Elih, Turkey, living every man's dream. But his life turns into a hellish nightmare the day Recai opens his eyes to find himself buried in sand, beaten and hanging on to the last string of his life. Someone has left Recai to be swallowed whole by the desert and never to be heard of again.


Recai is saved by Hasad, who hides the stranger in his home, though fearing that the monopolized community police, known as the RTK, is linked to the man. After a brutal attack to Hasad's daughter, Rebekah, Recai swears upon her memory to seek vengeance on the RTK and their leader.


After three years of wandering through the desert in search of answers, Recai returns to the city of Elih, where he was thought dead.  When Recai attempts to reincorporate himself into society, he finds himself defending a victim from the sickening attack by an RTK soldier. It is then that Recai becomes known as "The Sandstorm". 


Author Pavarti K. Tyler has risen a "Muslim Superhero" from the sands of the desert. Tyler touches controversial topics which only a woman would dare to brave. The author's style of writing holds a poetic flare in her sentences, which add to the appeal of the story. 


Do be wary readers, as this book is not for the faint at heart and includes scenes of cruel violence against women. For those bold readers, you might want to fasten your reading glasses because you're in a for a thrilling ride. 




ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Pavarti K. Tyler is an artist, wife, mother and number-cruncher who has been committed to causing trouble since her first moment on this Earth. Her eclectic career has flirted with Broadway, Teaching, Law Firms and the IRS. Author of many short stories, Pavarti spans genres from Horror and Erotica all the way to Fantasy. Currently Pavarti is hard at work establishing her Indie Publishing Company Fighting Monkey Press.


Follow Author Pavarti K. Tyler on Twitter:
@PavartiKTyler
Connect with Author Pavarti K. Tyler on her website:
www.fightingmonkeypress

Pre-order Shadow on the Wall on Amazon!

Eric Unseen Debut Album Giveaway!

I thought my fans and readers might enjoy listening to one of the newest additions to my "Muse Playlist." So here's your chance to win this scorching hot debut album, "Meat and Razorblades" by the English breakout band Eric Unseen! 

Be sure to check them out on their Website!

Review: Pulse of Heroes by A. Jacob Sweeny

RATING: 5 STARS ★★★★★

Struggling with school and having a crush on a boy that's spoken for become the least of Michele's worries when she meets Elliot in a rather unconventional way - falling over a wall while snooping in Elliot's private school's backyard. Michele finds herself peering into the bluest and most mysterious eyes she's ever seen, and then falling again, but this time her fall is emotional rather than physical. 

It's in the town of Willow's Creek where Elliot and Michele's story blossoms from several encounters leading way to a whirlwind of unexpected events. Elliot's past is intriguing and adventurous and sometimes dark, which has Michele's appeal for the boy at the highest peak. Michele, who's eager to find out exactly who this gorgeous boy is and where he comes from, is in for the adventure of her life and quite possibly the most ill fate. 

Comprised of all-inclusive tales from Elliot's past and Michele's emotional coils, Author A. Jacob Sweeny delivers a story with both historical and heart felt fascination for her readers. Sweeney's writing beautifully reflects her knowledge of the eras in which the characters' narratives take place. The antagonist and protagonist characters' personalities are well thought out and equipped with traits that will embed themselves into the hearts of many without effort. 

Dive into this fantastic world of romance, thrills and mystery and make A. Jacob Sweeny's book, "Pulse of Heroes" a weekend getaway. You won't regret it.



Find Pulse of Heroes on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ThePulseSeries

Check it out on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10550107-pulse-of-heroes

Creatura Valentine's Day Giveaway!

Enter every day to increase your chances of winning! 

Selling Books like a Banker

Before I started writing, I used to sell people their own money back. How? I worked at a bank opening checking, savings, CD’s and other types of accounts for a fee.  If you stop to think about it, this is how a financial institution works. Banks will house your money, and then you have to pay them to get it back, occasionally incurring other wonderful fees that you’re briefed on, but don’t understand and don’t bother to question.

Oh, the stories I could tell you about how customers react when they’re charged fees by a bank. But we’ll save that discussion for another time.

Being employed with a bank was probably the hardest job I ever had. I had to meet and exceed sales goals. I had to hunt down new accounts by visiting business, schools, or whoever had mercy on my banker’s soul and gave me an opportunity to hold a presentation. I worked in a low-income area where new customers weren’t swarming in, begging for a new checkbook and cover that emitted that bank scent I grew to love. (I’ve named the smell “Monetary Plastic Couture”) My work required a lot of determination.

I was trained to sell, sell, and then sell...and did I mention sell? Every morning us Personal Bankers would meet with the Branch Manager to discuss daily goals. We’d have to write the number of accounts we planned to sell in “packages,” i.e.: Checking, Savings, Debit Card, Online Banking, and Credit Card/Loan or other services. No, not separately. All these needed to be bundled together into one customer’s profile. The probability of holding down a customer in his comfy chair after you overwhelmed them with all the bank’s products and services was very low – especially where I worked.

What does this have to do with selling  books, you ask? A lot.  It has to do with marketing and selling your book. I’ve learned that’s an even harder task than selling people their own money.

Much like my job as a banker, an author has to take every opportunity he or she gets to present their work to the public. A new writer’s struggle to sell one single copy may take days or weeks, and you know that royalty from one book isn’t enough to buy a decent cup of coffee these days. Ask yourself this: After all that time spent working on your book, developing characters, plotting stories and pulling out your hair, do you deserve a crappy cup of coffee from some corner store, or are you going to get yourself some of that fancy Starbucks? I know my answer. I’m heading to Starbucks; ergo, I need to sell more books.

By using the sales tactics that were drilled into me in the field of banking, I’m beginning to see more demand for my book. I’m going to share some of the things that I’ve done to gain more exposure in the literary community and gain sales.

Product Presentation:

The packaging and presentation of your book, a.k.a. the cover, is a crucial element in sales. The way your book looks reflects on you as a writer. Don’t ruin your street credit. Your readers need to see a cover that’s pleasant to the eye. If your cover looks like a poorly cut and arranged kindergartener’s magazine collage, chances are people aren’t going to buy it.  Find a friend, a neighbor, or just beg for help with editing images on Photoshop from someone that’s familiar with the software.

Seek Out Your Buyers:

Aside from yourself, whom else did you write this book for? Who would be interested in reading your story? Don’t waste your time posting your Amazon link, book trailer and/or book’s synopsis on sites that aren’t frequented by readers. Join blogs, communities, clubs, and social networks that will give you that five-minute window you have to pitch the sale. Do not underestimate the power of Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and such networking sites.

Market the Product:

1. Develop an author website if you can afford it. Before committing to buy, consumers like to take a close look at the product – you.

1. Make your book nice and shiny. People like things that sparkle. Make it known to everyone how great your ratings are on your social media networks by reposting on your webpage, blog, personal network profiles, and social media sites. It doesn’t mean you’re showing off. Well, maybe a little, but it also means you take pride in what you do and people with good self-esteem and a strong backbone attract more attention than people with poor self-esteem. Google it.

2. Create a book trailer that’s interesting, well edited, visually appealing, with a casual pace and concise. You want to get the point across without too many words in less than a minute and a half. Using video elements and pictures to simulate the idea of what’s between the front and back cover of the book, does guarantee reader interest. It also lets the potential buyer dig into the mind of the author’s perspective of his or her writing. Also, be selective about the trailer’s music. Your best bet is to use a track with no words. Include the book cover, your website and the major purchasing sites that sell your book.

Make Yourself More Social:

1. Being an anti-social hermit wont’ get you anywhere! Befriend bloggers, authors, publicists, your friend’s cousin’s sister-in-law’s accountant or whomever you know that likes to read or not read.

Have you ever noticed how you can easily fall victim to mainstream marketing? Those “As seen on T.V.” stickers on boxed products really stand out at the check out line in the grocery store. But you may not have the solvency to advertise on television or radio. You do, however, have the ability to get other people talking about your book. This is called Free Publicity and Word of Mouth Advertising. If other people are reading your story and posting reviews, their reader friends are going to want “in” on that great story too. And, trust me, those non-readers are going to want to know what the fuss is about when they see their friends posting and reposting your book’s cover image. You could gain a fan in that non-reader.

Promoting:

1. People love to win things. Hold contests and giveaways with book bloggers you’ve friended. Offering a book or swag (bookmarks, keychains, t-shirts, etc.) or both as a prize will gain reader and blogger interest. Did you know that many readers have a collection of swag from both independent and traditional authors?

2. Hold contests on your own sites and let everyone in your social networking sites know about it. Set up your giveaways with Rafflecopter, which allows you to program entries with points values, depending on what action you would like the entrant to do, such as, liking your author page on Facebook, following your blog or Tweeting about the giveaway. Yes, more free publicity.

3. Accept invitations for reviews and interviews on blogs no matter how small their following. Out of forty followers that Mary’s Book Blog has, maybe three will see the post. That’s three more pairs of eyes that know you exist. Tell Mary to include your links and your trailer on the interview post and offer a small giveaway with the interview to get more visitors.

4. Set up a giveaway on Goodreads. The giveaways are free to set up, and that site is visited by a multitude of readers.

5. Get out and get your feet dirty. That’s right, you’re going to have to go look for the sale. Set up signing or presentations at schools, libraries or bookstores. They’ll be more than happy to have you there because you are an author (insert fist pump here).

6. If you can afford it, buy a $20 Ad Campaign on Goodreads, one on Google Ads and another on Facebook. That’s $60 worth of Ads will get people to visit your websites and discover your book. By the way, the Goodreads Campaign will probably run for about three weeks with $20.

Pitching the Sale:

You thought you were done? Oh no! This is where the real work begins. After you’ve perfected your cover, uploaded your trailer, purchased swag items, talked your head off at presentations and made a bunch of new friends, it’s time to work for your royalties and that Starbucks coffee.

I’m going to reveal a huge secret. We’ll keep this between you and me: In the end, YOU are the product that’s being sold. Yes, your personality is the one that’s going to get you that cup of delicious coffee.

1. Bite your tongue. Your social network has expanded and so has your exposure among the literary world. Now you have a following and your posts reflect who you really are. Be yourself when you post a tweet not pertaining to writing or your book saying how much you enjoy eating with your family at Chili’s. But be wary of tweeting how much you hate John Smith and how you’re going to kill his dog. Negative posts get you negative impressions, and that’s something that people in the literature field don’t want to be associated with. It could ultimately hurt your writing career.

2. Talk to your followers and fans. The rapport you develop with your new author, reader, blogger and friend’s of friends of friends, etc., is going to sell you. They want to know that you’re not just a picture on a website or words on a page. Respond to retweets, tweets, and their facebook posts. Let them know that you know they exist. Overall, thank them repeatedly for their support.

I hope you’ve learned something from my sales advice. Thanks for taking the time to visit my blog and reading. Be well, beautiful creatures! 

David's Mail Call Poetry

A few days ago, a fan expressed her "love" of  Creatura on my Facebook page. I decided to give her a little gift from my book's hero, David Chios. Quickly it was that the responses to his humble offering grew, and before I knew it, "David" was serenading fan girls with verse. 

"Carly Anne's Chablis" 

Written for Carly Anne Wallace 

Weaved of fine silks and fine wine 

                                                 The Gods adorned Carly Anne so divine

 And I a poor beggar on mine raw knee 

Pleading, suffering, eager to be free 

But what dost freedom imply to a beggar?

Leaving mine Carly Anne to be? 

Never shalst I wander free of mine decree 

And I do attest, dear Carly Anne, this sacrifice to thee 

May mine blood become dry like the Gods' wine of Chablis 

Should ever you never come to be privately for me

 ~ David Chios 

Thank you for reading, and I invite you to get to know David Chios and the rest of the personalities in the first  book of the Creatura Series. 

Please Visit Me At: www.nelycab.com & www.facebook.com/AuthorNelyCab

I'm also on Goodreads: Nely Cab 

B o o k s 4 T o m o r r o w: QUICK REVIEW and AUTHOR INTERVIEW: "Creatura" - by...

"This is probably not the best way to start a review, but I can sum up my impression of “Creatura” in one word – WOW!! I kept envisioning what a blockbuster movie this book will make!"

Read more...

B o o k s 4 T o m o r r o w: QUICK REVIEW and AUTHOR INTERVIEW: "Creatura" - by...:


“ CREATURA ” by Nely Cab REVIEWED BY : Books4Tomorrow OVERVIEW When seventeen year-old Isis Martin is having trouble slee...

Creatura Book Trailer

Totally Trendy Creatura Dog Tag Giveaway!

Show off your fan girl flare with this totally trendy dog tag chain necklace! 

Review: A Matter of Perception by Tahlia Newland

Tahlia Newland

Rating: ★★★★

Bouncing through the perceptions of different characters in diverse situations is certainly a way to break free of the usual monotony of story telling. Such holds truth in Tahlia Newland's anthology, entitled "A Matter of Perception." 

It is through several short stories that Ms. Newland introduces us to characters that see their lives through only one perspective without stopping to see that the world is not only black and white, but various shades of grey, along with a prismatic and colorful variation of outlooks. 

Newland delivers tales that will make the reader ponder on what level they regard their own problems and view of life. 

After reading Author Tahlia Newland's anthology, you'll be convinced to see your own life through rose-colored glasses. 

-Nely Cab, Author of Creatura

Ever wonder how a story is developed in a writer's mind?

Do you ever wonder how a character or story is developed in the mind of a writer? Everyone has a different story. Mine is, without a doubt, different. Tina from the Not Me Did It... Blog asked me to be a guest on her blog, requesting specifically that story. You can read it here:

Not me did it...: Guest Post: Nely Cab; Author for "Creatura": Hello, to Tina and to you, the readers that have taken time to stop by. Today, Tina has asked me to tell you about how I came up with th...

Not me did it...: Book review - Creatura, Author Nely Cab

Not me did it...: Book review - Creatura, Author Nely Cab: I remember entering a giveaway through some blog that led me to finding out about Creatura. One of the things that I had to do was friend ...

Author Jaidis Shaw & Juniper Grove

Author Jaidis Shaw

Recently, I stopped over at Author Jaidis Shaw's blog, Juniper Grove, to do an interview. Ms. Shaw is also the Book Tour Coordinator at Nuture Your Books. In her care, I left a giveaway for our blog readers! Read the interview  HERE and don't forget to enter the giveaway! 

www.junipergrove.net

BAD HAIR DAY GIVEAWAY!

So, I was sitting here drinking coffee thinking of ways to rile up the fans. Then, I look in the mirror, and as I catch the first glimpse of myself (mostly in disgust), I discover I'm having a bad hair day.  The lights in my brain flickered on, and suddenly, over the hymns I usually hear when I have a good idea, I say to myself, "A GIVEAWAY for my NEW Author Page on Facebook!" 

Click HERE to visit me on Facebook and to enter the contest. 

BRING ON THE NEW YEAR Giveaway!

      ★1st Prize: Creatura Ebook                                

      ★2nd Prize: Creatura Spiral Notebook/Journal   

      ★3rd Prize: Creatura Canvas Tote                      

To ENTER, Click on the CONTESTS page of this blog or click HERE to be redirected to the giveaway.  

GOOD LUCK!

Creatura Book Trailer

This is a new book trailer for "Creatura" that I created with the help of Patrick Salinas, Krystle Mendiola (featured in the video) and Juan M. Mendiola, Jr. Don't forget to comment and rate.

 Thanks for watching! 

Birthday Giveaway!!

Happy Birthday to me! 

Today I'm a year older, a year wiser, and LOTS of pounds heavier! LOL! To celebrate with YOU, I'm giving away 3 e-book copies of "Creatura" on Twitter! 

TO ENTER:

1. FOLLOW @NelyCab on Twitter 

2. Retweet: "I want to win @NelyCab's #Creaturabirthdaygiveaway"

* Ends Dec.9, 12am CST

GOOD LUCK!! 

Creatura Basket of Goodies hosted by Paranormal Book Club

This Creatura Basket of goodies giveaway is being hosted by Paranormal Book Club on Facebook. Like their page and enter the contest at this link:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Paranormal-Book-Club/109922569062884?sk=app_208195102528120&app_data=dlt

Good Luck! 

Christmas Kindle Giveaway!

Recent Review

Hello, beautiful creatures! I've been absent from your lives for quite sometime writing and creating a world for Isis and David for my upcoming novel "Vivus," the second in the "Creatura" Series. My apologies and sincere gratitude to those of you that are reading this right now. 


Today, I want to share a review that lifts my spirits and pushes me to continue to write. When I read it I was delirious, to say the least. And since it seems like such a drag to have to go find the reviews for a book on another website,  I decided to post it here. I'll continue to post a few reviews - only once in a while - for you to read.  This review is one of many of my favorites:


*Find this review on Goodreads


Fathima Amiruddin's review 

Read from November 18 to 20, 2011

"I was contemplating whether this story deserved a 4 star or a five star .. But man oh man , once i was done reading it i knew it deserved nothing less than a 5 star !!! So many questions , so many thrilling moments , this story definitely took me by surprise !! 

Cover-speak : Awwwwwwesome cover !! At first i was like , ' How is the name " Creatura " connected to what's being shown on the cover of the book . I was completely clueless . But once i was through the story , i think i have sort of realised the meaning behind this cover ! Ofcourse i cant give it away now because i think its highly connected to the story and giving it away would just ruin it for everyone plannin on reading it ;) 

Creatura basically tells the story of 17 yr old Isis Martin , who has turned into an insomniac due to her recurring nightmares . Every night Isis dreams of the same Poppy field and the same 'beast' who waits for her in that poppy field . Every night Isis wakes up from her nightmares scared and petrified to fall asleep again . Who is this creature ? What does he want ? Why is a part of Isis's dreams ? Is he an enemy or a friend ? Answer to those questions and many more is what awaits readers in this mythological extravaganza !!

Things i loved about this book : 

1) Fresh and exciting : Okay i'm gonna be honest here , i have not read anything like what is mentioned in this story before ! To explain it in better terms , i can say that the 'paranormal' Or the 'supernatural' element of this story is 'out worldly;' . I loved every aspect of it . Every angle , every twist just added to the prevailing tension . 
Honestly , there was a time when i was beginning to lose interest in the story and felt that it had become too slow and drag-ish . But a new twist added in by the author at the right time and right place zapped me back in place and i was devouring the pages like my life hung on it ! Definitely new definitely exciting !! The mythological connection of the story was also very new and something unheard of . I would so wanna meet some of the characters mentioned in this book for real !

2) Relationship matter's : Another lovely aspect of this book was the various characters and the relationship they shared with each other . One of my favourite was the relationship shared between Isis and her mother Claire . Never ever have i read a book that emphazised so much on a mother - daughter relationship . They were like two best friends because they were everything to each other . I laughed at their goofiness and had tears in my eyes when things got intense . Brownie pionts to the author for such an amazing display of affection between the two . 
And another favourite relationship being Isis and David's . Oh boy talk about crazy and sweet at the same time . I couldnt help but wear a grin on my face all the time reading the various interactions between them . Isis the stubborn kind , who would never let David know her real feelings for him and David , the uberly greek god-like handsome but possessive guy who would do anything to make sure he wins Isis's heart !!! Loved them ;) . Ofcourse the book has many other interesting characters as well . 

3) Twists, turns and the end !!!! : If i'm giving 5 on 5 to the story , then i'm giving 10 on 10 to the author , her imagination and her creativity ! I mean come on she clearly deserves it for a story like this especially the end ! It was sooooo unexpected and unthought of . For a split second i was like ' wait , what did just happen !! ' .. I sooo cannot wait to read what happens next in this series . The end just made way for an exciting beginning . Totally recommended for readers looking for a story of a different kind . Its a must check out from me !"

Creatura Giveaway

THE HOUSE ON ELDA DRIVE

How about a personal scary story about me, just in time for Halloween? Check out Books with BITE's blog! Read my story, 

and then ENTER to WIN one of two copies of Creatura!

CLICK HERE:

http://www.bookswithbite.net/2011/10/hallowen-booktacular-with-author-nely.html

Read an interview conducted on me by the founder of  Great Minds Think Alike Reading Community, Kitty Bullard.

CLICK HERE TO BE REDIRECTED: 

http://www.greatmindsthinkaloud.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=interviews&thread=739#ixzz1bSP17jIo

***********************************************************

Creatura Necklace Giveaway!

Would you like to win this "Creatura" Heart Pendant Necklace? Like the "Creatura" Fan Page on Facebook

& click on the "Contest" tab to enter! 

*Contest ends October 28, 2011, 12:00AM (CST)

Teens Talk About "Creatura"

Thank you to Gabriel Moreno (Director/ Producer/ Editor), as well as to Alejandra Gonzalez, Ernesto Martinez, Melissa Guerra and Jerry Silguero who participated in the making of the video. 

Word of "Creatura" Spreads

After exactly three months to the date of its realease, Creatura is slowly becoming known by local schools. I have been asked for my contact information by three different schools via their students. Some of my family members' children and friends' children spoke their teachers about the novel and about me without being told by their parents to do so. I was surprised that they are taking the initiative to make the novel known, and that they are just as excited as I am about this new venture. 

By word of mouth, resulted an invitation by yet another school to speak at an assembly comprised of nearly 200 students. On September 28th, I will be addressing kids between the ages of 12-14 (grades 6th-8th) at Harmony Science Academy in Brownsville, Texas. I am curious about how these junior high kids' questions will differ from the questions of the high school kids I visited a few weeks ago who, by the way, were a great bunch. 

Before I go speak to a group, I like to send them a few chapters of Creatura so that they know a little about the story and my writing style. Opening up their inquisitiveness with reading is great because they are more inclined to listen when you speak and are more involved in the question and answer session. 

The kids at Lopez High School were interested in hearing about me, the process of writing, the self-publishing process, and the time it takes to wrap it all up. They were so excited to have me there that their high school news made a small clip of the students' reactions to the book and to my visit. I feel so honored to be part of their required reading! 

* Side note: I love those kids! 

And so, as I visit each school, not only do the kids learn about writing a book and publishing, but I too learn how try to inspire them to read for pleasure, rather to see it as a chore. 

TO COME: 
Hopefully, I'll have the video the high school students filmed in my possession soon so that I can share it with all of you. 

Thank you for reading my blog!