Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Valentine's Day Present - From Us to You!!!

Welcome to the (day after) Valentine's Day Giveaway!!
Isn't he cute!?  Photo found here

***CLOSED***
 
To kick off the release of GREENSHIFT by Heidi Ruby Miller, we are having a giveaway!!!

Click here to read Heidi's Authors Not-So-Anonymous Interview and an excerpt from GREENSHIFT !

Prize 1 - ebook copies of both AMBASADORA and GREENSHIFT
Prize 2 - ebook copy of GREENSHIFT

To be in the drawing to win your choice of prize 1 or 2...Leave ONE comment on this blog post with the following things:
  1. The title of the book/ebook you are currently reading or have recently read
  2. If you would like to win prize 1 or prize 2
  3. Your email address so Heidi and I can contact the winner - disguise it! For example: eehsiuqs(at)gmail(dot)com or eehsiuqs AT gmail OR eehsiuqs (at) gmail...something of the sort, but please please please nothing so cryptic I can't figure it out.
That's it!  Super simple.  Please only ONE entry per log-in name.  Must be 18 years old or have parental/guardian permission to enter.

***CLOSED***

The contest ends on 12AM EST Thursday, March 1, 2012!

Winner will be announced on that Thursday, here on Novel d'Tales.
Winner will be notified on Friday, March 2, 2012 via Twitter, Facebook, and/or email. Winner will be chosen using Random.org.

Authors Not-So-Anonymous Week #8

Welcome everyone to the eighth Authors Not-So-Anonymous weekly meeting!! This weekly series is about authors from Twitter and Facebook!  This week, I would like to introduce Martin Perry into Authors Not-So-Anonymous!

Photo from Legacy-Universe.com
Martin Perry is a science fiction author who also loves to play/review video games.  He began writing about five years ago, but only started writing fiction in January of 2011.  Martin's characters come alive in his novels like very few sci-fi novel characters do.  "I’ll pay attention and learn from anything where the characters actually feel like real people rather than just two or three line summaries of whole character traits."  After reading Gentle Reminders by Martin Perry, it's easy to see how he turned his passion for sci-fi into a writing career.  His writing inspiration is derived from Star Wars, the Mass Effect franchise, Star Trek, Philip K. Dick, Kevin Smith, and Douglas Coupland.

"Forever War by Joe Haldeman is my all-time favourite science fiction novel.  It’s very much a reflection on the Vietnam War, and studies how people can be dislocated from ordinary life by being sent off to war.  It’s as relevant now as it has ever been."  His favorite author is Douglas Coupland because he too strives to create real-life people with his writing skills.


Book 1 can be purchased for only $.99! Click on the title or use the Amazon Shop tab above.
Read samples of Martin's books by clicking here.

(description from Amazon)
In a universe where humans interact with hundreds of other species, the Jump Cannon stands as one of the most highly regarded mercenary ships of known space. However, when one of their crew is kidnapped, an old enemy and a new foe threaten not only the ship, but the future of every race.

Silently hunted by The Gentle Reminder, facing constant physical and mental challenge, the close-knit crew of the Jump Cannon battle on a journey of discovery, which will have life changing consequences for Maur Rosewell, his closest allies, and all of the Legacy Universe.
(end)

Go here to read my mini review of Book One in The Rosewell Sequence, Gentle Reminders.

Legacy Universe readers also have another opportunity! LURC! The LURC is the Legacy Universe Readers Club.  This club allows you to get discounts on the ebooks, free short stories for the rest of your life from Martin, AND a book dedication! How awesome! Go here to see my full review of the LURC or go here to join!

Martin can be found on Amazon, Smashwords, Twitter (@LegacyUniverse), and on his website.  Have an author to nominate?  Send me a message via Twitter or leave a comment with the author(s) name and Twitter name.  I'd love to add new members!  Happy Reading!

Monday, February 27, 2012

Freebies!!

Everyone loves getting eBooks for free right? There are tons of eBooks out there for free, but the deals don't always last all day, causing many people to miss out on the deals.  Guess what!?  FreeKindleDude has a great solution!  "The whole point of Free Kindle Dude is to bring you, the avid readers of the world, as much interesting and diverse reading options as I can."- FreeKindleDude

Every. Hour.  How awesome is that!?

Keep in mind - The deals don't always last all day, so act fast if you like something!
Every day you'll see a "freebie wrap-up" of all the deals.  There will be a mix of both fiction and non-fiction eBooks.  You can search through to find just about any genre you can imagine.  From zombies to cyberpunk to humor, you'll find an A-Z genre list to help narrow your search even further.  This will really help cut-down on time if you know what type of eBooks you do and don't like.

Go to his blog, subscribe to FreeKindleDude on Amazon, or follow him on Twitter @FreeKindleDude to catch up every hour on the latest free eBooks.  Happy Freebie Day!

The Hunger Games Trilogy: Book Swag!

The Hunger Games movie is almost here!!!!  Anyone else super excited?  I'm crossing my fingers that the movie lives up to my expectations based on the books.  With the recent release of the movie, the merchandise has exploded!  There are so many options...which one to choose is the hardest part!

Here are a some of my favorites. Click on any of the names to be taken to the Esty shop for more info on the items.

I love this simple little necklace.  The silver parachutes were such a big deal, I was hoping to see more done with them.  I love that Peeta's pearl is on there. D'aawww!

The arrow is simply amazing!  It bends slightly around your wrist too!  Comfortable and cute!

FINALLY a good looking bracelet with this quote that I didn't have to custom order.  One of my favorite quotes from the trilogy.  Plus, the (faux?) leather straps look very Katniss-y.
Show your HG pride by adding an awesome looking decal.  I don't have a laptop...but I bet it would look nice on the side of my desktop! Right? Not really? (sigh)

Such a gorgeous shade of purple that shouts Effie!  LOVE it!  Who wants to dress up as Effie with me!?

How sweet! Any HG fan would love to get this card.  Even if you're not a HG fan, you could appreciate this card!
Do you see the fire AND the mockingjay?  So. Awesome!!  One of the most uniquely designed, and most fitting of the "Girl on Fire" title, that I've come across so far.

 I love how all of the characters names are on this shirt.  Instead of focusing on just the top 5 characters, this shirt really shows how all of them work together to form an amazing team.
A classic!
Instead of saying "Team Gale" I love how it just says "Gale."  Which team are you on?  I can't choose!

Want  more book swag? Click here for the HungerGamesTrilogy.net holiday gift buying guide!  Happy Book Swag Day!

Friday, February 24, 2012

Life After Kindle

After having a Kindle for a full year, and not reading a fiction print novel since then, I decided it was time to (literally) dust off the old paperbacks I hadn't read yet and dive in.  I chose to go with an author that I loved in high school to help ease me back into the paper world...Dean Koontz.  I noticed a huge difference right away.  No automatic bookmarks!  I had to dig around for a book mark (which ended up being a sticky note...) and found TONS of them, but... they were all from when I was much younger. And it was obvious.  After that I figured, I would actually share my "rediscovery" experience with everyone... so here we go!

What I missed about my Kindle:
  1. Automatic bookmarks - ugh...hate it when bookmarks fall out! And I refuse to "dog ear" or fold over the corner of a page.
  2. Kindle book light - just better lighting than overhead lighting
  3. Size - it is sooo skinny it fits in my purse without making it bulky
  4. Weight of my Kindle - even with my case on, it still weighs less than the paperback book
  5. The device itself - because I just love it that much!
  6. Having a built-in, easily and quickly accessible dictionary
  7. Hands free reading - using the stand on my case
  8. One hand reading - holding my book with just one hand for more than 2-3 minutes..without pain.
  9. Book Library - I really missed being able to access more than one book at a time.
  10. Anonymity - Nobody would know what I was reading or working on.
  11. Notepad - used to jot down the book recommendations people give to me while on campus.
What I did not miss about my Kindle.
  1. .... (I missed everything about my Kindle!!)
What I missed about print books:
  1. Smell - Fellow book junkies can agree! New books smell good!
  2. The sound of "breaking" the spine of a brand new book.
  3. Feeling the amount of pages I have/have not read
What I did not miss about print books:
  1. No Dictionary - find words I didn't know; write down the words; look up the words later (if I remember)...too much work!
  2. Smell - Old book smell isn't that great.. especially dusty and dirty old book smell. Now before you get all jumpy, I keep my books in a drawer, not on shelves, and they still got dusty and gross.
  3. Texture - when it's cold outside your skin might not be as soft or smooth...rough skin can easily catch on the paper and makes the pages feel gritty... ewww (cringe)
  4. Covers - I love cover art, but hate it at the same time.  Everyone and their brother knows what I'm reading and feels that it is their civic duty to ask about it.
  5. Holding it open - I didn't really like having to hold it open, it's not easy to multitask after a while.
  6. Bookmarks - finding a bookmark that didn't slid out, wasn't easy to loose or one that I actually wanted to keep with me was annoying, so I decided to just use a sticky note. Generic, but it worked!
  7. Yellowing - paper is biodegradable so it oxidizes and yellows over time. My paperback books are three years old and turned that oh-so familiar light yellow color.
  8. Slower reading - Oddly enough, I read slower with the print copies than I do with an ebook. Weird? Anyone else?
There are probably more things to add to each list, but I can't think of them immediately.  I felt like I was cheating on my Kindle! Poor DragonToo was left home for two weeks because my purse just wasn't big enough for both.  The debate continues....which do you like better?  Plastic or Print?  Happy Life After Kindle Day!!

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Weekly Live Chat!

Good news everyone!!
Photo from Writers Unite
Every Friday Wednesday Sundays on Writers Unite there will be a live chat with one either a)a WU team member b)a blogger/writer or c)an author.  These live chats are completely text based and will each have a different topic.  This week Stephanie Lennox from WU will start the new series.

This weeks topic: "Do you have an idea that you need help getting off the ground?  Though of a great character or plot but don't know where to start?  Award-winning Author Stephanie Lennox will be leading this week's discussion, and helping writers expand on their ideas." (Writers Unite)

When: Friday, February 24
Time: 2-3pm EST or 7-8pm GMT London

Where: Writers Unite (click here)

Can't make it on Friday?  Leave a question on WU!  Stop by and chat with Stephanie! You might even be seeing me on there soon (wink wink).  Happy Chatting!


Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Authors Not-So-Anonymous Week #7

Welcome everyone to the seventh Authors Not-So-Anonymous weekly meeting!! This weekly series is about authors from Twitter and Facebook!  This week, I would like to introduce JRD Skinner into Authors Not-So-Anonymous!

JRD Skinner is a Canadian author of FlashPulp.com - a speculative fiction website that bridges the gap between science and fantasy.  Three times a week JRD writes something new on his site.  They can be downloaded as podcasts or read on his site.  His stories that keep your mind going and begging for more.  "Flash Pulp is an experiment in broadcasting fresh pulp stories in the modern age – three to ten minutes of fiction brought to you Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings."  He is currently working on a novel that will be released within the next couple of months. 

He began writing when he was in third grade but, "the disease has grown especially serious in the last eight years." - JRD.  He writes his stories to make his children proud and loves to take care of animals.  How sweet!  His greatest inspirations are his family and simply listening to his surroundings. "My ear is always open, and my mind is always in research mode." - JRD

JRD's favorite authors include Graham Greene, Joseph Conrad, Robert E. Howard, J.R.R. Tolkien, Ambrose Bierce.  "Knowing that The Power and the Glory was penned by the same person who wrote The Ministry of Fear leaves me striving after my own betterment."

That Which Remains a Blackhall Tale Part 1
Go here to read all of part 1.
Go here to read all of part 2.

(Excerpt from FlashPulp.com)
Thomas Blackhall had been working hard to avoid the puffy-faced private dogging his steps around the icicle-laden settlement of Perth. The frontiersman’s first tactic had been to simply leave with no indication as to his destination, and two-days hunting along a river sheltered by drooping pines had provided him with a formidable store of venison, but it was not enough to put off the messenger.

Upon returning to his rented room, he’d discovered the youth still lollygagging about the Bucking Pony’s main room, obviously in anticipation of his reappearance.

There had been a time, not distant, when Thomas would’ve gladly answer the summons, but his former comrade-in-arms, Captain Fitzhugh, had begged a favour too far, while offering little recompense.
(end)

JRD's shows can be downloaded from iTunes or read on his website - both are free!!

Find JRD Skinner on his site FlashPulp.com or on Twitter (@JRDSkinner) and let him know I sent you!

Have an author to nominate?  Send me a message via Twitter or leave a comment with the author(s) name and Twitter name.  I'd love to add new members! Happy Reading!

Monday, February 20, 2012

Review Day: Secrets: Guardian Trilogy Book 1

Today's review is......

Title: Secrets: Guardian Trilogy Book 1
Author: Liz Schulte
My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

(description from Amazon)
While Olivia Martin observed life through her camera, the abyss gazed back at her. She discovers mysterious men follow her around, people close to her are dying, and her dreams are no longer her own as she falls head over heels for a perfect stranger. A chance encounter leads to an obsession that could destroy everything she has ever known or loved. Olivia is about to find out there is a lot she doesn't know and sometimes what you don't know can kill you.
(end)

From the first chapter I was hooked.  I loved the characters, the mystery behind it all and was completely intrigued by the story line.  I had to know what was going to happen!  The characters are come alive and make you care about them.   Almost everyone can find something they like about this story with the mixture of so many different genres - mystery, fantasy, romance, chic-lit, action, thriller, art.  The ending left me with a cliff hanger into book 2, but one that has me guessing what can come next.  One so intense that my heart was pounding!  I can't wait to get book 2!!

Why only 4.5 stars?  There were a few questions that were left unanswered for me.  I'm anxious to see if my questions are answered in the next two books (based on the book descriptions they will be).

Pick up book 1 at Smashwords (for any eReader) or at Amazon. 

 Happy Review Day!!

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Hey There Delilah: Kindle App Problems

Hey There Delilah is a *new* mini-series where I help solve Kindle problems.  I get asked all the time "So...something isn't working right on my Kindle and I have no idea why.  I don't have a warranty anymore...PLEASE help!"

Before you decide you hate your Kindle, want to return it and get a new one...ask me!  I've had many freak outs when I thought something with my precious little device was wrong...but really it was something simple.  Here is a common problem that I have come across for many people who use a Kindle and Kindle app.

Problem:  I have the Kindle app (on my phone) and a Kindle (device).  I purchased an ebook using the app, but now my Kindle isn't recognizing that I purchased the book.  I tried rebooting my Kindle and the app, it didn't work.  My Amazon account doesn't show that I made a purchase either! UGH! What's wrong? Can it be fixed? HELP!

This is what a sync button looks like.
How to fix it: 1) Get your Kindle and your phone (or whatever device has the app on it).  2) Turn both on/open the app.  3) Turn on the 3G or WiFi for both devices - wait 4-5 minutes until your Kindle (device) has fully engaged, updated and downloaded any new content.  4) While your Kindle (device) and Kindle app are both turned on and connected to the internet, click the little "sync" button on your Kindle app.  5) While your app is syncing, do not do anything to your Kindle device.  6) Check to see if your ebook is now recognized by both devices (it should show up on both or start downloading onto your Kindle device).

If yes - Voila! Fixed!
If no - contact Kindle Customer Service to see if you have multiple Amazon.com accounts open under one person's name (yes this is possible...no they cannot link the accounts even if you have proof you own both accounts). You may have purchased the book on a different account without knowing it.

To prevent this from happening again - every couple days, sync your app and Kindle device using the directions above.  It's very important to keep them linked together or the app can (and will) mess up.


Have a Kindle problem?  Ask me!  I love helping people figure out their Kindle issues.  *Please note, I can't solve all Kindle problems.  Some of them can't be fixed at home.*  Send me an email, tweet, message me on Facebook, or leave a comment and I will get back to you!  Happy Syncing!

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Authors Not-So-Anonymous Week #6

Welcome everyone to the sixth Authors Not-So-Anonymous weekly meeting!! This weekly series is about authors from Twitter and Facebook!  This week, I would like to introduce Heidi Ruby Miller into Authors Not-So-Anonymous!

Heidi Ruby Miller is a speculative fiction author and is married to Jason Jack Miller, another author.  "I write stories where the relationships are as important as the adventure. I love high-heeled shoes, action movies, Chanel, loud music, and video games.  I especially like writing SFR (Science Fiction Romance), like my novels AMBASADORA and GREENSHIFT ."  She started writing in 2005, when she started graduate school at Seton Hill University.  " When I hear other writers say that you can't be taught to write, I know they aren't talking about me because I believe Seton Hill made me the writer I am today."

Dreaming and daydreams provide Heidi with the majority of her inspiration.  "I daydream with the best of them!  Most of the time when I'm not writing, that's what I'm doing.  I've dreamt two entire novels that I have yet to write--though I was sure to get down the outline and preserve the mood of each upon waking."


Click here to buy Ambasadora!
She loves to read just as much as she loves to write.  Her favorite novels are - A WRINKLE IN TIME by Madeleine L'Engle, DON'T STOP THE CARNIVAL by Herman Wouk, 2010 by Arthur C. Clarke, RELIC by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child, CHILDREN OF SCARABAEUS by Sara Creasy, NEVERWHERE by Neil Gaiman, WORLD WAR Z by Max Brooks, and THE DEVIL AND PRESTON BLACK by Jason Jack Miller.

"I self-published my novel AMBASADORA because the market is changing for full-length fiction.  And as I'm ready to release GREENSHIFT , another book in the Ambasadora-verse, I'm happy I went the self-pub route.  I love the process, including working with cover artist Byron Winton of Urbanite by Design.  I feel like it's a true collaboration between us.  He's read my work, knows my world, my characters, and certainly knows how to bring a scene to life!"

GREENSHIFT just released on Valentine's day <3 
As our V-day gift to you.... TWO lucky people will be winning one of two prizes!!
Click *home* (use the tab above) to be taken to the giveaway.

Excerpt from GREENSHIFT

As the performers paraded by, David watched the delight shining in Mari's face. "You're beautiful."

The compliment captured her attention. He took the opportunity to bend down and kiss her. The wonderful citrusy notes of her scentbots mixed with the sweet smell of chocolate and strawberry layer cake and night-blooming water lilies on the edge of the bay. He moved his mouth over hers gently, testing her reaction. She responded a little shyly, barely parting her lips, but her hand slid up his chest to caress his face.

The innocence of the moment impacted David more than he expected. The way she slowly explored his mouth, first with her lips, then small darts with the tip of her tongue revealed how much this pleasant action meant to her. His heart pounded faster with the realization. After all these years, all the women he'd touched, none took the time to enjoy a simple kiss as much as Mari did. He, too, had taken the intimacy for granted until this instant.

The shrill and boom of fireworks filled the night air as if celebrating David and Mari's moment. He felt Mari smile beneath his lips and opened his eyes to see her peeking up at a golden flower of sparks lighting the blue-black sky above them.

"Perfect timing," he said against her mouth.
"Perfect," was all she said before slipping back into their kiss, not quite as shy this time.
(end)

Find Heidi on Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Twitter (@HeidiRubyMiller), Goodreads or her blog!

Have an author to nominate?  Send me a message via Twitter or leave a comment with the author(s) name and Twitter name.  I'd love to add new members!  Don't forget to enter the giveaway! Good luck and Happy Wednesday!!

Monday, February 13, 2012

What kind of posts do YOU want?

I've hit a point where I can't decide what type of posts I like to write the most... honestly I love to write ALL of them.  So... my dear readers... what do YOU want to read about?  Here are a few ideas, but feel free to suggest new ones!
  • Kindle How Tos - care, maintenance, "Dear HilyBee" type of thing where I'd answer your Kindle questions or help your fix problems
  • Ebook Site How Tos, Tips, Tricks, Help, What are my favs, etc. (using ebook sites that are not Amazon or B&N)
  • Sites to connect with other readers, authors, reviewers (like a Facebook but for book lovers)
  • Quick Tips - random
  • Twitter ebook finds - ebooks I find from authors on Twitter
  • Freebies of the week - ebooks I picked up that week or month for free
  • Deal alerts - a monthly "Hey! These are the ebook deals happening RIGHT NOW!"; similar to freebies of the week, but these will be discounted not free.
  • How Tos on various things such as choose your next book or finding new authors/genres..
Tell me in the comments, on Facebook, or tweet your me your thoughts! Happy Commenting!

Kindle How To: Getting More Use out of Your Kindle

There are TONS of things you can do with a Kindle besides just use it as an eReader.  Did you know that you could....
Picture from Amazon.com

EDIT books, ebooks, documents, etc. on your Kindle? Click here to read more!

RENT textbooks for class or work (cheaper than print, return the book when you're done, same page numbers as regular textbooks)? Click here to read more!

PLAY AND USE games and apps (there are even free versions!) such as Calendar & Planner, Gem Falls, Notepad

**Please Note: The games work best on Kindle, Kindle Touch and Kindle Fire. The apps work great on any version.**
Picture from Amazon.com

PLAY mini games that also double as a brain food?  NY Times Crosswords Vol. 1, 24-7 Spanish - Vocabulary and 24-7 French - Vocabulary

FREE EBOOKS  - Get ebooks without paying even $0.01? Click here to read more.

PREVIEW the first chapter of a book before buying it? Click here to read more.

CONNECT to Twitter and Facebook right from your Kindle? Tweet/Share you finished a book right from your device? Click here to read more in an article by PC World! (Would you like a Kindle How To on this?)

READ blogs, magazines, and newspapers on your Kindle for less than the print copies? Click here to learn more or click on the category above to explore the selection from Amazon.

Kindle isn't just for reading, use it to its fullest potential and get more out of your device!  Access any of the various things I've talked about by clicking on the red words above (links).  Have something to add to the list?  Leave me a comment and I will add it to the list!  Happy How To Day!

Friday, February 10, 2012

Quick Tip

Today's Quick Tip is how to finish a novel that you don't like.  So... you started a novel and don't like it? Maybe you don't like it so much you just want to stop reading right that very second?  Well... Don't! Push yourself to finish a book.  You never know, you might end up loving it by the end!  Plus you can reward yourself for finishing something you didn't want to do/like.... yay!  There are plenty of novels of my list of favs that did not start out as favs, but ended as one.  Give the characters and plot a chance to grow on you like the taste of coffee (which I still don't like).  By the end, if you still don't like it... at least you can say you have read it, finished it and have an opinion about it.  Happy Reading!

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Authors Not-So-Anonymous Week #5

Welcome everyone to the fifth Authors Not-So-Anonymous weekly meeting!! This weekly series is about authors from Twitter and Facebook!  This week, I would like to introduce M.A. Leslie into Authors Not-So-Anonymous!

M.A. Leslie is a married writing team comprised of M (Mike) and A (Amy) Leslie.  "We thrive when we are together more then when
we are apart.  We work well together and enjoy planning the books."  They are YA, MG and Adult authors who have two children and live in New Jersey.  "We’ve known each other and been friends since we were 8 years old.  When we were ten, Mike’s family moved away and we weren’t reunited until we were 18.  From there, we started dating, got married, and had 2 great kids."  From childhood friends to an unstoppable married team, these two have a passion for writing that started at young age.
  • A. -  I have been writing for 21 years.  Writing has been something that I’ve always loved.   I started when I was eight, I’ve taken a couple of creative writing classes, but mainly I’ve learned by just writing.
  • M. - I would say that I have been writing since I was about thirteen.  I didn’t start as young, but I also didn’t love reading till I got a little older.
The duo began writing novels together when M was struck with a neurological illness in 2010.  They used the time M was on temporary disability from his job to work on their life-long dream of writing novels together.  "Writing is more of a way of escaping daily life for me.  If I don’t like a situation, I can always write it the way I would like it to go." - A  "The idea that we are creating something, something that will last forever.  Just the thought is amazing." - M

They may be a writing duo, but they are still two different people.  Some of M & A.'s favorite novels are:
  • A. - Nora Roberts (JD Robb), JK Rowling, Greg Isles, and Kay Hooper.
  • M. - JK Rowling, JD Robb, JRR Tolkien.
With the recent release of Tristen & the Whining of the Winds (book 2 - Tristen Series), M.A. Leslie have co-written and published four novels - LIBERTY, The Missing, Tristen & the Magic Shop (vol.1 Tristen Series), and Tristen & the Whining of the Wind (vol. 2 Tristen Series).
Click here to read my review of The Missing AND Click here to read more about the Tristen Series! Review on Liberty coming soon!

The characters and plots for their novels come from the best place to let your imagination run wild - dreams that A has.  "She will wake up in the morning and tell me about the dream, at that point we will determine if it is book worthy.  (She has some scary weird dreams!)  If it is book worthy, we talk it out, work through it together, build a general outline, create characters, and so on and so on." - M.
I've had the privilage of becoming friends with M.A. Leslie. They are phenomenal authors and people.  I highly recommend their novels to anyone who loves YA and MG ebooks/books.  Visit them at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Twitter (@maleslie11), Goodreads, and their blog.
Have an author to nominate?  Send me a message via Twitter or leave a comment with the author(s) name and Twitter name.  I'd love to add new members!  Happy Reading!