Book birthdays are amazing days. To have two book birthdays in less than a year is so exciting! Stephanie Keyes has penned an amazing tale of two people who are destined for each other even with an old prophecy getting in the way!
When we asked Stephanie about her latest book, she told us, "I'm so excited to share the next installment in The Star Child series. Kellen and Calienta's romance gets dialed up a lot! Plus, you'll get more new and returning characters, like Kellen's best friend and best man, Gabriel Stewart."
Let me tell you, I've read this book and the short free reads story about Kellen and Cali coming out in May... you will love it all! Release Date: April 12, 2013 | Publisher: Inkspell PublishingAmazon | Barnes and Noble | The Book Depository | GoodreadsWhen all is lost, he will have to make the ultimate decision. Kellen St. James was just your average seventeen-year-old prodigy, until he eighty-sixed the Lord of Faerie and proposed to the Celtic Goddess, Calienta. But then everything in Kellen’s life gets turned upside-down when he and Cali end up on the run from a seriously irritated group of faeries. The worst part? They have zero idea why they’re being hunted. Suddenly, Kellen is stuck in the middle of another prophecy that foresees him turning away from Calienta and embracing the dark. He’ll be forced to take sides in a struggle to claim his birthright, while discovering secrets about his father’s past. Meanwhile, his passion for Cali grows stronger, even as the prophecy threatens to tear them apart. In the end, will Kellen and Cali survive the fates? When the ultimate power is within reach, which side will he choose?Excerpt “Kellen, come on,” Gabe said, grabbing my hand, his other hand on Alistair’s arm.Unarmed, I had enough common sense to realize when I needed to take cover. Staying hunched over, the three of us made our way to a series of boulders at the edge of the lawn and took shelter.Gabe’s face held a look of confusion. Despite our situation, I couldn’t help feeling guilty. I’d never told him about Calienta’s identity, about Faerie, about…anything. Man, he was gonna be pissed. I didn’t even want to think about what Alistair was going to have to say about it.“Man, what is up with these EMO freaks? And what the H is going on, K?” Gabe asked.“Yes, Kellen, what…what he said,” Alistair demanded, actually appearing to turn maroon in color.Peering over the rock, I crouched down again just as a portion of it exploded, missing my head by inches. “This really isn’t the best time,” I said, keeping as low as possible behind the rock while still sneaking peeks to try and find Calienta. Then I located her, fighting directly in the middle of the action.She shot a wall of water at Cana and some of the other creatures, dousing the flames that resulted from their offense. The intense sound of a raging waterfall filled the vicinity as she fought back. Her defensive tactic appeared to be working at first, until Cana froze the water and it exploded into hundreds of jagged pieces—pieces that headed straight for Calienta.Calienta knew how to protect herself. I understood that, but I refused to hide behind a rock any longer while she risked her life. Launching myself out from behind the boulder, I grabbed her hand and pulled her to safety just as the ice would have hurt her. Alistair and Gabe scrambled to make room. Calienta crouched down behind the rocks with me. Mud stained the bottom of her beautiful dress.Calienta puffed a strand of hair out of her eyes and scowled at me. “You know, I had a plan, Kellen.” She sounded ticked, despite the lilt of Ireland in her voice.Though she made no secret of how I’d pissed her off, we both knew that I’d already sensed her feelings. All I had to do was to be near her and I would be able to recognize her emotions as strongly as if they were my own. That’s how I’d recognized that her love for me carried the same weight as mine did for her.“Maybe,” I said, “but I have plans too, and they all involve you. So let’s cut the Indiana Jones routine for the time being, if that’s okay.”Thank you to all the people who are taking part in this tour!Date/ Tour Host12th April 2013 Loveahappyending Lifeystyle12th April 2013 Estelle Wilkinson14th April 2013 Becky’s Barmy Book Blog15th April 2013 Brook Cottage Books16th April 2013 Literary Rambles16th April 2013 Lisa Voisin17th April 2013 Linn B Halton17th April 2013 Suzy Turner18th April 2013 Donna’s Room for Reading19th April 2013 Author Roast and Toast19th April 2013 Me, My Books and I19th April 2013 Cici’s Theories22nd April 2013 Total Book Geek23rd April 2013 The Girl with Red Cape24th April 2013 Because Reading is better than real life25th April 2013 Cosmochicklitan25th April 2013 Diana Stager26th April 2013 Leisure Reads29th April 2013 The Rookie Romance Blog30th April 2013 Tracy Riva Books and Reviews30th April 2013 Froggarita’s Bookcase1st May 2013 Owlnestly Book Reviews1st May 2013 Library of a Book Witch2nd May 2013 Raven Reviews3rd May 2013 Paperbook Princess3rd May 2013 Mom with a Kindle3rd May 2013 Cici’s Theories3rd May 2013 Bookishly DevotedDon't forget to see how Kellen's and Cali's Love Story began!  The world is about to be cloaked in darkness.
Only one can stop the night.
Kellen St. James has spent his entire life being overlooked as an unwanted, ordinary, slightly geeky kid. That is until a beautiful girl, one who has haunted his dreams for the past eleven years of his life, shows up spinning
tales of a prophecy. Not just any old prophecy either, but one in which Kellen plays a key role.
Suddenly, Kellen finds himself on the run through a Celtic underworld of faeries and demons, angels and gods, not to mention a really ticked off pack of hellhounds, all in order to save the world from darkness. But will they make it in time?
 "Imaginative and fast-paced. Couldn't put it down!" - E.G. Foley, New York Times Bestselling author of The Gryphon Chronicles
"This well-written and intriguing fantasy was a delight to read. I can't wait to read the second novel in this series!" - Linn B. Halton, author Never Alone on The Star Child by Stephanie Keyes
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When all is lost, he will have to make the ultimate decision.
Kellen St. James was just your average seventeen-year-old prodigy, until he eighty-sixed the Lord of Faerie and proposed to a Celtic goddess. Now everything in Kellen’s life gets turned upside-down when Calienta, Kellen, and friend, Gabriel Stewart, find themselves on the run from a seriously irritated group of faeries. The worst part? They have zero idea why.
Suddenly, Kellen finds himself stuck in the middle of another prophecy that questions everything about him including where his loyalties lie. Plus, Calienta’s more than a bit different; she’s making choices that he doesn’t understand. And Gabe, his best friend? He’s started doing all sorts of freaky things that make Kellen question who he really is.
Kellen and Calienta will fight to stay together and keep the hidden part of the prophecy from becoming reality.
When the ultimate power is within reach, which side will he choose?
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Release Date: 12-April-2013, Genre: YA Paranormal Romance
Sounds good? If you liked Twilight by Stephanie Meyer, Need by Carrie Jones, or Fallen by Lauren Kate, you will love this book!
Pre-order your copy today!
And if you haven't read the first book in the Star Child series, read it today!
 About the author:
Stephanie Keyes has been addicted to Fantasy since she discovered T.H. White as a child and started drumming up incredible journeys in her head. Today, she’s still doing the same thing, except now she puts those ideas down on paper.
When she’s not writing Stephanie is also a graphic designer, presenter, teacher, musician, avid reader, and Mom to two little boys who constantly keep her on her toes. In addition, she’s best friend to her incredible husband of eleven years.
Keyes is the author of The Star Child YA Fantasy series, which currently includes The Star Child and The Fallen Stars. She is currently hard at work on the third book in the trilogy.
Interested in joining the blog tour from 6-Apr? Click here to register!
Blog Tour Registration Link
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Giveaway (Open to US, UK and Canada)
1 wired star bookmark, 3 Star Child (Book 1) ebooks and 5 The Fallen Stars eBooks
After publishing and reading so many wonderful books this year, we thought to ask our authors about their favorites. What book did they feel was their favorite read of 2012. What do you think of their choices and do you agree? What books would you choose? Let us know your thoughts!  Sasha Summers:
I can’t give you an absolute favorite book of 2012 because that’s impossible but I can tell you that one of my favorite books was Anna and the French Kiss. I’m not sure if it was the dreamy British hero, the awkward American heroine, the transporting backdrops, or the ‘authentic’ tone that Stephanie Perkins managed to capture throughout, but this book stuck with me. The second book – not so much – but Anna and St. Clair are still some faves of mine… Why does some of this feel familiar… Hmmmm?
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 Lisa Voisin:
It's a tough call, because I've read so many great books this year, but I'd have to say my favorite book for 2012 has to be The Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare. I'm a huge fan of Ms. Clare's Mortal Instruments series and loved the world and characters she created. As book two of The Infernal Devices trilogy, The Clockwork Prince is set in the same universe but instead of New York city in modern day, this series is set in London during the Victorian era. Ms. Clare's descriptions and storytelling ability just seems to get better an better with each book, transporting me not only to another world, but to another time and place. The Clockwork Prince had me reading late into the night, unable to put it down.
In fact, I love The Infernal Devices so much that I'm looking forward to The Clockwork Princess, the third book in the trilogy, coming out at the end of March almost as much as my own debut release of The Watcher on March 4th.
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 T. Michelle Nelson:
I don’t typically read a ton of YA literature. At least I didn’t until this last year. There are tons of great new YA books out there right now. Jamie Manning’s BLOOD BORN for example, is an awesome book, especially for us vampire lovers, and a book written by Inkspell’s own Stephanie Keyes called THE STAR CHILD was amazing as well.
THE STAR CHILD grabbed my attention from the moment I heard of it because I’ve been a little obsessed with Ireland for a while. I had hopes of reading about the beautiful scenery and Irish culture if nothing else. You get that with Keye’s book, but you also get a story that will suck you in and keep you up for hours reading. Kellen St. James, her main character, is relatable and well-developed. Exactly the kind of guy you want to root for to save the world.
Keyes builds a world that is magical and takes the reader on a journey unlike any other book. THE STAR CHILD is masterfully written and a fast read, and I’d suggest just that. Read it fast before her second book comes out in April. I know I can’t wait. (Hopefully she will read this review and send me an advanced copy. *hint*)
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 Kristy Centeno:
Baptism of Fire by Stephanie Constante had me hooked by the first chapter.
First of all, let me just say that not once since I began to read was I bored with this book. It was an absolute page turner. In fact, I read it in two days (and only because I needed a good night sleep). Otherwise, I would have read it all the first night.
The romantic elements to this story are strong and captivating. The characters are charismatic, fun, and entertaining. The plot is unique and keeps you interested from the very beginning.
Aidan, the hero of the story, is so easy to love because of his personality. His charm would win any girl’s heart. I loved the fact that his identity caught me completely off guard and I had no idea who he really was until he revealed it to Leito.
I’m looking forward to reading the second installment to this series. I just need to know what happens to Aidan and Leito.
Would I recommend this book to Young adults’ enthusiast? Most definitely. It has everything you love about a fantasy novel with a splash of romance and adventure added to the mix.
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 Stephanie Keyes:
This year, my favorite read was The Life & Death Of Lily Drake by T. Michelle Nelson. It seems like so many of the books that I pick up lately have wimpy female characters. When that happens, I don't feel committed to seeing the book through. Instead, I just bow out. Not only did this book have a gutsy female lead, but it's not like any other book out there. I just loved that.
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 Deb Peterson:
My favorite read in 2012? "The Princess Bride" by William Goldman.
Why? Because it was just so much fun! Princess Bride is one of my favorite movies of all time and so I wanted to read the book, just to compare the two. (After all, William Goldman wrote both the book and the screen play). There were differences, of course, and I found them both enjoyable and interesting. I enjoyed reading the back stories of the characters that we missed out on during the movie. All of the humorous asides put in by Goldman made for a lighthearted read. If you love "Princess Bride" the movie... then you must read the book if you haven't already!
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 Kacey Vanderkarr:
City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare is the best book of 2012 for me. Her world-building skills always amaze me. I’m sucked into her books, which lead me through a gamut of emotions. I laugh, I cry, I get angry, and come out the other end more in love with the characters than ever before. The best part is knowing that I’ll get to experience it all over again as movies.
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 Shirley Kennedy:Since you didn't say the book had to be published in 2012, I'm taking the liberty of recommending an old book that's out of print, although copies are still available from used book dealers.
Gus the Great by Thomas Duncan is a book that somehow got lost in time and it shouldn't have. Here's a review I wrote on Amazon,http://www.amazon.com/Gus-Great-Thomas-W-Duncan/dp/2702836372/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1358032386&sr=1-1&keywords=gus+the+great
"Recently I thought of a book I read many years ago. I couldn't remember the title, name of author, or even what it was about except maybe a circus. All I could remember was that it was beautifully written and held me fascinated from the very first page.
Finally in the middle of the night it popped into my head: GUS THE GREAT. I bought a copy and just finished it. There are so many books written decades ago that are out-of-date but not this one. It's as good as ever and I can honestly say one of the best books I ever read."
What were your favorite reads of 2012? What books could you not have lived without? What books captivated your days and nights? We'd love to hear from you!
One of the big traditions with New Year's is to write resolutions. These goals are help make the new year even better than the old year. We asked the Inkspell authors what their resolutions are. Here's their responses. What are your New Year's Resolutions? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Rebecca Hart:
Being a big procrastinator, I have never been much for making resolutions. Mostly because I generally forget about them or try to ignore the fact that I made them within days of doing so. But, 2013 is a new year, so why not give it a go, right?
So this year, my resolutions are these:
1. Complete two novels and have ready for query at some point during the year.
2. Get on the new treadmill we got for Christmas at least twice a week. (this one is so not going to happen, but adding it makes me look good)
3. Set aside at least one hour each week for undivided "kid time" with my youngest daughter, Shelby.
4. DO NOT GET A NEW DOG THIS YEAR NO MATTER HOW CUTE THEY ARE.
That's it for me. Simple is better to my way of thinking, and I figure if I keep them small and manageable, I have a much better shot at keeping them.
Happy New Year, everyone :)
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Aubrie Dionne:
Both of my New Year's resolutions are writing related for 2013. I'm going to check my Amazon book ranks less- trying for once a month instead of three times a day! (What a time suck that is!) And, I'm not going to read my reviews. The bad ones just bring me down, and then it takes a whole day to get the courage back up to write again. Like last year, I'm vowing to write 1k a day everyday, so I end of with 365K at the end of the year. This past year I made it to 316,090. Almost. But in 2013, I'll make it to 365!
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Lisa Voisin:
I believe in the power of intention and goal setting, and around the end of the old year, I review my year and assess where I am at, so I can chart my course for the future.
To that end, here are my intentions for 2013:
- to be physically active, and to that end, I plan to run another 10KM run. I did this in 2012, and was quite successful.
- to finish writing books two and three of The Watcher trilogy and see them through to publication.
- to make more time for myself in my meditation practice, for everything flows better from there.
- and on a personal note, to endeavor to not take things personally, remembering that other people's opinions of me are not only none of my business, but also reflections of their own world.
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Deb Peterson:
I prefer to think of them as "goals' rather than "resolutions," because as everyone knows, resolutions are only made to be broken and goals are made to be reached... ;)
So with that in mind, my top priority goals for this year are to complete all three of my works in progress, become an expert in marketing...(I hate marketing, so anyone want to help me out with that one?) and spend far more time with my beloved family!
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Stephanie Lawton:
Other than the ever-repeating resolution to lose weight (ugh), I'm going to make it a point to write some edgy stuff in different genres under my pen name. I love YA and romance, but I'm craving the freedom to push the envelop into erotica, horror, fetish, etc.
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T. Michelle Nelson:
I resolve to try even more new things, prove to myself that age is only a number and get into the best shape of my life. To motivate myself to do this, I am signing up to participate in Tough Mudder, a 10-12 mile endurance event with obstacles designed by British Special Forces. Most participants undoubtedly, will be younger and in better shape than me, but I fully intend on crossing that finish line. My mother has always told me there is nothing I couldn't accomplish once I set my mind to it, although I seriously doubt she meant anything like this.
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Majanka Verstraete:
Here are my resolutions for the New Year:
1) Write six new novels this year. I wrote four last year, so I'm trying to bring that number up.
2) Make a list of weekly goals and a list of monthly goals and stick to them.
3) Read and review 150 books (I reached this number last year and I hope I can do it again!)
4) Go on a trip out of the country.
5) Exercise regularly (which means, at least three days a week)
6) Finish last year of university and get my degree.
7) Get my driver's license! It would be about time.
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Brooke Moss:
This year my resolution is to put work on the back burner, and focus on my family as much as possible. Don't worry, I'll still be writing fun stories for my delightful readers to enjoy, but with five children and a wonderful hubby--as well as the horrific acts in Connecticut this past December--my priorities have shifted. I am so richly blessed with a gorgeous family, and I need to seize each day knowing that it could be taken away at any time. Happy New Year, InkSpell readers!
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Kristy Centeno:
My new year’s resolution list:
1- Finish the MS I have started.
2- Find a bigger house to move into.
3- Focus a little more on life outside of work.
4- Go to Disney with the kids.
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Stephanie Keyes:
I love making New Year's resolutions. A clean slate and a fresh start for a brand new year! I have a short list for 2013 that consists of the following:
-Release The Fallen Stars
-Edit and Release The Star Catcher
-Write a brand-new Paranormal Romance!
-Continue to spend more time with my family
-Continue with my workout regime
Happy New Year Inkspell readers!
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Naya Nikki:
My new years resolutions are:
1) Get a 2:1 in my 2nd year at university
2) Do a good deed everyday
3) Get experience in publishing/editorial work so I can pursue it as a career
Share your resolutions? Do you have any in common with our authors?
Happy New Year Inkspell readers. We wish you all the best in 2013!
Even though Christmas is over, we decided to keep the celebration alive by asking the Inkspell authors about their favorite holiday present. Reading about the authors really gives you an insight into their lives and their stories! What do you think? Which is your favorite gift and why? Mark Jay Harris:
Sleep in the afternoon after the kids have opened their presents. Santa's pretty tuckered out by that time, and sleep makes a wonderful gift!
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Rebecca Hart:
The best Christmas gift I ever received was when I was either a junior or senior in high school. As the oldest of four children, I understood better than my siblings the "price" of Christmas for a large family. I thought I would hedge my bets for the one thing I wanted that year -- new skis -- by not asking for another thing that Christmas. I had figured, one gift request -- they gotta fill it, right?
Well, at the end of the morning of opening gifts, I had all sorts of new gear -- new ski jacket, gloves, hats, etc. -- but no skis. I put on my happy face, knowing deep down the skis, boots and poles were just too expensive for my poor parents to be able to buy while still providing a Christmas to my sisters and brothers.
My mother had other plans. She sent me into the bathroom to clean up because "there is no way I am going to shower in that nasty thing on Christmas day." So I went and dutifully cleaned up the bathroom -- grumbling the whole time about how the oldest always gets a raw deal. I grumbled until I returned to the living room to find the skis I had wanted pulled up from where they had been hiding behind our couch. The shock on my face must have been priceless.
I spent close to the next 30 minutes bawling my eyes out, amazed at what my parents had done for me, knowing the sacrifices that must have been necessary for them to afford all the ski stuff they got for me. Like they always have, somehow, my parents managed to make Christmas perfect.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, everyone!
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Annabelle Blume:
Of course, I love books. It's always wonderful to get books, gift certificates for books, or anything even remotely related to books as a Christmas present. But as a mom, the best gifts are always how your children experience the holidays. My kids (3,6, and 8) have this unusual tradition of wrapping up things from around the house and giving them to each other for Christmas. They usually pick toys they've had for years. It's odd, and I don't know where they got the idea, but it's been going on for a few years now and I think it's hilarious. Watching them go though this gift exchange is undoubtedly my favorite gift of Christmas.
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Majanka Verstraete:
My favorite Christmas present would be a surprise romantic trip to a castle or monastery turned into a hotel. I saw something like that while I was browsing yesterday and I thought it must be wonderful to receive a present like that under the Christmas tree. Besides that, of course my answer would be books. I love books in all shapes and forms, and a bookish Christmas present always makes my day!
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 Deb Peterson:
This one is easy. My most favorite Christmas present of all time is my sister!
As I went to bed on that particular Christmas Eve I was surrounded by three brothers. Two that were older than me, and one a few years younger. I remember wanting a baby sister more than anything! And although our baby was supposed to arrive in January, I remember my father coming into my bedroom on that early, early Christmas morning (so early it was still dark. He flipped on the light and with a big smile on his face, said, "Merry Christmas, Deb! You have a brand new baby sister!" We've been the best of friends ever since!
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 Stephanie Keyes:
When it comes to Christmas, my favorite Christmas present is having everyone at home and together for the holiday. Over the past couple of years, there have been a lot of changes at our Christmas dinner. We lost some of our numbers, then added a few. Some of us have moved away. Each of these things has changed our family's dynamic. So for me, having everyone together, in one place…that's easily, the very best gift I could ever hope for. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone!
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 T. Michelle Nelson:
My favorite Christmas present is my very first one. I was adopted in October of 1974 at six weeks old. My mom wanted to go Christmas shopping and my dad needed to go get some motor oil or some other manly type thing and had no interest in going with my mom to get presents for me. While they were out getting Dad's manly purchases, my mother no doubt pitched a fit about not having their new baby any gifts so when Dad came out of the store he had bought me this plastic fish. 38 years later and I still have it, maybe a little worse for wear, but it is my most prized possession.
Everyone at Inkspell Publishing hopes that you had a wonderful holiday and received your heart's desire. We'd love to hear what your favorite gift was and why!
With today's technology, writers can write just about anywhere. However, some writers like to have a permanent space to write with files and inspiration. Others like to be free to move where they'd like. We asked our Inkspell authors to tell us about where they write. Could you guess which stories were written where? Which authors like a neat desk while others scatter their items to the four winds?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ | | T. Michelle Nelson:I require a certain amount of comfort to think creatively and to make the chapters flow. Oh, who am I kidding? I just like to be in bed. I'd say 90% of Life & Death of Lily Drake was written from the comfort of my favorite sheets and fluffy pillows. However, there is rarely a time that I get the bed to myself. Typically at least one fur baby is snuggled in next to me, sometimes more than one. I usually don't mind, as long as they stay off the laptop!
|  Aubrie Dionne:
This is actually a real picture of my messy desk! And yes, that's Jack Sparrow running around between my notebooks. Some post-its are quotes from great writers, others are reminders of who to email and thank in my acknowledgments, and others are plot points I'm afraid I'll forget about. One notebook is every single chapter of my Minstrel's Serenade manuscript along with the POV to make sure I rotate it back and forth equally, and another notebook is a list of the blogs I have scheduled on this blog. The notebook to the right is my word count notebook where I keep tabs everyday.
| | Stephanie Keyes:
I have an office that I share with my husband inside our Pittsburgh home. I wold love to be able to kick him out and make this space my own, but I'll take my 5 x 9 spot for the time being! I've got a large wall for planning out work and a view of a window, even though it's father away than I'd like. Must haves in the office space are my Mac Book, markers, and planning paper. I'll be painting over the holidays and putting up a dry erase wall, so I'm pretty excited about that! Here's a pick of me at my desk with my planning sheet for The Fallen Stars after pulling an editing all-nighter.
With Christmas approaching for us, my office sometimes moves downstairs in front of the tree. It's a nice cozy place to be, when you're writing epic fantasy battles. |  Rebecca Hart:
I have yet to carve myself out a "private" nook at the house to do my writing and when I consider doing it, I always feel a stab of guilt over shutting out the family I already don't see enough thanks to a FT job and an hour commute. So, to keep peace within myself and my family, who misses me so much when I am not about (awww), I do the lion's share of my writing while sitting on the bed in my room. This way the kids can find me when they need me and I still feel like I am part of the family, even when my mind may be a million miles away. There may come a time when I feel I can't get enough accomplished this way, and I may change the writing set-up I am using, but for now, it works for me.
 Deb Peterson:
I have an office just off my library that my husband and I share. And, I have to admit, it’s where I spend most of my time. My books are handy and I have over fifteen gigs of music sorted into various “mood” playlists ready to go on my computer. I’ve grown so accustomed to my little work area, I find it difficult (but not impossible) to write anywhere else!
Now that you've seen where our authors write, can you imagine them anywhere else? :)
Because it takes a lot of work to make Mondays fun, we at Inkspell decided to start a blog feature we like to call Eyecandy Monday. Each Monday we will feature the characters from one Inkspell novel and share with you all the fine details and tasty tidbits we can dig up about these interesting and well written main characters. We want to revisit some of our favorite hotties from our favorite stories! As we revisit our eyecandy, we are sharing with you an excerpt to wet your appetite about the character and the story. After all, you can't get enough of book eyecandy!
| | | Kellen St. James:Kellen St. James is just a seventeen-year-old Yale graduate, when a Celtic goddess turns up spinning a tale a prophecy in which Kellen plays a key role. He risks his life as he travels throughout the land of Faerie to defeat the evil that threatens not only his girlfriend's family but the whole world. | Excerpt:“I know that you remember me.”
I stared at her, this mystery girl who’d been a part of my life for so long. Suddenly I was tired and didn’t want to argue. It unnerved me to know that I wanted to stay with her; I’d been wrong. I loathed being in Gran’s house alone, with only memories for company. “How could I ever have forgotten you?”
Though my voice was soft and gentle, my words had a powerful effect on the young woman in front of me. She blushed crimson and glanced down to hide her face. “Please come with me.”
Slowly, I placed my hand in hers. It was warm, as in my memory. “Where are we going?”
“I need to show you. Otherwise, you will think I am a hallucination again.”
“I suppose that’s true.”
She didn’t answer me, but she smiled back as she handed me a rough-looking knife with a black handle. “Put this in your pocket.”
“Are you anticipating that I’ll have to stab someone on the trip?” I wasn’t the kind of guy who routinely carried weapons around. More often than not, I could be a bit uncoordinated.
“I hope it does not come to that.” And before I could register that remark, I found myself running out into the night with her.
“Where are we going?”
We reached the steps that led down the cliff face. A dog howled in the night, setting an ominous tone for our journey. Calienta glanced at me for a moment but didn’t answer as she turned back to the direction in which we were heading. She pulled me close to her.
My hand burned where she held it and the air around us was thick with tension; that was how aware I was of her physically. A storm brewed between us.
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Wow! Kellen was willing to follow Calienta into the cave as his whole life changes. Excited to read more? Pick up The Star Child today!
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Thankful, grateful, gratitude, and appreciation...All are words to describe how many of us feel at this time of year. Reflecting back on the year before us, we do have a lot to be thankful for. As the holiday season approaches, everyone at Inkspell is very thankful for the many blessings that our readers and ambassadors have given us. But we thought to ask our authors about the many things that they are thankful for during this time of year. We hope you will enjoy their responses as much as we do!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  T. Michelle Nelson:
I have many reasons to be thankful, but I am most thankful for my son. Somehow he has turned out to be the most thoughtful, intelligent and sweet young man a person could ever know. I am proud to be his mom every single day.
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Aubrie Dionne:
I have a lot to be thankful about this holiday season. I'm thankful for all of the wonderful people at Inkspell who believe in my book. I'm also thankful for my gorgeous cover, and all the fantastic reviews my book is receiving. I'm thankful Inkspell agreed to take on the next book in the series! On the writer front, I received my very first advance, which I am extremely thankful for, due to my awesome agent, who I'm also very grateful. She's taught me patience and wisdom. I have a huge, 3 day book signing coming up at a fancy craft fair in December, and I'm thankful for all the people that will be helping me out with that.
My whole family is meeting for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and I'm thankful they are all happy and safe and pursuing their own life dreams. My sister is pregnant with baby #2, so I'm more than thankful for that as well. I already enjoy my nephew, and I can't wait to meet the new addition to the family!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  Stephanie Keyes:
There is nothing original about what I'm thankful for. It’s probably what everyone chooses for his or her answer whenever this question inevitably comes up every year! But I don’t care if I’m being a conformist. When I look around me every day, the answer is clear. My Family. Though our numbers have dwindled and the festivities changed, I am blessed to have people I love around me. My husband, my sons, my family are the reason that I have the guts and courage to do anything at all. It is this group of people that told me to “go for it” when I submitted my first novel to the Inkspell family earlier this year. Then, the same crew celebrated with me in September after the novel’s publication. That is why I am so unbelievably blessed this Thanksgiving, good people who stand by you and love you for who you are. That’s what I’m most thankful for. I wish each one of you readers a warm and wonderful holiday!
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Jill Kaelin:Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful, to ponder over how wonderful our lives are and cherish the little things. I have tons of things I’m thankful for in my life, so I decided to make a list of the top five.
Chocolate-the natural stress reliever.
Books-without which I wouldn’t be able to escape into magical worlds and live so many imaginative lives.
Our pets-the dog, CoCo, and our three cats, Bella, Ginger, and Nutty. They make each day more enjoyable…and messy.
Friends/Family-the people who love me unconditionally.
My daughter, Justyce-the relationship we have is priceless. She is my heart.
I’m also very thankful for my new friends at Inkspell! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  Mark Jay Harris:
It may sound cliche to say I'm thankful for my family, but out of all the wonderful things I have in this life my family is the most important. We just had a new baby three weeks ago, and of course that tends to re-focus your thoughts. Without them to care for and without their support, it just seems like nothing else would matter much any way. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy for my health, friends and chance to publish a book, but my family takes the front seat! They're the best!
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 Kristy Centeno:
First and foremost I would like to say that I'm eternally grateful to have four beautiful children that I absolutely adore and are the main reason for my happiness. Without them I wouldn't be the person I am. I'm also grateful to have such an understanding man by my side. A man that never sees the negative in things but instead, supports every decision I make even if he doesn't agree with me sometimes. I'm grateful that we're all healthy and happy in spite of difficult times.
And last, I'm grateful to have my loving mother by my side. Although we don't always see eye to eye, we're always able to set whatever differences we may have aside and enjoy our time together with no remorse.
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Brooke Moss:I'm thankful for the opportunity to raise five amazing, talented, darling, witty, silly, happy children. Without my family, I would be nothing. What a wonderful group of people to spend my holidays with.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Kacey Vanderkarr:
This year I'm thankful for all the traditional things, family, friends, etc. Additionally, I'm thankful for opportunity, perseverance, and the ability for continuing education. All things stem from this. 2012 has been an incredible year of growth and I'm excited and inspired by all the things to come!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Annabelle Blume:I'm thankful for the food in my fridge and the roof over my head. For the fact that my children are healthy and comfortable enough to express when they aren't happy. For my fury companions, even if they bark incessantly and irritate the neighbors. For the amazing adventures life has taken me on thus far. And for the future that lays before me, as unknown and scary as that can be.
I'm thankful for the moon and the stars and the fact that I can see them. And for the way the bright shining rays of the sun feel on my skin. For my friends who share laughter and tears with me. And for my family who stands quietly by my side through all things in life. Last, but not least, I'm thankful for my husband who's here to live it all with me every day.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  Debbie Peterson:
What am “I” thankful for? Well, first and foremost, my family. They are truly the best this world has to offer. But my list surely doesn’t end there, nor do I have enough room to name everything that fills my heart. However, to mention just a few... I am very grateful to have food to eat, clothes to wear and shelter overhead. I’m grateful for my country, and words do not express my gratitude for those who give their all to protect and watch over it.
And of course, I need to mention how very appreciative I am to those who thought enough of my books to want to publish them. For those who have actually read them, and taken the time to leave their sweet comments. You all make my day!
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At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from anotherperson. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.
-- Albert Schweitzer
We at Inkspell would like to wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday and send you love for all the ways you have inspired us!
Happy Halloween everyone! In honor of the holiday, we asked our Inkspell authors about their favorite candy! Can you just see them going out trick or treating and hording their favorites? Or do you think that they are all about buying something that they don't like so that they don't eat it all? What is your favorite and does it match our Inkspell authors? Rebecca Hart:My favorite Halloween candy has changed over the years, just like my taste in clothing and music have evolved. When I was small, I was addicted to Charleston Chews, couldn't get enough of them. That is, until the day I found my first Mounds bars.
Dark chocolate and coconut -- how can you go wrong there? That's right. You can't. Now that I don't trick or treat anymore, and the focus is on bringing my kids out, I just let them know "the rules" before we leave the house.
"I call dibs on all the Mounds bars."
Thankfully, they don't seem to mind. Deb Peterson:
I really don’t have a favorite. BUT if I had to make a choice right this minute, I’d ask for the caramel apples I used to get while trick-or-treating in my youth. I lived in a small town, covered with fruit orchards and since the apples were harvested in the fall, many of the farmers would offer homemade caramel apples to the witches, ghosts, and goblins knocking at their doors. Trust me...these candied apples were to die for!
Brooke Moss:
Actually, the candy bar that I can't live without is rare these days. It was my Grandpa's favorite, then became my favorite, and now I can only find them in specialty shops. It's called the Uno Bar, and it is light and fluffy and delicious! The sad thing is...whenever I find them, I buy as many of them as I can afford, and then I bring them home to horde them. My kids don't even get any. How mean is that?
Mark Jay Harris:
Peanut M&Ms with milk. I could live on them for days!
Annabelle Blume:It's very hard for me not to overindulge this time of year. While I love the pumpkin-y treats of fall, like pumkpin bread, pumpkin pies, and pumpkin lattes (okay, that's not true, I can't stand pumpkin lattes, but you catch my drift), it's the Halloween candy that truly breaks my will power.
Rich, satiny cubes of caramel, sticky sweet ropes of licorice, and decadent velvety squares of chocolate tempt my taste buds. I'm usually able to resist the forbidden fruit of the season. Yet, when you pair salty and thick peanut butter with the sweet creaminess of chocolate, I'm a quivering mess.
My absolute favorite candies are the peanut butter cups from the Unreal candy company (getunreal.com). They're just like their mainstream cousin candy, without any nasty preservatives, artificial ingredients, or GMOs. I can feel slightly less guilty when I eat them, and eat them I do! Sasha Summers:I have a SWEET TOOTH – so I can’t pick just one. When it comes to chocolate I LOVE Almond Joys and the newly discovered Dark Chocolate Raspberry M&M – like I needed another candy to crave. But if we’re talking candy candy – I love sour spaghetti and super tart cherry sours YUM!
Ironically I don’t get these things to hand out at Halloween because I would eat them all – and then I’d have to go dresses as a pumpkin. LOL! I tend to stick with the kid faves like Laffy Taffy, Tootsie Rolls, and Nerds… Perk – I don’t really like any of them so there’s plenty for trick-or-treaters!
Happy Halloween! :)
Stephanie Keyes:
Snickers of course, Kellen's favorite! It's because of all the chocolate "carmely" goodness. Yum!
Jill Kaelin:My sweet tooth is pretty large, so there’s not much candy I’ll turn my nose up at. Chewy, chocolaty, sour, sweet…I like them all. But naturally, I have a favorite that I find irresistible. Lindt Lindor white chocolate truffles. These are my weakness. There’s just something about that creamy white chocolate inside that makes me want to devour the whole bag. Unraveling that blue, twisty plastic and finding the perfect ball of chocolate inside, makes my mouth water as I’m writing this. I have my students to thank for this addiction. A few years ago, one of my little sweeties bought me a bag of these divine chocolates. I’ve been hooked ever since. But, in my defense, may I just add that chocolate raises antioxidant levels in our bodies, so technically it’s really healthy. Happy Halloween!
Inkspell Authors, editors and everyone would like to wish you a very Happy Halloween! We hope you get all the candy you wish for and enjoy the spirit of the season!
There is nothing like having a new book in your hands. The excitement as you gaze at the cover and open the first page to begin reading. This is even more special when you are the author of the book! Congrats to Stephanie Keyes on her new release--The Star Child! It is sure to be a book that will enthrall the readers and based on what we have heard from you, you all want a sequel! *hint- one is in the works!*
Our birthday girl Stephanie, as we know has a way with words and she left us beaming when we asked her thoughts on her publication day.
She says, "Magick lies just beyond your imagination and only as far as your dreams."
Well said, Stephanie! Your book inspires many of us to dream of fantasy worlds.
For you, our loyal readers, we want to offer you a chance to get your hands on this amazing tale of an ancient prophecy and two people caught up in saving our world. Order your book today and receive a 30% discount until Oct. 5th. We can't wait to share this outstanding story with you!  Author: Stephanie Keyes
Genre: YA fantasy Romance
Release Date: Sept 21st, 2012
Length: Super Novel
ISBN: (print) 978-0-9856562-4-9
ISBN: (ebook) 978-0-9856562-3-2
Price: (paperback) $10.50 (only until Oct. 5th)(ebook) $3.50 (only until Oct. 5th)Delivered within 5-7 days The world is about to be cloaked in darkness.
Only one can stop the night.
Kellen St. James has spent his entire life being overlooked as an unwanted, ordinary, slightly geeky kid. That is until a beautiful girl, one who has haunted his dreams for the past eleven years of his life, shows up spinning
tales of a prophecy. Not just any old prophecy either, but one in which Kellen plays a key role.
Suddenly, Kellen finds himself on the run through a Celtic underworld of faeries and demons, angels and gods, not to mention a really ticked off pack of hellhounds, all in order to save the world from darkness. But will they make it in time?
Don't foget to attend our release Twitter Party as well!! Whoot!! A Party!! You can sign in here: http://twtvite.com/thestarchild.
Our Release Day Party Hosts!www.loveahappyending.com - Special guest and twitter party!
http://behindamillionandonepages.blogspot.com/ www.living-fictitiously.blogspot.com http://havebookwillread.com http://pnrurbanfantasyreviews.blogspot.com/ www.pageflipperzya.blogspot.com http://bookmaven623.wordpress.com/ http://we-do-write.blogspot.com http://bookshelfconfessions.blogspot.com/ www.headstuckinabook.blogspot.com skywayavenuereads.blogspot.com http://www.lettersinsideout.net http://MommaCatAndHerBabies.blogspot.com http://lisavoisin.wordpress.com http://characterized.blogspot.com http://www.stephanielawton.com http://debbie-peterson.blogspot.com/
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