Guest Katie Williams & Giveaway!

The Space Between Trees
Author: Katie Williams
Publisher: Chronicle Books

Hello Everyone!

Today I have the honor of having Author, Katie Williams here at Park Avenue Princess as part of the official blog tour for her debut book, "The Space Between Trees"! You can find my review here. I don't want to take too much time with the introduction (we all know how I love to talk), so I'm going to lend my throne, tiara, and whatever else Katie needs here in the castle to make her feel at home. I'm now going to let Katie speak to you about her phenomenal new book.  Please make her feel welcome!

A Very Bad Princess


Once upon a time there was a plain peasant girl—scuffs on her shoes, dirt under her fingernails—who was invited to sit on the princess’s throne for an entire day. That’s me, Katie Williams, scepter in hand, feeling atypically regal since our highness has invited me here to tell you about my debut novel, The Space Between Trees.

The Space Between Trees doesn’t have any princesses in it, no castles or charging steeds, nary a fairy godmother to be seen. But, like many good fairytales, it features a girl who has been overlooked.

Sixteen-year-old Evie somehow missed out on making friends, real friends anyway. She doesn’t have a boyfriend either, although she’s convinced the girls at school that she’s involved in a flourishing romance with college dropout Jonah Luks. Still, try as she might, she remains lonely, quirky, and anonymous. But all that changes when Evie spies the police pulling a murdered schoolmate’s body from the woods behind her paper route, and suddenly she’s at the center of the story everyone wants to hear. Eager for attention, Evie exaggerates her connection the dead girl, thereby drawing herself into a wrongheaded murder “investigation” that questions truth and fiction, innocence and guilt.

Perched here on my borrowed throne, I can’t help but think about princesses, and how being a princess is not about the sparkling tiaras and drool-worthy gowns (well, maybe it’s a little bit about the gowns), but is really about being kind and virtuous. After all, Cinderella was a princess on the inside way before she got the fairy-godmother makeover. By such standards, my protagonist Evie is very unprincesslike. She lies; she manipulates; she connives. And her machinations lead to serious trouble and permanent loss.

Does Evie sound like a horrible person to you? She makes some huge mistakes; it’s true. So how could I write a character who behaves so very badly? Well, I liked Evie because, despite her flaws, she was interested in the world around her and, also, she was daring. She’d do things I never would, even if some of those things were the wrong things. Furthermore, I understood Evie. Her bad behavior came from the same desires that make the princess character such an appealing fantasy: She wanted to feel special, pretty, and most of all, loved. And once I understood Evie better, I felt I could write more of her story to see where her lies led, to discover if she would eventually accept her rags and discover the secret that all true princesses know: She is special because she is herself.

You can read more about The Space Between Trees, including the first chapter, on my website, http://www.katiewilliamsbooks.com/.

Thank you SO much Katie for being here at the castle today! As a special surprise, Katie is offering one of my *Very Lucky* Loyal & Royal Readers a chance to WIN their very own AUTOGRAPHED Hardcover Copy of "The Space Between Trees"!

THE SPACE BETWEEN TREES GIVEAWAY!!

This book is going to be signed and sent from Chronicle Books

So, I ask that you have a US or Canadian Address that the

book can be sent to! It's open to anyone that FOLLOWS

with either a US or Canadian Address in which to receive the book.

Most important you must follow through Google Friend Connect!

Don't know how? Go here to get instructions!

First I'd like you to head on over to Katie Williams' web site and tell me one thing you've learned about Katie or her book or you may think of a question you'd like to ask Katie! You MUST do this step to QUALIFY! If you choose the question option, you get +25 per question you ask with a limit of TWO QUESTIONS per person. leaving you with a total of +50 for asking Katie TWO QUESTIONS that have to do with today's post, her writing, her debut novel, something VALID please!

Also to qualify, I ask that you please leave your name/nickname
in each post you leave. Something that separates you from everyone else
so that it will be clear if you are chosen as the winner. You must also leave
me with your emailing address so that you can be contacted (even if it is in your profile).

This contest is open to ANYONE that Follows with GFC - Anywhere In the WORLD!
*But, you MUST have either a U.S. or CANADIAN ADDRESS to
accept the book for you. Overseas shipping is not available for this contest!

*This Contest ends 8/13/10*

Entries

+5  If you Subscribe by Mail
+5 If you Subscribe via Google Reader

+5 If you TWEET About This Giveaway (Leave Link)

+10 If you Rate Me On Blogged (see link at bottom of blog)

+10 If you add me to your blog roll (and link it back to my blog)

+10 If you Blog about the Contest in your Sidebar (Link back)

+15 If you blog about this Giveaway in it's own post (Link back)

+20 If you Follow @APrkAvePrincess on Twitter (Leave @name)

+25 If you Put My Button On Your Blog and Link Back

So, spread the word about Park-Avenue Princess!

It's only a *Click* to Follow and We're NOT that far away!!

I've got a NOOK here with someone's name on it and

it could be yours! All I need to start the giveaway

is 1,000 GFC Followers. I also have some

Amazing Prizes coming up that

you don't want to miss!

+50 for each and every NEW follower you bring me

(They just have to mention it in their post! You will BOTH Get the Points!)

YES EVERY PERSON YOU SEND!

(All of these will be verified before they count towards your entries!!)

Separate your entries one per post! (either each or just +5 for example)

Or you will only have One Entry Regardless of What You Do!

AS ALWAYS, GOOD LUCK and HAVE FUN!!

KISSES and TOODLES!!

Guest Post & Giveaway ~ Jennifer Estep Author of "Spider's Bite"

When I contacted  Author Jennifer Estep for a Guest Spot after reading her latest Urban Fantasy Novel "Spider's Bite" An Elemental Assassin Book, (first in the series) and she said yes, you better believe this princess was doing the "happy dance"! In case you don't know what that is, you kinda' shake your hips and throw your arms up in the air and then, at the same time while making two fists and singing "WOOO -- WOOO" or somtimes I throw in a "Go Me,  Go Me,  GO-HO GO MEE-HEE".  Admit it...you just did that, you TOTALLY did! You did the happy dance!  C'mon... admit to it...  Alright. Alright. I have WAY more important things planned for today, but I swear, try it later on and you'll be happy ALL day!

This isn't the first book of Jennifer's I've read, it's just the first one that I've gotten to share with you!  Spider's Bite was just made available for purchase yesterday on the 26th of January and I am not kidding when I say
"Don't walk, RUN out and get it!" 

Along with her Guest Post, Jennifer has been nice enough to offer a *signed* copy of "Spider's Bite" for one of my reader's to win! So if this excites you in ANY way, I suggest you keep reading!  First let me tell you a little bit about the book and then I'm going to give Jennifer the mic! What? Like you didn't know I had a mic? This is a CASTLE people, we have EVERYTHING!

 
 
About Spider's Bite -
 
My name is Gin, and I kill people.


They call me the Spider. I’m the most feared assassin in the South—when I’m not busy at the Pork Pit cooking up the best barbecue in Ashland. As a Stone elemental, I can hear everything from the whispers of the gravel beneath my feet to the vibrations of the soaring Appalachian Mountains above me. My Ice magic also comes in handy for making the occasional knife. But I don’t use my powers on the job unless I absolutely have to. Call it professional pride.

Now that a ruthless Air elemental has double-crossed me and killed my handler, I’m out for revenge. And I’ll exterminate anyone who gets in my way—good or bad. I may look hot, but I’m still one of the bad guys. Which is why I’m in trouble, since irresistibly rugged Detective Donovan Caine has agreed to help me. The last thing this coldhearted killer needs when I’m battling a magic more powerful than my own is a sexy distraction . . . especially when Donovan wants me dead just as much as the enemy.

Gin Blanco is Fantastic! I love EVERYTHING about her! I can already tell that this series is a keeper for me! I absolutely loved the "Big Time" novels, but this is something totally different! And I can almost guarantee that if you're a lover of Urban Fantasy or just a strong female heroine, then get ready for a ride that you won't want to end! Don't believe me? Well...

You can read the entire first Chapter Here!
For a whole list of Jennifer's Books -- Go Here!


About the Author - Jennifer Estep

By night, Jennifer Estep is an author, prowling the streets of her imagination in search of her next fantasy idea.

Jennifer writes the Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series. The books focus on Gin Blanco, an assassin codenamed the Spider who can control the elements of ice and stone.
When she’s not busy killing people and righting wrongs, Gin runs a barbecue restaurant called the Pork Pit in the fictional southern metropolis of Ashland. The city is also home to giants, dwarves, vampires, and elementals – Air, Fire, Ice, and Stone.
The first book in the series, Spider’s Bite, will be released on Jan. 26, 2010 by Pocket Books. Web of Lies, the second book in the series, will be released in June 2010, with Venom, the third book, to follow in October 2010.

Jennifer is also the author of the Bigtime paranormal romance series for Berkley. The Bigtime books feature sexy superheroes, evil ubervillains, and smart, sassy gals looking for love. Titles in the Berkley series include Karma Girl (2007), Hot Mama (2007), and Jinx (2008).

By day, Jennifer is an award-winning features page designer for a daily newspaper with a wide range of media and journalism experience. She’s also a certifiable fangirl and an authority on fantasy literature and culture. Jennifer is a member of Romance Writers of America, Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, and other writing groups.

Jennifer’s books have been featured in Cosmopolitan, Entertainment Weekly, Southern Living, and a variety of other publications.

And now I promise to stop talking and turn the mic over to Jennifer! Please make her feel welcome!

*Standing Ovation From The Crowd*

Greetings and salutations! First of all, I want to say thanks to Amy for asking me to guest blog. Thanks so much, Amy!

My name is Jennifer Estep, and I write the Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series for Pocket Books, The first book in the series, Spider’s Bite, was released on Jan. 26. Spider’s Bite focuses on Gin Blanco, an assassin codenamed the Spider who finds herself double-crossed on her latest hit and framed for a murder that she didn’t even commit. Along the way, Gin teams up with a sexy detective to find out who set her up and why – too bad the detective wants her dead as well for killing his partner. Only one thing is certain – if Gin has her way, then someone’s going to die …

Spider’s Bite is my first foray into urban fantasy, which is one of my favorite genres to read and write in. Why do I like urban fantasy so much? Here are some of the reasons why:

1) Really strong heroines: Nobody can kick magical butt like an urban fantasy heroine, whether it’s Rachel Morgan in The Hollows series by Kim Harrison or Laurell K. Hamilton’s vampire hunter Anita Blake.

2) Cool magic worlds: One of my favorite things about urban fantasy is the variety of worlds to explore, from gritty cities to spooky castles and everything in between.

3) Interesting creatures: Vampires, werewolves, fairies, zombies, dwarves, giants, pixies, gremlins … if it’s creepy, crawly, nasty, sexy, scary, or just plain evil, it’s in urban fantasy.

4) Action scenes: There’s nothing I love reading more than a good action scene, when everything’s on the line and all hope seems lost. But somehow, the heroine always manages to save the day – and usually blows something up while she does it.

5) Sexy guys: After a hard day of fighting the undead, it’s always good to have a sexy guy to come home too – another reason that urban fantasy heroines are so darn lucky.

Now, all of these things are awesome enough by themselves. But do you want to know what the really cool thing about urban fantasy is? The fact that you can get all of these things – strong heroines, interesting magic, creepy creatures, great action, and sexy guys – in one book. I like books with a little bit of everything in them, and so writing and reading urban fantasy is right up my alley. And I have a feeling that I’ll be enjoying all that the genre has to offer for many years to come.

What about you guys? What do you like about urban fantasy? What are some of your favorite urban fantasy books? Share in the comments.

SPIDER'S BITE GIVEAWAY!!

This book is going to be signed and sent from Jennifer herself

So, I ask that you have a US or Canadian Address that the

book can be sent to! It's open to anyone that FOLLOWS

with either a US or Canadian Address in which to receive the book.

Most important you must follow through Google Friend Connect!

Don't know how? Go here to get instructions!

I want you to head on over to JENNIFER ESTEP'S site and tell me one thing you've learned or I want you to think of a question you'd like to ask Jennifer! You MUST do this step to QUALIFY! If you choose the question option, you get +25 per question you ask with a limit of TWO QUESTIONS per person. leaving you with a total of +50 for asking Jennifer TWO QUESTIONS that have to do with today's post, her writing, her series, something VALID please!

Also to qualify, I ask that you please leave your name/nickname

in each post you leave.  Something that separates you from everyone else

so that it will be clear if you are chosen as the winner.  You must also leave

 me with your emailing address so that you can be contacted (even if it is in your profile).

This contest is open to ANYONE that Follows with GFC - Anywhere In the WORLD!

*But, you MUST have either a U.S. or CANADIAN ADDRESS to

accept the book for you. Overseas shipping is not available for this contest!

*This Contest ends 2/24/10*

Entries

There are Changes so Make Sure You Read!

+5 If you Subscribe by Mail

+5 If you Subscribe via Google Reader

+5 If you TWEET About This Giveaway (Leave Link)

+10 If you Rate Me On Blogged (see link at bottom of blog)

+10 If you add me to your blog roll (and link it back to my blog)

+10 If you Blog about the Contest in your Sidebar (Link back)

+15 If you blog about this Giveaway in it's own post (Link back)

+20 If you Follow @APrkAvePrincess on Twitter (Leave @name)

+20 If you Put My Button On Your Blog and Link Back

So, spread the word about Park-Avenue Princess!

It's only a *Click* to Follow and We're NOT that far away!!

103 New Followers to be Exact!

And Because I'd like to get to my 1,000th Follower and

Huge Giveaway as Quickly As Possible

I'll now be offering...

+50 for each and every NEW follower you bring me

(They just have to mention it in their post! You will BOTH Get the Points!)

YES EVERY PERSON YOU SEND!

(All of these will be verified before they count towards your entries!!)

Separate your entries one per post! (either each or just +5 for example)

Or you will only have One Entry Regardless of What You Do!

So...SPREAD the Word! It's ONLY A Click & a Follow!

We need 103 new followers for the BIG CELEBRATION!

GOOD LUCK and HAVE FUN!!

KISSES and TOODLES!!

Guest Post & Giveaway - Author Natalie Standiford "How To Say Goodbye in Robot"

I'm ecstatic to have author Natalie Standiford here in the spotlight for a guest post! Natalie's book "How To Say Goodbye In Robot" is phenomenal! I absolutely LOVED it! Not only is Natalie Guest Posting, but she's also offering a copy of "Saying Goodbye In Robot" to one of my readers!

Before I turn the spotlight over to Natalie -- and NO! I'm NOT hogging it! I just wanted to give you a little synopsis of the book! *IF* the spotlight happens to shine on me for a few more minutes while you read about it, so be it! Now, about "How To Say Goodbye In Robot" ....

(I'll be here posing, dancing and practicing my runway walk but please, don't let that distract you in any way! What? I don't get the spotlight that often!)

HOW TO SAY GOODBYE IN ROBOT --

New to town, Beatrice is expecting her new best friend to be one of the girls she meets on the first day. But instead, the alphabet conspires to seat her next to Jonah, aka Ghost Boy, a quiet loner who hasn't made a new friend since third grade. Something about him, though, gets to Bea, and soon they form an unexpected friendship. It's not romance, exactly - but it's definitely love. Still, Bea can't quite dispel Jonah's gloom and doom - and as she finds out his family history, she understands why. Can Bea help Jonah? Or is he destined to vanish?

Author Natalie Standiford is the author of the Dating Game series. This is her hardcover debut. She lives in New York.

Visit Natalie's Site - HERE!
Follow on Twitter!
Friend on Facebook!
Visit Natalie on Myspace!

My thoughts -- To me, HOW TO SAY GOODBYE IN ROBOT was like being with a group of very unique friends. Ones that you'd want to hold onto forever and not let go! Superbly written, this book's got heart!

Without further ado, let's please welcome NATALIE STANDIFORD!

*Drumroll Please....*

Using Setting to Find Your Writer's Voice

When I was growing up I envied army brats. Movie stars, I noticed, often said that they learned to be entertaining because they moved from place to place as kids and constantly needed to make new friends. An itinerant childhood seemed to be a requirement for a glamorous adulthood. My childhood was the opposite: extremely rooted. My family lived in Baltimore and--except for a two-year stint in the California desert while my dad in was in the Air Force (I was a baby and barely remember it)—we never left. My parents grew up there. My grandparents had lived there. My aunts and uncles and cousins lived there. When we went on vacation, we went to Ocean City, Maryland, or Bethany Beach, Delaware, with all the other Baltimoreans. I could hardly walk down the street without running into someone I was related to. Even when I met new people, it always seemed to turn out that their father knew my mother in kindergarten or their sister played lacrosse with my sister, or something. I was steeped in that place.

My parents tried to bribe me to stay in Baltimore for college, but there wasn't enough money in the world. I was out of there! Four years in glamorous Providence, Rhode Island! Then, after college, I moved straight to New York City and I've been here ever since.

But.

Now that I'm writing teen fiction and mining my own memories for material, that strong sense of place is a godsend. HOW TO SAY GOODBYE IN ROBOT is my first novel set in Baltimore, and, not coincidentally, it was in writing this novel that I found my true writer's voice. That voice has been lurking in my other books, of course, on the fringes, but now I have a real sense of what it is—melancholy, funny, a little odd—a reflection of the place where I grew up. The city's inflections and imagery permeate my personality, and I've finally figured out how to use those elements to make my writing richer.

People often talk about character and plot when giving writing advice, but don't forget about setting. A vivid setting can inspire you, give you story and character ideas, pull you out of a hole when you get stuck. A novel is a monster that eats details: the writer feeds the story to make it grow and keep it moving forward. When you are writing about a vivid setting, you have more details at hand to feed the monster. Trust me, you want that.

Everyone sees home in her own way; even members of the same family will describe their childhood home differently. New York City has been the setting for countless books, movies, and TV shows, but the New York of J.D. Salinger is different from Woody Allen's or Cecily von Ziegesar's or Jerry Seinfeld's. Their visions of the city reflect their personalities and their feelings about it—their "inner landscape"—and that's the secret to using setting in fiction. Don't feel bound to describe a place exactly as it is. Describe it as it looks through your characters' eyes. Choose the details that reflect their state of mind, that illustrate your character's inner landscape. I've been a New Yorker for years, but I still see everything through my Baltimore-bred eyes, which tend to focus on the melancholy, the funny, and the odd no matter where I go.

For Pictures of Baltimore places, a playlist of songs, and stills from movies mentioned in HOW TO SAY GOODBYE IN ROBOT, visit THIS LINK!

Now that you know ALL about Natalie and her Young Adult Novel HOW TO SAY GOODBYE IN ROBOT, I'd like to offer a copy for one very lucky follower -- courtesy of Natalie Standiford! Thank you Natalie!

HOW TO SAY GOODBYE IN ROBOT GIVEAWAY!

ONE LUCKY Follower WILL WIN a Copy of

HOW TO SAY GOODBYE IN ROBOT by Natalie Standiford!

You MUST have a U.S. address to send this book to

IF you are selected as a winner!

This contest is open to ALL who follow me through Google Friend Connect!

Not sure IF you're following? This Post will explain it

step-by-step! If you have any questions, please feel
free to use the 'contact button' and either The Duchess or I
will be sure to get back to you ASAP

*This Contest ends 02/06/10*

Extra Entries

There are Changes so Make Sure You Read!

+5 If you Subscribe by Mail
+5 If you Subscribe via Google Reader
+5 If you TWEET About This Giveaway (Leave Link)
+10 If you Rate Me On Blogged (see link at bottom of blog)
+10 If you add me to your blog roll (and link it back to my blog)
+10 If you Blog about the Contest in your Sidebar (Link back)
+15 If you blog about this Giveaway in it's own post (Link back)
+20 If you Follow @APrkAvePrincess on Twitter (Leave your Twitter name)
+20 If you Put My Button On Your Blog and Link Back

And Because I'd like to get to my 1,000th Follower
Huge Giveaway as Quickly As Possible
I'll now be offering...

+50 for each and every NEW follower you bring me
(They just have to mention it in their post! You will BOTH Get the Points!)
YES, EVERY PERSON YOU SEND!

So, spread the word about Park-Avenue Princess!
It's only a *Click* to Follow and We're NOT that far away!!

(All of these will be verified before they count towards your entries!!)
Separate your entries one per post! (either each or just +5 for example)
Or you will only have One Entry Regardless of What You Do!

AS Always...GOOD LUCK and HAVE FUN!

Guest Post and Giveaway by Chloe Neill -- Author of *Firespell*

I can't even begin to tell you just how THRILLED I am to have author Chloe Neill here today to talk about her new book which will be released on January 5, 2010! I am very lucky to have gotten a sneak peak of FIRESPELL and I have to say that I absolutely LOVED it! 

Before I get to Chloe's guest post, I'm going to tell you a little about FIRESPELL which you will be able to purchase on January 5, 2010 or pre-order now!  I'll also let you know where you can do that!  Also, the very talented and generous Chloe Neill is offering a *signed* copy and of FIRESPELL and FIRESPELL Gift Pack to one very lucky reader/commenter! So, if this is something you'd like to learn more about and win -- read on!

FIRESPELL by CHLOE NEILL

As the new girl at the elite St. Sophia’s boarding school, Lily Parker thinks her classmates are the most monstrous things she’ll have to face…


When Lily’s guardians decided to send her away to a fancy boarding school in Chicago, she was shocked. So was St. Sophia’s. Lily’s ultra-rich brat pack classmates think Lily should be the punchline to every joke, and on top of that, she’s hearing strange noises and seeing bizarre things in the shadows of the creepy building.

The only thing keeping her sane is her roommate, Scout, but even Scout’s a little weird—she keeps disappearing late at night and won’t tell Lily where she’s been. But when a prank leaves Lily trapped in the catacombs beneath the school, Lily finds Scout running from a real monster.

Scout’s a member of a splinter group of rebel teens with unique magical talents, who’ve sworn to protect the city against demons, vampires, and Reapers, magic users who’ve been corrupted by their power. And when Lily finds herself in the line of firespell, Scout tells her the truth about her secret life, even though Lily has no powers of her own—at least none that she’s discovered yet…

**This is a MUST-READ for any paranormal lover! OK...after reading it, it's just a MUST-READ! Period!

You can read Chapter One - HERE!

Follow Chloe on Twitter
Friend her on FaceBook
Visit her Web Site
Learn More about Chloe Neill

If you're interested in pre-ordering a copy of FIRESPELL of your own or purchasing one on January 5, 2010 please follow the links below! They will take you to the exact page of your favorite oline bookseller!

Barnes & Noble
Books - A - Million
Powells
Borders
Amazon

Please help me welcome author Chloe Neill!!

*Thunderous Applause*

FINDING THE TIME - A NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION

Although a lot of writers aspire to be full-time authors, even writers who write full-time have other commitments to contend with. Housekeeping. Children. Pets. Significant others. The groceries still need to be bought; the trash still needs to be taken out. So sometimes, for those of us who don't write full-time, it can be a challenge to find the time and energy to get the writing done. Even I struggle at the end of the day to crank out a few hundred.

1.  15 Minutes a Day, 500 Words a Day

Much like improving strength and stamina requires a regular exercise commitment, writing a novel can be
accomplished in small, daily steps, stress on the "small." Make a commitment to write a little bit at a time. Instead of promising yourself to "write a novel," in 2010, promise yourself to complete a small writing goal each day.

These goals can be drafted in terms of minutes ("write for 15 minutes a day") or word count ("write 300 words a day"). And just like exercise, don't forget to give yourself a couple of days off. Challenge yourself to write four or five days per week, with two days devoted to living, breathing, watching, learning and reading--things that will improve your writing organically.

You can track your goal on a calendar (give yourself a star each day you write), in a journal (chart your word count as it increases) or in a blog (share your progress with others). Just like in a weight-loss regimen, give yourself a reward for each goal made--maybe a new book or writing notebook for each 10,000 words completed.

Instead of focusing on the "completed manuscript" goal, think about writing a little bit each day. Little by little, you'll get there!

2. Stealing Time

If your schedule doesn't permit you to set aside a scheduled 15 minutes per day, think about how you can "steal time" for writing.

Do you take a train in the mornings? Do you have a lunch break or lunch period? Do you usually spend dinner on the couch in front of the television? Can you steal time during any of those activities to scribble notes or write a few sentences of dialogue in a notebook? Can you type out a "note" on your smartphone or PDA while you're in line at the grocery store? Think about those tiny increments of time you can use to get in a couple of ideas, a chapter title, or a character sketch.

3. Just One More Word...Line...Page...Chapter

Too tired to write? Did you make it to 14 minutes, but just can't stretch it out to 15? Just like you might stretch for that extra five minutes on the treadmill, or that extra ab crunch, try to get in one more word, one more line, or one more page. One line at a time can add up to a fabulous new idea or the start of a great new chapter.

The ultimate rule, of course, is to get something on the paper. While the manuscript you submit to an agent or editor needs to be as perfect as you can make it, the stuff you right on any given day doesn't. Get the words on paper, then edit scrupulously later on.

Good luck, and thanks for reading!

Thank you for that fabulous advice Chloe and most of all, thank you for visiting Park-Avenue Princess!

*SIGNED* copy of FIRESPELL & FIRESPELL GIFTPACK GIVEAWAY!

If you're interested in winning a *Signed* Copy of FIRESPELL and Firespell gift pack here's all you need to do for this one!

Leave a question and/or comment for Chloe below! Also, please include your name/nickname in the comment and your email address so that you can be reached IF chosen as the winner of this awesome contest!  (*Note -- You MUST be a Google Friend Connect Follower of THIS Site To Win!)

Contest ends on January 20, 2010 (Midnight EST)!

Good Luck Everyone and as always -- Have Fun!

KISSES and TOODLES

P.S. (From the Princess) I'm not sure if we're going to make 1,000 followers by the 1st! There's a HUGE Prize package on the line and all we need -- 190 more followers! So, spread the word and share the Park-Avenue Princess site with friends! It's only a click and a follow! Best of Luck and Here's to a Blessed Happy New Year!

Another short note, at the beginning of the New Year, Park-Avenue Princess is going to be mainly a YA, Middle Grade and Children's Book Blog! It's what The Princess Likes to Read! Of course there will be a few Thrillers thrown in for good measure and if another novel comes along that looks good enough to pass on, you just may see it here!  Also, there will be more and more giveaways to come! (Both Bookish and Non!)  Happiest of Holidays!

Welcome Author Jennifer Jabaley!

Today I have the great pleasure of hosting author Jennifer Jabaley! She's going to Guest Blog here regarding her newest book "LIPSTICK APOLOGY" and in the next post, check to see how one lucky readers will win a brand new copy of their own!

Let's Welcome Author Jennifer Jabaley! 




*Thunderous Applause*

I love this time of year - the crisp mornings and evenings, the vibrant colors painting the leaves and stacks of pumpkins decorating front porches. Looking at the painted pumpkins arranged on my kitchen table reminds me of one of my favorite scenes in LIPSTICK APOLOGY - the Halloween party where the stack of illuminated jack-o-lanterns explodes.

It's funny how many times readers have asked me if that really happened to me. The answer is no, this was a creation of my imagination. I loved the idea of a pyramid of pumpkins - it's so visual and festive - and the idea of candle light sparkling from a pumpkin creates a unique romantic ambiance for a roof top party. But of course when I'm creating scenes in my mind and I want to create drama, I always ask myself what's the worst thing that could happen? And somehow I envisioned this beautiful arrangement of pumpkins exploding everywhere, sticky orange pulp flying and flames of fire erupting. What a way to interrupt a kiss, right?

I think a lot of people assume that authors write scenes from their life, and maybe some do, but maybe my life is just a little dull :) Thank goodness I have an over active imagination.

Thanks for letting me ramble on your blog!

Jennifer Jabaley

You're MORE Than Welcome, Jennifer!

About the Author:

(The Short Version)

Born in New York and raised in Bridgewater, New Jersey, Jennifer Jabaley is a graduate of James Madison University and Southern College of Optometry. She began writing in 2006 and tries to manage optometry, writing and motherhood. She lives in Blue Ridge, Georgia with her husband and two children.

 
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