March 8, 2010

Hourglass by Author Claudia Gray ~ Blog Tour & Giveaway

I can't say enough  about Claudia Gray's Evernight Series.  Just when I think I have it figured out or know what one of the characters are going to do, I'm delightfully surprised as to what comes next!  This is one exciting read that you will not be able to put down. I was seriously shocked with "Hourglass" and it seemed to go by all too quickly!




About Hourglass  by Claudia Gray-

Hourglass (March 2009) After escaping from Evernight Academy, the vampire boarding school where they met, Bianca and Lucas seek refuge with Black Cross, an elite group of vampire hunters. Bianca must hide her supernatural heritage or risk certain death at their hands. But when Black Cross captures her friend--the vampire Balthazar--all her secrets threaten to come out.

Soon, Bianca and Lucas have orchestrated Balthazar's escape and are on the run, pursued not only by Black Cross, but by the powerful leaders of Evernight. Yet no matter how far they run, Bianca can't escape her destiny.

Bianca has always believed their love could survive anything--but can it survive what's to come?

Look Inside!

I recently had the chance to ask Claudia some questions and I thought I'd share them here on Park-Avenue Princess with you! At the end of the Interview, ONE very lucky reader will WIN their very own copy of HOURGLASS!
Princess:  Where did you get the idea for the Evernight Series?

Claudia:  I’ve always been interested in vampires, ghosts and anything supernatural, so it was probably inevitable that I’d wind up writing paranormals someday. But when I began trying to write professionally, I thought I’d never write for young adults, because I had a fairly atypical high school experience. But then I asked myself, well, what if I didn’t try to write the “typical” situation? What if, instead, I tried to come up with the most bizarre situation possible? A boarding school for vampires seemed like a good way to do that, and my agent (Diana Fox) was savvy enough to realize that the current YA paranormal boom was coming. So she told me to drop everything else and work on that, and the rest is in bookstores.





Princess:  When you wrote the first book did you already map out what was going to happen or did it just develop as your wrote?

Claudia: I outlined EVERNIGHT in advance, just as I outline everything I work on. There’s no right or wrong way to write – some people get a lot out of outlining, and others find it paralyzes them – but for me, planning ahead is the only way to go. In fact, the more books I write, the longer and more detailed my outlines are becoming. There are still surprises in the writing process, things the characters will say or feel that come across differently than I originally imagined them, etc. But I like knowing where I’m going and figuring out the best possible way to get there.

Princess:  Do you have a favorite character to write? Why?

Claudia:  On any given day, my favorite character is the one who’s giving me the best reactions/dialogue to work with, and that changes all the time! But I can say that three of the characters who do this for me a lot are Balthazar, Ranulf and Mrs. Bethany. And I honestly love pretty much all of my characters, even the nasty ones, because I have so much fun writing and they’re each a part of that.
Princess:  What's your advice for aspiring writers?

Claudia:  The main advice I always give is (A) read everything you can get your paws on, because avid readers are always the best writers; (B) write as regularly as you have to in order to make it a habit and to make meaningful progress on the project you’re working on; and (C) educate yourself about the business while you’re still teaching yourself how to write, so that by the time you have a manuscript you’re actually proud of, you’ll know where to turn and what to do. There are a ton of great resources online for learning more about the industry, such as Backspace, Preditors & Editors, and Absolute Write.

Princess:  What was the last book you read that you loved?

Claudia:  Oh, I wish you’d caught me right after I finished an awesome YA. But having phrased the question in this way, you get me to admit that the last book I read was LITTLE DORRIT by Charles Dickens. I’ve been on something of a Dickens kick the last couple of years.

Princess:  Any juicy hints about the next book in the series?

Claudia:  Juicy hints for HOURGLASS? Let’s see – Bianca and Lucas are in real trouble when the story begins, but Balthazar gets into bigger trouble pretty fast. Even though Bianca and Lucas are far away from Evernight Academy during most of the story, a lot of old friends find their way into the drama, including Vic, Ranulf, Charity, and even Mrs. Bethany. And if you thought getting away from haunted Evernight would mean getting away from the wraiths – well, so did Bianca. And she was so, so wrong.

To Visit Claudia's Web Site - Click HERE!
Prologue & First Chapter - Click HERE!


Claudia is on Tour - She may be near you! Stop by and say Hello!

Tuesday, March 9
Anderson's Bookshop
7:00 PM
123 West Jefferson
Naperville, IL 60540
Wednesday, March 10
Barnes & Noble
7:00 PM
1201 Lake Woodlands Dr. #3008
The Woodlands, TX 77381

Thursday, March 11
BookPeople
7:00 PM
603 N. Lamar
Austin, TX 78703

Saturday, March 13
Barnes & Noble
2:00 PM
7660 North Point Parkway
Alpharetta, GA 30022

Thursday, April 1
Borders
7:00 PM
1 N. La Grange Road
La Grange, IL 60525


HOURGLASS GIVEAWAY!!
Rules

This book will be sent by the publisher
so, the contest is open to ALL of my followers that have a
US address where they can recieve the book if they are chosen as a winner!


The only other rule is that you must FOLLOW this Site
through GOOGLE FRIEND CONNECT!

Not Sure if You are? The Duchess has written up a
wonderful tutorial for anyone that need help!
You can find that HERE!

You MUST do this to QUALIFY!
I ask that you 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's in your profile)

*This Contest ends 4/01/10*

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!!
For the Huge 1000 Follower Celebration!

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!
They must remain followers at least until the specific contest you
signed up for is finished!
Although, I'd love it if you to stay signed up forever!
I have some really AMAZING prizes coming up!

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!

GOOD LUCK and HAVE FUN!!







KISSES and TOODLES!!

76 comments:

  1. I really like the cover for this book, it's probably because of the two tones...I'm book cover nerd, yes.

    +20 I'm a follower on twitter (@suan_tian).

    patronus89013 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Great contest! I'm a new follower. I got the link through Claudia Gray's LJ.

    I'm following
    and subscribing via email +5
    Tweeted @ljboldyrev +5
    Blogged at http://ljboldyrev.blogspot.com/2010/03/hourglass-giveaway.html +15
    Blogroll, same as above +10
    Following on twitter @ljboldyrev +20
    Button on my blog +20

    Total of 75


    L.J. Boldyrev
    ljb@ljboldyrev.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. Please enter me!
    Jami (YA Addict)
    jayliv0609[at]gmail[dot]com

    +5 tweeted
    http://twitter.com/YAaddict/status/10170743363

    +20 following on twitter @YAaddict

    +10 added in sidebar
    http://yaaddict.blogspot.com/

    +35 total!

    ReplyDelete
  4. +5 I tweeted!
    http://twitter.com/_elizabethjoy/status/10174524263

    elizabeth

    pirate_pony2 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  5. +20 If you Follow @APrkAvePrincess on Twitter (_elizabethjoy)


    elizabeth

    pirate_pony2 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  6. +10 Rated you on Blogged

    elizabeth

    pirate_pony2 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  7. +5 Tweet: http://twitter.com/squiggles87/status/10184081674

    xxsquigglesxx(At)Gmail(Dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  8. Please enter me!

    xxsquigglesxx(At)Gmail(Dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  9. +20 Twitter Follower (squiggles87)

    xxsquigglesxx(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  10. +20 your button is on my blog.

    http://bookwormreviewing.blogspot.com/

    xxsquigglesxx(at)gmail(Dot)Com

    ReplyDelete
  11. No need to enter me, darling. I'm dropping in to say thanks for the e-mail. I've got this posted at Win a Book for you.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I subscribe via RSS feed! +5 please

    ReplyDelete
  13. I am part of the great group with Google Friend Connect!

    ReplyDelete
  14. http://tamis-ramblings.blogspot.com/ Your button is on my blog.

    +20 please

    The blog is a rework in progress!

    ReplyDelete
  15. +5 email subscriber

    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  16. GFC follower

    I'd love to read this book

    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  17. I loved your interview. I would love to read this book. Pls add my name to the hat. Thanks
    for the great giveaway.

    misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  18. +5 I Subscribe via Google Reader


    misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  19. +5 I am Subscriber by Mail

    misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  20. +5 I TWEETED About Giveaway (@misskallie2000)


    misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  21. +20 If you Follow @APrkAvePrincess on Twitter (@misskallie2000)

    misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  22. +15 blog
    http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com/2010/03/park-avenue-princess-hourglass-giveaway.html

    alterlisa AT yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  23. +5 Subscribe by Mail
    Lisa R
    alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  24. +5 Subscribe via Google Reader
    @alterlisa

    Lisa R
    alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  25. +20 Follow @APrkAvePrincess on Twitter (Leave @alterlisa

    Lisa R

    alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  26. +5
    tweeted about
    @alterlisa

    Park-Avenue Princess-HOURGLASS GIVEAWAY!! http://aparkavenueprincess.blogspot.com/

    Lisa R
    alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  27. +20 Your Button On My Blog and Link Back
    on sidebar under
    Button, Button, Whose Got The Button
    http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com/

    Lisa R
    alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  28. I'm a google follower! dancealert at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  29. I would love to win the book!
    dancealert at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  30. I follow and I'd love to read this book.

    bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  31. Email subscriber. #1

    bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  32. Email subscriber. $5

    bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  33. Email subscriber. #4

    bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  34. Email subscriber. #3

    bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  35. I love the Evernight series! Would love to win this.

    +5 eMail subscriber
    +5 Subscriber via Google Reader
    +20 Twitter follower @Vanpham88

    Van P.
    Littopandaxpress(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  36. Please enter me!

    +20 I follow you on Twitter (@purplg8r)

    Andrea M.

    belle2211(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  37. +5 email subscriber
    -Terra
    partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  38. I follow your blog
    -Terra
    partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  39. i,m following
    +5 email subscriber

    ReplyDelete
  40. Please include me in the giveaway. Sounds like a good book. Love to win this. Thank you for the opportunity. I am a Follower.
    makeupgirl21@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
  41. Please include me in the giveaway. Thank you.
    +5 Follower on Google Friends
    makeupgirl21@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
  42. Please include me in the giveaway. I am a Follower. Thank you.
    +5 Subscriber to your blog via email
    makeupgirl21@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
  43. + 5 - subscribe Google Reader
    +20 - follow on twitter (@tommygirl)

    ReplyDelete
  44. Loved Evernight! Awesome contest. :)

    +5 follower

    Orchid
    hauntingorchid (at) aol (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  45. +20 button on my blog

    Orchid
    hauntingorchid (at) aol (dot) com

    P.S.
    Congratulations Your blog has won the Happy 101 award.

    ReplyDelete
  46. +5 subscribe in google reader
    throuthehaze at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  47. +5 email subscriber
    throuthehaze at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  48. +20 button
    http://throuthehaze-reads.blogspot.com
    throuthehaze at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  49. +20 follow on twitter @throuthehaze
    throuthehaze at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  50. +10 blogroll
    http://throuthehaze-reads.blogspot.com
    throuthehaze at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  51. Please include me. I cant wait to read this book.

    Thanks!
    donnas
    bacchus76 at myself dot com

    ReplyDelete
  52. +5 subscribe by Google Reader

    Thanks!
    donnas
    bacchus76 at myself dot com

    ReplyDelete
  53. +5 tweet - http://twitter.com/DonnaS1/statuses/10251342846

    Thanks!
    donnas
    bacchus76 at myself dot com

    ReplyDelete
  54. +10 sidebar - http://donnasbloghome.blogspot.com

    Thanks!
    donnas
    bacchus76 at myself dot com

    ReplyDelete
  55. +20 follow on twitter (@donnas1)

    Thanks!
    donnas
    bacchus76 at myself dot com

    ReplyDelete
  56. I would love to win this book!

    I'm a follower

    Skk25@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  57. +5-Google Reader subscriber

    Jessy
    findjessyhere at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  58. +5-Mail subscriber

    Jessy
    findjessyhere at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  59. +20-Twitter follower (@emma015)

    Jessy
    findjessyhere at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  60. +5-Tweeted: http://twitter.com/Emma015/statuses/10286809842

    Jessy
    findjessyhere at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  61. I am a follower and would love to read this:) Thanks

    +5 Google reader
    +20 Twitter follower @starryeyed24
    +20 Have your button
    http://starryeyedsurprise24.blogspot.com/

    tanyainjville yahoo com

    ReplyDelete
  62. justpeachy36@yahoo.com

    Please enter me in the giveaway.

    I am an old follower

    I follow on twitter @justpeachy36

    ReplyDelete
  63. +5 for being an email subscriber of the blog.
    bekki1820cb at gmail

    ReplyDelete
  64. Follower of the blog via GFC! Thanks for the chance! bekki1820cb at gmail

    ReplyDelete
  65. +5 for being a follower via google reader.
    bekki1820cb at gmail

    ReplyDelete
  66. +20 for being a twitter follower: @bekki1820cb
    bekki1820cb at gmail

    ReplyDelete
  67. +5 I subscribe by email. vvperesk@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  68. I am a follower and would love to enter! I've had these books on my WL forever! vvperesk@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  69. #4 I subscribe by e-mail
    cherylbaryl@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  70. I sam a follower and would love to enter!
    cherylbaryl@Hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  71. I follow your blog.

    kelsey
    krae991@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  72. I tweeted: http://twitter.com/Door2Wonderland/status/10993717859.

    kelsey
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    ReplyDelete
  73. I follow you on twitter. Username: Door2Wonderland.

    kelsey
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    ReplyDelete
  74. I have your button on my sidebar: www.thedoortowonderland.blogspot.com.

    kelsey
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    ReplyDelete
  75. You are in my blogroll: www.thedoortowonderland.blogspot.com.

    kelsey
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    ReplyDelete

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