Showing posts with label paranormal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label paranormal. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Special Pre-Order Pricing for Linda Joy Singleton NEVER BEEN TEXTED

Leap Books is excited to announce a special Pre-Order Sales Price of just $0.99 for our e-book version of the soon to be released Young Adult contemporary fairy tale, NEVER BEEN TEXTED by popular author Linda Joy Singleton. 

When Ashlee’s stepdad completely forgets her birthday she takes matters into her own hands to get the one thing she really wants: her own cell phone. But text messages start rolling in from a broken-hearted boy, and though Ashlee knows not all stories end happily, she’s determined to make hers the best it can be.

Order now, because this price is for pre-orders only!

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Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Special Spring Bargain

Want a scary read for only 99 cents? Pick up Lisa Cronkhite's Deep in the Meadows Thursday April 3rd through Saturday April 5th for this rock bottom price. If you're an Amazon prime member, it's free.

If you miss this sale, you can still get it for less than 1/2 price -- only $1.99 -- on April 6th & 7th.

If you like horror or murder mysteries, you'll love this book.

BLURB:

Bianca “Bee” Thompson’s brother, Jimmy has been dead for ten months, yet she still feels his presence lingering. And one question haunts her: Was Jimmy’s death an accident?

Probing into the events on the night of Jimmy’s death, Bee hears strange voices. The voices lead her to a blood-splattered room, a terrifying threat, and a deadly trap. Is Bee on the trail of her brother’s murderer, or is she entangled in a totally different and much more diabolical plot?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mid-West author Lisa M. Cronkhite fell in love with writing when she was a teen, while journaling about her first boyfriend in high school.

Today Lisa writes about different things she’s in love with—paranormal mystery and suspense thrillers for teens. You can find Lisa’s work online and in print magazines such as The Skyline Review, The Storyteller, Ruminate Magazine, Poetry Salzburg Review, Ascent Aspirations, and more. She is also the author of three other novels, Dreaming a Reality (2011), Demon Girl (2011), and Disconnected (2014).

Lisa now lives near Chicago with her loving husband (that same boyfriend) and her two children. She spends most of her days writing outside on her patio table and thinking of her next YA novel.
Friend Lisa on Facebook, Twitter, or read her blog.

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Books That Go Bump in the Night


What is our fascination with ghosts? We both fear them and also secretly hope our loved ones become one. I suppose the fear of death drives our obsession. We hate the idea of leaving this world behind after death, but we also fear those who haven’t “moved on.”

And of course, now that I’ve noticed ghosts, I seem to be seeing ghosts all around me – at least in fiction.

I have recently found myself reading a series of ghost books. There was the YA,  Lockwood & Co, and a milder, younger version of a ghost mystery, Constable & Toop. And then if that wasn’t enough, I read the thirteen stories of Spirited.

Spirited represents a wide variety of ghost stories, from those that border on horror, to those that are sweet. I liked that there were stories that could be considered contemporary, stories that could be fantasies, and everything in between.

Most ghost stories can be roughly divided into two types: those with “good” (non-threatening) ghosts and those with “bad” (threatening) ones. Of course there are works that fall in between where the threatening ghost is the good one. Anna Dressed in Blood brings that particular type of ghost into play. What’s nice is to find an anthology where all of these different types of ghost stories read smoothly together. Personally, I think an anthology where all the stories are about one type of ghost could be a fairly dull read. I like books like Spirited that mix things up.

If you are like me, then I must warn you that Spirited isn’t the kind of book to read just before bed. Threatening or not, ghost stories are still ghost stories and are best read on a beautiful, sunny day. At noon. When there are clearly no ghosts around.


ABOUT THE BLOGGER

Madeline Smoot is the publisher of Children's Brains Are Yummy Books, a micro publisher of fantasy and science fiction for children and teens.




Sunday, December 2, 2012

What to Buy for the Teens on Your Gift List

Not sure what to give those favorite teens on your gift list? Here are some special holiday treats, they're sure to love. Check out our selection of books for teens and tweens at the Leap Books store. And if you don't know what title(s) to choose, why not give them a gift certificate* (or two) and let them select their own? E-books are also available.**

Happy Holidays from Leap Books!!



* Gift certificates are available at the Leap Books store.
**Ebooks are available through Amazon.

Leap Books can help with all your holiday needs...


Sunday, September 30, 2012

Spirited Authors Featured on TBR

TBR, the website that introduces new authors to avid readers is doing a monthly feature on the Spirited authors. You can check out the feature here.

Learn about the authors, read an excerpt, and see the trailer.

PRAISE from Bookshelf Confessions:


"I love the cover. There’s the feel of something eerie in it. Plus it was lovely in a way that it really speaks of what’s inside the anthology.

"Praise for Kat O’Shea, the editor. The lay-outing was superb. I love the fonts, the designs. The whole book was well-thought out."


To pick up your print copy, head to the Leap bookstore.
Ebooks available here.


And watch for more October specials!!

All proceeds from Spirited will benefit charity. 

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Fortune Cookies, Cherry Coke, and Proms

What do fortune cookies, Cherry Coke, and proms have in common? Read on to find out. Leap Books (LB) interviewed author Kitty Keswick (KK), who has something to say on all three subjects. She even throws in some chocolate cake and a free story for her blog readers.Not to mention a chance to win a free copy of the Spirited anthology.

LB: What was your most embarrassing moment?


KK: Which one do you know about? Wouldn’t want it getting out...can we make a deal? How does chocolate cake sound?

LB: What advice do you wish you could give to your younger self?

KK: Don’t give up your dreams for anyone. Fortune cookies with Cherry Coke is not a major food group. And lay off the midnight college pizza parties.  Your metabolism will slow down, trust me on this one. :-)

LB: What super power do you wish you had?

KK: Like, I don’t already have enough? Oh, you weren’t supposed to know that…errr, secret identity and all. (Ix-nay-on-the-super-powers-nay.) Hmm, super power, super power. Well, a photographic memory would be nice. My memory is sorta bad of late. Teleportation, because I love to travel and who wouldn’t want to go to Europe in the blink of an eye. (Ah, British accents are drool worthy, truly.) And to see future danger…only if I could avoid it or change it. Because just knowing the future without being to change it would really stink. Oh and invisibility, because you never know when you might need it. I am not asking too much, am I? So when can I expect my super powers? Seven to ten business days?? How will they be delivered? Can I request Thor from the Avengers?

LB: What’s hiding in your closet?

KK: I hope nothing deadly…I don’t have any silver spikes. It’s pretty packed. So if there was a monster lurking in there, it was probably crushed by the weight of my clothes and shoes.

LB: Have you ever climbed into or out of a window?

KK: Yes, on several occasions. Not sure what that says about me…lol. I used to climb out the bathroom window and sit on the roof above the sunroom and watch nature. I also had to use a ladder to get into that same house through a second story window, because I was locked out. I’ve also jumped fences, too. Some pretty big ones…into some very intriguing places. I will let your mind wander because I am not telling where. I am full of interesting secrets. :-)

LB: Who would you cast to play your life in a movie?

KK: Sarah Rue, because people say she looks like me. She’s also quirky like me and a talented actress.

LB: What is something most people don't know about you?

KK: That I have a twisted sense of humor. Really. I am not kidding.  You would never have guessed, huh?

LB: What's one question you wish interviewers would ask?

KK: Not a clue…I get some pretty strange and bizarre questions; nothing seems to be off limits with me. TMI? Eh, maybe.
----
Kitty Keswick's story in the Leap Book anthology Spirited is "Death Becomes Her." If you have any other questions for our featured author, be sure to leave them on the blog or ask them on the Spirited Facebook page. Each question or comment earns you a contest entry (see below).

About the Story, "Death Becomes Her"

Willow Martin’s life is a fairytale. Only problem is she's Cinderella before Prince Charming shows up. She has a real life evil stepmonster and stepsister, who take great pleasure in making sure Willow's story is a nightmare. As her dance draws nearer, a dress and a haunting spirit forever change her story. Will it be a Happily Ever After?

For a free paranormal prom story by Kitty Keswick, click on this title: My Prom Date's a Vampire.


About the Author

Kitty Keswick grew up on her grandfather's California vineyard, where her imagination was her best friend. At a very tender age, she started writing her stories and reading them to the grapes. Kitty has been an Anglophile since age four when she saw Robin Hood and fell head over heels in love. Robin Hood inspired the hero of her first book, Freaksville, part of a trilogy that includes Furry and Freaked and Freaked No More. Kitty lives with a bossy tabby cat and maybe even a few ghosts. She spends her days with werewolves, Valkyries, vamps and other creatures that go bump in the night. Kitty is also the proud owner of an Indie bookstore in Peru, Indiana. Visit her at her website or her blog.

And if you'd like to know a few more secrets about the Spirited authors, read some early posts on the Spirited Facebook page and Leap Books blog. Anyone who posts a link to one of those secrets will be entered in a drawing for a free book. You may leave a comment or question for each author for an additional entry for a print copy of Spirited.

One winner will be drawn after all 13 blogs about the authors are posted. Enter as often as you'd like by linking to author secrets or leaving comments or questions.

And for a limited time get the Spirited ebook
Regularly $8.99
On sale for $.99
Until April 8, 2012

Friday, March 30, 2012

Do Phantoms and Proms Mix?

Linda Joy Singleton's story in the Leap Book anthology Spirited is "Phantom of the Prom." We've asked her to answer a few questions for us. If you have any other questions for any of our featured authors, be sure to leave them on the blog or ask them on the Spirited Facebook page. Each question or comment earns you a contest entry (see below).


What was your most embarrassing moment? 
 
At one of the first writing talks I ever gave for #SCBWI, I didn't realize until I got to the conference that I had two different white shoes on. I was panicked, afraid everyone would notice once I stood in front of the audience. So while listening to other speakers, I made a list of things I could do, including going barefoot, sneaking out during lunch to a nearby mall to buy new shoes, or just announcing it was "mismatched shoes" day and how come I was the only one cool enough to wear two different shoes? When it came time to speak, I admitted my error, then read off my list -- and everyone laughed. It turned into one my best talks ever. 
 
What advice do you wish you could give to your younger self?  

Not to be so insecure and needy when it came to relationships, also to take more time for education instead of jumping into marriage-work-life. But mostly I'd just tell myself to believe in myself and trust all my intuition, and that things that seemed impossible (like a happy marriage, great kids, living in the country, selling my writing) would come true.

What's one question you wish interviewers would ask?

Since SPIRITED is an anthology, it might be nice to share that I was 14 years old when I submitted my first short stories to a magazine. I didn't have any writing classes so my father, who was a little interested in writing himself, took a writing class at a local college. He came home with information on how to submit professionally and taught me about double spacing, salutations, etc. I never sold any of these stories but still have a very encouraging rejection letter which I have shown to kids when I speak at schools. The rejection made me feel like a real writer.

About the Story

Psychic Sabine Rose from THE SEER series has solved mysteries of tragic ghosts, toxic spirits and malevolent magicians. But now she’s faced with new challenges—convincing her boyfriend Dominic to take her to the prom and banishing an angry ghost from a castle. With the help of good friends and her spirit guide, Opal, she enters a creepy castle in search of answers—and the ghost of a killer.

About the Author

Linda Joy Singleton is the author of more than thirty-five books, including THE SEER series, DEAD GIRL trilogy, and BURIED: Goth Girl Mystery. Free short stories, a contest, book excerpts, and writing advice, can be found at her website. Click here for a story, The Dark Lifer's Revenge: A Short Story, by Linda Joy. It's free for a short time.*

And if you'd like to know a few more secrets about Linda Joy, read some early posts on the Spirited Facebook page and Leap Books blog. Anyone who posts a link to one of those secrets will be entered in a drawing for a free book. You may leave a comment or question for each author for an additional entry for a print copy of Spirited.

One winner will be drawn after all 13 blogs about the authors are posted. Enter as often as you'd like by linking to author secrets or leaving comments or questions.

* Click on the title for another free story, this one by Kitty Keswick, My Prom Date's a Vampire.


And for a limited time get the Spirited ebook
Regularly $8.99
On sale for $.99
Until April 8, 2012

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Have You Ever Climbed Out a Window?

Author Mark Finnemore has. Wonder why? So do we...

Leap Books has asked Mark to answer a few questions for us. If you have any other questions for Mark, be sure to leave them on the blog or ask them on the Spirited Facebook page. Each question or comment earns you a contest entry (see below).


Mark's story in the Spirited anthology is "Stained." But he is also the author of several free reads at Mythic Picnic. If you'd like to read more of his work, hop on over to the site and enjoy a variety of stories. We caught Mark as he was hard at work on his next novel, Straw Man, which is an intriguing read with the tag line: "What if Robin Hood worked at the IRS?" You can read the blurb at Love & Taxes. Mark was so busy he only had time to answer a few questions, leaving lots of mystery in his wake, but he did give us a link to some sage advice, so be sure to check it out.



So, Mark, have you ever climbed into or out of a window?

I have, but I don't want to give anyone any bad ideas that will get them into trouble.

Very thoughtful of you. But it also makes us wonder: are you worried that you'll get in trouble if you divulge when and where you did this window climbing? Hmm... is that a discrete silence we hear?

What advice do you wish you could give to your younger self (besides not climbing out of windows, that is)?

So many things. Too many to list here. I've got a free booklet available through my website called "Wise Things That Other People Have Said." It's basically a listing of some of the smart things I've come across that I wish I had known when I was younger, things that remind me not to take stuff too personally and to pursue happiness instead of anger. I still read through a few of them almost every day to keep from slipping back into darkness. Hopefully it can help someone else too, because even the rockiest of roads can lead to a happy ending.

What super power do you wish you had?

I've always wanted to fly, to be able to see everything from a eagle's view and soar and swoop and hover. Now, since the flight powers have yet to manifest themselves, I'm thinking about taking helicopter lessons.

That should get you flying! Good luck with the lessons, Mark. We'll watch for you hovering overhead.

About Mark's story in the Spirited anthology: "Stained"

Isaiah Wildes was born to be a witch hunter like his father. It's his destiny. And now that his father is gone, Isaiah is determined to honor his father’s memory by becoming the best ever. Then he meets Faith Jacobs and wonders if his destiny may lie elsewhere. But will the chief witch hunter let the talented Isaiah just walk away?

About the Author

Mark Finnemore lives in California with his beautiful wife Panji, who helped him learn that even the rockiest road can lead to a happy ending. Mark has had short stories published and is currently working on the finishing touches of a novel titled Love & Taxes, which he hopes will one day be not only finished, but published and found at your local bookstore as well. Visit Mark at Mythic Picnic or Genre Trash or Love & Taxes.

And if you'd like to know a few more secrets about Mark, read some early posts on the Spirited Facebook page and Leap Books blog. Anyone who posts a link to one of those secrets will be entered in a drawing for a free book. You may leave a comment or question for Mark for an additional entry for a print copy of Spirited.

One winner will be drawn after all 13 blogs about the authors are posted. Enter as often as you'd like by linking to author secrets or leaving comments or questions.

And for a limited time, click on this link to get the Spirited ebook
Regularly $8.99
On sale for $.99
Until April 8, 2012

Monday, March 26, 2012

Only 99 Cents

Limited Time: Spirited ebook
Regularly $8.99
On Sale $.99
Until April 8, 2012

To help us celebrate the launch of the print version of Spirited, Leap Books has the $8.99 ebook version on sale for $.99 at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. All proceeds from the anthology will be donated to charity. Read more about that charity, 826 National, here.

We're also featuring each of the 13 anthology authors over the next few weeks on our blog. Learn more about the superstars behind Spirited--talented authors who are willing to donate their time and talent to help encourage literacy and writing. We'll also include some sneak peeks at their stories.

And if you'd like to know a few more secrets about each author, read some early posts on the Spirited Facebook page and Leap Books blog. Anyone who posts a link to one of those secrets will be entered in a drawing for a free book. You may leave a comment or question for each author for an additional entry for a print copy of Spirited.

One winner will be drawn after all 13 blogs about the authors are posted. Enter as often as you'd like by linking to author secrets or leaving comments or questions.

And if you're in the Alberta, Canada, area, you can attend a live launch party with three of the authors: Judith Graves, Dawn Dalton, and Hallie D. Lilburn on April 21. Exciting details below:

Monday, March 5, 2012

Spirited Release

An anthology of ghostly tales by Maria V. Snyder, Candace Havens, Shannon Delany, Jill Williamson, Linda Joy Singleton, Heather Kenealy, Judith Graves, Kitty Keswick, Dawn Dalton, Carmen Tudor, John W. Otte, Halli Dee Lilburn, and Mark Finnemore


ISBN-13--978-1-61603-020-9
Edited by Kat O'Shea

Haunted houses. Haunted hearts. And a past that refuses to die. . .

Leap Books summoned best-selling paranormal and dreadfully talented debut authors to conjure up Spirited, a haunting collection of 13 tales guaranteed to keep you up all night.

Get entombed in stories of Egyptian treasures, shudder at tales of malevolent spirits, and become enthralled with the adventures of witch-hunters, ghost seekers, and lost souls. From steampunk to cyberpunk, our collection spans past, present, and future hauntings. One story actually leaps off the page with 3D augmented reality.

Go ahead. Turn the page if you dare. We won't tell if you sleep with the light on. Because after all, there's no rest for the wicked.

All proceeds from the sale of SPIRITED will be donated to 826 National.

Print book available exclusively from the Leap Books store.

Saturday, December 31, 2011

Last Day of 99 Cent Book Sale!

Today, December 31, 2011, is the last day to snag your copy of Judith Graves' e-book, Under My Skin, for only $.99.

If you're a paranormal lover, this is one sale you won't want to miss.

All her parents wanted was for Eryn to live a normal life...

Redgrave had its share of monsters before Eryn moved to town. Mauled pets, missing children. The Delacroix family is taking the blame, but Eryn knows the truth. Something stalks the night. Wade, the police chief's son and Redgrave High's resident hottie, warns her the Delacroix are dangerous. But then so is Eryn--in fact, she's lethal.

But she can't help falling for one of the Delacroix boys, dark, brooding--human Alec. And then her world falls apart.

A normal life? Now that's the real fairytale.  


Reviews

"Under My Skin is a roller-coaster romp through a supernatural world filled with scary beasties, otherworldly magic, and characters you'll root for...a compelling story full of mystery, magic, action and romance. A fun and engaging read."
~Rosemary Clement-Moore, author of Prom Dates from Hell


"Eryn emerges as a strong, independent, feisty young woman whose sense of responsibility for her "pack" .... fans of paranormal YA fiction will appreciate a protagonist with attitude and anticipate the next volume in the planned trilogy, Second Skin, to be released in 2011."

~ CM Magazine



"I love stories that are filled with paranormal beasties, great characters (especially kick-butt heroines), resident hotties, and humor! I couldn't decide whether I was Team Alec or Team Wade even up to the end."
~ Aly from The Young Adult Literature Review

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Spooky Story in News

The Bonneville Nouvelle recently published an article titled, "Graves' spooky story to be published in Spirited anthology," by Melissa Barr.


Photo by Melissa Barr

The story highlights Judith Graves' latest releases: "Strangeways vs. the Wraith" in the Spirited anthology and the second book in the Skinned trilogy, Second Skin.

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Deadline for Submissions Extended

We're looking for published authors who have astonishing, surprising ghost stories with a great twist. Leap Books only accepts work from agents, but we're having an open call for submissions. This may be your chance to get a foot in the door and help a charity at the same time.

For more information, visit our home page or click
HERE for more information.


All proceeds to benefit charity.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Meet Author Judith Graves

Want to meet the author of the Skinned Series? Judith Graves will be appearing at the following venues. Learn more about writing, technology, and the behind-the-scenes life of an author. Lots of programs to choose from. And best of all many of them are FREE.

 

May 14: Edson Public Library. Edson, AB. Four, 40-min. writing workshops. Behind the scenes with a YA author, Fiction to DIE for, and anything the fine folks in Edson want to chat about. Starting at 10am-2pm. Sign up at the Edson Public Library 780-723-6691.

May 28: Alberta Association of Library Technicians Annual Conference: 2011 Get Connected. Edmonton, AB. Author Visits to Die For. Judith Graves offers an overview of what makes a virtual author visit successful, the technology basics, and how to connect students or library patrons with authors willing to provide this wonderfully interactive (and inexpensive!) service.

May 28: Young Alberta Book Society’s AGM. Red Deer, AB. Imagery to DIE for: Booktrailers, vlogs and more. I will introduce the importance of engaging readers online through the use of enticing booktrailers, informative yet entertaining vlogs, as well as how to create podcast readings that leave them craving more. Beef up your social media presence using these tools and watch your promotions go viral (but not in a zombie apocalypse sorta way).

October (dates TBA): Young Alberta Book Society TALEBLAZERS Lit Fest. Touring schools and libraries across Alberta, discussing my journey from singer/songwriter to Young Adult Paranormal fiction author. I explore what makes fiction to DIE for, how to develop characters that ROCK, and how to REVAMP your work (revision with BITE!). I can’t wait to meet all students, library staff and teachers.

November 18-20th: Pure Speculation Fest (Edmonton). I’ll be connecting with my inner geek and being general fangirl at this amazing sci-fi/fantasy convention. Can’t wait to sit on more panels with the Steampunk Scholar and other wonderful authors. If I get myself in gear (pun intended), there’s a chance I might actually have a steampunk costume to DIE for. ;)

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Canadian Book Week

To celebrate Canadian book week, we're featuring our Canadian authors and illustrators.

TAKE 2--

Next up is our award-winning, Canadian graphic artist, Val Cox...

Val is responsible for the cool and edgy designs in two of our paranormal books, Freaksville and Under My Skin. Watch for more of Val's work in upcoming books.

Here are a few of Val's designs:



Thursday, January 6, 2011

Judith Graves at Okotoks Public Library on Saturday


Author Judith Graves will be presenting a session, YA Fiction To DIE For, at the Okotoks Public Library this Saturday, January 8, 2011, from 1-2 p.m. She'll be giving an overview of her road to publication, a backstage look at the life of a YA author, and insight on the writing process, including how to submit your work to publishers. Judith is the author of Under My Skin and Second Skin, which will be coming out in 2011.

The event will be available live via videoconferencing provided by the RISE Network. “The RISE Network is an innovative project that helps southern Albertans access the information they need, right from their local library. By equipping 78 libraries with videoconference equipment, people in 89 municipalities can gain new knowledge and skills through a wide-range of library-based programs and information sessions.”

Okotoks Public Library
7 Riverside Drive West
Okotoks, AB, T1S 1A6
Tel: (403) 938-2220
Map/Directions

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Gothic Barbie

Author Kitty Keswick recently received a gift in the mail from a fan. A goth Barbie modeled after the ghost, Ruby, in the Freaksville series. Thanks to 15-year-old Trisha from Montana. Here's a close up of the doll. Readers who also loved the goth ghost will be pleased to know that Ruby, with her snarky attitude and goth fashion sense, will play an even greater role in book 2 of the Freaksville series, Furry and Freaked. See the cover below...and look for it in 2011!
If you aren't sure who Ruby is, here's an excerpt from Furry and Freaked...

“You little minx! Two guys!” The familiar female voice shocked me. I tried to cover the fact that I was indeed sucking face with a guy almost two centuries deceased. But my uncoordinated feet had other plans. All in one move, I twisted, spun around, and took an ungraceful surge forward. My body fell one way and my cell phone the other. Isaac broke my fall. I pushed up from his very solid chest. He smiled crookedly at me. My heart betrayed me and skipped a little beat.

Clapping drew my attention. Ruby, the teenage ghost from Bridges Auditorium, nudged me with the toe of her blood-red, ankle-length, combat-style boots.

“I have to hand it to you, Valkyrie, that was pretty entertaining. I’ll give it an eight for ingenuity.”

“You’re dead. Go to the light!” I shouted at both of them. My supersonic Valkyrie powers hadn’t kicked in yet. Nothing happened.

“Sorry to burst your bubble, V-A-L-K-Y-R-I-E.” She dragged her pet name for me out. “But you can’t banish me. Him, you could banish”—she tossed her thumb in Isaac’s direction—“to the Netherworld, if you knew how, which you don’t.” She offered me a hand.

I accepted it and stood.

“I see the furball has competition,” Ruby snarked. She blinked and then was perched atop the fence post. Her long black-and-white-striped, stocking-clad legs swayed like a pendulum weighted by red punk boots.

Isaac teleported in behind her and poked her. “She is a spirit, but not? I do not understand.”

“You pick ’em bright, dontcha?” Ruby picked at her nails.

“Ruby, be nice.” I dusted the dirt from my jeans and walked closer to both ghosts. “Why are you here?” I asked as I folded my arms about my waist.

“I have all the time in the world to debate the matters of the universe, Valkyrie. You, on the other hand, don’t.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

She hopped off the fence and stood inches from my face. I focused on the black eyeliner goop in the corners of her brown eyes.

“The Powers That Be felt you were a sorry excuse for a V-A-L-K-Y-R-I-E. and needed help. Ta-da! I’m your guide.”

“My guide?”

“Catch up, kid. Yes, you need training, and fast.”

“What? Why?”

“I’m not at liberty to say.”

“What can you say?”

“I’m not at liberty to say what I can or cannot say.” She grinned. “Face it, you’re clueless, you need me.”


Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Author Judith Graves in Eerie Digest

 The Eerie Digest, the Online Mystery and Hollywood Insider Magazine, has interviewed Judith Graves on her upcoming work. Check it out her feature in the Spotlight.


Read an excerpt for Witch's Shadow and find out more about the next books in the Skinned series, including Second Skin, due out in 2011.






Saturday, October 16, 2010

Meet 16 YA Paranormal Authors

Today's the day for the tour to start. If you aren't sure where to go next, check out Judith Graves' website for the The Crossroads event page.

The Crossroads Tour STORY: 

Eryn and her crew of hunters, Matt, Brit and of course, the oh-so-brooding, Alec, are hunting down a creature that’s been making a nuisance of itself in Redgrave. Rumour has it, the creature can only be destroyed on midnight of October 31st. That’s right, Halloween, and only at a crossroads.
Wade, Redgrave High’s resident hottie (and a vampire after Eryn’s heart), is searching for possible leads. Wade’s not one for research, but that’s all the crew will let him do. Let’s just say there are some trust issues at hand.
He lurks under a streetlight, cloaked in late afternoon shadows. He’s a bit miffed. If he can’t suck the info out of an unwilling victim, there’s not much of a thrill in it for him. Still, gathering intel might impress Eryn and perhaps lead to another dark alley clincher. He resigns himself to playing the good guy, just this once.
Uh oh. He’s spotted you on the sidewalk outside the library. It’s too late to grab the holy water you’ve got stashed in your backpack (you’re not a total spaz, this is Redgrave, after all). He stalks toward you, his eyes trained on yours. Your heart does a few desperate Karate-Kid kicks in your chest, but you’re unable to flee. You stare into his grey-eyed darkness. You slip under his spell. In seconds you’re his.
How lovely.
He’s close now. You smell an icy mint in the air. You close your eyes in submission, waiting for the press of his fangs on your neck. But instead of indulging in an after school snack, Wade compels you to do his dirty work for him.  As the sun fades, you spend hours searching through historic documents, the folklore section, and even crank out the microfiche. Consider yourself an honorary Giles…
 HOW THE TOUR WORKS:
Each day of The Crossroads Tour, a new research question will be revealed here on The Crossroad Blog Tour main page (http://judithgraves.com/events/the-crossroads-tour/), and each day the answer to that question will be found within one of the 16 different blog posts by Crossroads Tour authors. Your job is to get the question, read the blog posts, and collect all 16 answers by the end of the tour, on Halloween.
Send your answers to judithgraves at ymail dot com by midnight on October 31st to win a fab grand prize consisting of:
  • signed copy of Under My Skin by Judith Graves
  • copy of Dreaming Anastasia by Joy Preble
  • copy of Freaksville by Kitty Keswick
  • gothic stickers
  • funky Halloween decorations
  • a DVD featuring Classic Horror Films
  • a $10 gift certificate for Leap Books
  • a Leap Books T-shirt

This Halloween, meet us at THE CROSSROADS…