Writing Series: The Path to The End

Writing Series: The Path to The End

Guest Post by Patti Larsen

I love writing series. LOVE. I’m able to pen good flash fiction, short stories even. But my passion is for the long tale-telling, the expansive and epic adventure characters lead you on at times. I think it comes from my younger reading days, raised on science fiction and fantasy by my Dungeon Master father.

When I started journalism in college, I learned about the importance of a lead, or knowing and being able to distill an idea down into a single sentence. The repetition of this skill, learned over many news stories, helped me understand how important it was to see where I was going before I began to write.

That year was the first time I outlined a novel. A full trilogy, in fact. I’ve not returned to them, that fantasy tale about horses and nomads and banished princes, but the seed of the idea of outlining was sown.

From there I dove into another series, also fantasy, nine books alternating character points of view. I was on to something, I could tell. But at that time, sadly, I listened to the critics who told me I couldn’t, I wasn’t good enough. I gave up writing and forgot completely what I’d learned about telling stories from front to back.

Script writing came next, years later. I loved turning ideas into films, following the three act structure from exciting start to climactic finish, from page to screen. TV show pilots and independent flicks taught me to tear a story apart before I told it, to break it down into its most important pieces and to always, always know exactly what it was about just in case I had thirty seconds in an elevator to make my pitch.

When I found YA and finally realized I was meant to be telling stories for young adults, I returned not only to the joy of writing books, but to the idea of knowing where the timeline went before I wrote a word. Everything from my past experiences fell together into one simple, totally logical format.

I’m now an outlining fanatic and most often will completely structure a series before I write a word of prose. Not only am I able to tell great individual stories, but linking together all the hints and foreshadows and hidden moments of pure pleasure for my eager readers comes from having a firm grasp on what I’m doing right from word one.

Currently I’m working on the remaining twelve (you read that right) books (four at a time) in an extraordinary twenty volume jaunt about a teen witch who wants to be like normal kids. That’s the other part I love so much about series—I’m family, now. I know the characters as well as my own sisters and parents. The stories come easily, the connections as clear as the ah-ha moments I have every time I sit down to think about Syd and what’s coming next.

So, let me ask you a question: if you’re a reader, does it bug you when a novelist misses something in book three you remembered (and loved) from book one? And if you’re a writer, do you know how your series ends?  

About the Author: Patti Larsen is an award-winning middle grade and young adult author with a passion for the paranormal. Her YA thriller series, The Hunted, is available now. Book one of that series, RUN, is a recent recipient of the 2012 PEI Book Awards for Fiction. Seven books of her very popular Hayle Coven Novels, beginning with Family Magic, are also out now. Her YA steampunk series, Blood and Gold, can be found on Amazon, along with her YA paranormal novel, Best Friends Forever, and The Diamond City Trilogy. Her middle grade novel, The Ghost Boy of MacKenzie House (Acorn Press), is available now. She is a full time writer and a part time teacher of her Get Your Book Done program. Patti lives on the East Coast of Canada with her very patient husband and four massive cats. 

Find out more at PattiLarsen.com, on Twitter, and Facebook.

This is part of a sort of regular feature that I try to post each Friday about various topics related to writing and publishing. If you would like to do a guest post, please contact me.

Most recent: 10 Ways YA Novels Leave You Totally Unprepared to be an Actual Adult by Donna Gambale. Click here to see previous posts. 

It's All About Me - Marketing and Branding as an Indie Author

It's All About Me!
Marketing and Branding as an Indie Author
Guest Post by Patti Larsen

My ongoing icebreaker to those who ask what my writing goals are is pretty powerful—I want world literary domination. It makes people laugh, myself included most times I say it, mostly because it sounds so impossible and improbable.

Thing is, it’s not a joke, at least not completely. I’ve always wanted the fame and fortune thing. To be a household name that slips from the tongue with the likes of King, Rowling and Tolkien. But I’ve want it for the right reasons, at least the ones that fill me up and make me happy.

I have wonderful stories to tell. And I want everyone to read them.

Simple, right? The concept is, definitely. When I dove head-first into independent publishing, opening my own company, hiring my team who come together with me for different projects, I was hyper focused on production—writing, editing, cover design, interiors, getting books out there. Most of the marketing I engaged in was what we call soft launch, with very little fanfare.

Why, you ask, did I not decided to pick a book and give it my all in the promotion arena? I’m a firm believer in the fact that more product means more sales. And that until I had a stable of product to sell to potential buyers, it was silly to waste my hot air (and it’s hot, trust me!) on asking people to buy my book.

Fast forward from August of 2011 until the present. I now have eighteen novels in happy publication, all but two in sequels. I’ve been using the Amazon KDP Select program along with social media to spread the word, and sales are very, very good considering how little marketing I’ve been doing. More than enough to pay for more edits, more covers, more of the things I need to keep going. I’m now self-sufficient and it feels amazing.

But it’s now time to shift focus and gears and get to the whole domination issue. I have really amazing books I’m very proud of that are ready, willing and able to pave my path. But to make it happen, outside being noticed by some random star who pimps me and gets my name out, I need a plan.

So, I hired a marketing expert. A website designer. A photographer. Together, as part of a new team, we are putting together my brand. And it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Harder than writing books--pffft, that’s easy. Putting my face on everything and making my image and my personality responsible for my success?

To quote my favorite teen witch: Oh. My. Swearword.

But I’m doing it. Learning what it means to be a brand and the marketing strategies behind it. How not to sell to people, but to bring them to me. How to make my books stand out even more in a world of five-second attention spans. It’s fun and different and I’m enjoying it even as I’m shaking my head in frustration when I don’t get it or asking myself what I’m thinking jumping in with both feet.

Then again, I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t.

So, the question is: what can you do to forward your marketing? Does the thought of doing a keyword analysis scare the crap out of you or do you even know what I’m talking about? How about figuring out what your brand is—can you sum up your work and yourself in one short sentence? The goal is to understand who you are as a writer and what you’re really trying to say with your books, while really seeing the people you’re trying to reach. What does your website look like—is it all about you? Are you targeting your posts toward your audience or other writers? Do you have a media kit or is the basis of your marketing shouting out your book over social networks? And if you have found something that works for you, was it on purpose or did you stumble over it? As much as we might dislike this side of the job, looking at marketing with a wide-eyed curiosity and a sense of fun can go a long way toward success.

About the Author:
Patti Larsen is an award-winning middle grade and young adult author with a passion for the paranormal. Her YA thriller series, The Hunted, is available now. Book one of that series, RUN, is a recent recipient of the 2012 PEI Book Awards for Fiction. The first six books of The Hayle Coven Novels, starting with Family Magic, are also out now. Her YA steampunk series, Blood and Gold, can be found on Amazon, along with her YA paranormal novel, Best Friends Forever, and The Diamond City Trilogy. Her middle grade novel, The Ghost Boy of MacKenzie House (Acorn Press), debuts in June, 2012. She is a full time writer and a part time teacher of her Get Your Book Done program. Patti lives on the East Coast of Canada with her very patient husband and four massive cats.

You can connect with Patti on her website, Facebook and Twitter.

This is part of a weekly feature, posted each Friday, which looks at publishing related topics. If you are interested in doing a guest post, please contact me.

Previous posts:
Indie Authors are on the Wrong Side of the Tracks by Darian Wilk
Why Do Indie Writers Need Editors by Valerie Douglas
Let's Talk About Sex... in YA Books - Is Sexual Content Appropirate by Deb Hanrahan
Traditional vs. Self Publishing - Why I Chose to Fight the Odds by Ryan Graudin

Win All 6 of the Hayle Coven Novels by Patti Larsen - Indie Author Giveaway Hop

This giveaway is part of the Indie Author Giveaway Hop hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and ME! There are a lot of great blogs participating in this hop. After you enter here, hop over and enter their giveaways too.

While you are here, please also check out the other giveaway I have going on which also features an Indie author. You can win a $10 Amazon gift card or a copy of The Destiny of Shaitan by Laxmi Hariharan. 

The Indie Author Giveaway Hop is to support all of the great indie authors out there. Many times these authors are overlooked by readers since they are not with "the big 6" publishers. However, I have read many books that are self published or published by a small press that are just as good as, and in many cases better, than some books that are traditionally published. Don't be afraid to give indie authors a try. You may just discover a hidden gem.

Which brings me to MY GIVEAWAY. Patti Larsen is one of the many great self published authors that I have had the pleasure of reading since I started Krazy Book Lady. In fact, Patti is now one of my favorite authors, and I adore Sydlynn Hayle and the Hayle Coven Novels. 

I am very excited for the chance to offer 1 winner eBooks of ALL 6 of the Hayle Coven Novels by Patti Larsen! 

 Click on the images above to find out more.

The Hayle Coven Novels follow the adventures of Sydlynn Hayle, a half witch/half demon teenager who just wants to be ordinary with a normal family and a normal life. The first one, Family Magic, was published in October 2011, and the most recent, Gate Keeper, is newly released. Patti Larsen knocks them out with surprising speed, so catch up on this amazing series now before she releases more!

You can find out more at pattilarsen.com. 

How to enter:

Be a follower of Krazy Book Lady in whatever way you choose. Then fill out the form below.

Additional optional entries:

+1 Follow Patti Larsen on Twitter.

+1 Like Patti Larsen on Facebook.

+1 Add Patti Larsen on Google+.

+1 Leave a blog post comment.

Giveaway Details:

This giveaway is open internationally. Giveaway is open until midnight EST on June 19. Must be 13 or older to enter. Winner will be emailed, and this blog post will be updated to reflect the winner. Winner will have three days to respond, or a new winner will be selected.

Sorry! This giveaway is now over.

Winner: Darlene 

Witch Hunt by Patti Larsen - Review

Witch Hunt by Patti Larsen

The Hayle Coven Novels, Book 2

Published: November 19, 2011

Teen witch Sydlynn Hayle finally did it. Despite the fact she's a social outcast, Syd finally made friends. Even the captain of the football team wants to be her boyfriend. When an ancient power is freed to ravage her new town, Syd does her best to help her family fight. Too bad the mysterious Chosen of the Light don't see things her way. Their interference could lead to her family's destruction.

My Review:

Syd has started accepting her powers and learning how to use them. She also finally has friends and even a boyfriend. So what can go wrong now? Well, everything when you are a half witch/half demon like Syd. Not only is there an ancient power feeding on people with magical powers that has her family stumped on how to find it and fight it, there is also a group of witch hunters who know what Syd is. How is Syd going to maintain any hint of normalcy with all of that going on?

The Hayle Coven novels is probably my current favorite series. Each one blends together but is also a complete story on its own, which is a great find in YA. Syd is amazing. I also love Syd's crazy grandmother, who needs chocolate and tequila to keep her from getting out of hand. Syd is complex, funny, snarky, and has a fierce love for her family. Syd would love to be normal, and she has an internal struggle between that desire, her powers and her loyalty to her family. To top it off, while worrying about the possible death of her family, her coven and herself, she can't deny that she has an attraction to the sexy Quaid (who we met in the first book), even if she does have a boyfriend. Patti Larsen gives her readers the perfect combination of action, adventure, comedy, and love. (Age appropriate love, I might add.)

I really enjoyed reading Witch Hunt and can't wait to read the next installment of Syd's adventures. Thankfully, I won't have to wait long because the next two books in the Hayle Coven novels are already available. I would recommend Witch Hunt, as well as the rest of the Hayle Coven novels, to anyone who enjoys paranormal YA.

A copy was provided by the author for review.

About the author:

Patti Larsen has a serious passion for YA paranormal and thrillers. Now with multiple series in happy publication, she lives on the East Coast of Canada with her patient husband and four massive cats.

Patti currently has 17 novels published, with more on the way.

You can find Patti on her website, Facebook, and Twitter. 

Check out my review of Family Magic, the Hayle Coven novels #1.
You can also see my review of Smoke and Magic by Patti Larsen.    

Get Your Book Done by Patti Larsen

Get Your Book Done

Guest Post by Patti Larsen

I love writing books. It’s my absolute passion. I’ve dabbled in short stories, have fun with screen and teleplays, even do a little song writing on occasion. But there is nothing, nothing like creating a full-length novel. 

With my background in journalism and independent filmmaking, when I dove into writing books again after a decade’s hiatus, I realized I had some really fabulous tools at my disposal. The experience I’d gained in all of those genres had coalesced into a method I now use to teach other writers. Not how to write, per se. That in itself is a life long obsession. We always strive to be better, do better, write better. But when it comes to understanding the structure of books, how stories go together, the nitty-gritty of the process outside stringing words together, I had an ah-ha moment. 

Not everyone writes like I do. I know there are those who love to just dive into an idea without a path or a plan. And that’s fantastic, if it works. But more often than not, as I share my method with more and more people, I learn that those who think being organized and structured is crippling to their creativity are the ones who get stuck and never finish. 

Again, I know it’s not everyone. But there are enough writers out there who run into roadblocks that I chose to start sharing my process in my Get Your Book Done program.

It’s not a hard process. But it does involve organization, plotting, having a goal. Knowing the ending, the middle, the beginning. Think of it this way: you have a project for work. You pitch the basic idea to your boss who loves it and sets you loose. You have no idea where to go with it, no end goal, no place to really start, but you’re expected to finish it and do it well. Your initial enthusiasm drives you forward, but when you start running into road blocks, gaps in knowledge, realize the path you’re on isn’t working, you’ve reached a point where you are so frustrated and stressed you have to tell your boss you can’t do it after all. 

Now, think about it this way: You have a goal in mind, a fantastic end result, with a few ideas of how you might structure it. Your boss gives you the go ahead. You carefully develop the path of the project, figure out the best ways to implement it, who to talk to, gather all the information you need first, then dive in and go for it. You’re in a much more confident and comfortable process. And while you still might encounter bumps, they’ll be easy to clear or integrate. Not only will you complete the project in record time, you’ll feel fantastic about your work and earn the respect of your boss.

If you want to get from A to B in the fastest and easiest possible time, you need a map showing your start point, path and end point. Is it less creative? I say no. I have so much fun developing my books, have all my edits done before I even start the writing, when I do sit down to let it out, it flows naturally and happily, without stress or pressure. 

So how about you? Have you always wanted to write a book? I hear it so often it amazes me. And makes me very happy. That being said, would you like to not only write your book, but finish it? 

Trust me, the latter is so much more rewarding. 

About the Author: 

Patti Larsen has a serious passion for YA paranormal and thrillers. Now with multiple series in happy publication, she lives on the East Coast of Canada with her patient husband and four massive cats.

Patti is the author of 15 novels, with more on the way.

You can find Patti on her website, Facebook, and Twitter. 

Smoke and Magic by Patti Larsen - Review

Smoke and Magic by Patti Larsen

Blood and Gold series, Book 1

Published: February 9, 2012 by Patti Larsen Books

Banished to Victorian London
“Auburdeen Perneila Hayle,” Sassafras hissed, the amber glow from his cat eyes growing until the front of the wicker cage shone with it, “you will do whatever you can to behave yourself, to not embarrass me or your mother and to absolutely under every circumstance maintain a firm hand on your horrid temper.”

My anger simmered. Yes, I had a temper. And yes, it had taken me into situations in the past that perhaps I shouldn't have been part of, situations that usually devolved into fistfights and incoherent yelling at the offender. He should be grateful I always kept control of myself enough my magic never came into play. Except that one time. But it wasn't my fault. Not really. And the offender recovered. Eventually.

Auburdeen Hayle is the sixteen-year-old daughter of the next leader of her coven. When the transition of power becomes tense, Burdie is sent from her home in America to stay with old friends in London to keep her safe. But a handsome young man chooses to hide from the police in her hansom, drawing Burdie into an underground world of magic that challenges even her sense of adventure and puts her at odds with the very people who are meant to protect her.

My Review:

Auburdeen (Burdie) Hayle is the sassy daughter of the future leader of their coven. She isn't happy about being banished to London during the transition of power from the previous coven leader, but Burdie is now suddenly next in line to be a coven leader after her mother, and she must be protected.  Burdie is sent to stay with an old friend of her mother's, a woman who is also the leader of her coven. Sassafras, a demon boy in a cat's body, is sent to London with her, to try to keep her out of trouble and to serve as a connection to communicate with her mother while she is there. The first day she is in London, Burdie encounters Jack, a young man who hides in her hansom when he is being chased by the police. As she gets to know Jack, she starts uncovering secrets of the family she is staying with and is put into direct conflict with them.

My favorite sentence of the entire book is: "She can have a lady or she can have a coven leader. She can't have both." This sentence describes Burdie's personality perfectly. She is not the demure "lady" that was expected during that time in London. She is respectful of others, but she has a strong willed personality. You can definitely picture her as a strong, powerful coven leader.

Patti Larsen is an amazing author. She describes her characters and their personalities in such detail that you feel as if you know them. You are drawn in and engaged immediately and want to keep reading to find out what happens. My only complaint about this book is that it ends right in the middle of the action, so you are left wanting more. The good thing is that the next book in this series is already available.

Smoke and Magic is a historical, paranormal YA, but the history is very subtle. The main focus is on the characters, especially Burdie, and the situations she gets herself into. It is the first book in a new series, Blood and Gold, which is a prequel to The Hayle Coven novels. Burdie is the ancestor of Sydlynn Hayle, who is the main character in Patti Larsen's Hayle Coven Novels. I would recommend this book (as well as the Hayle Coven novels) to anyone who enjoys paranormal YA.

A copy was provided by the author for review.

About the author:

Patti writes a lot of middle grade and YA paranormal books for someone who is afraid of the dark. And she wonders why she has to sleep with the lights on. Sometimes life is a teenaged B horror movie and she’s the one who investigates when the scary music is playing. But the voices are calling and resistance is… Yes. She is a Star Trek geek, too. And a fan of RPG’s. With a slight coolness factor since she's been told she's allowed to join the pops. At least, she likes to think she’s cool...   

You can find out more about Patti and how to connect with her on her website or her blog.

I have previously posted a guest post from Patti Larsen about Sydlynn Hayle and a review of Family Magic, the first book in the Hayle Coven novels. 

Giveaway: Smoke and Magic by Patti Larsen

This giveaway is part of the Follower Love Giveaway Hop hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and vvb32reads. There are a lot of great blogs participating in this hop. After you enter here, hop over and enter their giveaways too.  

Please also check out the other giveaways that I currently have. New giveaways start all the time. They can be located in the right sidebar.



My Giveaway:
One winner will receive Smoke and Magic by Patti Larsen. Winner can choose either a print copy or a digital copy. Please note, the print copy will not be available until around the end of March.

Smoke and Magic (Blood and Gold series, Book 1)
by Patti Larsen
Published: February 9, 2012

Banished to Victorian London

“Auburdeen Perneila Hayle,” Sassafras hissed, the amber glow from his cat eyes growing until the front of the wicker cage shone with it, “you will do whatever you can to behave yourself, to not embarrass me or your mother and to absolutely under every circumstance maintain a firm hand on your horrid temper.”

My anger simmered. Yes, I had a temper. And yes, it had taken me into situations in the past that perhaps I shouldn't have been part of, situations that usually devolved into fistfights and incoherent yelling at the offender. He should be grateful I always kept control of myself enough my magic never came into play. Except that one time. But it wasn't my fault. Not really. And the offender recovered. Eventually.

Auburdeen Hayle is the sixteen-year-old daughter of the next leader of her coven. When the transition of power becomes tense, Burdie is sent from her home in America to stay with old friends in London to keep her safe. But a handsome young man chooses to hide from the police in her hansom, drawing Burdie into an underground world of magic that challenges even her sense of adventure and puts her at odds with the very people who are meant to protect her.

How to enter:
Just be a follower of this blog in whatever way you choose. Twitter, Facebook, Google+, GFC, Linky Followers, email, etc. 

Additional optional entries:
+1 Follow Patti Larsen on Twitter or like on Facebook.
+1 Leave a blog post comment about why you would like to win this book. ("Thanks for the giveaway" comments will not count as an entry.)

Giveaway details:
Giveaway is open internationally. This giveaway will run until midnight EST on February 28. Must be 13 or older to enter. Winner will be chosen using Random.org. Winner will be emailed and this blog post will be updated to include the name of the winner. Winner has 3 days to contact me or a new winner will be selected.

Sorry! This giveaway is now closed.

Winner: Kimberly C.

Teaser Tuesday: Smoke and Magic by Patti Larsen

Teaser Tuesdays was created by MizB of Should Be Reading.

My teaser:

"As much as Mum would like for me to be different," I said, "she can either have a lady or a future coven leader, but she can't have both."

 

Smoke and Magic (Blood and Gold Series, Book 1) 

by Patti Larsen

I'm not sure how to tell what page this is on since it is a Kindle copy, but it is at approximately location 208 of my copy.

 

 

 Anyone can participate in Teaser Tuesdays. Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
• Be careful to NOT include spoilers! (Make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title and author.

What do you think about this teaser? Please also share your own.

Family Magic by Patti Larsen - Review

Family Magic (The Hayle Coven novels, #1)  
by Patti Larsen
Genre: YA Paranormal
Published: October 2011

Sixteen-year-old Sydlynn Hayle is the daughter of a powerful witch and a demon lord of the seventh plane. The trouble is, she just wants to be ordinary. Syd struggles to survive the minefield of her new high school while being torn between her attraction to football hero Brad Peters and the darkly mysterious Quaid Moromond. When her coven comes under attack, Syd is forced to face the fact only her power can save her family’s magic.

 Read a teaser that I posted.

My review:
Sydlynn's mom is the coven leader, her dad is a demon, her grandmother lost her mind while defending the family, her uncle is a vampire who lives in the basement and sleeps in a cupboard, her pet is a demon in a cat body, and her little sister has to disguise her appearance (because she has horns) when she goes out in public. And that is just in a "normal" day. Syd doesn't want to be a part of it anymore and is just waiting for the day when she turns 18 and can get out. However, she soon realizes it isn't that easy. When her family is attacked, Syd must stop being passive about her magic and learn how to use it. She must also learn how to control the demon side of her or risk having it take over.

This book has a little of everything. Magic, witches, demons, vampires, young love, family conflicts, teen angst. The initial thought may be that there is just way too much going on in one story. However, the focus is clearly on the magic and on Syd being half witch/half demon. The other things are more secondary to the main elements, and they just come into play to effectively support and add interest to the story.

I think Syd is one of my all-time favorite characters. She is funny and snarky but has a fierce love for her family. (You can read more about Syd in Patti Larsen's guest post, Just Who is Sydlynn Hayle?) I am ready to follow Syd's journey through this series. Patti Larsen is clearly a brilliant author who does an outstanding job of drawing in her readers. She describes her characters and the settings beautifully. You can picture a demon raising even if you haven't ever been to one. I was hooked from the first paragraph. I thoroughly enjoyed Family Magic, and I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys paranormal novels.

Provided by the author for review.

About the author:
Patti Larsen is a middle grade, young adult and adult author with a passion for the paranormal. Her YA thriller series, The Hunted, is available now. The first four books of The Hayle Coven series, Family Magic, Witch Hunt, Demon Child and The Wild are out now. Her YA paranormal novel, Best Friends Forever, and steampunk series, Blood and Gold, are due early in 2012. She is a full time writer and a part time teacher of her Get Your Book Done program. Patti lives on the East Coast of Canada with her very patient husband and four massive cats.

You can find Patti Larsen on her site, Twitter, and Facebook.  

Giveaway Hop: Family Magic by Patti Larsen

This giveaway is part of the Dreaming of Books Giveaway Hop hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and Martha's Bookshelf. There are a lot of great blogs participating in this hop. After you enter here, hop over and enter their giveaways too.  

Please also check out the other giveaways that I currently have. They can be located in the right sidebar.


My Giveaway:
1 *signed* print copy of Family Magic by Patti Larsen to one winner.

My review will be ready soon. Until then, please enjoy this teaser I posted.

Family Magic (Book One of the Hayle Coven novels)
 
Sixteen-year-old Sydlynn Hayle is the daughter of a powerful witch and a demon lord of the seventh plane. The trouble is, she just wants to be ordinary. Syd struggles to survive the minefield of her new high school while being torn between her attraction to football hero Brad Peters and the darkly mysterious Quaid Moromond. When her coven comes under attack, Syd is forced to face the fact only her power can save her family’s magic.

How to enter:
I decided to do something a little different for this giveaway. I am asking you to answer one Family Magic related question. 

For the first entry, provide your name, email, and the answer to the following question in the form below. The question is: what is one of two things that is used when the grandmother is out of control? The answer can be found in the guest post by Patti Larsen, Just Who is Sydlynn Hayle?

Additional optional entries: (For 5 total entries.)
+1 Follow Krazy Book Lady on Twitter.
+1 Like Krazy Book Lady on Facebook.
+1 Follow Patti Larsen on Twitter.
+1 Like Patti Larsen on Facebook.

Please do not leave emails or usernames in the blog post comments. Please include usernames, etc, in the comments section provided on the entry form.

Giveaway details:
Giveaway is open internationally. This giveaway will run until midnight EST on January 18. Must be 13 or older to enter. Winner will be chosen using Random.org. Winner will be emailed and this blog post will be updated to include the name of the winner. Winner has 3 days to contact me or a new winner will be selected.

Thank you for entering and good luck!

Sorry! This giveaway is now closed.

Winner: Mary R.

Just Who is Sydlynn Hayle? Guest Post by Patti Larsen

Guest post by Patti Larsen, author of Family Magic (Book One of The Hayle Coven novels)

Just Who is Sydlynn Hayle, Anyway?

Family Magic was the first book I wrote in the YA paranormal genre and to this day, three years later, she and I share a special bond--partly because I adore her so much and partly because she just won’t leave me alone!

So in honor of her and the impact she’s had on my life, I’d love to share some fun facts about her and Family Magic:

• The idea came to me when Syd woke me in the middle of the night, her voice telling me I’d better get up and write down what she had to say and nagged me until I did.

• There were originally only five books in the series. But when I was in the middle of writing book two, Syd happily informed me there was so much more to her story than could be covered in just five. Imagine. The count is currently up to 16 and may hit 20.

• Each book is part of a quadrilogy--four books per section--so the first quadrilogy is now out! (Family Magic, Witch Hunt, Demon Child and The Wild)

• Syd is half witch, half demon. Her mother leads her coven and her father is a Demon Lord. (but a nice one :-) )

• She has a crazy grandmother named Ethpeal who can only be controlled with chocolate and tequila.

• Syd’s Uncle Frank is a vampire who lives in the basement with his undead girlfriend, Sunny. Rather than coffins, they sleep in cupboards so they don’t creep out the family.

• Her little sister Meira looks like a demon, but she’s okay with that. It makes Syd jealous sometimes that Meira is so comfortable with who she is.

• Syd’s closest confidant is a snarky silver Persian named Sassafras, a demon boy trapped in a fat cat body.

• She basically has two moms--her real one and her mother’s best friend, Erica, who tries her best to control Syd’s life.

• Syd’s least favorite school subject is English, but only because her teacher has it in for her.

• She loves chocolate and anything junk foodie she can get her hands on, especially when she’s lonely and stressed.

• Syd’s favorite sport is soccer and she’s a kick-ass player.

• She would choose ponytails and jeans over dressing up any day.

• Syd has the BIGGEST crush on Brad Peters, the captain of the football team, and when she sees him she can barely talk.

• Even though she’s being bullied, she can’t use her magic to protect herself, not that she’d want to. Not only does it make her nauseated when she casts spells, it’s against coven laws. Sucks, right?

• Syd has never had a best friend. Ever.

• Her only desire in life, the only thing that would make her happy, is if she could be ordinary, normal and just like everyone else.

Syd’s life and evolution, in a nutshell. Best way to find out more? Check out Family Magic, of course! Happy reading!

About the Author:
Patti Larsen is a middle grade, young adult and adult author with a passion for the paranormal. Her YA thriller series, The Hunted, is available now. The first four books of The Hayle Coven series, Family Magic, Witch Hunt, Demon Child and The Wild are out now. Her YA paranormal novel, Best Friends Forever, and steampunk series, Blood and Gold, are due early in 2012. She is a full time writer and a part time teacher of her Get Your Book Done program. Patti lives on the East Coast of Canada with her very patient husband and four massive cats.

You can find Patti Larsen on her site, Twitter, and Facebook.

Teaser Tuesdays: Family Magic by Patti Larsen

Teaser Tuesdays was created by MizB of Should Be Reading.

My teaser:

I am just starting Family Magic, so I chose to give a teaser from the first paragraph. Enjoy!

Not that I didn’t welcome the distraction, to be honest. Anything to take my mind from what went on around me.

Being part of a demon raising is way less exciting than it sounds. 

Family Magic (Book One - Hayle Coven Novels) 

by Patti Larsen

Anyone can participate in Teaser Tuesdays. Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
• Be careful to NOT include spoilers! (Make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title and author.

What do you think about this teaser? Please also share your own.  

Paranormal Turkey Tour - Win Cash Prizes

Ah yes, Thanksgiving. Nothing says the holidays like sitting around a fully decked out dining room table with mouthwatering temptations waiting to be gobbled up. Everyone waits anxiously for the big reveal… the turkey!

Lovingly prepared since early that morning, the turkey is brought out in a covered, silver serving platter. Aunt Edith smacks little Tommy's hand as he attempts to steal a candied yam dripping with marshmallow. The collective breath is held as the silver cover is removed… revealing… a zombie turkey!

What—what? That's right folks, this year, we are celebrating this American holiday paranormal style. And what says paranormal holiday better than a walking, talking zombie turkey?

This zombie turkey brings you important tidings of great prizes that shall be for all people… who participate and win of course.

November 25-27 you could win up to $200 in prizes!

Three days. Four YA paranormal books. Five chances to win!

And who are these crazy paranormal authors? Check them out. It's like the Nightmare Before Christmas, Thanksgiving style!

Emlyn Chand, author of Farsighted

"Psychic or not, you'll never see the end for this one coming! Emlyn Chand is pioneering 'the next big thing' for YA." ~ Emily Reese, author of Second Death

Alex Kosmitoras may be blind, but he can still “see” things others can’t. When his unwanted visions of the future begin to suggest that the girl he likes could be in danger, he has no choice but to take on destiny and demand it reconsider.

Monster Mash: Emlyn says… I. AM. WEREWOLF! And why's that you ask? First off, my name (Chand) literally means moon in Sanskrit. Next, werewolves are super cool--we can blend in with common folk, and then out of nowhere, kapow! I'm a werewolf, and I sure am hungry. Lastly, Team Jacob 100%. Now excuse me while I cock back my head and howl at my namesake.

Patti Larsen, author of Family Magic

"Patti Larsen is truly gifted because I read Family Magic cover to cover and I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for the next installment!" ~  from Goodreads review

Sixteen-year-old Sydlynn Hayle is the daughter of a powerful witch and a demon lord, but she just wants to be ordinary. When her coven comes under attack, Syd must face the fact only her power can save her family's magic.

Monster Mash: Patti says… I am a witch. Naturally. I weave spells with my words, cast incantations from my keyboard, mix up the very best potions in my cauldron of documents. You want to stay on my good side. Trust me. Unless you enjoy waking up as something... unnatural.

Kimberly Kinrade, author of Forbidden Mind

"Forbidden Mind is a thrilling, dark and deeply romantic read that had me sitting on the edge of my seat and eagerly awaiting the next installment." ~Refracted Light Young Adult Book Reviews

Paranormal teens with unimaginable powers. An evil organization with deep secrets. When Sam, a girl who reads minds, meets a boy who controls minds, she discovers her future isn't what she thought. Together they must escape and free the others… or risk losing everything—and everyone—they love.

Monster Mash: Kimberly says… I may look like a demon, but I'm actually a succubus. Enchanting and seductive, I weave stories that will fuel your passions and make you fall in love. But be warned… once you fall under the spell of my words, your world will never be the same.

John Corwin, author of The Next Thing I Knew

Corwin does a phenomenal job of including humor throughout this novel. This book was like . . . Ghost (the movie) meets The Host (by Stephanie Meyer) meets MIB (Men In Black the movie). ~Maryann, Chapter by Chapter

The afterlife is the last thing on Lucy’s mind until she and every other human on the planet drop dead and find themselves in the hereafter. Lucy drags her social life back from the grave and enlists her friends to figure out the rules of the afterlife and, more importantly, to discover who or what killed everyone and why anyone would do such a mean thing.

Monster Mash: John says… I am a ninja. After all, vampires are simply ninjas with fangs. They can hide in plain sight, right in your living room. Jump out and scare the wits out of you. Drop a smoke bomb and poof! All you’re left with is stinky smoke in your house and soiled underclothes.

The Prizes

Four $25 Book Entries: For each of the four books in the contest, you can enter to win $25 (up to $100 in giveaways!) Simply buy a copy of the book (each is priced at just 99 cents for this special promotion) and email the proof of purchase for that book OR submit the first sentence of the fifth chapter for that book to ParanormalTurkey@gmail.com. Winners will be chosen randomly. Each person can submit one entry per book. Here are the links for each book:

• Farsighted by Emlyn Chand :  http://ow.ly/7tqhx
• Forbidden Mind by Kimberly Kinrade:  http://amzn.to/rKraMo
• The Next Thing I Knew by John Corwin:  http://amzn.to/tSlj8A
• Family Magic by Patti Larsen :  http://goo.gl/r2Bsm

And... if you buy all FOUR books, you are entered to win the Grand Prize!

The Grand Prize

One randomly selected reader who enters to win all four book prizes (Family Magic, Farsighted, Forbidden Mind and The Next Thing I Knew) will win the grand prize of $100.

So go on now and pick up a copy of these fantastic paranormal reads before the zombie turkey eats you!

What? Still around? Then enjoy these fun book trailers and Paranormal Turkey Tour trailer. (Then go buy the books.) Also, leave a comment and help your favorite blog host win a $50 prize!

Notes:

• All winners will be chosen randomly using random.org.
• Amazon links are provided, but books purchased through any online vendor will qualify with proof of purchase.