Two Moons of Sera Blog Tour: Interview & Giveaway!


Today author Pavarti K Tyler stops by the blog for an awesome interview about her new book Two Moons of Sera! Enjoy the interview & don't forget to check out the info about the massive giveaway going on over on Pavarti's blog at the end of the interview!


Pavarti K Tyler is an artist, wife, mother and number-cruncher who has been committed to causing trouble since her first moment on this Earth. Her eclectic career has flirted with Broadway, Teaching, Law Firms and the IRS. Author of many short stories, Pavarti spans genres from Horror and Erotica all the way to Fantasy. Currently Pavarti is hard at work establishing her Indie Publishing Company Fighting Monkey Press.

Pavarti K Tyler's novel Two Moons of Sera is a Fantasy/Romance.  Her next novel Shadow on the Wall is scheduled for release in early 2012. Shadow on the Wall is Book One of The SandStorm Chronicles, the saga of Recai Osman — businessman, philosopher, Muslim and . . . superhero.

You can find her on her Blog, FaceBook, Twitter, Tumblr, GoodReads or G+

Can you tell me a little about Two Moons of Sera?

Two Moons of Sera is my crazy little brain child.  Serafay is the main character and is the first Sualwet live birth in 300 years.  Her mother Nilafay had been abused, experimented on, caged and tortured by the Erdlanders.  She escaped, pregnant with a hybrid child with both Sualwet and Erdlander genetics.  In 2MOS we follow Serafay from her isolated life with her mother into the Erdlander world where she discovers who and what she really is.

2MOS is a fantasy romance written in the style of YA but intended for adults.  I'm releasing it in serial format. In the past many authors, including Charles Dickens, released books in this way, publishing a chapter at a time in magazines.  This time, I'll be releasing it in regular installments which the reader will receive for free once they purchase the first installment.

Where did you get the idea Two Moons of Sera series?

Two Moons of Sera was inspired by a picture I found on tumblr. (see below) It haunted me and I couldn't stop thinking about it.  Originally I was going to write it as a collaboration with a dear friend of mine, but I just kept writing and writing and it took on a life of its own before she had a chance to even add a sentence. 



It is released in serial format. Why did you choose to do this?

It is my hope that by releasing Two Moons of Sera in this manner the reader will be able to engage and lose themselves in the story: live in and experience it more fully.  I for one am likely to devour a book.  I read the entire Twilight Saga in one week.  That's an astronomical number of pages.  But what happens is you miss details and forget plots, all in the interest of consuming the story.
 
Some may think this publishing style is a scheme to make more money, making readers pay for each new section.  For me, this has nothing to do with it.  The final ebook will be $4.99.  However, if you purchase it now it is only $0.99.  You will have to wait for each update but the rest of the book will be yours to download completely free of charge. 

My reasoning for doing this is so that early readers of Two Moons of Sera are rewarded for going on this adventure with me.  As each volume is added the price will increase, meaning that those who come to the story later won't get the same great price and experience as those who buy it now.

The cover of Two Moons of Sera is beautiful. Who designed it and did you have much say in the designing of the cover?

2MOS_Cover.jpg

Actually, I designed the cover.  It took a ton of time and required I learn a lot more about GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)  than I ever wanted to know. It took a few unfortunate first drafts before I finally got it where I wanted it to be.  I'm so glad you like it!  I was really looking for something visually evocative that conveyed both the tone and the themes of the piece.

Why should we read Two Moons of Sera?

Because it's awesome! Duh! :) With Two Moons of Sera I have created a new world, with two entirely alien, yet familiar species.  In the midst of it is a girl who is just trying to figure out her place in all the madness around her. In essence it's not that different from every other coming of age story.   What makes 2MOS special is that while the world and conflicts parallel our own you are given permission to just enjoy the story without spoon feeding you everything.  This book is not YA, it's intended for an adult audience who can appreciate the depth and complexity of the cultures introduced, adult themes will emerge further into the plot. However the fun and whimsy readers seek in YA books is still present.  I hope you enjoy Sera's story, and maybe fall in love along the way.

Pavati's Book History!

Favourite book as a child and why?

The Gilly GooFang was my favorite book, because it's about a fish who does everything wrong and still has a grand time doing it.  He swims backwards, sleeps with one eye open, whistles and lays square eggs, but despite his differences all the other fish love him.


Favourite book as a teenager and why?

Please remember that I was not a normal teenager :) My favorite author was Anais Nin. When I first read her I thought there was no one out there who looked at the world anything like how I did.  Then I picked up Under A Glass Bell and was blown away by the amount of beauty and crazy one author could pack into such short pieces.  She made me catch my breath, cry, feel a little less alone and a little more insane all at the same time.


Favourite book you have read this year and why?

Oh man… That's so hard!  I read so many books!  Right now I'm reading Paolo Bacigalupi's The Windup Girl and it is fabulous.  It's some of the best world building and most sophisticated plot structure I've ever read.  One of the best near-future dystopian I've ever read.  Everything in it is completely plausible and absolutely horrible. I'm really enjoying it but it is dense.  I can't read more than three or four chapters in a sitting or my brain starts to leak out of my ears.

An author you would recommend to my readers?

I'm such an avid reader and I love stories.  I think the ones I would recommend are the ones where the world building is really amazing like:

Thanks to Pavarti for the great interview! Two Moons of Sera is available now!

Order Your Copy Now

A message from Pavarti!

As a thank you to all of my amazing readers and supporters, I am hosting a month long rafflecopter giveaway on my blog!  Enter for your chance to win:

*THE GIVEAWAY IS NOT ON MY BLOG HOP OVER TO PAVATI'S BLOG FOR THE GIVEAWAY*
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Review: Far From War by Jeffrey David Payne

I was kindly given Far From War for review from Roche Harbor Books. You can check them out here!


Far From War is from debut novelist Jeffrey David Payne and is the first book in a trilogy. When I first picked up Far From War I was a little confused as the book is set in Washington D.C. where the main character Esther is serving as a page in the United States House of Representatives. The confusion was I don't live in the U.S. and I don't know how the whole political system works there. However there was just something about the book that made me want to continue reading it and once I got my head around the politics I discovered that it's not all about the politics and conflict.

While Esther is serving as a page a modern day Coup D'Etat is staged among Rougue Politicians and military leaders leading to a civil war. Esther must then travel from Washington D.C. to her home on ORCAS Island though ruined and seiged cities and towns being attacked from all sides.

Payne makes the story feel very real and though the eyes of Esther we see the tradegy of war and also humanity at it's best and worst. Esther grows as a person and it's great to go on that journey with her. Payne is not one for sugar coating the situation and along the way Esther does lose people she loves and cares about in some horrific ways. I liked this as the reality is in war you have to be realistic that not everyone is going to survive and you may lose loved ones. On Esther's journey though, understanding, pain, loss and heartache she finds love which was a refreshing feel to the story.

Over all I really enjoyed Far From War. The story really draws you into it and makes you feel like you are living though the situations that occur with the characters, with a strong and great main character in Esther. I can't wait for the next book in the series The mail still runs releasing July 4th 2012.

For all you guys worrying about not understanding the politics of the book, don't worry, if I can understand it anyone can :) and as I said it is not all about the politics and fighting but a journey of love, hope and ultimate understanding lived though the eyes of a forgettable character.

4/5 Butterflies

You can find Jeffery:

Twitter: @jeffreydpayne
http://www.jeffreydavidpayne.com/

*Note: 16+ recommendation
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IMM #20

In my mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren were everyone puts up the books they have bought, received or got from the library!
 
Hey! I haven't done an IMM for a few weeks as I have been trying not to buy too many books as I have LOADS to review! However last weekend was my birthday so me and my sister went shopping in the city. We ventured to Waterstones and I have to admit it was my first time in Waterstones as I usually buy my books in a local book store or the supermarket as I get them quite cheap there. Me and my sister have now made a pact to go once a month book shopping to Waterstones, we are even going back later this month for a book signing. The book signing is for Cathy Cassidy who writes books for 8-12 year old, even though I usually don't read this age range I am looking to start a new feature in the new year to encourage younger children to read and Cathy's will probably be the first book I feature as a post and giveaway. Anyway onto the books I got in Waterstones:
Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon
Carrier of the Mark
  Their love was meant to be.
 
When Megan Rosenberg moves to Ireland, everything in her life seems to fall into place. After growing up in America, she's surprised to find herself feeling at home in her new school. She connects with a group of friends, and she is instantly drawn to darkly handsome Adam DeRÍs.
 
But Megan is about to discover that her feelings for Adam are tied to a fate that was sealed long ago—and that the passion and power that brought them together could be their ultimate destruction.

I'd tell you I love you, but then I'd have to kill you by Ally Carter (#1)

Goodreads

I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You (Gallagher Girls, #1)

The Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women is a fairly typical all-girls school—that is, if every school teaches advanced martial arts in PE, chemistry always consists of the latest in chemical warfare, and everyone breaks CIA codes for extra credit in computer class. So in truth, while the Gallagher Academy might say it's a school for geniuses what they really mean is spies. But what happens when a Gallagher Girl falls for a boy who doesn't have a code name?

Cammie Morgan may be fluent in fourteen languages and capable of killing a man in seven different ways (three of which involve a piece of uncooked spaghetti), but the Gallagher Academy hasn't prepared her for what to do when she meets an ordinary boy who thinks she's an ordinary girl. Sure, she can tap his phone, hack into his computer, and track him through a mall without him ever being the wiser, but can she have a regular relationship with a regular boy who can never know the truth about her? Cammie may be an elite spy in training, but in her sophomore year, she's doing something riskier than ever—she's falling in love.

Cross my heart and hope to spy by Ally Carter (#2)

Goodreads

Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy (Gallagher Girls, #2)


Cammie Morgan may have a genius IQ and attend the best school in the country, but as she starts the spring semester of her sophomore year there are a lot of things she doesn't know. Like will her ex-boyfriend even remember she exists? And how much trouble did she really get in last semester? And, most of all, exactly why is her mother acting so strangely?

All Cammie wants is a nice, normal semester, but she's about to learn her greatest lesson yet—that when you go to a school for spies, nothing is ever as it seems.

I also went to the library this week and ordered loads of great books that I will hopefully be getting in the next week or so. However I did pick one book up at the library:

Embrace by Jessica Shirvington

Goodreads

Embrace

 I slowly opened my eyes. The sun speared its first bright rays of golden orange into the sky and I leapt from the cliff, with the sorrowful knowledge that no matter what the outcome, at least part of me would die that day...

Violet Eden is dreading her seventeenth birthday dinner. After all, it’s hard to get too excited about the day that marks the anniversary of your mother’s death. The one bright spot is that Lincoln will be there. Sexy, mature and aloof, he is Violet’s idea of perfection. But why does he seem so reluctant to be anything more than a friend?

After he gives her the world’s most incredible kiss – and then abandons her on her front doorstep – Violet is determined to get some answers. But nothing could have prepared her for Lincoln’s explanation: he is Grigori – part angel and part human – and Violet is his eternal partner.

Without warning, Violet’s world is turned upside down. She never believed in God, let alone angels. But there’s no denying the strange changes in her body ... and her feelings for Lincoln. Suddenly, she can’t stand to be around him. Luckily, Phoenix, an exiled angel, has come into her life. He’s intense and enigmatic, but at least he never lied to her.

As Violet gets caught up in an ancient battle between dark and light, she must choose her path. The wrong choice could cost not only her life, but her eternity...

What did you get in your mailbox?

A few notes:

Don't forget to check out my current giveaways by clicking the tab at the top!

Just a heads up I am organising a UK blog tour for author Kiki Hamilton for her novel The Faerie Ring, which will be in the middle of December so keep an eye out for more about that coming soon. Also I am looking to organise more blog tours for authors in the new year so if anyone knows of an author who needs a blog tour organised or you are an author yourself who might want one. Contact me via my contact info!


 
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Pyxis Blog Tour: YA Feature: Introducing YA author K.C.Neal & Giveaway

Hey everyone this week K.C.Neal stops by as part of her blog tour for her debut novel Pyxis: The Discovery. As part of the tour K.C.Neal has kindly offered a giveaway to go with her interview. Check out the interview and the giveaway at the end!

A little about K.C.Neal and her writing career so far:

I liked to write when I was a kid - when I was 9 or 10 I started writing a novel in a spiral notebook - and wrote a lot as a teenager. I got away from writing in my 20s, when I majored in Chemistry and worked science-related jobs. Now, I work full-time as a Medical Writer, so writing fiction is something I do in my spare time. I started writing a novel about three and a half years ago, after having a dream and waking up inspired. It was a good learning experience, and I spent a ton of time reading about the publishing industry, but ultimately it wasn’t a novel I wanted to try to publish. At the start of this year I wrote the first draft of Pyxis, and I knew it was something I wanted to get published.

Pyxis: The Discovery the first book in the Pyxis series is released today as an Ebook! Can you tell me a little about it?

Pyxis: The Discovery is a young adult paranormal/fantasy book, the first in the Pyxis Series. The main character, 16-year-old Corinne, discovers there are two universes - the waking universe we live in every day, and a universe our minds enter when we're asleep. Her destiny is to protect a weakness between the two universes, to keep evil and harm from cycling between them, but the person who was supposed to teach her everything she needs to do this died unexpectedly. Her friend Mason has a role in all of this, too, and together they search for answers. I don't want to give away too much, but there are some fun paranormal elements to the story, like ESP. It’s a fast-paced story that’s full of mystery.

Where did you get the idea for the Pyxis Series?

I wish I had a great answer for this because I get asked this question a lot. :) I’m not really sure where the idea came from, but the first seed of the story was the pyxis box with the bottles full of mysterious colored liquids that influenced people’s emotions. I thought the story would center around the potions, but it grew into something much larger. 

I love the cover of Pyxis: The Discovery. Who designed it and did you have much say in the designing of the cover?


Thank you, I love it too! The photographer is Tiffany Mize-Carter, and the designer is Claudia at Phatpuppy Art. Claudia has created so many amazing covers, I feel very fortunate to work with her. I did have a lot of say in the cover, though I will be the first to admit that visuals are definitely not my strength. But I work directly with my publisher, StoneHouse Ink, so I get a lot of input in everything that happens with my books.

How does it feel to be releasing your first book?

It’s so exciting! Lately I’ve been thinking about how much has happened this year. I started writing Pyxis on January 5th, and now it’s out in the world. I’ve gotten a lot of great feedback from ARC reviewers, which is really gratifying. I love hearing other people’s reactions to the characters and the story. It’s so strange to think that the story that existed only for me, in my head, now lives in other people’s heads, too.

How many book are going be in the Pyxis series?

I’ve planned it to be a trilogy. I’m almost finished outlining the next book, Alight: The Peril, and I’ll start writing it in November. After I’ve finished writing the whole trilogy, I’m thinking about also doing a novella that has the prologue to the whole story and some of Corinne’s journal entries.

Why should we read the Pyxis series?

I think it offers something unique in YA fiction. The story doesn’t center around creatures like vampires or fairies, and it’s not set in a dystopian world of the future. It’s a world and story all its own. Reviewers are telling me they can’t wait for the next book, which makes me feel like I’ve done my job creating an entertaining story that people really get into.

K.C.Neal's Book History!

Favourite book as a child and why?

Some of the first chapter books I read were the Ramona books by Beverly Cleary, and I loved those books. Ramona was a quirky, fun young heroine.


Favourite book as a teenager and why?

The Stand by Stephen King. It’s this really epic read - a huge book - with this incredibly well-drawn cast of characters, some great good versus evil matchups, a story you can really get lost in.

Favourite book you have read this year and why?

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. An absolutely amazing and vivid story. I think I was tearing up on like page 17, when Katniss takes her sister’s place and the people of her District raise their arms in a gesture of respect. I knew I was in for a ride.

An author you would recommend to my followers?

Angeline Kace and M.R. Merrick each released debut YA novels this year, and both are fantastic reads I highly recommend (Descended by Blood by Angeline Kace and Exiled by M.R. Merrick).

Thanks to K.C.Neal for the awesome interview! Pyxis: The Discovery is available now Kindle & Nook

You can pre-order a paperback copy of Pyxia: The Discovery now on Amazon available to buy from December 2nd!

You can find K.C.Neal online here:
My blog
Twitter (@KCNealTweets)Facebook
Google+
Goodreads

Now onto the giveaway!

Giveaway is an Ebook copy of Pyxis by K.C.Neal
Must be 13 years or older to enter!
Fill out the rafflecopter!

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Must be 13 or older. International giveaway. One winner chosen at random receives an ebook copy of Pyxis in the format (ePUB or mobi) specified by the winner. Winner will be notified via email provided in the entry. Please note that PDF format is not an option.
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    My Second Blogger Award!

    I want to say a big thank you to the amazing Garden Summerland who awarded me my second blogger award! She is just awesome, check out her blog here!


    The awesome award!

    This is a pay it forward award!
     
    I will now select my five top favourite blogs to receive this award.
    Should they choose to accept, the recipients need to copy and paste the award to their blog, thank the person who awarded them, and then award their own top-5 favorite blogs with the Liebster Award!
     
    My top 5 favorite blogs!
     
    1. Reading A Little Bit of Everything! This is an awesome blog, being a little bias as its my sister but it really is awesome. Check it out here!
    2. Book Passion for Life! Donna & Jessica are awesome bloggers. They def both have a passion for books and are awesome UK bloggers! Check them out here!

    3. Katie.M.John Blog! Katie is an awesome person and author! I have become great friends with Katie since I started blogging. You have to check out her awesome blog and her amazing books. You can check it out here.

    4. The Guardian Legacy Blog! I love The Guardian Legacy series by Ednah Walters! I think she is an awesome person and writer and this is her blog for the series. Check it out here!

    I could only think of 4 awesome blogs I love! (Sorry)

    Don't forget to check out the other guys blogs!

     
     

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    Loads of Winners!

    Hey! Over the last week I had some awesome giveaways end! Here are the various winners!

    First of I participated in the Smokeless Fire Blog Tour on behalf of Samantha Young's new novel Smokeless Fire. You can still check out my Smokeless Fire Blog Tour post here of a character interview with Ari the main character in Smokeless Fire.

    So Samantha offered up 2 Ebooks of Smokeless Fire as a giveaway and the winners are:

    *DARLENE
    *BLACKWOLF

    

    Last month I had my 600 Follower Giveaway! I want to say a big THANK YOU to all my new followers and my old followers. You are all awesome. For the giveaway I had two prizes.

    PRIZE ONE WINNER who has won A SIGNED ARC of The Marked (A Talents Novel) the second book in Delcroix Academy series. This book isn't released until April 2012!! *NOTE: The Marked is the new title for the book, some of you may have heard of it being called The Watchers . The ARC I am giving away has the old title and the old cover however it is still the same story.*

    WINNER ONE: LISA RICHARDS

    PRIZE TWO WINNER who has won a A PAPERBACK copy of The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson!

    WINNER TWO: LEIGH ANN

    I was also giving a copy of Jessie hearts NYC by Keris Stainton on behalf of my sister's blog Reading A little bit of Everything . The winner is:

    *KULSUMA

    Jessie ♥ NYC


    I participated in the awesome Spooktacular giveaway hop over Halloween and it was so much fun! Halloween is one of my fave times of year. So the winner is:

    *JEN7WATERS

    The next giveaway hop I am participating in is Gratitude Giveaway hop later this month!

    All winners will be contacted ASAP! Congrats to all the winners!

    Check out my current giveaways by clicking the current giveaway tab along the top!



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    Skeleton Lake Blog Tour Blog Stop!- Author Interview


    Hey! Today on Reading Away The Days we have the Skeleton Lake Blog Tour stop by! Skeleton Lake is a debut YA Paranormal Romance novel from author Angela Kulig. Angela has kindly stopped by Reading Away The Days for an awesome interview! Check it out!




    Synopsis: Unsure if she's drowning or being saved, all Marlow wants to do is run away. Ensnared in a haunting love triangle, she realizes both boys have holes in their hearts—scars from loving the same girl, a girl who managed to stay dead. Now she is being hunted for what she has become and what she never asked to be. Even as a Skeleton Marlow isn’t the worst thing in the night—she isn’t even close.


    A little about Angela and her writing career so far:


    I don’t think I’d call it a career, more of a slow and painful existence. I have the soul of poet who enjoys being tortured, so I started writing 15 years ago--just before my 13th birthday if anyone is keeping score. I wrote my first novel after reading Journey to the Center of the Earth. It was awful, but after that I was hooked. I had brief stints where I wrote other things--plays, poetry, and really terrible indie films--but they were never as fun or fulfilling as novels were, so I always switched back. Skeleton Lake is my first published novel, but it nearly wasn’t. I had planned to release Pigments of My Imagination (which comes out on 11/11) first--but then I was approached by Red Iris and we hatched a new plan.



    Can you tell me a little about you book Skeleton Lake?

    Skeleton Lake is a dark book, full of unusual creatures and soul splitting situations. There are Hollow people, and people who feel hollow and desperate. Things in Skeleton Lake are rough from the beginning, as Marlow takes and unexpected plunge she discovers she is no longer human. Trapped in an unfamiliar existence, she finds herself ensnared in a haunting love triangle--and the choice between bothers killed the last girl who tried it.

    Where did you get the idea for Skeleton Lake?

    I remember it vividly, because it made me so angry. I was completely flustered that I had this completely original idea spring after just starting something else. I was lying in bed awake when I should be sleeping--lots of my stories start this way--I was listening to She’s a Handsome Woman by Panic! At the Disco and there is a line that says “I wasn’t born to be a skeleton” and well my mind relates things weirdly. After that the whole story exploded from start to finish in one sleepless night.




    I love the cover of Skeleton Lake. Who designed it and did you have much say in the designing of the cover? 

    Thank you! S.M. Reine (http://www.smreine.com/) did my cover and she is amazing. I had complete say over what I wanted but she made it a million times better, and I even changed my mind say--10 times. At no point did she threaten to kill me and write a book about it… ok maybe once.

    Skeleton Lake is book one. How many books are going to be in the series?


    Four novels and a prequel novella. The next book in the series, Dust of the Dead Sea comes out in January 2012



    Skeleton Lake is YA paranormal romance. Is this a genre you like reading as well as writing. If so what are some of your fave paranormal romance books? 

    I LOVE reading, and I definitely love reading Paranormal Romance. There are so many fantastic books but here are some that I enjoyed: The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan, Stray by Rachel Vincent, My Blood Approves by Amanda Hocking, and Six Moon Summer by S.M. Reine



    Why should we read your book? 

    If you are into romance and things that go bump in the night--Skeleton Lake is for you. It’s got all original beasts that are not already crowding the paranormal market, and circumstances that are out of this world.

    Thanks to Angela for stopping by. You can find Angela on Twitter @angelakulig, her website & Goodreads.

    Skeleton Lake is available now:

    Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005WXSWTG/
    Thanks to Red Iris Books for letting particpate in the blog tour!

    Specializing in urban fantasy and paranormal, Red Iris Books is a small independent publisher bringing the best in dark fantasy to adult and teen audiences.




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