The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~ It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on my blog and share news about what’s coming up in the week ahead.
This past week on FYFA (and in my life):
Yesterday, I attended SCBWI’s (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) Prairie Writer’s and Illustrator’s Day. I really enjoyed this event and especially found the sessions on Pitching with Deborah Warren at East West Literary especially helpful.
Here’s what you may have missed on the blog since my last Sunday Post:
- Recap of the YA Lit Conference at Anderson’s Bookshop. Plus a Giveaway!
- Lulu the Broadway Mouse by Jenna Gavigan: Review & Giveaway
- Bite-Sized Reviews of Dear Evan Hansen, When My Heart Joins the Thousand, A Touch of Gold, and In Your Shoes
Book Blogger Birthdays and Blogoversaries:
Here are the birthdays and blogoversaries for this week! I hope you’ll go wish these bloggers well on their special days! Make sure you check out the calendar to see what you might have just missed or what’s coming up. (If you want to be added to the calendar, it’s easy! Just fill out the birthday/blogoversary form.)
- October 30th – Upside-Down Books‘ Blogoversary
- November – Books of My Heart‘s Blogoversary
- November 1st- All Books Considered‘s Blogoversary
- November 2nd – Bookwyrming Thoughts‘ Blogoversary
NetGalley/Edelweiss:
I’ve been good about reading some of my backlist review books lately, so I rewarded myself by requesting a few books. 🙂
Firestarter by Tara Sim was an absolute no-brainer for me because I LOVE this series!! Evelyn Skye is also an author I adore, so of course I needed Circle of Shadows. And I joined the tour for War of Storms, the third book in Erica Cameron’s Ryogan Chronicles.
For Review:
Okay, I broke the cardinal rule of book blogging here, people. I downloaded a book that was randomly emailed to me, unsolicited. I know, I know, I shouldn’t encourage authors to do this. But I read the blurb, and I was intrigued. So, I decided to download it and check it out, putting absolutely no pressure on myself to keep reading if I’m not into it. (I’m not even counting it in my tally of review books for the month. And I didn’t even tell the author I’m reading it, and I won’t mention it unless I like it. Is that better or worse?) Am I crazy? Probably. Anyway, it’s A Murder of Crows by A. Kirke. We shall see…
Great Discussions/Goings On Around the Blogosphere:
- Bookish shares The Good, the Bad, and the Problematic: Beth Vrabel on Using The Breakfast Club as Inspiration
- Laura @ Boats Against the Current shares her Top NaNoWriMo Tips
- Cee @ DORA Reads tells us Why Labelling Emotions Is Healthy (Ft. #Science)
Pre-Order Deals:
Listed in order of release date. Any new deals that I just added to the list this week will be denoted with a *** so you can easily find them!
Please note: Almost all pre-order giveaways run “while supplies last,” so I can’t guarantee that they’ll be open until the date listed. Pre-0rder early for your best chance to get all the goodies!
- Pre-order THE DARKEST STAR by Jennifer L. Armentrout to receive THE PACKAGE, the first Daemon and Kat bonus scene in several years, and The Darkest Star inspired nail polish. (INT)(ends 10/29)
- Pre-order ODD(LY) ENOUGH by Carolanne Miljavac to receive access to 6 FREE downloads: 2 Bookmarks, The First Chapter, an Inspirational Print, and 2 Original Carolanne Poems. (INT)(ends 10/29)
- Pre-order THIS CRUEL DESIGN by Emily Suvada to receive an ‘Unravel the Secrets’ Postcard, a Signed Bookplate, and a Signed Bookmark. (INT)(ends 10/29)
- ***Pre-order HOPE AND OTHER SUPERPOWERS by John Pavlovitz and Simon & Schuster will donate a superhero cape and mask to an at-risk or sick child! (INT)(ends 10/31)
- Pre-order LOVE FOR TWO LIFETIMES by Martina Boone to receive a signed bookplate, a limited edition original art card with calligraphy by Jodi Meadows, and an exclusive letter for the reader. (US) Or a digital art version of the art card, a digital version of the letter and a digital copy of Jodi’s hand-lettered calligraphy of a poem from the book. (INT)(ends 11/1)
- Pre-order EMPRESS OF ALL SEASONS by Emiko Jean to receive a swag pack. (US only)(ends 11/2)
- Pre-order SKYWARD by Brandon Sanderson to receive an exclusive map print featuring the world of Skyward, signed by Brandon Sanderson! (US only)(ends 11/5)
- Pre-order NINE PERFECT STRANGERS by Liane Moriarty to receive a free short story from Liane Moriarty! (US only)(11/5)
- Pre-order GIRLS OF PAPER AND FIRE by Natasha Ngan to receive an egg necklace, bookmark, and signed bookplate! (US only)(ends 11/5)
- Pre-order NO BORING STORIES! by Julie Falatko to receive a cute pencil and notebook. (ends 11/5)
- Pre-order KEEPER OF THE LOST CITIES: FLASHBACK by Shannon Messenger to receive two limited edition Iggy postcards, a Flashback print, and a signed bookplate! (CAN only)(ends 11/5)
- Pre-order FROZEN REIGN by Kathryn Purdie to receive a limited edition art card with quote, a signed and personalized bookplate, and a set of 3 bookmarks. (INT)(ends 11/5)
- Pre-order MAMMOTH by Jill Baguchinsky to receive a bookmark, an autographed bookplate, two stickers, and a postcard with a thank you from the author. First 75 will also receive a handmade paleontology-themed keychain and a set of buttons.(INT)(ends 11/5)
- Pre-order UMBERTOUCHED by Livia Blackburne to receive a Signed bookplate, a Signed bookmark, a Signed Zivah and Dineas art print and an alternate ending, emailed to you. (Plus, magnetic bookmarks in the US)(INTL)(ends 11/5)
- Pre-order ARCHENEMIES by Marissa Meyer to receive the Renegades Trilogy Character Art poster! (US only)(ends 11/5)
- Pre-order KINGDOM OF THE BLAZING PHOENIX by Julie Daw to receive a signed bookplate, enamel pin, quote sticker and bookmark. (US only)(ends 11/6)
- Pre-order THE ADVENTURE ZONE: MURDER ON THE ROCKPORT LIMITED by Clint and Griffin McElroy to receive a digital version of a print based on the cover (plus you’ll be entered to win one of 1000 actual prints) AND an exclusive recording of the live show from the McElroys NYC Book Launch! (US & CAN)(ends 11/7)
- Pre-order THE RESOLUTIONS by Mia Garcia to receive a tote with a quote from the book, a signed bookmark, and a signed bookplate. (US only)(ends 11/12)
- Pre-order PULP by Robin Talley to receive 2 autographed postcards, 2 bookmarks, 1 signed bookplate (personalized upon request), and 1 bonus As I Descended sticker. You’ll also be entered to win a grand prize. (US only for swag. Contest open INT)(ends 11/12)
- Pre-order THE STORYTELLER by Traci Chee to receive an engraved bookmark and the chance to win a grand prize. (US only)(ends 11/12)
- Pre-order REALM OF RUINS by Hannah West to receive a signed bookplate and a bookmark. You’ll also be entered to win a grand prize. (INT)(ends 12/3)
- Pre-order DARK AGE by Pierce Brown to receive a free holiday card directly from Pierce, featuring never-before-seen character art! (US only)(ends 12/3)
- Pre-order ALL THE WANDERING LIGHT by Heather Fawcett to receive an exclusive world map, a signed bookplate, a bookmark and two stickers. (INTL)(ends 12/3)
- Pre-order QUEEN OF AIR AND DARKNESS by Cassandra Clare to receive a deluxe Shadowhunter fairytale retelling booklet. Featuring 35 pages of exclusive art and a note from Cassandra Clare. (US only)(ends 12/3)
- Pre-order a paperback copy of EVERLESS by Sara Holland to receive a special additional character card for either Ina or Roan.(INT)(ends 12/3)
- Pre-order EVERMORE by Sara Holland to receive 1 of 3 Exclusive Character Cards, a signed bookplate, and access to an exclusive online interview with Sara Holland (filled with spoilers and juicy details!). Plus, you’ll be entered to win more. (INT)(ends 12/30)
- Pre-order FIRESTARTER by Tara Sim to receive an exclusive poster of Danny and Colton by artist TJ Ryan. (INT)(ends 12/31)
- Pre-order THE WINTER OF THE WITCH by Katherine Arden to receive a signed bookplate. (US only)(ends 1/7)
- Pre-order EVEN IF I FALL by Abigail Johnson to receive a bookmark, a signed bookplate, a cloud charm necklace with quote card and a digital copy of the original flash fiction piece that inspired the book. (INTL)(ends 1/7)
- ***Pre-order OUR YEAR OF MAYBE by Rachel Lynn Solomon to receive a bookmark, signed bookplate, vinyl sticker, and adorable dandelion enamel pin! (INT)(ends 1/14)
- Pre-order SONG OF THE DEAD by Sarah Glenn Marsh to receive a signed bookmark, an 11×17 beautiful map of the world of the Reign of the Fallen series (art by Jessica Khoury), and four new character cards including everyone’s favorite bear, Lysander! (art by Jo Painter) (INTL)(ends 1/21)
- Pre-order THE BIRDS, THE BEES, AND YOU AND ME by Olivia Hinebaugh to receive an enamel pin. (US Only)(ends 1/21)
- Pre-order KING OF SCARS by Leigh Bardugo to receive an enamel pin! (US only)(ends 1/28)
- Pre-order THE PRIORY OF THE ORANGE TREE by Samantha Shannon to receive an exclusive signed poster. (USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand)(ends 2/25)
- Pre-order A QUESTION OF HOLMES by a signed, personalized copy, plus an exclusive illustrated print. (INT)(ends 3/5)
- Pre-order DESCENDANT OF THE CRANE by Joan He to receive 3 swag items (they won’t be all paper-made–actual items TBD closer to release date). (INT)(ends 4/1)
More Awesome Giveaways:
- Twitter Giveaways:
- @AstridScholte is giving away a pre-order US hardback (but the giveaway is open internationally) of #FourDeadQueens.
- @hafsahfaizal is giving away a galley of WE HUNT THE FLAME, her YA fantasy set in a world inspired by ancient Arabia.
- @EliseKova is giving away a signed paperback of THE DRAGONS OF NOVA.
- @LJSilverman1 is giving away an ARC of @writerkmc’s TWO CAN KEEP A SECRET
- @edwardanddamon is celebrating her birthday by giving away one book from her most anticipated releases for the month.
- On my blog, you’ll find the September Wrap-Up Round-Up Link-Up & Make Me Read It Giveaway,
and the October Discussion Challenge Link-Up & Giveaway. - Head over to The Reading Teen to win a Spooky Reads Prize Pack from Disney Books!
- Head over to Fandom and you could win THE WITCHLANDS Series By Susan Dennard
- Head over to It Starts at Midnight for a chance to win one of 2 Finished Copies of This Cruel Design by Emily Suvada (US)
- XPresso Book Tours is hosting their Fall in Love With Books Giveaway, with a $100 Amazon Gift Card up for grabs.
- Goddess Fish Promotions is celebrating ten years of serving authors with a $50 gift card!
- Katie McGarry is giving away an Advanced Reviewer Copy of Only a Breath Apart, signed copies of Say You’ll Remember Me, Long Way Home, Walk the Edge and Nowhere But Here
- Shannon @ It Starts at Midnight is celebrating her 5th blogoversary with a giveaway
- Head over to Sharing Inspired Kreations for a chance to win After the Fire
- Lots of blogs participating in the October Of Books Giveaway Hop!
- The Regal Critiques is hosting Spooky October 2018 and giving away a book of your choice!
- Head over to Clean Wholesome Romance for a chance to win a 6 Month Kindle Unlimited Subscription
- Head over to Bookish for LOTS of giveaways!
Lots of good stuff! Have any giveaways or great discussions happening on your site right now? Feel free to share them in the comments!
Glad the event was good!! Enjoy your new books and have a great week!
Thanks, Grace!
LOL, I will be curious to see if you like the book. Some blogs actually have the author send every book and then contact author if they read it. So do your thing 🙂
I don’t usually accept randomly emailed books, but for some reason this one caught my eye, and I thought, “Why not?” We shall see!
I love seeing you do all this writer stuff. Going after the dream. I love it!
Thanks, Sam! I’m trying hard!
Ooh nice new reads! I still have yet to read Circle of Shadows despite being approved of it months ago! I keep trying to read review books that are more current and current releases and throwing in a few older books too because I am seriously slacking on my TBR challenge! I might not make that one this year! eek!
Hope you enjoy all of your lovely new reads!
Here’s my STS
Have a GREAT day!
Old Follower 🙂
Oh, I have this problem all the time. I can’t tell you the number of book I have that I’ve been approved for for months—I think part of the problem is that I don’t want to read them right away because it’s too early, and then my interest wanes by the time we get close to release. And I just have too darn many books. 🙂
You had a really interesting week! I would love attending these kind of events. The only one close to home and that may be bigger than the one above was YALC London. I loved it! Thanks for the links too! Happy Sunday 😉
I’ve heard lots of people rave about YALC London. Sounds fantastic!
Hope taking the chance on the unsolicited book pays off! I remember how exciting that was several years ago as a very new blogger. And now when one pops up it’s like… *groan* LOL
I know. I normally don’t even glance at those, but for some reason I looked at this one. I have no idea why! 🙂
Ooh sounds like a great event; I’m glad you found it helpful. I hope you enjoy A Murder of Crows – nice title at least! 🙂
-Lauren
It’s a nice cover, right?
That event sounds so much fun. 🙂 I hope you enjoy your new books. After so long without requesting anything, one deserves to click the “request” button. =P A Murder of Crows seems quite an interesting book (I couldn’t resist reading the synopsis and it is so intriguing). I think I’d also download it.
Wishes of a great week.
Tânia @MyLovelySecret
Glad I’m not the only one who was pulled in by that synopsis! Sometimes we have to take a chance on a random book, right?
Ah this sounds like such an awesome event, I’m so happy you had a lovely time 🙂 And yay for the new books! I really need to get around to reading this Tara Sim series, it sounds awesome 🙂
Have a wonderful week! <3
I was surprised how much I utterly loved Tara Sims’ series, especially that first book. It was brilliant!
I’ve done that taking unsolicited books, but usually I do let the author or whoever sent it know that I am going to try it. That one looks interesting, will have to see what you think about it. I also am enjoying all the conferences you’re going to! Stealing the ideas you share when they are ones that work for me. Have a great week!
Steal away! That’s why I put those posts out there. 🙂
I’m glad you had fun at the event! You’re brave for downloading an unsolicited book. I just delete those emails. I hope you like it and your other new books.
I usually just delete them too. I have no idea what possessed me to read the synopsis. I guess every once in a while I like to take a chance on a random book. You never know!
I’m glad you enjoyed the event! It sounds interesting!
Thanks for sharing my NaNo post, and have a great week! 🙂
You’re very welcome! I saw it Tweeted and figured this was a good time to send people over there. 🙂
Thanks for sharing about my Blogaversary next month. I think I will do a mid-month post with some fun things.
Currently I have a giveaway going with a copy of The Voodoo Killings by Kristi Charish which lasts until Nov 4th.
You got some good-looking books. Enjoy ! Anne – Books of My Heart
I’m always happy to share!!
Thinking happy thoughts that you like your unsolicited book! I had the same thing happen to me, usually they’re rejected but this one sounded sooooo good! It’s called The Keeper by Jillian Liota. Fingers crossed for the both of us!
Hope we love them!