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):
Well, I finished the first draft of my YA novel this week. And then I set it aside and immediately started plotting my next book. I definitely need a little space from that last book—it’s going to take a lot of editing to get it into reasonable shape. I’m not saying I won’t go back to it, but I need some time away first. So now I’m starting work on another MG novel. I’m excited about this one!
Oh, and I had to give my son the Heimlich this week. I wrote about it on Twitter (it actually had a pretty funny ending).
Here’s what you may have missed on the blog since my last Sunday Post:
- 2019 Book Blog Discussion Challenge Sign-Up – It’s that time! Sign up for the challenge now.
- Briggs Book Tag
- Navigating the Stars by Maria V. Snyder: Review & Giveaway – Still time to enter to win one of three copies of the book!
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.)
- December 16th – Jessica @ a GREAT read‘s Birthday
- December 16th – Page Hoarder‘s Blogoversary
- December 20th – Inky Impressions‘ Blogoversary
- December 21st – Chasing Faerytales‘ Blogoversary
Nothing this week!
Great Discussions/Goings On Around the Blogosphere:
- AJ @ Read All the Things shares A Brief List Of Oddities Discovered In The Comments Section
- Swoon Author Tiana Smith shares some of her editing process in It Gets Worse Before It Can Get Better
- American Indians in Children’s Literature shares their list of the Best Books of 2018 (featuring native authors or characters).
- Jill Baguchinsky shares How (Not) to Query
- Pop Goes the Reader shares 70 MIDDLE GRADE NOVELS I CAN’T WAIT TO READ IN 2019
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 DECREE by Tricia Mingerink to receive 2 character cards. (INT)(ends 12/17)
- Pre-order THE DISASTERS by M.K. England (or request for your library to purchase it) to receive a bookmark, a rainbow rocketship sticker, a signed bookplate, a postcard and an emailed PDF with a printable DISASTERS-themed card. Plus the chance to win one of 75 enamel pins and even more! (INT)(ends 12/17)
- Pre-order THE CURSED SEA by Lauren DeStefano to receive WITHER bookmark goodies and mystery swag! (INT)(ends 12/17)
- 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 (or request for your library to purchase it) to receive an exclusive poster of Danny and Colton by artist TJ Ryan. (INT)(ends 12/31)
- Pre-order THE GILDED WOLVES by Roshani Chokshi to receive a pack of character tarot cards designed by Yoshi Yoshitani. (US/CAN only)(ends 1/6)
- Pre-order TWO CAN KEEP A SECRET by Karen M. McManus to receive an exclusive short story set in the aftermath of ONE OF US IS LYING, “The Bayview Four: Where Are They Now?” (US only)(ends 1/7)
- Pre-order WHEN THE TRUTH UNRAVELS by RuthAnne Snow (or request for your library purchase it) to receive a signed bookplate and an art print (first 50). Plus you’ll have the chance to win more if at least 200 people enter. (US only)(ends 1/7)
- Pre-order THE WICKED KING by Holly Black to receive an enamel pin and bookmark. (US only)(ends 1/7)
- 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 BLACK ENOUGH edited by Ibi Zoboi to receive an exclusive BLACK ENOUGH themed button, courtesy of Epic Reads! (US only)(ends 1/7)
- Pre-order ANALIESE RISING by Brenda Drake to receive a signed bookplate, bookmark, sticker, and a couple’s Red String of Fate bracelet set. (ends 1/9)
- Pre-order CRISIS DESSERTED by Katherine Laurin to receive a signed bookmark and sticker. (ends 12/31)
- Pre-order THE BLOOD SPELL by C.J. Redwine from Parnassus Books to receive a signed and personalized copy and a free gift. (ends 1/10)
- Pre-order LOLA DUTCH: WHEN I GROW UP by Kenneth Wright to receive a PDF “Curiosity Kit” which will include activities, games, lesson plans, arts and crafts and other fun interactive play for children to enjoy alongside the book! (INTL)(ends 1/14)
- Pre-order ECHO NORTH by Joanna Ruth Meyer to receive a bookmark, sticker, magnet, postcard with original artwork, and a signed bookplate. (US only)(ends 1/14)
- Pre-order STAIN by A.G. Howard to receive the “Alice the Absent” short story, a rose enamel pin, and a signed bookplate. (US only)(ends 1/14)
- 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 THE KINGDOM OF COPPER by S.A. Chakraborty to receive a short story that takes place between this and the first book in the series. (INT)(ends 1/21)
- Pre-order CIRCLE OF SHADOWS by Evelyn Skye to receive a set of Limited Edition character art and a chance to win a $1,000 VISA gift card! (US only)(ends 1/21)
- Pre-order THE FINAL SUMMONS by the New England Speculative Writers to receive cell phone and computer backgrounds as well as a Sci-Fi and Fantasy story collection by the group. (INT)(ends 1/28)
- Pre-order THE LOVE AND LIES OF RUKHSANA ALI by Sabina Khan to receive a bookmark, a signed bookplate, and two postcards. You’ll also be entered to win a grand prize giveaway! Request your library order it to receive a bookmark and postcard. (INT)(ends 1/28)
- Pre-order A CURSE SO DARK AND LONELY by Brigid Kemmerer to receive exclusive bonus content and the chance to win a Cozy Winter Reading Box! (USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and India)(ends 1/28)
- Pre-order KING OF SCARS by Leigh Bardugo to receive an enamel pin! (US only)(ends 1/28)
- ***Pre-order ONLY A BREATH APART by Katie McGarry to receive two exclusive original eNovellas from the author e-mailed to you! (US & CAN only)(ends 1/28)
- ***Pre-order THE LAST LIFE OF PRINCE ALASTOR by Alexandra Bracken to receive three character art prints. (INT)(ends 2/4)
- Pre-order VORTEX VISIONS by Elise Kova to receive a signed postcard, and you’ll be entered to win a grand prize. (INT)(ends 2/4)
- Pre-order CRAB CAKE by Andrea Tsurumi (from Indiebound or B&N) to receive a signed print of sea lion, a signed bookplate, a sticker, and the chance for a signed original drawing of Moray Eel. (ends 2/4)
- Pre-order THE WEIGHT OF OUR SKY by Hanna Alkaf to receive an enamel pin, a bookmark, a signed bookplate illustrated by the author, and a pop-up card featuring scenes of old-school Malaysia. (INT)(ends 2/4)
- Pre-order ENCHANTÉE by Gita Trelease to receive an exclusive hot air balloon print. (US only)(ends 2/4)
- Pre-order THE DECEIVERS by Kristen Simmons to receive an enamel pin. (US & CAN)(ends 2/4)
- Pre-order COURTING DARKNESS by Robin LeFevers to receive a notebook, enamel pin, bookmark, temporary tattoo, and stickers. (US only)(ends 2/5)
- Pre-order IMMORAL CODE by Lillian Clark OR request it at your library for a chance to win one of three tote bags and annotated ARCs! (INT)(ends 2/19)
- 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 FOUR DEAD QUEENS by Astrid Scholte to receive an exclusive Welcome to Quadara Pin from your favorite region. (US only)(ends 2/25)
- ***Pre-order AN AFFAIR OF POISONS by Addie Thorley OR request that your library purchase it OR let her know you are a teen reader who cannot pre-order to receive a bookmark, a signed bookplate, and 3 limited edition character art cards. (INT)(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 BEWARE THE NIGHT by Jessica Fleck OR or request it from your local library to receive a signed bookmark, a sticker with quote, and a glass fish. Plus a chance to win more! (INT)(ends 3/11)
- Pre-order TO BEST THE BOYS by Mary Weber to receive an email download including a labyrinth maze, a playlist, bookish Rhen Paper Doll, and a new STORM SIREN NOVELLA ebook. (INT)(ends 3/18)
- ***Pre-order THE NEXT TO LAST MISTAKE by Amalie Jahn OR request it at your local library to receive a bookmark and a signed bookplate (first 25). After those first 25, there will be giveaways! (US only)(ends 3/18)
- 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)
- Pre-order THE GIRL HE USED TO KNOW by Tracey Garvis Graves to receive a signed bookplate. (US/CAN only)(ends 4/1)
- ***Pre-order AN ANATOMY OF BEASTS by Olivia A. Cole to receive an enamel “who’s the beast” pin. More goodies are available if you order the first book as well or if you order from an independent bookstore. (ends 4/15)
- ***Pre-order BRIEF CHRONICLE OF ANOTHER STUPID HEARTBREAK by Adi Alsaid to receive a personalized, autographed postcard from the author’s travels. (ends 4/30)
- Pre-order SPIN THE DAWN by Elizabeth Lim to receive exclusive art, an official bookmark and a signed bookplate. (INT)(ends 7/29)
More Awesome Giveaways:
- Twitter Giveaways:
- @ktzhaoauthor is giving away the choice of one of four #novel19 preorders
- @ameliewenzhao is giving away an ARC of Blood Heir
- @chasingfaes is giving away an ARC of Dark of the West
- @heathermfawcett is giving away a signed copy of ALL THE WANDERING LIGHT PLUS a world map (not included in the books).
- @UtopiaMind is giving away any 2019 preorder.
- On my blog, you’ll find a giveaway of Navigating the Stars. Plus you can enter the giveaway for the November Wrap-Up Round-Up and the December Discussion Challenge Link-Up & Giveaway.
- Head over to Metaphors and Moonlight for a chance to win a copy of The City of Brass
- Head over to It Starts at Midnight for a chance to win one of three Paperback or three ebook copies of THE PRISONER
- Freda @ Freda’s Voice is celebrating her birthday with a $10 Amazon gift card giveaway!
- Enter Penguin’s Cozy Up with Jane Austen Sweepstakes!
- Head over to Book Hounds for a chance to win My Almost Flawless Tokyo Dream Life
- Head over to Lisa Loves Literature for a chance to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card and Paper Girl themed journal
- Head over to Here’s to Happy Endings for a chance to win THIS LIE WILL KILL YOU, STRONGER, FASTER, AND MORE BEAUTIFUL and more!
- For Shannon @ It Starts at Midnight’s birthday, she’s giving you a book of choice (INT) and letting YOU pick a book for her to gift herself!
- Dani @ Perspective of a Writer is celebrating her I Heart Characters meme with a giveaway of a Book Depository Book up to $10
- Read It Forward does a weekly giveaway. This week you can enter to win The Care and Feeding of Ravenously Hungry Girls!
- 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!
My goodness, what a scary experience with your son! Thank goodness you knew what to do. But I’m still laughing that he asked if he had to still eat the meatball. LOL Congrats on completing the first draft of your YA! Hopefully a nice break from it will result in the creative juices getting recharged.
Yeah, he got us laughing after a pretty scary moment. 🙂
Congrats on finishing the first draft of your YA novel. 🙂 That was that a scary experience with your son. I’m so happy he’s okay.
Wishes of a good week. 🙂
Yes, it was scary, so I was glad that it all turned out fine!
Congrats on finishing the first draft of your book! That’s awesome! Mine has gone through so many drafts. The earliest one might have been from when I was in 8th or 9th grade! Lol.
Yay for not adding to the TBR pile this week! I didn’t do too bad in that area! Bought one, got one review, and the other is just a collection purpose! Lol!!!
Here’s my STS
Have a GREAT day!
Old Follower 🙂
Yes, my first book (well, first completed book) has had quite a few drafts as well. That’s the way writing works!
It’s kind of cool to say you finished a book, even if it will require a lot of editing.That’s amazing! Good luck with your new book!
Thanks, Sam! I’m happy to have another completed book under my belt. Each new book is a challenge!
Oh wow, I’m glad your son is okay! but that’s too funny – “do I still have to eat that?” lol Yay for finishing the first draft of your YA, and I’m glad you’re excited to dive into your new MG.
-Lauren
Yes, he made a very tense situation funny at least!
I’m feeling a little down about my writing. Thinking maybe I’ll just go back to being a reader. I’m so in awe of you finishing another book! Great job! Good luck with your new one as well! Hope your son is okay. Have a good week!
I went through stages with this book where I was just about ready to give up, but I’m glad I didn’t. Writing is tough on the ego, that’s for sure!
Congrats on finishing the book. Wow, you actually had to do the Heimlich? That’s scary. I’m glad it had a good and funny ending. Have a great week!
Yeah, I never thought I’d actually have to do the Heimlich, but I’m glad I learned it!
Oh wow. I’m so glad your son is okay! And you were able to help him so quickly! Great job, Mama! And it’s always good to get some space from your work. I often start working on a new project right after finishing a different one. Then I go back to the first project later when I have a clearer head about it.
Yes, I think I need time away from this book for a little while. Now I’m excited about my new project!
Congrats on getting your YA draft completed!
I hope editing isn’t too much of a nightmare when you do return to it 🙂
I definitely think this book will take a lot more editing than my first one, but that’s okay. I need to step away from it for a while and work on something else, but I’ll eventually come back to this one.
Children choking is the worst! I don’t let mine have snacks around the house, and make them stay at the table or in the kitchen. You never know when something is going to get stuck! How terrifying that must have been for you, but I’m glad it had a happy ending. Congratulations on finishing your YA draft! That’s such an amazing accomplishment. I’ve left mine on SwoonReads for a few months now, but it clearly needs more work (which I knew). I just wanted to get some feedback on it before I did more revisions. I’m actually co-writing with someone else right now, and we’re swapping chapters. It’s been a blast!
Check out my 2018 End of the Year Giveaway! Lindsi @ Do You Dog-ear? ?
My son is 14, so you’d THINK he could be trusted to chew his food, but … not so much. Luckily it all ended up okay. 🙂
Wow congrats on finishing the novel! I’m sure it needs editing, no book is immediately perfect, but that’s so incredible that you wrote a WHOLE BOOK! And that’s awesome you’re already writing another, I hope it turns out great 🙂
Yes, I feel like I needed the accomplishment of finishing this second book so I could prove to myself I could do it again. I’ll come back to it, but I’m happy to be jumping into book #3 for now.
WOOOOOO. CONGRATULATIONS. ??? Now you’ve got one of the most difficult steps completed! Good luck on the next book. ?
Thanks! I’m already excited about this next book, so let’s hope I stay motivated.
You’ve had an eventful but successful week! I hope this week only gets better. Anne – Books of My Heart
Thanks!!
Ohhh a YA book! That is so exciting, I didn’t realize you were in both MG and YA. Aw, so awesome! 🙂 And I know I’ve said this before but I’m so thankful your son is okay. ♥
I plan to move back to MG with my next book, but I do love YA, so it seemed to make sense to write something YA.