This past week on FYFA (and in my life):
This week was once again pretty uneventful, except that I made some forward progress with an agent I submitted a query to. Who knows where it will go, but it’s nice to have some positive feedback—no matter how much you tell yourself to prepare for the negative, it’s hard to keep that thick skin in place some days. (I need better glue!)
Other than that, I spent a lot of time at gymnastics meets—my daughter had three school meets this week! She’s mostly doing this sport for fun, since she quit competitive gymnastics years ago and can’t possibly compete with the girls who do it regularly. But we went to a JV invitational the other day and were amazed at one team that had girls doing giants (where they swing all the way around the high bar multiple times) and complicated dismounts—if that’s their JV team, I can’t imagine what their varsity gymnasts do. They must have a lot of competitive gymnasts at their school!
I spent most of my blogging time this week updating my Master List of 2019 Reading Challenges (it takes a lot of time to search for challenges and keep the list updated!), which means I fell behind on almost everything else. Sorry I didn’t get around the blogosphere much this week. I’ll be back at it soon!
Here’s what you may have missed on the blog since my last Sunday Post:
- Are You An Email Hoarder? Let’s Discuss
- Bite-Sized Reviews of After the Fire, Watersnakes, Into the Bright Unknown and House Arrest
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 10th – Freda @ Freda’s Voice‘s Birthday
- December 10th – The Bibliofile Book Reviews‘ Blogoversary
- December 11th – Lindsay @ Nighttime Reading Center‘s Birthday
- December 14th – This Dark Material‘s Blogoversary
- December 15th – Alexandra @ Milky Way of Books‘ Birthday
From NetGalley:
I am a HUGE fan of Brigid Kemmerer, so I can’t wait to read A Curse So Dark and Lonely. And then I was also super intrigued by The Immoral Code, so I picked that one up too.
Free:
Colleen Hoover wrote a follow-up to Maybe Someday, which is my all-time favorite of her books. She wrote Maybe Now as a free gift to her readers, and it was originally on Wattpad, but now it can be found on Amazon, so I picked it up.
Great Discussions/Goings On Around the Blogosphere:
- Rec-It Rachel gives us her 2018 Holiday Book-Gifting Guide
- Bookwyrming Thoughts announced the sign-ups for Novel Newcomers, featuring bloggers who started blogging in 2017 and 2018.
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 CROW FLIGHT by Susan Cunningham to receive a signed bookplate, a sticker, a bookmark, a notecard and a chance to win a crow necklace and more. (US only)(ends 12/10)
- Pre-order THIS LIE WILL KILL YOU by Chelsea Pitcher to receive a signed sticker featuring the book’s cover. You’ll also be entered to win a grand prize. (US/UK only)(ends 12/10)
- ***Pre-order THE NEXT TO LAST MISTAKE by Amalie Jahn (or make a purchase request for your local library) to receive a bookmark and a signed bookplate (first 25 entries). Plus, there will be giveaways the more preorders that are received. (US only)(ends 12/15)
- 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 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 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 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 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 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:
- Educators & Librarians: @Jarrett_Lerner is giving away a stack of books for your library or classroom.
- @UtopiaMind is giving away any 2019 preorder.
- @akemidawn is giving away a SUMMER BIRD BLUE + STARFISH bundle that includes signed copies of both books and some book swag!
- @MorganAlMoor is giving away two of her “most anticipated” books!
- @sofipasternack is giving away a PREORDER GIVEAWAY for the January debuts
- @dulivre is giving away four different stacks of books!
- On my blog, you’ll find a giveaway of Explorer Academy: The Nebula Secret. Plus you can enter the giveaway for the November Wrap-Up Round-Up, and the December Discussion Challenge Link-Up & 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
- Enter to win 40 signed YA books for the holidays!
- 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 and more. (She has a LOT of giveaways over there!)
- 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!
That’s exciting news about your query. I hope something comes of it. When I was working in a high school, a lot of the kids that played on the teams, that were serious about the sport, did that sport all year long with clubs and what not. You get some ringers that way.
Yes, Danielle was swimming year round for a few years and before that she did gymnastics year-round for 12 hours a week (and that was low—she wasn’t in the most advanced group). I wasn’t surprised at the fact that there are some gymnasts in the mix. But at our school there aren’t enough of them to filter down to the JV team—the few real gymnasts are all varsity. I was really surprised that the one team had six JV girls who were obviously year-round gymnasts—makes me wonder what their varsity team must be like!
You got some great books this week! I hope you enjoy them!
And yaay for the positive feedback, it’s important!
Thanks!!
That’s great about your query. I am making it my New Year’s Resolution to get back to writing and that dreadful querying process! Lol. I am terrible with the query letter, like how I am terrible at interviews! I go full circle apparently! LOL! That’s great for your daughter! I was never flexible enough to even attempt gymnastics! I had too many medical problems as a kid that basically prevented me from being flexible and prevented me from doing such things when they popped up in little ways in gym class.
Yay for new reads! I loved A Curse So Dark and Lonely! Very cool! Hope you enjoy your new reads!
Here’s my STS
Have a GREAT day!
Old Follower 🙂
I’m completely hopeless when it comes to flexibility and coordination, so she doesn’t get any sort of genetic advantage (she isn’t naturally flexible, actually—when she was younger, she had to work really hard for her splits and she totally lost it again after). Still gymnastics is a fun sport and she has some background in it, so she’s not hopeless. 🙂
Good luck with the agent! I’m crossing my fingers for you. Enjoy your new books, and have a great week!
Thanks! No matter what happens with the agent, at least I’ve had some positive feedback. That’s a win!
Yay for forward progress with the agent. That’s awesome. It can definitely be tough to get negative feedback, and a lot of it sometimes, so anything positive is good to hear! 🙂
-Lauren
http://www.shootingstarsmag.net
Exactly, you need to take the positives where you can since we hear a lot of no’s. 🙂
Ohhh Immoral Code does sound good, and an ace/aro character?? Sweet.
That’s definitely one of the things that drew me to the book.
That’s exciting about the agent! I’m sure any progress is good. With the amount of queries they receive I imagine any contact at all is a positive sign. I’m so excited to start Maybe Now! Maybe Someday was my first ever from Colleen so it holds a special place for me. I’m thinking I might do a reread before starting Maybe Now.
Maybe Someday is probably my favorite Hoover book. I do love her YA books as well, though.
Congrats on taking the next step with your book! I’ve got a friend who is that stage now and she does a lot of stress baking. Hehe.
I’m not much of a baker, so I just practice stress eating instead. 🙂
Glad to hear you have forward momentum on the book/agent! That’s always pleasant news. And I’ve been wondering what reading/audiobook challenges I want to try out next year… and will I even have the time for them! Such a hard thing to gauge right at the beginning of the year.
I always sign up for too many challenges, but I think I’ll still choose a few for this next year anyway. Why not?
Thanks for the encouragement on the agent. Pretty much any positive feedback in this industry is food for the soul. 🙂
Ooo I didn’t know Maybe Now was available for free! I have Maybe Someday, but I haven’t read it yet. I better go pick up Maybe Now too!
I can imagine how much work compiling that list of challenges would be! I’ll have to take a look through it and consider participating in some more challenges for 2019! Thanks for doing that. I’m sure all your followers appreciate it!
It takes a lot of work, but I do think it’s worth it. I get a weird sense of accomplishment from it. 🙂
Good luck with the submission! Gymnastics is fun to watch, I can’t imagine doing any of that. I like watching it during the Olympics.
Enjoy your books, I need to read more Colleen Hoover. A Curse So Dark and Lonely sounds good also.
I agree that gymnastics is a fun sport to watch!
I have A Curse So Dark and Lonely on my kindle! I got it a while ago but promised myself I wouldn’t read it until closer to the release date.
Can’t wait to see what you think, it sounds so good!
Fingers crossed with the agent query! Hopefully, it goes somewhere awesome.
Thanks! I’m hoping for good news with this agent. But if it doesn’t work out, I’ll keep going!
That’s fabulous about your query! I’ll be thinking happy thoughts for you! And three meets in one week is a lot, phew. I’m so glad she gets to do that for fun. Andy’s sister spent I don’t even know how many hours a week doing gymnastics, she was the level below the Olympics and competed and travelled outside the US. Watching her videos of what she did still blows my mind and scares me lol. It’s amazing what some people are able to do physically!
Wow! That must’ve been so cool to watch. Those gymnasts spend a crazy number of hours in the gym!