This past week on FYFA (and in my life):
Okay, guys, welcome to the rollercoaster that is a writer’s life … I am. this. close. to announcing that thing that I thought wasn’t happening. It’s practically a done deal now. But it’s not actually a done deal, so I can’t say anything else.
Lots of stuff going on for my kids this week—like meetings for my middle daughter’s Costa Rica trip (she’s going with school at the beginning of summer) and doing an observation at the school that my son is going to go to next year. (Since it’s not the school he’d be automatically enrolled in based on our address, but it is in district—after seeing it, we think it will be great for him).
And my mom and I went to see Dear Evan Hansen (the musical), which was technically a present for her 70th birthday (back at the end of September). I LOVED the show!!! I had serious goosebumps during “Waving Through a Window” and we both cried at the end of the show. If you have the chance to see it, don’t pass it up!
Here are a few pics that I took to commemorate (use the arrows to see them all):
Here’s what you may have missed on the blog since my last Sunday Post:
I only put up one post. I was busy with family stuff and very distracted with the writing news that might be happening…
- Fun with Spam #6! – At least if I only posted one thing, it was a fun post! I love writing these.
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.)
- February 24th – Book Briefs‘ Blogoversary
- February 24th – Jessica @ jessicasblog45‘s Birthday
- February 24th – Rachel @ Confessions of a Book Geek‘s Birthday
- February 27th – Alyssa @ The Devil Orders Takeout‘s Birthday and Blogoversary
- February 27th – Jackie’s Forget Me Nots‘ Blogoversary
- February 28th – Sue @ Crushing Cinders‘ Birthday
- March – Jane @ Janepedia‘s Birthday
- March – Rebel Mommy Book Blog‘s Blogoversary
- March 1st – The Heart of a Book Blogger‘s Blogoversary
- March 2nd – Pink Polka Dot Books‘ Blogoversary
Book Haul:
NetGalley:
I couldn’t resist these three books. My Fate According to the Butterfly and Nikki Tesla and the Ferret-Proof Death Ray are two MG reads that I’ve had my eye on (I had ferrets when I was in a kid up until a few years after college and I LOVE them!!). And Smoke and Key is by Kelsey Sutton—I adored The Lonely Ones, which was also by her, and the same day I read that book I got a review request for this one. I jumped at it!
For Review:
I got Samantha Spinner and the Spectacular Specs in the mail the other day as a fun surprise! Bella definitely seems interested (especially after I told her she’d get a treat so she’d perk up for the picture).
Pre-order Goodies:
Remember how I insisted I don’t love swag? Well, there’s an exception to every rule. I specifically pre-ordered Courting Darkness so I could get the swag, and I have no regrets. The enamel pin is what hooked me (I’m a sucker for those.)
Great Discussions/Goings On Around the Blogosphere:
- Bookish shares 28 Books for Young Readers This Black History Month
- Kristen @ Metaphors and Moonlight tells us How to Find Upcoming Book Releases
Pre-order Incentives
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 supp`lies 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 EMPIRE OF LIGHT by Alex Harrow or request it from your local library to receive a bookmark, bookplate, sticker, pin and flavored lip balm (you can choose #TeamDamian, #TeamAris, or #TeamRaeyn swag). (ends 2/24)
- ***Pre-order THE DYSASTERS by P.C. and Kristin Cast to receive an enamel pin, a lenticular poster, and a bookmark! (US/Can only)(ends 2/25)
- Pre-order WE SET THE DARK ON FIRE by Tehlor Kay Mejia OR request it from your local library to receive one character card of your choice and you’ll be entered to win a grand prize. (INT)(ends 2/25)
- Pre-order WARRIOR OF THE WILD by Tricia Levenseller to receive a quote magnet, a signed bookplate and a download of the first chapter of the book with annotations by the author. (US or INT)(ends 2/25)
- Pre-order THE LAST LETTER by Rebecca Yaros to receive a FREE signed & personalized paperback of GIRL IN LOVE, an upcoming, exclusive release co-written by Jay Crownover and Rebecca Yarros as well as a signed, personalized, The Last Letter bookplate. Open to the first 300 submissions. (US only)(ends 2/25)
- 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 LADY SMOKE by Laura Sebastian to receive a phone wallet! (US only)(ends 2/28)
- Pre-order THE FEVER KING by Victoria Lee OR request it from your local library to receive a signed bookplate, a bookmark, a sticker, a flair pin (US only), and character art cards. (INT)(ends 1/31 for pre-orders, 2/28 for library requests)
- ***Pre-order IF YOU’RE OUT THERE by Katy Loutzenhiser to receive an enamel pin, signed bookplate, bookmark and sticker! (INT)(ends 3/4) There is also a library giveaway!
- Pre-order CHRYSALIS by Brendan Reichs to receive a Project Nemesis book bag. (US only)(ends 3/4)
- Pre-order WITHIN THESE LINES by Stephanie Morrill to receive a digital poster, an exclusive video, a “Behind The Book” story, and a Reader’s Guide. (ends 3/4)
- Pre-order YOU ASKED FOR PERFECT by Laura Silverman to receive one of four different magnetic bookmarks designed as the characters. (INT)(ends 3/4)
- Pre-order THE SHADOWGLASS by Rin Chupeco to receive a limited edition tea sticker and a Bone Witch series pin. (INT)(ends 3/4)
- Pre-order THE FAIREST KIND OF LOVE by Crystal Cesari to receive a bookmark featuring a quote, a sticker set featuring logos from the series, a cover-art postcard, and a signed bookplate. (INT)(ends3/4)
- Pre-order SEVENTH GRADE VS. THE GALAXY by Joshua Levy to receive a signed copy and an exclusive poster. (INT)(ends 3/4)
- Pre-order A QUESTION OF HOLMES by a signed, personalized copy, plus an exclusive illustrated print. (INT)(ends 3/5)
- Pre-order SHOUT by Laurie Halse Anderson and Penguin Young Readers will donate $1 to RAINN, the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization. (INT)(ends 3/11)
- 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)
- Request ALL THE WALLS OF BELFAST by Sarah J. Carlson from your local library to receive a signed custom bookplate, a postcard featuring pictures of Northern Ireland, and stickers featuring lyrics from Fiona and Danny’s favorite band, Fading Stars. You’ll also be entered to win other giveaways. (US/Can)(ends 3/11)
- Pre-order THE WAKING FOREST by Alyssa Wees OR request it from your library to receive a bookmark, sticker, and signed bookplate! You’ll also be entered to win a grand prize. (INT)(ends 3/12)
- Pre-order BLOODLEAF by Crystal Smith to receive a branded notebook and map of Achleva. (US/Can)(ends 3/12)
- Pre-order WINTER WAR AWAKENING by Rosalyn Eves to receive an enamel pin designed by the author, a signed bookplate designed by the author, and a set of bookmarks. (ends 3/18)
- 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 SKY WITHOUT STARS by Jessica Brody and Joanne Rendell from Mysterious Galaxy Books to receive a two-sided 12”x16” poster featuring the ONLY available colored version of the book’s world map (the book contains a black and white version of this map), autographed by both authors, a signed bookplate, a signed postcard, and a signed bookmark. (ends 3/25)
- Pre-order THE LAST VOYAGE OF POE BLYTHE by Ally Condie to receive an exclusive deluxe leather bookmark. (US only)(ends 3/25)
- Pre-order ONCE & FUTURE by Amy Rose Capetta and Cori McCarthy to receive a signed bookplate, a lenticular bookmark, and a mini-poster of all the characters. (US only)(ends 3/25)
- Pre-order A PLACE FOR WOLVES by Kosoko Jackson to receive a signed bookplate and a bookmark. Plus you’ll be entered to win a grand prize. (US/Can)(ends 3/25)
- Order SWAP’D by Tamara Ireland Stone OR request a hold at/check out a copy from your local library to receive a custom PopSocket, signed bookplate, bookmarks, and stickers! (ends 3/31)
- Pre-order WHITE ROSE by Kip Wilson OR request it at your local library to receive a bookmark and a sticker. You’ll also be entered to win other prizes. (INT)(ends 4/1)
- 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 DEFY ME by Tahereh Mafi to receive a customized Shatter Me eyeliner set! (US only)(ends 4/1)
- ***Pre-order WHEN WE LEFT CUBA by Chanel Cleeton from Fountain Bookstore to receive a special limited-edition recipe card inspired by a recipe from Chanel’s grandmother and a stunning lipstick from Besamé Cosmetics. (ends 4/8)
- Pre-order WRITERS OF THE FUTURE VOLUME 35 and receive a FREE digital edition of L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 25. (ends 4/8)
- Pre-order THROUGH THE WHITE WOOD by Jessica Leake to receive a bookmark and character art printed on a postcard-sized card. (INT)(ends 4/9)
- 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 SWITCHBACK by Danika Stone to receive a signed bookplate, bookmark and postcard. Plus you’ll be entered to win other goodies! (INT)(ends 5/27) PLUS there’s a library only giveaway (scroll through the thread to see the pic with details0! (INT)(ends 6/28)
- Pre-order STRONGER THAN A BRONZE DRAGON by Mary Fan OR request it from your library to receive a signed postcard, a magnet, and a red envelope containing a mystery prize. (INT)(ends 6/20)
- Pre-order SPIN THE DAWN by Elizabeth Lim to receive exclusive art, an official bookmark and a signed bookplate. (INT)(ends 7/29)
- Pre-order MOMENTOUS EVENTS IN THE LIFE OF A CACTUS by Dusti Bowling to receive a signed bookplate, bookmark, & bonus story. (ends 9/16)
More Awesome Giveaways:
- Twitter Giveaways:
- @RosalynEves is giving away all three books in her trilogy + a preorder gift pack. 3 bonus winners will get the enamel pin only.
- @thebookbratz is giving away an ARC of TAROT by Marissa Kennerson
- @tonyaleeh is giving away The Quiet You Carry by Nikki Barthelmess
- @NicoleMHewitt (ME!) is giving away ANY BOOK YOU WANT!
- Jessica @ aGREATread is having a 10th Blogoversary Extravaganza!
- On my blog, you can enter the giveaway for the January Wrap-Up Round-Up, the February Discussion Challenge and Giveaway, and my 6th blogoversary giveaway!
- Head over to The Eater of Books for a chance to win The Valiant and The Defiant
- Head over to FUONLYKNEW for a chance to win a Clean Teen Publishing Mystery Box
- Head over to Shooting Stars Mag for a chance to win a Movie Night Prize Pack
- Head over to France Book Tours for a chance to win The Song Peddler of the Pont Neuf, Smoking Kills, or The Crypt Thief
- Head over to Every Free Chance Books for a Romance is in the Air $100 Kickoff Giveaway
- Head over to Teaching Authors for a chance to win HEDY LAMARR’S DOUBLE LIFE by Laurie Wallmark
- Lots of blogs participating in the February Of Books Giveaway Hop!
- Read It Forward does a weekly giveaway. This week you can enter to win Someone Knows by Lisa Scottoline!
- 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!
Okay, now you’re killing me with your vague news. 🙂 Lol.
If it makes you feel any better, I’m killing myself with it too. 🙂
Ooh I hope your writing news works out. I can’t wait to hear. Yay for seeing Dear Evan Hansen. I’m glad it was so great. And omg, your dog is adorable. Such a cute photo!! Thanks for sharing my giveaway too – I appreciate it!
-Lauren
Thanks, Lauren. I know I’ve been all weird with the hinting. 🙂
Ohhhhhh keeping my fingers crossed for you! I’m hoping it turns into a done deal and I’m looking forward to your announcement! And Bella is so cute, I love that she was in your book picture!
I’m thinking of adding Bella to more of my book pics. Who doesn’t love a cute pup? I have another dog too, but I can’t get her to sit still long enough for me to snap a pic. 🙂
I can’t wait foe the big news!! Thanks for including the FBT February giveaway to your list!
Always happy to share!
Oooh, I can’t wait to hear your writing news! It’s sounds exciting! Have a great week 🙂
Ha! Obviously you know my news by now. I was dying to tell you all!!
Ooh sounds like good news all around! 😀 And ohhh Bella is sooo cute!!! I can’t recall seeing pictures of her! She’s adorable!
I’m big on enamel pins as well! And I love the nice hardback journals too…even though I tend to rarely every fill them! I feel like something reallllllly good needs to go in it, something to be treasured forever and I can rarely think of good things like that. They end up getting saved for a “next time.” I’ll be totally prepared for that day though! LOL!
Nice looking reads too! Smoke and Key has a gorgeous cover! Hope you enjoy them all!
Here’s my STS
Have a GREAT day!
Old Follower 🙂
I need to add Bella to more of my book pictures. She makes the process take longer, but she’s a nice “prop”. 🙂
That picture of you dog made me smile. So cute! I love going to the theatre. I am going next Saturday with my daughter. I have not seen a Broadway play in a quite a while, so it’s a big day out for me. I hope that thing happens for you, because I cannot wait to hear about it.
What show did you end up seeing with your daughter?
Ooh ooh you’re so close- good luck!!!!!
Smoke and Key looks amazing. That cover…
Cute pic of Bella. 🙂
Hope your week is awesome.
Thanks, Greg! I thought I’d spice up my book feed with an added pup. Who doesn’t love a cute pup? 🙂
Vauge news and pre-orders my Sunday is ruined! I hope everything is ok.
Mary
Ha! Sorry I ruined that Sunday, but the vague news was very good … eventually. 😉
My fingers are crossed for you!!
Thank you for sharing the link to my giveaway post! I really appreciate it!
Always happy to share!
Good luck on your writing! I need to know which books have some preorder swag!
You can always find those pre-orders here!
I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed Dear Evan Hansen. I love musicals and that is one I’ve been dying to see.
Your writing news sounds so exciting. I can’t wait to hear more about it!
Dear Evan Hansen was worth every penny. I’d see it again!
Aww, your dog is so cute! My dog wouldn’t stay still enough to be a book model. Enjoy your new books! I’m crossing my fingers that the writing stuff all works out.
This picture took a lot longer than it should have. She understood that I wanted her to do something but she didn’t quite get what it was. So then she was rolling over onto her back in submission. I kept having to pick her up and push her back toward the bookcase and tell her to stay. But then even though she was staying, she looked miserable, like she was being tortured. Her little face said, I’m trying my hardest, Mom. I just don’t know what you want from me.
Then it finally occurred to me that I just had to say, “Bella, if you stay you’ll get a treat,” and she perked right up. Every time I’d say the word treat her ears would perk and she’d cock her head. I still had to take the pictures quick, but I got a few good ones!
Ooo that sounds very exciting about your writing. Can’t wait to hear the announcement!
I’m getting to these way late, but thank you for your support!!
Great post and I’m wishing you the best on your….thing.
Haha! Thanks!
Crossing all the things for your writing news, and also freaking out because OMG I LOVE YOUR DOG!!!!!!!!!!!! <3
Awwww, thank you! She’s honestly the best and I love her to pieces.
OMG! I can’t wait until you CAN tell us your news!!!!! I’m so excited to hear it! Let me tell you, my critique partner I found, well, her novel is soooooooo good! I feel like she probably thinks my writing is crap. But so far she’s still checking it for me. So I guess it’s a good thing to have someone that good looking at it for me. I love the picture of your dog. I wish mine would sit still for me to get a good picture like that. I’ve linked to my weekly giveaway as well!
I’m glad that you found a spectacular critique partner! That can make all the difference.
Ahh, I can’t wait to hear your news!!!
I was really being evil with the hints, wasn’t I? 🙂
Can’t wait for your big news, you big tease! 🙂 Evan Hansen sounds wonderful. I’ve heard so many great things about the show.
I was being such a tease. Hahaha! I just couldn’t help it, though, because I SO wanted to tell everyone, but I felt like I would be jinxing it. 😉
Fingers crossed on the thing, that is a thing but not quite a thing! Dear Evan Hansen sounds like fun. Nice gift. Someone loves their mom.
Thanks! I’m happy to say it all came through just the way I was hoping!
O
M
G
I CANNOT WAIT NICOLE!!!
So exciting!
I want a sign book!!! Pretty pleeease!
Don’t you worry, when the time comes, you’ll get one. 🙂
I’ll be waiting to hear your news when you can share.
That Courting Darkness cover is gorgeous and so is the swag. I’m just starting Grave Mercy.
Have a wonderful week and reading!
I agree about the Courting Darkness cover. And it’s one of those textured covers too. I love those!
I am glad you were able to go to that musical and love it so much! I have been hearing so much about it and everyone seems to love it. And wow, your daughter gets to go to Costa Rica for a school trip DD: I wish that was an option for me when I was at school 😀
Our school has a crazy number of trips the kids can take. She could have gone to Greece with her choir or to Italy as just a generic school trip, but she chose Costa Rica with the Spanish program. (Yeah, I’m realizing more and more that my kids are privileged.)