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’m starting to lose hope about that possible good news on the writing front. I don’t really have anything new to report, and that in itself makes me think that it’s not going to happen. Maybe someday I’ll be able to share the story in hindsight. Right now I’m just trying not to let disappointment win out over the positives in the situation. 🙁
Here’s what you may have missed on the blog since my last Sunday Post:
- Bookworm Confession: Swag Isn’t My Thing. Let’s Discuss. (Plus a Giveaway)
- Bite-Sized Reviews of A Curse So Dark and Lonely, The Simple Art of Flying, and The Language Inside
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 21st – Cilla @ Paved With Books‘ Birthday
- February 21st – My Expanding Bookshelf‘s Blogoversary
- February 22nd – Charlie @ Girl of 1000 Wonders‘ Birthday
Book Haul:
Purchased:
After I read The Lonely Ones, I immediately decided I needed a copy for my personal collection. At first, I couldn’t find it anywhere(!), but then I saw that Book Outlet had it. Of course, when you order from BO you have to get that $35 minimum so you get free shipping, so … I decided to use some birthday money and buy some more. I bought The Adventurer’s Guide to Successful Escapes (which I loved and I want to own the series–I decided to get the paperback for those of you who saw my poll on Twitter), Knockout and House Arrest (loved HA and so I knew I needed to read the sequel), The Last Fifth Grade of Emerson Elementary (another verse novel I loved) and The Fates Divide.
Then I also got in my pre-order of Courting Darkness and I bought Field Tripped at an event where the author spoke about school visits (and I got it signed).
Great Discussions/Goings On Around the Blogosphere:
- Kaleena @ Reader Voracious shares how she stays on top of new releases with her Edelweiss 2.0 post.
- Aila @ One Way or An Author tells us her solution to the question WHERE DO YOU PUT YOUR BOOK SWAG? (This is an old post but I found it when I was looking for solutions to my own swag issues, which I posted about this week.)
- ‘They Both Die at the End’ Adaptation is Officially in the Works at HBO!
- Those of you in the UK can request The Boy Who Steals Houses from NetGalley (and I’m jealous!!)
- Jo @ Once Upon a Bookcase shares her personal story of Why We Need YA that Features Sexual Violence
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 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 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 SECRET IN THE STONE by Kamilla Benko to receive a signed bookplate, a Unicorn Quest coloring bookmark, and a cover poster of the UK edition of the book. (INT)(ends 2/19)
- Pre-order THE CLOCKWORK DRAGON by Jack Buckles to receive an All Forms Must Be Completed pen, a bookmark, eight stickers, and FOUR secret society challenge coins. (US only)(ends 2/20)
- 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 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 book plate 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 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 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 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:
- Teachers & Librarians: @boonewrites is giving away 4 of her favorite MG books!
- Teachers & Librarians: @jawhitebooks is giving away 10 awesome MG books!
- @AustineDecker is giving away your choice of book!
- @JoshuaSLevy is giving away TWO preorders HURRICANE SEASON!
- @elmify is giving away 3 signed copies of FAMOUS IN A SMALL TOWN
- @tonyaleeh is giving away The Quiet You Carry by Nikki Barthelmess
- @NicoleMHewitt (ME!) is giving away ANY BOOK YOU WANT!
- 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 France Book Tours for a chance to win The Song Peddler of the Pont Neuf, Smoking Kills, or The Crypt Thief
- Head over to Lisa Loves Literature for a chance to win Two books from her ARC/Books for Trade shelves
- Head over to We Live and Breathe Books for a chance to win a copy of YOU ASKED FOR PERFECT by Laura Silverman
- Head over to Jen Ryland for a chance to win an ARC of Comics Will Break Your Heart, a “Reading is My Superpower magnet” AND a Marvel tote bag.
- Head over to Pink Polka Dot Books for a chance to win a copy of JUST FOR CLICKS by Kara McDowell
- Enter for your chance to be one of 10 winners of If You Come Softly by Jacquline Woodson!
- Head over to Word Spelunking for a chance to win The Lost Girl by Anne Ursu
- 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
- Head over to Waves of Fiction for a chance to win Always by Sarah Jio, The Winters by Lisa Gabriele, Witches of East End by Melissa de la Cruz and Because You’re Mine by Colleen Coble
- Lots of blogs participating in the February Of Books Giveaway Hop!
- Head over to Fiction Fare for a chance to win one of 20 His Fair Assassin character card sets
- Read It Forward does a weekly giveaway. This week you can enter to win My Lovely Wife by Samantha Downing!
- 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!
Don’t lose hope. Just because it doesn’t happen now doesn’t mean it will never happen. It just might not be the right time. Have faith and stay positive! 🙂 HUGS!!!
So true. I definitely haven’t given up on things in general, it’s just that this one opportunity seems to feel less and less inevitable as time goes on. It’s hard to know when it’s time to move on to new possibilities.
Great haul! Enjoy, and thanks for sharing.
Here are MY WEEKLY UPDATES
Thanks!
I am curious about The Fates Divide …I loved her first books but haven’t read anything new by her.
Confession: I still haven’t read the first book, but I own it and this one was a really good deal, so… (I know, I’m hopeless.)
So, so many beautiful new books! I hope you enjoy reading them all 🙂 Also, I am keeping my fingers crossed tight on the writerly news front. Don’t lose hope yet! I hope it comes through for you <3
Thanks! This business is lots of waiting, that’s for sure!
Don’t lose hope, Nicole! I can only imagine how frustrating it is to pour yourself into something and have to wait. ((HUGS))
I’m not giving up hope—I’ve just lost a teensy bit of hope in this one situation. You never know, though!
Ohhhh, the writing waiting game. It’s miserable, isnt’ it? Been there, hope to be there again (all those authors who thank their babysitters in their acknowledgements? There’s a reason for that; writing is downright impossible with small children around, as I’ve learned over the years. Daughter goes to kindergarten next year and I’m really looking forward to having enough quiet to write again). It’s tough to write on without feeling like giving up, but I keep telling myself, “You’ve done this before; you can do it again.” And I will. And so will you. 🙂 Write on, friend!
Oddly, I feel like now that I have more time, I get less done. It’s a bit of a weird dichotomy. But I’m definitely not giving up! I will keep writing and keep working until something good comes. It’s bound to happen eventually!
Don’t give up hope on your writing. It can still happen for you. Keep pursuing your dream!
Definitely not giving up on my writing, just thinking that this one opportunity probably isn’t happening. It’s disappointing, but disappointment seems to be part of the writing package. Don’t worry, I’ll keep going!
Don’t lose hope on the writing. I think it takes a while and you just have to keep trying. How many times did they say JK Rowling was turned down? 🙂 I actually finally got a friend who reads the same types of books as I do to read through my short story and she gave me a great suggestion. And then I think I might have found a critique partner finally, so I’m feeling like writing again! Just remembered from reading this that I meant to read your post on swag, I will do that this week! Especially if we get another snow day this week. Thanks for including my giveaway, hoping to get more people trying to win.
I’m not losing hope. I mean, I’m disappointed, but I definitely know that ups and downs are a part of the process. So I’m just going to keep chugging along…
I hope the writing thing works out! Stay positive- you may get that good news yet!!
I’m so glad LaFevers returned to the Grave Mercy world- I’m kind of excited about Courting Darkness.
Thanks! Even if this doesn’t work out, I can still take good things from it and move on.
I’ll cross my fingers for you Nicole! Hope good news comes through. Thanks for mentioning my giveaway! 🙂
Thanks, Rachel!
Everything in the writing world takes forever to happen, so don’t lose hope! Maybe people are just being slow. Enjoy your new books! I have to stay far away from Book Outlet because it’s too tempting to buy all the books.
I definitely know that things take a long time. It’s really hard to know what’s “normal” in the publishing business when you’re a newbie. People say to trust your gut, but my gut knows nothing!!
If you’re waiting to hear back from someone on the book front, then I should tell my story about how I did query my books to agents at some point. I got a reply/rejection from an agent 18 months after I had submitted to them. My book was already self-published at that point. Sigh. I do hope you hear something!
Yeah, I still have a couple of agents that I haven’t heard from that I queried 4 months ago and I’ve closed them out (in my mind) because I assume that’s just a no. This particular situation is something different, and I still have hope, but it’s fizzling as time goes by. My main problem is I just have no idea how long is “normal” to wait for certain things to happen and how long means something has changed that you just don’t know about yet. OF course, that’s going to be par for the course in this business, so I’m trying to just be patient. (But sometimes it’s hard!)
I recently read and reviewed Courting Darkness! It was SO GOOD! I hope you have a chance to read it soon. <3
Lindsi @ Do You Dog-ear? ?
I LOVED the original series, so I’m really eager to read this new book! I’m off to go read your review right now…
I hope you hear some good news soon. And enjoy your books for the week.
Ash @ JennRenee Read
Thanks, Jenn!
I’m sorry your good writing news might not be working out the way you hoped! Good things WILL be coming your way though. I know it. And yay for some new books!
-Lauren
http://www.shootingstarsmag.net
Well, now it’s looking like it might work out again. Who knows? Writing is a constant emotional see-saw of hope and self-doubt. I’d better get used to it!
I didn’t know you were writing, but I am definitely adding my voice to the others to keep the little flame of hope burning. I had to set it aside for twenty years, but got to come back to it at a different time in my life. I’ve had some shorter pieces published, but my novel-lengths rejected and it can make one lose momentum, but wonderful encourages and your own desire to write can keep it going.
Nice little haul there. Courting Darkness!!!
Have a good week, Nicole!
Thanks, Sophia! I’m sure you’ve heard by now (since I’m VERY late replying to comments), but it all worked out! 🙂
Your blog is amazing. It will take me time to read through all the info. You have the finger on the pulse it looks like. Happy reading all those gorgeous books and chin up on the reading adventures. Stay positive 🙂
Oh, thank you! I really enjoy composing these Sunday Posts with stuff from all over the book blogosphere. 🙂
Thanks for sharing about our TeachingAuthors giveaway in this great roundup. And good luck with your own writing.
You’re very welcome! I’m always happy to share giveaways in my Sunday Posts. (I saw your message about this one on the SCBWI message board.) And thanks for your well-wishes on my writing. I’m back to thinking that opportunity might possibly pan out after all–lots of ups and downs in this business! 🙂
If I may add, I offer a choice between 3 books here: https://francebooktours.com/2019/02/01/february-2019-book-of-the-month-giveaway/
I run a giveaway every month. This month, it’s open to US residents only
I added it to my list. It’ll stay on the list till the giveaway is over. I’ll try to remember to add the next one too, but if I forget, feel free to remind me!
Don’t give up. Thanks for sharing all the great stuff.
Thanks, Sherry! I didn’t give up and things worked out after all. 🙂
Never lose hope – you just never know.
Robin reviewed Courting Darkness, but I am starting with Grave Mercy. So many books I want to read.
I hope you are having a great week and reading some amazing books!
I still haven’t read Courting Darkness, but hopefully I’ll get to it soon!! Hope you love(d) Grave Mercy!
Thank you so much for linking to my Edelweiss 2.0 Guide!!! And I sincerely hope you get some good news on the writing front soon
You’re very welcome!
Awesome haul! Enjoyed the post 🙂
Thanks for stopping by!
Stay positive and I’ll send out some {{{posivibes}}}. I’d cross my fingers but it’s hard to type that way. lol
It all worked out just like I was hoping! Thanks for your well-wishes!
oh look how beautiful courting darkness looks on that pic! <3 I KNOW it will happen for you I JUST KNOW. Did I mention I want a signed copy! Prettyyyy pleeeease?
I’m getting to these comments (really) late, and you’re cracking me up with yours. 🙂