This past week on FYFA (and in my life):
First off, I just have to thank all of you who sent your heartfelt well-wishes for my blogoversary. I feel really lucky to be a part of the book blogosphere! If you haven’t already, make sure you enter my blogoversary giveaway!
I’m in the midwest, so the windchill here got all the way down to -51 degrees because of the polar vortex!! School was obviously cancelled for a couple of days, and we just hid out indoors.
Last night I attended an SCBWI event featuring agent Sara Megibow from KT Literary, who gave us so many insights on how the publishing really works and how an agent decides if she can sell your book. She also mentioned that she gets 25,000 queries a year and signs 3 people a year. Wow! Let’s just not think about those numbers, shall we?
I registered for SCBWI’s Wild Wild Midwest Conference, which is coming in May! If you’re a writer in the midwest, you definitely want to check it out. (And let me know if you’re going!)
Here’s what you may have missed on the blog since my last Sunday Post:
- Only a Breath Apart by Katie McGarry: Review & $50 Giveaway
- January 2019 Wrap-Up Round-Up & Giveaway
- One-Third Nerd by Gennifer Choldenko: Review & Giveaway
- Feed Your Fiction Addiction’s 6th Blogoversary Giveaway!
- February Discussion Challenge Link-Up & Giveaway
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 4th – Joy @ Joyous Reads‘ Birthday
- February 8th – Captivated Reading‘s Blogoversary
- February 9th – Janepedia‘s Blogoversary
- February 9th – Kim @ kimberlyfaye reads‘ Birthday
For Review:
I received No Place Like Here from Blink. I really enjoyed June’s first book It Started with Goodbye, so I need to jump into the second one and then read this one. (Though I don’t think they’re technically a series, so maybe I can read this one first? If you’ve read them, let me know!)
Purchased/Free:
The Sara Megibow event that I went to was at a bookstore, so she of course encouraged us all to buy something–gee, twist my arm why don’t you? I bought Winterhouse by Ben Guterson, which is a book I’ve had my eye on for a long time. And then Sara gave away a few books from people she represents and I was able to pick up The Door to the Lost. I hadn’t heard of it, but she said it’s a MG fantasy that touches on immigration themes, so I was sold!
Great Discussions/Goings On Around the Blogosphere:
- Kristen @ Metaphors and Moonlight gives us 10 BOOKS ABOUT CHARACTERS WITH UNIQUE HOBBIES/PASSIONS
- Anne Ursu discusses our need to gender books with On Gender and Boys Read Panels
- Cait @ Paper Fury shares Secret Meanings Behind Things In A Thousand Perfect Notes
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 LOVE SUGAR MAGIC: A SPRINKLE OF SPIRITS by Anna Meriano to receive stickers, pins and more! (ends 2/4)
- 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 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 2/5)
- ***Pre-order COMICS WILL BREAK YOUR HEART by Faith Erin Hicks to receive an art print! (US/Can only)(ends 2/11)
- Pre-order BLOODWITCH by Susan Dennard to receive two exclusive Witchlands creature enamel pins! (US & CAN)(ends 2/11)
- Pre-order WATCH US RISE by Renée Watson and Ellen Hagan to receive an exclusive and inspiring poetry poster featuring excerpts from the book! (US & CAN)(ends 2/14)
- 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 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 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)
- 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 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 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:
- @NicoleMHewitt (ME!) is giving away ANY BOOK YOU WANT!
- @KACozzo is giving away THREE copies of the hardbound version of THE TRUTH ABOUT HAPPILY EVER AFTER.
- @Jess__Red is giving away the Newberry Honor-winning THE NIGHT DIARY and an ARC of THE MIRACULOUS!
- @Dusti_Bowling is giving away an awesome swag pack (including a tote) for In the Life of a Cactus.
- @booksandmunches is giving away any one of the books mentioned in her list of fantasy favorites 2018.
- On my blog, you can enter the giveaway for the January Wrap-Up Round-Up, the January 2019 Discussion Challenge Link-Up & Giveaway, the February Discussion Challenge and Giveaway, and my 6th blogoversary giveaway! The giveaways for Only a Breath Apart (a $50 gift card) and One-Third Nerd are also still going on.
- Head over to Emmy Laybourne’s website for a chance to win a signed set of ALL her books (including RANSACKER) and MUCH more!
- Lots of blogs participating in the February Of Books Giveaway Hop!
- Head over to It Starts at Midnight for a chance to win We Told Six Lies by Victoria Scott.
- Head over to Fiction Fare for a chance to win one of 20 His Fair Assassin character card sets
- Head over to Multicultural Children’s Book Day for a chance to win My Year in the Middle
- Head over to Do You Dog-Ear? for a chance to win one of 3 finished copies of TWO CAN KEEP A SECRET
- Head over to Here’s to Happy Endings for a chance to win Lady Smoke.
- Read It Forward does a weekly giveaway. This week you can enter to win A Dangerous Collaboration by Deanna Raybourn!
- 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!
Yeah this cold weather is even too cold for me! And I love cold weather! Lol.
Ooh nice new reads!! Hope you enjoy them all!
Hope you have a GREAT week!
Here’s my STS
Have a GREAT day!
Old Follower 🙂
We all have limits. 🙂
25k queries and 3 signings? Wow!
Oh my gosh the weather was awful, wasn’t it? Those wind chills are actually a little worse than what we got in Michigan I think! Glad it’s warming up now, although now they’re talking possible flooding in our area. Sigh!
Have a great week!
I know. When you hear stats like that, it’s tempting to just go find a hole somewhere and hide. But on the other side of things, I see so many stories of people who kept at it and eventually found their success—writing is definitely a marathon, not a sprint.
You guys had it rough at west. Glad you and your family were able to keep warm. Oooh, the new Christina June book. I like her books. Can’t wait to hear what you think.
It was crazy! And then the temps shot up to the 40s and it was raining. We’re supposed to have an ice storm today. You can’t blink around here without the weather changing in some extreme way.
Seriously, the cold and the snow… it can stop now, yeah? My paycheck is going to be such a mess. I worked 14 hours last week, like… that’s not good! The 25k queries versus 3 signings… wow. But also, I am kind of shocked that 25k people have completed novels? It’s sort of mind-boggling. It must be so interesting to see all the stuff she sees! I am so glad you are having these opportunities to talk to people in the industry, I am sure it’s immensely valuable!
I never really thought about the fact that her numbers mean so many thousands of people have novels worth querying—it really is sort of mind-boggling! 25k a year, and that’s just one agent—obviously everyone doesn’t query her. Wow!!!
I had a day off work last week because of the extreme cold, so that was nice. It was better weather today though so we’ll see how long that lasts. I think it’s supposed to just start raining now. LOL
Yay for attending another conference. I’d love to go to one someday for writing. I hope you have a great time.
-Lauren
http://www.shootingstarsmag.net
I know, it’s so weird! This weekend the temps got up in the forties and ALL that snow has been melting. The extreme changes are crazy!
That cold was intense. It wasn’t bad here, but some of my family from the Midwest were pouring water on things and watching it freeze in seconds.
There were lots of fun videos of people doing that—or freezing jeans and having them stand straight up or freezing hair upside down (brrrrrr!!!). I wish I’d thought to make a video like that. I just holed myself up indoors and stayed there! (I have frozen bubbles in the past, though, when my kids were little).
From -40 to 54 degrees yesterday and pouring rain today, this winter is playing mind games with me. I have running shorts and fleece tights both out on my drying rack. Now they say ice storms are coming again. At least I can get lots of reading in!
Yes! Today we’re supposed to have an ice storm. The midwest is pure insanity.
We got to -20 or so below, but not to the -50 here in Missouri, fortunately! But still got a day off of school last week. Is the Wild Wild Midwest conference just for children’s book authors? Not that I can probably go, but it sounds like a good conference! I included the link to my current giveaway below, the one I’m doing every Saturday with a new giveaway, in case anyone wants to enter!
The conference is for kidlit (up to YA). It would probably be helpful for any writer, but it definitely has a kidlit focus.
I just love your bookshelves! They are beautiful! I tried color coordinating mine once… lasted a whole day before I had to change them back. Lol.
Stay warm over there! There whether sounds insane!!
I’ll admit that splitting up my series was sort of painful, but I absolutely adore the results!
oh YIKES- it’s been cold here too but not that cold ! It’s just now starting to be above 0℃.. Working at a Café with drive thru, damn it had not been a blast x)
I just love the cover of no place like here so much !!
Oh, yes, I always feel sorry for people who work in environments where they can’t completely get out of the cold.
25,000 queries? WOW. I am floored by that number.
It’s insane, right? And that’s just ONE agent in ONE year. It’s sort of mind-blowing!
Oh my days that is so freezing cold! Stay warm and stay safe <3 I am all for no school and huddling under blankets when that happens.
Yeah, huddling in blankets is really the best way to go!
Thank goodness your weather is much warmer now and above 0! We were 0 degrees this week and it was -22 at where my husband works, fun times lol. And another storm is rolling in right now which is supposed to bring a few more feet of snow. How many more days till spring??
The weather this winter feels extra weird. We can’t quite figure it out.