Abbi Glines Giveaway Winner!

MORGAN LESLIE you are the winner!
Email me at cope.blog3@gmail.com to claim your prize!

Poll It Mondays (1)

A feature we want to get going here at A Dash of YA is a poll feature. The title clearly states the concept it. We think it would be a great way to get some feedback from some awesome people. The type of questions we are going to be asking cover a wide range.

Today we are asking you to let us know what your opinion is about what makes a blog successful. By successful we mean, a solid following through GFC where you all consistantly post insightful comments and help spread the word.

What type of posts make a blog most successful?
	Memes
	Giveaway
	Interviews
	Book Recommendations
	Informational Posts
	Other - if other please leave what you think that is in the comments section
Web Polls

If you have any good questions that can be polled (yes and no questions are great too), leave us a comment. :) Here's to our first poll Monday!

Interview with Tammara Webber & Giveaway!

Tammara Webber is the author of the Between the Lines series, and Easy. She wrote sad romantic poetry in high school and penned her first half-novel when she was 19 which was accidentally destroyed in a shredder.

Tammara is addicted to coffee, Cherry Garcia frozen yogurt and baby carrots. She is a hopeful romantic who adores novels with happy endings, because there are enough sad endings in real life.

Tammara, thanks so much for joining me today on A Dash of YA!

Thank you for having me!

Was there a defining moment in your life when you knew that you wanted to be an author?

No. I always enjoyed writing. It was more of a natural progression. I actually fought it more than I moved towards it, because it seemed like such an impossible dream. I’m glad my common sense didn’t win out. J

Between the Lines was the first book you published, but was it the first book you’d ever written?

No. I wrote three “shelf novels” before I wrote Between the Lines.

Your stand-alone novel, Easy, has received much praise. How did the concept for Easy come about?

I’ve wanted to write this book for a while. I had to wait until I was certain of the exact way to approach the story. The concept developed from with experiences both personal and of those close to me, and came to the forefront while working with university students as an advisor. Though my job title suggested I counseled students about academic matters only, I was often the only person they knew in administration. Students would talk to me about personal issues when they didn’t know where else to turn. Whether they just needed someone to listen or needed actual assistance, I could refer them to offices on campus that they often didn’t know existed.

What was your reaction to Penguin/Razorbill’s decision to republish Between the Lines and Easy?

When my agent called to tell me about the offer, I was thrilled. They’ve been really wonderful.

What are some of your favourite books at the moment?

I’m reading Maggie Stiefvater’s The Raven Boys at the moment. It’s fantastic. I wish I had more time to read – my TBR pile is massive. Every time I finish a book, I find I’ve added two more while reading! I need a month-long vacation away from my computer. I’m also critiquing Abbi Glines’ newest book, which is work I love to do. (I have to lower the air conditioning temp or have a fan handy when I work on her manuscripts, though!)

What is the most important thing you have learnt on your journey as an author? 

To never give up. If someone tells you no, that's just a no to that pathway, not a no to that goal. I'm a storyteller, and I always have been; this is what I was meant to do. I think many people don't end up doing what they were meant to do, because they allow someone else to stop them. If you're like me, and you aren't the sort to break down the wall, then find your way around it!


I would like to thank Tammara again for joining us for the launch week of A Dash of YA! To find out more about Tammara and her books, follow the links below.

Blog
Facebook
Twitter
Amazon

________

To participate in the giveaway, please log into the Rafflecopter below and complete as many activities as you can. The giveaway is open internationally and will close on October 12.

Good luck everyone!

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Beta Reader (1)

Komal and I have been book blogging friends for a really long time now. At some point, we decided to become editing buddies. She is by defintion, one of my beta readers.  Beta readers are super important for writers because you need to have someone you trust with “your baby” who is going to be supportive but critical, only to make your WIP better. It’s a tough thing to do.

I’m lucky because Komal and I become equally invested in each other’s works. I believe in her WIP as much as I believe in my own. Having that relationship, makes having a critique a lot easier to swallow.

Komal and I live on opposite sides of the world, so it’s not like we can meet for coffee every Tuesday. Instead, we do a lot of emailing and a lot of messaging. The emailing allows each of us to digest, contemplate and edit. The messaging allows us to go back and forth immediately. Below is an example of Komal and I working on the summary of my debut novel The Owens Legacy: Revelations.

                                    Komal Lewis

Here's what I have so far:           

       "When Piper and Ryder Owens are dumped at Evermore Academy, they thought that the only thing they would have to worry about was Piper staying out of trouble long enough for them to graduate."           

        I'm not sure about the word 'dumped'. The second sentence is going to be about them being telepathic. Or maybe that should be in the first one.

            
            


            
December 15, 2011
Michelle Flick

       I love the first line ... I agree about dumped, but I feel it is a word Piper would use...

            
            


            
December 15, 2011
Komal Lewis

Yes exactly, because she uses it in the first chapter. You could extend the first line to incorporate the mind reading but the sentence might become too busy.

            
            


            
December 15, 2011
Michelle Flick

I agree that it would become to busy.

I really like this sentence: They will not, for any reason, be separated. But someone at Evermore knows and knows and wants to separate them, permanently. (I dont want to bring up the prophecy thing or Ishtar - like I want that all to be a mystery).

           

            
December 15, 2011
Komal Lewis

I think that would work as the second line to show their bond becuase I think that's the most important part of the story - the bond they share with each other.

            
            


            
December 15, 2011
Michelle Flick

but it does need something about being telepathic in there.

           

            
December 15, 2011
Komal Lewis

Ok, here's what it looks like now:           

"When telepathic twins, Piper and Ryder Owens are dumped at Evermore Academy, they thought that the only thing they would have to worry about was Piper staying out of trouble long enough for them to graduate. They will not, for any reason, be separated. But someone at Evermore knows and wants to separate them permanently.           

What they didn’t expect was Victor Mira. He’s mysterious, good looking and everything Piper is supposed to avoid, and she feels drawn to him in a way she never imagined."

            
            


            
December 15, 2011
Michelle Flick

What they didn’t expect was Victor Mira. He’s mysterious, good looking and everything Piper is supposed to avoid, and she feels drawn to him in a way she never imagined. - The phrase "what they didn't expect" is throwing me because they arent expecting someone to want to separate them...

            
            


            
December 15, 2011
Komal Lewis

That's a good point. After the Victor bit, I have this: "But Victor is hiding a dangerous secret too, and what he knows could be the one thing that could divide the sisters. Forever."

            
            


            
December 15, 2011
Michelle Flick

What about something like But then Piper's achilles heal shows up, a good looking guy. LOVE THAT SENTENCE

           

            
December 15, 2011
Komal Lewis

Yes! That would work!

            
            


            
December 15, 2011
Komal Lewis

       Ok, I'm going to re-write and see what it looks like altogether.

            
            


            
December 15, 2011
Michelle Flick

ok            


           

            
December 15, 2011
Komal Lewis

When telepathic twins, Piper and Ryder Owens are dumped at Evermore Academy, they thought that the only thing they would have to worry about was Piper staying out of trouble long enough for them to graduate. They will not, for any reason, be separated. But someone at Evermore knows and wants to separate them permanently.           

But then Piper’s Achilles Heel shows up: a good lucking guy. Victor Mira is mysterious and everything Piper is supposed to avoid, yet she feels drawn to him in a way she never imagined. But Victor is hiding a dangerous secret too, and what he knows could be the one thing that could divide the sisters. Forever.

           

            
December 15, 2011
Michelle Flick

how about knows their secret.

            
            


            
December 15, 2011
Komal Lewis

After "mysterious", do you think there should be another word to describe Victor?

           

            
December 15, 2011
Michelle Flick

What if we cut out mysterious?            


           

            
December 15, 2011
Komal Lewis

"But someone at Evermore knows about their secret" I like that better Ok, cutting out mysterious

           

            
December 15, 2011
Michelle Flick

yeah - because we haven't really stated that no one knows.

            
            


            
December 15, 2011
Komal Lewis

When telepathic twins, Piper and Ryder Owens are dumped at Evermore Academy, they thought that the only thing they’d have to worry about was Piper staying out of trouble long enough for them to graduate. They will not, for any reason, be separated. But someone at Evermore knows about their secret and wants to separate them permanently.

But then Piper’s Achilles Heel shows up: a good lucking guy. Victor Mira is everything Piper is supposed to avoid, yet she feels drawn to him in a way she never imagined. But Victor is hiding a dangerous secret too, and what he knows could be the one thing that could divide the sisters. Forever.

            
            


            
December 15, 2011
Michelle Flick

Perfect

I think we did it.

You are the best!

            
            


You’ll notice that we both praise each other, we never say something is bad or wrong (or other words with negative connotations), and we work toward an end goal. I feel personally that this is a productive atmosphere.

Komal also wanted to share her overall opinion. "In order for something like that to work you need to have a good understanding of the other person and their story. Be open-minded and willing to take constructive criticism. Have a good connection which is what makes it so easy (and fun!) to bounce ideas back and forth because we are more or less continuing each other's train of thought. Just enjoy yourself with it because it's a great creative process!"

What are some ways you work with your beta readers?

Giveaway at Dash!

Thank you so much for stopping by this first week of A Dash Of YA. We are all so thankful for you guys stopping by and following us. If anything, the YA community, is super supportive. In honor of that, it's my turn for a giveaway. 

I would like to do a 20 page manuscript critique for you writers out there. You might be asking, what makes me qualified to do any type of editing. I have a Bachelor's in Secondary English. To be able to teach English, you have to be able to know English. I have been a teacher for five years and have started my sixth year. My days are spent editing. To further that, I have self-pubbed my first novel and through that painful, wonderful process, I learned how important it is to have a good editor that's blunt but nice, supportive, but realistic. 

If you win, I'll contact you. Please send your manuscript back to me in doc. or docx. Please let me know if you need it by a certain time frame and I will do my best to have it back to you by then. If you know you need me to look for a certain grammar error, fluency, alignment, let me know. 

Good luck 

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Why YA - #1: Authors Who Push Boundaries

Why YA?

#1 - Authors Who Push Boundaries

When Michelle, Erica, Komal and I started brainstorming for what would become A Dash of YA, I knew immediately what I wanted to write about: my evolution from a reader of all genres to a passionate reader of primarily YA novels.  While I still love other genres, ranging from chick lit to women's fiction, to sci-fi/fantasy, to paranormal romance, every one of the nearly 100 books I've read this year are young adult. 

This happened over the course of a few years, thanks to authors like Richelle Mead, J.K. Rowling, Stephanie Meyer (say what you will, but Twilight has gotten a LOT of teens AND adults to read), Lauren Oliver, and Suzanne Collins.  Each of these ladies have dome something remarkable: they wrote books that took me somewhere else, even just for a day or so, and in one way or another, pushed the boundaries of YA literature forward, whether by an inch or by a mile.  J.K. Rowling took a simple story, about a boy wizard, and created characters we will ALWAYS love and remember.  Lauren Oliver wrote about a girl whose death changes her life, and later, about a world in which daring to love is the scariest thing one girl has ever done.  Stephanie Meyer brought paranormal romance back to YA novels.  Richelle Mead spun YA fantasy on its head and kept vampire lore fresh and new.  They each paved the way for some of the most successful YA authors today, and made it possible for the boundaries of YA to stretch and broaden. 

I've said it before and I'll say it again: I used to be a book snob.  I read the adult genres I mentioned, but I had "outgrown" YA literature.  When I was a teenager, I read Sweet Valley High/University/Senior Year with abandon, but shortly after I graduated high school, I moved away from YA and on to other authors like Anne Bishop (dark fantasy), Jodi Picoult (women's fiction) and J.R. Ward (paranormal romance.)  For several years, I didn't consider YA "worth my time," until I stumbled across Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy series, thanks to Suz at A Soul Unsung.  Then there was the Harry Potter series, thanks to an amazing friend of mine, followed by Twilight (one of the few books I ever bought based on hype alone), and Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver.  But the author who propelled me into reading YA and NOT feeling ashamed was Suzanne Collins. 

Suzanne is the author of The Hunger Games, a trilogy that scared me, moved me, and CHANGED me.  The books made me really think: about how good my life was compared to her characters, about love and what I would to do protect my family and friends, about bravery, and about what - I - would fight for, if it came down to it.  I didn't just read The Hunger Games.  I lived it.  I hunted with Katniss, feared for MY life when she feared for hers.  I cried with her and other characters.  I loved as deeply as she did, felt as thorny as she often was.  I watched her world crumble along with her, but I felt the devastation she did.  The Hunger Games propelled me into the middle of Panem and left me there to find my own way, to fight, and to survive. 

With The Hunger Games, I read something I had never read before, and will likely never read again.  The Hunger Games inspired new authors to offer their own dystopian view of our world, because Suzanne Collins wrote the story that was in her heart: a bloody, frightening social commentary about one girl, one ordinary girl, who makes a difference.  Who takes a chance and says "no" to those that want to control her. 

What if we were ALL that brave, that gutsy?  What if we ALL said "no," when we wanted to?  What if we all dared to raise our voices, to speak louder, to speak TRUER words?  How often have each of us said "I'm fine," when we aren't, "it's okay," when it isn't, "sure," when we want to say "no?"  Why do we accept that "it is what it is," when sometimes...if we're brave enough, we too, can push the boundaries and change things? 

Because of Suzanne Collins, I try to live every day a bit differently.  I try my darndest to be brave, even when it's terrifying.  She wrote a story unlike anything ever written.  She said "no."  She made sure her characters would make an impression, and they definitely did, on me.  She's one reason why I read YA novels and always will.


*Why YA is an original feature created by Molli to fangirl discuss her ongoing love of young adult literature.  For more posts from Molli, including reviews and discussion posts, visit her at Once Upon a Prologue.*

Interview with Abbi Glines & a Giveway!

EXISTENCE captured my attention but THE VINCENT BOYS stole my heart. 

I was lucky enough to meet Abbi Glines at a book signing in Broken Arrow, OK back in June. And I have to admit, I was ridiculously star struck. You would have thought I was a giddy teenager meeting Robert Pattinson or something. I carried my signed copy of THE VINCENT BOYS around with me for the rest of the day week. She is every bit as charming as you would expect a Southern gal to be and I completely adore her.

So without further ado, please welcome Abbi Glines to A Dash of YA!

Thanks for letting me interview you Abbi!

Thank you for asking me :) I'm flattered you wanted to interview me.

I have read everything you have published to date and I have to say I am Team Beau all the way. Out of all of the swoon-worthy men you have created, who is your most favorite?

That's a hard question. I'm torn between two. Cage was by far the most fun to write. I enjoyed writing him and getting in his very naughty head. However, Sawyer was so wounded and made such bad decisions but REAL decisions. I understood him and I felt bad for him. So it's a tie between the two of them.

Where do you find your inspiration for your stories? How much would you say are “real life” experiences?

Other than setting and dialogue nothing I write is inspired from real life. Music inspires me. I'm also a people watcher. Body language and interaction between couples is something I pay attention to a lot. Then there is always, my overactive imagination.

I know that BREATHE was your debut novel, but was it the first one you wrote?

Yes. Breathe was the first complete novel I wrote. I tried writing many books before Breathe and never could finish them. Once I finished Breathe I realized I'd worked out my issues and I was on a roll.

You churn out books insanely fast (which is much appreciated by your impatient fans like myself!), how long does it typically take you to write a first draft?

One week.

Wow! That’s impressive! How many hours do you spend writing a day?

6-8... though, I've been known to write 12 hours straight.

Do you have an all-time favorite author? Who and why?

Yes. Jennifer Echols. I know that when she releases a book that I will read it in one sitting. I can't put down anything she writes. Her stories never disappoint. She also writes southern setting since she lives in Alabama too so that is fun for me to read. And no, I have never met her.

EXISTENCE was the very first book of yours I read and as much as I enjoyed it, I think I love your Sea Breeze series even more. Which genre is the most fun for you to write, Paranormal or Contemporary Romance?

I love writing Contemporary Romance. I won't lie. As much as I love Dank Walker, I can not wait until I am finished with Ceaseless so that I can write Preston's story.

Can you divulge a secret about Cage that no one else knows?

Yes, he looks like Channing Tatum in my head ;)

Yum! I can totally picture that!

CEASELESS (Existence trilogy #3) was just released on September 18th and JUST FOR NOW (#4 Sea Breeze series) on October 23rd, plus I heard you were writing a second story for Cage and Eva! Do you have any big plans for after that?

Yes. I have an urban fantasy trilogy that I will be releasing in 2013. However, the dates on that have changed. It is now going to be late 2013. I will be giving Ethan from The Vincent Boys a story next summer. AND If I can get to it, I have a stand alone New Adult romance that I want to write. Hopefully I can get it out by early spring.

As an author who has both self-published and gone the traditional route, what advice would you give to aspiring writers out there?

If you've written a book get yourself an editor and a cover artist. Make sure your cover is attractive and self-publish it on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, and Kobo. Grow yourself a fan base. Don't worry about having a publisher or an agent, just yet. Build up to that. When you're ready, you'll know. I love my agent and my new publisher for The Vincent Boys (Simon Pulse) but I wasn't ready for them back when I released Breathe (who was released by a small publisher. I still had to do all the marketing myself.) I had a lot of learning to do. I think you will grow more as an author if you have to figure out how to make a book successful without help. That, of course, is just my opinion.

A big thank you to Abbi Glines for taking the time out to answer this crazy fangirl’s questions!

If you haven’t had a chance to check out her books, I highly recommend them to everyone! You can find them all in e-reader format. The Vincent Boys and The Vincent Brothers are now available to pre-order in paperback and hardback format. They are both being re-released on Dec. 25^th with an extra 12,000 words and steamier scenes! Can’t wait for more Beau! *swoon*

And just because I love Abbi Glines so much and want you all to love her too, I'm going to give one lucky reader BECAUSE OF LOW or WHILE IT LASTS!

All you have to do is "follow" us and leave a comment telling which book you would like and whether you have a Nook, Kindle or prefer to read good old fashion paperbacks.

Piece of cake, right?!

For additional chances of winning, "like" A Dash of YA on facebook and/or tweet about this giveaway and leave us comments saying you did so!

I'll announce the winner one week from today--good luck!

Existence Trilogy with the novella LEIF

The Vincent Boys series

Sea Breeze series. Coming soon JUST FOR NOW