Questions, Questions: Sheena-kay answers questions from Jolene's Questions Post

Today I'm answering questions from Jolene Perry's post Questions...Questions...

Do you ever close your eyes when you're writing?

Yes but for varying reasons. Best reasons: to envision my characters, to concentrate better and to relax. Worst reasons: Migrains, Mirgains, and frustration.

Do you listen to music while you write? Before you write? Or neither?

I don't listen to music because it interferes with my concentration and writing speed.

Do you work on one project at a time? Or many projects at a time?

I'm never working on just one thing. Probably got that from writing poetry. Habits die hard.

Do you know when you've started writing something special? Or do they all feel special?

You know. That's all I'm going to say.

Are there projects that you couldn't imagine changing anything in the story? And on the opposite of that, are there projects where you could shrug about change and jump in and do it?

(Posted this answer originally in Jolene's comments as the one question answered from the Questions post)

I thought my WIP Nevermore was perfect as a four to five novella series. Then one day I had some serious doubts and shortly after I decided to make it in a four part novel instead. At most it might be a duology. I think this is best because part one of the novellete was fine to my but as I thought of the others I had issues with characters, word count and that I suddently realized I needed multiple perspectives after the first novellete was to be done in mostly in third person perspective with Peter Pan. So making changes proved necessary and making it into a novel just made the process much less confusing. So even if you think a novel is perfect, watch out and be open to changes.

Do titles come easily for you? Or are they more difficult?

It depends on the books. But I get it quickly or eventually.

Did you know you wanted to be a writer when you started your first book?

Yes I did. Reading was with me from practically birth and writing naturally followed. My first completed book involved following a girl named Nichelle Harper from senior year to gradutating college. It was what you'd now call a novella and there was a girl at school who'd wait for me to finish each chapter then borrow it to read. I guess you can say she was my first fan. We weren't even in the same year but she always found me and was excited to know about my progress. I have to say that I enjoyed that.

Do you think your first book will be published? (I know this is a REALLY rude question to ask someone who is working on their first book ;-)

No. Wrote it in my teens and I'll leave it at that. Poetry from then might be published but not my first book.

Are there favorite places in your house where you like to write? Or do you get more work done when you go somewhere else?

I'm most comfortable writing at home and I enjoy writing in my room.

So that's it everyone. I hope answering these questions gives you a bit of insight about me. Happy blogging and have a scary good Halloween!

The Next Big Thing: Nevermore

Hi I'm stealing "The Next Big Thing." So today I'm showing off my WIP Nevermore. Enjoy the ride. Tomorrow I'll be posting answerings to Jolene Perry's Questions...Questions... post.

What is your working title of your book?

Nevermore. Yes I know James Patterson has a book with the same name but no one has exclusivity over a title. Excep maybe J.K. Rowling with the Harry Potter books. I mean

Where did the idea come from for the book?

I was on the Entangled publishing website in July 2012 and read about a call for fairytale retelling with a zombie twist. The deadline was less than three weeks away but I was so intrigued I decided to write something anyway and submit elsewhere to try and get it published. Yes, Nevermore was born through a call I never planned to answer. Ironic, no?

What genre does your book fall under?

YA Dystopia. It is also contemporary with horror and romantic elements.

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

I'm not sure for Peter Pan and Sebastan a.k.a. Captain Hook but Tinkerbell is a lock. Elle Fanning, just look at this photo, she's perfect.

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

One sentence huh? In a zombie ridden Detroit, Nevermore follows a contemporary Peter Pan in a dystopian take on a fairytale classic. This is my latest attempt. I'm better at synopsis than one liners.

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?

I'm not sure right now. When I first started I wanted to submit Nevermore as a noella series to a small press. Then I started considering self-publising. Now with all the changes I just want to focus on finishing Nevermore first before really making that decision. Either way I'm determined to get this finished, polished and published.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

I decided in October to go back to the drawing board because what I was going to make into four to five novellas will now be a stand alone novel. At most maybe a duology. So I'm back at the start but more invigorated than ever.

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

I wasn't thinking about that when I started this book. I guess it's pretty much a YA contemporary Peter Pan dystopia filled with teens trying to survive in a world that's turned upside down by zombies.

Who or what inspired you to write this book?

I was trolling publishing sites and found a request for halloween zombie stories from Entangled Publishing. This was in July and while I couldn't meet the time limit for submitting there I got the idea for a contemporary Peter Pan in a zombie apocalypse.

What else about your book might pique the reader's interest?

Well if zombies, gangs, and cannibals don't tickle your interest...oh yeah I didn't mention that before did I? Yes there are cannibals in Nevermore.

Also they're posts available to enjoy:

Playlist Week: Nevermore

Nevermore Hookers

Nevermore Hangers

The Magic 8 Ball: Part 2

I pass this meme unto:

Rachel Morgan

Panda Ninja

Victoria H. Smith

Misha Gericke

Holiday Fling Cover Reveal

Note: If you want to read my post for The Perfect Clone Tour click The Perfect Clone: A Promo.

Hi everyone today another Victoria Smith upcoming novel is revealed. You've probably heard about The Crimson Hunt but today I am going to introduce you to another one of her soon to be released novels, well novelette in this case. Holiday Fling is a contemporary romance of the New Adult variety. The M.C. Tarrah Reid has to decide which is worth more? A Christmas fling or a risk for something more permanent.

Book information:
Holiday Fling by: Victoria H. Smith

Release Date: November 26, 2012

Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance (Novelette)

Book Description:

Tarrah Reid is aware that she holds the name of a famous Hollywood actress… Not that she cares, since the association helps with her "Christmas floozy” persona. She has one goal every Christmas Eve: sleep with her roommate’s cousin while the rest of the family is distracted by fruitcake. However, her annual conquest comes to a screeching halt when she winds up in the middle of a bank robbery and is miraculously saved by a handsome, redheaded stranger.

A few hours with medical student Chase Stewart has Tarrah’s mind in a daze and her heart aflutter. Suddenly, Tarrah no longer wants her fling—she wants Chase. But if there’s one thing Tarrah has discovered this Christmas Eve, it’s that the Christmas gods have it out for her. Her new favorite redhead and her fling have way more in common than just their towering heights. The anticipated announcement of fruitcake has never been more heightened. Before the fruited-pastry delight is served, Tarrah must decide what she really desires this Christmas Eve – a simple fling or something more.

A New Adult contemporary romance, Holiday Fling is a short Christmas tale with a spicy kick.

About the Author: Victoria H. Smith has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. She puts it to good use writing romance all day. She resides in the Midwest with her Macbook on her lap and a cornfield to her right. She often draws inspiration for her stories from her own life experiences, and the twenty-something characters she writes give her an earful about it.

In her free time, she enjoys extreme couponing, blogging, reading, and sending off a few tweets on Twitter when she can. She writes new adult fiction romance in the sub-genres of science fiction, urban fantasy, and contemporary, but really, anywhere her pen takes her she goes. 

Victoria H. Smith

The Twenty Something Fiction Writer & Contributor to NA Alley

Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | NA Alley Blog | NA Alley Twitter

The Perfect Clone: A Promo

The Perfect Clone by M. L. Stephens

Mature Situations

Sticking to codes of moral conduct is no longer an option. Laura’s tried that before and failed miserably. With a second chance at life, she’s determined to make society play by her rules for a change.

Richard has secretly cultivated Laura’s talents for years, waiting for the perfect moment to pull her into his tangled web. It’s difficult enough to clone a child using DNA from an ancient shroud, but convincing Laura to help him might prove to be the bigger challenge.

With her own agenda in mind, Laura takes on the cloning project and is plunged into a world filled with secret societies, deception, murder and…apparitions? As her perception on reality shifts, Laura begins to question everything. What if Richard’s quest to create a clone to save humanity, is instead, The Perfect Clone for destruction?

Author's note: The Community I’ve created offers surprises, splashes of humor, action, suspense, and unexpected plot twists. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I’ve enjoyed creating it. Welcome to the Community!

Spooktoberfest

Hi unfortunately due to tropical storm Sandy I couldn't post yesterday and my scheduled blogoversary post never showed. It is up now and so is my entry in Spooktoberfest. Still have no electricity or internet at home since Tuesday, posting this from a bookstore. Good day guys.

 Hosted by Jackie @ Bouquet of Books  and Dani @ Entertaining Interest. 

Revenge

Stacey Tully ignored the cauldron and cobwebs as she pulled out the ancient leather bound text out the cupboard. The whimpering in the back room made her smile. Tonight was the last time she’d ever have to deal with the source of that pathetic sound. Halloween was in full swing and while most houses had jack-o-lanterns on the front lawn and, she was doing something truly in the dark spirit of Halloween.

Then she glimpsed herself in the old cracked mirror. Dressed in the beautiful white prom dress her little wore. Sweet Audrina who ran home in tears and swallowed a bottle of sleeping pills instead of dancing with her prom date. All thanks to a prank orchestrated by the captured teen. While the school might’ve let him off with mercy, she wasn’t. Unlike her deceased hazel haired sister, Stacey had dark hair and identical grey eyes wasn’t so trusting.

“Justice has finally come for you Joshua Bates,” she cooed. It was so easy to lure him to the abandoned house on the outskirts of town. Horny teen thought he was getting it on with a hot nineteen year old. Even easier to knock him out, strip him to his underwear and tie him spread eagled over the symbols needed for the ceremony. Now it was time.

“Stacey I swear, I didn’t mean for anything bad to happen,” the blonde boy teen with abs to kill begged as she returned.

“Yet, Audrina’s still dead,” Stacey said and sliced his wrists with razor blades, “let’s begin.”

Stacey started reading from the text ignoring Joshua’s pleas. The language ancient and haunting.

Suddenly ghosts started coming through the walls. Ghosts attracted to blood and flesh. Joshua’s screams rang out as they tore into his flesh. Stacey’s smile grew wide as she watched.

Blogoversary Celebration and Bloghop

One year ago today I started this blog. Queendsheena was created to get me closer to aspiring writers like myself as well make friends with fellow book lovers and bloggers. One year later I can I've achieved these things and have several novels and novellas in the work including four to be self-published in 2013 and others that I'm working on to send to agents/publishers in later 2013 and early 2014. All this was done through hard work and enouragement from many new friends I've found through the blogosphere. Sadly my closet family have never taken a real interest in my writing but I have friends and relatives who have commended me on taking such an endeavour. Yet before creating this blog I never truly met people really dedicated to their writing who I could keep true contact with. Also none whose books have been thoroughly promoted outside a website and a blog that is just really a book sound bite. But after creating this blog I met several of you. I'm still meeting more of you now and lifts my spirit whenever I see you self-publish a new book, get an agent, a contract or have a small or major press publish your work. Also I can never forget the encouraging words I've received for my own work and it warms my heart when others see things in my work even I didn't notice. And that's through excerpts and synopsis alone! How astute you are! I just want want to thank you all for your support and hope you take joy with me in celebrating my one year blogoversary and enjoy the bloghop.

Bloghop

The Blogoversary: Sacrifice Book 4 Bloghop is my way of thanking all my readers and followers as well as share my one-year celebration with everyone. You can click the link or check the tab under my header for more information and to sign up. The chance to sign up ends today at noon and you can post your entry from October 24 to 26. Each entry has a chance to win the opportunity of naming and creating the storyline for book 4 in The Sacrifice series written by me. So don't forget to shine those entries and read all the rules and requirements before entering.

Since I'm hosting I won't be posting an entry. Instead I'll post a poem I wrote a long time ago but still resonates with me today. I edited it a bit since I originally wrote it in 2004. Happy Blogging.

Bubble Gum Girl

Bubble Gum Girl.
Bubble Gum Girl.
You stretch and twist
just like real bubblegum.

Bubble Gum Girl.
Bubble Gum Girl.
You handle so much
and yet you don't burst.

Bubble Gum Girl.
Bubble Gum girl.
You know that no
one person can
handle everything forever.

Bubble Gum Girl.
Bubble Gum Girl.
Either get your life
together or surely
you'll burst.

Just like real bubblegum.
Bubble Gum Girl.

Waiting on Wednesday: Tidal by Amanda Hocking and Blogoversay Bloghop Reminder

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine and spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Publlication Date: Early 2013

Summary: "It felt like a tidal wave rushing over her and crushing her, destroying everything in her life. And Gemma was powerless to stop it." 

I can't wait for Tidal. It's the third book in The Watersong series and book two is coming in November. EEEK!

Blogoversary Reminder!

Blogoversary: Sacrifice Book 4 Bloghop is almost here. Tomorrow will be the official celebration of my one-year blogoverary. But starting today and until Ocotober 26, followers of my blog, both fans and sporadic readers can post their entries in the bloghop. To enter click here. Linky closes at noon on Thursday October 25. So be sure to sign up in time so you can post by friday (26th) the latest.

If I Let You Go "Letting Go" Bloghop

Today I'm participating if Kyra Lennon's If I Let You Go "Letting Go" Bloghop. Also remember you can her novella If I Let You Go for free today on Amazon.

Bloghop Info:

On October 22nd, I invite you to share some stories about letting go. Was there a time when you had to let go of someone or something? How did it make you feel? How did you handle it? Or if that's too personal - which I completely understand - how about writing a piece of flash fiction? 

The only rules are - obviously - it has to be related to letting go, and please keep it to a maximum of 500 words.

When the day arrives, I will hop around to all the entries, along with my independent judge (otherwise known as "Mum" LOL), and the story that touches us the most will win a $10 Amazon gift card!

I will be going back in time with my flash fiction and posting an oldie. In 2005 I posted a short little fic called Suicide on Fiction Press. No one should be left to the point of suicide. If you have any such thoughts seek help immediately. Now unto my flash fic and remember to check other posts in this bloghop.

Suicide

I sat by my bed sobbing. Everything was always WRONG! Why couldn't I do anything right! Grades too low, clumsiness too high.

I sighed and fell back into my bed. The soft bed that I always had as a little girl. In a way it was my only friend. The only one who would always take me and never reject me. Too bad it wasn't REAL! Finding comfort in an inanimate object is one of the most PATHETHIC things to ever do. But I did it. I always did it. And now I was going to get comfort from one more inanimate object. My last comfort.
I slipped my hand underneath the plush purple pillows and pulled out a gun. A .375 magnum to be exact.

One shot. One shot would end all my pain and misery. I didn't give a damn about my soul. If I truly had one it died sadly a long time ago.

I position the gun in my mouth and ignored the metallic taste and the weight that it held on both my right hand and the inside of my mouth. I stared up at the sky blue ceiling with my large dark blue eyes. There was a small square mirror positioned sight in the middle of the ceiling and in that mirror I saw my reflection. And in that reflection, I saw my eyes. They were EMPTY. I was empty. I had been empty for a long time. Just going through the motions of a typical fourteen year old who was empty dumb and worthless like myself. Now I'll die and end this life that I've deluded myself into thinking it would get better for far too long. Acutally, far too long was an UNDERSTATEMENT.

I look at myself more closely. I was wearing my velvet knee length purple dress with white stockings, black low heeled shoes, and my waist length jet black hair was tied into a ponytail with a red satin bow. My milky white skin made me look almost like an angel. A lost angel. I looked closely in the mirror at my petite 5ft7 frame. I weighed 110pounds. Never more, rarely less. I noticed my small button nose and my thin pink mouth, I agan noticed my large dark blue eyes. Staring at the reflection. Almost longingly. I smiled. At least my eyes seemed to understand my longing.

I closed my eyes one last time and then I opened them. Staring at my reflection in my large blue room, with a queen sized purple bed, I pulled the trigger.

The END

Have a good day everyone.

Did I Notice Your Book Blogfest

I'm participating in the Did I Notice Your Book Blogfest hosted by Ciara Kight and Ninja Captain Alex.

Blurb: Seventeen year old Lisa Brown’s life is falling apart. First, her mother and father divorce, then their house forecloses and now, her mother has decided to commit herself to a psychiatric hospital.

If that weren’t enough, she must leave sunny south Florida to attend a boarding school full of geniuses in cold, Lynn, Massachusetts. The city where the locals chant “Lynn, Lynn, city of sin; you never come out the way you went in.”

And, they aren’t kidding. Lisa must live in a tiny shack with two strange teenagers, a dog named Pig who growls when you look at him and a cat named Rat. “Mind the cat,” everyone says. What the heck is wrong with this place?

Lisa thinks she’s landed in her own house of horrors with the anti-social Alex and his facetious sister Ally. But, the real drama begins the day she is struck by lightning.


How I Noticed This Book?

Completely by accident. I was looking up on books named Cin (full title: C I N: "Lynn, Lynn, the city of sin. You never come out the way you went in) on Amazon for a special project and came across this book. I ignored it at first but a nagging feeling made me look back on it. I'm glad I did. Especially when I read how the author came up with the book's title and story line. After reading the summary I was both intrigued and confused. I also felt sorry for the main character's 'madhouse' situation. I at first borrowed it from booklending.com and loved it. But by a happy coincidence Christina made the kindle version free in September and I got a copy. Now I own the book and couldn't be happier. I recommend everyone to try and read a copy if they can. The twist and turns in Lisa's life will have you on the edge of your seat and the other characters in the story keep you reading. Even the animals. You will find out why you ought to "Mind the cat" named Rat.

Now here's how you can help spread the word. Below are just two examples. You can use the Facebook example for any other social network site or create your own post. Hopefully Christina will notice and stop by.

Tweet: I saw #Cin1 from the #CINSeries by Christina Leigh Pritchard on http://queendsheena.blogspot.com/2012/10/did-i-notice-your-book-blogfest.html … during the Did I Notice Your Book Blogfest. #NoticeBook

Facebook: I read about C I N: "Lynn, Lynn, the city of sin. You never come out the way you went in" by Christina Leigh Pritchard at http://queendsheena.blogspot.com/2012/10/did-i-notice-your-book-blogfest.html. It was during the Did I Notice Your Book Blogfest and everyone including the author should take a look.

P.S. - Remember to sign up for the Blogoversary: Sacrifice Book 4 Bloghop. Where the winner with the best idea gets a special prize. Click the link for details.

Waiting on Wednesday: The Farm by Emily McKay

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine and spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Publication Date: December 4, 2012

Summary: Life was different in the Before: before vampires began devouring humans in a swarm across America; before the surviving young people were rounded up and quarantined. These days, we know what those quarantines are—holding pens where human blood is turned into more food for the undead monsters, known as Ticks. Surrounded by electrical fences, most kids try to survive the Farms by turning on each other…

And when trust is a thing of the past, escape is nearly impossible.

Lily and her twin sister Mel have a plan. Though Mel can barely communicate, her autism helps her notice things no one else notices—like the portion of electrical fence that gets turned off every night. Getting across won’t be easy, but as Lily gathers what they need to escape, a familiar face appears out of nowhere, offering to help…

Carter was a schoolmate of Lily’s in the Before. Managing to evade capture until now, he has valuable knowledge of the outside world. But like everyone on the Farm, Carter has his own agenda, and he knows that behind the Ticks is an even more dangerous threat to the human race...

This book has been on my TBR list for months. I really enjoy the twist this author has taken with the paranormal. Can't wait for December.

Express Yourself Meme, Blindsided Cover Reveal

A new week playing part in the Express Yourself Weekly Meme. Today each participant tells what language they'd like to speak and why.

For me it's Japanese. Why? Because I'm a big fan of Japanese culture and it would only make sense to learn the language so can dig even deeper. Go Japan!

Blindsided Cover Reveal

Blindsided (Book 2 to Game On)
Release Date: November 19, 2012
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Romance

Summary: After a successful first soccer season in L.A, Jesse Shaw heads to London with his best buddy, Hunter, but his world is turned upside down when a dangerous prank threatens his career and his blossoming relationship with Hunter’s cousin, Isabelle. 

Isabelle Mills lives in Notting Hill with her parents and her twin sister, Georgia. When she finds out her cousin is coming to stay, along with his famous soccer player friend, her first instinct is to hibernate until they’ve gone. However, once she meets Jesse, everything changes. He’s everything she ever wanted, but with so many obstacles in their path, can she really risk putting her heart on the line?

The Crimson Hunt Cover Reveal

Please Note: I forgot about The Nineties Blogfest. So no post here. Sorry.

Today I'm taking part in The Crimson Hunt Cover Reveal. Victoria took quite a leap when she decided to leave her publisher and publish her book independently. Best of luck to Victoria and hope you enjoy reading  about her book.

The Crimson Hunt (Eldaen Light Chronicles, #1) by: Victoria H. Smith

Release Date: November 12, 2012

Genre: New Adult Science Fiction Romance

Summary: College junior Ariel Richmond is working on year three of Project Normalcy.

Her house reeks of keggers past and her bestie is just a slight bit vulgar. But the thing is—they both aid in making life refreshingly uneventful.

So much for hard-earned mediocrity when Luca Grinaldi appears on the scene.

Luca’s sudden presence on campus is hard to ignore. Those bright eyes act like a beacon to unsuspecting females, and with features like his, he’s got to be moonlighting for GQ. Luca hopelessly captivates Ariel with his confidence and charisma, but the mysteries surrounding him make him nearly untouchable. And just when Ariel grows close enough to unlock his secrets, a tragic event sends her life in a downward spiral.


That steady life is no longer an option and allies quickly become scarce. The mysterious Luca seems to be the only one willing to help her—but with that trust comes the burden of his secrets. He has a dark mission of otherworldly proportions, and is willing to sacrifice as many lives as it takes to see it completed.

Gone are the days of simply maintaining normalcy, and if Ariel isn’t cautious with her trust, so soon may be her future.



The Crimson Hunt Playlist



Author: Victoria Smith

Victoria H. Smith has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. She puts it to good use writing romance all day. She resides in the Midwest with her Macbook on her lap and a cornfield to her right. She often draws inspiration for her stories from her own life experiences, and the twenty-something characters she writes give her an earful about it.

In her free time, she enjoys extreme couponing, blogging, reading, and sending off a few tweets on Twitter when she can. She writes new adult fiction romance in the sub-genres of science fiction, urban fantasy, and contemporary, but really, anywhere her pen takes her she goes.

Links: Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads 

Express Yourself Meme: Week 2 (Yes I'm Late)

This week we're to name five books/movies that cause the hair to stand on the back of our neck.

1. The Horror Show: This movie scared the hell out of me as a child. And I still get the chills just thinking about it. 'Meat Cleaver' Max is one of the most underated horror characters of all times. I'd rather kust die by Freddy Krueger than meet him, seriously.

2. Misery by Steven King: I read the book when I was younger and finally watched the movie around 2010. Both are freaky as hell.

3. Rock from the anime Metropolis. The extent he goes to protect his 'father' gets downright freaky sometimes.

4. The Guardian (1990) is a horror movie that would give anybody nightmare. A human eating tree? Seriously. And it wants babies! Babies!

5. Flowers in the Attic by V.C. Andrews: The things that happened in this book. Gothic horror at it's finest.

 So that's it everyone.

Waiting on Wednesday: Scarlet (The Lunar Chronicles) by Marissa Meyer

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine and spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Publication Date: January 3, 2013

Summary: This is not the fairytale you remember. But it's one you won't forget. Scarlet Benoit's grandmother is missing. The police have closed her case. The only person Scarlet can turn to is Wolf, a street fighter she does not trust, but they are drawn to each other. Meanwhile, in New Beijing, Cinder will become the Commonwealth's most wanted fugitive - when she breaks out of prison to stay one step ahead of vicious Queen Levana. As Scarlet and Wolf expose one mystery, they encounter Cinder and a new one unravels. Together they must challenge the evil queen, who will stop at nothing to make Prince Kai her husband, her king, her prisoner...

I have been aching to read Cinder and Scarlet has me pining no less. Can't wait to get my hands on it.

Blogoversary Bloghop Sign up is Here

The day has arrived. You can go to the Blogoversary: Sacrifice Book 4 Bloghop Page (Tab) above or just sign up here. Thank you all who choose to participate and please read the instructions carefully.

Blogoversary: Sacrifice Book 4 Bloghop

Thursday October 25, 2012 will be one year since I started Queendsheena. This blog has been a great inspiration and avenue to meet fellow writers and people who love reading, blogging and life. To thank all of you I have decided to make my one-year anniversary a competitive bloghop. I have four books scheduled for self-published release in 2013. Three are to be ebooks from The Sacrifice Series. I have decided for my blogoversary to have you my followers pick what will be written for book 4 of The Sacrifice Series.

Recquirements:

1. Be a follower of Queendsheena.

2. Choose a title no more than three words.

3. A quick summary of your idea for book 4.

4. Write 500-1000 words of your idea in story form.

5. The main character has to be a teenager. Also he or she has to be in a situation where they're about to be sacrificed. To understand more read The Sacrifice Series Page.

6. Be signed on the linky below no later than October 25 at Noon. Signup starts October 5.

7. Blogoversary Bloghop is October 25 but to facilitate all blogs you can post between October 24 to 26. No late entries will be accepted. If you have any issues with these dates please let me know to see what can be arranged. All those who can post on the 25th will be deeply appreciated.

8. Genres that won't be accepted: Westerns, Steampunk, Horror, Heavy Sci-fi. If your idea leans heavily on these things please change it. Also no extreme gore. This is a YA series and anything you come up with has to be something that will interest teenagers.

Bloghop Competition closes October 27 and judging will begin. Winner will be announced between November 8-15, depending on volume of entries.

Prize: Winner gets their idea made into an ebook novella for June or September 2013. You will be credited and get an advanced pdf document of the novella as well as a free ebook when it's officially released. Also you'll be given exclusive peeks at the cover, notes on the progress on the novel and other insider information on the agreement you won't share this information without my approval.




The Following entry missed the linky because the blogger couldn't get their blog entered. But is still in the running.

Entry: Use Your Words

Thank you all for participating.

Cover Reveal: The Faerie Guardian and Book Review Thursday

Click here for Book Review Thursday.

Today I'm taking part in the cover reveal for The Faerie Guardian by Rachel Morgan. The Faerie Guardian is a paperback compilation of the four ebooks in the Creepy Hollow series. With an eye catching cover I think this cover is an attention grabber. Available next month, all I can say is excellent work Rachel. I'm a fan who loves the books and you can see my review for the first two below.

Book Review for Guardian

Book Review for Labyrinth

Title: The Faerie Guardian
Author: Rachel Morgan
Release Date: 5 Nov 2012
Add to Goodreads

Protecting humans from dangerous magical creatures is all in a day’s work for a faerie training to be a guardian. Seventeen-year-old Violet Fairdale knows this better than anyone—she’s about to become the best guardian the Guild has seen in years. That is, until a cute human boy who can somehow see through her faerie glamour follows her into the fae realm. Now she’s broken Guild Law, a crime that could lead to her expulsion.

The last thing Vi wants to do is spend any more time with the boy who got her into this mess, but the Guild requires that she return Nate to his home and make him forget everything he’s discovered of the fae realm. Easy, right? Not when you factor in evil faeries, long-lost family members, and inconvenient feelings of the romantic kind. Vi is about to find herself tangled up in a dangerous plot—and it’ll take all her training to get out of it alive.

[This novel was originally published in four separate parts: Guardian, Labyrinth, Traitor and Masquerade. It includes bonus scenes at the end.]

Giveaway Time!

The bonus scenes at the end of the book are NOT written from the main character's point of view. If you'd like to win a $10 Amazon gift card, all you have to do is guess whose point of view these scenes are written from! Head on over to the cover reveal post at Rachel Morgan Writes and fill in the Rafflecopter form. There's a list of characters there that you can choose from. Good luck!

IWSG: About Writing, Blogoversary Contest, and Express Yourself Meme

Click here for Wating on Wednesday Post.

So another IWSG day is upon us. Today I'll be discussing my upcoming blogoversary and news on my writing. When I created my blog Queendsheena, I was determined to get my writing off the ground, get published and make friends and contacts with other aspiring and successful writers. While I've not yet published a novel, I have achieved the other two. But while I'm not yet published, I don't regret my decision. While I plan to go both the self-published and traditional route. Neither will be done with half-polished or okay work. Until I'm satisfied that my novels are ready, none will be published. I've had various issues. A chapter doesn't work, the voice of a character sounds too old (happened in Sacrifice Her with Kale, I'm correcting that) and etc. I nearly decided to change one to New Adult but decided against it because it's part of a YA series of single books. Instead I worked getting everyone down to the appropriate age. My self-published books have been pushed to 2013 publishing dates and I'll start agenting for my manuscripts for traditional publishing when I feel they're ready.

Now unto my Blogoversay. Nearly a year ago on October 25, 2011 I created this blog. During this time I have accomplished a lot as an aspiring writer and met blogger friends that connect with me just as well (if not better) than those who I see day to day. Now I have decided that as a way to thank those who have been visiting my blog to give them a chance to do something few people get to do. Decide on a novel an author writes. Everywhere they're offers of gift cards, books and so on. I love those giveaways and contests, don't get me wrong. But I like a challenge. So instead of just giving something away, how about giving an opportunity. I thought really hard about something that would set my blogoversary apart. Get the blogoshere chatting, typing, whatever. Then it came to me. I had decided about the first three books in The Sacrifice Series for a while and planned on deciding on others later since I had other self-published titles to think about for the future. Why not make a decision on book 4. In fact, why not allow fellow bloggers to decide. That's how my unique Blogoversary idea was born. Having a Blogoversary Bloghop Contest where the prize is getting a chance to title and create the story for book 4 in the sacrifice series.

For more on The Sacrifice Series please visit The Sacrifice Series Page. The entry page will be posted October 5, 2012. So be ready to enter your links this friday. October 25, 2012 will be the big Blogoversary celebration and the winner will be decided between November 8-15. Depending on the volume of entries. Full details will be revealed on Friday when entry page is unveiled.

The basic requirements for the contest are:

1. A title no more than three words. e.g. Sacrifice Her, For My Country

2. The main character has to be a teenager, no younger than thirteen, no older than seventeen. You can have up to two protagonist. Gender is your choice. He or she has to be in a situation where they're up for sacrifice. You can choose how and why.

3. A quick sumary of what your idea for book 4 is about.

4. 500-1000 words of your idea in story form.

5. Being signed up on the entry page by October 25 at noon. Posting entry on your blog between Oct 24 - 26. No late submissions will be accepted. If you have an issue with posting dates let me know by email or in comments. I'll contact you and see what can be arranged. Anyone who can post on the 25 would be greatly appreciated but if not you have between the 24-26 to post.

Optional:

1. Naming other characters you'd like in the novel.

2. Detailed setting.

3. Anything else you'd like to say in your entry that's G-PG-13 and doesn't go against the requirements for entry.

Genres Allowed: (Please remember this is book is part of a YA series) Contemporary, Dystopia, Fantasy, Paranormal, Supernatureal, Light Sci-Fi, Romance. And no, you don't have to pick a genre but your idea is likely to fall under one of these when I make it into a novel.

Absolute No No's: Western, Steampunk, Horror, extreme gore, Heavy Sci-Fi (can't write Brave New World type fiction, sorry).

Winner has their entry turned into a novella for June 2013 or September 2013 release. Sorry but July and August are for promoting and releasing my self-published novel Snow that I plan to have in both paperback and ebook format. So if not June, it has to wait for September. You will be credited and have a pre-released pdf version to read and free copy of ebook when it's released.

Express Yourself Meme

Dani and Jacki are co-hosting the Express Yourself Weekly Meme.

Here's the schedule:

Oct. 1-5- pick a name in your current wip; what was your process of acquiring it?
Oct. 8-12 List five movies/books that cause the hair to stand on the back of your neck.
Oct. 15-19- What language would you like to speak and why?
Oct. 22-15- List five favorite monsters throughout history?

Name in my WIP: I'll discuss the names for The Lost Boys from my WIP Nevermore.

For my contemporary dystopian zombie ya novella Nevermore I had to name Peter Pan's crew of Lost Boys. I recalled them in the original Peter Pan and decided I wanted something completely different. So I thought about what I wanted and decided I wanted a variety of young people brought together by the unfathomable circumstance of a zombie apocalypse. I knew they needed to be resourceful, smart, fast and unique. So I ended up with four members and their names are as follows. Three are nicknames, one isn't. Loud is the only girl in the group, I gave her that name because she is loud and outrageous. But she's also strong and independent. Blur is the only non-teenager in the group. He's an asian Peter Pan had picked out because he was small enough to crawl into tiny spaces. He earned his nickname by being unusually fast. Razor is a white teenager who earned his nickname because of his very blunt outlook on life. He and Blur are the only non-African Amercians in the group. Spike is the last member and Peter Pan's best friend before the apocalypse. Spike's his real name. I couldn't think of a nickname for him and decided Spike could work.

Thank you for reading my latest IWSG post and hope to see you on my Blogoversary whether you enter the contest or not.