Celebrating 2014 and Goal Hop Update

2014 was quite a year. If you have been a regular reader you have been with me for the ups and downs and I thank you for your presence and support. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a wonderful New Year.

Goal Hop Update

I have for my AYA genre created a website and blog. While I have not completed a book for the genre yet, I'm happy to say that I am working on increasing knowledge of the genre. Rome wasn't built in a day and 2015 will see more promotion of the genre.

Where is Sarah? Cover Reveal

Here it is ladies and gentlemen. The cover to end all other covers. The book will be coming out next March and be my first book written in verse. Eat your heart out.

Summary: Sarah Shepleton is beautiful, popular and missing. After a party Sarah does not return home. From her mother to the police to both people who knew her to complete strangers, follow this book in verse as the search is on to find Sarah. Book one in a five book series about teenage girls gone missing. Will they be found in time or at all?

 Publication: March 2015 (ebook only)

Cover Designer: Cover Lust Designs

Links: Author Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Pinterest, Blog

So there you have it everyone. Isn't this cover lovely? The designer even did the photograph herself so there is no other like it. Check out Cover Lust Designs for a variety of really good premades and custom covers.Now tell me how pretty my cover is in the comments. Just teasing, thanks for stopping by.

EYM and Getting Personal: Hi

EYM

My favorite beverage is orange juice. I don't do coffee and tea is for an upset stomach nothing else seems to cure. So yeah, orange juice all the way. But yes, I do drink soda.


Getting Personal: Hi

I have been busy with freelance work so I haven't been blogging much. Also since November I have been having some hand pains and other issues. So I have to be careful with what I choose to write. But I want to keep you guys updated. Right now I'm working on the covers for upcoming books and I'm happy with how things are going so far. Monday will be my cover reveal for 'Where is Sarah' coming in March 2015.

Yesterday I saw The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 at the movies and it blew my mind. Anyone who loves the franchise should definitely go see it. I swear someone in it looked similar to how Christian Bale did in The Machinist. Divergent movie series can go take some tips for Insurgent coming next March. Plus I also did some writing for a novel which is a fairytale retelling. Not planning to release it anytime soon so I'll keep it under wraps for now. Nano was a dud but I think my other novel for Roe titled Huntress (NA Horror) has some real potential. Got around ten thousand words done on it. The hand pains and uptake in freelance made me have to change my priorities. Yet I am so excited for what is in store. The future holds a wonderful mystery and the present is just that. So I'm grabbing my gift and owning it.

I will be taking a break on Dec. 19 and coming back January 1, 2015. So glad to be blogging again and see you on Friday.

IWSG: Where am I? and Express Yourself Meme December Edition

My insecurity this month is about my position in my writing career. Right now my freelance work is taking off and I'm glad about what I have accomplished. But in my own writing life I am having a lot of stalling. The Sacrifice Series has been delayed. I plan to move Where is Sarah? from a February 2015 release to March and Snow will be out 2016 instead of Summer 2015 to accommodate The Sacrifice Series starting August/Sept. 2015. It seems that every step forward I take ten steps back. No matter what I will only release my best work but sometimes I wonder when.

Anyway I'm excited to say that I finally got Where is Sarah? cover done last month. Will be sharing it December 15. This time around I don't feel like doing a big cover reveal, I will do that for the other four. But I will offer to send a preview of the cover to the first ten persons to comment. No you are not obligated to post but if you do don't do it before December 15. I just feel like taking a simple approach right now. Oh and I finally have a tablet. Fave thing to do? Play games and watch Netflix. The Android makes it so easy to do that. The microsoft word and blog business, not so much but I'm still excited. Have a great IWSG and see you on Friday.

P.S.: Sorry for the absence but during November all the writing for my freelance work and Nano gave me some version of carpal tunnel. Had to stop for a while and couldn't complete Nano and a few of my assignments went in late. Pain is pretty much gone now with rare tiny bursts. So taking it easy. Also Saturday was my birthday! I'm 30!

EYM in December

I'm looking forward to Into the Woods as my Christmas movie in theaters December 25, 2014. First movie I have seen in the cinemas in December? Penguins of Madagascar yesterday. What a hoot! I had fun.

Express Yourself Meme: Fictional Characters come to Life

The five fictional characters I would like in my life are:

1. Snape from the Harry Potter series.

2. Madge from The Hunger Games Books.

3. A visit from Batman. Yes he is from the comics but I'm sure there are books about him somewhere. Also I just want a visit since Gotham needs him and he would have to go back.

4. Diego and Fred from The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner.

5. Elizabeth and Jessica Wakefield from The Sweet Valley books.

These characters have all intrigued and/or touched me in some way. It would be quite an adventure to meet any one of them in real life.

The Black Queen has arrived to joust!

I am excited today because I am jousting over at M. Pax's blog for the annual Realm Faire. It would be great if you over and lend your support. Whether you pick me or my opponent it is all in good fun. Go here to be part of the fun.

Oh and take a peek at my cool badge.

The Black Queen soldiers on!

Celebrating a New Month and EYM November

November has arrived and I have all sorts of reasons to celebrate.

1. My tablet is on it's way and I can't wait. It has already arrived at the U.S. address and should be on it's way to Jamaica.

2. Birthday on November 29th. Can't wait.

3. Big Hero 6, Dumb and Dumber To, Birdman and Mockingjay should be coming this month. Also on the look out for Night Crawler and Penguins movie (if I can cough up the dough).

4. Four more movies and I can get a free movie pass. Also hoping to enter a contest that might win me a free movie pass.

5. Nanowrimo is here!

6. Having a surge in ghostwriting and freelance work. More money to put away and Black Friday is coming.

So much to celebrate! Be happy and smile today.

Photo Credit: Denna @ Morguefile

EYM November

My warning label would be:

Don't mess with my books. Seriously, I will hurt you.

Fine Print: Or be super pissed at you for a really long time.

November is going to be awesome. Thanks for stopping by and enjoy your weekend.

IWSG: Nano to Nano

Today we share our insecurities and etc. etc. on the monthly Insecure Writer's Support Group. Well I say screw insecurities! All that matters to me right now are two things Nanowrimo and my birthday on Nov. 29. Now I will roar and share my projects and tell insecurity to go sit in the corner. I AM BUSY.

Project One: It's Complicated

Nano name: queendsheena

Genre: YA Fantasy

Quick Summary: Princess Aura goes from spoilt princess with a kingdom in peril and reeling from her father's death to being transported to our world. A book also goes with her and the longer she stays the more her happy ending and kingdom changes, for the worse.

Project Two: Huntress: The Flesh Business Book One

Nano name: Roe 2

Note: Written under a pseudonym

Genre: NA Horror

Quick Summary: Humans are the toughest prey and predators got to eat. Huntress is from the city of Shiiv, a secret city of flesh eaters who see outsiders (humans not from their city) as meat. Nothing is wasted. Huntress is a hunter and very good at her job. But when the status of hunters gets threatened she is ready to bend the rule book to protect her role and Shiiv from a shift that might be to their detriment.

----

Status: I am happy to say that I am working on finishing on time with Nano for the first time ever. Pretty on point with Roe 2 except for yesterday when I had to focus on freelance work. Today I plan to catch up. By Friday I will focus on queendsheena and get my word count up on It's Complicated. It's so exciting writing on a schedule with a community to chat with both here and on nanowrimo.

So here it is everyone, Nano to Nano and I'm confident it is frigging amazing. Yeah, I said it. So how are you guys this IWSG? And a special shout out to Alex C. and his helpful co-hosts.

P.S.: I got my prize from David Powers this morning. Stray by Elissa Sussman. I love hardcover books, they hold a special place is my bookish heart. Thank you David and so awesome of you send it first class.

Who's Your Hero Blogfest 2014

The Who's Your Hero Blogfest has participants in three hundred words or less tell others about their hero whether real or fictional. Today I will share with you my hero. He might be fictional but his part in his fictional world is not only life changing but what he goes through is both tragic and astounding.

Aang from Avatar: The Last Airbender

Aang

Source of Image: Wikipedia

The Avatar is the human manifestation of peace and light and tasked with keeping the Four Nations at peace. Aang was raised by Air Normads and became a top air bender. With rumors of war brewing the senior monks revealed him as the latest Avatar at age twelve. His friends started to treat him differently and worst of all Monk Gyatso who raised him could no longer keep him. Devastated, Aang ran away only to be caught in a storm. Fortunately his Avatar State saved him. Sadly the Air Normads were wiped out by the Fire Nation. 100 years later Aang is reawakened by siblings Sokka and Katara. After learning the truth that the Fire Nation was on the verge of winning, Aang decides to learn the other three elements (earth, water, fire) in order to face Fire Lord Ozai.

Why is he my hero? Aang went through a lot to protect to the Four Nations. For starters he was the last of his people and had the burden of being the avatar. "I'm just a kid" is a line he has used repeatedly. Yet he stood up and faced his destiny. He was imprisoned, kidnapped, attempts made on his life and those of his companions and almost died after Princess Azula struck him with lightning. He found love with Katara (water bender) and lifelong friendship with Sokka and even Toph, a blind earth bender. He learned to forgive Prince Zuko, the Fire Lord’s son. Though told he had to kill Ozai, he found another way so he wouldn’t go against his monk belief of not killing another creature.

Aang is a great and strong soul and because of him facing all his challenges head on while trying to live his own life, he is my hero.

Total: 297 words

So there you have it folks. My hero is a twelve year old boy who goes through a lot to protect his world and those he cares about. Fictional as he might be, the feelings he evokes from viewers like me is very real.

P.S.: On the Nanowrimo front I'm on point with my Roe Nano novel but on my own here It's Complicated has actually become just that and I'm currently behind in word count. But I intend to catch up and plan to complete Nanowrimo not just for the first time but with two projects. Go me! Plus best of luck to all Nanowrimo participants of course.

3 Year Blogging Anniversary Celebration and Goal Hop

Yes on Octob25, 2014 my dear blog became three years old. Queendsheena has been a wonderful blessing to me bringing so many writers and book lovers into my presence. Not just that, some of you have elevated yourselves from followers to my own blogging buddies and even friends. I'm so happy to share this great day with you and know that I wish you all the berst and hope to blogging for decades to come.

Credit: pippalou @ morgufile

1. Three years of blogging of course!

2. My birthday is November 29th! I'll be 30, people.

3. Big Hero 6 is almost here! Mockingjay Part one is coming.

4. Nano is nearly here.

5. I'm going to have a computer tablet by Mid-November! Ahhhh! Finally!

Goal Hop

Sorry but the computer I'm using right now won't let me log into AYA Forever so no posts for October. No other updates other than I'm focused on my AYA novella Save My Soul.Yet I'm glad because I made a lofty goal for myself and I'm still trying to achieve it. Hi to all my fellow Goal Hoppers.

Anyway enjoy your weekend folks and see you on Monday bright and early. Love all of you and always reach for the stars.

Photo Credit: pippalou @ morguefile

Nanowrimo 2014: It's Complicated

I'm really jazzed up about Nano this year. I have decided on a fantasy novel starring a spoilt princess whose world gets turned upside down. Plus I'm doing a NA Nano for Roe which is horror. But for today I'll just share It's Complicated.

Princess Aura is the spoilt only child of King Remo in a glorious kingdom. With sudden attacks against those of royal blood, the same entity that killed the queen years ago seems to have returned. The King orders the advisers to find a way to destroy it once and for all especially since his daughter's Choosing Ceremony is coming up. When another tragedy strikes the choosing of a prince is delayed and Princess Aura is thrust into the position of leadership. Unhappy the advisers suggest she forfeit her throne to her cousin Freya, daughter of her father's disgraced brother. Aura refuses and one night is kidnapped and a spell put on her. She disappears and lands in the middle of a hallway filled with young people in strange clothes. It turns out to be a school and she soon realizes that she's not in her world anymore. When a girl named Chloe rescues her from being taken to the mad house both girls realize that Aura is from a fantasy world and that a book also came with her. One that's happy ending for Princess Aura starts to change. When creatures start to come after her Aura has to go beyond her spoilt upbringing and use the gifts she was taught along with her intellect and the help of new friends to defeat her enemies and find a way home.


Find me on nano website as queendsheena.

Spooktoberfest 2014 and Celebrating Three Years Blogging

The annual Spooktoberfest is back again and this month there are five new words entrants have to use to entertain the judges. Whether you go for the screams, the laughs or the heart beat of romance. Everyone has a chance to share their stories and also to win cool prizes.

Words: Chill, Cocoon, Commotion, Curse,Virus.

A Warm Meal

Once upon a time I worried about friends, shelter and not getting bitten. That old life had already become an echo but I knew it has only been a few days since the virus took hold. Humans believe we have no memories of the past, but we do. It just doesn't hold any emotional effect over us. Mikey was supposed to shot me in the heart. Instead he shot me in the gut, got freaked out and ran away. Bet he told the rest of our group that finished the job. Killed sweet young Rebecca and saved her from the curse of a life as a zombie. Except he didn't.

When my eyes reopened I was in a new world. The streets were no longer filled with danger but my brethren. Sure if you gave them the chance they might eat you but only because of the never ending hunger. I didn't realize before just how hungry zombies are. Humans cocoon themselves in emotions and have to luxury to batten down the hatches somewhere. We zombies have to remain on the move. Stopping means death. Whether by humans killing us or other zombies taking a still one as a happy meal. A commotion tells us our next meal is nearby and we move as one. The chill in the air has no effect on me. I'm just glad we're finally getting a warm meal.

Word Count: 238

Celebrating Three Years of Queendsheena Blog


On Saturday October 25 it will be officially three years since I started this blog. I plan to do an official celebration next Thursday but for today I just want to thank everyone who has read, commented, or sent me encouragement for this blog and my writing journey. I can't imagine life without you guys and this blog made that happen. So I'm celebrating three amazing years blogging and hope to have many more. Enjoy your weekend folks.

Celebrate October

This is the day that the Lord has made.....remember that song? Well today is a day that we celebrate the good that happened this week. Be glad.

1. Working on the Missing Series website.

2. Thank you for all the encouraging comments on my Meet My Character Bloghop post. I'm so happy so many of you look forward to both what I'm writing and what I post about. You are not just my readers, you are my friends.

3. Seeing Gone Girl in theatres on Tuesday. That movie is insanse with a capital I. It was great but crazy. Plan to see Dark Places next month. This movie is also an adaptation and by the same author. Gillian I have to read your books sometime.

4. I won stuff! I won a book from David Power's blog and Swag from another giveaway.

Meet My Character Bloghop and Celebrate

I was tagged by Stephanie Farris for the Meet My Character Hop. I love these kind of hops and hoped after reading hers that she would tag me and she did. Thanks Steph and I pre-ordered your featured on your own post this week. If you want the best deals people pre-order books and Stephanie writes delightful books for young people that older fans enjoy as well. Hey I'm thirty this November (29). Anyway on with the hop!

1. What is the name of your character? Is he/she fictional or a historic person?

Sarah Shepleton and she is fictional. But based off the real issue of people going missing in today's world.

2. When and where is the story set?



Modern day America in an unnamed place in Florida.

3. What should we know about him/her?

Sarah is missing and most of the book is spent looking for her. She's a popular girl at her high school. Keeping most things under wraps but keep glued my Author Facebook Page for clues and updates.

4. What is the main conflict? What messes up his/her life?

Starts with Sarah not coming home after a party. As it becomes clear people don't know here she is, concern mounts.
 
5. What is the personal goal of the character?

The book focuses on others trying to find her. So her goal isn't really pushed. But a quick guess would be to be found.

6. Is there a working title for this novel, and can we read more about it?

At first it was Where is Sarah Shelpeton? and was going to be a two book/novella series. Now it's Where is Sarah? and part of a five novellete verse series called Missing Girls Series.

7. When can we expect the book to be published?

I'm planning for February 2015. I have Snow coming July 2015 so plan to finish the Missing Girls Series before then. Also having a cover reveal for Where is Sarah? in early December. Sign ups coming soon.

Now it's time to tag two people. Feel free to ignore the tag if you want, but we'd love to get to know your characters!

I am going to tag three people. Those who are receiving this high honor are:

Elizabeth Seckman: Girl, I want to hear about what you have coming up.

Krista McLaughlin: Psst, maybe someone from Silent Beauty. *Wink* *Wink*

David Powers King: After all the controversy Woven faced on it's amazing journey to publication it would be great to get a peek. Or a preview of something else you're working on David. Oh David....

Celebrate Hop

1. Getting this post up. Seriously this computer on a whole makes dial up seem fast and the internet connectio s even worse. But I did it. Thank you God.

2. Taking part in a word war thingy. More next week.

3. Pre-ordering 25 Roses by Stephanie Farris this week. I was supposed to close the door on anymore book ordering til next month but couldn't resist after reading her character hop on Tuesday. Ordered it on by Thursday and I'm glad I did.

4. I completed a ghostwriting novella order that will deposit a chunk of change for me by month end. I see a laptop in sight for November! 

5. All the success my writing/blogging friends are achieving from writing their books/post to getting published, an agent, etc. No achievement is too small and I celebrate with you.

See you guys on Monday when I will finally get back to book reviews.

Nobody Knows Cover Reveal

Kyra Lennon's cover revealed and I'm happy to share this beauty with all of you.

Title: Nobody Knows

Author: Kyra Lennon

Genre: NA Romance

Type: First in Series (Razes Hell Book 1)

Cover Design: Najila Qamber Design

Photographer: Lindee Robinson Photography

Release Date: November 3rd 2014

It's not easy being friends with rising rock stars - especially when you're the glue that holds them together.

Razes Hell has taken off in the charts, and Ellie can't believe her childhood friends, Drew and Jason Brooks, are on TV and drawing crowds after years spent playing in dodgy bars. From obscurity to overnight success, Ellie soon realises life in the public eye isn’t all it’s cracked up to be as dark secrets become headline news and old conflicts are re-ignited. When a fake feud meant to boost the band’s popularity threatens to rip the boys apart for real, Ellie finds herself torn – a position which only gets more uncomfortable when her loyalty to Jason collides with her blossoming relationship with Drew.

Nobody knows how deep their issues run; nobody but Ellie. With friendship, a music career and a new love on the line, can Ellie keep their tangled pasts from ruining their futures?

AmazonUS | AmazonUK

Kyra is a self-confessed book-a-holic, and has been since she first learned to read. When she's not reading, you'll usually find her hanging out in coffee shops with her trusty laptop and/or her friends, or girling it up at the nearest shopping mall.

Kyra grew up on the South Coast of England and refuses to move away from the seaside which provides massive inspiration for her novels. Her debut novel, Game On (New Adult Contemporary Romance), was released in July 2012, and she scored her first Amazon Top 20 listing with her New Adult novella, If I Let You Go in November.

Facebook | Twitter | Website | Amazon | Goodreads

Image by Cool Text: Free Graphics Generator - Edit Image

IWSG and EYM: Autumn

  

Sadly I didn't prepare a post in time for the IWSG Anthology. Due partly to lack of computer access and what I can do on the various devices I struggle to get on. Facebook is cool but if I can't blog, use microsoft word or plug in a flash drive....well I can't really do actual work can I? At least ghostwriting is still a go. Still holding the faith while saving for a laptop as well as putting money aside for book cover expenses. So what's up with you guys? On the flip side I will be posting the date and sign up for my cover reveal soon.

 The ONE thing I love about autumn is that in Jamaica there is no winter after. Plus the cool breeze is nice in the evening. Authumn isn't really a big thing in my country.

Say Hi to The Black Pied Piper/Follow Fest and Goal Hop Update

The Follow Fest is an annual online event hosted by Melissa Margrove

Name: Sheena-kay Graham



Fiction or Non-Fiction: Fiction and Poetry.

What genres do you write: Fantasy, Dystopian, Paranormal, Poetry/Verse. I took a break from starting a Dystopian series to focus on a two book novelette series based off a missing girl. Hopefully the first one will be released in December. Click here for more info.

Are you published: I had a few poems published locally in Bookends Magazine that comes with the Sunday Paper. Did a submission for the benefit anthology Overcoming Adversity last February. I also plan to self publish my first book later this year or early next year.

Do you do anything in addition to writing: I am a ghostwriter (technically also writing) for novels, plot ideas and short stories. Also host my blog Queendsheena.

Tell us a little about yourself: I am a proud Jamaican Christian Virgin Author. Love reading, wanted to be a writer from I was a kid (also an actress and ballerina once upon a time). Anything else you can check around my blog which is where you are now. Kisses!

What are you reading right now: Meg's Secret by Kelly Abell

Which authors influenced you most: Louise Bennett, Emily Dickenson and J.K. Rowling. I am also inspired by William Shakespeare who has written all kinds of amazing works and had a huge influence on the English Language.

Where can people connect with you?

Blog/Website: Queendsheena

Goodreads

Facebook

Author Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

AYA Forever Blog

AYA Website

Is there anything else you'd like us to know: I'm working on creating a new writing genre AYA (Adults for Young Adults). This genre is for characters age 27 and older but written for a young adult audience. Publishers claim that teenagers only want to read about other teenagers (authors have had to drop ages of characters to teenagers in order to get published within the young adult genre) and I hope this genre will expand and prove them wrong. I have a website and blog up as well as working on two titles specific to this genre.

P.S.: Ever wonder what became of the famous child painter in My Kid Could Paint That. Marla Olmstead is now a teenager and you can check out her website (click here).

Goal Hop Update

I have rebooted and I'm currently dealing with my AYA Blog and starting on my AYA novella Save My Soul. Happy to say that I'm back on track on making Adults for Young Adults (AYA) an official fiction genre for the masses. To find out more visit the AYA Website. Enjoy the rest of the week and I will not be posting again until Monday. But I will be around popping by on you guys blogs. Ciao.

One Wish Away Cover Reveal

Please Note: Click here for my Underrated Treasures Blogfest Post. Allow Follow Fest Post will be up tomorrow and will be last post for the week.

 

Today I'm excited to share in the reveal of Kelley Lynn's One Wish Away. I have been there from when this novel was an idea on her blog. So glad that not only is it realized but the book has been picked up by a publisher as great as Bloomsbury (Spark). Congrats Kelley and all readers should give this book a look see.

 

 

One Wish Away

by Kelley Lynn

Release Date: 11/11/14

Bloomsbury Spark

Book Summary:

Be careful what you wish for…

 

Lyra has always been ahead of the curve. Top of her class in school, a budding

astronomer, and with a best friend like Darren she barely has time to miss the

mother who abandoned her family years ago. She's too busy planning to follow in

her father's footsteps, and to become the youngest astronomer at Space

Exploration and Discovery.

 

When a star goes missing Lyra is determined to get to the bottom of it

only to discover her braniac dad is the mastermind of a top-secret

government experiment. They promise to build a perfect world, one galaxy at a

time, but with every tweak of the present, a bit more of the future starts to

crumble.

Lyra has to go undercover to reveal the truth and let humanity decide if

the consequences are worth more than wishing on a star.

 

About the Author


Eventually the day came when the voices in Kelley Lynn’s head were more

insistent then her engineering professor’s. So instead of turning to her

Thermodynamics book, Kelley brought up a blank page on her computer screen and

wrote. Somewhere along the way she became a Young Adult author.



Kelley was born and raised a Midwestern girl. She’s not afraid to sweat and

fills her free time with softball, soccer and volleyball. (Though you probably

don’t want her on your volleyball team.) She occasionally makes guest

appearances as a female vocalist for area bands. Music plays a large role in

her writing process as well as the characters and plot lines within her

stories.


You can find Kelley hanging out at her blog, titled in her name, as well as the

group blog she shares with her fellow critique partners, Falling for Fiction.

Kelley is a member of the Society of Children’s Books Writers and Illustrators.

 

Author Links:

   

Cover Reveal Organized by: