Four Minutes of Fame Stand-up Literary Event

Last Monday, Kym Brunner, Katie Sparks, and I hosted our first Four Minutes of Fame Stand-up Literary Event where more than ten authors shared excerpts from their books, illustrations, and book trailers with a fun and enthusiastic audience.

Here's Katie, Kym and me just before the event started.

In order from left to right:

Kym Brunner started off the event with an excerpt from her upcoming release, WANTED: Dead or in Love, to be released by Merit Press summer 2014. You're not going to want to miss this book, so keep an eye on my blog because I'll be sharing more news as it gets closer torelease date.

Next up was Katie Sparks who read from one of her works-in-progress, a fun and witty picture book that gives a new twist to some familiar fairy-tales.

Veronica Rundell shared an excerpt from her current work-in-progress for young adults. She's an amazing writer and I just know she'll find a good home for this novel.

I split up my time by showing the book trailer for Hold Tight and then reading from the book.

We learned about Working Horses from Pat Kummer. Did you know horses only sleep three hours a day? I sure didn't!

Susan Kaye Quinn not only entertained us with her Mindjack Series Book Trailer, but she shared an expert from Open Minds, book one in her best selling series.

Again, from left to right:

Terry Flamm read an excerpt from his adult detective novel set in the eighties, leaving us wanting to know more.

We got to hear the barnyard animals in Cock-A-Doodle-Oops give their best cook-a-doodle-doo as they tried to wake the hard working farmer from his slumber when Lori Degman was up. This humorous picture book will be available next spring

Jennifer Wagh wowed us with her story of the dress maker, which was nominated for the SCBWI Sue Alexander award a couple years back.

We learned a little about how Mike Kelley adds color to his graphic novels while he shard with us several pages from his graphic novel, Barker the Beagleman.

And last but certainly not least, Allan Woodrow gave us a sneak peek of his entertaining middle grade novel, The Pet Wars, coming to stores soon.

Throughout the evening we gave away fun prizes. I think everyone had a good time. I enjoyed hearing snippets from everyone's work: from picture book to an adult detective story, works-in-progress to published novels, the room was bursting with talent, and I was happy to be a part of bringing everyone together.

This was our first event and it went smoothly. A big thanks goes out to everyone who read last Monday, my sister for taking the pictures, and the wonderful audience. We'll be planning another stand-up literary event in the near future. Who knows, it might just be near you and we'd love to see you!

Feature Friday: Sonia from SBookLover Reviews

With me today is Sónia from SBookLover Reviews. I love her blog, and if her header doesn’t get you in the mood for a little romance, the books she reviews will.

Please help me welcome Sónia.

Cherie: How did you get started in blogging about books?

Sónia: I already reviewed for about a year before starting the blog, and the idea was always there but the time not so much. One day I just said screw it, I’m doing it. And that’s how I started, it was just a case of writing my reviews and post them somewhere else. Or so I thought ;) It was actually the first stone for something I’m building towards my future.

Cherie: How did you come up with the name for your blog?

Sónia: The name came a lot of months earlier when I created my twitter account. I’m studying journalism so I knew someday I was going to be able to do what I love professionally. And I wanted a name that people knew and associated with a book blog or some kind of work I had writing critics for books. So I glued the letter of my first name with something I loved J and there you go SBookLover :D I just added the Reviews so someone outside the reading world could get a glimpse of what I did.  

Cherie: What’s your favorite part about blogging?

Sónia: Hum that’s hard. I’m not going to lie and say it’s easy or that the days are all good. I had some bad ones and some unfortunate situations. But I have to say the chance to see the covers before they are released J I was already in contact with authors and readers so that wasn’t new for me. And I already reviewed, but that first glimpse of a cover no one else saw, seeing it for the first time J it’s an amazing feeling.  I know it’s stupid and maybe something small, but for me it’s awesome J

Cherie: It’s not stupid at all. First looks are always fun! Do you have any pet peeves that make you want to put down the book your reading?

Sónia: No J If it spites me the better. I like to yell at the books and go crazy with what the characters do. I might put the book down for about two seconds :P but that’s all. If I stop reading a book it’s because honestly I just couldn’t relate to anything or the writing was really bad, but I don’t consider that peeve :P there’s nothing that irritates me that bad or it does and I love it LLOOLL weird I know!

Cherie: What type of books do you enjoy?

Sónia: Hum this one is easy if I tell you the other way around :P I hate historical romances and anything with paranormal influences. I tried a few but I always regret them in the end, so I stay away from them. Besides that EVERYTHING!!!

Anything with romance, erotica and DRAMA!!! I’m a big drama fanatic. I love, a love triangle, I love books with cheating, because they make me question everything and see different sides to a story. I love a good sex scene that makes me hot and bothered. I love to blush effusively when I read ( I tend to read on the subway so imagine that), but what can I say a good bad boy with some wicked moves and I’m done :D

Like all the girls out there I want the perfect mix of bad boy alpha man and perfect sweetheart that makes you swoon till you drop J

Now imagine all this elements together and you just reached my favorites shelf ;)

Cherie: Do you mind books with similar ideas to other books? Similar concepts, backgrounds, or retellings?

Sónia: I do if the author has the intelligence to make it better, if not, no! Can’t stand to read the exact same thing.

Cherie: Do you like when your favorite books are made into movies, and why?

Sónia: No :P I guess I don’t need to tell you why ;) Any reader knows the movie would have to be a marathon to have every single one of the scenes on it :P

Cherie: It’s your birthday, and your friends got you a giant cake. What character do you hope pops out of your cake and what book is he/her from?

Sónia: Will Montgomery from Play With Me by Kristen Proby. Just a side note, can you gifted him and Gabe (book boyfriend in next question) in the same package and send them both to my house? Would really appreciate the gesture :D I don’t need the cake :P

Cherie: If you could choose to be any character from a book, who would it be and why?

Sónia: Audrey Van Amee from Seal of Honor by Tonya Burrows :D Besides being my kind of woman, I identify with her a lot, she has the perfect book boyfriend :D Perfect mix of badass, sweetheart and his moves ( yes those moves ) :O

Cherie: I love swoon worthy men in the book I read too. Try to answer the following questions in five words or less. If you start a book that isn’t grabbing your attention, how far into the book will you read before you put it down?

Sónia: Straight forward? Not even 10%!

Cherie: Who’s your favorite book mom?

Sónia: Sophia ( Leibowitz ) Connor from Trust: A New Beginning by Cristiane Serruya

Cherie: Who’s your favorite book dad?

Sónia: Oh hum sorry can’t choose!

Cherie: Secret crush? (It can be anyone real or fictional.)

Sónia: One of my teachers ;) Not saying if it’s a fictional or a real one :P

Cherie: If your teachers read this, they will be wondering right along with us. ;) Do you believe in love at first sight?

Sónia: Yes.

Cherie: Have you ever experienced that head-over-heels, tingly, have-to-get-to-know-someone feeling yourself?

Sónia: No.

Cherie: Are you drawn to the good guy or the bad guy?

Sónia: Both ;) Good guy in live bad boy in bed :D

Cherie: What’s the first thing you notice about a guy?

Sónia: His eyes!

Cherie: If you had all the money and time in the world, where would your dream vacation be?

Sónia: New York.

Cherie: Are you a morning person or an evening person?

Sónia: Evening.

Cherie: Favorite author?

Sónia: Can’t choose just one…

Cherie: Favorite place to read?

Sónia: Bed J

Cherie: Favorite classic?

Sónia: Shame to say I never read them, in Portugal we don’t read them in school, so I never even pick them up. One day maybe!

Cherie: What book are you the most excited to read?

Sónia: Just one?! Oh boy I have a huge list just for this month  J

Cherie: Are there any types of books you don’t read?

Sónia: Yes, like I said before Historical Romances ( I like political ones ) and anything with paranormal influences.

Cherie: Do you have any hobbies?

Sónia: I wish I had the time for those… Right now, no!

Cherie: What movie would make a great book?

Sónia: Hum can’t think of one, I always prefer a book J

Cherie: What’s the worst cover to a book that you loved?

Sónia: Loved them all so far.

Thanks for being here today! It’s been fun getting to know you!

Keep in touch with Sónia

SBookLover Reviews | Goodreads

Twitter |  Facebook | Pinterest

Haunted Open House Giveaway Blog Hop

Glad you made it to my stop on the Haunted Open House Blog Hop hosted by Nancy Grideon.

When I was little, I used to love handing out the candy more than going trick or treating. Of course, my mom bought all our favorites so as far as I was concerned we already had tons of the good stuff.

I still love handing out candy, because I get to see all the cute and sometimes scary costumes the kids wear. And lets not forgot that Halloween gives me an excuse to stock up on my favorite candy. I have to admit that my taste changes. When I was little, I loved M&Ms. Then Raisinets became my favorite. Then I found Mike & Ikes. Then Baby Ruth. Right now I'm loving the little Dove squares. Even my characters have their favorites. Madison Riley, the protagonist in my Embrace Series, likes Raisinets and her best freind, Kaylee Bishop, loves Jelly Bellies.

What's your favorite candy? And when you were little, did you prefer handing out the candy or collecting it?

I'm done rambling, for now. So that my stop could be international, I'm giving away a $10 Amazon gift card.

** If you're a US resident be sure to also enter the Goodreads giveaway on my sidebar for a chance to win a paperback of Embrace and the Spooktacular giveaway for a chance to win a paperback of Hold Tight plus some pretty awesome swag. **

Good luck!

~
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Visit the rest of the hop....

Feature Friday: Lee, Ally, & Melissa from Rally the Readers

Today on Feature Friday. I have the lovely ladies from Rally the Readers with me. Their blog is a great place to go when you’re looking for book suggestions or to chat about books. 

Please help me welcome Lee, Ally, and Melissa.

Cherie: How did you get started in blogging about books?

Lee, Ally, & Melissa: We loved discussing the books we were currently reading with each other and thought it would be even more fun to chat with other readers who are as obsessed with books as we are.

Cherie: How did you come up with the name for your blog?

Lee, Ally, & Melissa: We made a list with a lot of different possible names, and we went with this one because we just liked the sound of it.

Cherie: I think Rally the Readers is catchy, plus it’s easy to remember. What’s your favorite part about blogging?

Lee, Ally, & Melissa: Interacting with fellow readers; the book blogging community is amazing!

Cherie: Do you have any pet peeves that make you want to put down the book your reading?

Lee, Ally, & Melissa: Insta-love and oblivious main characters.

Cherie: Good to know. What type of books do you enjoy?

Lee, Ally, & Melissa: Paranormal, fantasy, dystopian, historical fiction.

Cherie: Try to answer the following questions in five words or less. Who’s your favorite book mom?

Lee, Ally, & Melissa: Maura Sargent (The Raven Cycle series)

Cherie: I have got to read that series. Who’s your favorite book dad?

Lee, Ally, & Melissa: Abe Mazur (Vampire Academy series)

Cherie: Do you believe in love at first sight?

Lee, Ally, & Melissa: No

Cherie: Are you drawn to the good guy or the bad guy?

Lee, Ally, & Melissa: The guy who’s a little of both.

Cherie: If you had all the money and time in the world, where would your dream vacation be?

Lee, Ally, & Melissa: England

Cherie: Are you a morning person or an evening person?

Melissa—morning, Ally & Lee—evening

Cherie: Favorite author?

Lee, Ally, & Melissa: Maggie Stiefvater

Cherie: She’s one of my favorites too. Do you mind books with similar ideas to other books? Similar concepts, backgrounds, or retellings? (Feel free to use more than five words on this one.)

Lee, Ally, & Melissa: No, as long as they feature some kind of unique twist to them.

Cherie: Do you like when your favorite books are made into movies, and why? (Feel free to use more than five words on this one.)

Lee, Ally, & Melissa: It depends.  We understand that not everything in a book can be included in a movie, but we like to see the story remain faithful to the book for the most part.

Cherie: Favorite place to read?

Lee, Ally, & Melissa: Patio

Cherie: Favorite classic?

Lee, Ally, & Melissa: Pride and Prejudice

Cherie: What book are you the most excited to read?

Lee, Ally, & Melissa: The next Raven Cycle book

Cherie: It’s your birthday, and your friends got you a giant cake. What character do you hope pops out of your cake and what book is he/her from?

Lee, Ally, & Melissa: Sirius Black (Harry Potter)

Cherie: Oh! That could be fun. If you could choose to be any character from a book, who would it be and why? (Feel free to use more than five words on this one.)

Lee, Ally, & Melissa: Blue Sargent from Maggie Stiefvater’s The Raven Boys and The Dream Thieves because she has such a cool name, and we’d love the chance to hang out with the actual Raven Boys themselves.

Thanks Lee, Ally, and Melissa for being here today!

Connect with the girls at Rally the Reader

Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Come Get Spooked at the Spooktacular Giveaway Hop

Welcome to my stop on this year's 

Spooktacular Giveaway Hop!

Hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer 

While you're on my blog, be sure to enter the Goodreads giveaway on my sidebar for a chance to win a paperback of Embrace, and the Haunted Open House Giveaway for a chance to win a gift card.

For Spooktacular, I have a witchy giveaway for you, 

which is perfect since Halloween is almost here.

Here's what's up for grabs:

An autographed copy of Hold Tight

A series hemp bracelet handmade by moi
An awesome Embrace Series Tote bag

Very cool bookmarks

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Feature Friday: Valerie from Stuck in Books

Welcome to this week's Friday Feature. Today I have Valerie from Stuck in Books with me. Her blog is a great place to go if you're looking for something new to read.

Please help me welcome Valerie.

Cherie: How did you get started in blogging about books?

Valerie: It came from a book vacation I had after completing my Master degree.  I read 75 books that summer.  My Masters is in Instructional Technology and I turned to something techy to share that excitement about books.  My blog was born.

Cherie: How did you come up with the name for your blog?

Valerie: The summer I read 75 books, my husband kept teasing me that I was stuck in a book AGAIN.  It’s still a joke around these parts.  But the name came easily from that.

Cherie: Wow! 75 books that’s amazing! And a great story for how you came up with the name of your blog. What’s your favorite part about blogging?

Valerie: The community of bloggers and writers that I have become a part of is by far the best part of blogging.  I, also, love it when I recommend a book to someone and they enjoy it.  Makes me happy.

Cherie: Do you have any pet peeves that make you want to put down the book your reading?

Valerie: YES. And I’ve seen it way too much just lately.  Authors can’t make characters do things that are out of their character.  It creates this disconnect that makes me realize they aren’t real.  I roll my eyes.  I make annoyed noises.  I mumble at them.  If it happens too much, the book gets shut.

Cherie: That’s one of my pet peeves too. I’m glad it’s not just me. What type of books do you enjoy?

Valerie: My tastes have changed over the years but my first love was fantasy.  That has morphed into urban fantasy, which is still a favorite.  I love so see some romance in there too.  I’ve been on a new adult kick for a while.  I used to read mysteries and thrillers but not so much any more.

Cherie: If you start a book that isn’t grabbing your attention, how far into the book will you read before you put it down?

Valerie: 50 pages

Cherie: Who’s your favorite book mom?

Valerie: Professor McGonagall – she is too a book mom.

Cherie: Who’s your favorite  book dad?

Valerie: Professor Dumbledore

Cherie: Secret crush? (It can be anyone real or fictional.)

Valerie: Adien from The Covenant Series by Jennifer L Armentrout and Daemon from The Lux Series by Jennifer L Armentrout

Cherie: Do you believe in love at first sight?

Valerie: I believe in Lust at first sight that turns to Love

Cherie: Have you ever experienced that head-over-heels, tingly, have-to-get-to-know-someone feeling yourself?

Valerie: Yeah, in high school.  He didn’t feel the same way though.

Cherie: Are you drawn to the good guy or the bad guy?

Valerie: Both – depending on the book and the guy.

Cherie: What’s the first thing you notice about a guy?

Valerie: Arms. Really! I love those muscular arms.  Dated drummers in High School and my husband rode motor cross.  Both make great arms on guys.

Cherie: Do you mind books with similar ideas to other books? Similar concepts, backgrounds, or retellings?

Valerie: I’m okay with similar.  It all depends on the characters and how well they are developed.

Cherie: Do you like when your favorite books are made into movies, and why?

Valerie: Yes and no.  I love the attention it gets the books.  I love dreaming about who would make the best actor for each character but it never can touch a candle to my imagination. 

Cherie: If you had all the money and time in the world, where would your dream vacation be?

Valerie: Hawaii with my whole family

Cherie: Are you a morning person or an evening person?

Valerie: NIGHT all the way.

Cherie: Favorite author?

Valerie: Jennifer L Armentrout

Cherie: Favorite place to read?

Valerie: Snuggle chair in my office.

Cherie: Favorite classic?

Valerie: Harry Potter series.

Cherie: What book are you the most excited to read?

Valerie: Right now?  Sentinel by Jennifer L Armentrout.

Cherie: Are there any types of books you don’t read?

Valerie: Not really a horror or zombie kinda girl.

Cherie: Do you have any hobbies?

Valerie: Reading and blogging are my hobbies.  I love techy stuff too.

Cherie: What book would make a great movie?

Valerie: I really like the idea of urban fantasy books becoming movies the best.  I’d love to see M.R. Merrick’s The Protector series become a movie.

Cherie: What’s the worst cover to a book that you loved?

Valerie: Hmmm…this one is hard.  Covers have got to the point where they are really good all the time.  I think The Valentine Challenge by Marisa Cleveland had a pretty cheesy cover but I really enjoyed the story.

Cherie: It’s your birthday, and your friends got you a giant cake. What character do you hope pops out of your cake and what book is he/her from?

Valerie: Oh hands down, I want Daemon Black from The Lux series to jump out of my birthday cake!

Cherie: If you could choose to be any character from a book, who would it be and why?

Valerie: I’d want to be Alex from The Covenant Series.  I love her strength, her kick-ass skills and her snarky mouth. Plus she has great taste in guys.

Thanks for stopping by.

Connect with Valerie

Stuck in Books | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Goodreads

Meet and Greet with Chicago Area Librarians

This past weekend I had the pleasure of being a part of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI for short) Meet and Greet. This event was for librarians. Twenty authors were present showing off their swag, books, and providing information on author visits. Below is a picture of me at my table before the event started.

The great thing about these events is meeting readers, hearing what they like to read, and hearing what their students are reading. Everyone who stopped by my table was excited about my books, which of course had me smiling. I few people had told me they recently downloaded one of my books and one woman told me Embrace was on her school's recommended reading list. I was thrilled to here that. Best of all, I made some great connections and I’m looking forward to keeping in touch with them.  

I’d like to thank the lovely and charming Sara Shacter from SCBWI and National Louis University for making this even possible.

This Friday I will be featuring Valerie from Stuck in Books, so be sure to stop back by to find out what this book blogger's pet peeves are and also learn how Valerie came up with the name of her blog. (I'm still in awe!)

Feature Friday: Elena from Bookish Temptations

Today I have Elena from Bookish Temptations with me. Like so many of the bloggers I know, I met Elena on-line and Bookish Temptations is now one of my favorite blogs to stop by.

Please help me welcome Elena.

Cherie: How did you get started in blogging about books?
Elena: I've always loved reading and that's why I studied Foreign Literature and Languages at University. I'm literary obsessed with books, and  blogging about them had always been a dream of mine. I have to thank my friend Tamie, the creator of our blog, who offered me the opportunity to become part of Bookish Temptations. We met two years ago on twitter thanks to the love we both share for books, and when she asked me if I wanted to review and blog for Bookish Temptations, I accepted with great pleasure.

Cherie: What’s your favorite part about blogging?
Elena: First off, blogging gives me the opportunity to share with our readers my opinions on books and characters I'm passionate about. I love the interaction I have with those who stop by our blog, and I've formed great friendships with a lot of them. I have to say that what I love the most about my blogging experience is receiving comments from readers telling me they've read and loved a book after I recommended it. It's gratifying and I'm always very happy to see readers becoming passionate about stories I loved.

Cherie: Hopping around blogs is one of my favorite ways to discover new books. Do you have any pet peeves that make you want to put down the book your reading?
Elena: The writing. If a book is badly written, I can't read it, no matter how hard I try to.

Cherie: What type of books do you enjoy?
Elena: I particularly enjoy Contemporary Romance. This is the genre I usually opt for. But I also enjoy new adult, young adult, historical fiction, erotica, paranormal. And I love classics.


Cherie: If you start a book that isn’t grabbing your attention, how far into the book will you read before you put it down?

Elena: Generally I try to make it through half of the book.

Cherie: Who’s your favorite book mom?

Elena: Esme from Twilight

Cherie: Who’s your favorite  book dad?

Elena: Richard from the Gabriel Series by Sylvain Reynard.


Cherie: Do you believe in love at first sight?

Elena: Yes, I do.

Cherie: Have you ever experienced that head-over-heels, tingly, have-to-get-to-know-someone feeling yourself?

Elena: Yes, and it's a great feeling :)

Cherie: Are you drawn to the good guy or the bad guy?

Elena: Both. It depends on the person.

Cherie: What’s the first thing you notice about a guy?

Elena:  His eyes.

Cherie: If you had all the money and time in the world, where would your dream vacation be?

Elena: I'd love to visit Bora Bora!

Cherie: Bora Bora looks like it’s beautiful! Do you mind books with similar ideas to other books? Similar concepts, backgrounds, or retellings?

Elena: I enjoy books with similar ideas. I see nothing wrong with that. As long as the plot is different, I don't mind. Actually I love finding books that deal with similar concepts. It makes you see how differently or similarly authors approached the same subject.

Cherie: Do you like when your favorite books are made into movies, and why?

Elena: I do, because it's like seeing your favorite stories and characters come to life. Of course, movies end up cutting some scenes from the books, but that's inevitable.

Cherie: Favorite place to read?

Elena: My couch in front of the window.

Cherie: Favorite classic?

Elena: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Cherie: Do you have any hobbies?

Elena: Blogging ;)

Cherie: What’s the worst cover to a book that you loved?

Elena:  I don't know. I have to say that I love all my favorite books’ covers.

Cherie: It’s your birthday, and your friends got you a giant cake. What character do you hope pops out of your cake and what book is he/her from?

Elena: One of my many favorite book boyfriends ;) (and they are a lot...)

Cherie: If you could choose to be any character from a book, who would it be and why?

Elena: Elisabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. Who wouldn't want to meet Mr. Darcy? ;)

Great choice J

Elena, thanks so much for being with us today. It’s been a pleasure to get to know you better!

Be sure to check out Bookish Temptations.

Connect with Elena

Visit Bookish Temptations

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Bookish Temptations on Pinterest | Elena on Pinterest

No time for insecurities: an IWSG post

Rodeo Drive, 2010

Before I get to my IWSG post I'd like to take a moment to remember Laura Crawford, a beautiful, amazing woman who passed away this week. I met Laura through SCBWI. She was the type of person that made people smile and any event more fun. I feel blessed to have known her and I'll miss her. I interviewed Laura back in 2011. You can click here to meet her and learn about her books.

(From left to right: Trina Sorita, Jenny Wagh, Laura Crawford, Kym Brunner, Katie Sparks, and me. Just some of my IL writer buds.)

If you're not familiar with this meme, it was started by Alex Cavanaugh and is a group of writers who share their insecurities, encouraging words, and support. Click here to join us. 

I've been juggling a lot with work, writing, home improvement projects, and so on. I really haven't had time to dwell on my insecurities. Maybe that's the trick -- just don't have time to be insecure. Of course, I know it's not that easy, but for now I'll take it.

If you haven't checked out my Friday Features, be sure to click here and meet the blogger behind the blog. I'm hoping this feature will grow and become a place for authors to find book reviewers. If you're a book reviewer and would like to be featured shoot me an email at cheriecolyerwriter (at) gmail (dot) com. 


In September I participated in the September is for Sequels Giveaway hop hosted by Lisa Loves Literature and I Am A Reader, Not A Writer, and at that time decided I was going to try to catch up on some of the series I'd started. Below is a list of the books I read. I really think there was one more in there, but I can't remember what it was. 

        

That's all for me. Be sure to stop back by this month. I'll be participating in I Am a Reader, Not a Writer's Spooktacular Giveaway Hop and Nancy Gideon's Haunted Open House Giveaway Blog Hop. Plus, I'll be sharing a true story of the paranormal from my childhood at Bookish for Evie's month long event. And I have a great list of bloggers for you to meet.