BADASS AUTHOR, KRISTI HELVIG

Kristi Helvig is a Ph.D. clinical psychologist turned sci-fi/fantasy author. Her first novel, BURN OUT (Egmont USA/Lerner Publishing), which Kirkus Reviews called “a scorching series opener not to be missed,” follows 17-year-old Tora Reynolds, one of Earth’s last survivors, when our sun burns out early. In the sequel, STRANGE SKIES, out 4/28/2015, Tora makes it to a new planet only to discover a whole new host of problems—and the same people who still want her dead. 

Order Kristi’s books through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or your favorite local retailer. Kristi muses about Star Trek, space monkeys, and other assorted topics on her blog and on Twitter. You can also find her on Facebook. Kristi resides in sunny Colorado with her hubby, two kiddos, and behaviorally-challenged dogs.

Let's get to know this badass!

What is your favorite word?  
Lollygagging

What is your least favorite word? 
Taxes

What sound or noise do you love?  
Laughter    

What sound or noise do you hate? 
Car horns   
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?  
Trapeze artist  
What profession would you not like to do? 
Flight attendant

What is your favorite color Popsicle?

Cherry 
Sprinklers or Slip N Slide?

Sprinklers

Favorite John Hughes Movie? 
The Breakfast Club
Last song you listened to? 
Counting Stars by One Republic

What book do you wish you would have written because it’s just that good?  

On the Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta
In one sentence or less, what does every aspiring author need to know?

Keep writing, keep reading, and keep the chocolate supply stocked.

BADASS, INDEED!

Now, for some details on the book that's up for grabs in the MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU prize pack:

Click here for a full list of prize packs

Most people want to save the world; seventeen-year-old Tora Reynolds just wants to get off of it. One of the last survivors in Earth's final years, Tora yearns to escape the wasteland her planet has become after the sun turns "red giant," but discovers her fellow survivors are even deadlier than the hostile environment.

 Holed up in an underground shelter, Tora is alone--her brilliant scientist father murdered, her mother and sister burned to death. She dreams of living on a planet with oceans, plants, and animals. Unfortunately, the oceans dried out ages ago, the only plants are giant cacti with deadly spines, and her pet, Trigger, is a gun--one of the bio-energetic weapons her father created for the government before his conscience kicked in.

 When family friend, Markus, arrives with mercenaries to take the weapons by force, Tora's fury turns to fear when government ships descend in an attempt to kill them all. She forges an unlikely alliance with Markus and his rag-tag group of raiders, including a smart but quiet soldier named James. Tora must quickly figure out who she can trust, as she must choose between saving herself by giving up the guns or honoring her father's request to save humanity from the most lethal weapons in existence.

You can stalk Kristi on her website, Twitter or on Facebook. And be sure to add her books to your Goodreads page. 

Now, ENTER THE CONTEST!! 
 

a Rafflecopter giveaway  

*Many thanks to James Lipton for letting me steal sharing his awesome interview questions* 

BADASS AUTHOR, PAULA STOKES

Paula Stokes writes stories about flawed characters with good hearts who sometimes make bad decisions. She’s the author of THE ART OF LAINEY, INFINITE REPEAT, LIARS INC., and several other forthcoming YA novels. When she's not writing, she's kayaking, hiking, reading, or seeking out new adventures in faraway lands.

Now, let's get to know this badass.

What is your favorite word? liaison

What is your least favorite word? blog

What sound or noise do you love? ocean waves
  
What sound or noise do you hate? the email alert on my phone
  
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? 
zoo keeper, pet detective, magician’s assistant

What profession would you not like to do? express lane cashier

What is your favorite color Popsicle? Mmm! Green!

Sprinklers or Slip N Slide? Sprinklers

Favorite John Hughes Movie? I am pissed to find out neither The Sure Thing nor Better off Dead were by John Hughes. My whole life is a lie. I’m gonna go with Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. That or Weird Science

Last song you listened to? Centuries by Fall Out Boy

What book do you wish you would have written because it’s just that good? Going Bovine

In one sentence or less, what does every aspiring-author need to know? Writing will make you into a crazy person if you let it.

Right?! BAD.ASS!

Here's a peek at LIARS, INC., which is included in the THE USUAL SUSPECTS prize pack:

Click here for a full list of prize packs

For fans of Gone Girl, I Hunt Killers, and TV's How to Get Away with Murder.

Max Cantrell has never been a big fan of the truth, so when the opportunity arises to sell forged permission slips and cover stories to his classmates, it sounds like a good way to make a little money and liven up a boring senior year. With the help of his friends Preston and Parvati, Max starts Liars, Inc. Suddenly everybody needs something and the cash starts pouring in. Who knew lying could be so lucrative?

When Preston wants his own cover story to go visit a girl he met online, Max doesn’t think twice about hooking him up. Until Preston never comes home. Then the evidence starts to pile up—terrifying clues that lead the cops to Preston’s body. Terrifying clues that point to Max as the murderer.

Can Max find the real killer before he goes to prison for a crime he didn’t commit? In a story that Kirkus Reviews called "Captivating to the very end," Paula Stokes starts with one single white lie and weaves a twisted tale that will have readers guessing until the explosive final chapters.

Paula loves interacting with readers. You can stalk her on her website or on twitter. And be sure to add her books to your Goodreads list.

NOW, HURRY UP AND ENTER THE GIVEAWAY!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

*Many thanks to James Lipton for letting me steal sharing his awesome interview questions* 

BADASS AUTHOR, A. LYNDEN ROLLAND

A. Lynden Rolland was born, raised, and still resides in Annapolis, Maryland. As a former English teacher, she enjoys visiting classrooms to discuss reading, writing and publishing. When she isn’t writing or chasing her young children around town, she moonlights as a writing tutor and gymnastics instructor. Her debut novel, Of Breakable Things, was published in 2014. The sequel, Of Delicate Pieces, releases this summer.

Let's get to know this badass.

What is your favorite word?  

Petrichor

What is your least favorite word?  

Moist

What sound or noise do you love? 

Breeze through trees or pencil writing on paper

What sound or noise do you hate? 

Humming or sneezing   

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

Editor. So I can punch myself in the face. (Can you tell this is submission time?) 

What profession would you not like to do? 

Roadkill remover 
What is your favorite color Popsicle? 

Cherry
Sprinklers or Slip N Slide? 

Slip N Slide
Favorite John Hughes Movie? 

The Breakfast Club

Last song you listened to? 

Wild Horses (Stones version)

What book do you wish you would have written because it’s just that good?

Old School: The Great Gatsby

New School: I’ll Give You The Sun
In one sentence or less, what does every aspiring author need to know?

It’s a marathon, not a sprint.

TOLD YA. BAD.ASS.

Now, some details on the book that's up for grabs in the SPELLS, SPIRITS and SWOONS, OH MY! prize pack. 

Click here for a full list of prize packs

Alex Ash was born broken. Living with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is like living on death row, but she is willing to fight for her diseased life as long as it includes the boy next door. Chase has always held the pieces of her together, but when he dies tragically, Alex’s unfavorable fate becomes a blessing in disguise. 

In a peculiar world where rooms can absorb emotions and secrets are buried six feet under, Alex discovers she is anything but frail. Even among limitless minds, envious spirits, and soulless banshees, Alex is determined to find her lost friend. Along the way, she learns about the fragility of life, love, and perspective.

So much for resting in peace.

A. loves hanging out with readers, so stalk her on her website, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Instagram and Tumblr.

Now, ENTER THE GIVEAWAY! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Many thanks to James Lipton for letting me steal sharing his awesome interview questions* 

BADASS AUTHOR, ANNE BLANKMAN

Native New Yorker Anne Blankman now lives in Virginia, where the hot summers haven't killed her yet. She's the author of Prisoner of  Night and Fog, which was named a "Flying Start" by Publishers Weekly and a Sydney Taylor Notable Book, and the sequel, Conspiracy of Blood and Smoke, a Romantic Times Top Pick. 

Now, let's get to know this badass...

What is your favorite word?

Incognito--it's ridiculously fun to say!

What is your least favorite word?

Upchuck. Do I really need to explain why? :)

What sound or noise do you love?

Birdsong in the early morning.

 

What sound or noise do you hate?

Anything loud when I'm falling asleep.

 
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
Teaching English classes--I think it'd be hard but also rewarding to work with young people and try to get them excited about reading.

What profession would you not like to do?

Drive a school bus. I love driving small cars, so the thought of controlling a huge vehicle like a bus scares me. And all the kids shouting when you're trying to concentrate...no thanks!

What is your favorite color Popsicle?

I recently discovered coconut Popsicles, and they are AMAZING.

Sprinklers or Slip N Slide?

 Slip N Slide!

Favorite John Hughes Movie?

 Pretty in Pink, although I still think Molly Ringwald should have chosen Ducky!

Last song you listened to?

Tove Lo's cover of "Elastic Heart." SO good!

What book do you wish you would have written because it’s just that
good? Graceling by Kristin Cashore. I love every sentence in that book.

In one sentence or less, what does every aspiring author need to know?
We always hear that aspiring authors should read a lot, but I think it's just as important to write a lot, too. 

TOLD YA. BADASS!

Here's a peek at the phenomenal book Anne's including in the THE USUAL SUSPECTS prize pack: 

click here for a full list of prize packs

In 1930s Munich, danger lurks behind dark corners, and secrets are buried deep within the city. But Gretchen Müller, who grew up in the National Socialist Party under the wing of her uncle Dolf, has been shielded from that side of society ever since her father traded his life for Dolf’s, and Gretchen is his favorite, his pet.

Uncle Dolf is none other than Adolf Hitler. And Gretchen follows his every command.

Until she meets a fearless and handsome young Jewish reporter named Daniel Cohen, who claims that her father, the adored Nazi martyr, was actually murdered by an unknown comrade. She should despise Daniel, yet she can’t stop herself from listening to his story—she also can’t resist the attraction brewing between them, despite everything she’s been taught to believe.

As Gretchen investigates the very people she’s always considered friends, she must decide where her loyalties lie. Will she choose the safety of her former life as a Nazi darling, or will she dare to dig up the truth—even if it could get her and Daniel killed?

Anne loves to connect with her readers, so do yourself a favor and stalk her on her website or Twitter and add her books to your Goodreads list.

Now, enter, enter, ENTER!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

 
*Many thanks to James Lipton for letting me steal sharing his awesome interview questions* 

BADASS AUTHOR, ERIC DEVINE

Eric Devine is the author of multiple works of Young Adult fiction, most recently, Press Play. His work has been listed by YALSA and Booklist for reluctant readers and for Best in Sports. He is also a veteran high school English teacher and is married to his high school sweetheart. He and his wife have two wonderful daughters and two not-so-wonderful Labradors. 

Now, let's get to know this badass.

What is your favorite word?

Ubiquitous 

What is your least favorite word?

Mandatory

What sound or noise do you love?

The first few raindrops before a downpour. I love the anticipation you can hear after they fall. 

What sound or noise do you hate?  

The crackling of motorcycles.

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? 
Construction, because it’s the antithesis of my skill set.

What profession would you not like to do?

Anything in an office with meetings and pulse-checking boredom attached.

What is your favorite color Popsicle?

Sky Blue. Reminds me of Little League baseball.

Sprinklers or Slip N Slide? 
Slip n Slide, but only if it’s enormous, and down a hill, and I’m covered in baby oil. Right, I did that once. Good times.  

Favorite John Hughes Movie?

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. That ending. So good. 

Last song you listened to?

Taylor Swift’s “Style”. Don’t judge; it’s hypnotic while driving.

What book do you wish you would have written because it’s just that good?

So many, but either, I’ll Give You the Sun or Grasshopper Jungle

In one sentence or less, what does every aspiring author need to know? 
This is a marathon, not a sprint.

Told ya. Straight-up BADASS!

Okay, so let's check out the books Eric's giving away in the GRITTY BOYS OF SUMMER prize pack: 

Click here for a full list of prize packs

TAP OUT: Seventeen-year-old Tony Antioch lives in Pleasant Meadows, a trailer park where questions aren't asked since everyone already knows the answers from their own experience. He dreams of rescuing his mother from her constant stream of abusive boyfriends but in reality can barely duck the punches that are aimed at himself.
When Tony is coerced into joining his friend Rob's Mixed Martial Arts class, he is surprised to find that he has a talent that he actually wants to develop. But with a meth-dealing biker gang that is hungry for recruits and a vicious cycle of poverty and violence that precedes him, Tony is going to need a lot more than blood and guts to find a way out.

DARE ME: When Ben Candido and his friends, Ricky and John, decide to post a YouTube video of themselves surfing on top of a car, they finally feel like the somebodies they are meant to be instead of the social nobodies that they are. Overnight, the video becomes the talk of the school, and the boys are sure that their self-appointed senior year of dares will live in infamy. Every dare brings an increased risk of bodily harm, but Ben cannot deny the thrill and sense of swagger that come with it. The stakes become even more complex when a mysterious donor bankrolls their dares in exchange for a cut in the online revenue the videos generate. But at what point do the risk and the reward come at too high of a price? What does it take to stay true to one’s self in the face of relentless pressure?

PRESS PLAY: Pound by sweaty pound, Greg Dunsmore’s plan is working. Greg is steadily losing weight while gaining the material he needs to make the documentary that will get him into film school and away from the constant jeers of “Dun the Tun.”

But when Greg captures footage of brutal and bloody hazing by his town’s championship-winning lacrosse team, he knows he has evidence that could damage as much as it could save. And if the harm is to himself and his future, is revealing the truth worth the cost?

You can stalk Eric on his website, Twitter and Facebook, and make sure to add his books to your Goodreads list.

Now, ENTER THE GIVEAWAY! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Many thanks to James Lipton for letting me steal sharing his awesome interview questions*