Book details:
Calla (Pixieland Diaries #2) by Christina Bauer Publication date: July 28th 2020 Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult Synopsis: Book 2 of the Pixieland Diaries Big news in Pixieland! The Blue Fairy is sending our fave pixie, Calla, and her crush, Dare, on a mini-quest. Unfortunately it’s an adventure that requires a lot of togetherness. We’re talking tons of touching, people. Blue believes that since Calla and Dare are just friends, this situation shouldn’t be awkward. It’s totally awkward. ***A 30,000+ word diary written by Calla*** “I absolutely love Christina Bauer’s style, full of action, intense scenes, and characters that will test one’s imaginations to the max!” – Tome Tender Book Blog PIXIELAND DIARIES 1. Pixieland Diaries 2. Calla 3. Dare Goodreads~ Purchase: Amazon ~ B&N ~ iBooks ~Kobo ~ Google Play
REVIEW by Vickie:
Pixieland: Calla - Christina Bauer
Ms. Bauer has such an incredible imagination. I can't imagine thinking up so many mythical beings, let alone all their magic. It takes you to another realm of fantasy that is exciting and mysterious. Such a fun story to read. The cover of the book and the title are beautiful and are a perfect match for the story. The characters are very well-developed. It is easy to feel their emotions. Calla and Dare have a great romance. This is a great story for younger readers as well as adults who enjoy a great adventure. I give this story a literary rating of 5/5
ABOUT the AUTHOR:
Christina Bauer knows how to tell stories about kick-ass women. In her best selling Angelbound series, the heroine is a part-demon girl who loves to fight in Purgatory’s Arena and falls in love with a part-angel prince. This young adult best seller has driven more than 500,000 ebook downloads and 9,000 reviews on Goodreads and retailers. The first three books in the series are now available as audiobooks on Audible and iTunes.Bauer has also told the story of the Women’s March on Washington by leading PR efforts for the Massachusetts Chapter. Her pre-event press release—the only one sent out on a major wire service—resulted in more than 19,000 global impressions and redistribution by over 350 different media entities including the Associated Press.
Christina graduated from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School with BA’s in English along with Television, Radio, and Film Production. She lives in Newton, MA with her husband, son, and semi-insane golden retriever, Ruby. Stalk Christina On Social Media – She Loves It! Blog: ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Instagram ~ LinkedIn ~ Web site
Giveaway:
Tour-wide giveaway (INTL)
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SERIES DETAILS: Series Title: The 8th Island Trilogy by Alexis Marie Chute Category: Young Adult Fiction (13 to 17 yrs) (368 to 448 pages) | Tour dates: Jul 7 to Aug 10, 2020 Genre: fantasy, adventure, coming of age, ya, adult | Content Rating: PG: Battle scenes and death depicted. Publisher: SparkPress. | Release dates: Jun 2018; Oct 2019; Apr 2020 Series Description: The 8th Island Trilogy includes Above the Star, Below the Moon, and Inside the Sun. Over the three books, we follow the adventures of a quirky family, the Wellsleys. The main characters are frumpy senior citizen Archie, his daughter-in-law, Tessa, and his ill fourteen-year-old granddaughter Ella. Archie, searching for his missing son, accidentally transports his family—and a cruise ship full of people—to a magical planet. There, they uncover the truth: all worlds are dying. Yet hope is not lost. A way to restore all that will soon be destroyed is revealed, along with the realization that Ella will play a role no one could have imagined—especially not her. On the mysterious island of Jarr-Wya, many races of creatures battle for dominion and magic lurks around every corner. When the world falls dark, that is when bravery must shine the brightest, and the Wellsleys will reveal the strength they never knew they possessed—as well as the power of love to save the day. 
Book Details:
Book Title: Inside the Sun by Alexis Marie Chute Category: Young Adult Fiction (13 to 17 yrs), 384 pages Genre: fantasy, adventure, coming of age, ya, adult Publisher: SparkPress. | Release dates: April 2020 Format available for review: e-book (mobi for kindle, epub), PDF Tour dates: Jul 7 to Aug 10, 2020 Content Rating: PG: Battle scenes and death depicted. Book Description: All worlds are dying, and it’s up to one broken and dysfunctional family from Earth―the Wellsleys―to save the day. Cancer-ridden Ella celebrates her fifteenth birthday beneath an enchanted mountain, but it is what lies even farther below―the mysterious Star in the sea―that demands she grow up quickly. While Ella grapples with the sacrifice she must make and the lies she is forced to tell, her mother, Tessa, is hell-bent on protecting her. Through bizarre encounters, love-sick Tessa realizes that she is not the lonely orphan she believes. Her husband, Arden, and father-in-law, Archie, are not the only ones with magical bloodlines. This revelation changes everything. As Archie chooses to embody his unexpected ancestry, he learns that leading the charge in the ultimate battle against evil won’t be as easy as he thought. He’ll need his family―and the strange allies he has gained―by his side to give Ella enough time to set things right. Can they defeat the unstoppable Millia sands―and another unexpected foe―before everything they hold dear is destroyed? Or will their adventure tear them apart for good? The finale to The 8th Island Trilogy will hold you spellbound until the final page, and long after. Buy the Book: Amazon ~ Amazon.ca ~B&N ~ Bookshop ~ Target Book Depository ~ Google Play ~ Add to Goodreads
REVIEW by LAWonder10:
This final book of the 8th Island Trilogy brings the story all together in one bittersweet, intense, action-filled conclusion. The dilemmas facing the Wellsleys, the "Star", the humans, the Awakins, the Bkack Flyers, the Bangols, the Carakwa, Finnah,the Milliahthe Sprites, the Steffanus and all the other characters come to an explosive end! There was a new character added but her part was quite insignificant. There was ongoing romances, plenty of action and suspense, but it was mostly repetitious. The Scenes felt real and although the story was quite predictable, there was an unexpected twist. I did discover a couple of contradictions. I offer a Three Stars rating for this book. *This book was gifted me with no pressure for a positive review. This is my honest review.
OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES!
The Day my Novel—Above the Star—Hit the Bestseller List By Alexis Marie Chute
I’ve always dreamed of becoming a bestselling author. Fortunately, I grew up with a wonderful mother as a role model. My mom is not a writer, but she demonstrated to me the power of hard work, intelligence, and strategic thinking. I watched her scale the ranks of the business world with only a high school education to her name. She was tireless, tactical, and passionate. We didn’t always get along and her job did take her away from home, which was hard for me as a kid, but I feel that I had an education in life simply by being her daughter. For that I am eternally grateful. I have always known that becoming a bestselling author is no accident. It doesn’t happen to most of us by luck or fluke. I began seriously writing in my parents’ basement as a teen. I took extra curricular writing courses while still in high school. I minored in English literature and creative writing in my undergrad at university. After having a few children and penning my memoir—Expecting Sunshine: A Journey of Grief, Healing and Pregnancy After Loss—I went back to school, graduating with my Masters of Fine Art in Creative Writing. All that time, I was publishing articles in print and online magazines, journals, and blogs. I wrote short stories, poetry, and kept numerous journals with ideas. I found inspiration everywhere. Then I began to take my fictional work to the next level. Above the Star is book one in The 8th Island Trilogy, but the novel was not an instant bestseller. I was a little-known author-illustrator, even in my home city, but I never let that stop me. I kept writing the series, which was followed by the novels Below the Moon and Inside the Sun. I decided I wanted to reach a wider audience, so I gave away Above the Star for free. Over 19,000 people downloaded it. This is not my bestseller moment, but it sure felt amazing. People were interested in reading my story. Just a few months ago, spring 2020, Above the Star reached the top of Amazon’s bestseller lists. The day was extraordinary for many reasons. We were in lock down because of the pandemic, COVID-19. My three children were doing their schoolwork on the couch beside me. I was sharing Above the Star with all my heart, posting on social media, blogging about it, writing to my e-news subscribers. I wanted to do something helpful for everyone stuck at home during the troubling times around the world. I reduced the e-book price of my novel to 99 cents. “Go on an adventure without leaving the house” I said—and they did. According to Amazon, Above the Star was: USA: #3 in Teen & Young Adult Fantasy Romance #8 in Teen & Young Adult Paranormal Romance #8 in Teen & Young Adult Survival Stories eBooks CANADA: #1 in Paranormal Romance for Young Adults #3 in Folk Tales & Myths Sagas & Epics for Young Adults #3 in Survival Stories for Young Adults The feeling was surreal. It still is surreal, but now I know it’s possible. I remember smiling so broadly that my cheeks hurt. My heartbeat thrummed in my throat. I called my husband and my mom. I happy danced with my kids, though I doubt they fully understood what we were celebrating. It was a truly joyful few days at the top. My books, in chronological order, include: Expecting Sunshine: A Journey of Grief, Healing and Pregnancy After Loss The 8th Island Trilogy - Above the Star - Below the Moon - Inside the Sun 
Meet the Author:
Alexis Marie Chute is an award-winning author, artist, photographer, art curator, filmmaker, and public speaker. She has received over 40 noteworthy distinctions for her visual and literary work. Her aw ard-winning fantasy series The 8th Island Trilogy includes, Above the Star, Below the Moon, and Inside the Sun. The series has been described as “A WRINKLE IN TIME meets THE PRINCESS BRIDE” by The Perpetual You magazine, and “Fast and bizarre… never a dull moment” by Forward Reviews. The 8th Island Trilogy “weaves STAR WARS-like characters with a WONDER-like message to form an enrapturing read for blooklovers of all ages” – US Review of Books. Chute’s bestselling memoir, Expecting Sunshine: A Journey of Grief, Healing and Pregnancy After Loss, was a top Kirkus title of 2017 and received a plethora of other literary distinctions. The memoir was accompanied by the feature documentary of the same name, which has screened internationally for the last three years. Chute received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art and Design from the University of Alberta, Canada, and studied at Media Design school in Auckland, New Zealand. She graduated valedictorian with her Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA, USA. Chute is a highly regarded public sp eaker. She has presented on art, writing, bereavement, and the healing capacities of creativity around the world. Contact the Author/Artist for bookings info@alexismariechute.com When not in her art/photo studio or at her computer, Chute loves to spend quality time with her family, read fiction and non-fiction, watch reality TV, paddleboard, and canoe. She is not a winter person but lives in frosty Edmonton, Alberta, Canada with her husband and their three living children. Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ Pinterest ~ YouTube ~ LinkedIn 
Giveaway Details:
Autographed copy of the entire 8th Island Trilogy (USA only) (ends August 17) Enter by using the Rafflecopter Below!
Here is the tour schedule.
The 8th Island Trilogy (cont.) by Alexis Marie Chute Book Series Tour & Giveaway! {Ends 8/17/20 }7/15/2020  View Trailer for an insight to the 8th Island Trilogy!  Book Details: Below the Moon by Alexis Marie Chute Category: Young Adult Fiction (13 to 17 yrs), 448 pages Genre: fantasy, adventure, coming of age, ya, adult Publisher: SparkPress. Release dates: Oct 2019 Tour dates: Jul 7 to Aug 10, 2020 Content Rating: PG: Battle scenes and death depicted. Book Description: Ella Wellsley is not your typical teenager. Cancer left her mute, but not powerless. Trapped in a parallel dimension, Ella rallies her strength to join her family―her mother, Tessa, her grandpa Archie, and her magical boyfriend―in locating the cure to her illness. This cure is entangled in the fate of all worlds, and threatened by the presence of an evil Star anchored in the sea. The Star has thrown life everywhere into chaos―and it is Ella who holds the key to unlocking its mystery. Caught in a web of betrayal, mistaken identities, secrets, and love triangles, Ella, Tessa, and Archie must overcome their troubled pasts to ensure a future for all worlds. On this journey―armed with unearthly abilities and unexpected allies―each member of the Wellsley family will learn the power of love in the face of their greatest fears. Buy the Book: Amazon ~ Amazon.ca ~ B&N ~ Chapters Indigo ~ Target ~ Book Depository ~ Google Play Add to Goodreads REVIEW by LAWonder10: This second book in 'The 8th Island Trilogy' continues with more action, turmoil, and introduces even more characters! Will Ella's advancing cancer end her life before a cure can be found? Will Ella and Luggie drift apart or is there a way their unconventional relationship turn into more? Tessa continues to be torn between her husband and her new attraction. What will be the final decision? Ardenal has painfully released her from her vows. Will she grasp this escape? All these questions, the feuding of the various cultures continue. Will they all be destroyed or will some type of agreement be made? There is many more incredible "twists" in 'Below the Moon'. The answers will be found, mysteries solved within these next final books of the Trilogy. I felt there was too many repetitive type of situations, yet it still held the interest of readers. The lead in to the third book was not as strong as the ending of the first book. It almost felt quitting the saga would be feasible. I am looking forward to the final book. I am anticipating a stronger plot... At least i hope so. I offer a Three Star rating for this second book of the series. *This book was gifted me with no pressure for a positive review. This is my honest review. OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES:
ABOUT the AUTHOR:  Alexis Marie Chute is an award-winning author, artist, photographer, art curator, filmmaker, and public speaker. She has received over 40 noteworthy distinctions for her visual and literary work. Her award-winning fantasy series The 8th Island Trilogy includes, Above the Star, Below the Moon, and Inside the Sun. The series has been described as “A WRINKLE IN TIME meets THE PRINCESS BRIDE” by The Perpetual You magazine, and “Fast and bizarre… never a dull moment” by Forward Reviews. The 8th Island Trilogy “weaves STAR WARS-like characters with a WONDER-like message to form an enrapturing read for book lovers of all ages” – US Review of Books. Chute’s bestselling memoir, Expecting Sunshine: A Journey of Grief, Healing and Pregnancy After Loss, was a top Kirkus title of 2017 and received a plethora of other literary distinctions. The memoir was accompanied by the feature documentary of the same name, which has screened internationally for the last three years. Chute received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art and Design from the University of Alberta, Canada, and studied at Media Design school in Auckland, New Zealand. She graduated valedictorian with her Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA, USA. Chute is a highly regarded public speaker. She has presented on art, writing, bereavement, and the healing capacities of creativity around the world. Contact the Author/Artist for bookings info@alexismariechute.com When not in her art/photo studio or at her computer, Chute loves to spend quality time with her family, read fiction and non-fiction, watch reality TV, paddleboard, and canoe. She is not a winter person but lives in frosty Edmonton, Alberta, Canada with her husband and their three living children. Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ Pinterest ~ YouTube ~ LinkedIn  Giveaway Details: Autographed copy of the entire 8th Island Trilogy (USA only) (ends August 17) To ENTER the GIVEAWAY, Click on HERE!   The 8th Island Trilogy by Alexis Marie Chute Category: Young Adult Fiction (13 to 17 yrs) (368 to 448 pages) Genre: fantasy, adventure, coming of age, ya, adult Publisher: SparkPress. Release dates: Jun 2018; Oct 2019; Apr 2020 Tour dates: Jul 7 to Aug 10, 2020 Content Rating: PG: Battle scenes and death depicted. Series Description: The 8th Island Trilogy includes Above the Star, Below the Moon, and Inside the Sun. Over the three books, we follow the adventures of a quirky family, the Wellsleys. The main characters are frumpy senior citizen Archie, his daughter-in-law, Tessa, and his ill fourteen-year-old granddaughter Ella. Archie, searching for his missing son, accidentally transports his family—and a cruise ship full of people—to a magical planet. There, they uncover the truth: all worlds are dying. Yet hope is not lost. A way to restore all that will soon be destroyed is revealed, along with the realization that Ella will play a role no one could have imagined—especially not her. On the mysterious island of Jarr-Wya, many races of creatures battle for dominion and magic lurks around every corner. When the world falls dark, that is when bravery must shine the brightest, and the Wellsleys will reveal the strength they never knew they possessed—as well as the power of love to save the day.  Book Details: Above the Star by Alexis Marie Chute Category: Young Adult Fiction (13 to 17 yrs), 368 pages Release dates: Jun 2018 Content Rating: PG: Battle scenes and death depicted. Book Description: When frumpy senior citizen Archie goes in search of his missing son in the Spanish Canary Islands, he stumbles upon a higher mission: locating a magical cure for his ailing fourteen-year-old granddaughter, Ella. Using a portal-jumping device called the Tillastrion, Archie and a stone-headed creature named Zeno are transported to Jarr-Wya, a magnificent yet terrifying island in a connected realm―along with Ella and her strong-willed mother, Tessa, who accidentally stow away on this not-so-secret quest. What they find on Jarr-Wya is an island tortured by a wicked Star anchored in the sea, and a raging three-way battle for dominion between the stone-wielding Bangols, the fiery Olearons, and the evil Millia sands. Ella’s wit and resourcefulness emerge in this new world, while Tessa is forced to confront her long-buried secrets and a confusing new love triangle. When Ella is captured, Tessa and Archie―with the help of a company of peculiar allies―set out to save her and unravel the terrible mystery of her cure. A mesmerizing, stay-up-all-night adventure of three unlikely heroes, Above the Star reminds us that even the smallest act of bravery can transform our lives and the fates of the worlds around us. Buy Links: Amazon ~ Amazon.ca ~ B&N ~ Chapters Indigo ~ Target ~ Book Depository ~ Google Play Add to Goodreads  REVIEW by LAWonder10: A Seattle Hospital nurse, Tessa, had met and married her college sweetheart feeling certain this would be her only love, forever. Arden was a History major and became a Professor of Ancient Egyptian Dynasties. They both were dedicated to their little daughter as well as each other. Then, the devastating news were given them that Ella had an advanced cancerous tumor at the base of her skull. The surgery and treatments didn't work. Arden's parents were a big part of their lives but when Ella was seven, her grandma died and her Grandpa Archie moved in with them. Ella and her grandpa Archie developed a strong bond. Now for the past two years, the father, Arden, has been missing. Tessa is devastated and has lost all trust in her husband for abandoning them when Ella is so critically ill. Archie doesn't understand what happened to Arden, yet he retains faith in his son. Arden was desperate. He had to find a cure for his daughter. He did the only thing he knew to do but he couldn't tell anyone or they would have him locked up in a psycho ward. Archie found Arden's journals Tessa put in the attic. He felt he had a concrete clue to where his son had gone missing to. He used all his finances to create a marvelous cruise for him, Tessa and Ella. This became the cruise of a lifetime for many! This book is packed with bizarre characters and constant action. in several instances the reader feels he/she has it figured out, yet delves into further surprises. This creative work is a cross genre of horror, fantasy, action/suspense and mystery/romance. For those who are concerned about ethnic/racial problems, this will lessen any mortal issues! The author has extended her creativity to a severe bizarre characterization. There is much intrigue and emotion within these pages. Although preposterous, there are parts, of the tale, one can relate to and even gain a relevant message from. AS outlandish as this book was, I was anxious to continue with the next one to discover "what happened next". I offer a Four Stars rating for this book. *This book was gifted me without pressure to post a positive review. This is my honest review. Other Books in the Series:
“A Wrinkle in Time meets The Princess Bride.” Review by Lee Lee Thompson, The Perpetual You Magazine “Chute’s novel weaves STAR WARS-like characters with a WONDER-like message to form an enrapturing read for booklovers of all ages.” US Review of Books “Fast and bizarre… Never a dull moment.“ Foreward Reviews   Meet the Author: Alexis Marie Chute is an award-winning author, artist, photographer, art curator, filmmaker, and public speaker. She has received over 40 noteworthy distinctions for her visual and literary work. Her award-winning fantasy series The 8th Island Trilogy includes, Above the Star, Below the Moon, and Inside the Sun. The series has been described as “A WRINKLE IN TIME meets THE PRINCESS BRIDE” by The Perpetual You magazine, and “Fast and bizarre… never a dull moment” by Forward Reviews. The 8th Island Trilogy “weaves STAR WARS-like characters with a WONDER-like message to form an enrapturing read for blooklovers of all ages” – US Review of Books. Chute’s bestselling memoir, Expecting Sunshine: A Journey of Grief, Healing and Pregnancy After Loss, was a top Kirkus title of 2017 and received a plethora of other literary distinctions. The memoir was accompanied by the feature documentary of the same name, which has screened internationally for the last three years. Chute received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art and Design from the University of Alberta, Canada, and studied at Media Design school in Auckland, New Zealand. She graduated valedictorian with her Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA, USA. Chute is a highly regarded public speaker. She has presented on art, writing, bereavement, and the healing capacities of creativity around the world. Contact the Author/Artist for bookings info@alexismariechute.com When not in her art/photo studio or at her computer, Chute loves to spend quality time with her family, read fiction and non-fiction, watch reality TV, paddleboard, and canoe. She is not a winter person but lives in frosty Edmonton, Alberta, Canada with her husband and their three living children. Author's Links: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ Pinterest ~ YouTube ~ LinkedIn  Giveaway Details: Autographed copy of the entire 8th Island Trilogy (USA only) (ends August 17) To ENTER the GIVEAWAY, Click on HERE!   Book Details: Marly in Pieces by Cathrina Constantine Publication date: July 10th 2020 Genres: Mystery, Young Adult Synopsis: Marly refuses to believe her friend, Rae, committed suicide. Even though her wrists were slit, Marly knows her beautifully vibrant bestie would never do that. Even though the two had drifted apart, Marly and Rae made a blood promise long ago to always look out for each other. Even in death, Marly intends to honor that vow. Determined to find Rae’s killer, Marly faces a long list of potential suspects. It seems everyone has secrets or lies they are covering up… including the boy she loves. Can Marly uncover the murderer’s identity before she becomes the next victim? Goodreads | ~ Purchase: Will be found here come release day: https://amzn.to/3f0Sv7j   AUTHOR BIO: I am blessed with a loving family and forever friends. My world revolves around them. I grew up in the small village of Lancaster, NY, where I married my sweetheart. I'm devoted to raising 5 cherished children, and now my grandchildren. I love to immerse myself in great books of every kind of genre, which helps me to write purely for entertainment, and hopefully to inspire readers. When not stationed at my computer you can find me in the woods taking long walks with my dog. Author links: Twitter | Facebook | Author's Blog | BookBub | Goodreads | Instagram |   GIVEAWAY DETAILS: Blitz-wide giveaway (INT)
To ENTER, Click on HERE!    Book Details: Princess Bachelorette: An Exclusive Selection of Princess Bachelorette Stories Published by: Enchanted Quill Press Publication date: July 1st 2020 Genres: Fairy Tales, Fantasy, New Adult, Young Adult Synopsis: Your favorite fairytale love stories, but not how you remember them… Enchanted Quill Press takes you on a journey to far away lands and kingdoms that need an heir to continue their reign. Come on a journey to meet the fairytale princesses you know and love and find out how they met their love match in these never seen before retellings. With a matchmaking competition to win the heart of the princess, this set will leave you wondering, will she choose her Prince Charming? Goodreads: ~ Purchase: 99¢ for a limited time! ~ Amazon 
  GIVEAWAY DETAILS: Blitz-wide giveaway (INT)
To ENTER Giveaway, Click on HERE!    Book Details: The Order of the Key by Justine Manzano Publication date: July 9th 2020 Genres: Urban Fantasy, Young Adult Synopsis: Jacklyn Madison never expected to be attacked by a beast on an evening snack run. Add a rescue mission enacted by a trained regiment of teenaged warriors, and her night officially becomes just like a scene from one of her beloved comic books. Turns out, her parents were once members of the Order of the Key, gifted humans that protect humanity from creatures spilling through inter-dimensional rifts. Unable to control her newfound abilities, Jacklyn and her family rejoin the Order. After an attack on their headquarters leaves Jacklyn questioning their leadership, Kyp—the boy who led her initial rescue—reveals a darker secret. The Order’s leader may be corrupt, and Jacklyn’s questions could put her family in danger. Drawn into the search for proof, Jacklyn must use her guts and magical brawn to protect her family, her friends, and herself from the monsters spilling from rifts, and those hiding within the Order. Goodreads | ~ Purchase: Amazon | B&N
Q: In what ways has writing affected other aspects of your life? A: When you’re writing a story, I believe all the characters become little bits of you. This, of course, means I have a menagerie of characters in my head. It also means I say weird things like “This is Kyp’s song,” or “Jacklyn wouldn’t go for that,” to the people who live with me. It also means that, in a weird way, my characters have become my friends. A character begins as the seed of an idea. For me, when I’m writing, I usually know the plot first, before I have any idea of who the characters in the story are going to be, I have a plot idea. But it’s usually very flat. Maybe not even really a plot, but a concept. Something I would like to explore. It’s the characters, however, that make the concept a plot. The characters who make the story. And they begin to spring from one thought: What would I do in this situation? And if I was more angry? Then, how would I react? What if I was conflicted? Then what? If I looked at this situation as someone who has never been dealt a similar hand before? I look at the situation from all the angles I can imagine. And most times, all of those points of view make it into the story somewhere. But there’s more to it than that. Story building is a lot of weaving. There’s a great deal of building from shattered parts. Character aspects of people I know find their way into the mix. Character aspects of other character’s I’ve loved in the past slide into it as well. And then they stew together in my mind. When I write, I take a long time building my outline. Sometimes a year. In stories that end up being back burner to others, they can sit for longer. For whatever the time, I allow the characteristics to spin together in my mind. To bubble and brew until a fully-formed character arises from the primordial ooze. And then, once I know one, others form. Often a reaction to the first, they become the original character’s friends or foils. And before I know it, I have a cast. Character building is truly one of my favorite parts of writing, because I’ve always loved magic. Magic is how it feels to me. Like creation magic. And once I have spawned these people in my mind, I get to enjoy them for years to come. And then, after some time, so do you.   AUTHOR BIO: Justine Manzano is a YA author and editor living in Bronx, NY with her husband, son, and a cacophony of cats. Her novel, The Order of the Key will be available from Black Rose Writing in July 2020. She can normally be found at her website, www.justinemanzano.com,and she’s on all the usual social media haunts. If you’ve looked in all these places and can’t find her, she’s probably off reading fanfiction. She’ll be back soon. Author links: Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram  You can find the schedule here!  Giveaway Details: Tour-wide giveaway
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