Friday, May 31, 2013

Amber Argyle's 'Witch Fall' Cover Reveal

I’m so excited to reveal my latest cover to all of you! I really struggled with the scene to use for the cover, and I’m so glad I went with this one-and thanks to all of your input on the many decisions to be made for this book. I adore the turquoise, reds, and golds. Look at the play of light on the surface of the water. The stone dragons are perfect, as is the palace they guard. Laura Save really outdid herself—and she’s such a sweet person! I love working with her.

Witch Fall is the last book in the Witch Song series (though there is a short story in the works). Though it is a prequel, I recommend you read it last. It’s due out this October. I’m in the midst of a massive rewrite, and I’m working hard to meet that deadline, if only my children would cooperate. *sigh*

Here’s the back cover: 
Synopsis:
All things fall. 

Even Witches.

Supreme in their dominion over seasons, storms and sea, the Witches have forgotten the unmatched destructiveness of mankind—and among the weapons men seek are the magical songs of the Witches.
 
Lilette is one of the few who sees the signs of decadence and decay within the Witches. An outsider amidst her own kind, can she delay her people’s annihilation long enough for them to survive the war that is coming?

Here’s the links:
Find AmberArgyle here: 
Amber Argyle
About Amber:
For the first twelve years of my life, I lived in a two bedroom ranch house at the base of a mountain. Besides my parents, my family consisted of three brothers—the oldest of which enjoyed beating me up. Ironically, the younger two were terrible wimps. I rode horses, moved sprinkler pipe, and mucked out barns (when they could catch me). We didn’t have a lot of money, and the part of the ranch we lived on was eventually repossessed by the bank. Subsequently, we had to move to town (I know. I should have written Westerns).
I graduated from Utah State University with a bachelors degree (English and physical education), a husband, and a two-year old. I was a member of the collegiate honor society and graduated cum laude (which basically means I’m an overachiever).
My second son had severe colic, often crying for 16 hours a day. By the time he was four months old, I was in a very dark place. I discovered that I could prop him up between my arms and type for brief periods of time. Creating stories quickly became a cathartic addiction I couldn’t function without.
It took seven manuscripts and five very long years before my debut novel, Witch Song, came out.
I currently live in Northern Utah with my husband and three children. 

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Judy Blume & Son, Lawrence Blume, Talk Adapting 'Tiger Eyes' To Film



How can I express the excitement I felt on May 30, 2013. it was a Thursday that I was going to meet the iconic author, Judy Blume! Yes!!! One of a few authors, of which I grew up reading her books. It's just so amazing that through generations (kids, preteens, teens, young adults and adults) consider her books favorites to this day. Hence, Mariah (my daughter) and I made another trip out to the Los Angeles, CA area...specifically,to the Barnes & Noble in Santa Monica, where this auspicious event took place.
Display of Judy Blume's books at the entrance
This was a wristband event, meaning that in order to be able to to the event, one had to purchase the book that the event is promoting to obtain a wristband. Of course, there is also an advantage to being a Barnes & Noble member...priority wristbands are given to members, usually on a first come basis. These wristbands are limited, so for many popular events, members would make the purchase as soon as the doors open.Because it was a school day, I had to wait for Mariah to get out of school before making the drive out to Santa Monica.  Luckily, I was able to purchase Tiger Eyes over the phone, resulting in the reserving of my priority wristbands.  Yay!!! And, yes, the freeways weren't too congested, so we made good time; and we even had a couple of hours to spare before the event.Being our first time to this branch of Barnes & Noble, we decided to check out the event area. I definitely did not want to get lost with an event scheduled. We made our way to the second floor to the event room, and found the event coordinator, Shane, setting up. He even informed us about where to line up and what the rules were.  We were the first ones in line...haha!!! 
Inside the event room

Soon enough, we all were let in to the event room to take our seats. t was amazing at the different generations that attended. As soon as Judy Blume and Lawrence Blume (he went by Larry) arrived, they did the Hollywood press thing with all the photo taking before the event started.  That was an awe-inspiring moment. 
Judy Blume and Larry Blume arriving

Press time

More press time
After the press session, the event began.  To start off, we had the opportunity to watch the trailer of Tiger Eyes.  Although I have already watched it from the website, www.tigereyesmovie.com, it was pretty awesome to watch it on a bigger screen! Then, after the trailer, we were again treated to another clip from the movie, the fight scene. So far from what I've watched, this film looks amazing. I am definitely looking forward to seeing this.Please check out the trailer if you haven't already done so, I think Judy Blume fans and others will not be disappointed. 
Larry setting up the trailer 
They started the discussion with talking about what it was like to work together on the screenplay of Tiger Eyes and how much fun it was to film on location in New Mexico. Judy also mentioned that the swimming scene was filmed in Miami, FL. Talk about location, location, location! Here's a fun fact, after Judy's kids finishd elementary school, they moved to New Mexico in which is the setting for Tiger Eyes.  A fan also asked Judy and Larry if they ever clashed/disagreed on anything when working on the screenplay and film.  For the most part, they both answered that they had fun working together on this project. 



Yup! Larry Blume was Judy's "fudge" (SuperFudge)
Lawrence "Larry" Blume
What was interesting to find out that Judy Blume's books were all made up stories at the time she wrote it.  Judy then went on to admit that after writing these stories, she did realize that these books were loosely based on her life experiences and/or those of her family.  She also mentioned that Superfudge was loosely based on her son, Larry Blume. Yup, he was her "fudge." Too funny! Too cute! 
Luke Tarsitano as "fudge", at 4 yrs old
What was also amazing was that the little boy, who played "Fudge" in the 1995 TV Series Fudge, was also at the event. Yes, Luke Tarsitano, all grown up since he played "Fudge" when he was 4 years old, was at the event.
Luke Tarsitano, all grown up, he's now 23 yrs old
Judy continued on to say that Tiger Eyes was about losing a loved one, and she related it to when she lost her beloved father when she was 21 (years older than the 17-yr old character Davey). She also spoke of those years living in Los Alamos, NM were not happy years.Another fun fact, as mentioned earlier, Judy Blume was pretty much not aware that she was writing about her own feelings/experiences and those of her family.  Although she made up these stories, she soon realized afterwards that many of her stories are based on her real life and those in her family. 
Judy Blume


A fan asked Judy on how does she do it...write these books for different age groupings, since she just makes up these stories. She admittedly replied that she is still a "child at heart." And, Larry even replied that Judy has a remarkable memory...jokingly saying that she even remembers all the names of everyone in her third grade class...hahaha!! Several of Judy's adult fans praised her for the stories that she wrote since so many kids can relate to it. One in particular that was mentioned was Blubber, which touched on an issue that many kids are dealing with today...bullying,which was referred to as "victimization" then. Teachers did not have the awareness that we have today on how bullying can affect the young nowadays.
Larry Blume and mom, Judy Blume
Lawrence Blume 
Not to leave Larry out of the discussion, someone in the audience directed a question to him about his directing/filmwriting and noted his first directed feature-length film Martin & Orloff, which won several awards and made it's television debut on Comedy Central. Larry went on about other works and his post production company...and possibly getting back into comedy and/or other directing/writing projects.  From the sound of it, we will be hearing and seeing more of Larry Blume in the film industry...watch out!!!
Soon her young fans started asking questions...it was all too cute! A young fan even asked how she got 90 awards when she only wrote 23 books (at the time). Another young fan asked if she could write two books at the same time.  Soon, they were asking the same questions, but different words...haha!! Too funny! But, Judy was so awesome, she had fun answering their questions. To note, Judy Blume has written 29 books so far...and she is still writing at 75. Yay!!!
Wow! That night just overwhelmed me with all the discussion about the movie and books! And, just being there to listen and learn about Judy Blume...an incredibly talented author! She is A-MA-ZING!! To learn more about Judy Blume, her writings, her books and more, go to her site: www.judyblume.com.
Judy Blume signing my copy of Deenie
After the fun Q&A session with Judy and Larry, the book signing commenced.  Since Mariah and I was in the second row, it wasn't too long of a wait to get my chance to talk to her. It was an incredible experience to chat a bit with Judy Blume! I'm just grateful that I wasn't at a loss of words...haha!! It was so much fun! But, of course, no posed pictures were allowed considering the time to get to everyone. At least, Judy Blume was so gracious to allow pictures with her from across the table. She is just too AWESOME! She even personalized every book that each person brought to the signing.  She is one amazing lady! 
Judy Blume signing my books

Jasmine and Judy Blume

Judy Blume books that got signed


I even asked Judy if Larry could sign my copy of Tiger Eyes since he directed the film adaptation. She was all too okay with it, she even told me to tell Larry that "his Mom said so." Now, how hilariously cool was that! And, so he did sign my copy of Tiger Eyes!
Larry Blume signed under where Judy signed! Yay!
Even got our pick with the director, Larry Blume! Yay! 
Jasmine and Larry Blume.  He even liked my shirt! LOL!

Mariah and Larry Blume
All in all, May 30, 2013, was a night to remember.  An awesome author that is a favorite generations over, Judy Blume, made time for fans of different generations to talk about working with her son, Larry Blume, on the film adaptation of her best-selling YA novel, Tiger Eyes. Not only was the talk about the movie, these special guests also talked about her other books, what inspires her, and how she writes and more. Not only that, we learned a lot about Larry Blume as a director and a filmwriter. It was an amazing night! And, well worth the trip to the Barnes & Noble i Santa Monica. Now, I need to reread Tiger Eyes before the movie is released on June 7, 2013. I need to refresh my memory of "Davey's" story.
Tiger Eyes movie tie-in cover
So, Judy Blume fans, let's support their film and watch it! For more information about the film and screening locations, go to: www.tigereyesmovie.comNot only will the movie be released in select locations, Tiger Eyes will also be available for Video On Demand, check with your providers (DirecTV, Dish, iTunes...etc.)Note: Tiger Eyes is now available to pre-order on iTunes.More photos can be viewed at: Movies, Shows & Books on Facebook.  







Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Josephine Angelini Launches New Novel 'Goddess'


May 28, 2013 was a night of literary fun as Josephine Angelini and fans celebrated the release of the last book in the Starcrossed Trilogy.

Arriving a couple hours before the 7pm event with Josephine Angelini, Mariah and I staked our claim on our seats since it wasn't a wristband event. Yes, I wanted to be sure we were front and center...and we definitely were. I then proceeded to purchase the entire Starcrossed Trilogy books while we waited for this exciting reading/signing. Although I haven't read these books yet, I have been very interested and fascinated with these books since it's loosely based on the Greek poem, The Iliad, Greek literature/mythology.  On top of all that, we were among friends...Perla, Cassandra and Franceis, to celebrate the launch of this book with Josephine Angelini.

As time grew closer to start the party, fans were treated to Sprinkles mini-cupcakes. Yes! It was a definite treat! As more fans arrived, the excitement grew. A few fans were even discussing the books among each other.

Sprinkles cupcakes!!!

Excitement escalates as 7pm approaches. To many fans' delight, Josephine Angelini arrives to indulge us to a reading from Goddess. She read an excerpt from Chapter 5 in Goddess. As Angelini read the excerpt, the audience listened intently with awe. Although I haven't read any of the books, I was pulled in to the "Helen's" plight. With her animated reading, Josephine Angelini brought the characters to life and captured our imaginations.

Josephine Angelini arrives and is introduced to fans by Lita, events coordinator.

Josephine Angelini begins the reading
As Josephine Angelini brought the reading to a close, the Q&A began. However, Angelini started off by answering a question she knew several fans were thinking. Yup, she got ahead of everyone and answered the question, "are they ever going to get together?"  She was referring to the characters "Helen" and "Lucas." However, she did not divulge any spoilers to that effect. Awww...what a tease...LOL! Hence, the Q&A continued. 

I can only describe this event as exciting and fun. With Josephine's animated discussions with the fans, it made this whole session amazing. We learned so much about the story behind the making of the Starcrossed Trilogy. Luckily, Mariah was able to record some the reading and Q&A...and, is now available to view on my YouTube channel: MsBabyJazz1972.

Although clips #1 & #2 are only seconds long, I uploaded it anyways.  Hope you like and enjoy these video clips and please subscribe.

Here are the video clips to this amazing event:
We were also treated with the prologue of Josephine Angelini's next book, Crucible, which is loosely based on Arthur Miller's play, The Crucible. As she mentioned in clip #6, her next book will be the first of another trilogy. How awesome was that to get a glimpse of Josephine Angelini's next novel! Wow!


Josephine Angelini discusses her next novel, Crucible
Josephine Angelini reads the prologue of Crucible from her iPhone
We got to hear a "sneak read" of Josephine Angenlini's next book...a fanta-sci themed story. After listening to a coupld of pages of the prologue, I was fascinated with this new story. Now, I definitely will be looking forward to reading her next trilogy. 

After an exciting Q&A, the signing began. Fans excitedly lined up to get their chance to chat with her. Since we were sitting in the first row, we were able to chat a bit with Josephine Angelini. It was an amazing time! Everyone had a chance to chat AND take posed photos with her.  AWESOME! 

Jasmine, Perla, Franceis and Cassandra
Josephine Angelini

Josephine Angelini signing my books...and Victoria's copy of Starcrossed
Jasmine and Josephine Angelini

Mariah and Josephine Angelini
Josephine Angelini signing Perla's books

Josephine Angelini and Perla

Josephine Angelini signing Cassandra's books and bookmarks

Cassandra and Josephine Angelini

Josephine Angelini signing Franceis' books

Mariah getting the bookmarks signed
Not only did I meet the amazing Josephine Angelini, I also met another talented author, Anna Carey. This is one of the reasons why I love author events like this...not only do I meet the spotlight authors; I also have the opportunity to meet other authors who come out to support their friend/author. And, this is exactly how I met Anna Carey, author of the Eve Trilogy.

Anna Carey chatting it up with a fan

Anna Carey, author of the Sloan Sisters Series

Perla and Anna Carey

Jasmine and Anna Carey
To view the entire photo album of this event, please go to: Movies, Shows & Books on Facebook.

All in all, for a Tuesday evening, it was filled with fun and excitement!! Not only were we entertained with a reading, we learned so much about Josephine Angelini's thoughts on how she started writing, what inspires her to wriate and what stories she likes to read and to write. Disussing the makings of her books was simply a joy to listen to. Being a book nerd, I am always in search for good reads, especially in my favorite genres.  I guess that's why I'm not going to ever really get caught up on reading all the books that I have. <sigh> That's okay. It's just incredibly amazing to be able to meet all these talented authors. I thoroughly enjoyed this event. Hence, Iam very excited for the release of her next book trilogy, starting with Crucible.  But, of course, I have got to read the Starcrossed Trilogy first...haha!!! I am not alone on that. The waiting for a next book in a series to be released can be excruciating, especially when the previous book leaves the reader with a "cliffhanger."

Again, Barnes & Noble at The Grove has put together another awesome author event. Until the next author event. 

The Starcrossed Trilogy: Starcrossed, Dreamless and Goddess