Create Your YA Debut Cover

Directions

1 – Go to “Fake Name Generator” or click http://www.fakenamegenerator.com/

The name that appears is your author name.

2 – Go to “Random Word Generator” or clickhttp://www.websitestyle.com/parser/randomword.shtml

The word listed under “Random Verb” is your title.

3 – Go to “FlickrCC” or click http://flickrcc.bluemountains.net/index.php

Type your title into the search box. The first photo that contains a person is your cover.

4 – Use Photoshop, Picnik, or similar to put it all together. Be sure to crop and/or zoom in.

5 – Post it to your site along with this text.

Review: Wicked Lovely by: Melissa Marr

Where I got it: The Library
Rating: 3 stars (Decent Faerie book)
Cover Rating: 4 stars (Pretty colors and eye catching. Also, Relative to the story)
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: June 12, 2007
Publisher: Harpercollins


Aislinn's Grandmother has put rules in place to keep her safe since she has the sight. She is able to see Faeries. Rule #1 Don't Ever Attract Their Attention, somehow Aislinn breaks this rule by getting noticed by Summer Court Fairy Keenan who wants to make her his Queen. Seth, Aislinn's human love interest is, well, human and not a bad choice. How will Aislinn decide what to do and how to get rid of the Fey that are following her? Can she really trust Seth with her secrets? Is there any escape from this?

So my only real dislike is the name Aislinn only because I kept thinking of Aslan from The Chronicles of Narnia by: C.S. Lewis. It's a good name however, Gaelic meaning dream, and I always associate Faeries with Irish folktales. Anyway on to the story. It was very much a girl book lots of love and girl power themes throughout. Donia, the last girl who risked her life for Keenan's benefit, is trapped in cold and can't be released until someone else risks their life to be with Keenan. Donia is also still in love with Keenan and is also portrayed as a strong minded girl. Beira, the Winter Queen and Keenan's mother, though wicked is also a very strong woman in this book, along with Aislinn our main girl. So the women in this book are the really strong characters and the guys are second players, even though the perspective changes and is sometimes written from Keenan's point of view. This was mildly irksome, only because sometimes while the story is being told in the third person somebody's first person voice would interrupt the sentence. Mostly this wasn't a big problem and didn't really break up the flow of the story that much. I can't say to much about it without giving away some of the more important things. This book was not very suspenseful because you kind of know everything in the first few paragraphs, but there are little things that crop up. If you really enjoy books about Faery and humans then you should read this, not necessarily a Faery book but a good read nonetheless. I will be reading the sequel, Ink Exchange, because I feel that this series will get better the more Melissa Marr writes.

Intertwined Sweepstakes

In My Mailbox #6

In My Mailbox is brought to you in part by The Story Siren.


For Review: Once a Witch by: Carolyn MacCullough
Tamsin Greene comes from a long line of witches, and she was supposed to be one of the most Talented among them. But Tamsin's magic never showed up. Now seventeen, Tamsin attends boarding school in Manhattan, far from her family. But when a handsome young professor mistakes her for her very Talented sister, Tamsin agrees to find a lost family heirloom for him. The search—and the stranger—will prove to be more sinister than they first appeared, ultimately sending Tamsin on a treasure hunt through time that will unlock the secret of her true identity, unearth the sins of her family, and unleash a power so vengeful that it could destroy them all. This is a spellbinding display of storytelling that will exhilarate, enthrall, and thoroughly enchant.

Bought: Tricks by: Ellen Hopkins

Five teenagers from different parts of the country. Three girls. Two guys. Four straight. One gay. Some rich. Some poor. Some from great families. Some with no one at all. All living their lives as best they can, but all searching...for freedom, safety, community, family, love. What they don't expect, though, is all that can happen when those powerful little words "I love you" are said for all the wrong reasons.

Five moving stories remain separate at first, then interweave to tell a larger, powerful story -- a story about making choices, taking leaps of faith, falling down, and growing up. A story about kids figuring out what sex and love are all about, at all costs, while asking themselves, "Can I ever feel okay about myself?"

A brilliant achievement from New York Times best-selling author Ellen Hopkins -- who has been called "the bestselling living poet in the country" by mediabistro.com -- Tricks is a book that turns you on and repels you at the same time. Just like so much of life.


L.A. Candy by: Lauren Conrad

Los Angeles is all about the sweet life: hot clubs, cute guys, designer . . . everything. Nineteen-year-old Jane Roberts can't wait to start living it up. She may be in L.A. for an internship, but Jane plans to play as hard as she works, and has enlisted her BFF Scarlett to join in the fun.

When Jane and Scarlett are approached by a producer who wants them to be on his new series, a "reality version of Sex and the City," they can hardly believe their luck. Their own show? Yes, please!

Soon Jane is TV's hottest star. Fame brings more than she ever imagined possible for a girl from Santa Barbara—free designer clothes, the choicest tables at the most exclusive clubs, invites to Hollywood premieres—and she's lapping up the VIP treatment with her eclectic entourage of new pals. But those same friends who are always up for a wild night are also out for a piece of Jane's spotlight.

In a city filled with people chasing after their dreams, it's not long before Jane wakes up to the reality that everyone wants something from her, and nothing is what it seems to be.

L.A. Candy is a deliciously entertaining novel about what it's like to come of age in Hollywood while starring in a reality TV show, written by a girl who has experienced it all firsthand: Lauren Conrad.

WINNER OF BALLADS OF SUBURBIA CONTEST

I tallied up and typed out your names and turned them into tiny pieces of paper to draw out of a...well in this case a box, but imagine the possibilities that I could've drawn them out of! ANYWAYS... so I also decided that for *SURPRISE* bonus entries everyone who entered and commented on any of my other post got another entry for each comment they left. So onto the winner who was...

Llehn


So Congrats! (I've already e-mailed you)And to all of those who entered thank you so much! I will be holding another contest soon, so those of you who are following be on the lookout. Those who don't follow, well maybe you should start!

Waiting on Wednesday #5

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine!

In her debut collection, New York Times best-selling author Holly Black returns to the world of Tithe in two darkly exquisite new tales. Then Black takes readers on a tour of a faerie market and introduces a girl poisonous to the touch and another who challenges the devil to a competitive eating match. These stories have been published in anthologies such as 21 Proms, The Faery Reel, and The Restless Dead, and have been reprinted in many “Best of” anthologies. The Poison Eaters is Holly Black’s much-anticipated first collection of stories, and her ability to stare into the void—and to find humanity and humor there—will speak to young adult and adult readers alike.

I'm excited! I love short stories and I love Holly Black!

Big Contest Post

Here's what's big in the sphere!

100th Posts Contest!

Guess what!? We now officially have written 100 posts! Wowza! That, in my opinion deserves to be acknowledged, so, we're going to have a contest to celebrate this amazing accomplishment!

So here are ALL the books you can win, (we're very generous):



The last book on the right, is the Midnight Charter, a cool new book that's due out sometime in December!

BUT, 1o books just isn't enough...so we're also giving away $10 to Barnes and Noble!!!

Now, because 100 is one of our favorite numbers, if we can can get 100 followers by the end of this contest, we'll double everything, that means 10 more books, and 10 more dollars!

So WHAT are you waiting for, go and enter!

The Electrical Book Cafe's Blogoversary

So, now for the actual contest....

I've got some authors signed up to donate some awesome stuff (Yay! Thanks guys!) and here is the prize bucket...

1-A Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side T-Shirt
3-How to Buy a Love of Reading postcards
1-How to Buy a Love of Reading [Click HERE for Review]
1-Signed copy of Madapple [Click HERE for Review]
1-E-book copy of Eyeleash
4-Eyeleash promo postcards
1- Copy of Rumor & Qix
1-Signed copy of The Morgue and Me [Click HERE for Review]
1-Signed copy of Black Box [Click HERE for Review]
1-Copy of GoldenGirl [Click HERE for Review]
1-Copy of Fashionista [Click HERE for Review]
1-Copy of So Punk Rock

Super End of Summer + Birthday contest
Prizes:
- ARC of Shiver
- ARC of How to Say Good-bye in Robot
- ARC of As You Wish
- ARC of Give Up the Ghost
- ARC of Lipstick Apology
- ARC of Devoured
- ARC of The Sweetheart of Prosper County
- Hardcover copy of Eyes Like Stars
- Hardcover copy of Hannah (Daughters of the Sea)

Mega Palooza contest
Prizes:

- Signed copy of Dreaming Anastasia + Goodies

- Hardback Another Faust

- Hardback Prophecy of the Sisters

- ARC The Dark Divine

- ARC Hush Hush

- ARC Give Up The Ghost

- ARC Ash

- ARC Behind Every Illusion

- ARC Shiver

- ARC Eyes Like Stars

- ARC The Demon's Lexicon

- ARC Betraying Season

- ARC Any Given Doomsday

- Dead Until Dark

- Gossip Girl 1st Book

- The Black Tattoo + poster

- Vampire Academy

- Frost Bite, a Vampire Academy Novel

- Shadow Kiss, a Vampire Academy Novel

- Blood Promise, a Vampire Academy Novel

Huge contest
Prizes:
- Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick ARC
- Along For The Ride by Sarah Dessen ARC
- Kiss of Life by Daniel Waters ARC
- Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater ARC
- Troy High by Shana Norris ARC
- Love You Hate You Miss You by Elizabeth Scott ARC
- Reincarnation by Suzanne Weyn ARC
- Lovestruck Summer by Melissa Walker
- Death by Series by Linda Gerber (3 books total)
- a 5 dollar giftcard from Walmart (you can buy yourself half of a book with it, lol)
- 3 Sarah Dessen books ( Just Listen, This Lullaby, Someone Like You)
- Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson
- Fire By Kristin Cashmore ARC
- Preorder for Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
- AND a book of your choice

Just click on the titles of each of the contests to go to them and enter!

LAST DAY FOR BALLADS OF SUBURBIA CONTEST!

Tomorrow is the official LAST DAY that you can win a new copy of Ballads of Suburbia by: the WONDERFUL Stephanie Kuehnert! I know you are all dying to read it so make sure you enter my contest here and try and snag a copy! Also this contest is international!

In My Mailbox #5

In My Mailbox is brought to you in part by The Story Siren.
Short list this week , which means maybe I'll be able to catch up.

Gifts:

From my lovely boyfriend, he thought it was something I would enjoy.


Impossible by: Nancy Werlin
Werlin combines magic, romance, and a family curse in this 21st-century fairy tale based on the ballad "Scarborough Fair." On the night of her prom, Lucy, 17, is raped by her date and becomes pregnant. She decides to keep the child, and she is supported by her foster parents and Zach, her childhood friend whose love for Lucy changes from platonic to romantic as the story progresses. The teen discovers the curse on the women in her family when she reads her birth mother's diary. Lucy is destined for madness at 18 unless she can perform the three impossible tasks described in the song and break the curse of the Elfin Knight. She is determined to rid herself and her unborn child of the curse, and her family and Zach help her as she works to solve the riddles. This unique story flows smoothly and evenly, and the well-drawn characters and subtle hints of magic early on allow readers to enter willingly into the world of fantasy. As in The Rules of Survival (Dial, 2006), Werlin addresses tough topics. Rape, teen pregnancy, and family madness set the story in motion, but the strength of Lucy's character and the love of her family and friends allow her to deal with such difficult matters and take on the impossible. Teens, especially young women, will enjoy this romantic fairy tale with modern trappings.

The Won:

Frenemies and Faketastic from the lovely Alexa Young via the also wonderful Stephanie Kuehnert contest for her Ballads of Suburbia Cyber Launch Party.

What happens when two besties become full-blown worsties?Avalon Greene rules the fashion scene at her sunny SoCal middle school with a diamond-clad fist, calling out classmates for their fashion-do's and most unfortunate clothes-pas. She's determined to host the social event of the season—a soiree in honor of her forever-friendship with Halley! Unfortunately, Halley's new look is one thing Avalon just can't celebrate. . . .Halley Brandon is just back from art camp and can't wait to share her funky new style with her best friend, Avalon. But when Avalon cries fashion foul, Halley realizes her best friend's true colors may clash with her own. Has their ultra-fabulous friendship finally gone out of style?From sharing custody of their puppy, Pucci, to drawing up a list of who gets which friends, Avalon and Halley discover what happens when you battle the person who knows everything about you—and isn't afraid to use your secrets to get what she wants.Best friends. Worst enemies. Frenemies.


(All summaries as always from Amazon.com)

Review: Madapple by: Christina Meldrum

Where I got it: The Library
Rating: 5 stars (Love it!)
Cover Rating: 4 stars (I really love how the whole front and back cover is one image)
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: May 13, 2008
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

Maren tells her sister she is pregnant. Maren tells her sister she is still a virgin. This is how Aslaug's story begins. Aslaug has only ever known her mother Maren and she knows of their lone neighbor. Maren home schools her and teaches her of other religions and beliefs and many languages. When her mother dies Aslaug doesn't know what to do. Thrust into a world she has never know Asluag must figure out how to survive based on a few hints and clues her mother has seem to have left her. This story told in alternating chapters between 2003 when all this begins and her trial in 2007 reveals Aslaug's story and how it all turns out in the end.

Wow. What a great story. What's that I see in the back of this book? A bibliography. AWESOME! So I had checked this book out a few times and never got around to reading it. I sure am glad I finally did. Christina Meldrum writes a wonderful portrayal of a girl kept from the world and well educated in everything except social standards. I don't want to say to much and ruin it but I really enjoyed this book. Christina Meldrum adds in lots of myths and ancient religion along with many facts about plants and their powers. Aslaug ends up remembering a place her mother once had them drive to and there she finds some of her family and they try to help her piece together who her father was. You really have to sit down and read this; it is in its own league a truly unique tale that will certainly keep you wanting for the next page.

Review: Green Angel by: Alice Hoffman

Where I got it: The Library
Rating: 4 stars (This was a very interesting and quick read.)
Cover Rating: 4 stars (I like how they incorporate the front and back covers)
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: March 1, 2003
Publisher: Scholastic Press

Fifteen-year-old Green stayed at home one fateful day while her parents and younger sister went into town to sell their produce. Her anger and angst of being left behind means that she doesn't tell them 'good-bye' but instead goes to sulk. As Green hangs around on her own she notices the city in flames and ash floating through the air making it hard to see or breathe. After awhile she begins to realize that maybe her family isn't coming home. Other young miscreants come and go and the whole world seems to be ripped at the seams. Green changes her name to Ash as the ashes fill her eyes and make it hard to see. Ash tattoos her skin with black ink covering it with vines and bats. This story tells of how Green/Ash picks up the pieces of her life and learns to carry on.

I really enjoyed this book, though short, it was very beautifully written. Alice Hoffman explores a whole world that many of the readers may not be familiar with. She paints a landscape of tragedy and loss. I really enjoyed reading about Green and how she copes with her world falling apart and how she deals with her own guilt about being so sullen when her family left. I recommend that if you are in your library and see this pick it up and read it. This was an excellent read.

In My Mailbox #4

So, sorry I haven't posted since last In My Mailbox things have been crazy, but I do have some reviews I can hopefully post soon. This week will be kind of crazy too, but hopefully after that I can get back on track so ANYWAYS... and as always In My Mailbox is brought to you in part by The Story Siren.



The Contests:
Won The Girls Guide to Rocking over at Mrs. Magoo's blog.




The Borrowed:

From my friend Lindsay she said this is a must read. What's Eating Gilbert Grape by: Peter Hedges.



















From the library The Otherworldliesby: Jennifer Anne Kogler and The Latent Powers of Dylan Fontaine by: April Lurie.

The Purchased:

Luna by: Julie Anne Peters
The Summoning and The Awakening by: Kelley Armstrong






Pop Princess by: Rachel Cohn
Stargazer by: Claudia Gray
Suicide Blonde by: Darcey Steinke

In My Mailbox #3

In My Mailbox is brought to you in part by The Story Siren. So without further ado here we go!

The Purchased:

Evernight by: Claudia Gray

Bianca has been uprooted from her happy, uneventful life to start anew at an elite boarding school where her parents will now be professors. Even though Bianca doesn't feel that she is the Evernight type—rich, beautiful, or gifted—she knows that her parents feel this is best for her. She and Lucas Ross share a special connection from the moment they meet and he, like Bianca and a few others, is an outsider. He is a rebel who is on a mission to discover the secret behind Evernight Academy. As the weeks progress, their relationship heats up. What they don't realize, however, is that they each harbor a great secret that could divide them forever. Can their love survive the truth? Gray's writing hooks readers from the first page and reels them in with surprising plot twists and turns, and the open ending will keep them guessing.

Evermore by: Alyson Noel

This opening book in a new series, The Immortals, will thrill many teen fantasy-suspense readers, especially fans of Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series. Seventeen-year-old Ever survived the car crash that killed her parents, younger sister, and their dog. Now she lives with an aunt in Southern California, plagued not only by survivor guilt but also by a new ability to hear the thoughts of all around her. She tries to tune out all these distractions by keeping her hoodie up and her iPod cranked loud, until Damen, the cute new boy at school, convinces her to come out of her shell. Damen, however, is frighteningly clever—and has the strange ability to produce tulips from nowhere and disappear himself at critical moments. Noël (Saving Zoë, 2007) creates a cast of recognizably diverse teens in a realistic high-school setting, along with just the right tension to make Ever’s discovery of her own immortality—should she choose it—exciting and credible.

Wings by: Aprilynne Pike

Fifteen-year-old Laurel has led a sheltered, homeschooled life in a very small town, so when her parents decide to move and enroll her in high school, she has trouble getting used to her new life. A life, as it turns out, that’s not at all like those of other kids. One clear sign is a winglike blossom that blooms on her back. Oh, and her new best friend, the scientifically minded David, reveals under a microscope that her cells are more plant than animal. But it takes an encounter at her old home with the handsome but decidedly different Tamani to convince her that she is a faerie. She also learns it’s up to her to save her land from the evil influences that are trying to take it away from her and her family. This first novel is clearly designed to attract the Twilight set, though there’s significantly less edge (and blood). There is, however, a familiar triangle. Will Laurel choose solid, steady David, or will she be unable to resist Tamani’s lure? Stay tuned. Fine escapist fare, this neatly mixes the everyday with the otherworldly.

The Contests:

I won Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and a 10 year anniversary pin from Lexi over at another page is used.
THANKS