Goodreads Book Giveaway
Tales of a Redheaded Sea-Witch
by J.E. Hunter
Giveaway ends April 10, 2016.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.
BLACK DEPTHS: YA Books, YA book reviews, crafts and creativity
Thursday, March 31, 2016
New Giveaway!
Well, I know I'm a bit late releasing Dark Shores, but I will be finalizing it today. I've had a giveaway up on Goodreads for a while now, but have forgot to spread the word about it. If you haven't entered yet to win a brand new copy of Tales of a Redheaded Sea-Witch, now's your chance. Begin the Black Depths series before it's too late!
Enter Giveaway
Monday, March 28, 2016
Happy Birthday to Me
Time for tea and reading. Short blog break.
:)
Back Tuesday with a new writing prompt.
:)
Back Tuesday with a new writing prompt.
Thursday, March 24, 2016
Reading: One Step Closer to Becoming a Spy
It seems like today, people look at you strangely if you read. Anytime I talk about the books I've recently read, or about my writing, people say, "Where do you find the time?". Many people in my life seem to be rushing from one event to another: the gym, yoga class, drinks with friends, dinners out, volunteer this-or-that, shopping, price comparing. And then when they get home they say they just want to chill, so they turn on the television.
It is very rare that I actually watch TV. I used to watch it a lot, and occasionally, I still do. But there's just something about my brain that doesn't relax when I'm watching television. In fact, I often find myself wiggling around, unable to focus on the screen. I grow restless. I can't sit still. I often get up to do something else. But when I read, I can just sit there quietly and disappear. I wouldn't be surprise if someone told me I had the ability to turn completely invisible. I can be still, motionless, calm. My brain is so busy that my body doesn't have to be. When I'm reading, I become the perfect spy.
There's just something about reading, about being involved, that television doesn't have. And by cutting out TV, I've found a lot of spare time to spend between the pages. Reading words and having to interpret them, turning those little letters into images, sounds, smells, tastes, is very involved. And I find it captivating. No two people experience the same book the same way. No two people imagine a character the same way. No two people smell the same forest, feel the same rainfall, or experience the same tugging on the same heartstrings. When I read, I am unique. No matter how many people have read that book before me, and will read it after me, I am creating my own individual experience.
I love that. I love that if I pick up a book I've already read, I will always find something new. I love that sometimes it feels as if I've never even read the story before, even after reading he book five times. I love when I hold paper in my hands it becomes a doorway to a world of dragons, swords, shopping malls, foreign countries, five star restaurants, danger and intrigue, oceans and islands, history and so much more. There is so much to explore.
But this is what scares me. Sometimes, my mind wants so much exercise I worry that I will read, disappear, and never find my way home. On my epic journey through the millions of pages written by millions of writers, I fear that I will get lost. In fact, I probably already have lost my way, because I never know which path to take, which book to pick up next, or which author to try. But in the end, I ultimately choose one, and then I'm off, book in one hand, tea cup in the other, and a blanket in my backpack just in case I get cold.
J. E. Hunter is the author of the Black Depths Series. Tales of a Redheaded Sea-Witch, and Black Depths, the first two books of the series can be found on Amazon, Kobo, iBooks, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords. The third book, Dark Shores, will be released March 28th, 2016. The fourth and last book of the Black Depths series will be released by the end of 2016.
It is very rare that I actually watch TV. I used to watch it a lot, and occasionally, I still do. But there's just something about my brain that doesn't relax when I'm watching television. In fact, I often find myself wiggling around, unable to focus on the screen. I grow restless. I can't sit still. I often get up to do something else. But when I read, I can just sit there quietly and disappear. I wouldn't be surprise if someone told me I had the ability to turn completely invisible. I can be still, motionless, calm. My brain is so busy that my body doesn't have to be. When I'm reading, I become the perfect spy.
There's just something about reading, about being involved, that television doesn't have. And by cutting out TV, I've found a lot of spare time to spend between the pages. Reading words and having to interpret them, turning those little letters into images, sounds, smells, tastes, is very involved. And I find it captivating. No two people experience the same book the same way. No two people imagine a character the same way. No two people smell the same forest, feel the same rainfall, or experience the same tugging on the same heartstrings. When I read, I am unique. No matter how many people have read that book before me, and will read it after me, I am creating my own individual experience.
I love that. I love that if I pick up a book I've already read, I will always find something new. I love that sometimes it feels as if I've never even read the story before, even after reading he book five times. I love when I hold paper in my hands it becomes a doorway to a world of dragons, swords, shopping malls, foreign countries, five star restaurants, danger and intrigue, oceans and islands, history and so much more. There is so much to explore.
But this is what scares me. Sometimes, my mind wants so much exercise I worry that I will read, disappear, and never find my way home. On my epic journey through the millions of pages written by millions of writers, I fear that I will get lost. In fact, I probably already have lost my way, because I never know which path to take, which book to pick up next, or which author to try. But in the end, I ultimately choose one, and then I'm off, book in one hand, tea cup in the other, and a blanket in my backpack just in case I get cold.
J. E. Hunter is the author of the Black Depths Series. Tales of a Redheaded Sea-Witch, and Black Depths, the first two books of the series can be found on Amazon, Kobo, iBooks, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords. The third book, Dark Shores, will be released March 28th, 2016. The fourth and last book of the Black Depths series will be released by the end of 2016.
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
Ask the Author: Theodora O. Agyeman-Anane
1. Why did you choose to write about Susanna?
This is a great question. I wanted to write about a girl I never met in the many books I read as a teenager growing up in Italy. There were girls with curly hair but they were white. I also wanted to explore the multiculturalism in Italy today, a topic I haven't had the pleasure to read enough about. Being a black woman, I could have shied away from writing about a mixed race girl but my daughter is mixed raced. I wanted to imagine how she would feel when people try to put her in a box, as in our world I see a lot in black and white and not the many grey areas in a race.
2. Where is your favourite place to write?
We recently moved house so I'm learning which area in the new place makes my creativity flow. However, in my old house I had one room all for myself to use as my office. I called it my sanctuary. It was a bliss to close the door on the noise when my husband was home to watch the kids. With two little kids under five, finding a special place to write is a bonus. My current house is small so I may end up making a sanctuary in the garden or garage.
3. What is your beverage of choice when you write?
Water, I know I'm boring. But I bought a sweet "laugh" mug, which I use. If I feel adventurous I take my big mug and fill it up with peppermint tea, it always clears the mind.
4. What is your favourite young adult book?
My all time favourite YA book is Mel by Liz Berry, a British author. The story is about a seventeen-year-old that has to look after herself once her mother is hospitalized after suffering a mental breakdown. She redecorates the house, initiates a neighbourhood clean-up, and becomes involved with a rock star. I read this long time ago, I was about 13 years old and it felt so cool to read a book with a seventeen-year-old as the main character - I get excited thinking about it.
After Mel, the Twilight Saga by Stephanie Meyer took me by storm. I was a married woman when I first read them, but those books made me feel like a teenager again. Also I realize that I love female main characters that are a bit tormented and live an impossibly difficult life.
5. Do you listen to music when you write? Why or why not?
I make a playlist for practically everything in my life so it's so natural for me to make one for each writing project I'm working on. I'm always inspired by the sound I listen to. For instance, I found my old Walkman and tapes I recorded back in the days. The upbeat, romantic and a bit enigmatic music on them is going to be the go to music for my next book.
6. What is your favourite thing about your character, Susanna?
She is a bit old fashioned, in a good way. She is oblivious to her own beauty, a bit insecure. I love the fact that she is not too comfortable with herself.
7. What are you working on now?
Sometimes I feel like my next book is taking too long to come alive, but right now my mind is brainstorming a story about a forbidden love in a time of war and peace.
8. If you could leave for a one week vacation tomorrow and go anywhere in the world, where would you go and what book would you bring with you to read?
Funny you ask me this question because I'm currently craving trip to my home in Italy because I miss it so much. I want to visit old places and friends.
When I look at the picture of me sitting in the window of my house overlooking that gorgeous view, I tear up. I suppressed my love for this place because I didn't want to be too sad but I can't deny the love I have for Italy and of course I do understand my brother's need to be on his hometown. I wish I could do that.
______________
is a writer and photographer. Born in Ghana and raised in Italy; she spent her formative years commuting from Vicenza to Verona, Italy, to study Optics, but all she dreamt about was writing and photographing. She’s living her dreams in Saskatchewan with her husband and two kids. Wasting Away is her debut novel.
You can find her on her here: www.theodoraofosuhima.com
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
What I'm Reading: Wasting Away
A YA Book Review: Wasting Away by Theodora O. Agyeman-Anane
I'm excited to review a book by a beautiful writer and friend of mine, Theodora O. Agyeman-Anane. In her debut novel, Theodora tells the story of Susanna, a girl growing up in Verona, Italy who is struggling with self-acceptance, peer pressure, and love. These internal struggles manifest as an eating disorder, which Susanna battles against throughout the novel.
Told from both first and third person, we see Susanne's struggle first hand, and also through the eyes of others. Journal entries add to the depth of the narrative, and the lyrical prose makes this a beautiful, bittersweet journey for every reader. As the back cover text states, "Wasting Away is a gripping story that will resonate with anyone who has never felt good enough."
I love the beautiful cover, and the voice of Susanna. Anane does a great job bringing to life the setting of Verona, Italy, where she spent much of her life, and artfully weaves in Susanna's Ghanian heritage.
4/5 Stars.
Tomorrow I will have a Q&A with the author, so be sure to return and check it out!
Other Book Reviews:
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
Apple and Rain by Sarah Crossan
J. E. Hunter is the author of the Black Depths Series. Tales of a Redheaded Sea-Witch, and Black Depths, the first two books of the series can be found on Amazon, Kobo, iBooks, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords. The third book, Dark Shores, will be released March 28th, 2016. The fourth and last book of the Black Depths series will be released by the end of 2016.
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
Apple and Rain by Sarah Crossan
J. E. Hunter is the author of the Black Depths Series. Tales of a Redheaded Sea-Witch, and Black Depths, the first two books of the series can be found on Amazon, Kobo, iBooks, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords. The third book, Dark Shores, will be released March 28th, 2016. The fourth and last book of the Black Depths series will be released by the end of 2016.
Tuesday Writing Prompt
Yes, this is the sight that awaited me this morning.
Write about the snow as a living entity. How does the snow feel? What does it experience? What does it feel about someone stepping on the formations it has made overnight?
Write for five minutes.
Sunday, March 20, 2016
What I'm Reading: The Elite
YA Book Review: The Elite by Kiera Cass
I'm pretty sure I said it when I wrote a short review for The Selection, but I cannot believe I like these books so much. Maybe it's because I don't like the TV show, The Bachelor. I'm giving all the credit to Kiera Cass's talent to write romance. These books leave me needing to know the end (even though I'm pretty sure I know it). I don't know how it gets there, and I want to know every detail.
The Elite moved at the same quick pace The Selection did—I finished reading it in two days! The character's desire is palpable, and I felt caught in the drama. I honestly don't have much to say except I want more.
4/5 Stars.
Other Book Reviews:
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
Apple and Rain by Sarah Crossan
J. E. Hunter is the author of the Black Depths Series. Tales of a Redheaded Sea-Witch, and Black Depths, the first two books of the series can be found on Amazon, Kobo, iBooks, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords. The third book, Dark Shores, will be released March 28th, 2016. The fourth and last book of the Black Depths series will be released by the end of 2016.
I'm pretty sure I said it when I wrote a short review for The Selection, but I cannot believe I like these books so much. Maybe it's because I don't like the TV show, The Bachelor. I'm giving all the credit to Kiera Cass's talent to write romance. These books leave me needing to know the end (even though I'm pretty sure I know it). I don't know how it gets there, and I want to know every detail.
The Elite moved at the same quick pace The Selection did—I finished reading it in two days! The character's desire is palpable, and I felt caught in the drama. I honestly don't have much to say except I want more.
4/5 Stars.
Other Book Reviews:
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
Apple and Rain by Sarah Crossan
J. E. Hunter is the author of the Black Depths Series. Tales of a Redheaded Sea-Witch, and Black Depths, the first two books of the series can be found on Amazon, Kobo, iBooks, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords. The third book, Dark Shores, will be released March 28th, 2016. The fourth and last book of the Black Depths series will be released by the end of 2016.
Saturday, March 19, 2016
What I'm Reading Saturday: Throne of Glass
A YA Book Review: Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
I had been hearing about this series forever, but hadn't even read the back cover. Finally, after requesting it through my ebook library, I got it following a four month wait. Obviously a popular book. Well, I didn't have enough time to finish the book during my two week loan period, but I was so into it when my loan ran out that I bought it.
What I liked about this book was the overarching mystery, and also the semi-anti-hero main character. However, I did have a slight problem with the main character being an Assassin, yet you never see this in action in the book. Instead, she spends a lot of time wearing dresses...
That said, it's still a good, solid, epic fantasy book. Which you don't see a lot of in the YA world, at least in my opinion. I've read that this is loosely based on Cinderella, but I didn't see that at all. Except for maybe the castle and the dresses. Celaena is definitely not cinderella, but a tough, young woman who has had a very difficult life so far.
I'm hoping for good progression in the following book. And, as usual for me, I'm hoping things get a lot darker.
I like dark.
I like it a lot.
4/5 Stars.
Other Book Reviews:
J. E. Hunter is the author of the Black Depths Series. Tales of a Redheaded Sea-Witch, and Black Depths, the first two books of the series can be found on Amazon, Kobo, iBooks, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords. The third book, Dark Shores, will be released March 28th, 2016. The fourth and last book of the Black Depths series will be released by the end of 2016.
I had been hearing about this series forever, but hadn't even read the back cover. Finally, after requesting it through my ebook library, I got it following a four month wait. Obviously a popular book. Well, I didn't have enough time to finish the book during my two week loan period, but I was so into it when my loan ran out that I bought it.
What I liked about this book was the overarching mystery, and also the semi-anti-hero main character. However, I did have a slight problem with the main character being an Assassin, yet you never see this in action in the book. Instead, she spends a lot of time wearing dresses...
That said, it's still a good, solid, epic fantasy book. Which you don't see a lot of in the YA world, at least in my opinion. I've read that this is loosely based on Cinderella, but I didn't see that at all. Except for maybe the castle and the dresses. Celaena is definitely not cinderella, but a tough, young woman who has had a very difficult life so far.
I'm hoping for good progression in the following book. And, as usual for me, I'm hoping things get a lot darker.
I like dark.
I like it a lot.
4/5 Stars.
Other Book Reviews:
J. E. Hunter is the author of the Black Depths Series. Tales of a Redheaded Sea-Witch, and Black Depths, the first two books of the series can be found on Amazon, Kobo, iBooks, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords. The third book, Dark Shores, will be released March 28th, 2016. The fourth and last book of the Black Depths series will be released by the end of 2016.
Friday, March 18, 2016
Self-Publishing Update
Wow. I've been really quiet on here lately. Sorry about that. I've been busy working on Dark Shores, Book Three of my young adult fantasy series called, Black Depths. This follow-up to Tales of a Redheaded Sea-Witch and Broken Tide is going to be simply amazing. I've come up with a temporary cover for the release. Which is below. I like it, but I'm worried about how it will print. I'm hoping to order myself a proof copy for review this week, so I'll see when it arrives if this is the design I'll be going with for the first edition.
However, I have found a wonderful artist to do some cover art for me. Her name's Leah Keeler and she's been wonderful. Below you will find the new and much more amazing cover art for Tales of a Redheaded Sea-Witch. I've decided to shorted this to Sea-Witch in all of my future postings. It's a beautiful cover. What do you think?
I've also been very busy with reading, and will be swamping you all with some young adult book reviews in the next couple of days.
Last but not least, it is my birth month (yes, I do celebrate a birth month because I cannot contain all the joy that is me), so I've been pretty busy with that!
All in all, the self-publishing experience has been fun. The most difficult part, which I'm still struggling with, is getting the word out to all the young people in the world! So if you've read my book and enjoyed it, please do not be shy in saying so. I'll appreciate you always!
JEH
However, I have found a wonderful artist to do some cover art for me. Her name's Leah Keeler and she's been wonderful. Below you will find the new and much more amazing cover art for Tales of a Redheaded Sea-Witch. I've decided to shorted this to Sea-Witch in all of my future postings. It's a beautiful cover. What do you think?
I've also been very busy with reading, and will be swamping you all with some young adult book reviews in the next couple of days.
Last but not least, it is my birth month (yes, I do celebrate a birth month because I cannot contain all the joy that is me), so I've been pretty busy with that!
All in all, the self-publishing experience has been fun. The most difficult part, which I'm still struggling with, is getting the word out to all the young people in the world! So if you've read my book and enjoyed it, please do not be shy in saying so. I'll appreciate you always!
JEH
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
Tuesday Writing Prompt
The burnt forest
What happened to the forest? How does it feel? Describe its pain. Be the forest...
What happened to the forest? How does it feel? Describe its pain. Be the forest...
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
Tuesday Writing Prompt
Hey look at that, I'm posting on time this week! Maybe because I'm taking a short break before finalizing Dark Shores....
A choice of two:
1) Who is one stage and what are they singing about?
2) Who is watching, why are they there, what are they feeling?
A choice of two:
1) Who is one stage and what are they singing about?
2) Who is watching, why are they there, what are they feeling?
Thursday, March 3, 2016
Thursday Writing Prompt
A bit delayed this week. I've been having too much fun!
I'll give a couple of options today. Write for at least seven minutes.
1) On top of the alter was written...
2) She couldn't sit down on the bench because...
4) He took a seat and...
I'll give a couple of options today. Write for at least seven minutes.
1) On top of the alter was written...
2) She couldn't sit down on the bench because...
4) He took a seat and...
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