Janet K., who entered by e-mail!
Janet, your e-copy of Becoming Brigid is on its way!
Showing posts with label Brigid. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Brigid. Show all posts
Saturday, May 2, 2015
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Beltane Book Giveaway!
So, tomorrow's Beltane.
Tomorrow night marks ten years since I was able to attend the festival in Edinburgh -- and I've never forgotten it. (Oh, how I wish I could go back!)
At any rate, Beltane -- if you didn't know -- is an ancient Celtic festival. So, let's celebrate the opening of summer with a book giveaway!
Becoming Brigid, which I still think is the best thing I've ever written (including the five books I wrote before I started self-publishing, the two Half-Vampire books, and the three WsIP I've got going now), is based on Celtic mythology. It's set just before and during Samhuinn, which is the October counterpart to Beltane.
You can watch the book trailer to get a good idea of what the book's about.
And here's the link to the e-book on Amazon.
Have I convinced you that you want a copy? Great!
If you are 13+ years old, have an Amazon account, and want to enter the giveaway, you can leave a comment on this post, e-mail me, or tweet me.
I'll pick a winner -- or maybe two, if there are enough entries -- on Saturday.
Tomorrow night marks ten years since I was able to attend the festival in Edinburgh -- and I've never forgotten it. (Oh, how I wish I could go back!)
At any rate, Beltane -- if you didn't know -- is an ancient Celtic festival. So, let's celebrate the opening of summer with a book giveaway!
Becoming Brigid, which I still think is the best thing I've ever written (including the five books I wrote before I started self-publishing, the two Half-Vampire books, and the three WsIP I've got going now), is based on Celtic mythology. It's set just before and during Samhuinn, which is the October counterpart to Beltane.
Pepper Kircy has definite plans for her future. And she thinks she knows everything about her life -- at least until she meets Dougal, a man with way too much information about a past she doesn’t remember. Suddenly, her geeky, ghost-hunting dad and her mortician neighbors aren’t quite as ordinary as they seem. But then, neither is Pepper.
Dougal’s tempting. He quotes poetry and insists on calling Pepper by the name she never uses: Brigid. Soon, she can’t get him out of her dreams. So, in spite of all his weird talk about a missing goddess and a long-lost stone, she could really like this guy. Maybe even enough to change her precious plans.
If he'd just stop trying to kill her....
You can watch the book trailer to get a good idea of what the book's about.
And here's the link to the e-book on Amazon.
Have I convinced you that you want a copy? Great!
If you are 13+ years old, have an Amazon account, and want to enter the giveaway, you can leave a comment on this post, e-mail me, or tweet me.
I'll pick a winner -- or maybe two, if there are enough entries -- on Saturday.
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Becoming Brigid Gets Another 5-Star Review!
I'd begun to think I'd never get another review; the pickings have been rather slim lately. But this week brought me this lovely review of Becoming Brigid.
Becoming Brigid is an intriguing and original novel that blends contemporary adolescent experiences with fascinating Celtic mythology. It is fast-paced and well-plotted, with a storyline that encompasses everything from feeling insecure, enduring babysitting-gone-wrong, and being stuck with a jerk for a date … to hopping through portals, magically healing people and being attracted to a mysterious guy who seems bent on murder.
I think the author did an excellent job including unique, vivid details in the descriptions. It’s never boring! This book also does a particularly nice job with dialogue that beautifully captures authentic-sounding voices. The main character, Pepper/Brigid, is plausible and likeable, with a strong personality that nicely increases in self-confidence and empowerment (which is one of the reasons I think this is an excellent read for adolescent girls).
A couple of my female students read this book about the same time I did; they really loved it and found themselves absolutely ga-ga over the sexy yet morally ambiguous character Dougal, who is equally endearing and infuriating. I can see their point. However, my favorite character turned out to be the neighbor kid DC (“Death Child”), the son of a funeral director, whose family’s past links inextricably into the mythological plot line. He makes a fun and unusual confidant for the main character.
I also thought that the main villain was cleverly constructed. He’s a self-righteous, judgmental teen who is blinded by his holier-than-thou attitude. Unusual and effective motive for villainy. His come-uppance is particularly satisfying!
In my second time reading this book, I still found myself slightly disappointed there wasn’t more closure between the main character and her father … but that’s a small detraction in an otherwise fabulously polished plotline.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Becoming Brigid” and recommend it highly. It has a great deal to offer its readers, both in interesting and inspiring content as well as in skillful, witty and engaging writing.
**********
Did you like the review? If so, how about clicking through here and then clicking "yes" that this review was helpful to you on Amazon? That would be awesome.
(PS. Feel free to buy the book as well. That'd be even MORE awesome.)
Becoming Brigid is an intriguing and original novel that blends contemporary adolescent experiences with fascinating Celtic mythology. It is fast-paced and well-plotted, with a storyline that encompasses everything from feeling insecure, enduring babysitting-gone-wrong, and being stuck with a jerk for a date … to hopping through portals, magically healing people and being attracted to a mysterious guy who seems bent on murder.
I think the author did an excellent job including unique, vivid details in the descriptions. It’s never boring! This book also does a particularly nice job with dialogue that beautifully captures authentic-sounding voices. The main character, Pepper/Brigid, is plausible and likeable, with a strong personality that nicely increases in self-confidence and empowerment (which is one of the reasons I think this is an excellent read for adolescent girls).
A couple of my female students read this book about the same time I did; they really loved it and found themselves absolutely ga-ga over the sexy yet morally ambiguous character Dougal, who is equally endearing and infuriating. I can see their point. However, my favorite character turned out to be the neighbor kid DC (“Death Child”), the son of a funeral director, whose family’s past links inextricably into the mythological plot line. He makes a fun and unusual confidant for the main character.
I also thought that the main villain was cleverly constructed. He’s a self-righteous, judgmental teen who is blinded by his holier-than-thou attitude. Unusual and effective motive for villainy. His come-uppance is particularly satisfying!
In my second time reading this book, I still found myself slightly disappointed there wasn’t more closure between the main character and her father … but that’s a small detraction in an otherwise fabulously polished plotline.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Becoming Brigid” and recommend it highly. It has a great deal to offer its readers, both in interesting and inspiring content as well as in skillful, witty and engaging writing.
**********
Did you like the review? If so, how about clicking through here and then clicking "yes" that this review was helpful to you on Amazon? That would be awesome.
(PS. Feel free to buy the book as well. That'd be even MORE awesome.)
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
And February's Winner Is...
For the last several months, I've been having giveaways, with prizes going to people who review Becoming Brigid and/or allow me to use -- for promotional purposes -- a photo of themselves with the book. So far, I've given away a tote bag and two gift bags.
The February winner of the gift bag,
which included a lavender/rice eye mask, lip gloss, "Dark Kiss" lotion, Best-Loved Poems, and "Forever Red" perfume (not shown in this photo), was this lovely lady on the left:
Another contest will be starting up next month. Interested in entering? Grab a copy of Becoming Brigid, read it, and review it on Amazon, Goodreads, and/or your blog. Also, you can send me a jpg of yourself with the book cover showing. That works, too. :)
Those who entered previously but haven't yet won a prize are still in the running -- and I have several more prizes: totebags, notebooks, an altered book.
(Yes, this is a brazen self-promotion. I don't have many reviews yet, and I want more!! Get busy, people!)
The February winner of the gift bag,
Another contest will be starting up next month. Interested in entering? Grab a copy of Becoming Brigid, read it, and review it on Amazon, Goodreads, and/or your blog. Also, you can send me a jpg of yourself with the book cover showing. That works, too. :)
Those who entered previously but haven't yet won a prize are still in the running -- and I have several more prizes: totebags, notebooks, an altered book.
(Yes, this is a brazen self-promotion. I don't have many reviews yet, and I want more!! Get busy, people!)
Sunday, January 19, 2014
Got Your Nose In A Good Book?
What's your reading goal for this year? I'm going to try again for 120 books, or 10 per month. So far, for January, I've read 9 and have 2 others partly finished.
Looking for something new to read? May I (not so) humbly suggest Becoming Brigid?
Or, if you've already read it, tell your friends about it!
It's Celtic mythology + time travel, with illegal cloning, a stolen hearse, ghost hunting, a mysterious and romantic stranger, and the worst ex ever thrown in for good measure. C'mon, you know you want to find out how all that fits in together!
Need more convincing? OK, how about a few words from reviewers?
Pre-teen Mom says:
I stayed up way to [sic] late last night because I had to finish this book
K. Danials says:
I enjoyed this one so much I read it twice.
And an anonymous Amazon Customer says:
Hannah at goodreads says:
I was literally laughing out loud so much while reading this. I really got into the story and had trouble putting the book down.
Still not enough? How about some contests?
I'm giving away both a paperback copy AND an e-copy on Word Spelunking. Click here to enter.
And I'm still carrying on with the winter swag giveaways. On February 2, I'll be giving away the gift bag shown here. To win the goodies/swag bag, read the book and review it on Amazon, Goodreads, or your blog, and/or send me a jpg of yourself reading the book (with the cover showing). You can earn up to 4 entries, and your name stays in the contest until you win or I run out of prizes, whichever comes first. (I still have 3 more prizes after this one!)
What are you waiting for?
Friday, January 10, 2014
Double Giveaway!
I've picked up a strange flu bug and I'm home sick today. But you should check out the giveaway I've got going over on Word Spelunking. There will be two winners: one US/UK/Canada/Ireland winner of a physical copy of Becoming Brigid and one international winner of an e-copy. Info, excerpt, photos, and giveaway are all right here. Just click.
Monday, December 30, 2013
Hey, What's Happening?
I didn't really plan on taking a blog holiday over winter break, but it seems to have happened. Really, there just hasn't been much about which for me to post.
I've been typing away at a good rate on the first draft of The Chocolate Smuggler's Notebook, cleaning the house, grading a bit, spending time with family, exercising, getting enough sleep for a change, finding ways to promote Becoming Brigid, trying to make some big decisions about life after 30 years of teaching (coming up all too soon, folks!), and helping another author with a still-super-secret chunk of research. (I think it's OK to tell you that this involves an American author who is creating an American character who moves to Edinburgh, Scotland. Since I'm an American who once lived in Scotland, the author is seeking my input. It's been really fun so far.)
And that's really about it.
This is why I haven't blogged; I didn't want to put you all to sleep. :)
Coming soon, however, is my annual list of what I read this year. This always amuses at least a few of you.
I've been typing away at a good rate on the first draft of The Chocolate Smuggler's Notebook, cleaning the house, grading a bit, spending time with family, exercising, getting enough sleep for a change, finding ways to promote Becoming Brigid, trying to make some big decisions about life after 30 years of teaching (coming up all too soon, folks!), and helping another author with a still-super-secret chunk of research. (I think it's OK to tell you that this involves an American author who is creating an American character who moves to Edinburgh, Scotland. Since I'm an American who once lived in Scotland, the author is seeking my input. It's been really fun so far.)
And that's really about it.
This is why I haven't blogged; I didn't want to put you all to sleep. :)
Coming soon, however, is my annual list of what I read this year. This always amuses at least a few of you.
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Pick Your Prize Giveaway!
Let's have a giveaway to fill up those new Christmas Kindles!
Between now and New Year's Day, you can enter over and over again to win one of my e-books. That's right; if you win, I'll contact you, and you can choose which book you want! Fun, right?
Here are your three options:
Becoming Brigid. Click on the link to read about it.
Confessions of an Average Half-Vampire. Click on the link to read about it.
A Clockwork Christmas. Click on the link to read about it.
You can tweet every day and pin every day (it needs to be a new pin onto a different board each time, though. I WILL check.).
UPDATE 12/23/13: I've already had to delete a cheater! Look, people, I freakin' TEACH JUNIOR HIGH. Do you honestly think I'm NOT going to check your entries? Seriously? Think again.
Play fair. Enter honestly. Or I will delete your entry. Period.
Ready to enter? Here you go:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Between now and New Year's Day, you can enter over and over again to win one of my e-books. That's right; if you win, I'll contact you, and you can choose which book you want! Fun, right?
Here are your three options:
You can tweet every day and pin every day (it needs to be a new pin onto a different board each time, though. I WILL check.).
UPDATE 12/23/13: I've already had to delete a cheater! Look, people, I freakin' TEACH JUNIOR HIGH. Do you honestly think I'm NOT going to check your entries? Seriously? Think again.
Play fair. Enter honestly. Or I will delete your entry. Period.
Ready to enter? Here you go:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Saturday, December 21, 2013
Becoming Brigid Book Reviews
I just thought I'd share what a few readers are saying about Becoming Brigid.
From a girl named Hannah, who won my goodreads giveaway:
This book was very funny and unique. This book had a lot of flavor. I was literally laughing out loud so much while reading this. I really got into the story and had trouble putting the book down. I didn't find all of the characters very likable, but I liked the character development in the main character. I didn't feel like any of the other characters developed a lot, though. I can't wait to read the other books that this author has written.
She also posted this comment when she was only just starting the book:
""Constellations of freckles" I just love that. I'm already so into this book."
And Mary had this to say about it:
The first few pages of this story sound like it might be a ghost story, but it isn't. Pepper is a normal teenage girl, with a dash of spice. While she tries to ignore the incident with the "ghost", she goes to school, dreams about romance, and hangs out with her friends. One of her good friends is a 14 year old boy, and it's partly because of that friendship that she finds herself on a cliff by the sea, alone, hanging to a chain while she climbs. And that's where she begins to find answers to her "ghost" sightings.
Pepper is strong and smart. She is confident, yet insecure, intelligent but not nerdy, empowered, but not bratty. She dreams about romance, but is mostly realistic. And she can take care of herself: she gets caught using a cell phone in class but doesn't get in trouble, fends off the unwanted affections of a strange man, and stands up to a boy in her class, the self-proclaimed morality defender, Zane.
I especially love the connections to Ireland and Scotland. I can picture the cliffs by the sea, the stone pillars, and the caves. I can almost hear the strange dialects of the people, and I am delighted to learn of the hidden connections between modern life and literature, and their ancient traditions.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is 15 or older. Girls will identify with Pepper, but I think boys would enjoy the spooky adventure, the mysterious man, and Pepper's friend / neighbor who lives in a mortuary. In fact, I'm going to recommend it to my husband. He will be pleasantly surprised that the story is wholesome, fun, and not predictable.
Also, Heidi said this:
I stayed up way too late last night because I had to finish this book. I found myself amused and entertained throughout the entire story.
I found myself amused at Pepper's plan for her future life at the beginning of the story. Perfect husband, perfect children who never throw temper tantrums in public (or at all), perfect mommy blogger. Watching her be annoyed by real children (my kids will NEVER do that) was funny. Unfortunately, it didn't take long for reality to set in and her view of the world, and her future, changed.
Most of the characters were easy to love or hate as appropriate. Pepper was fun to follow through the story and DC is just plain cute. Zane instantly set my nerves on edge. How many "holier than thou" types do we know in life? Dougal I spent the entire book trying to decide if I liked him or not and never quite decided. I'd feel bad except that Pepper felt the same way. :)
I liked how Pepper handled herself in the rough situations. When she was placed in a romantic situation she made it clear where she stood on that and didn't back down. When she was placed in situations where she was being demeaned or victimized she took care of things.
This is a fun book appropriate for a YA audience. I highly recommend it.
Have they convinced you to read it? You can find the book right here. :D
From a girl named Hannah, who won my goodreads giveaway:
This book was very funny and unique. This book had a lot of flavor. I was literally laughing out loud so much while reading this. I really got into the story and had trouble putting the book down. I didn't find all of the characters very likable, but I liked the character development in the main character. I didn't feel like any of the other characters developed a lot, though. I can't wait to read the other books that this author has written.
She also posted this comment when she was only just starting the book:
""Constellations of freckles" I just love that. I'm already so into this book."
And Mary had this to say about it:
The first few pages of this story sound like it might be a ghost story, but it isn't. Pepper is a normal teenage girl, with a dash of spice. While she tries to ignore the incident with the "ghost", she goes to school, dreams about romance, and hangs out with her friends. One of her good friends is a 14 year old boy, and it's partly because of that friendship that she finds herself on a cliff by the sea, alone, hanging to a chain while she climbs. And that's where she begins to find answers to her "ghost" sightings.
Pepper is strong and smart. She is confident, yet insecure, intelligent but not nerdy, empowered, but not bratty. She dreams about romance, but is mostly realistic. And she can take care of herself: she gets caught using a cell phone in class but doesn't get in trouble, fends off the unwanted affections of a strange man, and stands up to a boy in her class, the self-proclaimed morality defender, Zane.
I especially love the connections to Ireland and Scotland. I can picture the cliffs by the sea, the stone pillars, and the caves. I can almost hear the strange dialects of the people, and I am delighted to learn of the hidden connections between modern life and literature, and their ancient traditions.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is 15 or older. Girls will identify with Pepper, but I think boys would enjoy the spooky adventure, the mysterious man, and Pepper's friend / neighbor who lives in a mortuary. In fact, I'm going to recommend it to my husband. He will be pleasantly surprised that the story is wholesome, fun, and not predictable.
Also, Heidi said this:
I stayed up way too late last night because I had to finish this book. I found myself amused and entertained throughout the entire story.
I found myself amused at Pepper's plan for her future life at the beginning of the story. Perfect husband, perfect children who never throw temper tantrums in public (or at all), perfect mommy blogger. Watching her be annoyed by real children (my kids will NEVER do that) was funny. Unfortunately, it didn't take long for reality to set in and her view of the world, and her future, changed.
Most of the characters were easy to love or hate as appropriate. Pepper was fun to follow through the story and DC is just plain cute. Zane instantly set my nerves on edge. How many "holier than thou" types do we know in life? Dougal I spent the entire book trying to decide if I liked him or not and never quite decided. I'd feel bad except that Pepper felt the same way. :)
I liked how Pepper handled herself in the rough situations. When she was placed in a romantic situation she made it clear where she stood on that and didn't back down. When she was placed in situations where she was being demeaned or victimized she took care of things.
This is a fun book appropriate for a YA audience. I highly recommend it.
Have they convinced you to read it? You can find the book right here. :D
Friday, December 13, 2013
And December's Winner is...
"Tre."
She won a gift bag filled with goodies to go with her copy of Becoming Brigid:
"Tre" entered twice: once for letting me use her photo for publicity and once for this review on Amazon:
Of the three books written by Lisa Shafer, this is my favorite. The novel consists of a time-traveling plot line with interesting twists and turns, strong female characters, suspense, and comic relief. This is not a long book, barely 200 pages, and it is a fun read.
Want to win a prize in January? No problem!
Buy and read Becoming Brigid, then review it on Amazon and/or Goodreads and/or a public blog and/or send me a jpg of you holding the book (with the cover showing). I plan to have giveaways in January and February, so you still have time to read and review the book! :)
She won a gift bag filled with goodies to go with her copy of Becoming Brigid:
"Tre" entered twice: once for letting me use her photo for publicity and once for this review on Amazon:
Of the three books written by Lisa Shafer, this is my favorite. The novel consists of a time-traveling plot line with interesting twists and turns, strong female characters, suspense, and comic relief. This is not a long book, barely 200 pages, and it is a fun read.
Want to win a prize in January? No problem!
Buy and read Becoming Brigid, then review it on Amazon and/or Goodreads and/or a public blog and/or send me a jpg of you holding the book (with the cover showing). I plan to have giveaways in January and February, so you still have time to read and review the book! :)
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Announcing December's Book Swag Contest!
Yesterday I announced that Liz had won the Becoming Brigid tote bag giveaway for November, so today begins the Christmas book swag giveaway.
The prize this time will be a goodie bag to match the book.
The bag itself is purple and rather sparkly. It's cotton and makes an excellent socks-and-undies bag for traveling. Inside the bag is a matching eye mask filled with rice and dried lavender flowers (just heat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes to have soothing warmth and to release the scent), a travel-sized bottle of Bath and Body Works "Dark Kiss" lotion (because it's purple and because -- c'mon, how appropriate is a "dark kiss" for Dougal??? Definitely!), a purple, shimmery lip gloss, and a book of 100 Best-Loved Poems, which includes several from which Dougal quotes in Becoming Brigid.
So, how do you enter to win this fun little pack of girly goodies?
There are four ways:
1) Read the book and post a review of it on Amazon.
2) Read the book and post a review of it on Goodreads.
3) Read the book and post a review of it on a public blog, facebook page, or similar.
4) Take a selfie of you with the holding the book or your e-reader (with the book cover showing in either case) and send me the jpg to use for publicity. (You must be 18+ for this one or else have your parent pictured with you in the photo.)
You can post a comment with your e-mail address (comment won't be published), pin the pic on Pinterest and leave me the link, or send me the pic via twitter (@lisamshafer)
That's it. You can have up to four entries.
The winner will be announced on December 13 to allow me time to ship this to you by Christmas.
For a list of entrants, click here.
The prize this time will be a goodie bag to match the book.
The bag itself is purple and rather sparkly. It's cotton and makes an excellent socks-and-undies bag for traveling. Inside the bag is a matching eye mask filled with rice and dried lavender flowers (just heat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes to have soothing warmth and to release the scent), a travel-sized bottle of Bath and Body Works "Dark Kiss" lotion (because it's purple and because -- c'mon, how appropriate is a "dark kiss" for Dougal??? Definitely!), a purple, shimmery lip gloss, and a book of 100 Best-Loved Poems, which includes several from which Dougal quotes in Becoming Brigid.
So, how do you enter to win this fun little pack of girly goodies?
There are four ways:
1) Read the book and post a review of it on Amazon.
2) Read the book and post a review of it on Goodreads.
3) Read the book and post a review of it on a public blog, facebook page, or similar.
4) Take a selfie of you with the holding the book or your e-reader (with the book cover showing in either case) and send me the jpg to use for publicity. (You must be 18+ for this one or else have your parent pictured with you in the photo.)
You can post a comment with your e-mail address (comment won't be published), pin the pic on Pinterest and leave me the link, or send me the pic via twitter (@lisamshafer)
That's it. You can have up to four entries.
The winner will be announced on December 13 to allow me time to ship this to you by Christmas.
For a list of entrants, click here.
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Announcing The November Winner Of Book Swag
Chosen by totally unscientific yet completely random methods (I put names on pieces of paper and drew one out of a bowl), the winner of my November book swag giveaway for this lovely tote bag
is
LIZ.
Yea!
Liz entered three times, once by reviewing Becoming Brigid on Amazon, once for reviewing it on her blog, and once by sending me her photo to use to promote the book.
Liz, you've got my e-mail. Just send me your postal address, if you would, please, and you'll have a new library book/grocery tote bag in time for Christmas!
For those of you who entered but didn't win, have no fear; a new contest begins tomorrow with more book swag! Liz's entries will be deleted, but the rest of you are still in the running for the next prize.
What? You haven't entered yet but you want to? No problem. I'll have all the details for you tomorrow. :D
LIZ.
Yea!
Liz entered three times, once by reviewing Becoming Brigid on Amazon, once for reviewing it on her blog, and once by sending me her photo to use to promote the book.
Liz, you've got my e-mail. Just send me your postal address, if you would, please, and you'll have a new library book/grocery tote bag in time for Christmas!
For those of you who entered but didn't win, have no fear; a new contest begins tomorrow with more book swag! Liz's entries will be deleted, but the rest of you are still in the running for the next prize.
What? You haven't entered yet but you want to? No problem. I'll have all the details for you tomorrow. :D
Saturday, November 16, 2013
Pumpkin Pie, Cocoa, And A Good Book
Isn't this cozy?
Here's wishing you time to spend doing this over this weekend. :)
P.S. She's also entered in my winter giveaways. Click here to see how you can enter.
P.S. She's also entered in my winter giveaways. Click here to see how you can enter.
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Liz Reads On Her Laptop
My cyberbuddy Liz sent me this photo of herself ready to read Becoming Brigid.
This gives her one entry into my winter giveaways, meaning she stays entered until she wins or until I run out of prizes, whichever comes first.
Here's November's book swag prize:
a Becoming Brigid totebag.
If you'd like to enter, click here for all the details.
This gives her one entry into my winter giveaways, meaning she stays entered until she wins or until I run out of prizes, whichever comes first.
Here's November's book swag prize:
If you'd like to enter, click here for all the details.
Saturday, November 9, 2013
Too Busy Reading
She's too busy reading Becoming Brigid to perform. ;)
(OK, well, we staged it that way. Thanks to Max for taking the photo.)
Sending me a photo of yourself reading Becoming Brigid counts as an entry into my November contest. Check out the details here.
P.S. The costumes are Russian; the location was the Jordan Peace Park in Salt Lake City. No, I'm not in the picture.
Click on the picture to enlarge it.
(OK, well, we staged it that way. Thanks to Max for taking the photo.)
Sending me a photo of yourself reading Becoming Brigid counts as an entry into my November contest. Check out the details here.
P.S. The costumes are Russian; the location was the Jordan Peace Park in Salt Lake City. No, I'm not in the picture.
Click on the picture to enlarge it.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Becoming Brigid Book Swag Giveaway #1!
Tomorrow I get to do a school visit to talk to a creative writing club (Note: not the school where I teach -- wow!), so in honor of that, let's have my first swag giveaway!
Here's what I'll give away to a lucky winner on December 1:
It's a tote bag with the Becoming Brigid book cover on it.
The bag is medium-sized, and it makes a great library bag (that's how I'm using mine). It would also be great for groceries, hobby stuff, etc. It's pretty sturdy, and the handles fit nicely over the shoulder.
Want it? Good. :)
Here's how you can enter:
1) Buy a copy of Becoming Brigid and read it. Or else convince your local library to purchase a copy and then read it.
Afterwards, post a review of the book on Amazon, Goodreads, or your blog (or all of the above for multiple entries).
Tweet or DM me a link (@lisamshafer) to the review, or post a comment on this post or on my Current Contests page with a link to the review.
I'll list your name on the Current Contests page, and you'll be entered.
2) You may also enter (instead of or in addition to the reviews) by photographing yourself reading/holding a copy of Becoming Brigid (the cover must be showing).
Then instagram the jpg to me OR pin the jpg to an appropriate board (books, Celts, mythology, self-publishing, etc.) and post the link in the comment section here or tweet/DM it to me (@lisamshafer) OR post a comment her or on my Current Contests page with your e-mail address (and I'll contact you to get the jpg). The photo will be used for publicity; thus, if you are not yet 18 years old, you MUST be photographed WITH YOUR PARENT to prove you have permission to do this.
Your name will then be added to the list of entrants on the Current Contests page.
On December 1, the winner will be announced, and I will contact the winner for a mailing address.
This contest is open in the US and Canada. You must be 13 or older to enter. You may enter multiple times. I am not responsible for loss or damage of prizes during shipping. I promise not to share your contact info with anyone. Your entries WILL be made public.
For a list of entrants, go to the Current Contests page. Click here.
Here's what I'll give away to a lucky winner on December 1:
It's a tote bag with the Becoming Brigid book cover on it.
The bag is medium-sized, and it makes a great library bag (that's how I'm using mine). It would also be great for groceries, hobby stuff, etc. It's pretty sturdy, and the handles fit nicely over the shoulder.
Want it? Good. :)
Here's how you can enter:
1) Buy a copy of Becoming Brigid and read it. Or else convince your local library to purchase a copy and then read it.
Afterwards, post a review of the book on Amazon, Goodreads, or your blog (or all of the above for multiple entries).
Tweet or DM me a link (@lisamshafer) to the review, or post a comment on this post or on my Current Contests page with a link to the review.
I'll list your name on the Current Contests page, and you'll be entered.
2) You may also enter (instead of or in addition to the reviews) by photographing yourself reading/holding a copy of Becoming Brigid (the cover must be showing).
Then instagram the jpg to me OR pin the jpg to an appropriate board (books, Celts, mythology, self-publishing, etc.) and post the link in the comment section here or tweet/DM it to me (@lisamshafer) OR post a comment her or on my Current Contests page with your e-mail address (and I'll contact you to get the jpg). The photo will be used for publicity; thus, if you are not yet 18 years old, you MUST be photographed WITH YOUR PARENT to prove you have permission to do this.
Your name will then be added to the list of entrants on the Current Contests page.
On December 1, the winner will be announced, and I will contact the winner for a mailing address.
This contest is open in the US and Canada. You must be 13 or older to enter. You may enter multiple times. I am not responsible for loss or damage of prizes during shipping. I promise not to share your contact info with anyone. Your entries WILL be made public.
For a list of entrants, go to the Current Contests page. Click here.
Sunday, November 3, 2013
So, What's Happening Now?
1) My goodreads contest ended on Halloween. There were 389 entries (significantly fewer than for any Half-Vampire goodreads contest I've done), and 180 people added Becoming Brigid to their TBR list. A girl named Hannah won, and I mailed off the book Friday. (I hope she likes it and gives it a positive review somewhere.)
2) This Thursday I'm scheduled to meet with the creative writing club of a high school across town from where I teach. This should be fun, as they're older kids and I don't know any of them -- for a change. :)
3) Yes, I'm aware that NaNoWriMo is starting. I don't do NaNoWriMo. I believe that writing is a craft which takes time. I suspect that it is extremely unlikely that anyone could write a whole novel from outline to finished first draft in thirty days and have anything that wasn't 90% crap. (And I read LOTS of self-published fiction which came from NaNoWriMos past and backs up my suspicions here.)
4) I am working on several things right now.
4a) One of them is a 2-book set of Confessions of an Average Half-Vampire and All in the Half-Vampire Family.
(Max in stereo with both HV books.)
I've finished putting them together -- and putting BACK all the italics which inconveniently disappear when I copy and paste. But I've got to decide on and put in the "extras" at the back of the book and fix up a new cover. I've been tinkering with variations on that original blood splatter, but nothing is jumping out at me as a good choice just yet. (Yeah, I have about 15 photo aps on my iPad.) At any rate, I hope to have this e-book only set ready to roll for Christmas sales. :)
(A teaching colleague with both HV books.)
4b) I've had The (Dis)Appearance of Nerissa MacKay on hold for months now, as I've been so busy with finalizing Becoming Brigid and working on the first draft of The Chocolate Smuggler's Notebook. But I hope to have some of these high school creative writing kids beta read if for me. (I'm also still struggling with the cover of this one.)
4c) I've been pecking away at Chocolate Smuggler's Notebook, but I got stagnated and disappointed for a few days. I then went back to my idea from last year of writing some short story prequels to introduce the world of the book, and I got another idea. I decided I'd write a set of short stories as prequels to the prequels -- but Christmas stories!
I have 4 mapped out, and one and 3/4 of them written. And tonight, I had Dad look over the covers I'd created. He picked out the one he thinks is best, praised my color choice (usually very good), font choice, and letter placement (often where I have trouble). Thus, the cover is set. (Uh, I might add here that Dad spent his entire career as a commercial artist, the forerunner to today's graphic artists, so he knows what he's talking about.)
I hope to have a 99¢ story collection ready by Cyber Monday (e-book only).
5) I do have more contests planned and prizes sitting on my craft desk, ready to be sent out to winners. I just keep hoping to get some more book reviews for Becoming Brigid, but they're not coming in very fast. Perhaps I need to start the contest and see if that generates some interest????
6) I've certainly learned that posting photos on this blog (and on Pinterest and Twitter) REALLY increases my blog traffic. I don't know that it's really increased book sales, but it certainly brings folks to the blog!
2) This Thursday I'm scheduled to meet with the creative writing club of a high school across town from where I teach. This should be fun, as they're older kids and I don't know any of them -- for a change. :)
3) Yes, I'm aware that NaNoWriMo is starting. I don't do NaNoWriMo. I believe that writing is a craft which takes time. I suspect that it is extremely unlikely that anyone could write a whole novel from outline to finished first draft in thirty days and have anything that wasn't 90% crap. (And I read LOTS of self-published fiction which came from NaNoWriMos past and backs up my suspicions here.)
4) I am working on several things right now.
4a) One of them is a 2-book set of Confessions of an Average Half-Vampire and All in the Half-Vampire Family.
I've finished putting them together -- and putting BACK all the italics which inconveniently disappear when I copy and paste. But I've got to decide on and put in the "extras" at the back of the book and fix up a new cover. I've been tinkering with variations on that original blood splatter, but nothing is jumping out at me as a good choice just yet. (Yeah, I have about 15 photo aps on my iPad.) At any rate, I hope to have this e-book only set ready to roll for Christmas sales. :)
4b) I've had The (Dis)Appearance of Nerissa MacKay on hold for months now, as I've been so busy with finalizing Becoming Brigid and working on the first draft of The Chocolate Smuggler's Notebook. But I hope to have some of these high school creative writing kids beta read if for me. (I'm also still struggling with the cover of this one.)
I have 4 mapped out, and one and 3/4 of them written. And tonight, I had Dad look over the covers I'd created. He picked out the one he thinks is best, praised my color choice (usually very good), font choice, and letter placement (often where I have trouble). Thus, the cover is set. (Uh, I might add here that Dad spent his entire career as a commercial artist, the forerunner to today's graphic artists, so he knows what he's talking about.)
I hope to have a 99¢ story collection ready by Cyber Monday (e-book only).
5) I do have more contests planned and prizes sitting on my craft desk, ready to be sent out to winners. I just keep hoping to get some more book reviews for Becoming Brigid, but they're not coming in very fast. Perhaps I need to start the contest and see if that generates some interest????
6) I've certainly learned that posting photos on this blog (and on Pinterest and Twitter) REALLY increases my blog traffic. I don't know that it's really increased book sales, but it certainly brings folks to the blog!
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
I Got Another 5-Star Review!
OK, the reviews are coming in slooooowly. (And two people who claim they like Becoming Brigid more than my other books still gave me only 4 stars. What's up with that?)
Still, I'll take all the five-star reviews I can get, people.
(Remember, I've got book swag giveaways coming up, and those who review my books on Amazon, goodreads, or who send me a photo of themselves with the book are entered.)
Here's what the reviewer has to say:
I find Lisa Shafer’s way with characterization so appealing. She has the ability to write characters who seem fully dimensional only a short way into the story. It’s a real talent. It didn’t take long for me to “know” Pepper and want to cheer her along as she faced the obstacles that were put in her path of surprising self-discovery. And the obstacles were amazing and interesting and seemed valid and real – adventures and legends that took her to different places and different times, and introduced her to unusual people – again, more well-written characters. It couldn’t have been easy to stitch all the parts of the story together, but Ms. Shafer did it seamlessly. BECOMING BRIGID is truly a fun and enjoyable story for readers of all ages.
*****
No, it wasn't easy to "stitch all the parts together." It took me ten freakin' years to write this book!
Ahem.
I'd love it if you dropped over to Amazon and hit the "yes" button on this review. Please? Just click here.
I'd also love it if you'd buy a copy of the book, read it, and write me another 5-star review. Go on now. I'll wait.
:)
Still, I'll take all the five-star reviews I can get, people.
(Remember, I've got book swag giveaways coming up, and those who review my books on Amazon, goodreads, or who send me a photo of themselves with the book are entered.)
Here's what the reviewer has to say:
I find Lisa Shafer’s way with characterization so appealing. She has the ability to write characters who seem fully dimensional only a short way into the story. It’s a real talent. It didn’t take long for me to “know” Pepper and want to cheer her along as she faced the obstacles that were put in her path of surprising self-discovery. And the obstacles were amazing and interesting and seemed valid and real – adventures and legends that took her to different places and different times, and introduced her to unusual people – again, more well-written characters. It couldn’t have been easy to stitch all the parts of the story together, but Ms. Shafer did it seamlessly. BECOMING BRIGID is truly a fun and enjoyable story for readers of all ages.
*****
No, it wasn't easy to "stitch all the parts together." It took me ten freakin' years to write this book!
Ahem.
I'd love it if you dropped over to Amazon and hit the "yes" button on this review. Please? Just click here.
I'd also love it if you'd buy a copy of the book, read it, and write me another 5-star review. Go on now. I'll wait.
:)
Friday, October 25, 2013
Yes! It's Another Gorgeous Autumn Leaves Photo To Tempt Your Curiosity!
Beyond the portals in the stone circles, down the path from the clootie tree, over a thousand years into the past -- Brigid will travel there to give her own people the ceremony they haven't had in 16 years. But this time, nothing will be quite the way it has been before. Because Brigid isn't quite the way she was before.....
Curious? Becoming Brigid.
You can buy the e-book here. Or the paperback here.
You can enter to win a paperback on Goodreads.
You can read more about my other upcoming prizes here.
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
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