Winners from the Blog Tour

I was on a blog tour with my book 'THAT NIGHT'(Evernight Teen) in early December and what fun! It was great to have the chance to talk about writing, books (and not just my book), as well as interview the characters in my book, Luke and Jessica. So many great people stopped by the various review sites and I greatly appreciate all the participation, comments and kind words. A big shout out goes to Bridging the Gap Promotions and to all the blog hosts who were kind enough to have me.

The winners were:

Brooklyn H. won an eCopy of THAT NIGHT
Donna S. won a $10 Evernight Teen Gift Card

Thank you to all who entered and I hope our paths cross again soon!

Lisa

Books, books and more books!

I've been home for the last few months recovering from surgery, and during this time I've been busy - despite supposedly convalescing. For the first while Netflix was my friend - I couldn't get my fuzzy brain to do much else - and then I gradually got back to writing, sometimes knitting, and reading, reading, reading. During this time my young adult book, THAT NIGHT, was released by Evernight Teen, and promotion along with a book blog tour kept me extra busy.

So as I get ready to go back to my 'day job' (oh how I wish THIS, what I'm doing right now, WAS my day job), I am reflecting on the last few months of health challenges (on track now), and where did all that time go?!

Here are just a few of the books I read. Some I remembered to post and give a brief review on my Goodreads Author Page - hope you'll stop by!

'Unteachable' - a new adult novel by Leah Raeder. A page-turning emotional roller coaster.

'Hit and Run' a young adult novel by Lurlene McDaniel. A gritty novel for teens tackling extreme moral and ethical issues.

'November 9' - a novel for adults by Colleen Hoover. Another page-turning emotional roller coaster the premise being they meet every year on the same date.

'You Know Where to Find Me' - a young adult novel by Rachel Cohn. Another great teen read by this prolific author has you on a journey with the character as she finds her place in the world after the death of her cousin.

'Loud Awake and Lost' - a young adult novel by Adele Griffin dealing with post car-accident amnesia. I loved following the character's journey as she wades through healing along with flickering memories.

'Jane Eyre' by Charlotte Bronte. I read this book in highschool and I loved it then as I love it now. I have read this countless times since then, and will likely read it countless more.

'Echo Burning' by Lee Child. Another fast-paced, action-packed Jack Reacher story. These books have been a fave of mine and they never fail to entertain me.

Wow! I guess my tastes are more varied and eclectic than I realize!

So on these rainy days leading up to the holiday season, I hope you find time to grab a book - any book - and get reading!

Blog Tour November 30 - December 4th!

I'm on blog tour this week chatting and blabbering about my young adult novella, THAT NIGHT, published by Evernight Teen (Evernight Publishing) which was just released last month! Below is the schedule but be sure to visit Bridging the Gap Promotions for updates :) There is a giveaway for a $10 gift card as well an ebook, so be sure to stop by and enter! I hope you'll visit and many thanks if you do!

I also want to send out a big thanks to Bridging the Gap Promotions for their support! So greatly appreciated!

Tour Schedule

Nov. 30
3 Partners in Shopping - Spotlight
A Passion for Romance - It's All About the Book
Margo Bond Collins - Spotlight
Books Aim for the Heart - Spotlight

Dec. 1
YA Book Report - Spotlight

Dec. 2
Harlie's Books - Character Interview/Review on Dec 16
Cover 2 Cover - Spotlight

Dec. 3
Maine Book Momma - Review
Bitten, Shifted...the not so Normal - Hero Interview

Dec. 4
Liz's Reading Life - Spotlight
Librarian Lavendar - Guest Post/Review Pending

Giveaway:

$10 Evernight Teen GC & 1 ebook copy of THAT NIGHT
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Release day!

It's book release day! I'm beyond excited to share that today's the day my young adult ebook, That Night, is live and on sale! Find it for $2.99 at Evernight Teen! (http://www.evernightteen.com/that-night-by-lisa-mcmanus/)

You can also find it for sale at Amazon.

It's only available in ebook format right now - in a month it will come out in paperback - so thrilled!

Added to that, I will be on a blog tour talking about the book, how I write, and so much more! Stay tuned!

It can take a whole day to figure out what happened....that night.

On what was to be just another Monday morning at school, Luke’s girlfriend Jessica is nowhere to be found. Names like ‘psycho lover’ follow Luke to his locker, even from his best friend. Luke soon learns Jessica tried to kill herself at a party from the previous Saturday night, and she’s blaming him. With posts on FaceBook feeding the rumors of what happened that night, the school has to investigate.

Torn between worry, guilt, loyalty, priorities, and an urgency to clear his name and protect hers, he has to find her—he loves her no matter what. The teacher in the middle of the investigation is also the same one to provide academic and character references for Luke’s college applications due by the end of the week. Luke knows he’s not to blame, but with no contact from Jessica and everyone blaming him for what happened, he’s at risk of losing everything—Jessica and his dreams of being a mechanic—all because of what happened that night.

Here, there and everywhere...My new book!

It's been a busy last few months - I've been here, there and everywhere! When I'm not busy working at my day job, I've been writing, writing, writing. Not only on a new book for young adults (slowly but surely getting closer to typing 'the end'), but I have been working on edits and preparing for the upcoming release of my young adult novella 'That Night' to be published by Evernight Teen (Evernight Publishing). November 20, 2015 is the release date (right around the corner as I write this), and there's so much to do during this exciting time! The book will be available both in ebook and paperback, and available for purchase where most books are sold. As well as soon-to-be announced book availability, I'll also be updating this site of the various blog tours I'll be on - so stay tuned! Thank you so much for stopping by - I appreciate the support!

For now, you can find my book on amazon.ca. I also have an Amazon author page at www.amazon.com/author/lisamcmanus

Details about the book:

It can take a whole day to figure out what happened…that night.

On what was to be just another Monday morning at school, Luke’s girlfriend Jessica is nowhere to be found. Names like ‘psycho lover’ follow Luke to his locker, even from his best friend. Luke soon learns Jessica tried to kill herself at a party from the previous Saturday night, and she’s blaming him. With posts on FaceBook feeding the rumors of what happened that night, the school has to investigate.

Torn between worry, guilt, loyalty, priorities, and an urgency to clear his name and protect hers, he has to find her—he loves her no matter what. The teacher in the middle of the investigation is also the same one to provide academic and character references for Luke’s college applications due by the end of the week. Luke knows he’s not to blame, but with no contact from Jessica and everyone blaming him for what happened, he’s at risk of losing everything—Jessica and his dreams of being a mechanic—all because of what happened that night.


Happy Reading!

Cover Reveal!

I'm proud to share the cover for my upcoming young adult novel, 'That Night', published by Evernight Teen (Evernight Publishing). The tentative release date of this ebook is December 2015 so stay tuned!

About the book: It can take a whole day to figure out what happened that night, and 16-year-old Luke Hannon learns just that on what was supposed to be just ‘another freaking Monday.’

In the aftermath of his girlfriend’s suicide attempt, Luke struggles to define loyalty - to her, his friends, and most importantly, to himself. On what was supposed to be just another Monday morning at school, Luke is met with blame and accusing looks from everyone in the halls - even his best friend - but he can’t figure out why. Names like ‘freak’ and ‘psycho lover’ follow him to his locker, and when he can’t find his girlfriend Jessica, he starts to worry. When Luke is told she tried to kill herself at a party he left early from the previous Saturday night, he is torn between feeling guilty for leaving her and an urgency to clear his name – and protect hers.

Gossip, fabricated stories, and online photos of Jessica spread like wildfire and when the school finds out, they have to investigate. Luke’s shop teacher/school counsellor - the same teacher who has to investigate the recent events - is supposed to be sponsoring Luke for college and scholarship applications for an auto technicians program at the local college. With the college applications due by the end of the week, and the teacher in the middle of the investigation also the same one to provide references for Luke – both academic and character – will Luke lose his dreams of becoming a mechanic, all because of what happened...that night?

Coming soon - A new book!

It's been a while since I've been here. Lots has been going on - good and bad - but instead on dwelling on the bad, let's talk about the good.

I am happy to announce that my young adult novella, 'That Night',' is being published by Evernight Teen, a young adult line of books by Evernight Publishing! I am very thrilled, honoured and excited to be part of this publishing family, and I look forward to working with them! Details yet to come, so stay tuned and be sure to stop by their website and support their fabulous authors!

About the book: ‘That Night’ - novella

It can take a whole day to figure out what happened that night, and 16-year-old Luke Hannon learns just that on what was supposed to be just ‘another freaking Monday.’

In the aftermath of his girlfriend’s suicide attempt, Luke struggles to define loyalty - to her, his friends, and most importantly, to himself. On what was supposed to be just another Monday morning at school, Luke is met with blame and accusing looks from everyone in the halls - even his best friend - but he can’t figure out why. Names like ‘freak’ and ‘psycho lover’ follow him to his locker, and when he can’t find his girlfriend Jessica, he starts to worry. When Luke is told she tried to kill herself at a party he left early from the previous Saturday night, he is torn between feeling guilty for leaving her and an urgency to clear his name – and protect hers.

Gossip, fabricated stories, and online photos of Jessica spread like wildfire and when the school finds out, they have to investigate. Luke’s shop teacher/school counsellor - the same teacher who has to investigate the recent events - is supposed to be sponsoring Luke for college and scholarship applications for an auto technicians program at the local college. With the college applications due by the end of the week, and the teacher in the middle of the investigation also the same one to provide references for Luke – both academic and character – will Luke lose his dreams of becoming a mechanic, all because of what happened...that night?

Breaking Out of that Comfort Zone - With a Book

My year is becoming one of branching out and embarking on new adventures. Between taking up archery, cutting off almost seven inches of my hair, and embarking on a new job (my day job, not a writing-related job, sadly), all these things of change, challenge, and of testing my limits has become big in my life – and much welcomed. My world is changing around me so I, too, much change – not against, but with. It’s so comfortable and easy to stick with what you know, but for many people and their situations change and challenges can be tough and very hard to over come. But in my mind, breaking out of that comfort zone, if possible, is healthy and necessary for a well-rounded state of being.

For me change also means varying the kinds of books I read. I’m an avid reader, a necessary and welcome ‘habit’ for writers. Where in the past I have read romance, mystery, and thriller fiction by the bookcase-full, because I write for teens I now read a lot of young adult fiction. I love the genre, devour the books by the dozen, and am constantly hungry for more. It’s human nature, I guess, that once you get a taste for something you ONLY want THAT and crave MORE.

But I also know it’s healthy and important to change things up once in a while to keep your interest fresh, your senses keen, and all sides of your brain tuned. For an avid reader - and for me, at least - that means reading outside your comfort zone. That’s not to say anything other than what I have normally been reading is anything ‘out of the ordinary’, it just means it’s good to engage in other themes, characters, issues, or lessons-learned written about in other genres of books – in other worlds.

Here is what I have read lately:

‘What Lainey Sees’ by Laura Tobias (2015) is a contemporary romance with exquisitely written time travel and past life elements intertwining the lives of two present-day characters with two historical First Nation’s peoples’. I love a good romance but I’m not a regular reader of historical fiction. The perfect blend of present-day with history both with a hint of time travel kept me captivated until the end and curious about other works not only by this author, but also this time in history.

The world atlas. Yes, this is not FICTION reading, but although it’s something you could absently ‘flip through’ while watching a TV show, there is something to be said for discovering new places on our little planet from the safety and inexpensive confines one’s couch. Yes, the internet is full of maps, but there is just something about a book in your hand….

‘Shopaholic to the Stars’ by Sophie Kinsella (2015) is another humorous story of the antics and adventures of Becky Brandon (nee Bloomwood). I have loved this series from the start, having read many of this author's books a few times over. For me there’s nothing better than a funny tale about a larger-than-life character!

‘Aliens and Alien Societies’ by Stanley Schimdt (1995). Again, this is not fiction, but a sci-fi writing reference book. I have only recently dabbled in writing sci-fi and, in turn, have been reading varying degrees of sci-fi fiction. I was racing by the writing reference section in the library, saw this book face-out, and truth-be-told, the cover grabbed me. So out of curiosity, and I always LOVE a good writing reference book, I signed it out and am diving in to it as I write this. So intrigued, so inspired, and SO….alien to me! And really, dabbling in other ‘alien’ genres is what it’s all about – right?

As I, again, raced through the library on another day, I went on a random fiction-finding mission. It’s where browse up and down the fiction aisles and just randomly peruse all the various books. Most libraries these days have modern fiction books, anything ‘old’ either in the ‘archive’ section of the library or in an antique store. But the spine of ‘My Dearest Love’ by Emilie Loring (1954) stood out among all the other current novels it was nestled between. Because of the rare find, I couldn’t resist signing it out and was intrigued from the first page. The writing and language of the time made me smile at the first few pages recounting 22-year-old Beth Gilbert’s return home after being away at boarding school. My intrigue would further be piqued when the first page of the book lists other works by the author – an author I hadn’t heard of before, given her prolific writing career. At the time of this writing, not only do I have a different book to read, but a chance to learn about an author with a unique publishing background. No wonder the library kept this little book among all the modern-day tales!

Lee Childs' ‘Personal’(2015) had me crushing on Jack Ryan all over again. Yes, Jack Ryan kills people – I know. But it’s only when he absolutely has to. And he doesn’t do it to be mean. He only kills if he has to save himself, a girl, defend someone’s honour, avenge a girl, protect a girl, or save a girl...that kind of thing. His badass attitude, his high, emotional walls and his deep underlying soft side keep me wanting more of this character. I’m a big fan of this series, and this book of political espionage/mobsters/killers was another of Lee Childs’ greats - and another kind of book outside my 'comfort zone.'

See how eclectic my reading can be? True, not all writing styles or genres can appeal to everyone, but even when something ‘just isn’t for you’ maybe try it anyways – you never know what you’ll learn, where you’ll go, or what year you’ll visit for a while. Just read.

Thanks for reading!

Busy times....

Been busy the last bit, writing-wise and personally. I am busy juggling motherhood, the day job and my new passion of archery. LOVING IT! Great to hone skills of focus, determination, concentration and consistency - all needed for so many things in life, like writing (at least for me).

I have sent out my previously published novella "Newbie Nick" to a publisher for consideration, so we'll see what happens. In the meantime I am working on a full-length young/young adult novel (character is in grade 9 and age 14), and he has major issues with trusting his own inner power to get what he wants in life.

Added to that, I cut off about 6 inches of my hair. To many this is no big deal, but to me it is. I wrote about 'change' on my other blog at www.lisamcmanuslange.blogspot.com. Hope you'll stop by!

Thanks for visiting,

Lisa

Celebrating BC Books!

I went to an event celebrating BC Books at the Legislature Building where BC Publishers, authors, libraries, and all things BC book-related were all on hand to promote books and their authors. It was in a neat venue - the Rotunda in the historic Legislature - and was just the inspiration I needed. I saw many writing colleagues I hadn't seen for a while, and came home with an armful of books. A great time!

For a bit of info, check it out at http://bcbooklook.com/2015/03/25/bc-book-day-at-legislature/

One Door Closes - Another Opens

I'm sad to report that my publisher Breathless Press/Lycaon Press who so wonderfully helped get my book 'Newbie Nick' into the publishing world and into the hands of readers, has had to shut it's doors. I will be forever grateful and blessed I was given such an opportunity - a chance to fulfil a dream.

But as the saying goes, when one door closes, another opens - and I will keep moving forward.

I plan to re-release Newbie Nick and as soon as I get it up on various ebook distributors, I will post the links here.

In the meantime, many thanks to my publisher, editor and cover artist for all their help. The support and encouragement from them, other writers, family members and readers has been beyond my wildest dreams. What a wonderful experience this has been - but it's not over yet.


Newbie Nick - soon to be re-released!

When 14-year-old Nick Zinsky secretly busks for money on the downtown streets, he soon learns that keeping his "job" a secret is harder than he thought.

All 14-year-old Nick Zinsky wanted was a guitar of his own and a necklace for his mom, and he wanted to buy both on his own, without anyone's help. Too young to get a real job, he came up with a plan to get the money.

Using a guitar loaned from his high school, he spent the summer and weekends playing the guitar while busking downtown. But he had to keep his "job" a secret from everyone—from his mom, his music teacher, the other kids at school, and especially from the school bully, Beau.

But when a music competition is announced where the prizes would solve all Nick's problems, Nick lacks the confidence to enter the competition. Having a nickname like "Newbie Nick" doesn't help, either.

Does he find the courage to enter? Will he ever get his guitar?


PS. Until May 1st, 2015, all ebooks at Breathless Press are .49cents - so get your copy now!

www.breathlesspress.com

Need Writing Inspiration - Go to Pinterest!

If you're a writer, or just starting out, everyone needs a little inspiration now and again. There are many seeds of inspiration out there - just look around! The world is a big place! Books, movies, magazines - especially just walking down the street and people-watching - can all foster ideas.

And here's one more place to get ideas - Pinterest. It's like an online scrapbook, where you have boards (pages) to save all your pins (clippings/pictures). Most pins take you to an associated website, but sometimes just looking at an image is enough.

Pinterest has become one of my favorite places for writing how-to's and I've created a few boards where I have saved quotes, inspiration, tips and ideas - and more! I've even created boards specific to books I have written or am working on, saving pins that have given me ideas or inspiration. I like visual prompts and inspiration, so Pinterest works for me. I hope you'll stop by and get starting 'pinning' to help you get writing!

For writing quotes and inspiration visit https://www.pinterest.com/lisamclange/writing-quotes-and-inspiration/

For story boarding ideas visit https://www.pinterest.com/lisamclange/storyboarding-tips-for-writers/

Find me on Pinterest as LisaMcLange

Happy Pinning!

Bestseller list? Me?

So happy to share that my young adult ebook, 'Newbie Nick,' is FIFTH on the publisher's BESTSELLER LIST and I am a tad in shock - and for once speechless!

Check it out at Breathless Press(Breathless Press encompasses all their lines including those of their off-shoot, Lycaon Press, who published the book)

Thank you to everyone for your support and congratulations to all!

March Madness Sale!

Breathless Press is having a March Madness sale on their ebooks, and my young adult ebook, 'Newbie Nick' (published under their young adult imprint, Lycaon Press) is included! Regularly priced at $2.99, it's on sale at 25% off! Hope you'll stop by and take advantage of some great savings!

Freedom to Read Week - Feb 22 - 28, 2015

It's freedom to read week - the week to acknowledge the freedoms we have to read whatever we want. As noted on the Freedom to Read Week website: "Freedom to Read Week is an annual event that encourages Canadians to think about and reaffirm their commitment to intellectual freedom, which is guaranteed them under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms." The notable week acknowledges censorship and freedom of expression.

So get a book - any book - and don't be shy, afraid, embarrassed or inhibited to read what you want, when you want. A writer? I'd say pick up your pen and follow suit - write what you want, ignore your inner censor or that little voice over your shoulder saying 'you shouldn't write THAT - what would people think?' and just GO FOR IT!

Run to the library, run to the bookstore, or run to your computer - just go. And read whatever the heck you want.

For more information visit: www.freedomtoread.ca

Readathon Day January 24, 2015

On Saturday, January 24, 2015 between 12 and 4pm, all you have to do is read. Any time and for however long.

Read a book.

Or a comic.

Or the newspaper.

Something. Anything.

If you’re reading this you are fortunate; you are able. Put that ‘reading’ thing to good use. There are many – too many, in fact – who can’t read. And there are also many – too many, in fact – who don’t read.

To promote reading and fostering literacy nationally, Penguin/Random House, Goodreads, National Book Foundation, Mashable, along with many other reading/book related organizations, are recognizing January 24th, 2015, as National Readathon Day.

As taken from the Canadian Literacy and Learning Network, their Canadian stats show:

*42% of Canadian adults between the ages of 16 and 65 have low literacy skills.
*55% of working age adults in Canada are estimated to have less than adequate health literacy skills. Shockingly, 88% of adults over the age of 65 appear to be in this situation.
*Impoverished adults often do not have the literacy skills required to get into job training programs. They may need literacy skills upgrading before they can succeed in training programs but only about 5 – 10% of eligible adults enroll in programs.
*Less than 20% of people with the lowest literacy skills are employed.
*A 1% increase in the literacy rate would generate $18 billion in economic growth every year.

Find out more about these statistics at http://www.literacy.ca/literacy/literacy-sub/

To find out how you can participate, get involved, and challenge yourself and young readers around you, visit Penguin and Random House and be sure to check out some reading suggestions on Pinterest

Still not enough info? Visit the blog of Tundra Books/Penguin Random House at https://tundrabooks.wordpress.com/ and also this article in the LA Times, here.

So just go read – anything, anywhere, anyhow.

Make #timetoread, and bring a young reader with you.