Wild Ink Giveaway

Today I've got an awesome, special giveaway for THREE of my fellow aspiring YA authors. The prize? A copy of Wild Ink: Success Secrets for Writing and Publishing in the Young Adult Market by Victoria Hanley. Here's a little more about the book:

With humor and a solid grounding in reality, this guide helps writers to better understand the ins and outs of the young adult genre, how to stay inspired, and how to avoid common mistakes in trying to reach teens. Answering questions such as "How do writers break in to the flourishing young adult market?" "How do they tap their wild side and find their "inner teen"?" and "What are pitfalls to avoid when submitting manuscripts?" the book provides unique writing exercises to help readers find their own authentic teen voice. Engaging and informative, interviews with young adult authors as T. A. Barron, Joan Bauer, Chris Crutcher, and Lauren Myracle provide insight into the real world of writing, adding up to a book that is packed with fascinating information, detail, and inspiration for anyone interested in writing for teens.

US only. Ends May 31. Good luck!


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Rae Review

Author: Chelsea Rae Swiggett
Release Date: August 2, 2010
Pages: 158  
Publisher: HCI Teens  
Most Appropriate For Ages: 12+  
Where I Got It: From publicist for review

Rae is beyond socially awkward.

Since she was a little girl, Rae Swiggett knew something was different about her. The sound of planes flying overhead could spark a panic attack. Being called on in class was enough to push her over the edge. She feared the unknown, life, death, people . . . even fear itself.

By the time she reached ninth grade, Rae was muddling through life in relative silence, convinced everyone was mocking her, judging her, picking her apart, bit by little bit. Rae knew she couldn't keep going on this way. She knew something had to give.

'It's a game of catch-22 I constantly play with myself. If I keep acting normal, I hope one day I will be, but every time I try, I just let myself down. I'm so entirely sick of this game.'

I have stalked the author's book blog ever since I started blogging, so when I was asked to review her story I couldn't resist reading it. And boy am I glad I did.

Rae is an autobiography (or memoir? I'm not sure what the difference is), and I've never read one, so I was nervous before starting it. I shouldn't have been. Because of it's short length and completely addicting writing, I finished it in less than 24 hours. Swiggett has an undeniable gift for writing. It's intense, emotional, and just amazing. It had me glued to the pages.

I didn't know much about social anxiety before reading Rae, but it really is a sad and horrible thing. While reading you just want to reach into the book and give Chelsea a hug. 

It feels weird to say that I enjoyed Rae, when the author obviously didn't enjoy this time in her life, but I did find myself grabbed by this tale. I'm so glad that Swiggett chose to share her story with us, and I can't wait to read anything else by her.

Non-fictions don't get ratings 

The Magical Girls' Guide To Womanhood Mini-Review

Author: Erin Schmidt
Release Date: March 8, 2010
Pages: 112 (E-book)
Publisher: Fido Publishing
Most Appropriate For Ages: 9+
Where I Got It: For review

What’s a young, magical girl to do when she gets her first period? When should a werewolf start shaving her legs? Whether or not she has magical powers, what’s a girl to do when she--gasp!--has to talk to a boy she likes?

Never fear: The Magical Girl’s Guide to Womanhood answers these and many more questions for preteens and teens. Even grown-up magical women may find helpful reminders in its pages. Your guide on this enchanted quest into the labyrinth of yourself is gifted young witch Violetta Marmalade-Spirit. Violetta starts with the basics of what makes a girl a girl, then progresses to questions of body image, how to stay healthy, and sexuality.

Becoming a young woman is always a magical journey. Join Violetta in uncovering some of the tips, tricks, myths and secrets to making the best journey possible!

Being a 15 year old who has a mother that has always made woman's bodies and what to do with them a very open subject, I knew pretty much everything that was covered in The Magical Girls' Guide To Womanhood. But, I think this would be an excellent and super-informative guide for young girls who are normally too embarrassed to talk or read about their bodies. Not only does it cover everything that goes on with womanhood, but Erin Scmidt also includes what goes on with mythical being's bodies as well, making the book more fun to read.

Moms, I'd recommend giving this one to your girls!

Non-Fictions don't get a rating.