REVELATIONS pre-order/release contest!

Wow guys, can you believe that it's that time again?! I just can't believe my 2nd book is entering the wild tomorrow!!! My how time flies, right? LOL.

I've been promising this contest for awhile so I'm just going to post it without to much hub bub, but here's the deets. I'm giving away a NOOK ereader and B&N giftcard to go along with it.  What do you have to do to get it? Easy-peasy. Just pre-order or buy your copy of REVELATIONS (clicke here for a list of available places and info about REVELATIONS) by the end of November. Then email me at j.souders (at) jasouders (dot) com with a copy of the receipt.  If you want bonus entries all you have to do is spread the word about REVELATIONS, this contest, and/or take a pic of your copy of REVELATIONS in the wild and email them to me. I'm actually really stoked about this one. I'll post the pics (with your permission) as they come in, so get creative. See Santa at the mall? Ask him to take a pic with REVELATIONS (my BFF/CP did this last year). See an awesome statue? Snap a pic of it with REVELATIONS. At the aquarium? See if you can get a pic with the book and a sea creature. :)  I can't wait to see what you guys come up with. (P.S. ebook copies count! Just send a pic of your e-reader with the cover showing instead of the book copy.)


Happy November! Also, if you're in Florida, check out my facebook page for links to the information for my Orlando and Tampa launches.

(P.S. Everyone who enters gets awesome super secret SWAG! :) )

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

HOUSTON BOOKRAVE: After Party and Online Book Sale

Hey guys, I know I've been doing a lot of marketing for my books and it's probably getting annoying without some silly stuff in between, but I promise in a few weeks, I'll have some fun posts up so I'm not always talking about my books. :)  Below is some information on the Houston Bookrave. I'm very excited about this event and wanted to help get the word out, so here's the post. :)  But keep reading, because below the post about HBR, I have some information of my own about a REVELATIONS contest and the paperback copies of RENEGADE.

HBR is one of the biggest book signing events happening in Houston,
Texas.

We have 62 authors attending! 

This
event will be held Saturday, November 2, 2013 and will offer a unique
experience where readers from everywhere can meet with their favorite authors
in person. At this exciting event there will also be entertainment, exclusive
giveaways, exclusive early book releases and delicious food that everyone can
enjoy.

Visit HOUSTON BOOKRAVE website for all the details. 
***********************************

 

 TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR THE HBR AFTER PARTY!

Please visit HBR AFTER PARTY page to get yours while they last.

***********************************

There are only a few days left to order signed books if you can't make the event.

Go to HBR ONLINE BOOK SALE to get all the signed books you want from our featured authors.

Just a quick note that the paperback copy of RENEGADE release October 8th. If you're local to the Orlando area, I'm trying to set up a small signing at my local indie to sign them. I'll list that on my events page and announce it here when I do. Also, in the beginning of October, I'll be holding a contest for everyone who pre-orders copies of REVELATIONS and one of the prizes will be a Nook, so make sure to keep those receipts! Anyway, more soon, so keep your eye on my blogs and social media accounts. :)

Fan Art Contest

Because I absolutely adore fan art and I want to see what my awesome fans see when they think of Elysium and Evie and Gavin, not to mention the Enforcers and Mother, I’m putting out a call for fan art!  I want it all: hand drawn (on anything from napkins to canvas), computer/digital manipulation, paint, sketches, modern, comic book styling. It doesn't just have to be "art" either. I'd love to see fan trailers, jewelry, songs, etc. Wherever your imagination takes you, do it (then send it to me.)!  (Don’t go crazy insane though people. Make sure they’re work place and teen safe.  PG-13. If you’re not sure, feel free to send them to me and I’ll let you know.)

I’ll post them on the “fan art” page on my website (with credit to you, of course.) And I’ll feature some of my favorites on my blog in their own post. (P.S. If you'd rather not have it posted because you're shy, let me know, and I won't post it.)

To sweeten the pot, I’m giving away a sweet prize to the top three winners.  The grand prize winner will win an ARC of REVELATIONS (when available), the 2^nd  and 3^rd place winners will win a gift card to Amazon/Barnes & Noble.

This contest is open internationally. Contest ends April 5^th.

 To enter, email me with your entry (please make sure to send your fan art (or a picture of it) whatever it is with the email or it doesn't count to:  j.souders(at) jasouders (dot) com

And, as an FYI, if you’ve read and reviewed RENEGADE get those links ready. I’ll be hosting a reviewer appreciation giveaway soon. There is a lovely prize associated with it that I’ve had commissioned just for this occasion and I can’t wait for you guys to see it. I just want to get it in my hands before I announce what it is.

Sunshine Tour Stops, Freebies, and Signed books. Oh my!

Hi wonderful people! I hope everyone has had a chance to see the lovely new cover for REVELATIONS!  If you haven't, make sure to check out this post. There's a list of blogs on that page that hosted my cover reveal and all of them have the rafflecopter widget to enter to win a bunch of signed books INCLUDING the ARC to REVELATIONS when it comes out.

I'm superexcited to announce that the Sunshine Tour is coming to Orlando and Tampa/Clearwater.  But WAIT! if you aren't in Florida or near these areas, keep reading, I promise it'll be worth it.

Anyway, the Orlando stop is going to March 2nd at the Winter Garden Barnes and Noble.  We'll each be doing a short talk (panel form) and then signing our books. See flyer below for more information.

The Tampa/Clearwater stop is going to be at the Clearwater Barnes and Noble (Flyer to come shortly). Again a short talk and then signing of our books.

To tempt you all to come on out on what promises to be a really pretty weekend, I'm offering a bunch of goodies that you can only get at the signings.  Among some special SWAG, I'll be giving away signed posters of the new REVELATIONS' cover and RENEGADE's cover and free e-copies of A DARK GRAVE (that will work on all e-readers).  Also, possibly a sneak peak at the next Elysium Chronicles short story.

And if you can't come, there's still an option to get signed copies of all the books from the authors on the tour.  All you have to do is go here and fill out the form. More details at that link.
I'm so excited to be on this tour and I can't wait to see you at the stops!

Revelations' Cover Reveal!

I can't believe that today's the day! It's so so surreal that I'm not focusing on RENEGADE any more.  This time last year, I was worrying over how Renegade would do. Now it's REVELATIONS' turn.

Wow. Just wow.

Anyway, you want to see the cover not hear me complain about how fast time goes by. LOL.
I've been lucky enough to have a TON of extremely awesome bloggers help me with this cover reveal. And I owe them a HUGE debt of gratitude, especially Jaime Arnold from Two Chicks on Books. Thank you, Jaime! <3 nbsp="" p="">
 Also, there's a contest to win some awesome hardcovers, so click the links to find out more info! It's pretty easy. :)

Blogs revealing REVELATIONS' cover:

Two Chicks on Books

Bumbles and Fairytales
Fiktshun's Ramblings
Liz Czukas
Haunted Orchid
Books As You Know It
Magical Urban Fantasy Reads
The Book Life
Books Mystify
Burning Impossibly Bright
Tez Says
Akossiwa Ketoglo
The Daily Bookmark
My Library in the Making
A Dream From My Heart
Dear Restless Reader
YAtopia
Goldilox and the Three Weres
MTG Reviews

Oasis for YA

Ecstatic for Books

The Book Goddess

Finding Bliss in Books

Reading Under the Stars

The Daily Harrel

Book Haven

In Libris Veritas

Curling Up With a Good Book

Shadow Libros

Escaping...One Book at a Time

Uniquely Moi Books

Citrus Reads
Writing My Own Fairytale
My Bookish Fairytale
Larissa's World
Bookcase to Heaven
Stuck in YA
Writer's Ally
Howling Turtle

Elysium Chronicle's Valentine's Short Story and A DARK GRAVE FREE today.

As surprise number 2 for Valentine's Day, I've written a quick short about the first time Evelyn met Timothy.  I wanted to give fans a special treat that wasn't spoilerific and I love Timothy, so I wanted people to see a bit more of him. If you've read RENEGADE, then you know why I say that... Anyway, I wanted to write something that doesn't spoil RENEGADE for those that didn't read it. This scene is EXTREMELY rough, but I hope you'll enjoy it all the same.  HAPPY Valentine's day!

 My Maid laces the ties in the back of my pink dress. I don’t really like the color pink, but Mother insists to wear it today. It’s Valentine’s Day and purple just won’t do.  She’s wearing red for the occasion, but she can. She’s Coupled.

I glance over to her. She’s standing next to my bed, flipping through the papers in her hand and mumbling. And even though she’s obviously upset by whatever she’s reading, she’s beautiful as always.  Her blond hair is down and brushes her shoulders in soft waves. Her eyes are especially blue today and her skin has the perfect dewy look to it that I envy.  The lights outside my window cause the water to lay a wavy shadow over her face.

I gasp when the Maid pulls the ties too tight, then hiss out a breath when Mother glances my way over the top of her papers.  She purses her lips. “Now, now, Evelyn. Stop squirming. You’re not a child any longer.”

I straighten my back and try not to let it bother me that I can’t really breathe. “Yes, Mother.”

She watches me carefully, her eyes narrowed before she turns to the Maid pulling little pots and brushes from a case. “Darken her eyes and lips.  She’s of age now. She needs a more mature look.”

“Yes, Mother,” the Maid says and starts working on my face.

A few minutes later, Mother’s lady’s Maid pokes her head. “The guests have arrived, Ma’am.”

Mother smiles and waves the woman away and turns to me. “Meet me in the ballroom when you’re finished. I have a gift for you.”

My stomach churns in anticipation, but I only smile my acknowledgement.

Ten minutes later, my hair in an intricate up-do that has my curls in a riot over the top of my head. The symbol of my rank sits on top of them like a tiara.  My rose necklace rests in the hollow of my throat and I run my fingers over it nervously.

I stand outside the ballroom, my heart in my throat. This is my first event after coming of age. I’ll be expected to entertain the Suitors Mother invited. I’ve practiced and practiced what I’m to say and when and to whom, but I’m terrified my condition will act up and they’ll realize how strange I am.

The room is decorated in pink and red hearts and the cupids that are so synonymous with the holiday.  Pink and red streamers crisscross the ballroom and the chandeliers sparkle like diamonds. The roses from my garden are on each of the tables lining the wall and their smell drifts to my nose calming me.

I step through the doors and the Guards nod at me as I pass through. My plan is to go straight to the hors d’oeuvre table. The petit fours are so cute with their pink and red frosting and shaped into tiny hearts. But Mother sees me instantly and waves me over. She’s standing next to a fairly tall couple. They’re both taller than Mother, which definitely makes them taller than me.

They both smile when I step up to them. I return it with one of my own.
Mother introduces them as Scientists from Sector Three. I curtsy. “It’s wonderful to meet you. I’ve always had a fascination with Sector Three,” I say as I was trained. It’s true. I’ve always been fascinated by the new things that the Scientists come up with. So it comes out with an excited appearance that I don’t have to fake.

The woman starts talking, but I stop paying attention. Coming up behind them, his hands carrying two plates of hors d’oeuvres, is a young man my age. At least I think he is.  He’s just as tall as the man in front of me, and despite the fact that almost everyone in Elysium looks the same, he looks remarkably like the couple.  His eyes are the same light blue and, when he stops behind the woman, he holds himself just like the man.  His dark blond hair—the same color as the woman’s-- is slightly longer than usual and has dripped into his eyes. I know it’s wrong, but I have the sudden urge to brush it away. And I can’t stop myself from staring.

“Evelyn?”

I start and blink quickly, trying to pull my attention from the boy to Mother. From the slightly frustration in her tone, it sounds like this wasn’t the first time she’d said my name.

“Yes, Mother?”

She purses her lips, but only says, “I was introducing you to Timothy.” She flutters her hand toward the young man. “He’s the Whitworth’s son. He’s just passed Suitor exam.”

The young man bows. “It’ll be a pleasure to be one of your Suitor’s, Miss Evelyn.”

Our eyes lock together and my belly flops around as I stare at him. He’s my Suitor? I’d be lying if I didn’t say the thought pleases me.  He’s perfect, I think, giving him the once over. Tall. Gorgeous. Perfect. I repeat in my head.

His lips--perfectly symmetrical lips, I notice--lift in the corners to smile at me. It’s not hard to see he’s amused at me. I bite my bottom lip, and turn, my face burning in embarrassment at being caught staring.

“Evelyn!” Mother hisses.

With an inward wince, I force myself into another curtsey. “My pleasure, Sir,” I say.

Mother narrows her eyes at me, her reprimand clear. “Why don’t you too, get to know each other, while I talk business with the Whitworths’.”

The band switches to a waltz and he offers his arm. “Would you care for a dance?”

Instead of answering, I take his elbow with my gloved hand, allowing him to lead me to the dance floor.  Even though we’re careful not to touch skin-to skin--Un-Coupled peoples aren’t allowed to touch skin-to-skin--we lean close to each other so we can hear each other as we talk.
He smells like a mix of oil from Sector Three and soap. It’s an interesting and nerve wracking mix. I never would have thought I’d enjoy the smell of oil and soap on someone so much. We spend the entire night talking and even when another Suitor cuts in, it isn’t long before I find myself dancing with Timothy again. Each time we join each other in another dance, he holds me in a slightly tighter embrace. Never too much. Never enough for the Enforcers to notice, but some part of me—the part that’s obviously lost her mind—wants him to take me in his arms and hold me close. Place his lips against mine in a kiss. But he never does, which is just as well. It’d be suicide if he did.

But each time one of those other Suitors comes, Timothy looks like he’s going to argue. And as foolish as I know it is, I can’t help but feel excited about the prospect that he doesn’t want to share me.

Finally at the end of the night, exhausted with my legs and head aching, I smile as he says goodnight, bowing, then watch as he leaves a mixture of emotions flowing through my blood.

Mother joins me almost the instant he’s out of sight. “What do you think, Evelyn?”

I smile, thinking of how perfect his hands felt in my gloved ones. “I think I would be honored to have him for a Suitor.”

Mother smiles at me, running her hands over the curls on my head and staring in the direction Timothy left in. “Happy Valentine’s Day, Evelyn.”

In case you didn't know, surprise number 1 is that A DARK GRAVE (Gavin's short story) is free today and tomorrow. If you want to give me a Valentine's gift in return, I'd love to get it under 100 on the free kindle store, so please feel free to share the link with everyone.  :)

A DARK GRAVE

BTW, for those that have been asking, A DARK GRAVE is not on anything other than Kindle right now. I do apologize for the inconvenience of that, but stay tuned because that may change.

I do have a few more surprises planned for today, so stay tuned, 'K?

Happy New Year's and a FREE ebook

Well, today, sadly, marks the end of my debut year! It's been a roller coaster ride of awesome and I'm both sad and relieved to see it end.  I'm so grateful for every single one of you who made this year as awesome as it could be and I can't wait to ride the hopefully as fantabulous, but slightly less hectic sophomore year roller coaster.

Yes, for those that have been asking, there will be a second book to the Elysium Chronicles.  I can't say too much about it, but I'm busily working on edits for it and I know the cover designer is working just as hard to bring you an even more gorgeous cover.   I've been in discussions with my editor about the cover and I'm extremely excited to see how it all turns out.  And yes, there is a title and I LOVE IT, but I  don't think I'm allowed to share it yet, so I guess we're just going to have to patiently (*snort*) wait.  :P

And now onto the best part of this post. A DARK GRAVE (Gavin's short story prequel) is FREE today and tomorrow to celebrate the New Year! Just click here to go to the Amazon download page.

So here's to the ending of 2012 and the beginning of an even better 2013! 

A DARK GRAVE now available!

I hope everyone had a very merry Christmas.  Can you believe it's almost 2013?! I can't. This year has just flown by! It's been filled with some awesome times and I'm so sad it's coming to an end, but 2013 looks like it'll be even more awesome and I can't wait to see what it brings.

A few housekeeping details and then I'll get to the reason for this post. First, while I'm taking a minor break from my internet hiatus to post this, I'm actually away from my "office" until January 7th. I won't be answering emails or be on twitter or facebook until then. Although I reserve the right to change my mind before then. :P

That being said,  I'll be starting the new year with a bang and doing a lot of events. At least one a month. January has three already lined up! Why so many? I'm excited to say I'll be participating in The Sunshine Tour with at least 10 other YA authors! For more details, check out the Sunshine Tour's site. And  keep an eye on my events page. And I'll be participating in several conferences that I'm extremely excited about, those are of course listed on my events page.

Here's the beautiful cover art done by the fabulous Eithne O'Hanlon, the same artist who did the cover for RENEGADE!

And here's the blurb:

An Elysium Chronicles short story: the beginning.There is only one place forbidden to the people of Gavin's village; the island just off the shore, rumored to be haunted. Cursed.All who venture to the island disappear.But Gavin doesn't believe in such things. He is a hunter; since his father's death, he is the only one who can provide for the family. Silly rumors of ghosts aren't going to stop him from crossing the dark waters to the island in search of fresh game...

It's available on kindle now for only $0.99 (FREE if you're a Prime member), but I'll be having an after Christmas/New Year's special where it'll be free on New Year's eve and New Years day.

I hope you all enjoy Gavin's story and have a great New Year's!

Renegade launch is here! + Giveaway

I'm so excited to say that RENEGADE's launch is finally HERE! I'm so excited I can't sit still!  If I could dance, I'd be dancing!
Thank you so much to everyone who's made this day possible, including my lovely and awesome agent, Natalie Lakosil, and my equally lovely and awesome editor, Mel Frain.  Love you ladies!  Thanks for believing in me and making Renegade even more awesome.
I honestly don't know what to say here...I'm so excited and happy that I'm speechless, so I'll just say thanks again to everyone. *sniffles* and now I'm going to go have a good cry and stare at my books some more!
Oh! Before I go, I'm having a giveaway. Send me a picture (via email or twitter) of my book in an awesome spot to celebrate it's awesomeness. ; )  And I'll have a random drawing to win either a book of your choice or a gift card from amazon or barnes and noble. Plus some awesome Rengade SWAG.
If you're looking for an example, here's a pic my MIL took.
This is exactly the awesomeness I'm looking for, so get to it! :) *chop, chop*

If you want to know where to buy RENEGADE, it's available wherever books are sold, but here's some quick links:
IndieBound
Barnes And Noble
Book Depository
Books-A-Million
Powell’s
Amazon

5 Days until Renegade Surfaces!

It's five days. DAYS, people, not weeks, months, years. DAYS! Until Renegade's debut. And...I'm slightly freaking out. (*insert insane cackle here*)  Okay maybe more than slightly. But I've somehow managed despite many obstacles to put together a launch party.  Yay for me!  I'm so excited about this book that I wanted to throw a party to celebrate.
 If you're interested, take a peak at the below invite (isn't it pretty?!) and, if you want RSVP to either by email or on the facebook invite page.  This is just so I can make sure there's enough food and books there.

It's in the building that inspired Sector 3, so I'm really excited to show it off a bit. So bring a friend, or friends, or a whole shipful of people if you wish.  The more the merrier.  There's going to be lots of food, drinks, a reading, raffle, door prizes, and a signing.  Plus a bucket full of SWAG to giveaway.  But most importantly there's going to be lots of fun!

So if you're in the area, just stopping through, or planning an invasion, stop on by! I'd love to meet you and see you!