Cover Reveal: Marked Beauty by S.A. Larsen

Today I get to share a very special cover reveal with you. The author, SA Larsen, is not only my CP (critique partner) but she's a dear friend and probably one of the kindest people on social media. I'm super excited to be be able to help celebrate the gorgeous cover for her YA debut novel, MARKED BEAUTY! Seriously, I'm in love with it! Are you ready to see it??

Okay, here we go!

MARKED BEAUTY by S.A. Larsen
Title: Marked Beauty
Author: S.A. Larsen
Publisher: Ellysian Press
Release Date: October 2017

Book Blurb:

Uncovering hidden secrets can sometimes kill you . . . or worse, steal your soul.

Anastasia Tate has a secret. She can feel the emotions of others through their life energy auras. Not a welcome gift for a teenager. Especially when a sinister presence begins stalking her.
Viktor Castle also has a secret. He’s tasked with protecting humanity yet cursed by an ancient evil to destroy it.

After Viktor saves Ana’s life, her abilities grow stronger. Drawn together, she senses Viktor has answers to lifelong questions. Only he shuns her at every turn, knowing he has saved her only to put her in more danger.

As Ana struggles with her attraction to Viktor, he tries everything to bury his unexpected feelings for her. But they must find a middle ground. For only together can they combat the dark forces threatening both their lives . . . and their souls.

ADD to GOODREADS


About the Author

S.A. LARSEN is the author of the award-winning novel Motley Education, the first book in a fantasy-adventure series for middle grade readers. Her work has appeared in numerous local publications and young adult anthologies Gears of Brass and Under A Brass Moon by Curiosity Quills Press. Marked Beauty is her debut young adult novel. Find her in the land of snowy winters and the occasional Eh’ya with her husband of over twenty-five years, four children, a playful pooch, and three kittens. Visit her cyber home anytime at www.salarsenbooks.com.

Connect with her on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Blog | Goodreads



GIVEAWAY!!!

This is a #hashtag giveaway, where two lucky winners will receive a FREE eBook of Marked Beauty upon its release.

To participate:

• Share one of the premade images via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Or write up a blog post using one of the images.
• Include #MarkedBeauty in your description.
• Optional for extra entry: include Add to Goodreads (with link) in your description.

***Posts MUST contain the hashtag #MarkedBeauty for entry into the giveaway or we won’t be able to find you.

Pre-made tweets (you add the image)

"A lust 4 life energy. An ancient curse. One soul's journey thru death 2 find the cure." #MarkedBeauty #CoverReveal http://bit.ly/2qdE0q0

"Uncovering some secrets can kill you, or worse ... steal your soul." #MarkedBeauty #CoverReveal http://bit.ly/2qdE0q0 #YAlit

An ancient race. A timid girl. And a journey to the in-between. #MarkedBeauty #CoverReveal http://bit.ly/2qdE0q0 #YAlit

The giveaway begins May 17^th and will be open until May 23^rd. Winners will be announced May 24^th via social media.

HUGE CONGRATS TO SA LARSEN!!! I CAN'T WAIT UNTIL THE FALL!!

IWSG April: I Have a Website!

Hi all of you IWSGers! I can't believe it's already April, and while most of you are kicking it with the A to Z, I'm neck deep in all the fun and exciting stuff that goes along with publishing your first book. For those of you who haven't been around in a while, I recently signed with Clean Teen Publishing to publish my debut novel CATALYST, a YA near-future thriller. And obviously, I'm THRILLED!!

Since then, I've created an author website, which you can find HERE, I've started a newsletter sign-up which you can find HERE (don't you want to sign-up to receive the latest info on cover reveals, book releases, giveaways, and general awesomeness?? Of course you do!) :) And I've been working with the designer on my cover. *insert squeal* It all feels so surreal that after wanting this for so long, it's finally happening! 

Sure, I could easily get caught up in the "but I didn't get an agent" or the "but I didn't sell to a major publishing house" but in the end, does that REALLY matter? I'm bringing my book baby to the world and that's enough for me. I love the publisher I went with (everyone has been amazing so far!) and I look forward to writing many more books for them.

Speaking of which, I have my first deadline! They'd like the sequel to Catalyst by the end of August! I've been working hard and thankfully, the words are coming, but I know it's gonna be a beast to revise.

On another note, how do you go about securing blurbs from authors? My publisher would like me to ask established authors to read an ARC and provide a little blurb to be used on the back cover or the first couple pages of the book. Obviously, I can ask CTP authors, but if I wanted to branch out, do you think most authors would be receptive? I had a friend tell me that big name authors like James Patterson actually have people pay him to do a blurb for them. Is that something I should try to do? Secure a big name YA author and pay them???

Also, has anyone ever hired a publicist? I'm trying to decide if the cost would be worth it.

Give me your thoughts! :)

This post is brought to you by the IWSG. A big thank you to Alex Cavanaugh, the brain child of this group, and all his co-hosts for this month. It's never too late to join this fun, supportive group. Click HERE if you're interested.

Happy Wednesday!!

Black Friday

Did everyone have a wonderful Thanksgiving? Our Thanksgiving was a little different this year because we're visiting family in Florida, but it was still so much fun. I know my kids had a blast singing karaoke, playing flag football, and swimming in the pool with their cousins. I mean, where else can you swim outside when it's almost December?

Despite being on vacation, this week it was my turn to host for Unicorn Bell. Here are the highlights if you want to stop by and take a look. (By the way, I know it's hard to tell, but all you have to do is click on the day and it will take you to that post. The link never stands out for some reason.)

Monday—Choosing an Unforgettable Book Title: Do you ever have trouble coming up the right book title for your novel? Then this is a post you don't want to miss. I give you some tips and tricks to choosing a book title you can be proud of.

Wednesday—Choosing an Unforgettable Book Cover: Are you an Indie publisher? Do you know all the amazing book designers out there? I've included a list of my favorite designers along with sample covers.

Friday—Choosing a Reputable Publisher: Are you looking for a small to medium-sized publisher? I've highlighted several reputable publishers and included a sample cover so you can see their work. I've also given you a website with an all inclusive publisher list. As always, be sure to do your homework before submitting to ANY publisher.

Well, that about wraps up my week on Unicorn Bell. Be sure to pop in if any of these topics interest you. Enjoy all the Black Friday sales! Anyone going shopping?