Friday, May 24, 2013

Last Day of Tour for My YA, Paranormal Thriller (Bigfoot, Viking Legend, Apocalypse...yes?)

This is Day Five (the last day) of my week long book blog tour for Rocked: A Chelsie Valdar Saga, 1. Today offers  my guest post, an incredibly awesome review, and an excerpt from the book.

Here are the stops on the tour for today:

May 24th
-That Girl Reads >> Guest Post - "If you looked through my window, you would’ve caught me pacing the floor, staring at the notes, talking to myself or the cat and perhaps banging my head on the table (gently so as not to cause serious injury or a bloody nose)." ~~a portion of my post on how I came up with the storyline, etc. Go to That Girl Reads for the full article!

-All in One Place >> Review - "Rocked has all the action of the end of the world looming; it is an exciting story with supernatural characters; there is wit, tenderness and pain. I loved it!" ~~Kirsty, reviewer at All In One Place. See her full review at her site where she pours on the praise, giving Rocked 5 stars (hearts)! *squealing w/delight*

-Wintry Words >> Excerpt - "She gallops towards us. Fear is the first emotion. A large wildcat is charging at me. I remind myself this is Jessie and relax, touched by her beauty and power." ~~ a small portion of the excerpt. Go to the site to read the rest.

The banner below takes you to Xpresso Book Tours, who is run by Giselle and organized this event. The page lists everywhere "Rocked" and I were featured this week.


Wondering where to buy? Here are direct links for Rocked: A Chelsie Valdar Saga, 1:

Amazon: Ebook for Kindle-click here
Amazon: Paperback-click here
iTunes/Apple iBookstore: Ebook-click here
Barnes & Noble: Ebook for Nook-click here
Kobo Ebookstore: Ebook-click here
Smashwords: Multiple Ebook Formats-click here
Sony Reader: click here

Thanks everybody and Enjoy!

That is all.
Gina

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Day 4 Blog Tour-"Rocked" IS Different With Bigfoot Characters

This is Day Four of my weeklong book blog tour for Rocked: A Chelsie Valdar Saga, 1. Today offers two reviews, giveaways and an excerpt.

Only one day left...

Here are the stops on the tour for today:

May 23rd
-Gabic Reads >>  Review & Giveaway - 4 stars out of 5, "Chelsie is headstrong and independent and struggling..."~from Gabic. Full review at her site.

-Mythical Books  >> Excerpt & Giveaway - "I am embarrassed and annoyed with myself. Years of grueling training have prepared me to be on the lookout for this sort of situation. "Plan A" is to avoid trouble. Don't get involved. (I've never been good at following that advice.) If slipping away fails, try negotiating. Or conning my way out of a tight spot. If all else fails, I fight." ~portion of longer excerpt at Mythical Books site.

-Challenging Reads >> Review - 3 out of 5 (Hey! I'm thrilled with anything 3 and above! Everyone's tastes and opinions count and WILL be different!) "Those huge, hairy guys were really adorable. I wish I had a Bigfoot best friend..."~from Johanna. Full review at her site.


The banner below takes you to Xpresso Book Tours, who has thankfully organized this event, and the page lists everywhere I can be found this week.



My website for more options & info.

Enjoy!

That is all.
Gina

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Day 3-Book Blog Tour for "Rocked: A Chelsie Valdar Saga, 1"

This is Day Three of my weeklong book blog tour for Rocked: A Chelsie Valdar Saga, 1. Today offers me giving a guest post, an interview, excerpts, and possibly a review will show up on a site later.

The banner below takes you to Xpresso Book Tours, who has thankfully organized this event, and the page lists where I can be found this week.


Here are the stops on the tour for today:

May 22nd
-Books, a Coffee, and a Sleepy Kitty >> Excerpt & Giveaway
-ReadingToTheStarsAndBack >>  Excerpt & Giveaway
-SIK Book Reviews >> Guest Post about how I write a book
-Froggarita's Bookcase >> Interview & Quick Fire Questions
-Musings of a Blogder >> Review (as of 2 PM Central-pending a post)

Well, the cat is meowing wanting fed. Must feed cat. Which happens to be named Jessie. Which happens to be one of the main characters in this book!

My website for more options & info.

Each day of the tour I will post my locations. Enjoy!

That is all.
Gina

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Day 2-Book Blog Tour for my Young Adult, Paranormal "Rocked"

This is Day Two of my weeklong book blog tour for Rocked: A Chelsie Valdar Saga, 1. Today offers more reviews (yay!) and an interview where I'm quizzed about the book and my writing style.

The banner below takes you to Xpresso Book Tours, who has thankfully organized this event, and the page lists where I can be found this week.



But, here are the wickedly awesome sites for today if you just want to click below:


May 21st
-Words Create Scenes >> Review - "First chapter, and I'm already starting to like this girl's attitude..."~Moka

-Curling Up With A Good Book  >> Interview - "1. What gave you the inspiration to write this book?..."~one of the interview questions.

-Alexa Loves Books >> Review - "...new obstacles crop up in their path and enemies make their presence known. Gina puts her characters through the wringer..." ~Alexa

Be sure to click on the links above to read the full reviews and interview! Such excitement! *where's my Mt. Dew?!*

(as of 1 PM central, another site may be listed later...)


My website for more options & info.

Each day of the tour I will post my locations. Enjoy!

That is all.
Gina

Monday, May 20, 2013

I'm on Tour! A Book Blog Tour for "Rocked: A Chelsie Valdar Saga"

Yep, nothing like sitting at the computer and popping in at the websites hosting my book blog tour this week! Too cool! It lasts Monday through Friday with a variety of fun stuff happening at about 20 different sites: reviews, Q & A, guest blogging, excerpts, ebook giveaways, and all my super secret stuff is spilled out into the world. Well, maybe not that last one.


Here are today's hotspots where the book (and I) are featured:


May 20th
-Mom With A Kindle >> Review
-Buried Under Books >> Review
-Delirious About Books >>  Interview

Go check out the reviews! I am super pleased and tickled with the reactions and comments. It seems I caught the attention of readers with my Bigfoot characters, my adorable werecat and, of course, Chelsie - who is constantly ramming headfirst into problems. The interview questions were fun and caused me to stare off into space trying to come up with answers (although I tend to zone out on a regular basis anyway).

My website for more options & info.

Each day of the tour I will post my locations. Enjoy!

That is all.
Gina

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

What To Do When a Bigfoot is Stalking You?



Let me clarify. The Bigfoot I'm referring to is a character in my latest novel. But my lips are strategically zipped to prevent spoilers from dribbling out. I'm not even telling you his name.



I will give you some well-informed, important life and death tips in case you have an actual run-in with a real, live Bigfoot, though. These particular Bigfoot are shape shifters and live among us. By the way, the plural of Bigfoot is Bigfoot. Like deer is deer. Anyway, almost all of them tend to be friendly and they take precautions to keep their existence hidden. I know - sounds familiar, but, hey, that's the way it is with these supernatural beings!

Problems pop up when you get a rotten egg in the bunch. And that happens with all species. Not everyone is perfect in both body and mind. The average individual handles the issues they are dealt in a rational, healthy way, using all kinds of resources to help them. Or, maybe they struggle with their problems, barely surviving day to day. Doing what they can to place one foot in front of the other.



But Chelsie Valdar (in "Rocked: A Chelsie Valdar Saga, 1") caught the attention of one seriously deranged, power-hungry Bigfoot and he's up to no good. He's stalking Chelsie. He isn't just having a headache or feeling depressed or stressed out. He didn't break his arm and he wasn't born with a physical handicap. (In fact, in human form, he's actually cute!) Have I mentioned he's deranged? Evil? Deadly? And is fighting for his survival? But he's got a thing for Chelsie...ahhh...what to do? what to do! Oh, and in one week the Apocalypse hits big time. Life is rough. And you need to read my story to find out the rest...

Where was I? Oh, so just in case you do happen to meet a Bigfoot who's gone bonkers and is stalking you...

10 Tips To Remember If A Crazy Bigfoot Is Stalking You:

1) Bigfoot are shape shifters. He can look like a hunky human dude and *kapow!* transform into a 9 foot tall, 600 pound beast!

2)  Perhaps you could RUN!! But chances are, he'll easily catch you. Don't downplay his size because he's super fast.

3) Maybe you could HIDE...but he'll likely sniff you out with his heightened senses and rip apart your hiding place and snatch you.

4) If you're caught in his grasp, it's best not to fight him. He could crush you instantly. And depending on his state of mind, if he's infatuated with you, he probably doesn't want to hurt you. But, he might forget his own strength and squish you to smithereens unintentionally. A docile, well-adjusted Bigfoot is aware of his power over humans, knows his limits and can keep from harming them. One who is batshit crazy and loses touch with reality then you will be hurt or killed.

5) Speaking of his mind, he can read your thoughts. Well, do I even need to say that planning your next several moves are useless? If he's totally in tune with you, then he's one step ahead, sweetie. Spur of the moment actions are your best chance.

6) He loves food. Use that as a distraction. Meat works well.

7) If he transforms back into his human self, he's nearly as dangerous as his beastly shape. He's not as gigantic or hairy or hideous, but all his thoughts and emotions stay the same in either form. NOTE: He is more vulnerable in human form...that means, easier to kill. Bigfoot are not immortal.

8) He is able to transform at will. Any time, any day, any where. No full moon, no special brew, no temper tantrum, no nightfall trigger, no nothing needed to turn all beastly.

9) He really likes forests and caves and cooler weather. Chances are high he'd think twice about stalking you  all the way to a highly populated city with average daily temps above 80 degrees. Think the Bahamas. Yeah, I understand...moving kinda sucks. The boxes and packing and finding a new hairdresser...so, that might not be an option.

10) Appealing to his ego works wonders. Make him believe you like him...you know, that reverse psychology stuff? Then call that TV show on the Animal Planet that hunts Bigfoot and tell them you've found what they are looking for. Of course, you'll need to somehow NOT let your Bigfoot stalker read your mind as you contact the hunters. (And there are ways to block mind reading. That is for another blog!)

Good luck! You'll need it.
~~~~~~

That is all!
Gina

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

My Interview at From The Shadows for "Rocked"


Today my interview is posted by E.J. Stevens at From The Shadows . It's a fun Q & A session which I loved participating in! The questions range from: when did I begin writing, what brought me to the paranormal genre, if I could have a supernatural talent what it would be, why you will like my new book "Rocked", and who I would cast for leading roles if "Rocked" were made into a movie. That last one was a toughie...there are so many talented and interesting actors to choose from who could portray the characters so perfectly in the book. 


Don't forget to enter for the ebook giveaway of "Rocked" on my website, too.

Now go read my interview at From The Shadows (click that link)!

That is all...

Gina

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

All the Online Stores FINALLY have "Rocked" available! Plus Giveaway, Interview, Book Tour, Poems

At least all the online stores I'm dealing with...there are always additional ones, but these are the hot spots where my latest young adult, paranormal thriller can be found:

Rocked: A Chelsie Valdar Saga, 1




Amazon: Ebook for Kindle-click here
Amazon: Paperback-click here
iTunes/Apple iBookstore: Ebook-click here
Barnes & Noble: Ebook for Nook-click here
Kobo Ebookstore: Ebook-click here
Smashwords: Multiple Ebook Formats-click here
Sony Reader: click here

~~~~

On my website, I'm offering a Giveaway where you can enter to win an ebook copy of "Rocked". Entry is easy as typing in your email...and of course, other options let you spread the word about my books. The drawing will be on May 12, 2013, randomly chosen with the Rafflecopter Giveaway doo-dads.

~~~~

On Wed., April 24 I will be the guest author interviewed by E.J. Stevens over at www.fromtheshadows.info . I'm looking forward to seeing the interview, as she asked some interesting and different questions that were fun coming up with original answers. Some really made my ADHD brain think!

~~~~

May 20 - 24: "Rocked" and I will be on a book blogger tour.



We will be highlighted at 22 different book blogging websites! Every site will offer an ebook giveaway to enter and it will vary what happens at each site. Interviews, excerpts, reviews of "Rocked", me doing a guest post, etc. VERY exciting! When that week arrives, I will blog WHERE the book tour stops are and links to find them.

~~~~

I am offering a short compilation of poems I wrote as a teenager (5 of the less vomit-inducing ones out of 60+ I have scribbled in a notebook) plus a recent poem I wrote after my dad died a few weeks ago. Just a little something free for those who sign up for my newsletter. Don't freak. Email addresses kept private and I plan to only email a newsletter a few times a YEAR - just to send out updates such as this and when new novels are "born"!! But since peeps are leery of newsletters, I thought I'd give you something personal of mine...the poems...kinda like a plate of cookies as an incentive! (Newsletter link here)

~~~~
That is all! 

Gina


Saturday, April 6, 2013

Highland woman turns out third fiction novel - The Edwardsville Intelligencer : News

Highland woman turns out third fiction novel - The Edwardsville Intelligencer : News: When Highland resident Gina Marie Long closed her hair salon after 16 years, she had no idea that a career as a young adult fiction writer was…

Thursday, March 21, 2013

"Rocked" Article in Local Paper-Teen, Paranormal Thriller Announcement

Yep, I'm in the local newspaper for Rocked: A Chelsie Valdar Saga, 1. Perhaps several papers, since I sent out press releases during the last week and I don't have subscriptions to every one of them to confirm which ones actually printed my latest news.

The article I'm staring at is in the Highland News Leader, dated Thursday, March 21, 2013, which is connected with the Belleville News Democrat (no reporter's name given). The direct link for the online version is HERE. And after giving the proper credit to the paper above, I've copy/pasted the article below so as to become part of my website:

~~~~~~~~



Highland author’s third book is another fantasy thriller

Gina Marie Long, Young Adult - Paranormal Thrillers
Published: March 20, 2013 

Read more here: http://www.bnd.com/2013/03/20/2542135/highland-authors-third-book-is.html?fb_action_ids=623980274283049&fb_action_types=og.recommends&fb_source=aggregation&fb_aggregation_id=288381481237582#storylink=cpy



Local author Gina Marie Long has published her third novel, Rocked: A Chelsie Valdar Saga, 1.
A young-adult, urban fantasy, paranormal thriller set in Oregon, the book is the first in a trilogy and begins one week before the apocalypse.
The heroine, Chelsie Valdar, 17, and her brother are modern-day Viking warrior teenagers. They must find a mystical sword belonging to their ancient ancestor and flee to safety at a secret shelter, if they hope to survive.
“This first book deals with the pre-apocalypse time. So, the second book will be about the Apocalypse time — what Chelsie and her group experience as Yellowstone explodes and the immediate aftermath. And the third book will be about the post-apocalypse time and how life has changed,” said Long, who lives in Highland with her husband and cat.
As the clock ticks, several Bigfoot and an outcast werecat become invaluable friends helping with the search for the sword and offering supernatural protection. Misfortune haunts their every move. Conflicts delay their progress. Especially when a devious and deranged enemy is infatuated with Chelsie, 17, and hungers for the sword, desperate to escape to the shelter with Chelsie by his side. Time is running out.
The story transpires over one week.
“If you ever watched the TV show 24 with Kiefer Sutherland — or other similar shows — that is where I got the idea on how I wanted to pace this book. Fast-moving, keeps the suspense high, takes you through the motions of what happens to Chelsie — and her (teenage) gang — every step of the adventure.
“Except 24 played out an entire hour by the second and minute during each episode. Rocked is not that detailed. If it was, it would be 3 billion pages long,” Long said.
The book is now available for purchase from Amazon.com in print and Kindle format. Other ebook distribution channels are Barnes and Noble, Sony, Kobo, Apple and Smashwords.
Long’s two other books, Unknown Touch and Unknown Scent, are also a series, about werewolves.
For more information about the author, visit her website, www.ginamarielong.com.
~~~~~~~~~
How exciting, isn't it? Now go get the book, silly! 

Read more here: http://www.bnd.com/2013/03/20/2542135/highland-authors-third-book-is.html?fb_action_ids=623980274283049&fb_action_types=og.recommends&fb_source=aggregation&fb_aggregation_id=288381481237582#storylink=cpy