Book Tour - First Vision - Heather Topham Wood

Hey everyone! This is my first book tour and I am super excited to be part of it! I want to thank everyone who is involved in the planning and for including me and now without further wait I would like to introduce to you:

Heather Topham Wood 

Author Bio

Heather Topham Wood graduated from the College of New Jersey in 2005 and holds a

bachelor’s degree in English. Working full-time as a freelance writer for publications such as

USA Today, Livestrong.com, Outlook by the Bay and Step in Style magazine, she writes fiction

novels in her spare time. She resides in Trenton, New Jersey with her husband and two sons.

First Visions is the first novel in the Second Sight Series.

Date Published: May 1, 2012 

Synopsis: 

 

Two years ago, 21-year-old Kate Edwards became deathly ill and slipped into a coma. While unconscious, she crept into the mind of a missing boy and awoke with the knowledge of his location. Friends and family were skeptical and wary of her new ability to see into the minds of others. Their fears prompted Kate to keep her psychic powers a secret. Feeling alienated, she dropped out of college and spent most of her days holed up at her mother’s home.

Now another child has been abducted. Police detective Jared Corbett seeks out Kate for her help in solving the case. Reluctantly, Kate agrees and they must work together to bring 8-year-old Cori Preston home to her family. Although attracted to one another, Jared has a girlfriend with ties to the abduction case and Kate is sarcastic and guarded since her coma. With visions she can’t control and an uncontrollable attraction to the detective, she wonders if she can leave the past behind and finally stop hiding from the world. Otherwise, Cori may be lost forever.

My Review:

I really liked Kate because she's snarky. She's not afraid to throw out an insult. She's not afraid to tell Jared to back off - "because she's not psychic" - even though she is. I also liked Kate because she is gaurded against all the non-believers in the world. And who can blame her? But when it comes to an 8 year old, a terrifying dream, and a pushy mom - Kate has to tell someone. How do you not protect a little girl. It would make you a monster and Kate knows this. 

Kate's lucky that Jared is one of the "good guys."  He is hopeful she can help. He is hopeful that his feelings for Kate will go away when he find his GIRLFRIEND'S little sister. He is sure that he can keep her secret. 

But like any good love plot, character a and character b cannot stay away from each other, which is exactly as I like it.  Does anyone see any bumps in the "love road?" I do! er, did? Can I call both on this? 

I was sad because of the situation, a kidnapping, the book had to move fast over a short amount of time - a few day - because that's realistic. It didn't give me enough time to really get to know the characters, which is why I am looking forward to book 2! Now while, I like to get to know my characters, I completely agree with Heather's choice in sticking with a believable time and plot lines, as opposed taking two or three weeks for Kate and Jared to build up with one another. It wouldn't happen in real life. Again - it's why I am looking forward to book 2. 

Heather also gave me a guest post which I find to be very useful as a writer - so all of you who want to work on being a better writer - take heed! 

10 Tips to Becoming the Best Writer You Can Be

Here are a few tips that really helped me as I wrote First Visions. Some of the tips you may have heard time and time again, but they really do work.

Tune Out Everyone’s Voice in Your Head

I unfortunately put way too much thought in what other people think. This can really make your story suffer if you’re constantly wondering over other’s reactions. Don’t be afraid to take risks. Even if it doesn’t work out, at least you know you put yourself out there.

Get Organized

Whether you’re old school and use a notebook for organizational purposes or rely on a program like Scrivener, staying organized while writing can be extremely helpful. As an example, I keep both an outline and character descriptions close at hand while I write for quick reference.

Just Write

If you obsess over every single word you put on paper, you may end up sacrificing some of your creative energy. This is where free writing exercises can be very helpful. Browse writer’s blogs and you’re bound to come upon some free writing topics and exercises you can tackle.

Don’t Be Afraid to Hit the Delete Button

Getting rid of stuff that just isn’t working is a must. Don’t be afraid to cut huge chunks out of your novel. Save each previous draft and if end up having use for the scenes down the road, so be it.

Walk Away for Awhile

I once heard a reference that writers have a tendency to have beer goggles on while writing. You may love every single word you write one night, but then wake up the morning and wonder what the hell you were thinking. Fresh perspective can definitely help you become the best writer possible.

Don’t Lose Yourself in the Editing Process

Feedback can be very helpful in the writing process, but opinions are subjective. What works for one reader may not for another. Although you may be inclined to change certain aspects based on a single opinion, wait until you get more input. As an example, an editor I spoke with wanted me to make my main character in First Visions “nicer” and gave me examples of what a “good” woman would and would not do. I think if I followed her advice, I would’ve ended up with a dreadfully boring story.

Show Don’t Tell

This is probably one of the helpful pieces of advice I received during the editorial process. Use dialogue and the character’s actions keep the story moving. Wordy descriptions can end up hurting the pace of your novel.

Read Everything You Can Possibly Get Your Hands On

My husband will laugh at me when he sees me reading a trashy magazine or book and I tell him I’m working. Being well read can enhance your vocabulary, improve your grammar and help you find inspiration for your work.

Stick to a Routine

I have two boys under five which makes finding the time to write exceedingly difficult. Each night after they go to bed, even if I’m not in the mood, I’ll write at least something.

Get Rid of the Distractions

I’ll be in the middle of writing a pivotal scene when all of a sudden my phone will ring or my inbox will chime. Or I’ll receive a text from my sister stating I have to go on Facebook right now and look at this raunchy picture posted by so and so. A good piece of advice I heard before is to write on a computer without internet access. (OUCH HEATHER!  I can't do that!) 

Thank you so much for the advice! I wish you the very best in your book sales. I am sure they will be all you hoped for. Thanks for stopping by everyone!

DISCLOSURE – Please place somewhere in the post for all reviews!

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of Reading Addiction Blog Tours and a copy of this book was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by Reading Addiction Blog Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, publisher, publicist, or readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning Use of Endorcements and Testimonials in Advertising*

Underworld by Meg Cabot

Escape from the realm of the dead is impossible when someone there wants you back.

Seventeen-year-old Pierce Oliviera isn’t dead.

Not this time.

But she is being held against her will in the dim, twilit world between heaven and hell, where the spirits of the deceased wait before embarking upon their final journey.

Her captor, John Hayden, claims it’s for her own safety. Because not all the departed are dear. Some are so unhappy with where they ended up after leaving the Underworld, they’ve come back as Furies, intent on vengeance…on the one who sent them there and on the one whom he loves.

But while Pierce might be safe from the Furies in the Underworld, far worse dangers could be lurking for her there…and they might have more to do with its ruler than with his enemies.

And unless Pierce is careful, this time there’ll be no escape.

Have you ever had mixed feelings about a book - like I really love this book but I really am not sure why? Maybe I should think on this then blog. *Three days pass* yeah I really like the book I still don't know why. 

That this entire series. I re-read Abandoned by Meg Cabot (same feelings as described above) but when I was done I could not wait to burn through Underworld. I needed to know more about John and Pierce (FAVE NAME EVER for a girl), I want to know more about her grandmother. Was Pierce legit stuck in the underworld? Did John do that whole over-reacting thing that he does? Burning questions - but ask me why I like Pierce or John. John's easy - because I am a stereotypical YA reader - he's the hottie. I take that back - there is more to John, and even though he is a bit superhuman and all, he's a normal teenage guy who acts impulsively, and he gets jealous, and he's kind of selfish. Hey I could meet him on the street! 

Pierce - not your smartest heroine. I really think she should listen to John more. She doesn't gets herself into some trouble, gets other people into trouble, people end up dying. 

One character that I absolutely love in this book is Pierce's Uncle Chris. The guy who got the bad rep, did time, and now is trying to figure out his way in the world. He cares for his family. I really like him. 

I wasn't the biggest fan of the ending. It wrapped up to fast for me and I feel if John was "smarter" it all could have been avoided, but then there wouldn't be a third book and then I would be pissed. 

I am not sure if this post makes sense. 

But in the end, OMG can the third one PLEASE come out. 

Pumped for Unwholly!

I had to share this. All of you know the fan that I am of Neal Shusterman. I mean the man is a genius. I can also tell you about my excitement for his sequel to Unwind (click to see my review).  Here is the summary and cover of Unwholly. Can we talk about how eerily creepy that cover is. AMAZING.

Thanks to Connor, Lev, and Risa — and their high-profile revolt at Happy Jack Harvest Camp — people can no longer turn a blind eye to unwinding. Ridding society of troublesome teens while simultaneously providing much-needed tissues for transplant might be convenient, but its morality has finally been brought into question. However, unwinding has become big business, and there are powerful political and corporate interests that want to see it not only continue, but also expand to the unwinding of prisoners and the impoverished.

Cam is a product of unwinding; made entirely out of the parts of other unwinds, he is a teen who does not technically exist. A futuristic Frankenstein, Cam struggles with a search for identity and meaning and wonders if a rewound being can have a soul. And when the actions of a sadistic bounty hunter cause Cam’s fate to become inextricably bound with the fates of Connor, Risa, and Lev, he’ll have to question humanity itself.

Rife with action and suspense, this riveting companion to the perennially popular Unwind challenges assumptions about where life begins and ends—and what it means to live




If you have no read Unwind, I HIGHLY suggest it to you. Besides, you have to read that before you can read Unwholly, which I am sure is going to be just as good.


Who is excited?
Did I hear movie?
What are your thoughts on these two books? Do tell!

City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare

The demon Lilith has been destroyed and Jace has been freed from her captivity. But when the Shadowhunters arrive to rescue him, they find only blood and broken glass. Not only is the boy Clary loves missing–but so is the boy she hates, Sebastian, the son of her father Valentine: a son determined to succeed where their father failed, and bring the Shadowhunters to their knees.

No magic the Clave can summon can locate either boy, but Jace cannot stay away—not from Clary. When they meet again Clary discovers the horror Lilith’s dying magic has wrought—Jace is no longer the boy she loved. He and Sebastian are now bound to each other, and Jace has become what he most feared: a true servant of Valentine’s evil. The Clave is determined to destroy Sebastian, but there is no way to harm one boy without destroying the other. Will the Shadowhunters hesitate to kill one of their own?

Only a small band of Clary and Jace’s friends and family believe that Jace can still be saved — and that the fate of the Shadowhunters’ future may hinge on that salvation. They must defy the Clave and strike out on their own. Alec, Magnus, Simon and Isabelle must work together to save Jace: bargaining with the sinister Faerie Queen, contemplating deals with demons, and turning at last to the Iron Sisters, the reclusive and merciless weapons makers for the Shadowhunters, who tell them that no weapon on this earth can sever the bond between Sebastian and Jace. Their only chance of cutting Jace free is to challenge Heaven and Hell — a risk that could claim any, or all, of their lives.

And they must do it without Clary. For Clary has gone into the heart of darkness, to play a dangerous game utterly alone. The price of losing the game is not just her own life, but Jace’s soul. She’s willing to do anything for Jace, but can she even still trust him? Or is he truly lost? What price is too high to pay, even for love?

Darkness threatens to claim the Shadowhunters in the harrowing fifth book of the Mortal Instruments series

City of Lost Souls was not my favorite. Hey - don't throw that at me. It's isn't nice. I have been noticing a trend with me, that all these anticipated books that I have been dying for have been good, great in fact, because lets be real Cassandra Clare and Veronica Roth are writing goddesses, but I haven't been blown away. My reason: I have been stressed out with my job and I think that has affected my "wow" factors.

Spoilerish

That being said, City of Lost Souls did run the course I thought it would. I thought Jace would show up a few times more than he did before they couldn't be separated anymore. I also thought that Clary was too trusting (well she never trusted him - but her hatred for him wasn't as apparent throughout until the end) of Sebastian, way too fast. I love Clary for the reason that she goes on instinct and she's a fighter. I love her for never giving up on Jace, for knowing it wasn't "him", for not being able to resist him, for going with Jace when it was a completely ridiculous and stupid idea. I love her.

Jace - I can't really talk about - because I will full out spoil it, simply breaks my heart for two reasons: because of what he does to people and because of what happens to him. I mean come on! Cut the dude a break!

This book made me feel several angry thoughts - and if you know me - I like that. I don't love the happy endings. I like it when my heart breaks, when I gasp how cruel people can be, when the evil guy gets the upper hand. This book had this.

For starters - ALEC WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?! I don't blame Magnus. I don't blame him at all and Alec deserved what he got. But I felt bad for Magnus. I still want to date him.
And Sebastian - what a rat b@stard he is. I love a good villain to hate. And I hate how manipulative he is. I hate the control he has on the people around him. I love how he has a master plan to take over the world, and it is totally plausible in the shadowhunter world. I hate (LOVE) him.

I did feel this book was setting up for book 6. I felt that all these pieces needed to be placed just so, so that book 6 can wrap it up for me.

Brother Zachariah? Who do you think he is? Let me know - I have an inkling.

Any word on the movie?

What's Your Take (6)

Week 6 of What's Your Take!

This is week six for my new feature and I have to say everyone who has participated thus far has been awesome and really helped me define more about what this feature will be like and really it comes down to the title - What's Your Take. There are so many topics out there that all of you know about concerning the blogging network, publishing world, writing world, reading world. I love getting people's "takes," and so far I am learning a lot. Make sure to stop by every Thursday to see each week's feature and feel free to contact me to do a post! (Email Mf060784@gmail).

The importance of networking in person. Recently I have had the chance to really understand what it means to make real-life connections for promoting my book. I have worked for two years on building a blog following, surfing and cataloging information for promotion, and made a lot of super supportive friends - but mostly all on the internet. Now this is not a bad thing - I have reached people all the way in Australia. 


However recently, I have had three experiences where I got to self-promote in person. The first is I went to a banquet where I met Lia Habel, author of Dearly, Departed. Joe, Lia, and I talked books, trends, and most importantly writing. Joe and I both got some supportive feedback from Lia and made a friend with connection to the publishing world.  


Note 1: Go to conference, banquets, and meet and greets - it's not a joke - a few minutes with an author can open up some cracks in doors and windows for you. 


Next a very dear friend and favorite bartender Barb spoke to me about my book. Barb has bought my book in paperback, ebook, and bought one for her local library. She talked to me about her summer gift store she does here in the Chautauqua area. She talked to me about buying copies of my books and selling them for me at her store and doing a book signing. Now - I have no way of selling my book in a store - until now. It's a golden opportunity. Plus because of the frequent tourism to the area people who would not normally find my book - just might and take it back to their state, share it with a friend, who then shares it with a daughter, and WA BAM - Michelle Flick - household name! 


Note 2: Talk to people about your book - you never know how they can make that crack in the door or window bigger for you. 


Finally - another supportive friend of mine, Patti, is part of a book club. For the May meeting Patti bought all eight members a copy of my book to read. On top of that, these wonderful ladies invited me to join in on their May meeting. We talked for two hours about my book, the writing process, the publishing world, and shared stories. One of the ladies, Beth, stated that all of them would be firm supporters in my career. That is 7 more people, thanks to Patti, now know my name, my face, and have had personal interaction with me. These ladies were so wonderful. I was nervous and they put me at complete ease! 


Note 3: Book clubs - the untapped market. It's the same chain reaction. People who know the book, know you personally, will spread the word for you, making that crack slightly bigger. 


Anyone out there have a untapped resource they want to share with the rest of us? Want to add to Note 4? Believe me, I want to tap it :)

Sweet Evil and Wendy Higgins

What if there were teens whose lives literally depended on being bad influences?

This is the reality for sons and daughters of fallen angels.

Tenderhearted Southern girl Anna Whitt was born with the sixth sense to see and feel emotions of other people. She’s aware of a struggle within herself, an inexplicable pull toward danger, but Anna, the ultimate good girl, has always had the advantage of her angel side to balance the darkness within. It isn’t until she turns sixteen and meets the alluring Kaidan Rowe that she discovers her terrifying heritage and her willpower is put to the test. He’s the boy your daddy warned you about. If only someone had warned Anna.

Forced to face her destiny, will Anna embrace her halo or her horns?

I fell in love with this book from the beginning. There was something about Anna - something not so "goody good" or "too pure" but normally good - if that doesn't make sense to anyone - I understand - but it did make sense in my head. Anna is part light angel and part fallen angel. And while Kaiden and her father, Belial, are protective of her, Anna has what no other Neph has - Patti. Her adoptive mother is a wonderfully supportive and loving mother. Patti I think is the real reason that Anna stays on the "right path.

The nephilim in this story have to "work" and what that means who ever their demonic father's vice is, they have to get human commit that sin. Kaiden (who shares the last name as my boyfriend) has lust - so he has to go out, sleep with people, and make it so they never forget him, ultimately ruining them. Anna's and Belial's vice is addictive substances. She has to get people to drink or do drugs - and give into it. While Anna is against all this - she is put in between the rock and the hard spot to make a decision.

Kaiden - swoon - lust - While I mentioned earlier that Kai has to sleep with women. This sets him up to never be able to love. How could you love someone and every night go out and sleep with him. And while I think I am a very secure person, over my cold dead body would my boyfriend/husband/ romantic love interest go and sleep with someone else.  But Kai is very lovable and you guessed it - Anna and him attract. TALK ABOUT SOME LUSTFUL SCENES!

Belial and Kai try and hide Anna from the other fallen angels and neph because of Anna's heritage. She is different from all neph and by the end we start to piece together how important Anna is to the fallen angel and angels of light battle that is coming.

It's the first five I have given in awhile. Go read it.

Insurgent by Veronica Roth

One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth's much-anticipated second book of the dystopian Divergent series is another intoxicating thrill ride of a story, rich with hallmark twists, heartbreaks, romance, and powerful insights about human nature


As you all know, I am a HUGE fan of Divergent. I shove it every student that asks me: What's a good book to read? They all love it, just like me, and hounded me to finish Insurgent so that they could get their hands on it.

Now, no one can throw anything at me. I liked Divergent better. I did. NOT that Insurgent wasn't great. It was. It was completely different from the first book. There were a lot of great twists, a lot of things better explained, and I was generally happy with it. I mean I read it in two days while preparing for Prom and maintaining my full time job. I think I just fell in love with Divergent.

So what did I love about this book? Four. I am having a hard time calling him Tobias. Not sure why, but he definitely seems to want to be called Tobias in this book. Which is fine, my boyfriend is allowed to do that. He takes on a really strong leadership role in this book, and he kind of does it blindly, because of a certain somebody's influence (not Tris) and that surprised me. But then I remember he's like 18 and somewhere in that awesomeness of his character, he has to have a flaw.

I really hate Marcus. I mean, I hate him.

Tris, this time around, was the same, bull-headed, a little too fearless for those around her. I love it. She's my new Rose. She did have the fatal (OK not so fatal) flaw of being super insecure and reading into too much of her boyfriend's actions and ultimately letting it effect their relationship. IT'S sooooo annoying. Come on Tris. He's smart, hott, intelligent, brave, clearly loves you. So he's got baggage with his dad, wants him mommy, but in the end, she should know Four/Tobias is reliable. I did. He should date me.

The brother - GASP!

The ending, can someone email me about the ending. I don't get it. Either, I missed something or I don't get the "big" secret - or rather why it was so heavily guarded. Explanation needed from fellow bloggers!

In the end, go out and read this. If you haven't read Divergent - we are not friends until you do. It's that good.