Happy Release Day to Divergent!

Three great books hit the shelves TODAY so I thought I would read all three in preparation to celebrate all week:

• Divergent by Veronica Roth

• Moonglass by Jessi Kirby

• The Royal Treatment by Lindsey Leavitt (Princess for Hire 2)

Today, I celebrate Divergent by Veronica Roth.

So I would say Divergent is Matched meets Hunger Games.

Beatrice lives in a society where they get to choose one of 5 factions where they will spend their life. Once she chooses, she becomes Tris, a very intense, strong and brave character. Yet still shows vulnerabilities you can connect with. I felt her struggle in her initial decision and the conflict in staying with that decision. Divergent is extremely well written and chock full of action, romance, suspense, and mystery. It gives a gritty view of a future Chicago.

Now lets talk about Veronica. I followed Veronica's blog when she first began writing this story late one fall. I finally met her in person last year at LA and she is adorable and funny. Love her. Soooo, I am happy she gets to take this journey in publishing. She is also a Bookanista so that puts her a tiny but closer to my heart :).

You HAVE to check out this book. YOU will not be disappointed!

Comment on today's post and I will choose someone to receive this lovely book. :)

Bookanistas - The Story Book by David Baboulene (Giveaway)

The Story Book: A Writer's Guide to Story Development, Principles, Problem-solving and Marketing.

I've read a lot of "how-to write" books so I didn't think another one could help. But this one is worth the read.

This is a book for beginning writers as well as more established writers.

In The Story Book, author, scriptwriter, story consultant and Ph.D scholar of story theory, David Baboulene, helps us understand what makes a gripping story. Tips of the trade are given in several great interviews with some big names in the publishing and film industry.

He also includes some of his research on the history of storytelling as well as the overall psychology of a reader. The fun part is that David uses a lot of writing examples from movies (ie. Back to the Future) and other well-known books to help explain and show the points he's making. I found this helpful to see how his tips had been applied.

In addition, his books also covers the basics like:

• the key parts of a story
• the nuts and bolts of structural techniques
• story development from beginning to end.
• a series of story questions to analyze own WIPs
• writing prompts
• submitting your novel to agents or editors
• coping with rejection

This is a must-read for your writing book collection.

I have 2 books to giveaway. Make sure you are a follower and leave a comment on:

Why do you love to write?

Also, don't forget to check out other Bookanista reviews:

Stop by Myra McEntire’s blog for more awesome info on our first Bookanistas Give Back project

Elana Johnson thrills over The Third

Christine Fonseca takes a shine to Demonglass

Shana Silver is rapturous about Moonglass

Carrie Harris revels in Divergent

Rosemary Clement-Moore adores Enclave

Stasia Ward Kehoe has Perfect cover love

Veronica Rossi enthuses over Enclave

Megan Miranda travels the pages of Blood Red Road

Share your news!

Hey guys -

Just was wondering what news you had out there. I'd like to help celebrate.

any new agent deals?

book deals?

reached any new writing milestones?

Any books about to be released?

Going to SCBWI LA this year? I am!

I'd love to hear anything positive :)

Toot your own horn and let me know so I can wave a big congrads!

The Bookanistas: Possession by Elana Johnson

Possession (coming 6/7/2011)

Vi knows the Rule: Girls don't walk with boys, and they never even think about kissing them. But no one makes Vi want to break the Rules more than Zenn...and since the Thinkers have chosen him as Vi's future match, how much trouble can one kiss cause? The Thinkers may have brainwashed the rest of the population, but Vi is determined to think for herself.

This is a game of control or be controlled. And Vi has no choice but to play.

Okay so WOW!

First , did you all see this from PW?

“Possession held me completely captivated from
beginning to end. And what an end! I fell in love with the
characters and had countless moments of ‘Wow.

—JAMES DASHNER, bestselling author of The Maze Runner

Hello? James Dashner? (swoon)

Possession is pacy and kept me up nights. It even has a cliffhanger. Vi is a kick-ass heroine and... Jag is oh how do I say it....HOT.

I love love love the technology angle. I mean controlling technology - how cool is that? Anyone interested in mind control, people who can sense technical power, and all the latest gadgets you wish you had.

The fact that I adore Elana, her blog, and friendship is just a cherry on the top. And if you have not read her blog or followed her advice on querying - I say....what are you crazy!!!

My only concern with Possession at this point - is - a stand alone.....what if they don't do a sequel!!!!

Please let their be a sequel!!!!!

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Check out the other Bookanistas:

Elana Johnson visits Dark and Hollow Places

LiLa Roecker gets silly over Spoiled

Christine Fonseca has a passion for Possession – with giveaway

Shannon Messenger marvels at Moonglass – with giveaway

Jamie Harrington adores Invincible Summer

Scott Tracey bathes in Blood Magic

Carolina Valdez Miller interviews Invicible Summer author Hannah Moskowitz

Jessi Kirby praises Playing Hurt

Bethany Wiggins delves into Divergent

Shana Silver presents a Guestanista gushing over Between Here and Forever

Gretchen McNeil parties over The Anti-Prom

Carrie Harris sings out about Shift

Rosemary Clement-Moore applauds Abandon

Sarah Frances Hardy enjoys Me Jane

Matt Blackstone loves Like Mandarin

Corrine Jackson delights in The Duff

Stasia Ward Kehoe discusses Displacement

Beth Revis goes into Black Hole Sun