Contests, Publicity

Spring 2015 YA Scavenger Hunt

YASH INFOWelcome to the insane book circus that is the YA Scavenger Hunt! For those new to the fun-fest that is YASH, this tri-annual event was first organized by the fabulous Colleen Houck as a way to give readers a chance to gain access to bonus material from their favorite authors … and a chance to win some awesome prizes!

So for those of you who don’t know me, I’m the author of several books, including the Amazon best-seller BLOODSPELL; The AQUARATHI Series from Harlequin Teen – WATERFELL, OCEANBORN, and SEAMONSTER; THE ALMOST GIRL from Angry Robot Books; and the Spring 2014 Kids’ Indie Next Pick ALPHA GODDESS from Sky Pony Press.

If you came here looking for my bonus material, ALPHA GODDESS – THE STORY BEHIND THE STORY, you’ll have to keep hunting!

At this hunt, you not only get access to exclusive content from each author, you also get a clue for the hunt. Add up the clues, and you can enter for our prize–one lucky winner will receive one signed book from each author on the hunt in my team! But play fast: this contest (and all the bonus material) will only be online for 72 hours — until noon PST on Sunday April 5th!

http://www.dreamstime.com/-image16294099Check out the YA Scavenger Hunt page to find out all about the hunt. There are EIGHT contests going on simultaneously, and you can enter one or all! I am a part of the RED TEAM–but there are also BLUE, GOLD, GREEN, ORANGE, TEAL, PURPLE, & PINK teams (each with 20 authors) for a chance to win a whole different set of signed books!

If you’d like to find out more about the hunt, see links to all the authors participating, and see the full list of prizes up for grabs, go to the YA Scavenger Hunt homepage.

SCAVENGER HUNT PUZZLE

Directions: In my post, you’ll notice that I’ve hidden my favorite number in RED somewhere. Collect the favorite numbers of all the authors on the blue team, and then add them up.

Entry Form: Once you’ve added up all the numbers, make sure you fill out the form here to officially qualify for the grand prize. Only entries that have the correct number will qualify.

Rules: Open internationally, anyone below the age of 18 should have a parent or guardian’s permission to enter. To be eligible for the grand prize, you must submit the completed entry form by APRIL 5th, at noon Pacific Time. Entries sent without the correct number or without contact information will not be considered.

ARE YOU GUYS READY?!?!

Shonna-Slayton1I am super-thrilled to be hosting the lovely SHONNA SLAYTON for this leg of the YA Scavenger Hunt!

About Shonna: SHONNA SLAYTON is the author of the YA novels Cinderella’s Dress, (Summer 2014) and Cinderella’s Shoes (Fall 2015) published by Entangled Teen. She finds inspiration in reading vintage diaries written by teens, who despite using different slang, sound a lot like teenagers today. When not writing, Shonna enjoys amaretto lattes and spending time with her husband and children in Arizona.

Shonna’s featured book on this hunt is called CINDERELLA’S DRESS! Are you guys ready to see the gorgeous cover and read the summary? Drumroll please …

cinderellas-dress-cover-685x1024Being a teen-ager during World War II is tough. Finding out you’re the next keeper of the real Cinderella’s dress is even tougher.

Kate simply wants to create window displays at the department store where she’s working, trying to help out with the war effort.

But when long-lost relatives from Poland arrive with a steamer trunk they claim holds the Cinderella’s dress, life gets complicated.

Now, with a father missing in action, her new sweetheart shipped off to boot camp, and her great aunt losing her wits, Kate has to unravel the mystery before it’s too late.

After all, the descendants of the wicked stepsisters will stop at nothing to get what they think they deserve.

Find out more information about this exciting book by checking out Shonna’s website!

EXCLUSIVE CONTENT

The Hidden Easter Eggs in Cinderella’s Dress

I’ve never publicly talked about the Easter eggs hidden in my novel. Given that this is Easter weekend, I thought now would be a good time.

Easter eggs are secret references that authors sneak into the story. They can be something general for anyone to notice–like in my genre, a nod to other fairy-tale retellings–or something specific that only one person might pick up on.

I left unique Easter eggs behind for my first writer’s group to discover. These are the folks who read rough draft after rough draft, and yet still encouraged me to keep writing.

One of those Easter eggs is so delicious, you might want to make it yourself. My good friend Kitty Bucholtz, who writes light urban fantasy (aka funny super hero books), is famous for her brownies. She freely admits that she is not a cook, but she makes a killer brownie. *Zowie!*

Cinderella’s Dress is set in the 1940’s and my main character’s brother and boyfriend are both off at bootcamp and begging for care packages. Kate saves up her rations and sends them brownies. What make them so good are the chocolate chips and the almond flavoring:

Kitty’s Brownies

1 c margarine or butter

Brownies2 c sugar

3 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

½-1 tsp almond, mix with:

¾ c cocoa

1 c chocolate chips

2 c flour

Mix ingredients one at a time. Pour into greased 9 x 13 pan. Bake at 350 for 25-30 min. *Try not to consume in one sitting.*

FOR THE RECORD, MY MOUTH IS WATERING!!! Curse you, Shonna! Now I must make these STAT. Be sure to click on the links to Shonna’s website to find out how you can get your hands on your very own copy of CINDERELLA’S DRESS. Anyway, I now want to stuff my face with THIRTEEN of these brownies.

Don’t forget to enter the contest for a chance to win a ton of signed books by me, Shonna Slayton and more! To enter, you need to know that my favorite number is hidden somewhere in this post (hint: scroll up a bit – it’s in red and it’s about how many luscious brownies I want to consume). Add up all the favorite numbers of the authors on the red team and you’ll have all the secret code to enter for the grand prize! Also keep in mind that most of the authors are doing their own giveaways so there are many chances to win cool stuff.

While you’re here with me, be sure to enter the personal contest I’m hosting below for signed hardcover of my Spring Indie Next Pick, ALPHA GODDESS, as well as a signed set of my Aquarathi series, WATERFELL & OCEANBORN (including necklace, charm, bracelet, and tattoo). Contest is international.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

CONTINUE THE HUNT

If you’re ready to move on, click HERE to head over to the next author in the hunt — RIN CHUPECO! Good luck!!

by admin | 214 Comments
Newer comments

214 Comments on Spring 2015 YA Scavenger Hunt

  1. Gaby
    April 2, 2015 at 6:24 pm (9 years ago)

    Chocolate 😛

    Reply
  2. Kirstian
    April 2, 2015 at 6:14 pm (9 years ago)

    My favorite snack would have to be cookies because they do not make my book a mess.

    Reply
  3. Kirstian
    April 2, 2015 at 6:13 pm (9 years ago)

    I love this recipe! Looks yummy!

    Reply
  4. bibliosaurusbex
    April 2, 2015 at 6:00 pm (9 years ago)

    My favorite reading snack is Chex Mix. I’m particularly fond of the rice chex. 🙂

    Reply
  5. Artemis Giote
    April 2, 2015 at 5:51 pm (9 years ago)

    Cookies, chips, popcorn, chocolate……
    Beautiful post.
    Thank you for the chance!!!!

    Reply
  6. wallace712013
    April 2, 2015 at 5:51 pm (9 years ago)

    I don’t really snack while I am reading because I don’t want any grease spots or anything spilled on my books!! Thanks for the great giveaway!! 🙂

    Reply
  7. The Samhain Sisters
    April 2, 2015 at 5:49 pm (9 years ago)

    I love cheese sticks, pretzels or goldfish! I love grapes with a chunk of cheese as well! Mmmm savory.

    Reply
  8. wallace712013
    April 2, 2015 at 5:48 pm (9 years ago)

    I don’t really eat while I am reading but when I do it would have to be popcorn but I don’t like to get grease spots or anything on my books!! 🙂 Thanks for the great giveaway!!

    Reply
  9. Delia Chavez
    April 2, 2015 at 5:39 pm (9 years ago)

    My favorite snack while reading is goldfish crackers.

    Reply
  10. Brittany P.
    April 2, 2015 at 5:38 pm (9 years ago)

    I try not to eat for risk of ruining wonderful books… but if I do it’s something non-messy… grapes usually

    Reply
  11. Bekah
    April 2, 2015 at 5:38 pm (9 years ago)

    Starburst minis! I wish I could say something healthy (like granola or something) but what can I say? I love candy. 😉

    Reply
  12. Sheri @ Tangled Up In Books
    April 2, 2015 at 5:28 pm (9 years ago)

    Pita chips and humus. I’m kind of an addict. Though I do have to put whatever I’m reading aside because I think I’d freak if I got anything on a book/my Kindle haha.

    Thanks for the giveaway :)!

    Reply
  13. Eileen
    April 2, 2015 at 5:23 pm (9 years ago)

    Honestly, I try not to eat while I’m reading a physical book cause I don’t want to get it dirty. If I’m reading on my kindle though, I’d eat chocolate and sometime chips haha 🙂

    Reply
  14. Megan D.
    April 2, 2015 at 5:22 pm (9 years ago)

    Most definitely chocolate. 🙂

    Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  15. Ruby
    April 2, 2015 at 5:21 pm (9 years ago)

    I usually don’t eat while reading, because I’m afraid that the book might get dirty. If I’m too hungry and I don’t want to put the book down then pretzels are my go-to snack while reading.

    Reply
  16. Dreams (Carrie)
    April 2, 2015 at 5:19 pm (9 years ago)

    I don’t usually eat while I’m reading because I tend to forget I have food if I do. So if I had to pick something, I’d say an ice cream shake.

    Reply
  17. Marissa H.
    April 2, 2015 at 5:15 pm (9 years ago)

    I love Oreos when reading. And when doing anything else. I just love Oreos 🙂

    Reply
  18. cassidy
    April 2, 2015 at 5:13 pm (9 years ago)

    doritos or fruit pastels.

    Reply
  19. amartinez87
    April 2, 2015 at 5:08 pm (9 years ago)

    I like cookies while reading 🙂

    Reply
  20. Samantha Ramos
    April 2, 2015 at 5:08 pm (9 years ago)

    Those brownies look super good. I love to snack on cookies and milk while I read. Yum!

    Reply
  21. Dominique Cobb
    April 2, 2015 at 5:07 pm (9 years ago)

    I’m too busy reading to eat!!! lol 🙂

    Reply
  22. xxsquigglesxx
    April 2, 2015 at 5:07 pm (9 years ago)

    BBQ potato chips!! (Stacey Brucale on the rafflecopter form)

    Reply
  23. Stephanie Kaye
    April 2, 2015 at 5:04 pm (9 years ago)

    When I read I usually have a cup of coffee or tea with me and if I get hungry I will snack on wheat thins because they’re not really messy. 🙂

    Thanks for the bonus giveaway! 🙂

    Reply
  24. Kayla Beck
    April 2, 2015 at 5:03 pm (9 years ago)

    I know it’s the worst possible thing to eat while reading, but I always crave Cheetos – gah!

    Reply
  25. Shannon Rocks
    April 2, 2015 at 5:00 pm (9 years ago)

    When I have my mini snack breaks when reading, tea and rich-tea biscuits is my favourite 🙂

    Reply
  26. Emma A
    April 2, 2015 at 4:46 pm (9 years ago)

    I normally don’t eat and read at the same time, since most of my reading is done right before I go to bed. But if I do read in the middle of the afternoon, then I like some tea? If that counts as a snack. 🙂

    Reply
  27. Trainman1405
    April 2, 2015 at 4:36 pm (9 years ago)

    I’ll eat M&Ms while reading…they are my weakness.

    Reply
  28. Rosaline
    April 2, 2015 at 4:36 pm (9 years ago)

    Anything I can get my hands on, really! Eating and reading are two of my favorite things to do.

    Reply
  29. Nicole
    April 2, 2015 at 4:30 pm (9 years ago)

    Wheat Thins!

    Reply
  30. Jenn
    April 2, 2015 at 4:29 pm (9 years ago)

    I don’t really snack all that often, but when I do I like Frosted Mini Wheat without milk. They’re not really messy, I usually have them in the house, they’re sweet without being too sweet and crunchy like potato chips without being greasy and giving me a stomach ache later.

    Reply
  31. Maud G
    April 2, 2015 at 4:26 pm (9 years ago)

    I don’t snack while reading because I have a bit of a book ocd and I don’t want anything to damage my books xD But, when I’m taking a break from reading I love to snack on fruit, especially strawberries! <3

    Reply
  32. Katie
    April 2, 2015 at 4:22 pm (9 years ago)

    My favorite thing to eat while reading is Jolly Ranchers/

    Reply
  33. Liliana @ Lili Lost in a Book
    April 2, 2015 at 4:11 pm (9 years ago)

    It all depends on what I’m in the mood for, but lately it’s been sliced apples with peanut butter, YUM!

    Reply
  34. Nic
    April 2, 2015 at 4:11 pm (9 years ago)

    Does tea count as a snack? 😛 I used to have different snacks for different types of book!

    Reply
  35. Tiffany
    April 2, 2015 at 4:11 pm (9 years ago)

    Peas dipped in hummus!! I love it.

    Reply
  36. Eva Rushton
    April 2, 2015 at 3:59 pm (9 years ago)

    I want to go make those brownies, but the scavenger hunt is going…

    Reply
  37. Melissa B
    April 2, 2015 at 3:53 pm (9 years ago)

    I’m not really a snack eater but more of a coffee and tea drinker- usually have 2 cups on the go

    Reply
  38. Emily
    April 2, 2015 at 3:50 pm (9 years ago)

    My favorite snack while reading is actually pretzel sticks–non-messy (except for crumbs, but at least doesn’t damage pages). But I am also a huge fan of dark chocolate M&M’s as well, when I’m reading on my e-reader.

    Reply
  39. rachelpatrick93
    April 2, 2015 at 3:49 pm (9 years ago)

    I don’t eat certain things while reading or I eat them a certain way because food can ruin books. So the only food I really eat while reading is one that won’t do much damage (so Cheetos are bad). Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply
  40. Shauna Buck
    April 2, 2015 at 3:33 pm (9 years ago)

    Salt water taffy

    Reply
  41. Ashley White
    April 2, 2015 at 3:33 pm (9 years ago)

    I enjoy eating Golden Flake Vinegar & Salt Chips and drinking a Dr Pepper while reading. YUM

    Reply
  42. Jordan (BookBetch)
    April 2, 2015 at 3:18 pm (9 years ago)

    Popcorn hands down. It’s my favorite food in general. Though, I don’t like to eat it with paper books.

    Reply
  43. miki
    April 2, 2015 at 3:14 pm (9 years ago)

    i’m not eating while reading on only lollipop as i fear to damage my treasured books^^
    thank you a lot for taking part in this hunt and for your generous international giveaway

    Reply
  44. Joana Felício
    April 2, 2015 at 3:13 pm (9 years ago)

    I don’t trust myself with food and a book at the same time, but if I had to choose, probably chocolate. Chocolate is the answer to every question in life… well, at least it should be.

    Reply
  45. Samantha Newbury
    April 2, 2015 at 3:10 pm (9 years ago)

    Erm, well it could really be anything. Mostly it’s biscuits or crackers 🙂

    Reply
  46. Christine
    April 2, 2015 at 3:04 pm (9 years ago)

    My fave reading snack can be anything, from berries (especially frozen blueberries!) To pop tarts. Unfrosted ones, of course. Easy to eat things that don’t require me to stop reading to eat.

    Reply
  47. rhodak
    April 2, 2015 at 2:57 pm (9 years ago)

    Cake, cake and more cake! 😀

    Reply
  49. Sussu Leclerc
    April 2, 2015 at 1:07 pm (9 years ago)

    My favorite snack is Dolma. I could stuff my face with it. I also love crab and peas. I always keep a stash handy.

    Reply
  50. Thais Pampado
    April 2, 2015 at 12:56 pm (9 years ago)

    That was a yummy Easter egg!
    My favorite thing to eat while reading is, well, candy. It can be anything, chocolate, ice cream… if it’s sweet I’ll eat!
    Thank you for participating in YASH and for the giveaway 🙂

    Reply
Newer comments

Leave a Reply