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
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214 Comments on Spring 2015 YA Scavenger Hunt

  1. Anna
    April 3, 2015 at 10:15 am (9 years ago)

    Easter Eggs, so timely. I’m learning so much on this hunt. I’m looking forward to reading all these great books. I may enjoy a morsel of something sweet or crunchy, but I usually enjoy drinking hot tea, while reading novels.

    Reply
  2. Sue Holmes
    April 3, 2015 at 9:07 am (9 years ago)

    Smarties! Small candy coated chocolate buttons that I am told are only available in South Africa. They are a bit like M&Ms only better!

    Reply
  3. Liezl
    April 3, 2015 at 8:50 am (9 years ago)

    Popcorn! Feels like I’m ‘watching’ the book while reading it! 🙂

    Reply
  4. Autumn
    April 3, 2015 at 8:21 am (9 years ago)

    Cheezits I think is how it is spelled.

    Reply
  5. Hope Tweeddale
    April 3, 2015 at 7:51 am (9 years ago)

    Anything chocolatey! 😀 Thanks for this awesome giveaway and for participating in YASH! 😀

    Reply
  6. Sofia T.
    April 3, 2015 at 7:23 am (9 years ago)

    Maltesers!!!! I love them 🙂

    Reply
  7. karins28
    April 3, 2015 at 6:17 am (9 years ago)

    chocolate chips cookies!

    rafflecopter Karin S

    Reply
  8. VeronikaDream
    April 3, 2015 at 5:44 am (9 years ago)

    Chocolate!!! 🙂

    Reply
  10. Pranavi
    April 3, 2015 at 3:46 am (9 years ago)

    I don’t usually eat snacks while reading but I have a habit of drinking green tea when I am reading. I guess its a healthy habit for me. I should read more…

    Reply
  12. Ayala
    April 3, 2015 at 2:39 am (9 years ago)

    Thanks for the extra giveaway 🙂

    Reply
    • Ayala
      April 3, 2015 at 2:40 am (9 years ago)

      And my favourite snack while reading is chocolate.

      Reply
  13. Nichole
    April 3, 2015 at 2:11 am (9 years ago)

    I love having hot chocolate when I’m reading! Even in the summer!

    Reply
  14. Cindy
    April 3, 2015 at 2:05 am (9 years ago)

    I like candy, chips, cookies, (basically any junk food) but anything will do. 🙂

    Reply
  15. hufflepuffgrl13
    April 3, 2015 at 1:44 am (9 years ago)

    Snickers

    Reply
  16. Esteban Parra
    April 3, 2015 at 1:35 am (9 years ago)

    The ice cream is my favorite 😉 Greetings from Colombia.

    Reply
  18. Mary
    April 3, 2015 at 12:53 am (9 years ago)

    Chocolates! …or ice cream. 🙂

    Reply
  19. Ariel
    April 3, 2015 at 12:11 am (9 years ago)

    I don’t really like eating while reading because of crumbs/spills! But if I do eat something, it’s usually chocolate. 😀

    Reply
  20. Michaela Mills (@MMills_writer)
    April 3, 2015 at 12:03 am (9 years ago)

    My favorite snack is a cup of tea. I know, that’s kind of boring. 🙂 Thanks for participating and for the awesome giveaway!

    Reply
  21. Melissa Robles
    April 3, 2015 at 12:01 am (9 years ago)

    I LOVE eating cake while reading! Preferably, chocolate cake. Tiramisu is another favorite too. 😉 Thanks for the awesome giveaway!

    Reply
  22. Ella Z.
    April 2, 2015 at 11:59 pm (9 years ago)

    bread with cheese :3

    Reply
  23. karen chappell
    April 2, 2015 at 11:47 pm (9 years ago)

    I like jaw breakers!

    Reply
  24. Natasha
    April 2, 2015 at 11:41 pm (9 years ago)

    Chips.
    Thanks for the chance to win!

    Reply
  25. Patience
    April 2, 2015 at 11:19 pm (9 years ago)

    I am addicted to sweets. I love to snack while I read in bed. Cotton candy is my vice!

    Reply
  26. katherineslcc
    April 2, 2015 at 11:05 pm (9 years ago)

    My favorite snacks are watermelon jelly beans and reeces peanut butter cups. Not at all healthy, but still delicious

    Reply
  27. Sabrina Simpson
    April 2, 2015 at 10:54 pm (9 years ago)

    Popcorn! 🙂

    Reply
  28. agustinedwi
    April 2, 2015 at 10:43 pm (9 years ago)

    My fav snack is anything sweet! 🙂

    Reply
  29. Breenah A
    April 2, 2015 at 10:11 pm (9 years ago)

    Depending on the time of day, I prefer to have coffee or wine (inappropriate for YA books? Ha ha!) instead of food.

    Reply
  30. Amanda Stav
    April 2, 2015 at 10:09 pm (9 years ago)

    I love a little bit of everything. Usually almonds or popcorn though. Oh and I can’t forget my TEA 🙂

    Reply
  31. Margot
    April 2, 2015 at 10:05 pm (9 years ago)

    I will eat almost anything while I read, but one of my favorites would have to be soft cookies. They are not super crumbly so you don’t end up with food in your book and you don’t have to look away from the page to eat them!

    Reply
  32. Kate
    April 2, 2015 at 10:03 pm (9 years ago)

    Coke.
    Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply
  33. Maggie
    April 2, 2015 at 9:59 pm (9 years ago)

    I love Pocky, it’s not messy.

    Reply
  34. Julie Vaught
    April 2, 2015 at 9:55 pm (9 years ago)

    My favorite thing to read is chocolate. Really any type, but mostly M & Ms.

    Reply
  36. Sharon
    April 2, 2015 at 9:41 pm (9 years ago)

    My favorite snack to eat while reading is hard candy – I do not like to get my books dirty, so put a candy in my mouth, wash my hands and read!

    Reply
  37. Luana
    April 2, 2015 at 9:33 pm (9 years ago)

    Chocolate!

    Reply
  38. Luana
    April 2, 2015 at 9:33 pm (9 years ago)

    Excited for the YASH!

    Reply
  39. Gavin Chua
    April 2, 2015 at 9:12 pm (9 years ago)

    I don’t eat while reading.

    Reply
  41. thereadingrebel
    April 2, 2015 at 9:08 pm (9 years ago)

    Chocolate. Crispy M&Ms are my favorite.

    Reply
  42. Arlene
    April 2, 2015 at 9:01 pm (9 years ago)

    My fave is ice cream! Thanks for the extra giveaway!

    Reply
  43. dowiesplace
    April 2, 2015 at 8:37 pm (9 years ago)

    I am always eating potato chips. Darn little addictive thingys!

    Reply
  44. adreana
    April 2, 2015 at 8:05 pm (9 years ago)

    Thanks for the giveaway! 🙂

    Reply
  45. MissPhyre
    April 2, 2015 at 7:55 pm (9 years ago)

    I don’t snack while reading! I’m too worried that I will get something on my book/kindle. There was one time my husband spilled red koolaid all over two shelves of my books…….I cried for about an hour haha

    Melissa H.

    Reply
  46. Emz @ Paging Serenity
    April 2, 2015 at 7:06 pm (9 years ago)

    I don’t really like to snack while I read because I can be a bit of messy eater and I HATE getting food on my books.

    Thanks for the giveaway! 🙂

    Reply
  47. Beth
    April 2, 2015 at 6:52 pm (9 years ago)

    I don’t really don’t eat whilst reading but sometimes I will probably snack on some Dairy Milk whilst reading 😀

    Reply
  48. Isabel
    April 2, 2015 at 6:46 pm (9 years ago)

    I like to snack on anything while I read! Cookies are a favorite though.

    Reply
  49. Katja
    April 2, 2015 at 6:37 pm (9 years ago)

    Thank you for the giveaway! Your books sound amazing.

    Favourite snack while reading is chocolate. Even better if it’s chocolate and tea!

    Reply
  50. christybess
    April 2, 2015 at 6:34 pm (9 years ago)

    Kettle cooked jalapeno chips and a vanilla Pepsi! 🙂

    Reply
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