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 – WATERFELLOCEANBORN, and SEAMONSTERTHE 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 ShonnaSHONNA 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!!

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214 Comments on Spring 2015 YA Scavenger Hunt

  1. choseanu
    April 5, 2015 at 2:45 am (9 years ago)

    Potato Chips! I do feel a bit bad when crumbs get in the spine though.

    Reply
  2. Amanda
    April 5, 2015 at 2:44 am (9 years ago)

    I love eating m&ms while enjoying a good book.

    Reply
  3. Carmel La (@oo_carmel_oo)
    April 5, 2015 at 2:39 am (9 years ago)

    CHIPS! Nacho chips or potato chips!

    Thank you for participating in YASH and for the international giveaway! 😀

    Reply
  4. Irene Keselman
    April 5, 2015 at 2:35 am (9 years ago)

    While reading, I like to eat strawberries or cashews 🙂 Thanks to the recipe of the delicious brownies, I will try to make some and maybe I will have a new favorite snack!!!

    Reply
  5. Jothee
    April 5, 2015 at 2:02 am (9 years ago)

    I dont do snacks when reading. I fear it’ll fall on the book and ruin it.

    Reply
  6. Alisha Sienkiel
    April 5, 2015 at 12:44 am (9 years ago)

    Popcorn!

    Reply
  7. Allie
    April 5, 2015 at 12:28 am (9 years ago)

    Fruit! Pears, oranges, apples, grapes…

    Reply
  8. Jessica Lynn
    April 5, 2015 at 12:20 am (9 years ago)

    My favorite snack while reading…is not “technically” a snack. It’s a Starbucks venti triple caramel macchiato w/extra caramel drizzle! Hah, yeah that’s a mouthful to order, and I literally buy 3 everyday! No joke!

    Reply
  9. cheyshaven
    April 5, 2015 at 12:09 am (9 years ago)

    Caffeine to help me continue to read 😉

    Reply
  10. cgcandia
    April 4, 2015 at 11:49 pm (9 years ago)

    Gummies! I love eating gummies while I’m reading. Also peanuts. 🙂

    Reply
  11. lostbraincell
    April 4, 2015 at 11:33 pm (9 years ago)

    Coffee/tree and something sweet!

    Reply
  12. Rachel @ Paper Cuts
    April 4, 2015 at 11:14 pm (9 years ago)

    I used to avoid snacking while reading, aside from tea, but I’ve recently gotten a little (read: a lot) addicted to Godiva chocolate. I buy a couple of bars at a time and eat one while reading. It’s too good. 🙂

    Reply
  13. Carly Vaught
    April 4, 2015 at 11:02 pm (9 years ago)

    It changes, but yesterday I was eating cheese 😀

    Reply
  14. Hunter
    April 4, 2015 at 10:11 pm (9 years ago)

    I don’t usually eat while reading but, if I did it would have to be something sweet.

    Reply
  15. Chelsie
    April 4, 2015 at 9:55 pm (9 years ago)

    My favorite snack would have to be Chex Mix and warm cup of tea 🙂

    Reply
  16. Maggie
    April 4, 2015 at 9:25 pm (9 years ago)

    I love to munch on smallish crunchy things so chips, nuts, I’ll eat anything really though, sucks when I end up getting food on my beloved books, but doesn’t stop me from reading while I eat 😉

    Reply
  17. Liz
    April 4, 2015 at 9:24 pm (9 years ago)

    Anything chocolate, but if a character is eating i often crave what they’ve got

    Reply
  18. redrusty
    April 4, 2015 at 9:17 pm (9 years ago)

    I really love crackers or chips, anything crunchy while I’m reading! Ice cream is good too.

    Reply
  19. Abby Dotson
    April 4, 2015 at 8:54 pm (9 years ago)

    Chocolates or fruits

    Reply
  20. Mandy @ Mandy's Books and Beauty
    April 4, 2015 at 8:39 pm (9 years ago)

    I usually forget to snack while reading, especially if its a good book. But I love starburst jelly beans as book munchies when I remember around this time of year.

    Reply
  21. Kirby W
    April 4, 2015 at 8:33 pm (9 years ago)

    pita chips

    Reply
  22. als115
    April 4, 2015 at 7:28 pm (9 years ago)

    I’m pretty flexible when it comes to snacks but ice cream or pretzels are always good when reading. Thank you for participating. It’s nice to meet you. I look forward to reading your story (now located on my TBR).

    Reply
  23. Rebecca W.
    April 4, 2015 at 7:11 pm (9 years ago)

    While reading I like to eat chocolate, especially those Easter bunny chocolates around this time!

    Reply
  24. Angelica Leon
    April 4, 2015 at 6:57 pm (9 years ago)

    Pop corn… Almost never hungry while reading, when I do I die for pop corn xD

    Reply
  25. Robbie Bauldree
    April 4, 2015 at 6:43 pm (9 years ago)

    Chips

    Reply
  26. Katy Messier
    April 4, 2015 at 6:41 pm (9 years ago)

    Chips or popcorn are a for sure favorite while reading but I’ll go for any kind of finger food.

    Reply
  27. Lisa
    April 4, 2015 at 6:41 pm (9 years ago)

    Popcorn

    Reply
  28. Grace
    April 4, 2015 at 6:33 pm (9 years ago)

    I love eating any type of candy. I LOVE sugar when I read.

    Reply
  29. bn100
    April 4, 2015 at 6:31 pm (9 years ago)

    don’t eat when I read

    Reply
  30. Natalia Warthen
    April 4, 2015 at 5:29 pm (9 years ago)

    Anything that’s delicious and isn’t in harm of staining my book (we can’t let that happen!).

    Reply
  31. ehutchings
    April 4, 2015 at 4:32 pm (9 years ago)

    I am totally going to make those Brownies for Easter tomorrow. Thank you for the recipe.

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

    My favorite thing to eat while reading is grapes or apples!
    Thanks for the giveaway!:)

    Reply
  33. Carie
    April 4, 2015 at 4:17 pm (9 years ago)

    Red Hots! Love them!!

    Reply
  34. Dana Bartelt
    April 4, 2015 at 4:14 pm (9 years ago)

    air popped popcorn!

    Reply
  35. Shonna Slayton
    April 4, 2015 at 3:34 pm (9 years ago)

    Thanks for hosting me Amalie! And I’m not even sorry I’ve tempted you with these delicious brownies. Not. At. All.

    Reply
  36. 1110cg
    April 4, 2015 at 3:17 pm (9 years ago)

    Popcorn 🙂

    Reply
  37. danielle hammelef
    April 4, 2015 at 2:09 pm (9 years ago)

    Reading is actually one of my tricks of NOT eating (no mess in the books!).

    Reply
  38. Jessica Kilgore
    April 4, 2015 at 1:55 pm (9 years ago)

    I like to eat chips or drink coffee while I read

    Reply
  39. Tammy V.
    April 4, 2015 at 1:29 pm (9 years ago)

    I love grapes. In summer I freeze them and eat them.

    Reply
  40. Tammy V.
    April 4, 2015 at 1:28 pm (9 years ago)

    Grapes. In summer I freeze them and eat them too.

    Reply
  41. Kassiah
    April 4, 2015 at 1:25 pm (9 years ago)

    I love the salty sweet m&ms mix 🙂 Great post! Thanks for participating in the YASH! xo

    Reply
  42. Betul E.
    April 4, 2015 at 1:14 pm (9 years ago)

    Peanut butter cups

    Reply
  43. Carina Olsen
    April 4, 2015 at 1:05 pm (9 years ago)

    I do not eat while reading, hih 😀 but when I take a break, I love eating Kinder chocolate. <3 It is the best 🙂 Thank you so much for this aaawesome giveaway Amalie. <3 You are the best 🙂

    Reply
  44. Sophie
    April 4, 2015 at 12:44 pm (9 years ago)

    I LOVE LOVE LOVE eating chocolate covered pretezals

    Reply
  45. k
    April 4, 2015 at 12:41 pm (9 years ago)

    It’s usually something sweet and not too messy. . like Twizzlers. I really enjoy the sweet and sour kind.

    (also, I will be trying those brownies. I see almond extract was used. . . I’ll have to try that. Are they cakey? I love cake brownies) Can you see I’m obsessed with sweets, haha?

    Reply
  46. Chary Baez
    April 4, 2015 at 11:29 am (9 years ago)

    Lindor white chocolate.

    Reply
  47. tuabfc
    April 4, 2015 at 10:39 am (9 years ago)

    cookies and coffee! 😉

    Reply
  48. Melisa
    April 4, 2015 at 10:29 am (9 years ago)

    It used to be chocolate, but I decided to turn over a new leaf and now it’s carrots XD

    Reply
  49. Emma G
    April 4, 2015 at 10:26 am (9 years ago)

    I like sour gummy worms, or lifesavers. I like something I can suck on while I’m reading.

    Reply
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