PARANOIA by J.R. Johansson, a Convention To Do List, and a Giveaway

Okay, first, guys, last week's DESCENDANT / BIRTHRIGHT blast promotion was so much fun. I have a lot of new followers here and also on all my social networking sites, and more new readers than I ever dreamed. DESCENDANT spent the entire week in the #1 spot for Young Adult Paranormal and Urban Fantasy, as well as the #1 spot for Young Adult Paranormal Fantasy, and BIRTHRIGHT sales are climbing like crazy. I'm counting the week as a smashing success. Thank you so much to everyone who participated in any way. I adore you. 

*blows kisses*

For those of you who are new here, you will soon learn that I have a thing for writer's conferences and conventions. I love them. They're exhausting, and expensive, so I do have to limit myself sometimes, but when I attend something, I tend to find all the partying-est parties. And meet the partying-est people. And make the most outrageous memories. Because I think if you're going to do something great, you might as well make it as great as possible. 

One of my very favorite conventions is WorldCON, the world-wide science fiction and fantasy convention. I've been twice now. (I am currently not planning to attend this year as it's in London, but my WorldCON friends are all going, and miracles have been known to happen. *coughcough*) Both times, I spent my week rooming and hanging out with the lovely J.R. Johansson, author of INSOMNIA and this week's new release, PARANOIA. 

Since all the other posts on this blog tour are all about PARANOIA, today, on the day of the PARANOIA launch party (which I can't attend because I'm far away in Texas), we thought we'd take a break from the book-ish posts and instead do one about authors and parties. The following advice is drawn from our experience attending WorldCon together, where we behaved...well, if not like total professionals...then at least like people that were having more fun than is considered legal in 12 states.

So here it is. J.R. Johansson's and my official Convention To-Do list (in no particular order):

1. Find the human outline on the floor in the Klingon party and act panicked, then hurry and lie down to see if it matches your body.

2. Throw cookies off a 19th floor balcony, and then rescue those cookies from the street an hour later. 

3. Sit on George R.R. Martin's lap while wearing tiara, and claiming you have officially WON the Game of Thrones.

4. Hijack a freight elevator with 11 other people, because there's a line to get on the ones meant for "guests." 

5. Go on a quest that results in you being knighted by a highly famous author waving a glowing sword. 

6. Be serenaded by an opera-singer diva who is dying to let the world know it's someone's birthday. 

7. Find the ONLY party with music and a disco ball and start a near-riot by bringing all your new friends from the elevator. 

8. Dress up in corsets to attend the Masquerade, and pretend you're Nevada show-girls along the way.

9. Ride an elevator with lampshades on your heads (not the freight elevator). 

10. Have impromptu dance parties in other people's hotel rooms. Start by doing the Macarena. 

11. Experience late night Aussie renditions of Monty Python tunes.

12. Throw late night rooftop parties complete with ipod battles that involve bands like Imagine Dragons.

13. Become besties with Harry Potter, Westley from the Princess Bride, the Ghostbusters, and Daenerys Targaryen. Also, the Hound. Woof.

14. Steal a Hugo. (And, okay, then give it back.)

15. Take a ride in a Tardis, and learn how to work the controls.

16. Have a sword battle with a Jedi.

17. Sneak into a private publisher party through the back door and then pretend you belong there.

18. Rescue a gentle giant from nearly falling into a bathtub filled with pop cans and ice.

19. Visit Japan, Helsinki, Boston, Texas, New Zealand, and Orlando all within an hour. 

20. Cram 8 people into a car built for four and go for a drive while all singing. Don't get pulled over by police.  

Disclaimer: this list was created by professionals and some of these activities should not be attempted without adult supervision. Or something like that.  

Okay, and now onto bookish stuff and PARANOIA: 

With Every Night of Blissful Sleep Darkness Grows Inside Him.

In the aftermath of the events that nearly killed him, Parker Chipp is trying to learn to cope better with life as a Watcher. And it seems to be working...until he wakes up in jail with a hangover and 12 hours of missing time. Darkness has somehow taken control and Parker doesn't have a clue how to stop him. He finds an unlikely ally in Jack, the mysterious guy in the motorcycle jacket who offers to help Parker master his abilities as a Watcher. But even as they practice, the darkness inside Parker is getting more and more powerful, taking over Parker’s body and doing everything he can to destroy Parker's life.

When Jack reveals that there is another kind of Night Walker, known as a Taker, Parker starts to wonder if the strange things happening in Oakville are more than just a coincidence. After all, people are more than just sleepwalking. They're emptying their savings accounts with no memory of doing so, wandering into strange parts of town and disappearing, they're even killing other people--all in their sleep. If Parker wants to find out what's happening or have any hope of seeing his father again, he’ll have to defy Jack and put his own life in danger...because the more he learns about these other Night Walkers, the more certain he becomes that his life isn't the only one that could be lost.

J.R. JOHANSSON is a young adult thriller author. Her books INSOMNIA, PARANOIA (June 2014), and a third untitled book (June 2015) are with Flux Books. CUT ME FREE (Winter 2015) and another untitled book (Winter 2016) will be coming out with FSG/Macmillan.  She has a B.S. degree in public relations and a background in marketing. She credits her abnormal psychology minor with inspiring many of her characters. When she's not writing, she loves reading, playing board games, and sitting in her hot tub. Her dream is that someday she can do all three at the same time. She has two young sons and a wonderful husband. In fact, other than her cat, Cleo, she's nearly drowning in testosterone.

Jenn’s Links -

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JennJohansson

Blog: http://www.jennjohansson.blogspot.com/

Site: http://www.jrjohansson.com

Tumblr: http://jrjohansson.tumblr.com/

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJRJohansson

J.R. Johansson on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5100095.J_R_Johansson

PARANOIA on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12260608-insomnia

                                       

Pre-order Links –

The Book Depository - http://www.bookdepository.com/Paranoia-Johansson/9780738740188

Indiebound - http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780738740188

Books A Million - http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Paranoia/J-R-Johansson/9780738740188?id=5529587671279

Barnes & Noble - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/paranoia-j-r-johansson/1117011365?ean=9780738740188

Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Paranoia-The-Night-Walkers-Johansson/dp/0738740187

Oh, and let's not forget the fun stuff! A giveaway! Here's where you enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Possibly Another List, Pics, and Great Deals on Books

Okay, so I think I'm changing my stance on the whole not-liking-lists thing I mentioned last week. That was a quick and easy way to breeze through lots of topics, and I pretty much covered everything I needed to in one fell swoop.

Maybe James Dashner has it right. (As long as I've known him, he is the KING of making lists.)

So yeah. I might make another one. Just because the last one was more fun than I anticipated. But this one won't be as long.

Okay, here we go. A new, shorter list of spring things.

1. In my last list, I forgot about the tulips. Tulips are some of my very favorite flowers, but I haven't seen any growing in south Texas. So I had to take a picture of these ones at Thanksgiving Pointe in Lehi, Utah. Aren't they gorgeous? They just make me all kinds of smiley.

2. It's possible I have neglected some of my favorite parts of Texas in the spring. So there's this.

And this.

And also this. (Why yes, that is a baby pineapple plant! Tell me that's not the cutest thing you've ever seen.)

3. Tomorrow, check back here and you will see some AWESOME deals on books that have dragons in them. If you've read DESCENDANT and/or BIRTHRIGHT, you know that my dragons are of an entirely different variety from most. But DESCENDANT is listed for a smokin deal for just ONE DAY. So be sure to come back.

4.  If you've read and loved BIRTHRIGHT, but haven't left a review yet, you might want to gather your thoughts about it. Anyone who posts a review between now and June 7th will be entered into a drawing for an Amazon gift card. *Details to come soon.

5. Let's talk about summer vacations. I'm feeling a Disney vibe in my house these days. It's been years since we visited a Disney park, and I have a weakness for fairy tales and anything Disney-esque. But so far, no solid plans. What about you? What fun summer activities or trips are you planning?

My Spring in a List of Things.

It’s been a while since I posted a list here. Honestly, I am not a big fan of making lists on blogs. But I am finally back from my travels, and right now, my brain is one ginormous list of THINGS. And the only way I can think to clear out some of those things is to list them here.

You don’t mind, do you? Thanks.

1.       BIRTHRIGHT is now available! You can purchase it wherever your favorite books are sold, however, not all retail stores will actually have it in stock, so you may have to request it or order it. Either way, you can now get it. (All links in the sidebar.)

2.       Last week (or two weeks ago-ish?) I spent some time in Utah conferencing with the LDStorymakers and Authors Incognito. Guys. These people put on the BEST conferences for learning and networking, and all around inspiring. I was so lucky to be on staff for this conference. Talk about feeling special.

Authors Incognito 2014 group shot

3.       I hung out with some people I have missed SO. Much.

4.       It snowed while I was in Utah. The temperature at my house that day? Got up to 100 degrees. HOW DOES THAT EVEN HAPPEN?

5.       The day before I left Texas, I went with my family to a wildlife reserve in San Antonio and got up close and personal with some wild beasts. And wildebeests. And also zebras and long horned goats and ostriches other things I can no longer name. T’was awesome.

6.       School. Almost out for the summer. My oldest daughter graduates high school this year. I’m not old enough for this. Neither is she. I’m pretty sure her preschool teacher would agree. 

*attempts to turn back the clock* 

*gets in a fight with father time* 

*loses* 

But summer = my favorite season. Bring on the swimsuits and sunscreen!

7.       Kneaders café makes the BEST bread in the world. And cookies. I ate there three times while I was in Utah. If there’s one near you, you should go in my honor. The San Antonio location is still dirt and concrete, which means it won’t be opening for months. My family mourns with impatience.

8.       Sunday is Mother’s Day. I miss my mommy more on Mother’s Day. And also my step-mother. And my Grandmothers. And for that matter, my sisters and sisters–in-law, and all the other mothers in my life. Happy day to all! And hugs and flowers and virtual chocolate. Because you deserve it.

9.       If you haven’t signed up for my newsletter, youcan do that here. It’s a great way to stay up to date on all my news and be among the first to see exclusive content. Plus, it’s fun to be part of the cool kids club, so you really should consider joining. 

*ducks rotten tomatoes* 

No, really.  It’ll be fun!

10.   I went to a parade in Corpus Christi last weekend. It was at night, and very cool. Check out my favorite float. *Hi, my name is Nichole and I’m a Dr. Pepper addict*

Okay, that’s enough for now. But what about you? What have you been up to while I was away? 

The Care and Feeding of Your Favorite Authors

In the last month or so, I’ve had lots of people ask how they can help spread the word about the release of my upcoming book, so I thought it might be a good idea to do a post about the helpful things you can do to support all your favorite authors—whoever they are.

1.       Buy their book. –I know this should be obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people don’t. If you can’t buy a copy, request that your local library buy a copy so you can check it out.

2.       Tell others to buy the book. –Word of mouth is the best possible advertising for any product, books included.

3.       Share your opinion. –Amazon, Goodreads, Shelfari, Barnes and Noble all have places where you can rate and review your favorite books. Honest online reviews—be they good or bad—help lift your favorites to places where others can see them. It’s about exposure.

4.       Add your favorite book to Goodreads and Shelfari lists and suggest that others who have read it vote on that list. –Sounds trivial and silly, but the people who read these lists take them very seriously. They are readers who love to read and who share their opinions about what they’ve read. More exposure.

5.       Support author events and signings by attending and by telling other people you know about them. –You don’t have to buy a book at every event. Bookstores love authors who bring crowds and are more likely to invite that author back if store traffic is significantly improved during those events. (But bookstores hope to sell lots of books, so that always helps too!)

6.       Give books as gifts. Every reader helps, and every book sold matters.

7.       Pay attention to author blogs and social media accounts. For your faithful efforts, many authors give away fun things, which sometimes include books (by themselves or other authors). Yay for free stuff! (This doesn’t necessarily help the author, but it sure makes us feel good. We all need to be loved!)

8.       Nominate your favorite books for awards or other honors. For instance, my book is eligible to be nominated for a Whitney Award for 2013. (Off the top of my head. I know there are others, as well. I think.) 

9.       Share this list with other readers who want to help their favorite authors.

What do you think? Did I miss anything?

That said, here are a few links where you can find DESCENDANT if you have the inclination to do any of the above.

Amazon. Goodreads. Barnes and Noble. Current Goodreads lists.

Thanks for reading! And for commenting. And also, for spreading the love.

Thankful Kinds of Things

I’ve noticed there’s a trend on Facebook this November. Every day, certain friends of mine update their status by saying something for which they are thankful. I think that’s a really great idea, because anything that reminds us about all the many blessings in our lives, however small, makes us stronger.

Being that tomorrow is Thanksgiving, I thought I’d do something similar, because, well, I am feeling rather thankful at the moment.

My kids, who are wise beyond their years, and who have worked hard this week to prepare our house for the insurgence of people coming for Thanksgiving dinner (looking at 35+).

My husband, who works extra hard to provide our family with the things we need, and other things we just want. Like turkey and pie. And who also offered to brave Black Friday if I need him. (Don’t worry, honey, I’m taking the girls.)

Friends who stand by me and cheer me on and who would break me out of jail if ever I needed. (You know who you are!)

Stephenie Meyer for creating books that were turned into movies that my girls insisted on seeing at 12:29 on a school night last week, because movies like that aren’t nearly as fun without screaming, excited girls who are hopped up on sugar and caffeine.

The Baltimore Ravens for letting us in their stadium (last fall) to look around, and then gave us all hats and footballs and signed team pictures. We became life-long fans that day, and now you’re looking at Super Bowl possibilities. This makes us happy.

Hawaii—because it exists and gives us something to dream about.

Publishing companies who produce quality books that make us love to read and who give writers a goal for which to strive. And also, for giving me a reason to stay up all night because I just have to see what happens next.

Blue glow sticks, rock candy lollipops, and Thunder—the Australian kind. Oh, and also peanuts.

Steve Jobs for inventing…well, pretty much all things Apple. But specifically, my iPhone.

**To be continued**

What are you Thankful for this year?

Books, Events, Contests and Rain

1. First and foremost, before I forget, tomorrow from 1-4 pm, Barnes and Noble in Orem, UT, is holding a huge event called Authorpalooza. I will be there, along with about 40 other authors. If you’re anywhere in the area, you should come. It promises to be huge and fun and a great opportunity to meet your favorite local authors.

2. I just finished reading The Forgotten Locket, by Lisa Mangum. You want this book. It’s fantastic.Come back next Wednesday to see what I thought and what I might be giving away. (That's not an obvious hint or anything!)

3. Speaking of fantastic books and author events, put this one on your calendar, too. June 8th, The King’s English in Salt Lake City, epic launch party for Elana Johnson’s Possession. This place will be packed, so be prepared for buckets of awesome.

4. Guess what? My kids get out of school in three weeks. I am very excited about this, because it means less carpooling, more sleeping in, and zero homework. So yay!

5. You can now get my book The Sharp Edge of a Knife on your Kindle for $6.95. Just sayin.

6. Some areas of Texas have been over a hundred days with no rain, and some areas of Utah have been a hundred days with nonstop rain (or that’s how it feels). Just so Texas knows, we’re completely willing to share. Let’s petition Mother Nature to work out a swap of some kind, shall we?

7. Ever since the big blogger crash of last week, I’m paranoid that I’m going to lose my posts and comments. Is this paranoia or practicality? I don't know, I don't know, I don't know.

8. Since the LDStorymaker conference two weeks ago, I have like, 10 new books on my TBR pile. Tends to seriously cut into my writing time. Sigh. What’s a girl to do? The good news is I've already tackled two.

So what plans do you have this week? Fun events? New books you’re reading? Rain or sun?