IGNITE is here!!!

I've really been struggling to write this post. There is just too much to say and I'm completely overwhelmed.

IGNITE is officially published. I truly hope that you will all love what happens next for Alexa, Damian, and Rylan. It's a strange and wonderful thing, publishing a book. These characters, this story, it feels like mine...until now. Now, they are yours. We all bring something different to a book when we pick it up, open to the first page, and begin to read. What happens next will be a little bit different for everyone. But my wish is that you will find a piece of yourself somewhere within its pages, and maybe, just maybe, a piece of your heart, too. My goal as an author is to try and make each book I write better than the last, and I hope you will find that I succeeded with IGNITE. 

I have so much gratitude in my heart for everyone that has made this dream into a reality, but I won't bore you by repeating it here. (I guess that's what my acknowledgements are for, right?) But I do want to express my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you for your part in this journey. Every one of you has a piece of this dream. My family, my agent, my editor, the team at Scholastic, every reader and blogger and reviewer--you are all vital and amazing and I can't thank you all enough. 

Okay, now that I'm pretty much crying...! 

(Let's watch Kristen Bell cry instead of me, because let's be honest, she's a way cuter crier than I am!)

 Don't forget that the IGNITE blog tour is happening right now (and continuing through the end of next week). Lots of fun interviews, blog posts, insider info, and you can enter to win one of 10 copies of IGNITE + a DEFY Dagger charm! So hop on over to Rockstar Book Tours to check out all the posts and see the schedule of what's to come! CLICK HERE. 

Finally, I've been asked many times "What can I do to help ____ (fill in with book of your choice) succeed?" and I thought today, on the day IGNITE releases, it might be a good time to quickly let you know a few easy ways you can help the books you love reach more readers! 

1. Buy it! Buy it from an independent bookstore, buy it from B&N, buy it from Amazon, in hardcover, or paperback, or ebook, just buy it! Ask for books for gifts, give books as gifts. (Nothing hurts an author more than piracy.) 

2. If you can't afford to buy it, check it out from your library! If they don't have it, request it. It really does help authors if their books are in demand at the library, I promise. We love it when readers check out our books!

(Was it just me, or did you totally think you were Belle growing up because you loved books so much, too?) 

3. If you do read a book you love, review it online. It only takes a minute, but every review a book gets on Amazon, B&N, Goodreads, etc. gets that book seen by new readers. It really can make a big difference, so please, let others know when you love a book! (And I'll love you forever and a day if you are so kind as to review IGNITE on those websites!) 

4. And of course, spread the word. Nothing helps a book more than word-of-mouth. What helps you decide to pick up your next read? More often than not, it's because someone told you to read it, right? Or your book club picked it, or you keep hearing about it from multiple sources. If you love a book, share that love! 

Okay, that's enough of that. It's time to CELEBRATE!! IGNITE IS HERE!!!!!

Again, thank you all SO much for your love for this series and for you support and kindness towards me. I can't even begin to tell you how much your messages, emails, letters, gifts, posts, and words mean to me. You are all amazing! IGNITE is now yours - I hope you will love it as much as I do! 

XOXOXO,

Sara


You can purchase IGNITE in many places!

For a SIGNED/PERSONALIZED copy order through The King's English and they will ship it to you! Call 801-484-9100 or through their website: CLICK HERE

BARNES & NOBLE CLICK HERE

AMAZON CLICK HERE

BOOK DEPOSITORY CLICK HERE

(And these are all great places to leave reviews as well!) :-)

And for my local friends and fans: I have 2 launch parties coming up. I hope to see you at one!

TUESDAY, JAN 6th @ 7pm THE KING's ENGLISH

THURSDAY, JAN 8th @ 7pm PROVO LIBRARY

AND

LAS VEGAS BARNES & NOBLE JANUARY 15th w/ Lindsey Leavitt! 

2 weeks until IGNITE!!!

I can't believe I just typed those words. IGNITE comes out December 30th, which means it's actually less than 2 weeks until it's officially released!! I've already heard from one blogger who said she got notified that her pre-order of IGNITE shipped already, so some of you might even be getting it earlier than that! How's that for a fun holiday surprise??

Remember, if you did pre-order IGNITE (or if you choose to before December 30th) you can enter the contest I'm holding on my blog for a chance to win a DEFY dagger necklace. And it sounds like you might get it early if you do! Everyone who enters will get something, so make sure to CLICK HERE!! (If you'd like a signed or personalized copy, make sure to contact The King's English! I will sign it the night of my launch party and they'll ship it to you! From their site: Preorder your signed copy of Ignite today, by either calling the store at 801-484-9100 or ordering online. Please specify if you will be attending the event and if you want your book personalized.)


If you do see it "in the wild" make sure to snap a pic and tag me in it! You guys, I'm dying for you all to see how gorgeous this book is in person. No picture can really do it justice, I promise. EEEEP! I'm SO excited!! 

(trying to capture the metallic sheen and the gorgeousness of this cover = nigh unto impossible) 

I can't believe how quickly this year has flown by. I just want to take a minute to thank everyone who has taken the time to read DEFY, to review it, or talk to a friend/book club/blogger/family member/random stranger about it, who have supported my writing and been cheerleaders for this series. I hope that you will all love IGNITE as much as I do! 

For my local friends I have two signings to celebrate IGNITE's release: 

January 6th @ 7PM: THE KING's ENGLISH - IGNITE Launch Party! 
January 8th @ 7pm: PROVO LIBRARY - IGNITE signing/party!

Hope to see you at one (or both if you're super ambitious)! 

DEFY Fan Art Contest Winners!

It's 3 WEEKS until IGNITE comes out!!! WHAT THE?!?! I can't believe it's almost here! And guess what showed up today??

My finished hardcover!!! OH. MY. GOSH. It is GORGEOUS. Even more gorgeous than I anticipated. It's seriously just stunning. I'm not even kidding. Wait until you see it in person. Pictures can't do it justice. And the inside flap! And the bow and arrow on the actual hardcover! So many details I just adore! Scholastic has truly outdone themselves. If you don't believe me, read what David Levithan wrote about it on my Facebook post:

David Levithan As someone who has his own copy, I can independently confirm IT LOOKS ABSOLUTELY SPECTACULAR. Congrats!!!

DAVID LEVITHAN people!

*ahem*

What was I saying? Oh yeah! If you have pre-ordered (or decide to before Dec. 30th), make sure and enter the pre-order contest for your chance to win a DEFY dagger necklace just like mine! CLICK HERE for details or to enter!!


But, enough of that! Let's get on with announcing the winners!


You guys are so amazingly talented, you made this so hard on me! I loved all of the entries so much I couldn't decide on my own. So I assembled a panel of judges including other authors, my family members, and some friends who are avid readers to decide on a winner. And then THEY had a hard time, too!

So, I've decided to do something extra special. My judges were split on who they felt should win, so I'm going to call it a tie and give away TWO signed ARCs of IGNITE! PLUS I'm going to award signed swag to 2 runners-up who had amazing entries that also got a lot of votes!

That makes FOUR winners! WOOHOO!!!

So without further suspense, here are your winners:

Runner - Up #1  --- Signed Swag pack

Kathy and her DEFY Mood Board! I can't post a pic of it here, but here's a link to the blog post she did with the very cool mood board! I love the pictures and colors she chose!  http://mynookbooksnmore.com/2014/11/bookish-mood-board-defy.html

Runner - Up #2 -- Signed Swag Pack

Mandy_T for her construction paper dagger:

 How cool is that?? And I just love the quote she picked. A truly fabulous entry!

Enjoy your swag packs and thank you for your entries!! I hope you both enjoy IGNITE when it comes out!


And now, on to the winners!


WINNER #1:

 Amber with her DEFY cake! She made a DEFY dagger out of fondant! How awesome is that? (Plus how yummy! Wish I could have tasted it!) Congrats Amber!!

And WINNER #2:

MontanaSky with her stunning drawing of Alexa when she startles the Macaws! Such beautiful detail and stunning color! So, so amazing. Congrats to you as well!

SEE HOW HARD THIS WAS?! Everyone is so talented, thank you ALL for entering and congrats to the winners!

All four winners, please email or message me your mailing address and I will send out your prizes as soon as possible!!


3 WEEKS YOU GUYS. AAAGGGHHH!!!!

DEFY in Paperback!

Today DEFY is officially released in paperback - just in time for holiday shopping!

If you'd like a signed copy, I will be at The King's English from 12-2 this Saturday, November 29 for Small Business Saturday, helping them sell books! (I'm so excited to help get some of my favorite books into reader's hands!)

I am also doing another group signing at the Sandy B&N on Saturday December 13 from 1-3 along with lots of other awesome authors!

If you're not in UT, you can always order from The King's English by calling or going to their website, and requesting to have me personalize it for you. They will let me know and make sure I come in to sign it and they will then ship it to you! (This is the same if you want to pre-order a signed copy of IGNITE!) CLICK HERE for their website!

I've been celebrating in a few different ways: My DEFY BOOK TRAILER was released last week:






(ISN'T IT AMAZING?!?!)

**I've been posting bonus scenes from the DEFY world every two weeks leading up to IGNITE's release on December 30th, including the most recent one from Rylan's point of view yesterday on Wattpad! CLICK HERE TO READ THEM ALL! (I try to respond to all comments, so feel free to let me know what you think!)


**My #DEFYfanArtContest goes until December 6th. Post your entry on Twitter or Instagram and tag me (@SaraBLarson on both) and use the hashtag. If you win, you'll receive a signed copy of DEFY + IGNITE! Here are the details:

 FAN ART - IGNITE ARC Giveaway!!

This one will last until December 6th! Show me your best drawings, paintings, sculptures, music videos, fan trailers, interpretive dances (I'm lenient on the definition of "art" here), or whatever kind of art you excel at, inspired by DEFY and you could win a signed/personalized ARC of IGNITE + a signed/personalized paperback of DEFY*! Tweet me your picture/video or post it on Instagram and make sure to tag me (@SaraBLarson on both sites) so that I see your entry along with hashtags: #IGNITE #giveaway #DEFYFanArtContest. I will comment or reply to let you know I saw it and that you're entered. If I don't respond, I didn't see it so try again and make sure to tag me! If you wish to mail it to me, you can by sending your entry to P.O. Box 1298 Draper, UT 84020. But make sure you send it with plenty of time to reach me!!

Can't wait to see what you come up with!

*this giveaway is the only international giveaway I'll be doing for an ARC of IGNITE

**IGNITE Pre-order contest to win the DEFY Dagger Necklace! 

You have 34 and a half days left to pre-order IGNITE and enter the contest for the chance to win a DEFY dagger necklace plus lots of other awesome prizes! (Everyone who enters gets something!) CLICK HERE for details and to enter! 


I'm grateful for so many things this year, and at the top of my list are my amazing readers and fans! You are all incredible! I can't thank you enough for your support and excitement for Alexa, Damian, and Rylan. I hope you continue to enjoy their journey when IGNITE comes out next month!! HAPPY THANKSGIVING!! 

EXCITING stuff headed your way!!

Is everyone enjoying their November so far? It's the month to think about your blessings, to look for ways to show gratitude, and to remember to be thankful for everything we have in our lives. And I want to take a minute to thank ALL of YOU. It means so much to me that anyone would take time out of their busy life to read something I wrote, whether it be a blog post or my books. And then when you take the time to let me know how much you loved it...well, wow. I just can't even express how much that means to me and how grateful I am for the fans of DEFY. You are all AMAZING!! Thank you for loving DEFY and sharing that love with others. I am grateful for all of you, more than I could ever say!!

Okay, enough mushy gushy, let's get on to the other good stuff. :-) 


DEFY releases in paperback on November 25th and in case you hadn't heard yet, IGNITE is now releasing on DECEMBER 30th!! That means you get it a whole week earlier! How's that for some holiday cheer? (That also means the pre-order contest where one lucky pre-orderer will win a very rare DEFY dagger necklace ends sooner, too! So make sure to CLICK HERE For all the details and enter for your chance to win!!!)

(Again, for my local friends and fans - my signings will remain the same as I know the holidays are crazy busy. So: launch party at The King's English on January 6th and Provo Library signing on January 8th, both at 7pm with goodies, giveaways, swag, and me trying to be entertaining or something. Both events are on Facebook with all the details  CLICK HERE or CLICK HERE.) 


I have SO many exciting things planned leading up to the paperback release and IGNITE's release! Have you been reading the bonus scenes I'm posting on Wattpad? I hope so, because they give you some really cool insight into the character's lives and how others view them and a few things that you didn't see in DEFY that might give you even greater understanding of the events and characters in the books! You can FOLLOW ME AND READ THEM BY CLICKING HERE!! And you might want to do it soon, because there are two more coming in the next month or so, and I've saved the best two scenes for last....Here's a hint: one is from the point of view of someone whose name starts with "R" and the other is from the point of view of someone whose name starts with "D"... !!!!! 


AND that's not all!!! Next week, I have a VERY special treat to help celebrate the paperback release of DEFY on November 25th! I can't WAIT to share this with you guys!! Remember that cryptic tweet I posted, freaking out about seeing something that was so amazing I couldn't stand it?? Well, THIS is it! You get to find out what it was on Wednesday!! 

And finally, I'm DYING to see all of your entries for the DEFY Fan Art Contest! Remember, you only have until December 6th to enter and this is my ONLY INTERNATIONAL IGNITE ARC giveaway. So start posting those entries, tag me, and use the right hashtags! Here's the info again in case you need it: 

FAN ART - IGNITE ARC Giveaway!!

This one will last until December 6th! Show me your best drawings, paintings, sculptures, music videos, fan trailers, interpretive dances (I'm lenient on the definition of "art" here), or whatever kind of art you excel at, inspired by DEFY and you could win a signed/personalized ARC of IGNITE + a signed/personalized paperback of DEFY*! Tweet me your picture/video or post it on Instagram and make sure to tag me (@SaraBLarson on both sites) so that I see your entry along with hashtags: #IGNITE #giveaway #DEFYFanArtContest. I will comment or reply to let you know I saw it and that you're entered. If I don't respond, I didn't see it so try again and make sure to tag me! If you wish to mail it to me, you can by sending your entry to P.O. Box 1298 Draper, UT 84020. But make sure you send it with plenty of time to reach me!!

Can't wait to see what you come up with!

*this giveaway is the only international giveaway I'll be doing for an ARC of IGNITE

Who else is excited?! Aaaagh, guys, it's almost here! IGNITE is only 47 days away!!!! (You know I'm excited when I abuse exclamation points as much as I have in this post...) 

WINNER! + News!

Thank you all for entering the IGNITE ARC giveaway! There were so many of you - I'm blown away! I can't tell you how much your excitement and enthusiasm for this book means to me. Before I announce the winner, I want to remind you that there is still the Fan Art Contest (which ends Dec. 6th - so make sure and start getting me those entries!), and the pre-order contest where you could win this gorgeous DEFY Dagger necklace and lots of signed goodies! (details in my previous posts)

And never fear...there will be more IGNITE ARC giveaways coming up soon! So stay tuned!

But for now there can be only one winner. And the lucky entrant is....






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****CONGRATS  REGAN D. ****!!! 

I hope you enjoy IGNITE!!! 


And now, a little bit of exciting news for you all, that will change up the pre-order contest just a tad:

IGNITE is now officially releasing on DECEMBER 30th!!! That's right, you can get it a whole week earlier than you thought! WOOHOO!!! Of course, that means the pre-order contest will end a week earlier, too, so don't procrastinate entering!


(FOR MY LOCAL FANS: Because the holidays are so insane, my launch party at The King's English will stay on Tuesday Jan. 6th at 7pm and my Provo Library Signing will still be on Thursday January 8th at 7pm as well. I hope to see you at one of those events in the new year!)

IGNITE Pre-order AWESOMENESS!

OOOOOH you guys, I'm SO excited about this!! I have such a treat in store for you all...and without any further teasing, I'll just get right to it.

It's time for the:

IGNITE pre-order giveaway!

Yes, you can pre-order IGNITE from all major retailers, including Book Depository (CLICK HERE),  Amazon (CLICK HERE), and Barnes & Noble (CLICK HERE)... but if you want a signed or personalized copy, make sure to order from my local indie store The King's English and I will sign it however you'd like the night of my launch and they'll ship it to you! CLICK HERE to order online or you can call them: 801-484-9100 to tell them how you'd like your book personalized!

Once you've done that, make sure to come back here and enter to win some awesome prizes for pre-ordering! EVERYONE who pre-orders automatically gets signed bookmarks from both books + a special postcard with a personalized message (make sure you fill out the form in the rafflecopter giveaway to receive your gifts!) - buuuuut THREE lucky winners will get even more!

2 Runners Up will get - an "I READ YA" tote from Scholastic + signed bookmarks + DEFY button + a personalized copy of DEFY to go with your shiny new copy of IGNITE!

AND....

1 GRAND PRIZE WINNER will win everything the Runners Up got + a signed/personalized copy of IGNITE to keep or give to a friend/family member/blog follower/teacher/passing stranger/whoever you want AND a very special charm of the dagger from the cover of DEFY! (You can put it on a necklace, bracelet, wherever you want!)

(picture from the day DEFY launched when my family surprised me with this beautiful DEFY necklace! The dagger charm is hanging from the necklace - and you could win one just like it!) 

I've had so many people compliment me on my necklace and ask if they can get one...well now, one lucky pre-orderer can!! Good luck to everyone! (And don't forget about the 2 IGNITE ARC giveaways I'm doing in my last post!)

Once you've pre-ordered IGNITE come back and ENTER HERE: 


a Rafflecopter giveaway

IGNITE ARC giveaways!

We are just a few days away from the 2 month mark counting down to IGNITE's release! Can you believe it? I can't. This year has flown by! And we're less than 1 month until the paperback of DEFY releases on November 25, too! (Just in time for holiday gifts!)

Sooooo....you know what that means? GIVEAWAY TIME!!!

And I'm starting with a bang, giving you 2 - count 'em TWO - giveaways at once!! (So make sure you read all the way until the end!)


But first, I wanted to give you the info on pre-ordering IGNITE. I am going to be announcing the details of my pre-order campaign very soon (still waiting to finalize a few details) - but trust me, it's going to be worth the wait!

If you want to get a head start on it, you can pre-order IGNITE from all major retailers, including Book Depository (CLICK HERE),  Amazon (CLICK HERE), and Barnes & Noble (CLICK HERE)...

HOWEVER if you want a signed or personalized copy, make sure to order from my local indie store The King's English and I will sign it however you'd like the night of my launch and they'll ship it to you! CLICK HERE to order online or you can call them: 801-484-9100 to tell them how you'd like your book personalized!

And then make sure to come back very soon to find out about what I'm offering everyone who pre-orders IGNITE and a couple of very special Thank You's you can enter to win!


OKAY, moving right along to.....

FAN ART - IGNITE ARC Giveaway!!

This one will last until December 6th (the 1 month mark until IGNITE comes out!!!). This is a fan art contest! Show me your best drawings, paintings, sculptures, music videos, fan trailers, interpretive dances (I'm lenient on the definition of "art" here), or whatever kind of art you excel at, inspired by DEFY and you could win a signed/personalized ARC of IGNITE + a signed/personalized paperback of DEFY*! Tweet me your picture/video or post it on Instagram and make sure to tag me (@SaraBLarson on both sites) so that I see your entry along with hashtags: #IGNITE #ARCgiveaway #DEFYFanArtContest. I will comment or reply to let you know I saw it and that you're entered. If I don't respond, I didn't see it so try again and make sure to tag me! Can't wait to see what you come up with!

*this giveaway is the only international giveaway I'll be doing for an ARC of IGNITE


Now if you aren't artsy in any way, shape, or form, don't despair! There are a few more opportunities to win an ARC of IGNITE, including this one: 

IGNITE ARC GIVEAWAY!!

This one is SUPER easy! All you have to do is enter the rafflecopter giveaway to try and win a signed/personalized ARC of IGNITE + signed bookmarks + personalized postcard*! This giveaway runs for 1 week - until November 6th (the official 2 month mark until IGNITE comes out).

*open to U.S./Canada only.






a Rafflecopter giveaway

DEFY Bonus scenes!!!

I can hardly believe October is almost over already...because that means we're quickly closing in on the 2 month mark until IGNITE releases on January 6th!!

And that also means I'm kicking the giveaways and special events leading up to IGNITE's release into high gear!

Who wants to read some special bonus scenes from the DEFY world?? 

CLICK HERE to read the first of 4 special bonus scenes from the DEFY world that I will be posting on Wattpad every few weeks leading up to IGNITE's release in January! 

And make sure to check back here later this week - I will be announcing the details for the IGNITE pre-order giveaways, as well as 2 IGNITE ARC giveaways!!! 

YASH winner + more chances to win coming soon!

Thanks to everyone who entered my bonus contest for the YA Scavenger Hunt - it's so great to see so much enthusiasm for IGNITE! Seriously, it means the world to me you guys. I am so excited to share this book with you!!

But for now, only one person gets to read it early, and the lucky winner, picked by Rafflecopter is:


MICHELLE KELLOGG!!! 


Woohoo!! Congrats Michelle! I hope you enjoy IGNITE! Email me at SaraBLarson21 (at) Gmail (dot) com with your adress to claim your prize!

(Fine Print: If Michelle doesn't claim her prize in one week, I will pick a new winner.) 



So....Exactly 3 months from today IGNITE comes out!! Can you believe it?? Definitely keep an eye out, because there are a lot of fun things headed your way very soon, including more never-before-seen bonus scenes from different character's POVs (just you wait to see who they are!!)...more giveaways...a pre-order contest...and more!

The first bonus scene will be posted on Wattpad at the end of this month, so make sure you're following me by clicking HERE. I will also be doing 2 simultaneous giveaways of signed ARCs of IGNITE at the end of October!! The first giveaway will be an easy Rafflecopter giveaway -- however, the reason I'm telling you now is because the second one is going to be a Fan Art contest! (So I wanted to give you a warning to give you time to work on it!) Any kind of "art" you want - paintings, drawings, music, video, whatever you can think of and want to do! 

So stayed tuned for those!!

And if you have pre-ordered IGNITE (or are thinking about it) you're in luck - keep an eye out for the announcement about my IGNITE PRE-ORDER contest! If you want to order a signed copy of IGNITE (or DEFY) you can do so through my amazing local indie THE KING'S ENGLISH by clicking here! I will sign it at my launch party and then they'll ship it to you! 


So yep, lots of fun stuff coming!! Can't wait to share it all with you!

YA Scavenger Hunt GOLD TEAM!!

It's that time again....

WOOHOO!!!!

And this year I'm on: 

Make sure to get to the very bottom because on top of the big YASH giveaway, I'm also hosting a personal giveaway, just on my blog, for an ARC of IGNITE - the sequel to my YA Fantasy DEFY! 

Welcome to YA Scavenger Hunt! This bi-annual event was first organized by authorColleen Houck as a way to give readers a chance to gain access to exclusive bonus material from their favorite authors...and a chance to win some awesome prizes! 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 exclusive bonus material) will only be online for 72 hours!

Go to the YA Scavenger Hunt page to find out all about the hunt. There are SIX contests going on simultaneously, and you can enter one or all! I am a part of the Gold Team --but there is also a red team, a blue team, an orange team, a red team, and an indie team 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 page.

SCAVENGER HUNT PUZZLE

Directions: Below, you'll notice that I've listed my favorite number. Collect the favorite numbers of all the authors on the Gold team, and then add them up (don't worry, you can use a calculator!). 

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 October 5th, at noon Pacific Time. Entries sent without the correct number or without contact information will not be considered.

This time I'm hosting this beautiful lady:

Can you believe she's only 21?? (Okay, I don't actually know how old she is, but she *could* be that young based on this lovely picture, right?)

Victoria Scott is the author of:

 A pulse-pounding thrill ride, where a teen girl and her animal companion must participate in a breathtaking race to save her brother's life--and her own.

Time is slipping away. . . .

Tella Holloway is losing it. Her brother is sick, and when a dozen doctors can't determine what's wrong, her parents decide to move to the middle of nowhere for the fresh air. She's lost her friends, her parents are driving her crazy, her brother is dying--and she's helpless to change anything.

Until she receives mysterious instructions on how to become a Contender in the Brimstone Bleed. It's an epic race across jungle, desert, ocean, and mountain that could win her the prize she desperately desires: the Cure for her brother's illness. But all the Contenders are after the Cure for people they love, and there's no guarantee that Tella (or any of them) will survive the race.

The jungle is terrifying, the clock is ticking, and Tella knows she can't trust the allies she makes. And one big question emerges: Why have so many fallen sick in the first place?

Victoria Scott's breathtaking novel grabs readers by the throat and doesn't let go.

If you haven't picked this one up yet, you should right away! It's SO, SO good you guys. 

Here's where you can buy it:

FIRE & FLOOD

And here's where you can find Victoria:

Victoria Scott

We are SO SO lucky because for her bonus content, Victoria is giving us a look at the very first excerpt released of SALT & STONE, the sequel to FIRE & FLOOD! I'm dying to get my hands on this book...

Salt & Stone Excerpt

My fingers are numb from the injection. My words slur together, but I gather that I’m screaming, prying the rope from the man’s hand, running. Someone grabs me around the middle and tackles me to the ground.

“Hush now,” he says.

“Remember Cody,” he says.

“This is the last time I’ll help you,” he says.

Fox tongue against my cheek. A grizzly bear on his feet, roaring a warning. An iguana flat on my stomach. I don’t have much time before my thoughts are gone from me. So I fill my lungs, and I think of Caroline. And Dink. And of Ransom and Levi and all the friends who aren’t here for one reason or another. I think of Harper, too, of whether she’ll make good on her promise to return and help me win.

I squeeze my hands into fists. I close my eyes. And I whisper my brother’s name inside the folds of my mind: Cody.

Cody on the last day I saw him well. He was drinking pickle juice from the jar and wincing from the sourness. Has he always liked pickle juice? I can’t remember, but I want to see him drink it again. I want to see him drink anything without the use of a straw and small sips. I want to take back every bad thing I’ve ever said to him and replace it with this: I look up to you.

The woman appears. She says something. She’s holding something. She lifts her slender arm into the air to show the men her prize.

I narrow and widen my gaze, trying to see past the drug’s fog.

And then I know exactly what she’s holding.

It’s a life jacket.

WHOA. Now I want this book even MORE!! 

Now hop on over to the next stop on Maureen McGowan's blog by clicking HERE!

***But before you go, make sure to enter the rafflecopter giveaway for a signed copy of IGNITE below! (And check out the special, never before revealed bonus scene in the DEFY world on Susanne Winnacker's blog for my part in the YA Scavenger Hunt!)***

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Salt Lake Comic Con

This week I will be at Salt Lake Comic Con Thursday, Friday, and Saturday! Will I see you there?

Sara B. Larson Schedule

Signings:

Friday 4:30 - 5:30, Shadow Mountain booth #111 on main expo floor

Saturday 12:30-1:30, Shadow Mountain Booth #111 on main expo floor

***I WILL have an ARC of IGNITE to giveaway to one lucky person who purchases DEFY and gets it signed (which earns you an entry into the drawing). Winner will be drawn at the end of the signing on Saturday!***  (I will also have signed swag for both DEFY and IGNITE for free.)



Panel Schedule: 

*Thursday September 4, 3:00 pm 3:50 pm Katniss Revealed: A Closer Look at The Hunger Games on Film and in Print Room 251A ::

*Thursday September 4, 6:00 pm 6:50 pm Women of Sci- Fi and Fantasy: More Than Just Strong Room 255E ::

*Friday September 5, 1:00 pm 1:50 pm Build a Story Room 255B ::

*Saturday September 6, 2:00 pm 2:50 pm Your Own Visit to Hogwarts: Real- World Potter Magic in Florida and England Room 255F ::

*Saturday September 6, 7:00 pm 7:50 pm The Whedonverse: Why Writers and Creators Love Buffy, Angel, Firefly and the Rest Room 251A ::

*Saturday September 6, 8:00 pm 8:50 pm Dark and Dangerous: The Appeal of the Bad Boy Hero Room 255F ::

IGNITE!

The time has finally come....I get to reveal my title, synopsis, pub date and cover for the sequel to DEFY!!

Are you ready for this??

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On January 6th, 2015, you will be able to grab your very own copy of:

IGNITE (a DEFY novel)!!!!!

Murder, abductions, and forbidden romance abound in this thrilling sequel to Sara B. Larson's acclaimed YA debut, DEFY.

 Alexa remains by the newly crowned King Damian’s side as his guard, ever committed to helping him rebuild Antion and reclaim the hope of Antion's people, despite continuing to harbor a secret love for him. However, when another threat to Damian and his kingdom emerges, and blame is cast on their newly forged allies from Blevon, Alexa knows things are not what they seem. With the fate of her nation hanging in the balance once again, will Alexa be able to protect her king and uncover the true enemy -- before it's too late?


Want to see the cover??? Then hurry over to MUNDIE MOM'S blog for the official cover reveal AND to enter to win one of 3 ARCs!!!!  CLICK HERE

But don't forget to come back and tell me what you think! Can't wait to share this book with all of you!

Schwert und Rose!

Guess what I just found out??? DEFY is coming out in January in Germany! And not only that--it has a brand new German title and cover! Wanna see???

Okay!





Are you excited?





I know I am!






All right, here it is:

How gorgeous is that?!?! I LOVE it. I think I'm going to need to learn German so I can read it.

And if you happen to be in Germany (or speak German and just want a German version) here is one way to pre-order it! CLICK HERE.


And don't forget--the title, cover, and synopsis reveal for DEFY #2 is in just a couple of weeks! (June 5th via Mundie Moms!) I can't wait to share it with everyone!

Until then, I hope you're all enjoying this warm weather as much as I am. Bring on the summer!

LDStorymakers Conference

This weekend I will be at LDStorymakers Conference in Layton, UT. I'm on a couple of panels (one with  my agent Josh Adams and agency sister Kathryn Purdie), and I'm teaching a class on Teen Heroines! (I'm teaching it twice.) There is also a signing on Saturday afternoon where I *may* be doing a giveaway of some sort...Trust me, you're going to want to find out what it is!! (And anyone who comes to one of my Teen Heroine classes will automatically get an extra entry!)

For more details on the conference, go here:

LDSTORYMAKERS CONFERENCE 2014

There are so many awesome authors, agents, and editors coming to this conference! (Including my own amazing agent!!) Will I see you there?

(And remember to come find me at the signing so you can enter my SEKRIT giveaway...!!!)

School Visits + Do you Skype?

**I am scheduling school visits for Fall 2014 right now!**


And I have to admit, I really love doing school visits! I love that interaction with the librarians, students, and teachers.

So if you're interested in having me come, let me know! (or email Antonio at Scholastic--info below.) For the first 10 schools who schedule an in-person visit for the end of this year or next fall, I am offering a special rate. Email for details!

But I know that sometimes it's easier (or more affordable) for a school to do a "virtual" school visit through Skype, rather than an in-person visit.

So, right now I'm offering a special--if you book a Skype visit anytime for the rest of this year, or for Fall 2014, I'm willing to do it for free! Let me know or email Antonio (at Scholastic) to get the details and help set it up: AuthorVisit@scholastic.com

If you're interested in this opportunity (it won't last too long!) or in scheduling an in person visit, let me know!

YASH recap + winner!

WOW--what a fun weekend full of amazing people who love books! It was a blast to take part in the YA Scavenger Hunt! I hope you all won something somewhere...and at the very least it sounds like a lot of you found out about new books that you are excited to read, and that's always a win, right?

(And thank you to everyone who let me know how much you love DEFY in the comments--it truly means SO much to me!! Remember to stay tuned here for announcements about the title, synopsis, and cover reveal for the sequel in the next couple of months! I can't wait to share them with all of you!!)


But there can only be one winner of my personal contest for a signed copy of DEFY + swag pack!!

Rafflecopter has spoken and the lucky winner is....


Kathy Lotti!!!


Yay! Congrats Kathy!!! I hope that you enjoy DEFY!

Until next time.... Happy Reading!!

YA Scavenger Hunt 2014!!

I'm Sara B. Larson ------> 

 I'm the author of the YA Fantasy DEFY! 

(The sequel is coming out in early 2015--stay tuned for more details!) 

(For more info on DEFY go here)

Now on to the reason why you're here--the YA Scavenger Hunt! This tri-annual event was first organized by author Colleen Houck as a way to give readers a chance to gain access to exclusive bonus material from their favorite authors (Mine is the first scene in DEFY told from Marcel's point of view instead of Alexa's!)...and a chance to win some awesome prizes! 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 exclusive bonus material) will only be online for 72 hours!

Go to the YA Scavenger Huntpage to find out all about the hunt. There are THREE contests going on simultaneously, and you can enter one or all! I am a part of the BLUE TEAM--but there is also a red team and a gold team 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 home page!

SCAVENGER HUNT PUZZLE

Directions: 

Below, you'll notice that somewhere in this post is my favorite number (in blue!). Collect the favorite numbers of all the authors on the blue team, and then add them up (don't worry, you can use a calculator!). 

Entry Form: Once you've added up all the numbers, make sure to 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 SUNDAY, APRIL 6, at noon Pacific Time. Entries sent without the correct number or without contact information will not be considered.

I'm also hosting a personal giveaway at the bottom of this post where you could win a signed copy of DEFY, plus an awesome swag pack (and an extra little treat)! So make sure to stick it through to the end!

Now on to the fun!!

Today, I am hosting the lovely, awesome:

 Jessica Spotswood! Jessica is the author of the Cahill Witch Chronicles: BORN WICKED (2012), STAR CURSED (2013), and SISTERS' FATE (August 2014). She grew up in a tiny, one-stoplight town in Pennsylvania, where she could be found swimming, playing clarinet, memorizing lines for the school play, or - most often - with her nose in a book. Now Jess lives in Washington, DC (Where I hear they have at least 21 stoplights) with her playwright husband and a cuddly cat named Monkey. She can be found drinking tea, teaching writing workshops for teens, or - most often - with her nose in a book. Some things never change. 

 About STAR CURSED: With the Brotherhood persecuting witches like never before, a divided Sisterhood desperately needs Cate to come into her Prophesied powers. And after Cate's friend Sachi is arrested for using magic, a war-thirsty Sister offers to help her find answers—if Cate is willing to endanger everyone she loves.

Cate doesn't want to be a weapon, and she doesn't want to involve her friends and Finn in the Sisterhood's schemes. But when Maura and Tess join the Sisterhood, Maura makes it clear that she'll do whatever it takes to lead the witches to victory. Even if it means sacrifices. Even if it means overthrowing Cate. Even if it means all-out war.

In the highly anticipated sequel to Born Wicked, the Cahill Witch Chronicles continue Cate, Maura and Tess's quest to find love, protect family, and explore their magic against all odds in an alternate history of New England.

TO BUY THIS AWESOME BOOK GO HERE!!!

I just love Jessica--she's one of the nicest, most giving authors I've ever met. (Even though we've only "met" online...so far. Hopefully someday in person!) And now, for your bonus content!!

(Warning: this bonus content contains MAJOR SPOILERS for the ending of BORN WICKED. It is the very end of BORN WICKED, rewritten from Finn's point of view.)

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"Miss Catherine Cahill," Brother Ishida booms. "Come forward to declare your intention before the Lord."

Cate rises from her spot in the Cahill family pew and approaches the dais. Whispers slither through the church; she's not due to declare an intention just yet, and the suddenness of the announcement has caught our neighbors by surprise. I catch the name McLeod and clench my fists. Of course they'd think it's him. He made his own intentions clear enough; he's come back to Chatham to court her. 

But she doesn't want McLeod, I remind myself. Perhaps he could give her more in the way of money, prestige, protection--

I cut off those thoughts. Stare down at my new black cloak and the silver ring of the Brotherhood on my finger. Not anymore, he can't. And he couldn't love her more. 

Ishida drones on about the seriousness of declaring her intention while I shift impatiently on the hard wooden pew. Sitting in the front row with all the other Brothers will take some getting used to. They all grinned at me and shook my hand this morning. Welcomed me as one of them. Brother Winfield commended me on taking my mother in hand. It looks good, closing the bookshop. The sort of thing a devout man would do. The men around me think I've finally seen wisdom and fallen in line. 

Self-loathing crackles through me. But Cate's worth it and more. 

She steps up onto the dais, beautiful as ever, and I flush with heat, remembering her slim body pressed against mine. It still seems incredible. A few weeks ago, I thought her proud and prim and standoffish. Now I can't imagine my future without her.

She holds herself tall, but her face is pale and drawn, and there are blue shadows beneath her eyes. Did her sisters raise a fuss about her marrying me? They'll come around. I'll show them how much she means to me. Marrying me, she'll stay here in town; I won't take her away from them like McLeod would. And I'll share the heavy burden that's plagued her since her mother died. Keep her safe. Make her laugh. I'd never judge her for what she is. I know she thinks I love her despite it, but her magic is part and parcel of her, just like her blond hair and pointy chin. 

"Catherine Cahill, what is your intention?" Ishida asks, and I prepare myself for a swarm of congratulations and back-slapping.

She does not hesitate. "In the hearing of the Lord and all those who witness my words, I offer myself to the Sisterhood," she says, her voice clear and unwavering.

The Sisterhood? 

No, I must have misheard - misunderstood. But no one's offering congratulations. And Cate - she isn't smiling. She's staring out over the congregation with her mouth set like a straight pin. I gape at her, willing her to meet my eyes.

After what seems an eternity, she does - and her hand flies to a small cut on her cheek. 

Someone hurt her. They're forcing her - the Brotherhood - no, that doesn't make any sense. That manipulative governess of hers, then. She must have tricked her into it. Threatened to expose her as a witch - or her sisters. I reach for the pistol tucked into my boot. I won't let her throw her life away like this. She's already sacrificed too much. I've sacrificed too much.

I don't think of the Brothers' guards standing at the back of the church or the hundreds of our neighbors between us and the doors. I don't think, period. I only know I've got to get her out of here -- but Cate shakes her head as if she can sense what I'm thinking. Her eyes - the gray blue of a summer thunderstorm - are still fixed on me, and she looks - defeated. 

"Catherine Cahill, the blessings of the Brotherhood are upon you," Ishida says. "You may go in peace to serve the Lord." 

She bows her head. "Thanks be."

The congregation echoes her and then everyone is standing, stretching, gossiping, greeting one another. I shove past the Brothers around me. That governess of hers has already snaked through the crowd to Cate's side. Is leading her down the side aisle. I dart through an empty pew just in time to hear, "The carriage is waiting." 

Good Lord. They can't mean to take her away now, today, without so much as--

Cate looks over her shoulder at me, then back at the governess. "Could I have five minutes? To say goodbye?" she pleads.

My jaw clenches. This isn't her own choice. It can't be. Less than twenty-four hours ago, I asked her to be my wife. Gave her my mother's ring. She said yes. What's changed?

"I don't think that's wise, do you? Why prolong the inevitable?" the governess asks, with a tiny, insufferable smile. I've never done violence to a woman, but Lord help me--

"May I go home to gather some of my things, at least?" Cate begs, and it is begging. I can read the shame of it on her face. This woman is in charge, controlling the situation, controlling Cate. But how? Why? We had a plan. She could - should have -- come to me; we could have figured this out together.  

"Your sisters and I can take care of that for you," the governess says. "We'll send them soon. Come, Cate. No stalling."

I reach out, catching at Cate's wrist. It's not proper, but the hell with proper. She was meant to be my wife.

I feel her tremor at my touch. "Goodbye," she chokes out, but she won't meet my eyes. Hers are fixed on the wooden floor as she fumbles in her pocket and then grabs my hand. Presses something cold into my palm. Closes my fist around it. Her hands, ice-cold, linger on mine, but only for a second. Then she steps away.

I glance down at the object in my palm. My mother's ruby ring. She's given it back. She's given it back, and now she's leaving. Going to New London to lock herself up in the guise of a nun and study the magic she hates. To become a weapon for people she doesn't trust. 

I don't understand it. I loved her enough to forswear myself to the Brotherhood. Enough to let my mother close the bookshop that was my father's dream. I went through with my end of the bargain, and now--

Could she have changed her mind? I don't want to think it. It's a good deal easier on my pride to imagine that they're forcing her, that they've threatened her sisters. But Cate's a witch, and a powerful one at that. She can erase people's memories. Why isn't she fighting back?

"Cate," I say, my voice hoarse. "Why?"

She doesn't answer. Doesn't even acknowledge the question. Simply stands there, frozen, her eyes still trained on the wooden floor.  

"Come along," that hateful governess says, taking her arm and leading her down the aisle.

Cate's sister Maura comes running up. "Let me go instead. Please, Cate, don't leave me here with her."

With who? The governess? Cate looks at her sisters, and it's then that I know it for certain. This isn't what she wants. She might leave me, but she'd never choose to leave Maura and Tess. 

"You'll have Tess," she tells Maura, and the way she holds herself, so tall and straight and determined - it's brave. Brave and misguided. There's got to be some way around this. "Look after each other."

Then she walks down the aisle and out the door and out of my life.

Only - no. I watch as Maura sobs, heedless of our neighbors' gawping. As Tess wraps a comforting arm around her. As Cate disappears into a carriage out front.

This isn't a permanent goodbye. Cate might be too frightened to fight back, but I'm not. 

How awesome was that?!?! Thank you so much for sharing that with us, Jess!!

CONTINUE THE HUNT

To keep going on your quest for the hunt, you need to check out the next author--the incredibly funny and wonderfully talented Jaye Robin Brown! CLICK HERE!

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