Author Stalker: Erin Summerill

I love chatting with my authors. And by my, I mean the authors that I meet that sign my books. But let’s just keep calling them MY authors because after I work with them once, I kind of stalk them. Just a little bit. I love it when authors are willing to do silly things, like take over an Instagram account for the day or do a live interview. Surprisingly, they sometimes jump at the chance! Erin Summerill was one of those authors. Erin’s book, Once a King, was also included in LitJoy Crate's December 2018 box (which was to-die-for). We read her first books, Ever the Hunted and Ever the Brave so it was a no-brainer to read this one too.

Once a King by Erin Summerill (get the Bring Me My Crown socks, Rule the World tumbler, Weasley is Our King pin, Rysand print, or Kings of Narnia notebook)

Here’s a little summary of Once a King: For twenty years, Channelers—women with a magical ability—have been persecuted in Malam by those without magic. Now King Aodren wants to end the bloody divide and unite his kingdom. But decades of hatred can’t be overcome by issuing decrees, and rumors of a deadly Channeler-made substance are only fueling people’s fears. Lirra has every reason to distrust Aodren. Yet when he asks for help to discover the truth behind the rumors, she can’t say no. With Lirra by his side, Aodren sees a way forward for his people. But can he rewrite the mistakes of the past before his enemies destroy the world he’s working so hard to rebuild? Erin Summerill returns with a high-stakes fantasy full of romance, magic, and revenge!

Erin was such a sport to do an instagram takeover for @litjoycrate! She showed us her office, some favorite books, showed us where she sometimes writes or works, introduced us to Tricia Levenseller, author of Daughter of a Pirate King and Warrior of the Wild, and more! We love her so much!

A little more about Erin: When she’s not writing, Erin is devouring a book, photographing one, or talking to teens about her latest favorite read. She is proud to be an Air Force brat. She was born in England. Shortly after, her family’s Hawaiian heritage drew them back to the islands. Now, she lives in Utah with her husband and four children. Erin holds a B.A. in English from Brigham Young University and is currently working on an MFA in Writing Fiction For Children at Vermont College of Fine Arts.

Photo Credit: @xenatine

We hope you’ll check out Erin Summerill’s books (sadly, LitJoy sold out of her book and crate, but you can get the book still here). Let us know what you think!

Books=Love

XoXo,

Robin

About the Author: Robin M. King is the author of three young adult novels (Remembrandt Series), devourer of books, and lover of brownie batter and cheesy superhero shows.

Author Stalker: Heidi Heilig {Author of for a Muse of Fire}

Have you read For a Muse of Fire by Heidi Heilig yet? This first book in a new trilogy from the acclaimed Heidi Heilig blends traditional storytelling with ephemera for a lush, page-turning tale of escape and rebellion. For a Muse of Fire will captivate fans of Sabaa Tahir, Leigh Bardugo, and Renée Ahdieh.

LitJoy Exclusive Edition of For A Muse of Fire by Heidi Heilig (Sold out, but you can still get the regular version here)

We loved the book so much, we knew we had to talk with the author. Kelly and Alix got to interview her! Check it out:

Summary of For a Muse of Fire:  

Jetta’s family is famed as the most talented troupe of shadow players in the land. With Jetta behind the scrim, their puppets seem to move without string or stick—a trade secret, they say. In truth, Jetta can see the souls of the recently departed and bind them to the puppets with her blood.

But ever since the colonizing army conquered their country, the old ways are forbidden, so Jetta must never show, never tell. Her skill and fame are her family’s way to earn a spot aboard the royal ship to Aquitan, where shadow plays are the latest rage, and where rumor has it the Mad Emperor has a spring that cures his ills—and could cure Jetta’s, too. Because seeing spirits is not the only thing that plagues her.

But as rebellion seethes and as Jetta meets a young smuggler, she will face truths and decisions that she never imagined—and safety will never seem so far away.

Heidi Heilig creates a vivid, rich world inspired by Asian cultures and French colonialism. Her characters are equally complex and nuanced, including the bipolar heroine. Told from Jetta’s first-person point-of-view, as well as with chapters written as play scripts and ephemera such as telegrams and letters, For a Muse of Fire is an engrossing journey that weaves magic, simmering romance, and the deep bonds of family with the high stakes of epic adventure.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Heidi Heilig is the author of The Girl from Everywhere and The Ship Beyond Time. She grew up in Hawaii, where she rode horses and raised peacocks. She holds an MFA from New York University in musical theatre writing, and she’s written book and lyrics for several shows. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband, her son, and their pet snake.

AUTHOR WEBSITE: You can find her online at www.heidiheilig.com

A Tribute to Gilbert Blythe

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Dear Gilbert,

Before I could even read, I often found my mom lying in her bed late at night reading Anne of Green Gables. I remember the dictionary she kept on her night table because the author, Lucy Maud Montgomery, had an extensive vocabulary. What I didn't know at the time, was that those books would be made into a television film adaption in 1985. What I also didn't know was that you would enter my life and I would never be the same.

First Edition of Anne of Green Gables

The first time I watched Anne of Green Gables, I coveted red hair and I was somehow jealous that those scarlet braids found there way into the hands of a dark-curly-haired-hazel-eyed boy. I didn't care that you were a bully. Those of us who read Montgomery's words, knew that wasn't your intention:

"Gilbert Blythe was trying to make Anne Shirley look at him and failing utterly... Gilbert Blythe wasn't used to putting himself out to make a girl look at him and meeting with failure. She SHOULD look at him, that red-haired Shirley girl with the little pointed chin and big eyes that weren't like the eyes of any other girl in Avonlea school. Gilbert reached across the aisle and picked up the end of Anne's long red braid, held it out at arm's length, and said in a piercing whisper: 'Carrots! Carrots!'" 

Though it took Anne several movies/books to figure it out for sure, I always liked you. Your intelligence, witty comments, willingness to give up Avonlea school because you thought Anne needed it more after Matthew died, and never stopping to earn Anne's forgiveness and trust  - those qualities basically gave me high standards to look for in a future partner. 

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"Gilbert had also sprung from the boat and now laid a detaining hand or her arm. 'Anne,' he said hurriedly, 'look here. Can't we be good friends? I'm awfully sorry I made fun of your hair that time. I didn't mean to vex you and I only meant it for a joke. Besides, it's so long ago. I think your hair is awfully pretty now - honest I do. Let's be friends.'"

Thank you for rescuing Anne from her re-enactment of the Tennyson poem before she drown. Every girl needs a hero.

I will be always grateful for you showing me that movies can be just a good as books. Jonathan Crombie will forever be in my heart as the only actor who could ever be you on screen. The world will never be quite the same without him.

Last of all, Gilbert, thank you for teaching me that the best things in life are worth the wait. You never gave up on Anne and your willingness to fight for her and love her despite her turning you down so many times, is something we all wish we had. You taught Anne that she didn't need to look for her dreams outside of herself. You helped her discover "it's not what the world holds for you, it what you bring to it."

Source

Your Kindred Spirit,

Robin (with an "i")

If you are looking for an Anne of Green Gables-inspired romance set in a nowadays spy world, check out my romantic suspense book, Remembrandt and its sequel, Van Gogh Gone, coming September 2015! You'll have to let me know who you think is Gilbert.

My Favorite Children's Book Author: Kevin Henkes

As many of you know, I love books. Read 'em. Write 'em. Collect 'em. I know our society is moving into a digital age and I love technology, but there's something about books that makes me happy. About 15 years ago I discovered this fabulous children's book author and illustrator, Kevin Henkes. His fun and quirky books teach lessons and usually make my kids and I laugh.

My favorite of his books is Julius, the Baby of the World where the main character, Lilly, learns to appreciate her new baby brother when she has to stand up for him.

Several of his books have mice as the main characters, including Lilly, which was the feature character at the Children's Book Festival this year.

I want a purple purse too!

To find out more about Henkes and his books, check out my article, Children's Book Author Adults Will Love on Delicious Reads, where I include excerpts, quotes and a video from Henkes.