Falling Apart or Into Place

Writing and publishing, like life, can often be compared to a big box of jigsaw puzzle pieces.

It's easy to form the lower and upper edges along with the sides by finding the familiar, sticking to what's simpler to identify. With publishing, that often meant trying to follow the sage advice of others with more experience and knowledge, those who'd flourished at the time where only an agent got you where you wanted to be. When guidelines were followed and stuck to. Not so much nowadays. Forming the picture within, the final outcome, can take a lot of trial and error. This includes trying to fit pieces where they're not the best fit.

I tried that with Neverlove. I attempted to fit it into a pitch contest early last year. Seemed like the right thing to do, try and get the attention of a growing small press. It got no interest at all. None. No surprise since I have to admit it wasn't a 100% whole-hearted effort. Instead of being totally bombed about it, I took it as the beginning of a revival. I'd been considering self-publishing for a while. At the same time, I'd gotten back some AWESOME feedback on improving Neverlove and got into some great conversations with Gwen Gardner about self-publishing our novels and promoting them at the same time.

Brilliant!!

Far from falling apart, the puzzle pieces were falling into place, not forced or fitted into something someone else may have thought it would/should belong.

Have you ever experienced something where things seemed not to work but in actuality, they were setting the stepping stones for the path meant for you?

No Yellow Rags Here

Yellow rags are more than old dust-pushing cloths for cleaning, it's an old phrase for late 1800/early 1900 "sensationalist" journalism. Today we call it "the news" :-)

All teasing aside, Gwen and I would like to invite and encourage you to subscribe to our Partners in ParanormYA (PIP) newsletter. Although we have this blog and a Facebook presence, a newsletter offers a chance to provide early notification of coming activities, exclusive content limited to those who subscribe to the newsletter, even special contests that may be exclusive to newsletter subscribers only.

And the more the merrier! So tell a friend, and they can tell their friends, and their friends can tell their friends to stop by here, click on the Newsletter Sign up link, and subscribe today.

It's been an exciting year and we look forward to more good times to come :-)

Big Swag Winner and a Lesson Learned

Hello Everyone!

With the blog tour over, there are a couple of things Gwen and I would like to share. First is a lesson learned:
We've both learned that humanity is so much better than we realize.  At least we know that writers - and the readers who've shown support - have been spectacular.  Wonderful.  Remarkable.

We've also gained a new insight on the far-reaching realm that is self-publishing.  That to find the success we want to find, we'll have to work for it, but it is well worth the work.  And we've gained each other, an ever-blossoming partnership and friendship we've come to truly cherish.  Breaking out with our YA novels as a partnership has been the very best and we're so blessed to have each other in our blogging lives, writing lives, just life period.

There's also a question of what's next for Partners in ParanormYA. Does it grow into something more or vanish with the wind? Gwen and I are both eager to share more writing under the PIP umbrella so, honestly, the sky's the limit :-)

Second, the Big Swag Contest winner is.... (drum roll please...)

Bish Denham!

You should receive an e-mail soon if you haven't already :-)

Thanks again, to each and everyone for your support. We'll continue to do our best to bring you stories to warm your heart, tickle your fancy, make you laugh and make you cry.

The End...But, Not Really

PIP HQ
Wednesday, 10/31/2012
Early Morning

Gwen sits at the kitchen table, steam rising in wisps from her mug of tea.  Angela sits across from her, turning a small pottery cup of green tea in her hand.

Angela: The girls did an amazing job with the decorations.

Gwen: I know.  And didn't use a single one from our stash.

*Both ladies giggle*

Angela: They tried.  I see they stayed away from zombie stuff, though.

Gwen: Can't blame them.  Being attacked by the walking dead can give you a new perspective on a few things.

Angela *glances at the recently replaced door*: Yeah.  You're right.  Still on for the surprise?

Gwen: You know it.  Since the girls tuckered out early, I was able to get everything ordered.  It's their last day on holiday, after all.  Then it's back to the books for them.  Can't let them go out without a party.  Authorized this time.

Angela: I'm going to miss this tour, traveling from blog to blog, seeing what new drama the girls can get into.

Gwen: It's not the end.  Not by a long shot.  It's a new chapter in our journey.

Angela: A toast to new beginnings?

Gwen: Agreed.

*While Gwen and Angela clink cups, Abby and Indigo crouch in the shadows nearby, smiling, giving each other a fist pound, excited about the "surprise" party, and even more thrilled at the mystery, fun, romance and action that awaits them in THEIR next adventures.*

****************************************************************************

Gwen and Angela are ending their blogtown tour at a blog that is particularly special.  Check out Literary Rambles (big hugs to Natalie Aguirre!!!)

And

Week 3 Winners are announced!

Shannen Aleene Romein - $10 Amazon gift card, Givin’ Up The Ghost ebook and 2 Personalized bookmarks

JC Martin – Neverlove ebook and Personalized bookmark

Jennie Bennett – 10 page critique and 50 page critique

Mary Preston – Personalized bookmark

Stephen Tremp – Personalized bookmark

Congratulations to the winners and thanks for participating! You will be contacted soon.

Halloween What?

PIP HQ
Tuesday, 10/30/2012
Mid Morning

Indigo *calling out as she enters the living room*: Gwen?  Where's Angela?  Abby?

Abby: In the kitchen.  Just got the coffee going.

Indigo: Did you see Gwen and Angela before they headed over to Tara Tyler Talks for today's visit?  You told them about the Halloween block special, right?

Abby: Yeah.  Insomnia is no good for you.  You conked right back out after Franny left your door yesterday.  I almost didn't start the coffee this morning until I heard you moving around, finally.

Indigo *blushing*: I'm better now.  So did they leave money for decorations?

Abby: Nope, just a letter on the table.

Dear Abby and Indigo,
Angela and I prepared for Halloween.  All the decorations are in the one place your party did not destroy.  Shouldn't be too difficult.  We expect them up when we return.

We'll be back soon,
Gwen and Angela 

Indigo: Hmmm...the one place the party didn't mess up...where's that?

Abby *shugs*: I don't know.  I thought maybe you knew.

Indigo *flushes even redder*: I don't know either.

Abby: We're so screwed.  Again!

Indigo: No, we're not.  If we can't find them, then we'll have to buy some.  Basil and Badger can help.  Then Gwen and Angela won't have to know.

****************************************************************************

There's a problem with Indigo's plan.  Can anyone guess?  Until the reveal that happens tomorrow - our last day of the blogtown tour - please visit Tara Tyler Talks for some curiosities answered.

A Franny Wake-up Call

PIP HQ
Monday, 10/29/2012
Mid-afternoon

After a paranoia/insomnia-filled weekend of shifty eyes suspecting movement from every shadow, Indigo eventually taps out to sleep early evening Sunday.  Night and morning have passed.  She's finally roused from slumber by an incessant tapping at her door.  She stumbles to the door and opens it, too tired to even step into her favorite fuzzy slippers.

Indigo *yawns*: What is it, Franny?

Franny: Why on earth do you insist on putting that pouch over your door?

Indigo: Keeps the evil away.

Franny *scoffs, offended*: I'm no such thing.  You weren't using it before your little run in with the Devourer and the Dark Shadow...which YOU started this time.

*Abby shuffles to join Franny at Indigo's bedroom door*

Franny: And you, too, young lady *she wags a wispy finger at Abby*

Abby: What? I just came over because I thought I heard knocking.

Franny:  Yes.  That's right.  I was just telling Indigo there's someone at the door.

Indigo: No, you weren't.  You were scolding me for Abby's idea.

Franny: That too, but there's a portly woman waving some piece of paper at the door.  My kind frighten the living *casts a knowing gaze to Indigo then Abby* Well, most of them.  Will you get the door?  Or shall I?

******************************************************************************
After an unauthorized party and battling evil villains, one woman at the door should be an easy thing to handle, right?  Until next time, check out our visit over at Dianne Salerni's blog, In High Spirits, where we share some REAL Partners in ParanormYA case files.

The Best Laid Plans...Have Last Minute Changes

Dark and Creepy Alley
ParaNormal Heights
Blogtown

Devourer and Dark Shadow face off, one a villain of Neverlove and the other a villain of Givin' Up the Ghost.  Neither of them appear overly fond of the other.  Actually, can't really tell with the Dark Shadow since it has no face, but the tension is thick, nonetheless.

Devourer: So what are we going to do, Dark Shadow?  Just stand here, look at each other?

Dark Shadow expands and contracts his presence, deepening further into a dark inky blob of doom.

Devourer: Hmmm...so that's how it is. *he snaps his finger*

*Two hellhounds spring free from their position by the Devourer's side.  A howl fills the air.*

*Abby takes another step back, foot clacking against something.  She reaches down and pulls up a Super Soaker Lightning Storm water gun.*

Indigo: Oh. Good. Thanks, Abby.  *Indigo plucks it from Abby's fingers and hands it to Badger.*

Abby: What the...?

Badger: It's filled with holy water.  Brilliant!  Indigo and I thought about it when we watched Supernatural the other night.  There should be one with a flashlight attached. That's for Indigo. Two more there for you and Basil.

*Digging in the darkness, the teens arm themselves.  Meanwhile, the two hellhounds attacking the Dark Shadow grow weaker, whimpering as they chomp and jump.

Devourer: Return to me.  *The hellhounds obey, both limping back.* No visible wounds.  I think I see how you work.

Basil: We're done with seeing how you work.

*Basil steps from the corner and opens fire on the Devourer and hellhounds, with Abby close behind.  Indigo flicks the flashlight on, landing the light upon Dark Shadow as she releases holy water. Badger barrels from the corner with a charging cry, water gun blasting.*

Devourer: What the he - Ooooow! Arrrrrgh!  I'll get you next time!

*Stumbling back from the surprise attack, the Devourer blends into the darkness, shadow jumping away with the hellhounds hot on his heels.  Dark Shadow loses its shape, its form dwindling to a mist that floats away.

Abby: That was awesome *fist pumps the air*

Indigo: That was dangerous, but it was fun *giggles and leans into Badger's embrace.

Basil: That was the end...for now

Badger: That's okay, mate.  If there's a bloody next time, we'll have each other.
***********************************************************
Some plans actually do work...with a little help from water guns filled with holy water :-)
Don't forget to join us today at Tyrean's Writing Spot where we share a bit of food for thought on physical interaction in YA fiction.

Beware: There Be Evil Here

A Dark, Seedy Alley
ParaNormal Heights
Blogtown

*Whoosh! A sudden burst of flames explodes before them. Badger wraps his hand around Indigo's upper arm and pulls her to his side.*

*Abby and Basil, hand-in-hand, hurtle out of the blaze.*

Abby: He's right behind us!

Badger: The Devourer?

*Abby and Basil join Indigo and Badger, driving their bodies to the furthest, darkest corner of the alley*

Basil: Yeah, but he's not alone.

*Two, three, four hellhounds growl and snarl, breaking free of the fire.  The odor of decay thickens in the air when the Devourer saunters through with a confident swag.*

Devourer: I know you're here, Abby.  I can smell the suffering still clinging to your soul.  I--

*The Devourer lowers his sunglasses, empty eye sockets pinned to the opposite end of the alley.  The Dark Shadow, its dark, inky presence, bristles at the sight of the Devourer.  A shift of cold air dwindles the flames to little more than embers.  The hellhounds crouch beside the Devourer, jaws snapping.*

Devourer: Well, well, well.  You're not still upset about my little jab at Susan Kay Quinn's blog, are you?

*Abby sucked in a chilled breath as the Dark Shadow responded, dropping the air into a frigid cold*

Indigo *whispered*: This is bad.  This is really, really bad.

****************************************************

It appears Devourer and Dark Shadow, two villians from two different novels, are about to go head-to-head.  You can check out what happens tomorrow.  For today, you can find Gwen Gardner and Angela Brown over at Linda Jackson's blog discussing "doing things our way" and Michelle Pickett's blog where the resident ghost Franny Bishop - no relation to Abby Bishop - comes to the fashion rescue for...hmmmm...who?

Not Cleaning OCD - Just In Trouble Again

PIP Headquarters
Monday
9:01 a.m.

PIP Headquarters is a pitiful sight this morning, with Indigo (GUTG) and Abby (Neverlove) all decked out in their Cinderella-like cleaning duds, hair tied back, buckets full of soapy water and Playtex gloves up to their elbows. Turns out, girls who have unauthorized parties must pay the consequences.

Indigo: This sucks. *she's standing on the bathroom counter with a toothbrush, scrubbing the grooves in the light fixture*

Abby: Tell me about it. *plunges her latex-gloved hand into the toilet and scrubs vigorously*


Indigo: So, what's that Devourer dude got against you, anyway?

Abby: For a start, we're on opposite sides of the war for souls. Plus, Basil was sort of his pet project and he thinks I stole him away. I'd sure like to get even with him for snitching on us to Angela and Gwen about the party.

Indigo: *nods her head* He's plain evil, just like that soul-collecting Dark Shadow who's always after me. *shudders involuntarily* Too bad we can't get them both.

Abby: Hey, that's a great idea!

Indigo: What is?

Abby: Getting even with both of them, of course.

Indigo: Now wait a minute, Abby. I was just speaking hypothetically. I didn't mean we should actually go after them. That'd be really dangerous.

Abby: *stares off into the distance, a scheming look in her eyes*

Indigo: Abigail Bishop, you get that look out of your eyes right this minute....

*******************************************
While our teenage characters are thinking about getting themselves into yet another "situation," perhaps you want to catch their prerecorded Character Spotlights over at Cherie Reich's blog, and then you won't want to miss the showdown at E.J. Wesley's blog, The Open Vein.

AND

Week 3 Giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

AND

The Big Swag Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Keys and a Grin, a Scary Grin

Driveway of PIP Headquarters
10/19/2012
6 a.m. - ish

Indigo: Angela was cool to let us take her Nissan today.

Abby:  Yeah, we'll make it for our stop at Medeia Sharif's blog in no time.

Indigo: And I know we have to check out Elizabeth Seckman's blog.  I heard Gwen mention something about Supernatural.  Those guys rock.  So hot!

Abby *tosses the keys to Indigo*: Your turn.

Indigo: Sweet!

Abby: I'm a little concerned, though.

Indigo: Why?

Abby: When Angela gave me her keys, she was smiling.  Like, a scary grin.

Indigo: You don't think they know, do you?

Abby: No.  I don't think so. They can't.  Could they?

*Abby and Indigo leave things at that, hoping things will just get back to normal.*

*******************************************

Please check out Medeia Sharif's blog.  Abby and Indigo will be there.  And dive into a bit of Supernatural Fact or Fiction at Elizabeth Seckman's blog.

We still have 2 Giveaways going on!

Week 2 Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Big Swag Givveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

1001 Ways to Use a Barrette

PIP Headquarters
10/18/2012
3:17 p.m.

A cute girl clasps her hands in her lap, legs crossed at her ankles, seated at the PIP HQ kitchen table.  A pink curl dangles into her face.

The interrogation underway...

Indigo: So you're Mrs. Windleman's granddaughter, from down the street, right?

Cute girl:  Yep.  Just call me Mynda.

Abby: Okay, Mynda.  Why'd you record our party?

Indigo: Chill, Abby.  We can work our way to that.

Abby:  We can't.  Angela and Gwen will be back soon from checking how Basil and Badger did at Candilynn's blog.

Mynda: Um, excuse me...

Indigo: I heard Gwen and Angela whispering about a stop at Susan Kaye Quinn's blog.  But they don't have their names down for the stop.  I wonder who it could be?

Abby: I don't think I want to know.

Mynda: Hey, look, I didn't record your party.  Total lame move.

*Indigo's cheeks flush red at Mynda's apparent lie.  She flips open the laptop and speeds to the end of the recording (something both girls were too frantic to do until Basil and Badger made them watch the recording all the way through).  A flash of a pink haired girl briefly dips her head into the bathroom to check her hair.  The picture shifts slightly as she tucks a hair behind her ear and jostles a barrette.*

Abby: You're saying that's not you, Mynda?

Mynda:  That's me, but you saw what happened.  It was that barrette.  This guy stopped me on the way here and gave it to me, just asked me to give it back to him when I left.  I didn't know anything about the recording.  I do look cute, though.

Indigo:  And you did it?

Mynda:  He was hot.  Cool shades on even in the dark.  And his smile?  So, yeah.  It was just a barrette.

*Abby and Indigo exchange a glance.  Only one guy sported sun glasses at night...and it wasn't because he was cool.  And he was hot, alright...hell's fire hot:  Devourer.*

********************************************

Just when they thought they'd nabbed their culprit, things get a bit more...complicated.  Why don't you go check out what the boys are up to at Candilynn Fite's Writerly Musings.  And don't forget to stop by Susan Kaye Quinn's blog to see WHO stopped by.

Damage Control

PIP Headquarters
10/17/2012
Eleven - ish

Indigo: Hurry in guys.  We really need your help.

*Badger and Basil crush each other coming through the door at the same time.*

Basil: What's wrong, girls?

*Abby sets the laptop on the kitchen table.  Pressing one button, LMFAO's "Party Rockers Anthem" blasts from the speakers, teens squeeing, voices talking over each other in noisy conversations.*

Indigo *face now a shade shy of Hot Tamale candy red*: That!

Badger: The party?  But who recorded the bloody thing?

Abby: We don't know.  That's why we need your help.  We read through Neverlove and Givin' Up the Ghost all day yesterday but couldn't pin a person.

Basil:  How long do we have?

Indigo:  Gwen mentioned they had a stop at Mina Burrow's today.

Abby: And Carol Kilgore...so it might be a while.

Basil: Then let's get started.  We have to figure this out before Angela and Gwen find out.  If they find out *shudder* Okay, I don't want to think about what would if happen if they find out.
********************************************
Oh, party rockers on record. Wow.  Devourer may have done them a favor or a disservice sharing this with them.  We'll just have to see how things turn out for our quirky teens.  For the time being, please relax Under the Tiki Hut and make sure to check out some books for paranormal and mystic minds.

The Devil in the Details

PIP Headquarters
10/16/2012
8:00 a.m.

*Indigo creeps into Abby's room, pitch black from the heavy drapes.*

Indigo: Wake up, Abby.  Something's wrong.  I can feel it all over.

Abby: I know. *sigh* I can smell him.  He's somewhere close by.

Indigo:  Why are you still in bed?

Abby *yanking the blanket over her head*: I don't want to deal with it right now.

Indigo:  Come on.  I've got goose pimples on my goose pimples.  Find out what he wants then maybe he'll leave and I can get some more sleep.

*Abby grunts, slings the blanket aside and huffs as she gets out of bed.  Stepping into a pair of jogging pants, she - followed by a flashlight-wielding Indigo - tiptoes through the dark headquarters to the front door.*

Abby: The scent of death is strongest here.  And put the flashlight away, Indy.  He's the devil, not that thing.

Indigo: Sorry, force of habit.

Abby *opening the door*: What do you want, Devourer?

Devourer: Good morning to you, Cleanser.  Hospitality not high on your list?  Don't answer that.  Here.

*Devourer hands Abby a USB.*

Abby:  What am I supposed to do with this?

Devourer:  Whatever you want.  *a mischievous smile curls his lips* Ta Ta.

*Turning away, Devourer strolls down the sidewalk with an air of perfection and ease.  Indigo yanks the USB from Abby, runs to the laptop and brings up the lone file saved on it.  Abby and Indigo both gasp.*

Abby: We're so dead.

Indigo: I'm so going to to hell.

****************************
What kind of trouble could they be in now?  While they deal with this new drama, please go by Millie Holmes's blog and Carolyn Brown's blog to share in the adventure as Gwen and Angela continue their whirlwind tour around the blogosphere.

What do you think is on that USB file?
****************************

AND WE HAVE WINNERS!

Week 1 Rafflecopter winners are announced below, chosen randomly by random.org.

Carolyn B. - $15 Amazon Card

Elizabeth H. – Neverlove ebook

Tara T. – Givin’ Up The Ghost ebook

Crystal Y. – personalized bookmark

Ellie G. – personalized bookmark

Ellie G. – personalized bookmark

Ellie G. – personalized bookmark

Shallee McArthur – personalized bookmark

Congratulations to the winners and thank you so much for participating and supporting Angela and Gwen. You will be contacted shortly for email and physical addresses where you'd like to receive your prizes.

THANKS AGAIN!

Let's Try This Again...

PIP Headquarters
10/15/2012
Afternoon-ish

Gwen and Angela quietly left in the morning for another week of touring the blogosphere leaving Abby and Indigo...at PIP Headquarters...house-sitting.  Again.  Good thing the girls are on holiday until the end of the blog tour.

*Indigo stumbles sleepily into the kitchen - ears flopping on her fuzzy bunny slippers - to put water on for coffee*

Abby *calls out from her room*:  Hey, Angela!

Indigo: Not here, Abby.  Her and Gwen are at Shelly Akron's blog.  Angie Sandro green lit them for today as well.  Just me and you again.

*Abby shuffles into the kitchen in her nightshirt and fuzzy slippers*

Indigo *eyeing Abby over her shoulder*: So what are we going to do?

Abby *eyes wide*: Nothing.  Absolutely nothing.  Last thing we need is another Wild Cherry Pepsi scare.  I'm just glad Angela didn't notice.

*knock...knock...knock at the front door*

Abby: I got it.  Probably one of them forgot something in all their giddiness.

Abby *yanking the door open*:  What did you - oh, well, well, well.  Look who we have here.

*Badger and Basil smile their winning smiles with offerings in their hands*

Thank you Word Clip Art :-)

Basil: Can we come in?

Abby: Two conditions.  Me and Indigo change 'cuz you kind of caught us waking up and -

Indigo *yelling from the kitchen*: No parties!
*****************************************
What teenage girl could turn down a steaming hot burger and fries...especially when they came with a cute boy?  While they enjoy an impromptu lunch, please enjoy our posts at Shelly's The Life of a Novice Writer and Angie's Oh, The Things I've Learned.

Yay! Now We're On To WEEK 2 GIVEAWAY!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

AND THE BIG SWAG GIVEAWAY IS STILL GOING ON!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Audio-Visual Stimulation

Sometimes, it's kind of nice to share something...different.  Hope you enjoy this little blog tour reminder.

Make your own slideshow at Animoto.
The music is titled Reveal by Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.

Flipping the Script - ParanormYA style

Gwen and I are thrilled to have another character visiting Partners in ParanormYA.  Basil, as you probably remember from NEVERLOVE's blurb, had a slip-of-the-tongue moment that bound him to servitude to, well, he doesn't like to talk much about that.  So instead, I offered to flip the script and let him ask me a few questions.

Yeah, so, Basil here.  I have a bone to pick - uh - I mean, a few questions for you, Angela Brown.

Angela:  Erm, okay.  So go for it.

Basil:  So you just couldn't let my parents be cool, huh?

Angela:  Oh, so this is THAT kind of interview?  Um, well, I mean, I don't know a whole lot of teens that think their parents are the coolest thing, ever.  But I'll admit, you had a tough cookie for a mom.

Basil:  Mother, not mom.

Angela: Oh, right.  That respect thing.  Got it.

Basil: Now, I admit, you kind of made up for it with Pam.  She was hot. *blushes*

Angela:  Well, good.  Glad you liked her.

Basil *quirking an eyebrow*:  I didn't say that.  I just said she was hot.

Angela *grinning wickedly*:  Well, what about Abby?

Basil: *stares off in the distance, glossy look to his eyes*

Angela *snaps fingers*

Basil: Uh...wait...what?  You got me thinking about Abby.

Angela *shaking my head*: Never mind

Now that Basil is thinking about Abby, I'm going to sneak off lol!!!

Um...hmmmm...that interview did not go quite as I planned.  But, I think I'm safe, for the moment lol!!

Has anyone else had an interview that went awry?

Partners in ParanormYA BIG REVEAL!!!!

Mystery and mayhem teamed with heartache and overcoming. Follow PIP here.

It's that time folks, the moment Gwen and I have been so excited for.  Well, one of the moments.  This Indie publishing adventure has been one thrilling moment after another.  So here they are, our covers for GIVIN' UP THE GHOST and NEVERLOVE by Gwen Gardner and Angela Brown, respectively.



Corona Zschusschen

Friend or Foe?

Murder victim Bart Bagley is not content to merely roll over in his grave. He wants his murderer caught and he wants teenage ghost whisperer, Indigo Eady, to help him.

It becomes obvious that Bart’s temper lead to more than one disagreement, but is it enough to want him dead? With nothing but a cold trail and a hot list of “friendly” suspects, Indigo and her friends race to find the killer before they become the next victims.

Indigo Eady is not clumsy. At least, that’s what she keeps telling everyone. Can she help that the overactive spirit community of Sabrina Shores causes her psychic abilities to short-circuit? It’s unfortunate that her cute new friend Badger is often on the receiving end of her mishaps. At times, she is positively hazardous to his health. Even so, sparks start to fly in more than one direction...

Heather McCorckle of CP Designs

For seventeen-year-old Abigail, one rash decision leads to an unexpected chance for redemption. At V'Salicus Academy, a unique institute where she trains to become an agent of heaven, she struggles with the pain of her past, the changes of the present and accepts a loveless future until her path – and heart – crosses with Basil’s.

Basil's off-chance slip of the tongue binds him to a life of servitude to the Devourer, the master of hell. His existence has no upside until a chance meeting with Abigail brings new perspective.

Keeping the truth of their present lives from each other brings disaster when secrets are brought to light and the life of Abigail’s mentor is put on the line.

Can Abigail and Basil save her mentor and salvage their love amid the chaos? Or will they lose it all, destined forever to NEVERLOVE?



About the authors:

Haunt me: FB, Blog, Goodreads

Gwen Gardner

Running, writing and reading are my favorite things.

I am also a dreamer.

Have you ever told yourself that "some day" I'm going to travel or write or whatever it is that you are passionate about but can't do right now for whatever reason? You can go for years and years and keep telling yourself that "some day" you'll do it. Too often "some day" never comes. But mine did. I am a former Administrative Manager and Vice President of a successful swimming pool plastering company - until I woke up one day and realized that my "some day" had arrived. I quit my job, moved to the mountains and began to write. Crazy, I know. But even crazier? Is when you get to the end of your life and realize that your "some day" is too late. Life is much too short for that! So the adventure has begun.

GIVIN' UP THE GHOST is a YA paranormYA cozy mystery, the first in the Indigo Eady series, due out October 8, 2012.

Haunt me FB, Blog, Goodreads

Angela Brown

Reading and writing have been lifelong passions. It was around the time I gave birth to my forever-love, nicknamed Chipmunk, that I really took writing seriously. After all, how could I teach my child to follow her dreams if I hadn't tried myself?

As a YA fantasy/sci-fi reader and author, I favor the magical, mysterious, the darker side of life...even harbor a secret fright for things that go bump in the night.

NEVERLOVE is a special project spawned from a blog-challenge-turned-blog-opera, the Abby and Basil affair. It is the first in the Shadow Jumpers series and due out October 8, 2012.

Thank you EVERYONE for sharing in our cover reveal.  Please feel free to share with others as well :-)

A Pair of ParanormYA Realms

When it comes to the paranormal, it's no surprise there are different realms of existence.  Think back to Ghost (if you haven't seen it, what are you waiting for?!?!?).  Patrick Swayze's character remains earthbound after a traumatic incident removes him from his physical form.  Whoopie Goldberg's character, much like our resident ghost whisperer, Indigo Eady from GIVIN' UP THE GHOST, has the ability to hear those spiritual beings who've yet to traverse over.  Unlike Whoopie, Indigo has the added privilege - or curse, depending on your perspective - to see these forms as well.  Talk about disturbing images.

But there's more to spirits than being stuck in the living world.  Some go elsewhere.  In NEVERLOVE, the place lost souls go to is called the Withers.  Let's just say it's not a place to write home to your parents about.  Some may equate the Withers to Purgatory.  But unlike the movie, the Withers is always changing.  And those battling it out are Cleansers and Harvestors, an extended "dislike" that can't be helped between heaven and hell.

Have you ever had an experience of the paranormal kind?  Maybe some earthbound spirit trying to reach out to you?

What Are Paranormya Abilities?



Banner by Tara Tyler

I'll bet you didn't know that one of our members actually coined a new word in the formation of Partners in ParanormYA. I know she's not one to toot her own horn, so I'll do it for her. Angela Brown thought of it, and it's called paranormya (pronounced paranormia.)

Of course, we've figured out that it goes right after 'paranormal' in the dictionary:

par·a·nor·mal

Sounds like [par-uh-nawr-muhl]
adjective of or pertaining to the claimed occurrence of an event or perception without scientific explanation, as psychokinesis, extrasensory perception, or other purportedly supernatural phenomena.

par·a·nor·my·a

Sounds like [par-uh-norm-e-ah]
adjective/noun1. of or pertaining to supernatural occurrences, primarily affecting young adults between the ages of 13 – 18. The phenomena is without scientific explanation and includes happenings such as extrasensory perception, ghost whispering, and Psychometry, and
2. in a broader sense, includes those purportedly to blame for such occurrences, i.e., the master of hell (aka the Devil, Satan) and soul collectors.

Here are examples of paranormya from

Neverlove by Angela Brown and

Givin' Up The Ghost by Gwen Gardner:

Eighteen year old Basil collects souls using his journal, 'Nevermore.'  He sucks the lost souls into his pen and locks them into the pages of his journal with his blood as the ink. Here is a brief scene about Nevermore from Neverlove:

“So you suck at combat.” The corners of Drakar’s lip tilted in a lopsided grin.  He draped his arm on Basil’s shoulder.

“Right.  You’re the devil.  Comfort’s not your strong suit.”

“True.  Strategy is.  Which is why I get to know a little about my potential Harvestors before they, you know, get dead and all.  I remembered you had a penchant for writing.  I think this will be the best way for you to earn your keep.”  He handed Basil the package.

Basil resisted the urge to roll his eyes heavenward.  He barely recalled talking about his short-lived editing gig during class introductions.  A brown leather bound journal showed through after two quick rips of the flimsy wrapping.  Drakar brought his hand from behind his back.

“A pen. Just what I need.  I’ve been itching to write.”  A smile tugged at Basil’s lips.  He pursed his lips with a reminder that he was in hell, in an eternity of debt behind his careless choice of words with the wrong person.  Besides, there was no smiling in hell.  At least, not for him.

***

Sixteen year old Indigo Eady uses Psychometry as one her paranormya abilities. Psychometry is the reading of energy or history through touch of an object or person. Here's a scene with an example from Givin' Up The Ghost:

“Hey,” he said. “Are you all right? What happened in there?”

I sighed. How do I explain this?

“I, um, sometimes get visions through touching. It’s called Psychometry – reading the energy of objects or people through touch. When I shook hands with Nat, I had a vision of him shaking Shelly, pretty violently.”

Badger looked at me like I had a third eye in the middle of my forehead.

“The violence manifested itself by burning my hand.” I pulled my trembling hand out of my pocket, palm skyward. Tiny blisters bubbled up, bright, red and angry.

***

As you can see, our characters go through quite a bit of angst with paranormya occurrences. What kind of paranormya occurrences do your characters go through, if any? How about in real life?

***

P.S. If you'd like to participate in our

 cover reveal sometime during the week of

September 3 - 7, 2012

or host  us on our blog tour between

October 8 - 31, 2012 please go here.

The Secret is OUT! Partners in ParanomYA

It's been whispered here and there, hinted at, but no real details given.

Well...

Here it is everyone.  Gwen Gardner + Angela Brown = Partners in ParanormYA

Thank you Tara for our custom ParanormYA tag!

That's right.  Two heads really ARE better than one :-)  We've joined forces to self-publish our paranormal-themed novels, both with romantic elements.  Because tastes in reading varies, so do our writing and the stories we've penned.

Gwen's GIVIN' UP THE GHOST is a wonderful YA tale of mystery and suspense.  It has a Ghost Whisperer meets Nancy Drew appeal.

Angela's NEVERLOVE explores the path where heartache and secrets abound for a pair of teens fated for forbidden love.  It has a Gothic appeal with heaven and hell agents reminiscent of Constantine.

We're planning a cover reveal and a blogtown tour.  That's where YOU come in to play.  Together, we are mighty, but we both know that without the support of you, our community mates, progress forward is difficult.  So we humbly ask that if any of our blogging buddies are willing to assist, we'd truly appreciate it :-)

The comment linky is below. Please sign in and indicate whether you're up for the ParanormYA cover reveal, the blog tour host, or both. Should you choose to host, please indicate your area of interest, i.e., interview, book review, guest post, and date available.

The break-out cover reveal is September 3 - September 7, 2012.

The blogtown tour is October 8 - October 31, 2012.
 

***Please be sure to follow Partners in ParanormYA (pronounced 'paranomia' for those who get tickled by funny sounding words).  Or you can certainly follow by e-mail.  And please, don't let the fun stop here. Copy the comment linky and share this exciting news at your blog, through Twitter or the social media of your choice.  We'd love for this to be an exciting and fun time for as many people as possible.  Remember, the more the scarier - erm - merrier.***