Cover Analysis at Project Mayhem

I'm over at Project Middle Grade Mayhem today, writing about the cover and first page of a new book I'm reading. Please stop by if you have time!

Oh How I Miss You Blogfest

The bloggers we really miss…

and the ones we would really miss!

Do you have a couple blogger buddies who aren’t posting as often? Those who’ve pulled back and seem absent from the blogging world? Do you have blogger buddies you are grateful they are still around and would miss if they vanished? Now is your chance to show your appreciation and spotlight them!

List one to three bloggers you really miss and one to three bloggers you would miss if they stopped blogging. Then go leave a comment on those blogs.

Our blogger friends are special – time to let them know!

The bloggers I miss:

Adam Heine. Okay, so technically, he still ... blogs, but not like he used to. I'm happy for him, of course, because he's cut back for an awesome reason, but I do miss the golden era.

Candace Ganger. Candace will be on this list every years until she publishes a book. Actually, even then I will probably still miss her awesome posts. She does also still blog a little, but not like the good old days.

Sara McClung. Sara is one of my co-authors at YA Confidential, so it's not like she's completely disappeared, but she hasn't blogged in a while on her personal blog, so I do miss reading her over there. However, she's a mom now, so that probably has something to do with it!

The bloggers I would miss:

I don't even really know what to say here. I already miss all of you so much! I've really had to cut back on my own blogging, because the day-job has gotten so busy it's come to a point of blog or write. I used to be able to do both, but that's no longer an option. Maybe someday I can sell some books and quit my job. We shall see.

Honorable mention: my co-hosts, Alex and Andrew. You guys rock, and I would miss you big time if you ever disappeared from the 'net!

Here is the rest of the list, please try to visit them all:

Cover Reveal: Dragonfly Warrior, by Jay Noel

You see that cover? Amazing, isn't it? We've got an airship, and an armored warrior with a six shooter in his hand, and what looks like a katana attached to his waist. It just doesn't get any better than that.

Here's some info about the book:

Dragonfly Warrior Blurb:

The Mechanica Wars: Savage Machines Are Afoot...

At the age of twenty, Kanze Zenjiro's bloody footprints mark the bodies of those who stood in his way to protect the throne of Nihon. Now, the tyrannical Iberian Empire is bent on destroying his kingdom, and they send their steam-powered giants and iron spiders against him.

Zen embarks on a quest that takes him on the most dangerous journey of his life. To succeed, Zen must live up to his nickname, the Dragonfly Warrior, and kill all his enemies with only a sword and a pair of six-guns. He is called upon to somehow survive a test of faith and loyalty in a world so cruel and merciless, it borders on madness.

Book Information:

Dragonfly Warrior is a steampunk adventure like no other. It's a dynamic mix of Asian and European mythology, the Wild West, martial arts, traditional fantasy, and high powered steam action that will keep you turning the pages.

Dragonfly Warrior is the first book of The Mechanica Wars, and will debut on January 6, 2014.

Author Bio:

After doing some freelance writing and editing for more than a dozen years, Jay decided to stop procrastinating and pursue his dream of being a novelist. He's been blogging for over eight years, and even had a comedy podcast syndicated all over the internet. All of that was fun, but all the steampunk-inspired stories in his head just wouldn't leave him alone. Jay spends his days working in medical sales, but he can be found toiling over his laptop late at night when all is quiet.

He draws inspiration from all over: H.G. Wells, Jules Verne, Shakespeare, Ray Bradbury, Douglas Adams, and Isaac Asimov.

And Jay loves cookies.

Jay Noel's website: www.jaynoel.com | Facebook | Twitter

Wag the Dog

I heard the most awesome story on NPR's Morning Edition this morning. It was about dogs.

You can find it here, but the audio won't be up until 9 AM.

TL;DR when dogs see something they love (like their owner) they wag their tails more to the right. When they see something threatening (like a strange dog) they wag their tails more to the left.

Isn't that fascinating? I love dogs.

Happy Friday, everyone!