Who Wants to Hear Some Exciting News???!

Published June 19, 2016 by Ashley Townsend

Come hither, come hither! (wherever “hither” is) I have some exciting news! Drum roll please.

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DEFYING SHADOWS IS OFFICIALLY OFF TO THE PUBLISHER!!!

After rushing to get the final round of edits done–moving past burning eyes, late nights, coffee abuse, and a serious lack of social engagements–Defying Shadows (click here to add it on Goodreads) is officially ready to go to print. WEEEEEE!!!!!!

It has literally been a decade from the start of this series to getting Rising Shadows published (see where it all began here), seeing Chasing Shadows in print, and now sending off the final book in the trilogy. I am crazy excited to share it with you all (July 2016 release date TBA), but it’s also a little strange to know that this series has come to a close.

I don't want to go 10 doctor david tennant

Of course, I’ll read it when it comes out (say, 20 or 100 times), but I’ll never get to write a new scene between Sarah and Will, never laugh at Karen and Seth’s antics (the badger moment you will experience in Defying Shadows), and never sigh with confused emotions when Damien breaks/mends my heart a thousand times over.
crying

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times” sounds pretty appropriate for how I felt doing that final read-through. But although it is incredibly bittersweet to send my little word-child off to the presses all on his lonesome (yes, I laughed, I cried), it’s also really exciting to have the chance to dive into new series and novels that have been gnawing at my writer-mind for so long. Plus, I can always go back to visit Sarah and the gang in Serimone because . . . badum da dum!!! . . . yet another surprise:

RISING SHADOWS IS COMING OUT IN PAPERBACK!!!

clapping audience gif | Baby Clapping GIF

That’s right, Ink Smith requested the rights to have the first book, so it will be re-released in paperback in mid- late-July along with Defying Shadows.

Sebastian is basically me with the whole Team Cap over Team Iron Man rivalry XD

Soon, I will have the ENTIRE Rising Shadows Trilogy on my bookshelf, looking all pretty and fabulous, and you will too! And because Rising Shadows will be revamped in paperback in a month, I figured the oldest sibling in the family needed a new look. I’m not going to ask for a show of hands (because I can’t see your hands), so I’m just going to assume I can drop another bombshell on you today and REVEAL THE NEW COVER FOR RISING SHADOWS!!! ^_^

Ready?

Set?

ta-da

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Rising Shadows Book Cover - Larger Moon_resized

“Would you entrust your future with a hero of the past?”

I know, it’s fabulous, feel free to fangirl.

The incredibly talented Elegant Stylus (click here to stay updated on future designs), who imagined the drool-worthy cover for Defying Shadows, also decided to revamp the cover for Book I in the trilogy, and I am LOVING it! Feel free to share around, and I am waiting with baited breath for the moment these lovelies can all grace my shelf, side by side. I might even have an entire room for them. Hmm. Something to consider.

Now, I'm taking a full day to organize my bookshelf and get back to Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matsen. Yep, I'm going to read an entire book this week and listen to music and not have a schedule.

Defying Shadows Cover Reveal!!!

Published January 22, 2016 by Ashley Townsend

Remember when I promised you an incredible, jaw-dropping cover for Defying Shadows that would have you swooning and ahhhhing? You’re in luck, because Lisa of the Elegant Stylus had my jaw dragging the floor yesterday as we tweaked and added the final elements to the front and back covers of Defying Shadows. It’ll be up on Goodreads soon, but I wanted to make a big to-do about it before the rest of the world gets eclipsed by its beauty. It is seriously spectacular, and you all haven’t even seen the back cover yet, which will be viewable soon enough, my eager group of Shadows! This final installment in the series has been a long time in the making and was created during some difficult times. But let me tell you, Sarah and Will’s story has been a joy through it all, and I hope when it comes out, you’ll find as much peace and happiness within its pages as I have.

Without further ado, I could not be happier to give you ….. DEFYING SHADOWS!!!!

DS cover--front.jpg

#FanArtFriday Has Begun!

Published October 9, 2015 by Ashley Townsend

It’s happening! #FanArtFriday has officially commenced! Stop by here every Friday during the month of October, where I’ll be celebrating Chasing Shadows’ birth month with new fan art released every week, especially images created for the to-be-released Defying Shadows *gasps* EGAD! ^_^ You guys have been amazing in creating such gorgeous artwork for the Rising Shadows trilogy, and you can find all of it on Pinterest.

(And don’t forget that the Rafflecopter giveaway ends on October 16th, so you only have another week to enter here to win a copy of the book, gift cards, swag, and more!)

So without further ado, another glimpse at a never before excerpt of Defying Shadows!

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Maybe I’m the only one who grins like an idiot when I look at it, but it’s just so perfect. *squeals* I immediately contacted the artist to ask her if she would be willing to design the cover for Defying Shadows after this piece of fan art, because I am so obsessed with it, and she agreed. I cannot WAIT to get started on that project! Don’t forget to stop by again next Friday for more fan art, and in the meantime, keep entering the Giveaway, Tweeting and sharing with #TeamHood and @TownsendTales to enter the social media prizes.

Also, I just discovered another recent review for Chasing Shadows. Check out Sarah’s blog–it’s fabulous!

http://sarah-plainandaverage.blogspot.com/2015/10/book-review-chasing-shadows.html

A Time to Speak is my New Patronus!

Published June 17, 2015 by Ashley Townsend

I was lucky enough to be a beta reader for “A Time to die,” Book I in the Out of Time series by dystopian author Nadine Brandes, and have been salivating for the sequel ever since! Nadine and I have only met a few times, but we’ve honestly bonded for life over fellow author struggles and fangirling/lamenting over the same books (“Mockingjay” can burn in the fiery pits of Mordor!!!) And when the cover came out for “A Time to Speak,” I was just #deadonthefloor #dyingoffeels #OhTheHumanity #MyPrecious #NewPatronus

So when Nadine asked if I would like to be part of her team announcing the arrival of the cover of “A Time to Speak,” I was eee-lated! I love supporting fellow authors and friends, and let me tell you, knowing Nadine as a person and writer and inspiration, this book. Will. Not. Disappoint. . . . If I survive the emotional turmoil.

Without further ado: BA-DA-DA-DAAAAAA!!!!

The feeeeeels!!!! The cover is fantastic and intriguing, no? *wiggles eyebrows* Okay, now to the interview.

Nadine, let’s kick things off by telling us a little bit about your upcoming release “A Time to Speak” *fangirl squeal*.

Was there a defining moment that made you decide to become a writer?
Frankly, I was just born with a blank book for a brain. Thankfully God gave me a love for words, so I was able to scribble on that book and fill it up. 😛 But I really got serious about writing when I was in college – that’s when I decided to write for publication instead of just for myself.

I’ve noticed you prefer to write YA—a girl after my own heart—but is there a specific reason that you favor this genre and are there any subgenres that you connect to as a writer?
I like the YA genre for many reasons. 1) It’s what I read the most. 2) I think those readers are in a very transformative time of life, which I remember vividly from my own growing up. I want to reach in to that confusing time of life and help bring clarity and hope. 3) Um…it’s clearly the funnest genre. Just sayin’.

I tend to connect mostly to dystopian and fantasy. Science fiction gets a bit too techy for my brain. 😛

You’re experiencing the dreaded writer’s block *gasps* and need inspiration to keep going. You go/do…
I’ve yet to really have writer’s block. *knock on wood* BUT…when I have a tough time hashing out a scene, I’ll usually go take a walk, try to find a new adventure, and live life a bit. Life inspires me the most. That and the LOTR extended edition movie trilogy. [grin]

Of all of the characters you have written, which is your favorite and can you give me three key words to describe him or her?
Parvin is my favorite. I’d describe her with these words: Impulsive. Passionate. Searching.

Favorite place/environment to write?
Near a window…preferably in a chic old-townish coffee shop.

Plotter or pantser?
Mostly pantser, but I tend to have a rough plot in my head of where the whole thing is going.

As a reader, choose your favorite 5 drool-worthy book covers of all time.
Siren’s Fury (Mary Weber), Plenilune (Jennifer Freitag), Defiance (C. J. Redwine), Dreamtreaders (Wayne Thomas Batson), and Curio (Evangeline Denmark – not released yet)

Let’s say I give you an airplane ticket to any fantasyland from books/film. You would go to…
HOGWARTS! Sorry, but I wasn’t meant to be a muggle. I’d go there with a snap of my fingers, even if I had to be a Squib. (Literally, my favorite answer of Nadine’s!!! Muggles gonna hate…)

We’ve all experienced it—that incredibly disappointing book ending/series finale that spoils a brilliant trilogy (for me: Requiem by Lauren Oliver, Sever by Lauren DeStefano—blek!). Name one of the worst endings to a series or stand-alone that sticks out to you and why. I know, sorry to dredge up painful memories, but the people need to know!
Mockingjay. Still bitter. Still angry. Still throw the book against the wall every time. Not just because of the “last line ending” or anything, but because of the digression of Katniss’s entire character, the depressing plot…just…. *hides under soapbox*

What is the biggest draw to you as a reader picking up a new series (cover, blurb, relatable characters, plot)? Does being an author give you a bigger appreciation for other works?
The cover and title usually catch me. And then if the blurb shows an awesome storyworld I’m usually hooked – flat characters or not. And yes, being an author gives me a much bigger appreciation for other works! I frequently find myself moaning, “Why can’t I write like this?!” In a backwards way, it’s inspiring.

Thanks so much for stopping by, Nadine! And be sure to add “A Time to Speak” on Goodreads, check out “A Time to Die,” and follow this soon to be best-seller wherever she goes. Trust me on this, guys! I’m a professional reader. 😉

And again, just because I love it so much!

Back Cover Blurb for “A Time to Speak”:

How do you live after you planned to die?

Parvin Blackwater should have died in her brother’s place. She didn’t. Now she’s the only one who can protect her village, but no one wants to listen. When the Council starts forcing “new and improved” Clocks on the public, those who refuse are declared Radicals and exiled.

Having been across the Wall once, Parvin is the only one who can save them. But instead of going through the Wall, she’s packed into a boxcar, loaded on a cargo ship, and forced out to sea. How will she lead when facing the unknown?

Worse yet, why are people suddenly dying before their Clocks have zeroed-out?

ABOUT NADINE:

Nadine Brandes is an adventurer, fusing authentic faith with bold imagination. Her dystopian trilogy, the Out of Time Series, challenged her to pursue shalom, which is now her favorite word (followed closely by ‘bumbershoot’.) When Nadine’s not taste-testing a new chai, editing fantasy novels, or being a Harry Potter super-nerd, she and her knight-in-shining armor (nickname: “hubby”) are out chasing adventures.

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Places you can find Nadine:
Website
Facebook
Newsletter
Amazon
Goodreads
Twitter

Chasing Shadows is off to the Presses!!!

Published September 24, 2014 by Ashley Townsend

“Chasing Shadows” is literally off to the presses as we speak. Dying. Of. Feels. That means that in the next couple of weeks, you can have your very own copy of my second book online and IN STORE!!!!!!

The illustrator is working on the final updates for the cover, and then we’re dumping some extras inside, like the amazing map he did of Serimone country, and tons more for you all. This is my “ta-da” face:

Over the next month, keep an eye out on here and my other social networking sites (be sure to follow them on the right if you don’t already!), because I’ll be doing tons of promotional work for the release of the book–blog-hopping, interviews, reviews, a Facebook Release party with games and prizes to support readers and authors, a blog tour with http://doubledeckerbooks.blogspot.com/, and so much more! I’ll also be doing a very dramatic final cover reveal, leaking the map of Serimone, adding character profiles, and doing character interviews on my site and others very soon. But you don’t want that, do you?

Whoah, okay, never mind. I’ll do it, I’ll do it! Sheesh.

Oh, yeah. Notice anything. . . different about me? Yep, that’s right. Total new makeover on my blog and just about everywhere else! I figured that with the new addition of “Chasing Shadows” and all of the changes/additions/impact that this sequel will be making to the series as a whole, I figured some updates were in order all around.

My sentiments exactly, Tom. Thank you, darling. You can share your sentiments, as well, in the comment section.

I changed my usernames on both Pinterest and Twitter to TownsendTales because it sounds so much more author-y. So don’t panic if you see some new crazy person doing all sorts of nonsensical things that are something of nonsense; it’s still just me. 😉

Love you all and be sure to follow and share and spread the word about this story. And, as always, keep coming back!

https://twitter.com/townsendtales