Double RITA Finalist Darcy Woods Visits with the Crew!

I'm thrilled to have my friend, Darcy Woods, joining the Crew today. She's a double 2017 RITA finalist for BEST FIRST BOOK and YOUNG ADULT Romance. Congratulations Darcy! Prosecco pouring for you. If you looking for her previous visit - click HERE.

Before we get to the juicy details-I want to make sure you know that Darcy is giving away one e-book for the International crowd and one paperback for a US only giveaway. :-)  

  Please make sure you comment and leave your email address for a chance to win.

MEET DARCY WOODS 

DARCY WOODS has held an eclectic mix of professions—from refueling helicopters for the U.S. Army to recharging bodies and spirits at a spa—but her most beloved career is being an author. She is addicted to happily-ever-after endings and finds all things metaphysical endlessly fascinating. She lives in Michigan with her husband and two tuxedo cats (who overdress for everything). SUMMER OF SUPERNOVAS is her double RITA®-nominated debut young adult novel.

THE STORY BLURB

Fans of Jennifer E. Smith and Jenny Han will fall in love with this heartfelt and humor-laced debut following one girl’s race to find the guy of her cosmic dreams.

When zodiac-obsessed teen Wilamena Carlisle discovers a planetary alignment that won’t repeat for a decade, she’s forced to tackle her greatest astrological fear: The Fifth House—relationships and love.

But when Wil falls for a sensitive guitar player hailing from the wrong side of the astrology chart, she must decide whether a cosmically doomed love is worth rejecting her dead mother’s legacy and the very system she’s faithfully followed through a lifetime of unfailing belief. 

Nan: I loved the book!  5 STARS!! And look at that pretty RITA emblem.

READ A LITTLE 

Here is a link to the sample chapter. AMAZON

BUY THE BOOK

Amazon |Barnes & Noble |IndieBound |Powell’s

Also, SUMMER OF SUPERNOVAS e-book is currently on sale (at an $8.00 savings!) for $1.99. Here is the Amazon link, but the sale applies to ALL e-tailers!  ‪AMAZON

A LIGHTING ROUND OF Q&A WITH DARCEY WOODS

NAN: What’s something you’d like to tell your fans?

DARCY: When I hear from you my heart sings arias. When I hear from you and my story has resonated in some way, my heart sings arias worthy of the La Scala opera house in Italy! Because without you, my stories would have no home. No ears to hear them or eyes to read them. And without you, I’m not sure I’d have the courage to continue putting one word in front of the other—again and again. So THANK YOU for helping me live my dream! 

Here’s a sampling of some fan art, including a German teen’s incredible collage of the City of Carlisle where the book takes place, a US reviewer’s beautiful graphic drawing with quote, and an Italian book and fashion blogger’s gorgeous constellation-themed nails. See? This is why I’m a bottomless well of gratitude!  

Nan: That is so much fun. I am envious!

NAN:  Do you read reviews of your books? If so, do you pay any attention to them, or let them influence your writing?
DARCY:  I do! Or…I did at least in the early days of my debut release. Then I read a couple of especially awful ones—the kind that go from being a snarky review of your work, to a personal attack. So around the time I could taste the ash on my tongue from my eviscerated soul, I decided I was done. The price just became too high on my productivity. I mean, I could read a dozen wonderful five-star reviews, but that one nasty bugger seemed to have the ability to erase them all. And I refuse to give one person that kind of power! 
Nan: Way to go!

NAN: What has been your most rewarding publishing moment?
DARCY: Oh gosh, there have been so many, but I’ll narrow it down to two. The first biggie was when my ARCs went out and I received my first review. It was forwarded to me by a bookseller who runs a special program where teens get to read advance copies, and in turn, write reviews of them. Her name was Sophia. And I will never forget the last line of this thirteen year-old's review: “I laughed, I cried, and I never wanted the story to end!” Dear Lord I was reduced to an emotional mush ball!!! 
The second was something I was almost too afraid to hope to achieve—getting the RITA call. It was so surreal! I immediately began jumping on the couch while shrieking, giggling, and blubbering—simultaneously because I’m a multitasker. The RWA board member (Renee, I think?) sweetly interrupted me and said, “Darcy, I’m not done yet. I have more good news.” She then proceeded to tell me I was a double finalist. To say that I was inconsolably happy is a supreme understatement! My smile was roughly the size of Texas. 

Nan: Love the picture. And you deserve this honor!

NAN: What has surprised you the most about being published?! 
DARCY: How difficult it can be to find your readers! Are you guys nodding? If you’re not nodding, please email me every one of your secrets. 
Nan: Nodding here. Hoping you pick up a few new readers just from this post!

NAN'S GOTTA ASK: Which already filmed movie represents your writing style?

DARCY'S GOTTA ANSWER:  Bridget Jones's Diary! While there is humor, witty banter, and absurdity abound, at the core of the story (or movie, as it were) is a very real and accessible slice of humanity. Like that moment Bridget is heartbroken, sitting in the bathtub while crying and peeling off her false eyelashes from the night before? THAT. I seek the same balance of hilarity and heart in my own writing. 

FIND DARCY WOODS: 

Contact: woodswrite@gmail.com

Blogs: http://sweetheartsofya.com

Author Links:

Website|Twitter|Goodreads|Instagram|Facebook

Book Links:

Goodreads|Pinterest

DARCY WOODS WANTS TO KNOW: I LOVE book recommendations! What was the last book you read that made you laugh and feel all the feels?   

Comment and leave you email address for a chance to win one e-book for the International crowd and one paperback for a US only giveaway

Nan:  Thank you for hanging with the crew today, Darcy!  

Darcy's drawing will be open through Sunday - so please comment for a chance to win.

Celebrate 2016: Play Author Trivia Hunt (Day 3)

You've reached Day 3 in our 2016 Author Trivia Hunt. The last day to play! 

How much do you know about your favorite authors? 

If you need help with finding the answers to these questions, click on the link and scroll down to their interview. 

Put your answers in the comments and we'll enter you into a drawing for a $25 Amazon gift card. Answer as many questions as you can to earn more chances (and don't forget to leave us your email address).

Let's get started!

HEIDI RICE

Avril Tremayne is a mad Heidi Rice fan, so was thrilled to feature her on Get Lost in a Story during the year.

USA Today bestselling author Heidi Rice’s first love was watching movies so, not surprisingly, her first proper job was as a film journalist. But after spending years sneaking off to read romantic fiction when she was being paid to watch some crappy B-movie or other, she decided to try writing a novel of her own. 

Her first book was published by Harlequin Mills & Boon in 2007. Since then she’s published a total of 24 novels, novellas and short stories, nabbed three RITA nominations, sold over two millions copies of her books worldwide and never has to watch crappy B-movies now unless she wants to. 

She lives in London with her husband and two sons, and lots of other gorgeous men who are entirely in her imagination (unlike the laundry, unfortunately). Connect with Heidi via her website.

What was the name of Heidi's modern Rapunzel-esque romance, which was a 2016 RITA finalist?

Click here to find the answer...(and scroll down to her interview)

NANA PRAH
Lara Lacombe has been blogging friends with Nana for a few years, and she was excited to celebrate Nana's debut novel with Harlequin Kimani earlier this month!

Nana Prah first discovered romance in a book from her eight grade summer reading list and has been obsessed with it ever since. Her fascination with love inspired her to write in her favorite genre where happily-ever-after is the rule.

She is a published author of contemporary, multicultural romances. Her books are sweet with a touch of spice. When she’s not writing she’s, over-indulging in chocolate, enjoying life with friends and family, and tormenting nursing students into being the best nurses the world has ever seen.  Check out Nana's blog!

Nana's latest book is called A Perfect Caress.  What is the hero Dante obsessed with?
Click here to find the answer...(and scroll down to her interview)

JENNIFER BERNARD

Lizbeth Selvig has interview USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Bernard three times on GLIAS. Jennifer is an incredibly popular author of contemporary romance--famous for her firefighter heroes and baseball hotties. 

Jennifer is a Harvard grad and former news promo producer who left big city life in L.A. for true love in Alaska where she now lives with her husband and stepdaughters.

Since her first interview on Get Lost in a Story, Jennifer has written multiple series including the Bachelor Firemen of San Gabriel novels, the Love Between the Bases series, several novellas, and her brand new series Jupiter Point--about a crew of ultra hot Hotshot Firefighters!

Check out Jennifer's website and blog for all the details! Let's go back to Jennifer's second interview and find out...

In Jennifer Bernard's Love Between the Bases series, which star a whole lot of very sexy baseball players, what is the name of the minor league team featured in the books?

Click here to find the answer (and scroll down to her interview).

PINTIP DUNN
Nan Dixon has interviewed Pintip Dunn twice since her first book was released. Her fabulous debut FORGET TOMORROW won the Best First Book RITA in 2016 and also made the New York Times Bestseller list. This is a Young Adult you shouldn't miss. The series is incredible. 

So--my question is...

In FORGET TOMORROW, why is Callie arrested and placed in Limbo when she receives her future memory? 
Click here to find the answer (and scroll down to her interview).


DARCY WOODS
Nan also interviewed her friend Darcy Woods about her fabulous YA debut SUMMER OF SUPERNOVAS. As always, when talking to Darcy, craziness ensues. We did learn about her main character-Wilamena. (And Darcy also tempted us with some incredible looking cupcakes.

In THE SUMMER OF SUPERNOVAS, what is Wilamena obsessed about and what does she base her search for a relationship on?
Need a little help?  Click here for the interview (and scroll down to her interview).

ROBYN PETERMAN

She's a NYT and USA Today best-selling author who writes snarky, sexy, funny paranormal and snarky, sexy, funny contemporaries. Her addictions include laughing really hard with friends, shoes (the expensive kind), Target, Coke Zero Cherry with extra ice in a Styrofoam cup, bejeweled reading glasses, her kids, her super-hot hubby and collecting stray animals. A former professional actress, with Broadway, film and T.V. credits, she now lives in the south with her family and too many animals to count. Join Zelda in her crazy Magic and Mayhem world: Magic & Mayhem World.  Robyn is such a fun person to know! I'm so glad I met her. ~Angi

Name two authors from Robyn's Kindle World. 

Click here for the answer (scroll down to her interview).

CARIDAD PINEIRO

Caridad is a NY Times and USA Today Bestseller AND a Jersey Girl. She writes romantic suspense, military romance, contemporary romance, paranormal romance, and vampire suspense. Caridad loves to travel, cook, & spend time with family & friends. She writes dark and sexy novels and novellas for those who live to love on the edge. Her sweet, but still naughty side, Charity Pineiro, writes contemporary romances packed with emotion and humor. Follow Caridad on Amazon. Getting to know more about this amazing woman has been so much fun. Sucha a creative person. Love her on Facebook !! ~Angi

What's something that's always on Caridad's desk?

Click here for the answer (scroll down to her interview).

DANICA WINTERS

The bestselling author and winner of multiple awards for writing books that grip readers with their ability to drive emotion through suspense and occasionally a touch of magic. Most recently, Danica was the winner of the Paranormal Romance Guild's Paranormal Romantic Suspense Book of the Year Award and Chanticleer Media's Paranormal Book of the Year for her novel Montana Mustangs. Follow Danica on Amazon. I met Danica in July after she sold to Harlequin Intrigue. She let me read her January release WILD MONTANA and WOW !! You're going to feel like you were actually there. Great Story! Great Woman! ~Angi

What joke makes Danica laugh even writing it?

Click here for the answer (scroll down to her interview).

~ ~ ~

To enter the drawing, leave your answers in the

comments. A winner will be selected from among all comments from Dec. 28 through Dec. 30. The more questions you answer, the more chances you'll get!

THE WINNER OF THE $25 AMAZON GIFT CARD IS:
JUDY TUCKER! 

CONGRATULATIONS JUDY!

Thank you to everyone who played our trivia game. We hope you'll join us in 2017 for more great author interviews and stories to get lost in.

Get Lost on Facebook   @GetLostInAStory  #GetLostStories

AND OUR NEW Facebook Group: The Readers’ Spot

Get Lost with Darcy Woods and Summer of Supernovas

I'm thrilled to have my friend and fellow Golden Heart finalist (and winner) on GLIAS today!.  Please meet the delightful Darcy Woods!

Before we get to the juicy details  - I want to make sure you know that Darcy is giving away the last signed ARC of SUMMER OF SUPERNOVAS!   Please make sure you comment for a chance to win.


MEET DARCY WOODS 

Young adult author Darcy Woods had three big loves in grade school: reading, writing, and pizza day. Some things never change. She lives in Michigan with her madly supportive husband, two tuxedo cats (who overdress for everything) and a closet full of neatly organized shoes. SUMMER OF SUPERNOVAS is her Golden Heart-winning debut novel.


Tell the readers about your fabulous debut - SUMMER OF SUPERNOVAS!  Release date --  MAY 10, 2016.

THE STORY BLURB

Fans of Jennifer E. Smith and Jenny Han will fall in love with this heartfelt and humor-laced debut following one girl’s race to find the guy of her cosmic dreams.

When zodiac-obsessed teen Wilamena Carlisle discovers a planetary alignment that won’t repeat for a decade, she’s forced to tackle her greatest astrological fear: The Fifth House—relationships and love.

But when Wil falls for a sensitive guitar player hailing from the wrong side of the astrology chart, she must decide whether a cosmically doomed love is worth rejecting her dead mother’s legacy and the very system she’s faithfully followed through a lifetime of unfailing belief. 
Nan: I can't wait until this shows up on my Nook.  I have already pre-ordered!

READ A LITTLE 

Sadly, I don't have any excerpts in the wild yet. But there IS an exclusive chapter reveal coming soon on Bustle! And since I'm a firm believer in consolation prizes, here's a tiny taste of what you can expect from SUMMER OF SUPERNOVAS…

Nan: Love it!

PRE-ORDER THE BOOK

Amazon |Barnes & Noble |IndieBound |Powell’s

A LIGHTING ROUND OF Q&A WITH DARCEY WOODS

NAN: How often to you get lost in a story?

DARCY: Every single day if I'm living right! Unfortunately I don't get to devour books at the speed I once did, but I still make reading a daily practice. That's what fills the well. Even if it's only thirty minutes while I'm sweating my ass off on the elliptical--I'll take it wherever I can get it! Next up in my diet of YA reads? The Darkest Lie by Pintip Dunn. Secrets, lies, and tangled truths… I AM SOLD!!!

Nan: I can't wait to read that one, too.  My TBR pile is toppling over!

NAN:  What is your hope for the future of the romance genre?
DARCY: Hold on, let me grab my rose-colored glasses. Ah, that's better. I dream of a world where people don't feel the need to apologize when they say they read romance. If a book makes you laugh, makes you cry, makes your heart hammer, makes you contemplate your immortal soul, or simply offers an escape from your own reality--THAT BOOK IS IMPORTANT. Which makes any preconceived notions about a genre's worth, irrelevant.
Nan: I can't wait for that to become a reality.

NAN: High Heels or Hiking Boots?
DARCY: No contest…HEELS. (Although never while hiking because I'm a practical gal at heart.) But I do require very specific heels--the kind with wedges and/or platforms. Since my affair with gravity is lifelong and I've been known to take an inelegant tumble, stability is key! And they need to be FUN. Here's one of my fave pairs that will accompany me to Nationals this year. I pretty much live in the shadow of these shoes.
Nan: I love these shoes!  They are so you!


NAN: Which already filmed movie represents your writing style?
DARCY: This is such a magnificent question! I honestly never gave it much thought until some recent reviewers mentioned it. So I'm going to sponge off their collective awesome and say, John Hughes. Think Sixteen Candles and Pretty in Pink for the millenials. Lots of humor. Lots of heart.
Nan: Fabulous comparisons.

NAN: What was the first story you remember writing?
DARCY: Oh, I'll do you one better, Nan! I have actual photographic evidence of one of the first short stories I wrote when I was four. As you'll see, it's a rather complex tale of an unlikely friendship between Fred the Shiny Frog, and Chipy the Chipmunk. They played. They shared. All was peaceful. It wasn't until much later I learned about this thing called conflict. (And also spelling and vocabulary, but I digress…) 
Nan: This is too funny!  Obviously, you were born to write.
 




NAN: What could we find in your heroine's purse?
DARCY: Well, her purse would definitely be vintage. And it would have her favorite lipstick--Parisian Pout, her license (even though she doesn't have her own car), a guitar pick from a forbidden boy, a tampon that will likely fall out at the worst possible moment, and her soul mate's astrology chart. Also, if physics allowed, she would squeeze in one of her gram's Hubba Hubba Hazelnut cupcakes.
Nan: I want one in my purse.  Which would not be vintage!


NAN'S GOTTA ASK: What color would you make the sky if it wasn’t going to be blue anymore and why?

DARCY'S GOTTA ANSWER:  Purple! I have ALWAYS had an affinity for the color purple. When I was little, I went through a phase where it was the only color I wanted to wear. So basically I went through a chunk of my childhood looking like a grape. But I stand by my fruity color!
Nan: Love purple!

FIND DARCY WOODS:

Author Links:

Website|Twitter|Goodreads|Instagram|Facebook

Book Links:

Goodreads|Pinterest

DARCY WOODS WANTS TO KNOW: Nan's question about my heroine's purse got me thinking… What's the strangest thing or combination of things in your purse right now? 

Me? I just found not one, but THREE different tubes of lipstick, plus a Cheddar Bunny with missing hindquarters.

So? What treasures did YOU find???

Nan:  Thank you for hanging with the crew today, Darcy!  Prosecco pouring for a fantastic launch of your debut.

Darcy's drawing will be open through Sunday - so please comment for a chance to win.