A summer full of fun activities

I’ve been busy at work on a new project this summer, but have been lucky to get the chance to participate in some fun events as well! 

In June, I got to meet readers and authors at the Reader Author Get Together in West Chester, OH – this outstanding YA and romance-centric event drew nearly 500 attendees and I was able to sign my newest book, MAID OF WONDER!

I also participated in the Barnes & Noble #BFest – a YA book celebration that brought me to my local B&N to sign books and talk to readers of all ages!

Later in June I will be lucky enough to work with the next generation of authors at the Moeller Writing Camp, talking all about research! 

Then in July I’ll be heading to Albuquerque, NM to chat with authors about how to plan their writing career. 

Oh, and that new project? I hope to be able to share more about it soon!

YA Scavenger Hunt – Team Teal – Featuring Victoria Strauss!

Welcome to YA Scavenger Hunt! This bi-annual event was first organized by author Colleen Houck (who is amazing) as a way to give readers a chance to gain access to exclusive bonus material from their favorite authors…and a chance to win some awesome prizes! At this hunt, you not only get access to exclusive content from each author, you also get a clue for the hunt. Add up the clues, and you can enter for our prize–one lucky winner will receive one signed book from each author on the hunt in my team! 

But play fast: this contest (and all the exclusive bonus material) will only be online for 72 hours!

Go to the YA Scavenger Hunt page to find out all about the hunt. There are SIX contests going on simultaneously, and you can enter one or all! I am a part of the TEAL TEAM but there are teams of many colors, all offering lots of signed books!

More after the jump! 

more…

Happy Book Birthday for Maid of Wonder!

It’s hard to believe that Sophia’s story is finally here! Her tale was particularly interesting to write, as she is the youngest and in many ways the most intriguing of the Queen’s spies. Meg may have been a street rat and Beatrice a desperate liar, but Sophia literally bears the weight of two worlds on her shoulders. The one she sees with her eyes, and the one she sees with her Sight. 

Happy Book Birthday, Sophia!

I received several lovely reviews from trade reviewers, which was a delightful surprise — here are the highlights! 

“McGowan has created another…authentic, fast-paced page-turner that will appeal to both teen and adult readers. For readers who like their historical romance with a touch of second sight.” (Kirkus Reviews)

“The well-balanced mixture of intrigue, romance, action, and historical setting makes this gripping series entry just as unputdownable as the last.” (School Library Journal)

“Sophia’s engaging narrative adds a measure of sixteenth-century mysticism to the enticing blend of mystery, suspense, and romance that readers enjoy in the Maids of Honor series.” (Booklist)

If you have a chance to read Sophia’s story, I hope you enjoy it, too. 🙂