Showing posts with label The Gryphon Series. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Gryphon Series. Show all posts

Friday, February 7, 2014

Blog Tour: An Interview with Stacey Rourke




I was so happy that I was able to interview Stacey.  Or, as I like to call it, "The Rourke Files". 

For those of you who have not started the series but would like to, The Conduit is currently free on Amazon.  Go get it!  I'll wait for you, so go grab it and then come back!

If you read my blog ever, at all, you know my love for this fine lady.  When I saw that she had a tour coming up, I was pumped.  But I have already reviewed the books, so I was hoping to still be able to help out.  Lucky for me, I got the best thing ever - asking Stacey all kinds of crap (I mean well thought out questions that will touch the soul) and she answered!  Here it is, ya'll!
When did you first know that you wanted to be a writer?
Writing has been a part of who I am since elementary school. But it wasn’t until completing my first manuscript that I realized it was a career I wanted to pursue and not just a passion I wanted to keep for myself.

Where did the inspiration for The Gryphon Series first come from?
As the mom of two young girls I wanted to create a female lead that all girls could relate to, one that would show them that a hero lies in each and every one of them. That they all can be the hero of their own story if, in those dire moments, they dig deep and refuse to give up.

Did you know when you were writing The Conduit that the story was going to end up spanning across so many books?
Since book one I’ve had a pretty good idea of the entire story arc, so yes.


Which character do you most identify with in The Gryphon Series?
Probably Rowan, we share a mutual love of rum and sandy beaches.


Any chances that we will see Gram get involved in a love interest in the upcoming novel?
In the novella I’m working on now, different characters from the series take center stage. So, it may be a while until Gram’s can find herself a new hottie. Don’t tell her that though, she’ll be cranky.


Team Caleb or Team Rowan?
I have the right to remain silent—cough, Rowan, cough—I’m sorry what was I saying?


Will the next book in the series be the last?
The next Gryphon Series novella will actually spin us right into a new series, but we can rest assured that Gryphon Series characters may make cameos and for now they’ll be in a good place.


If you had to describe the story arc in one twitter update, limited to 140 characters, what would it be?
A teen girl must find the hero within her—and become the savior mankind needs. (Wow, deep, huh?)


Give an example of a typical day in the life of a writing mom of two.
Drag kids from bed.
Beg children to eat breakfast.
Rush to get them dressed and off to school.
Come home to handle marketing and the less fun business aspects of my job.
If I’m lucky get a workout in.
Get children from school.
Homework time and then dinner.
Pack lunches, clean children, let them chill in front of a movie until bed.
Write and edit until I can’t keep my eyes open.


Did you have any favorite books as a child/adolescent growing up?
Anything and everything written by Christopher Pike!


What made you chose to write in the genre of young adult literature?
The story pretty much demanded that, but I won’t limit myself to that genre. I will go where the stories take me.

What are three of your current favorite authors?
They change all the time! The most recent authors whose books I will completely lost myself in were by Suzanne Collins, Issac Morion, and Veronica Roth.


Do you have a go-to beverage of choice when you are writing?
When it’s warm out, sweet tea. Chilly weather I warm myself with a Chai Latte.


What can you tell us about your new work in progress?
The characters in it are a bit older, more the New Adult age classification. The fantasy elements will still be there, and the humor. In it readers will find recognizable characters portrayed in a whole new light! I’m super excited about it!

If you could be any character on How I Met Your Mother, who would it be and why?
That’s a hard one! I don’t know I’d most like to be, but I do know who I’m most like—Ted. Just like him I occasionally slip into delusions that I’m kind of cool. Then I have a huge dufus moment that reveals the truth.


An online quiz recently said that you were most like Princess Belle from Beauty and the Beast.  Is she your favorite Disney princess, or do you love another?
I agree with the quiz that I’m the most like Belle. But Rapunzel is my favorite princess. I mean, did you see her tower?! I would LOVE to live there! Disney should build one and rent it out for weekends. Just sayin’.


Favorite movie in the Star Wars saga:
Revenge of the Sith


Most craved food:
Chinese


All-time favorite mommy drink (adult beverage):
Rum, or a pink punk fusion from TGIFridays. They put cotton candy right in it! That’s brilliant!


Favorite children’s story to read to your girls:
Anything that engages them. I love to change it up.


And that's it!  I could have played 100 questions with her, but as you read, this lady has got other stuff to do!  Thank you, Stacey, for answering my questions and indulging a fan a in squee-worthy, fan-girl moment.  I cannot wait to get my hands on the novella, as well as the new book.  Like, I would seriously work out if that meant I would get them faster!  (And momma has a rough time with trying to get in shape.)


Find Stacey's books on:
Amazon.

Barnes and Noble

Goodreads

Monday, September 23, 2013

Stacey Rourke Cover Reveal!

Well friends, we have some more exciting news! The award winning Gryphon Series from best selling author Stacey Rourke has made some exciting changes. Each book will have all new covers and AMAZING illustrations. But that's not all, today you are getting a sneak peek at ...Ascension!

I am so excited to read this one!  Check out the art, and don't forget to enter the giveaway at the bottom of the post!


  sacrificecoverredo Embracefrontcover conduitfrontcover  
Ascensioncover 


ABOUT ASCENSION
From best selling and award winning author Stacey Rourke comes the heart-pounding continuation of the acclaimed Gryphon Series.
The turning point of the Gryphon saga is at hand …
Battle looms. Three unstoppable forces prepare to clash in a colossal explosion that could wipe Gainesboro off the map. Fate and sacred calling have landed nineteen year old Celeste Garrett in the middle with nowhere to run.
Her trust wavers as she uncovers dark secrets of the Council, powerful enough to test her loyalty and turn her against those she swore to protect. Playing to the longing of her heart, a malevolent enemy uses her weakness against her to form an alliance.
With the trumpets of war about to sound, which side will the Conduit choose, and who will be left standing?


ABOUT ILLUSTRATIONS AND ARTISTS bat_bullalainasketch
Illustrator Crystal Ord will be bringing some of your favorite Gryphon Series characters to life!
Crystal Smalls Ord is a freelance illustrator and writer who resides in the rainy Pacific Northwest. Her art and stories have appeared in the macabre children's lit magazine, Underneath the Juniper Tree. Last year she illustrated her first children's book, Ethan's Story; My Life with Autism which can be found on Amazon.com. Her art has also appeared in hitRECord.com's musical short, Madamoiselle Noir.
In her free time Crystal plays with her kids, cleans house, teaches music in Sunday School, and lingers in the geekery corner of Pinterest.
Contact her at:
Website: wix.com/fynn47/author-website.com
Facebook: facebook.com/smallsord
The demonic and fantasy elements of the Conduit’s journey will jump off the page thanks to Robert Immings;
In 2000 Robert Immings graduated from the Art Institute of Atlanta with a BFA in graphic design. Since then he’s done work in package design, web development and designed training applications and software interfaces. These days he’s a mild mannered operations technician with an electronic trading firm in Alpharetta Georgia. Earlier this.year he had a chance to enter Sony's "Treasures of Middle Earth" design contest which was a promotion for the hobbit movie. He came in as a runner up. More recently he had the opportunity to do some sketches and collaborate on the cover for Emily Fogel's wonderful fantasy novel Dragon Wars and created the cover for her soon to be released book "Chasing Flames". Right now he’s excited to be working on a collection of illustrations for Stacey Rourke's Gryphon Series.
He’s always interested in illustration and graphic design projects and can be contacted at robertimmings@hotmail.com.

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ABOUT STACEY ROURKE
Author of the Laugh-out Loud Gryphon Series and the nonfiction book I'm Not Crazy I'm on Lupron; a Journey Through Infertility. Learn more about Stacey's books at www.staceyrourke.com or diaryofasemi-crazyauthor.blogspot.com. If you are a blogger or reviewer interested in reviewing any of Mrs. Rourke's work please contact Sara O'Connor at Gliterary Girl Media. Thank you for visiting this page!
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Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Book Review: The Hitwoman and the Neurotic Witness

Let me tell you about how much I love J. B. Lynn - she's awesome!  Not only does she write immersive, funny as heck stuff, but she's also super nice!

How do I know this?

Well, I don't mean to brag, but I've gotten the chance to chat with her on twitter before.  I have an author crush on her, as well as Stacey Rourke (The Gryphon Series).  I'd like to sit around with these ladies, drink coffee, and have them write stories just for me.  Does that sound creepy?  Too bad.

 


The Neurotic Witness is the 5th book in Lynn's Hitwoman series, although I have read them all this year.  Part of me wishes that I had been aware of this series from the start, but the other part is glad that I didn't have to wait and wait around for each book.  It was hard enough waiting for this one, and now it's over and I'm back to waiting!

Crazy aunts, talking animals and one hunky hitman/police detective fill this book.  Maggie's life is a constant whirlwind, and I swear she never gets to sit down. Who is the mob boss going to demand that she kill next?  Is her niece, Katie ever going to fully recover from the car accident?  Why did her apartment blow up?  Can she really talk to animals?  Most important of all - is Patrick ever going to leave his wife?  I loved every minute of this book.

It took me a day and a half to read this book, and that's only because I've got a puny kiddo and husband on my hands.  I ate this book up like I was dining at an all you can eat sushi place.  If you decide to give the series a try, let Lynn know I sent you.  I need all the brownie points I can get with my author crushes!




Sunday, July 21, 2013

Book Review: A Pirate's Tale


Stacey Rourke is an author that I just discovered earlier this year, but I have already read nearly all of her works.  I really enjoy her books.  And guess what?  She's a super awesome lady as well!  I've had the chance to talk to her a bit through facebook and twitter chat.  Being able to talk to the author of a book series that you love is a serious fangirl experience, and I loved every minute of it.

The Gyrphon Series has, as of right now, 3 full-length books and 2 novellas.  Amazon is running a deal right now and you can get them all for super cheap.  A Pirate's Tale is a novella set in between Sacrifice and the next book that Rourke is currently working on within the series.

Links to purchase:
The Conduit
Embrace
The Sidekick Chronicles
Sacrifice
A Pirate's Tale

I don't want to give away too much about the story, since I know that most of the people who read my blog haven't read the books yet.  Celeste, along with her brother and sister, are charged to help save the world from impending doom.  Each book has different challenges that they each must face, while learning to harness and grow their powers.  I will say that the ending of Sacrifice is rather heart-wrenching, and I was left wanting the next portion of the story now.  A Pirate's Tale kept me happy...until I was done reading it.  And then I went back to sulking for more to read.

While Rowan exists in the books, we don't really know that much about him.  One minute you want to punch him in the face and the next he's being a really nice guy, er, pirate.  In this latest novella, the story is all about Rowan, and we as the reader finally get a glimpse into his past.  And guess what?  He has a reason to be a sometimes-jerk.  Poor guy!

I think that out of all the main players in the series, Rowan is probably my favorite.  Well, aside from the gnome in Sacrifice!  Fun fact: Rourke is frightened of gnomes.  I, on the other hand, love them!  I want my yard to be littered with lawn gnomes!  Rowan is looking out for himself before anyone else, and yet he still manages to be charming while drinking large amounts of rum.

Don't be off-put by the YA categorizing of these books.  They are funny and thoughtful, and can and should be enjoyed by adults, too!

I enjoyed reading A Pirate's Tale and am pumped for the next book!  If you've read The Gryphon Series, pick up this story for 99 cents.  And if you're new to the series, go ahead and download them all while they are on sale! 


Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Cover Reveal: A Pirate's Tale, + Giveaway




As a fan of this series and the author herself, I am very excited to be able to share in her cover reveal for the new novella in the Gryphon Series.





The call of the sea.
The promise of adventure.


For Rowan Wade, the need to return to his swashbuckling ways is enough to betray the only woman he’s cared for in over three hundred years.


With vengeance in his heart, he’s determined to exact his revenge on those that mutinied against his father.


The arrival of an unlikely ally challenges Rowan’s plans. Her goal isn't to stop him, but to lead him on a journey of self-discovery to unravel the mysteries of the


twisted path that led him to the Dark Army.


Will it be enough to make the pirate shift course? Or will he be lost forever in a rum-induced haze? Hoist ye colors and prepare to set sail with the Gryphon Series’ favorite pirate!



What people are saying about the series
"The series in a whole is quite amazing. It leaves you breathless with all the cliffhangers, hot sexy men, and the courageous heroine! 
Dying for more while agonizing over when the next book come out.
~ M. Abbott

" The Gryphon series Is packed with supernatural creatures, action, romance and comedy. The characters are so awesome, you will want to meet them for real. 
These books hooked me and my non reading teenagers and won't let go!
~H. Alexander'

"Oh My Gryphon! This series is great and I love how Stacey Rourke takes her humor and sassiness and brings it to the next level!"
 ~M. Williams

"The first that I was actually able to get my teen-aged daughter to read! She then came back begging me to grab her the whole series!
Sure to make you LOL time and time again, so be warned of where you read!"
~ Phenomenal Reviews

Find her books
All of her books are currently only $0.99
The Conduit
Embrace
The Sidekick Chronicles (A Gryphon Series Novella)


Sacrifice 

About The Author


Young Adult and Teen Reader voted Author of the Year 2012.
2012 InD'tale Rone Awards Finalist for Young Adult Teen Romance
Stacey Rourke is the author of the Gryphon Series. She lives in Michigan with her husband, two beautiful daughters, and two giant, drooly dogs. Stacey loves to travel, has an unhealthy shoe addiction and considers herself blessed to make a career out of talking to the imaginary people that live in her head. She is currently hard at work on the continuations of this series as well as other literary projects.
Keep up to date with these links
Amazon- 
GoodReads
Facebook
Website
Twitter
@Rourkewrites

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