Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Promo Interview and Giveaway: Diamonds are Forever (The Secret Diamond Sisters #3) by Michelle Madow

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What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas … but that doesn’t matter when you live there. Sisterhood, first crushes and scandalous secrets explode as Savannah, Courtney, Peyton, and Madison return in DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER, Michelle Madow's exciting conclusion to The Secret Diamond Sister series, releasing October 27th from Harlequin Teen.

Book info:

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Title: Diamonds are Forever

Author: Michelle Madow
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Release Date: October 27, 2015
Series: The Secret Diamond Sisters #3
Genre: Young Adult
Length: 368 Pages
ISBN: 9780373211524

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It's cold outside, but the drama is hot!

The Diamond sisters jet to the mountains for spring break, and Savannah's flirt-mance with an international pop star heats up as her pursuit of stardom succeeds. But is this romance meant to be, or has the right guy been in front of her all along? Meanwhile, Courtney takes the next step with her secret boyfriend—and future stepbrother—and as their parents' wedding approaches, the pressure's on to reveal their relationship.

Peyton's figuring out a plan for her future, but she still feels guilty about getting her former bodyguard fired and wonders if she can get over him in the arms of someone else. But the biggest bombshell will change everything once again, because Madison's ready to tell the huge secret she's uncovered. And with the boy who betrayed her but who could be the love of her life fighting for his own life, she might need the Diamond sisters more than ever.

Add to your TBR List:  Goodreads

Buy Links:  Amazon  |  Barnes and Noble  |  Book Depository  |  Books A Million  |  iBooks




Author Interview:



1. What does your writing process look like? Do you know the whole story when you start? Or do you just start writing and go with it (seat of the pants writing)? If you plan it out, how do you do that? Outline, note cards, post-it notes, etc.?

I always write detailed outlines of my books before starting to draft them! I use Microsoft Word, and my outlines are scene-by-scene summaries of everything that I want to happen in the novel. I write everything down that I think of so I don’t forget anything. Outlining first is helpful for me because it gives me a broader look at the story so I can make sure the pacing will be on track. Also, it helps speed up my drafting process, because I don’t need to worry about plotting at all while I’m drafting since I’ve already figured it all out ahead of time.

2. How do you come up with your ideas for your stories?

I get my ideas from lots of different places! Remembrance, the first book in The Transcend Time Saga, was inspired by Taylor Swift’s “Love Story” music video. The Secret Diamond Sisters series was inspired when I was walking through my favorite hotel in Las Vegas – the Wynn – and wondered what it would be like to live there. My upcoming Elementals series was inspired by my interest in Greek mythology and elemental powers. And the standalone YA time travel/parallel universe thriller I wrote this past year was inspired by a dream.

My one rule is this—whenever I’m struck with something that could be a book idea, no matter how terrible that book idea may be—I always write it down! That way I know I’ll never forget it.

3. How long have you been writing?

I’ve written for fun all my life! But I decided to write my first original novel for the goal of publication—Remembrance—at the end of 2008. I was a junior in college at the time. I managed to finish the draft by the end of my junior year, and I signed with my first agent in the beginning of my senior year!

4. What tips do you have for aspiring writers?

When you’re writing your first draft, pick a word count goal that you want to reach every day, and reach it six days a week. (Ideally, it’s great to write every day, but realistically, I think it’s good to have one day a week off for a “brain break.”) When you decide on your word count goal, pick something realistic to you. For me, it’s a minimum of 1,000 words a day. I know some writers who can write 3,000 words a day, and others who can only write 500. The important thing is that your goal is attainable to you, and that you write your words no matter what. Writing is a marathon, not a sprint! You’ll be surprised at how quickly your words add up.

Also, remember that if it’s your first time writing, it probably won’t be very good. My first original novel was only publishable because I wrote a LOT of fan fiction for fun before even attempting to write an original novel. That fan fiction was pretty bad, but it gave me the practice I needed to become a better writer.  

5. How important are names in your books? Do you choose the names based on liking the way it sounds, or the meaning? Do you have any name choosing resources you recommend?

I choose names because I like the way they sound! I’ll have an image of a character in my mind, and I’ll browse baby name websites. Usually, a name will eventually pop out at me, and I’ll “know” it’s the right name for that character. I also try to make it so the main characters names start with different letters, since it’s easier to process while reading.

6. Favorite writing snack?

I don’t eat while working.

7. Favorite tv show/movie?

Favorite Movie: Back to the Future
Favorite Current TV Show: Fear the Walking Dead
Favorite All-Time TV Show: Lost (although the ending disappointed me).

8. Favorite social media site?

Facebook, because it can be used for everything, and nearly everyone I know is on it! 

 
  About the Author:


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Michelle Madow wrote her first novel, Remembrance, in her junior year of college. Remembrance is the first book in The Transcend Time Saga, a three part series about reincarnation and true love that Michelle successfully self-published. The series was inspired by Taylor Swift's "Love Story" music video. Michelle's latest YA series, The Secret Diamond Sisters, about three sisters who discover they are the secret heirs to a Las Vegas billionaire casino owner, was published in March 2014 by Harlequin Teen. The second book in the series, Diamonds in the Rough, released in November 2014, and the third book, Diamonds are Forever, will be coming out in November 2015. Michelle is active on social media networks and has toured across America to promote her books and encourage high school students to embrace reading and writing.


Michelle lives in Boca Raton, Florida, where she is writing more novels for young adults. She loves reading, spending time with family and friends, traveling the world, shopping, Disney fairy tales, Broadway musicals, and loves talking with fans on Facebook (/MichelleMadow), Twitter (@MichelleMadow), and Instagram (@MichelleMadow).

To chat with Michelle and other fans about her books, join Michelle Madow's Street Team on Facebook!  

 
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Release Week Blitz Giveaway:

Michelle is offering up a fabulous prize during her Diamonds are Forever Virtual Tour event. One (1) lucky winner will receive a signed paperback set of The Secret Diamond Sisters, along with a swag pack that includes lipgloss, bookmark, sister postcards, pin! To enter, simply fill out the Rafflecopter below:

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

http://www.barclaypublicity.com