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Saturday, 9 March 2013
Blitz ~ Transcend by Michelle Madow {Giveaway}
I'm so excited to be part of Michelle Madow's Transcend Time Saga Book Blitz! This is to honour the release of Transcendence, a "Transcend Time Bonus Packet" which was released December last year. It's FREE for a limited time at Smashwords, download it now! It includes the content I've got in my blog today along with other special extras, it's a complimentary book to go with the saga.
Today I've got Chelsea Givens with an in-depth look at her life and we've got an Interview with Michelle Madow regarding the stunning covers used in this saga. Please stay till the end to win a copy of Remembrance, the first book in The Transcend Time Saga.
The Transcend Time Saga
by Michelle Madow
Remembrance
Series - Transcend Time Saga #1
Published - July 27, 2011
Book Description
Lizzie Davenport has been reincarnated from Regency Era, England ... but she doesn't know it yet.
Then Drew Carmichael transfers into Lizzie's high school at the beginning of the year, and she feels a connection to him, almost like she knows him. She can't stop thinking about him, but whenever she tries talking with him about the mysteries behind her feelings, he makes it clear that he wants nothing to do with her. Reaching him is even more difficult because she has a boyfriend, Jeremy, who has started to become full of himself after being elected co-captain of the varsity soccer team, and her flirtatious best friend Chelsea starts dating Drew soon after his arrival. So why can't she get him out of her mind?
Even though Lizzie knows she should let go of her fascination with Drew, fighting fate isn't going to be easy.
Vengeance
Series - Transcend Time Saga #2
Published - December 8, 2011
Book Description
How far would you go to get revenge?
When Chelsea Givens discovered that her ex-boyfriend Drew dumped her to be with her former best friend Lizzie, she'd never felt so betrayed in her life. Then her new friend Shannon tells her she can help set things right. Chelsea's willing to listen, but what Shannon wants her to believe -- that she shared a past life with Drew -- is impossible. And what she wants her to do to get him back … well, it's downright crazy.
Could Shannon be telling the truth? And if she is, what lengths will Chelsea go if it means making Lizzie pay?
Find out in Vengeance, the second part of the Transcend Time Saga.
*Vengeance is the short story that bridges the events in Remembrance and the final novel in the Saga.
Timeless
Series - Transcend Time Saga #3
Published - November 14, 2012
Book Description
IT'S A RACE AGAINST TIME.
In Remembrance, Lizzie and Drew changed the course of fate so they could be together.
In Vengeance, Chelsea set fate back on its original, deadly path.
Now, strange things keep happening to Lizzie. Things that are omens of darkness to come. A curse has doomed her to die an early death, just as she did in her past life. To make matters worse, even if she can figure out who cast the curse, it's irreversible. There's only one option left for her to save herself. It's crazier than anything she's heard yet, and to do it, she'll need Drew and Chelsea's help.
Because to make things right, they must go back to when it all began ... and Lizzie discovers that the final events in her past life were more sinister than she ever imagined.
About The Author
Michelle Madow
In the fall of 2008, Michelle saw Taylor Swift’s “Love Story” music video for the first time. She thought up a story to go along with the video, and wrote the first chapter as a homework assignment for class. Her classmates and teacher loved it so much that they wanted to know what happened next, so Michelle continued writing, and that story eventually became Remembrance, the first novel in the Transcend Time Saga. She’s so happy to be able to share this series with you, and hopes you enjoy reading it as much as she loved writing it!
COVER DESIGN INTERVIEW
Bonnie from A Backwards Story interviews Michelle Madow on how she designed the covers of the Transcend Time Saga.
Bonnie: I love the covers for the Transcend Time Saga. They're what made me first sit up and take notice of this title. Since you designed the covers yourself, did you always know what you wanted to do? Did you go through multiple designs before deciding on your final covers?
Michelle: Thank you! The big thing I knew when I started looking through images on stock photography websites was that I wanted Lizzie’s face to be on the cover. I spent hours searching through images on iStockPhoto of “girls with curly blonde hair.” I discovered a model who was PERFECT for Lizzie, but none of her photos jumped out at me as “the one.” Then I went to Dreamstine, saw “Girl in a Mask,” and knew I’d found my cover.
What are the easiest and hardest things about designing your own covers?
The easiest (and the most fun) is searching for the perfect image for the first book in the series. The hardest is making sure the covers of the other books of the series match the theme of the first, while still being unique to their own story.
Which of the three covers is your favorite?
The cover of Remembrance will always be my favorite. I can’t believe I found an image that perfectly embodied the story. The girl looks exactly like Lizzie, and she’s wearing a gold mask similar to the one described in the book. I love how she’s looking straight at the viewer, and the contrast of the light on her face against the jet black background. The mask symbolizes the mystery of the past life that Lizzie discovers throughout the story.
Have you always been interested in graphic design? Would you design covers for other authors in the future?
My interest in graphic design started when I taught myself how to use Photoshop during my senior year of high school to create icons for LiveJournal. I made hundreds of 100x100 pixel icons for my favorite television shows and books. Then when Twilight came out I joined the Twilight Lexicon discussion forum, and started making Twilight icons for members of the forum.
As for designing covers for other authors, that’s probably not something I would do. It takes time to design covers, and my number one priority is writing and getting my books out to readers. There are many graphics designers who have graphic design as their number one priority, and who are more experienced than me, anyway. (My capabilities are limited. When I realized the ribbon under Lizzie’s nose in the original image for Timeless had to be removed, I had to outsource that task to a more experienced graphic designer to make sure it was done well.)
What, to you, are the components that make up the best, most eye-catching cover?
I am partial to the “pretty girl in a dress” covers, even though I know it’s a bit over done! I think the best covers are simple. If too much is going on in the cover, the viewer doesn’t know what to focus on. Also, the text must stand out and be easy to read, so the person looking for a new book doesn’t have to struggle to see the title and author for the book.
What book covers do you love so much that you wish you'd designed them?
Some of my favorite covers are:
Matched by Allie Condie
Firelight by Sophie Jordan
Halo by Alexandra Adornetto
The Selection by Kiera Cass
Tempest by Julie Cross
Tris & Izzie by Mette Ivie Harrison
City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare
What, to you, are the components that make up the best, most eye-catching cover?
I am partial to the “pretty girl in a dress” covers, even though I know it’s a bit over done! I think the best covers are simple. If too much is going on in the cover, the viewer doesn’t know what to focus on. Also, the text must stand out and be easy to read, so the person looking for a new book doesn’t have to struggle to see the title and author for the book.
What book covers do you love so much that you wish you'd designed them?
Some of my favorite covers are:
Matched by Allie Condie
Firelight by Sophie Jordan
Halo by Alexandra Adornetto
The Selection by Kiera Cass
Tempest by Julie Cross
Tris & Izzie by Mette Ivie Harrison
City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare
Chelsea’s Character Biography
Full Name: Chelsea Elise Givens
Nickname: Chels
Birthday: June 8, 1994
Place of Birth: Pembrooke, NH
Residence: Glendale Drive in Pembrooke, NH
Occupation: Student
Family: Mother: Sarah Givens. (Died of breast cancer when Chelsea was in second grade).
Father: Tyler Givens -- attorney.
Sister: Tiffany Givens (19, in college).
Loves: Boys. Gossip. Shopping. Getting what she wants. Diet soda. Standing up for people she cares about.
Hates: People who betray her. Outdoor activities/anything involving getting messy.
Fears: People turning their backs on her. Insects.
Education: Junior in high school.
Favorite ice cream flavor: Chocolate Chunk: “You are lively, creative and the life of the party. You charm everyone with your enthusiasm and sense of style. You love excitement in your romantic relationships and require a lot of attention from your mate. You are most romantically compatible with those who prefer butter pecan or chocolate chip.”
Views on Love/Death: Believes there are many people out there to love. Believes those who died (such as her mom) are watching out for her. Believes in an afterlife; not necessarily heaven, but that people don't disappear.
Favorite Place in the World: Cities. Specifically New York. (Which is what she likes talking with Drew about.)
Least Favorite Place in the World: Pembrooke. She wants to move to a warm place when she graduates high school.
Hobbies: Snow skiing. Shopping. Tennis. Mock Trial. Debate Team.
Reputation: Snobby. Semi-slutty. Bouncing from one boyfriend to the next.
General Viewpoints of Importance: Social status. Trust.
What makes the character tick: When people tell her she's wrong. People who talk about her.
What makes the character likable: Stands up for her friends. Keeps to her word. Does favors for people.
What makes the character detestable: Can be shallow. Gossips a lot. Goes behind Lizzie's back.
Eye Color: Green
Hair Color: Dark brown with a red tint
Body Type: Skinny and also curvy.
Age: 16
Apparent Age: 17
Skin Tone: Olive
Physical activities: Skiing, tennis
Addictions: Diet Coke
This or That with Chelsea
Here is a collection of “This or That” questions I’ve answered from Chelsea’s point of view for interviews.
Hardcopy or E-Book?
E-book. I read everything on my iPad—it’s much easier!
Bookmark or Dog-Ear?
Bookmark. I like to keep things neat, and dog ears look messy.
Book or Movie?
Movie. Not that I don’t like to read—I do enjoy reading on occasion—but movies are more fun because I can watch them with friends.
Chocolate or Vanilla?
Like any girl (well, excluding Lizzie), CHOCOLATE!
Summer or Winter?
Summer, no question. I can’t wait to get out of New Hampshire after graduation and not have to deal with frigid winters anymore!
Ice-Cream or Cake?
Ice cream.
Coffee or Tea?
Coffee—I’ve never gotten into tea. Tea tastes so bland compared to a good, strong coffee.
Nice guy or bad boy?
Bad boy. I like a guy with spunk—he needs it to handle me!
Popularity or Friendships?
At the start of junior year, I would have said popularity (because doesn’t being popular mean you have lots of friends?!) But after everything I went through with Lizzie in the past few months, I learned that true friendship is more important than sitting with the “cool kids” at lunch.
Character Interview with Chelsea
This character interview was held by Tiffany from For Those About to Read. Chelsea’s answers are by Michelle Madow.
Tiffany: What is the biggest thing you have learned after everything you have been through with Lizzie?
Chelsea: The biggest thing I learned was the importance of finding out all the facts about a situation before taking action. When people hurt me, I act out without thinking about the consequences. I got caught up in my emotions, and acted in ways I shouldn’t have. I never would have done what I did if I understood what it really meant. If Lizzie, Drew, and I hadn’t been able to fix my mistake, I never would have forgiven myself. I’m glad everything worked out, and I will always try to be more aware of the consequences of my actions in the future.
Tiffany: Describe yourself Twitter style.
Chelsea: @_ChelseaGivens: High school junior in the middle of nowhere, NH. Loves to go out and have fun with friends. Can’t wait to graduate and get out of this town!
Tiffany: Describe your ideal man.
Chelsea: A few weeks ago I would have said Drew. But after what happened over the holiday season, I saw that he loves Lizzie, so I’m over him now. Besides the obvious necessity of my ideal man being attractive, I want him to love me more than anyone else. He should also be smart, driven to succeed, and sophisticated. Does that sound like you? Tweet me ;)
Tiffany: We have found out about Lizzie's talents through Remembrance, but we don't know about your talents. What do you excel at?
Chelsea: Most people who don’t know me are shocked when they hear this answer—I excel in academics. I take many advanced classes, and I’m organized, which is useful when it comes to note-taking and study habits. I excel in history, English, and the sciences, and plan on being pre-law in college. I am on the mock trial and debate teams, which meet after school on alternating days. I’m hoping to be captain of the debate team in my senior year.
Tiffany: Our male readers would love to hear your idea of the perfect date, can you share?
Chelsea: To start, he would pick me up. (Guys should always pick up the girl—even if she’s not on his way—because it’s the right thing to do.) We would go out to dinner at an upscale restaurant on the lake with a table overlooking the water, and he should pay, of course. Then we would go on a walk, and the conversation should flow so easily that neither of us should realize how much time has passed.
Tiffany: What makes Lizzie such an awesome friend (pre-Drew drama)?
Chelsea: Lizzie is a great person—she listens to what people say, she offers advice (but not in a forceful way), she doesn’t judge, and she’s fun to hang out with. She’s also smart, and values doing well in school as much as I do. I never feel like I have to try to be someone I’m not around Lizzie, which makes it easy to spend time with her.
Tiffany: What is your number one rule of friendship?
Chelsea: Don’t make moves on your friends boyfriend. It never ends well.
Tiffany: There is a scene in Remembrance where Lizzie describes why you mean so much to her and recounts a memory from when the two of you were younger. I know you and Lizzie have been through a lot, but what is your favorite memory of her?
Chelsea: All seventh grade students at Beech Tree go on a weekend field trip to Salem, MA. (We have a big unit on the witch trials in seventh grade.) The hotel we stayed in was supposedly haunted by witches who were killed in the trials, and Lizzie was so scared that she couldn’t fall asleep. Every time we heard a noise in the hall, or a creaking in the room, one of us would scream, and then we would start laughing. Once we realized it was going to be impossible to sleep, we went to the lobby and got snacks, did some hotel exploring, and talked all night. We even invented a “mini tour” of the hotel, talking about the ghosts and their stories. We were exhausted the next day, but at least we survived the night in the haunted hotel!
Tiffany: What are your future plans? Where do you see yourself after graduating college?
Chelsea: I want to go to college someplace warm and near a real city—my top schools are UCLA and University of Miami. Since I’ll be pre-law, I plan on going to law school after graduating college. My dad went to George Washington University for law school, so that’s on my list. But I’m trying not to worry too much about where I want to go to law school until I figure out where I’m going to college. I’m not sure what type of law I want to practice yet, but I am interested in law that has to do with politics.
Tiffany: Do you have a mantra or are they any key principles you live by?
Chelsea: Laboris gloria Ludi, which is Latin for “Work hard, play hard.” I have the phrase inscribed on my keychain.
Tiffany: What is the most valuable piece of advice you've ever received?
Chelsea: “If you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything.” This is my dad’s favorite quote—from a movie he likes, I think. Whenever I feel like I can’t do something, he says it to me.
Tiffany: Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
Chelsea: I hope this gives you more insight into who I am! In times when my emotions are heightened (like after I found out about Lizzie and Drew going behind my back), I lash out without thinking. But I swear I’m not like that most of the time. When we got back from England, I realized I was over Drew, and now I’m focusing on doing the best I can in school to make sure I get into the college I want. I also decided that high school boys are immature, so I’m going to wait until college to find the right guy for me.
Chelsea’s Top Ten Makeup Products
If you’ve read the books in the Transcend Time Series, then you know that Chelsea loves getting dressed up and doing her makeup whenever she can. She doesn’t even go to school without putting on makeup in the morning!
Here is a list of her top ten products that she can’t live without:
1) Dior Night Butterfly Eyeshadow Palette
This is Chelsea’s favorite palette, because she loves wearing smoky purple shadows—the colors go great with her green eyes.
2) RMS Beauty Cream Eyeshadow in Magnetic
This purple cream eyeshadow is the perfect base for purple smoky eyes.
3) MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack
This is Chelsea’s favorite eyeliner. It’s gel, which is easy to apply. It’s also a deep black, so it gives a dramatic look. For night time, you can wing it out for extra flair!
4) MAC Bronzer in Refined Golden
Chelsea loves looking tan all year round. Put this bronzer on the cheeks, chin, nose, and forehead for an all over glow. Remember to put some on your neck, too, so there’s not a line where the bronzer ends!
5) YSL Faux Cils Mascara
This mascara is thick without being clumpy, and makes the lashes look incredible. It gives a false lash effect. Chelsea uses this mascara every day.
6) The Balm Stainiac in Beauty Queen
Chelsea uses this lip stain to make sure her lips stay red all day. This stays in place for hours, so even if lip gloss comes off, the lips will still be red.
7) MAC Eyeliner Pencil in Engraved
Chelsea uses this pencil to line her lower waterline, since it can get messy to use gel in the waterline.
8) YSL Anti-Cernes Multi-Action Concealer
Chelsea uses this concealer under her eyes to cover circles and on any red spots on her face. She takes school seriously, and stays up late on weeknights doing her homework, so this concealer is necessary to make her look awake in the morning!
9) Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Charisma
This beautiful color blush stays on all day!
10) MAC Lipglass in Russian Red
In Timeless, Lizzie mentions Chelsea’s “red lip gloss that makes her look like a vixen.” This is what Chelsea was wearing!
Chelsea’s Junior Year Class Schedule
A: AP European History (8:30-9:25)
Class shared with: Lizzie, Drew
Teacher: Mrs. Wilder
B: Spanish (9:30-10:25)
Class shared with: Hannah
C: AP English (10:30-11:25)
Class shared with: Drew
D: Photography (11:30-12:25)
Class shared with: None of the main characters
LUNCH (12:30-1:15)
E: Chemistry (1:20-2:15)
Class shared with: Drew
Teacher: Mrs. Baker
F: Trigonometry (2:20-3:15)
Class shared with: Lizzie
Teacher: Mr. Barton
~ Buy it Now ~
For a limited time you can purchase the WHOLE TRANSCEND SAGA for $3.99 link below
~ Giveaway ~
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1 comments:
Actually Remembrance is going to be a part of my cover wars this next week! (Up against Venom by Fiona Paul)
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