Happy A SHARD OF ICE Release Day!

It's time! Oh holy crap, it's finally time! Cue the party gifs!

It's been nearly a year since I first announced A Shard of Ice publicly, and since then, I've basically been sitting here, twiddling my thumbs and freaking out at least three times a day over the fact that eventually, all of you were going to read it. If you think an author gets over this, the answer is no. We go into these incredible spazzes worthy of YouTube gold.

And now here we are, a year later and another book out. This one is, by far, both my favorite book to have written and my favorite book to share with all of you. There's just so much in it that pulls from who I am. Lilix was a character I had created in Middle School, and she stuck with me after all that time, insistent on having her own story. I kept putting it aside for Essallie and Kayden, but she wouldn't quit nagging me, not until I wrote down her story. That was all it took, and from there, A Shard of Ice was born. 

Well, it's out there now, and there's no going back. Which means I'm going to sit here, and try really hard not to freak out at the impending reviews, comments, and more. But really, I'm going to compulsively look for mentions of it anywhere. It's going to be hilarious and a little sad all at the same time. I wonder if my local B&N will mind if I just start camping out in the Teen section… 

But I'm rambling! Go forth, devour A Shard of Ice! Tell me why you loved it, why you hated it, who drove you insane, who made you feel like you made a new best friend! Create hilarious reviews that use gifs showing how utterly insane you were driven over the book. Jam out to the playlist of A Shard of Ice as soon as I upload it on a new blog post. Or not. But definitely grab it, read it, share it, explore the story Lilix wanted the world to read. 

Right now, you can grab the paperback or hardback off of Amazon. Barnes & Noble's website should have the book up within the day. As for the ebook, I'm being told it might not be until the 17th that it'll go live. I know, it's lame as hell. But as soon as it DOES go up, I'll edit this blog post to include the link, and probably spam-tweet/Facebook it for everyone, soooo. 

A Shard of Ice (Hardback)

A Shard of Ice (Paperback)

A SHARD OF ICE Pre-order Goodies + Giveaway Winner!

I have a confession; I've been a little whacky and a whole lot of insane. 

Okay, so that isn't really much of a confession, but here is a confession; I've been stashing some last-minute 'sekrit' news from all of you. I'm sorry, really I am! It's not like I don't like being on Facebook, or Twitter, or Blogger, or anywhere on the internet or in person where I run into people and chat and tell lame jokes that people seem to enjoy laughing at. It's because there's only twelve (12!!!) days until A Shard of Ice comes out, and I'm doing this sad little thing called last-minute-why-do-I-do-this-to-myself edits. Between sleeping on the couch, cooking breakfast at all hours to stay alive and fed, and forgetting to shower, my week has sort of looked like this…

"But why did you wait until the last minute to edit this mammoth book, Alivia? Do you really enjoy torturing yourself like this, so close to a deadline?"

I'm sure at least one of you (other than my family and friends) is thinking that right now. Honestly, it's a ying-yang sort of answer. One one hand, I thrive under pressure in ways I cannot express. Magic just sort of spills from my brain. I can't explain it, but I can tell you it certainly helped me graduate High School. 

But right now I'm sort of regretting it. Because I've been spending nearly every hour awake, on a computer, frying my eyeballs in the name of making sure Lilix's story is clear, strong, and flows well. 

So yeah. There's that. But yes, I did have all winter to do this. And technically it should have been done back in February when I was supposed to have these stinkin' edits finished. It's a long story as to why none of that happened, one that involves a near-ER trip for a sinus infection, dropping nearly forty (yes, 40) pounds in less than a month, and realizing I had to change something or die, but I'll save the details for that for another blog post. 

ANYWAY. 

So the good news first, then a giveaway winner second!

Good news? Ahhh, yes. The news I'm super crazy excited to tell you all about involves that shiny new book, A Shard of Ice, that releases in 12 days. Pre-orders for the paperback and hardback have been up for a while now, and I've been able to see a bunch of you guys grabbing the hardback (which, by the way, makes me feel INCREDIBLE. It's the cover, isn't it? That shiny cover totally pulled you in.) and a few of you picking up the paperback, too. 

Well, if you've been on the fence for buying a hard copy because you just have to read the book the day it releases, hop over to the dark side. JOIN US. Why? Because if you pre-order any hard copy of the book, paperback OR hardback by April 10th, and email proof to redalicepress@gmail.com, you'll get an ebook copy the day of the release. So it's like buying a hard copy and ebook at the same time! How freaking cool is that?! It's all included in the tab labeled PRE-ORDER, so click that for the details!

And lastly, a giveaway winner announcement from the masquerade pendant and signed copy of ASOI from Facebook! Hold onto your hats…

Chelle H., do as the picture says, or else. You're the wicked winner of that sweet pendant and signed book!


Alright, that's it, I'm out. These edits aren't going to do themselves. Until later. :)

SNEAK PEEK: Shard of Ice Website (And Goodies!)

So all this week, I've been half tempted to munch on my fingernails and show you all of this awesomeness, and half tempted to fling myself into a stampede if I could ever find one in PA. Thankfully, I have a horrible phobia of both being trampled to death and putting my hands in my mouth, so we're safe for now. 

What is this awesomeness that I speak of? Well, I'm not exactly the best with words when it comes to blog posts (unless I plan them out months in advance and recite exactly what I'm going to say while washing the dishes at 2AM), so I think I'll just show you instead.

But first! There's a blog post winner to be had here. Drumroll....

Yay Ashley, super congrats! I have a whole pack of bookmarks, special cards, magnets, and more coming your way!

And now, back to the other super surprise at hand. I know I promised you guys a post on book releases and stuff, but I figured no one was going to tie me to a tree and hold me hostage if I released this information first instead. The book post will go up probably Tuesday, and have details on all the series, including a new one called the Dream Chronicles, which is... well, you'll see. I'm giving away too much already as it is! 

Back to the surprise. Y'all are going to want to mark your calendars for February 6th. Why, dare you ask? Some of you already know what I'm hinting at; a good handful of readers have been getting their hands on some special Shard of Ice cards I had printed ages ago. On the back side, there's a pretty little website to follow to. But it's what's going to be on that website that's going to get everyone's knickers in a welcomed pinch. (That sounded weird.)

The website will give the chance for everyone, both from bloggers to book lovers and more, to get their hands on signed goodies, paperback ARC chances for ASOI (and I only have a few, so these will be a limited batch) early reads of the first few chapters, insight to the characters, and a whole bunch more. 

So again, FEBRUARY 6th! Check back here, and you'll see a post with a nifty link. I'll share the heck out of it on Twitter and Tumblr too for you non-blogger and Facebook peeps. 

But until then, I leave you with this sneak peek! Here's the header to the site, maybe you can fish a few clues out of it. ;)

Cover Wars: Vote for A Shard of Ice!

Twitter tipped me off this morning that The Sirenic Codex has a cover war going on between 3-week winner Undertow and A Shard of Ice! Make sure to head over and vote for which one you think deserves the crown. 

Will Undertow hold the title for the fourth week in a row, or will A Shard of Ice freeze out the competition? 

Click the link, and scroll down to vote!

A SHARD OF ICE Cover Reveal

It's finally THAT TIME. What time? Cover reveal goodness time! 

It feels like it's been forever since I hosted a voting contest for a winning cover, but now it's finally time to announce the winning cover YOU all voted for.  Since the sign-up sheet went up, over 80 blogs from all over signed up to help in this cover reveal. To all those involved in this, seriously, the urge to hug all of you is insane. 

Most of you (okay, probably all of you) don't know how excited I am to be publishing this in the future. A Shard of Ice is heavily based off of a character I created and grew up with through my early teens. Lilix has been one of those voices in my head I just can't seem to shake. And now, I think it's time the rest of the world gets to know the character behind the name, too. 

As we inch our way closer to April 2014, and to the release of A Shard of Ice, I have many different things planned to give everyone clues and hints as to who Lilix is. But for now, we'll just have to make due with a cover reveal and blurb that'll hopefully get you excited for the upcoming spring.

And, to not keep you waiting...

Title: A Shard of Ice

Series: Black Symphony Saga
Publisher: Red Alice Press

Release Date: April 14th, 2014

Synopsis:

THEIR SOULS, REAWAKENED

When 13-year-old Lilix Morgan is found alive and floating on a bed of ice at sea, everyone counts it a miracle. Kidnapped nearly four weeks earlier, she remembers nothing of her mysterious abduction. When she tries to remember what happened, she hears only a melody – a faint and delicate set of notes, strung together in a tune she doesn’t understand. 

THEIR POWER, UNMATCHED

A year later and desperate to put the lingering nightmares of her past behind her, Lilix crosses the country to enroll at Baelmorte Academy, aiming to become the violinist she once dreamt of. Things seem to be finally going well, and Lilix settles into a routine of sheet music and inspiration among new friends.

Then the dreams start. 

The melody and night terrors she thought she’d left behind return with a vengeance, threatening to ruin her fragile version of normalcy. Then an unlikely ally tells her that she isn’t alone. That there are others just like her, fighting to hide their own shocking truths from coming to light. That they know who she is, and what she’s been through. Now, accompanied by four other girls, Lilix discovers her nightmares are larger than a single trauma; they’re a window to a hidden part of her soul, a place of immense power with a destiny that cannot be ignored. 

THEIR BATTLE, IS ONLY BEGINNING

With this knowledge comes a new and frightening reality. For Lilix has been reawakened to stop an age-old enemy, one thought to have been destroyed centuries ago. Trapped by her destiny, Lilix is torn between what feels right and what she remembers. Her memories tell her of a star-crossed love waiting to be reunited, of friendships and trust broken in the past. But can she save that love when reality brings her an enemy, and an evil that will be the undoing of them all if they don’t destroy it?

LINKS FOR A SHARD OF ICE:

Add 'A Shard of Ice' to Goodreads

LINKS FOR ALIVIA ANDERS:

Alivia Anders on Facebook - Alivia Anders on Twitter

SMALL EDIT: The lovely model on this cover is Maria Amanda, and the photographer was Rune Hammelstrup. If you're free for a minute, please check out her Facebook here or her Deviantart here. <3

A SHARD OF ICE Cover Reveal Sign-Up and GIVEAWAY!

It's been a few days since the release of ETHEREAL, and as much as I want to stay focused on one thing at a time, I can't help but want to get the word out of the winning cover to A SHARD OF ICE! I finally will be able to share the winning cover, full blurb, AND a teaser that will probably have you sobbing for the wait for April 2014.

I'm a tease, I know. ;)

The cover reveal for A SHARD OF ICE is scheduled for... dun dun dun, April 11th, 2013! Also known as my birthday, also known as an awesome day, also known as...

Well, I can't say all of it. That would ruin the fun of the secret you'll all get to read with the cover reveal. Mwahahaha-ha.

Want to take part in the cover reveal and see it before everyone else?

Here's how:

*You MUST fill out this form before April 9th, 11:59PM EST!

*Facebook pages (must be book related, cannot be personal profiles) can participate as well. You do not need a blog to participate in the cover reveal.

Everyone who participates in the cover reveal for A Shard of Ice will be entered into a drawing for an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) of A Shard of Ice in paperback. Winners will be selected randomly. 

A lot of you have been asking just what A Shard of Ice is about, and have been wanting to know the details. While I can't break down every inch of the book for you, I can say it's probably my favorite book out of everything I've written so far. Lilix has been near and dear to my heart for years now, and now you all finally get to step into her world. 

Come on, April, get here faster!

Vote For A SHARD OF ICE Cover!

Voting Time! 

Not too long ago, I asked on my Facebook what you guys wanted to see more, the cover to the final Illumine novel, or the covers I wanted to put to vote for A Shard of Ice, the debut to my new upcoming series, the Black Symphony Saga. By just a teeny-tiny inch, you voted to see the Shard of Ice covers. I'm guessing it probably has to do with all those itty-bitty teasers I keep sharing without giving you any real information as to what this series is about. 

Well, no more fretting. Once this gorgeous cover contest comes to an end, I'll be announcing the winning cover, the blurb, AND a chance for a signed ARC. Oh yeah, baby, I'm going all out on this one. 

So here's how this works- out of the three below, vote for your TWO favorite. That's is, piece of cake. When you're done, feel free to share the vote to your friends! Or leave a comment on which one was truly your favorite of the three. ;)

Voting closes on February 28th, and the winning cover will be announced around mid-March. Now go, vote! 

EDIT: The lovely model in ALL of these covers is Maria Amanda. If you're free for a minute, please check out her Facebook here or her Deviantart here. <3

VOTING HAS NOW ENDED, THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO TOOKT THE TIME!

CHECK OUT THIS POST FOR SIGN-UPS TO REVEAL THE WINNING COVER IN APRIL.

The Glorious List of Upcoming Projects

I have a huge list of upcoming work. 

Surprise? Not really so much. If you've been lurking on my Facebook page, you'll notice I've been a little project-photo happy as of late. I figured before we all get confused on who and what is coming out and when, I'd sort of give you all a list of stuff to expect over the end of 2012 and into 2015. Each photo will be linked to its Goodreads page, so you can add all these pretties to your to-read lists! 

Ready? 

First, and easily the more exciting release to-date, is RIVEN. This pretty baby, the third to the Illumine Series, gets released December 7th. Essallie is about to get her butt both kicked, and kick some butt. I'd say this is probably the most action-filled one of the series yet, but you'll have to read it for yourself to discover the madness I've been brewing all summer long. 

Mwahahaha! 

Next on the list, is actually one book, and one novella. UNWANTED, a stand-alone YA dystopian novel I've been slowly working on, comes out July 30th, 2013. The date is still tentative, and could bump up or bump down depending on how much I get done over the winter season. 

And now it has two covers, which makes my decision for a cover hard. Oh, boy. 

Then comes the first novella to kick off the #WhoIsLilix hunt. AN ICE PRINCESS HEART is set for release sometime in July 2013, too. I can tell you for certain that the novellas are strictly a digital release, but you'll be able to get them through B&N and Amazon easily. 

The second novella to the #WhoIsLilix hunt, AN ICE PRINCESS KISS, releases sometime in September 2013. Again, it's only digital, but so very worth it to learn some neat pieces of who Lilix is before the SHARD OF ICE release. 

Third novella in the #WhoIsLilix hunt, AN ICE PRINCESS SYMPHONY, hits in November 2013. 

The fourth and last novella pre SHARD OF ICE release, AN ICE PRINCESS DREAM, releases January 2014. 

In April 2014, just a few months after all the novellas are out, the ever-gorgeous tale of Lilix, A SHARD OF ICE, the first in the Black Symphony Saga, hit shelves. I have a neat surprise for this book, too, but I can't share the details just yet. When we get closer, I'll make sure to clue you in to the surprise. -wink-

Not to mention, there's still the cover reveal for it... the picture below is only a teaser until next Spring. 

Cover reveal? Just wait for Spring 2013, you'll LOVE it.

And then, at last, there's one more book with a 2014 release date so far. This one doesn't even have a cover (yet), but I can tell you the name of the book! PROJECT HALIELLE has an estimated, very rough November 2014 release date stamped on it. 

Of course, then we get into 2015, when A BRUSH OF FIRE, the sequel to A SHARD OF ICE, releases. I have nothing for this pretty book yet, and all I can say is, if you think the first cover will be chilly, this one will be smoldering hot. 

Mwahaha. I love these secrets! 


Oh yes! And then, I have some extra news. 

I'm happily designing covers for TWO anthologies releasing through a new publishing house in 2013, called Red Alice Press. One is a summer anthology, called SWIMMING SONGBIRD, the other a Halloween-based anthology called HALLOWED. The house should be doing a call for submissions sometime early next year, I'll make sure to post about it when they do. Until then, you can see some of my cover work for them below. Don't know about you guys, but I love SWIMMING SONGBIRD. It's so light and simple. 

That's about it for the list right now, but I know to never say never when it comes to new projects. What do you think, am I in over my head? Or am I finally getting the hang of this cover-design stuff?

#WhoIsLilix?

Do you think you know who Lilix is? 

So earlier today while I was slumming it out at work, you know doing the usual chew-on-pen-caps and sell stuff routine, I had a little thought bubble visit me. Yet again, it’s about Lilix. My mind cannot stop infatuating about writing her story. I can’t take down enough notes, scribble on enough paper, graphically design enough kick ass promo material to satisfy what I am officially calling Lilix Disease. I even said OML (Oh My Lilix) at work today, for crying out loud. 

WOMAN, GET OUT OF MY HEAD. I HAVE OTHER THINGS TO WRITE. 

It’s so weird, it’s like this freaky love-hate relationship thing with her. I’m in love at the fact that I can still after roughly 6-7+ years pull her out of my brain like pulling my phone out of my back pocket, and almost physically hear her talk to me, tell me her stories. 

But then it sort of dawned on me that no one else really knows what the hell I’m talking about. Kind of like putting a Chinese native and French native in the same room and letting them figure out how to give each other directions to Pizza Hut. It’s just one big clusterchunk of whaaaaaaat?

So in light of my dawning knowledge that yes, no one knows who the heck this girl is and all she can do, I’m tasking you with a challenge. Either on Tumblr or Twitter, post your thoughts on what, or who, you think Lilix is. Maybe she’s an alien, and I’m totally writing a Mars sci-fi story. Maybe she’s a siren and freezes water and that’s why the first book is called A Shard of Ice. Or maybe I’m just tossing you these bizarre red herrings to get your minds moving on the idea. Either way, share your thoughts with me, and don’t forget to use #whoislilix with them so I can find/see them! 

Special Updates On TIS!

Hey everyone! 


I know it's been a little bit since I've done a full-fledged dedicated post, so I kind of need to cram you all with a huge overload of updates and information and myth dispellers (curse those Mythers!) on a whole bunch of stuff going. Super promise it won't be heavy on the brain. 


1- Obumbrate is still locked for its July 7th release. This hasn't changed! What HAS changed is where the online festivities will be taking place to celebrate. Originally, I had planned a Facebook party on several pages, but with Facebook's new fan page promotion policies, I can't unless I risk having the pages removed. 


So we're going to make this super-easy and super-fun by simply making a Twitter party! All day on July 7th, use the hashtag #obumbrateday in your tweets, and you're in! I'll be posting from my user @aliviaanders and doing a series of flash giveaways including signed bookmarks, a couple signed paperbacks, and even some other sweet swag! Trust me, you do NOT want to miss this! 


2- I am trying, desperately, to include a snippet of my next book, Unwanted, which is slated for a tentative Summer 2013 release. BUT I may not make the cut in time to include it. I may, however, have the ability to include a snippet of A Shard of Ice in the back, which is something I've been carefully working on and is slated for a Winter 2013 release. 


3- The cover for A Shard of Ice is NOT the final cover. It's been dancing around online and a couple of people asked me if it was the final cover, but sadly, it isn't. I won't know the final cover of ASoI until this fall/winter. But, in case you haven't seen what I'm talking about, here's the idea of the cover I've been tinkering with: 

(credit to istockphoto for the, uh, stock.)

That's all she wrote for the moment, but until my next post (which is for a MEGA giveaway hop I'm in that goes up in... 2 hours) see you all soon!