Thursday, September 1, 2011

Giveaway: Signed copy of Weathercock by Melissa Crandall, 5 winners!!

Welcome to my stop on the Back to the Books Giveaway Hop hosted by I Am A Reader Not A Writer and Buried In Books. My giveaway is for a signed copy of Weathercock by Melissa Crandall as well as a Weathercock bookmark. Thanks to the author’s generosity, there will be FIVE winners! Thanks Melissa!! You’ll find the details on how to enter at the bottom of this post.

Weathercock. The name evokes flames and chaos, and a mythic hero who will one day change the world. Young Kinner - betrayed by those he loves and sentenced to die - knows only one thing: in a world where women hold all the power and men are nothing but property, heroes are hard to come by.
Determined to find a life on his own terms, he flees execution only to discover he knows nothing about survival. Used to relying on others, he dreams of rescue. Instead of the Weathercock, what he gets is Rai and Bayna, mercenary soldiers on the run from the determined (and increasingly psychotic) Commander Remeg.
The last thing they need is to play nursemaid to a half-grown whelp, but a madwoman's dark secret soon ties their fates. For a while, things actually go their way until further treachery casts a dark wing over the travelers. Alone once more, Kinner must discover within the bravery and skill to save not only himself, but also his friends.
And what of Weathercock? Can someone who doesn't even exist appear when Kinner needs him most?

I just finished reading Weathercock and will be posting my review shortly. I thought it was an amazing fantasy novel and I loved how the author created a world completely run by women. I was thrilled when Melissa agreed to answer a few questions about Weathercock, some of the answers she ended up texting to me by flashlight after losing power during Hurricane Irene! Thanks Melissa, and I hope  you’ve been able to return home and have your power restored!

You can find Melissa at http://www.melissacrandall.com

THB: Describe Weathercock in just a few sentences. Melissa "Weathercock" is the coming of age story of a young man name Kinner, living in a world where women have all the power, men are nothing but property, and sterility is a crime punishable by death.

THB: Weathercock is an unusual title, what inspired that?  Melissa: Actually, a Jethro Tull song of the same name.  I was driving near Albany, NY a few years back and that song was playing on the radio.  There's a bridge in the song that has a very martial sort of beat, and as that part was playing, I looked up and saw a billboard advertising Jagermeister with a big-boobed warrior woman like something out of Frank Frazetta riding a polar bear and I thought, "I can do something with this!"  (Just to let people know, there are no polar bears in the novel.  There is a big-boobed warrior woman, but she looks nothing like a Frank Frazetta painting.)

THB: Who is your target audience, YA or Adult?   Melissa: The book is appropriate for ages 15 to 100.  I do know of a couple of younger kids (particularly precocious 12 year olds) who have read it.  There's a bit of salty language in it (two of the women in question are warriors; they don't say "Gee, shucks") and some sexual innuendo (although absolutely no graphic sexuality).

THB: Which chapter, part, or character was your favorite to write and why?  Melissa: Wow, that's an extremely difficult question to answer (and hard to talk about without giving away the plot.)  As for the characters, I think my favorite is the one I'm writing about at any given time, even the so-called villains.

THB: What would you say is your interesting writing quirk? Melissa: I like to have a clean desk when I start writing.  Also, I'm much better off if I write in the morning.  I'd rather begin writing at 3 or 4 in the morning than 3 or 4 in the afternoon.

THB: What was one of the most surprising things you learned while writing your book?  Melissa: A secret that one of my characters had buried deep within her.  I was on the third draft before she let that one slip, and it was a profound moment because it drastically changed the course of the book (plus adding incredible emotional depth).

THB: Music: What would we find on your playlist?   Depends upon my mood.  I have very fluid taste in music -- everything from Def Leppard to movie soundtracks.  I'm also very big into Celtic/folk music.

THB: What do you do to unwind and relax? Melissa: Read, watch movies, play music, walk, go to the beach.  When my dog was alive, a long walk with him was a great way to unwind.  (With any luck, there'll be another dog in my life soon.)

awww..I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your dog. As an animal lover myself, I know how hard that particular loss is. I hope you do find another furbaby to love!

THB: If you were to take Kinner on a shopping spree, which stores would he want to visit and what would he buy? Melissa: The thought of going shopping for himself would be so foreign to Kinner that he'd have mo idea where to begin.    And by the end of the story, his priorities have changed so he'd probably opt for EMS or some other camping supply place.

THB: Tell the readers anything else you would like them to know about Weathercock: Melissa: I guess I'd like readers to know going into the book that it's a story about choices -- those we make for ourselves, and those we allow others to make for us.  It's about self-determination and claiming our place in the world.  And I hope it's one heck of an enjoyable read!

It certainly is!! If you’re not one of the five lucky winners to receive a signed copy from this giveaway, you can get your copy of Weathercock at Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

Entry:

US and CAN only please, sorry Sad smile

The entry is very simple for this giveaway. Just leave a comment with a way to contact you and that’s it! If you’d like an extra entry, follow my blog via GFC or Facebook and let me know. Winners will be chosen by Random.org on Sept. 7 at 11:59pm and will be announced sometime Sunday morning. Good luck and be sure to visit all of the other amazing blogs also participating.

(I was going to do a simple Rafflecopter, but I didn’t realize that Rafflecopter was by invitation only. If one of you could PLEASE send me a Rafflecopter invite, I would very much appreciate it!)

72 comments:

Mary Kirkland said...

This sounds like a very interesting book to me. I would love to win this. I love fantasy books so this is right up my alley.

GFC follower.

miztik_rose@yahoo.com

lgm52 said...

Intriguing! Please enter me!
lgm52@hotmail.com

lgm52 said...

follow you via gfc
lgm52@hotmail.com

Vivien said...

Thanks for the giveaway!
GFC follower

Vivien
deadtossedwaves at gmail dot com

buddyt said...

Sounds like an action packed novel.

Thanks for the giveaway and please enter me if it is open worldwide.

Carol T

buddytho {at} gmail DOT com

I Follow via GFC

Jessica ( frellathon ) said...

Sounds great and super nice of the author to be so generous.

I follow GFC - Jessica ( frellathon )

frellathon(at)gmail(dot)com

Mary Preston said...

WEATHERCOCK looks wonderful. Love the cover for a start.

GFC & FB: Mary Preston

marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

debbie said...

I would love to read it, it sounds really good.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

Bailey said...

Oooh this book sounds awesome. Great interview and giveaway! =) I would enter but I already have too many books to read. =o

bison61 said...

world completely run by women-this book does sound interesting!

tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com

Tee said...

Hi! Thank you for entering my contest and following. Im a new follower as well. Hope to have many bookish talks with you in the future

dirtybrit@ymail.com

Judy said...

Thanks for the great giveaway.


Judy
magnolias_1[at]msn[dot]com

Judy said...

GFC follower-judy


Judy
magnolias_1[at]msn[dot]com

Unknown said...

I love your interview great Q&A segment.Thanks for posting ^_^

Twitter & Networked blogs follower: kimyunalesca

kimyunalesca(at)yahoo(dot)com

Unknown said...

Thanks for the giveaway!

+1 GFC follower

chibipooh(at)gmail(dot)com

AshleyS said...

ashleylittlehandprintsdaycare@yahoo.com

following via gfc :)

AshleyS said...

oops meant facebook not gfc sorry!!

ebaker said...

Thanks for the great giveaway!!
e(dot)baker219(at)gmail(dot)com

ebaker said...

Following by GFC: ebaker
e(dot)baker219(at)gmail(dot)com

Pabkins said...

Very generous of you! Thanks for the change to win. fyi - following on FB.

That's interesting to know about rafflecopter! It's a neat widget!

Missbookaholicgirl said...

Thank you so much!! GFC follower- shirleytemple83

missbookaholicgirl AT gmail DOT com

Bekka said...

I just read your reviews and I was like 'OMGWANT.' Then I saw that's what you're offering for this giveaway and I basically squeed!! Awesome and THANKS =)

Bekka
prettydeadlyreviews(at)yahoo(dot)com

Jenny Q said...

I didn't know Rafflecopter was by invite. I don't get that. Anyway, great interview! I love her inspiration for the story! Please enter me: JDQ1175@aol.com. I follow via GFC and Twitter.

Unknown said...

This sounds like one I would enjoy very much. Thanks for the chance.

Jules
onebookshy at yahoo dot com

Darlene said...

Please enter me in the draw, and thanks for the giveaway!

darlenesbooknook at gmail dot com

Darlene said...

+1 following on GFC (Darlene)

darlenesbooknook at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

Thanks for participating in the Back to Books giveaway. I followed you via GFC. If you get the chance, stop by my blog and enter my part of the giveaway too!

Dorothy - Squeak
Squeak(dot)ak(at)gmail(dot) com
For Books – http://alaskanbookie.blogspot.com/
Twitter -->> @akchocoholic

AmyS. said...

Thanks for the giveaway.

GFC follower: AmyS.

truebloodfan AT rock.com
http://amysbookworld.blogspot.com/

Ricki said...

Awesome giveaway!
GFC - rickimc
rickimc[at]aol[dot]com

JHS said...

Hi Donna! Please enter me.

GFC follower.

JHS
Colloquium

jhsmail at comcast dot net

Mr. O said...

Very cool giveaway! Thanks!!

mrso_d at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

Sounds like a great read!
thanks for the giveaway!

beejee77(at)comcast(dot)net

Michele said...

THanks for the giveaway
GFC Michele Luker

jmluker at winco dot net

ann said...

I usually dont read this type of book but this one sounds really interesting - sign me up

amhengst at verizon dot net

Janelle said...

An intriguing read!
Chanticlear1(at)gmail(dot)com
Best wishes and thanks for a chance to win this fabulicious giveaway!

Janelle said...

Longtime GFC follower here!
Chanticlear1(at)gmail(dot)com
Best wishes and thanks for a chance to win this fabulicious giveaway!

jcwega27 said...

jessicawedwards@gmail.com

Amanda said...

Ooooh, I've really really been wanting to read this! I have a friend friend absolutely loved it. And 5 autographed that's awesome. :)

GFC - Manda
liforda(at)yahoo(dot)com

The (Mis)Adventures of a College Book Addict said...

Sounds interesting!
GFC: Leigh Ann
insanityisnormal(at)gmail(dot)com

Lisa said...

Sounds great, thanks!!

GFC Lisa Manning

lhoffpauir at gmail

Linda Kish said...

This sounds like a very interesting story. One that I would love to read.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Krystal Larson said...

Looks like an intriguing book, I would love to win, thank you!
edysicecreamlover18@gmailDOTcom

Krystal Larson said...

GFC Krystal Larson

Sherry said...

Looks like a very interesting book.
sstrode at scrtc dot com

Sherry said...

GFC follower - Sherry S.
sstrode at scrtc dot com

Cindy said...

Thanks for the chance to win your giveaway.
I'm GFC follower - Cindy Macbeth
cindymacbeth at gmail dot com

sweetstaker said...

Thanks for the giveaway. I am a GFC follower - Sweetstaker

Sweeststaker at yahoo dot com

Lenasledgeblog.com said...

Great interview. Thanks for the giveaway. I am participating in the blog hop as well. Looking forward to staying connected.

GFC Follower: lenasledgeblog.com

lenasledge(at)gmail(dot)com

mandala said...

GFC follower (mandala). Thanks for the chance!
mandalarctic at gmail dot com

Amy (ArtsyBookishGal) said...

Thanks for the lovely giveaway!
Amy // amyismyfriend at aol dot com

Amy (ArtsyBookishGal) said...

GFC Follower - artsybookishgal

Amy // amyismyfriend at aol dot com

Amy (ArtsyBookishGal) said...

Like you on FB (Amy Sondova)

Amy // amyismyfriend at aol dot com

SarahSparrow said...

Thanks for the giveaway! This book sounds good.

GFC follower SarahSparrow.

captainsarahsparrow at hotmail dot com

Fictional Candy said...

Sounds like an interesting read!

GFC follower: Liz Z

eaz130@yahoo.com

Thanks!

Tara W said...

Sounds interesting!
mizztuts AT bellsouth DOT net

Tara W said...

old gfc follower: Tara W
mizztuts AT bellsouth DOT net

AEKZ2 said...

I'd love to read this!

annettekz2@yahoo.com

Alison said...

Thanks for the chance to win :)
I follow through GFC and FB
alison.fees@gmail.com

poisnivyred said...

Looks like a great book. Thank you!

Gfc follower kel

Poisnivyred AT gmail.com

nayjf said...

i follow via GFC-nayjf

thanks for the giveaway

nayjf@yahoo.com

Krysykat said...

Great giveaway!
GFC follower- Krysta Banco

Morganlafey86(at)aol(dot)com

Ashley G. said...

Thanks for the giveaway.
GFC Follower- Ashley G.

abgafford@gmail.com

Alisia said...

thanks :)
follower :0
fb liked
nightsky1102(at)gmail(dot)com

Jessica said...

Thank you for the giveaway!
jbronderblogs at aol dot com

My thoughts on anything and everything said...

Thanks for the giveaway!!!:)

GFC follower:)

Lis

life_is_unpredictable29@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

Thanks for this and happy hopping, GFC is working I will try again Lisa GFC thanks lisapeters at yahoo dot com

Rebel said...

Thanks for the giveaway1

rebellovesong8(at)gmail(dot)com

- Melissa - said...

FIVE winners, oh my!
Thanks!
GFC- Missy Bee
missy1549@gmail.com

Amanda said...

Sounds great!
amelno(at)gmail(dot)com

Amanda

Alyce said...

This looks like a fun read!
akreese at hotmail dot com

Alyce said...

I follow via GFC
akreese at hotmail dot com

Audrey said...

Thanks for the great giveaway!
GFC- audreyclair
twigerina[at]hotmail[dot]com

FTC Disclaimer - I do receive some books directly from the authors or publishers for review purposes. Each review posted is my own personal opinion and any books I accept are not guaranteed a positive review. I do not receive monetary gain from reviewing those books I accept.
I include affiliate links to Amazon in my reviews and other posts. Those links will take the reader to Amazon.com and I do receive a small percentage of each purchase.