Friday Links

Just because I’m busy holding book giveaways, doesn’t mean I’ve forgotten some links to entertain you this weekend! After all, everyone gets to enjoy these, not just a few individuals whose names get pulled out of the hat (or rather the random number generator).

I have an interesting assortment of sites this week, so I hope you find them fun and useful and intriguing. Wishing you all a wonderful weekend, filled with books and writing. Enjoy!

How LA Used to Have Fun: 100-Year-Old Water Slides and Roller Coasters – Some fun old photographs. Great inspiration for a story, perhaps?

15 Famous Authors and Why They Write – Flavorwire takes a look at what inspired/compelled a few of the greats.

Beach Reads for Smart People – I take exception to the title, but some of the recommendations sound wonderful.

Christopher Nolan on The Dark Knight Rises’ Literary Inspiration – Some thoughts on this final installment of Nolan’s Batman trilogy, due in theaters on the 20th.

The Stars So Far, 2012 – PW offers a round up of some of the best reviewed children’s and young adult titles of the year.

Finding Research Treasure – A look at the research process from author D.B. Jackson.

Let’s Start at the Very Beginning…

Ever discover a wonderful series of books, only to realize that you’re having a hard time locating the first installment? Not all series build from one book to the next, but even when each is a stand-alone volume, it’s great to see how a writer kicked things off. So, today I’m giving away the first book in Shannon K. Butcher‘s exciting Sentinel Wars series, BURNING ALIVE.

They are the Sentinels…

Three races descended from ancient guardians of mankind, each possessing unique abilities in their battle to protect humanity against their eternal foes-the Synestryn. Now, one warrior must fight his own desire if he is to discover the power that lies within his one true love…

Helen Day is haunted by visions of herself surrounded by flames, as a dark-haired man watches her burn. So when she sees the man of her nightmares staring at her from across a diner, she attempts to flee-but instead ends up in the man’s arms. There, she awakens a force more powerful and enticing than she could ever imagine. For the man is actually Theronai warrior Drake, whose own pain is driven away by Helen’s presence.

Together, they may become more than lovers-they may become a weapon of light that could tip the balance of the war and save Drake’s people…

Just leave a comment here on this thread between now and Tuesday, July 17th at noon PT to enter the drawing. I’ll return then to announce the random winner. And don’t forget to check out the giveaways still going on from the last few days here on the blog!

 

EDITED TO ADD: Congratulations to Sarah, the winner of the giveaway. Keep an eye on your inbox for information on how to collect your book.

Thanks to everyone who participated in the last week’s giveaways. Keep an eye out for more freebies in the future!