Wednesday, February 11, 2015

This World Bites Fairy Tales!

Do you love fairy tales?

Today I'm excited to share in the


with a GIVEAWAY! But first...

Several months ago I was contacted and offered the opportunity to contribute to a fairy tale retelling anthology, and seriously, it's about fairy tales. How could I not? So today, let me introduce: 


Enter the world Of Mist And Magic, where fairy tales are reimagined under the influence of Really Slow Motion and Epic Music Vn’s inspiring music, in this enchanting anthology of short stories. Proceeds of the Amazon exclusive ebook will be donated to Elevate Life and Art studios, an amazing youth organization in Asheville, NC.

To celebrate, I'm sharing an excerpt of my contribution, THE FOURTH WISH:

Belina could not believe her luck. Fresh out the gate, wings still glittering and she had her first chance to use her powers! She zipped past clumps of knotted thorns, glimpsing the sleeping castle through twists and brambles.

Her fairy mentor’s words still rang in her head: “Give. Always give, and you will find joy. The greatest happiness comes from giving.” 

The prince was already in the tower when Belina reached the window. She wanted to clap for joy as he settled onto one knee, bending over an eternally-slumbering girl in rose satin. So gallant. He didn’t notice Belina, hovering just behind his shoulder, or the sparkles of light gathering at her fingertips. 

This was it, her chance to shine. She reached into her heart and summoned the strength, the life beating within. 

The prince’s lips lowered.

Belina focused on the sleeping princess, on her stilled heart. Make it live again! She begged silently, and touched a single finger to the prince’s neck. Her magic, her strength flowed into him, and through his kiss, into the sleeping girl. 

He pulled back, jolted by the shock. 

Belina fled to the drapes, hiding as he turned, but peaking from just behind the musty fabric. She wanted him to believe the power came from true love, not the gift of a fairy child recently set free to spread miracles upon the earth. True love would lead to his happily ever after.

His gray-green eyes scoured her corner. She tilted her head, wondering what his happily ever after would look like, how adorable he would be—brown hair mussed as he bounced a newborn on his hip. Age would turn his chocolate tresses white, and he would hold the hand of his dainty bride, still as in love with her as the day they first kissed.

But of course he would be happy—he was fairy-touched. All things fairy-touched prospered.

He squinted, eyes narrowing on her location.

She gasped. Had he seen her? 

He jerked back around. The slumbering girl’s hand rested on his, a dazed, but happy smile curling her lips. 

For half a second, Belina wondered what it would be like—to be human, to have only one life and to love so deeply that no other person would ever do. 

The prince assisted the princess from bed and Belina slipped out the window. Her cheeks ached from her wide grin. She couldn’t help it. The couple would have the joy of a lifetime because the princess lived again, and Belina had been the one to grant their wish. A little corner of her felt empty, as if she’d given them both a piece of her in the process, but that was okay. Her sparkles had disappeared. They had gone to a good cause.

Get your copy now, support the youth & arts, and read on for just 99 cents. 



Now let's give away some reading joy!

Last week Sheena Boekweg, Melanie Crouse, and Sabrina West shared their co-authored release, PROPHECY OF THE SIX, along with three truths and one lie Those who guessed were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win book 1, ALCHEMY and PROPHECY OF THE SIX 

The game: 


1. They all got to go to lunch together for the first time this last summer.
2. For a long time, Sheena didn't know which girl (if any) Sam would eventually end up with.
3. Melanie chose Carlsbad, CA as the location for book 2 without knowing that Sabrina's day job is based in Carlsbad.
4. Nothing cheers Sabrina up quite like a random animal riding a rumba. Except maybe baby owls.

And the lie is:

#1. Despite being collaborative geniuses, these ladies have never all been in the same state at the same time.

Way to guess everyone who got it right! And the winner is:

...DRUM ROLL...


Congrats Sherry! 

And now for the blog tour and FUN!

It’s her first day on a new world and Cera’s already found trouble. Michael, her guardian, has been bitten by a zombie and will soon join the undead ranks.

Everyone tells her there’s no cure, but Cera isn’t one to be deterred. She’s willing to face off with zombie hordes, demon slavers, and black market informants if it means she’ll find a cure for Michael. But she’s not the only one hunting for something.

Something is hunting her.

Get your copy HERE.

Ready to meet the author? 



By day, she writes code. By predawn darkness, she writes fantasies. All other times, she writes in her head. People call her peculiar with a twisted sense of fashion, but don't let those understatements fool you. Her behavior is perfectly normal for a squirrel disguised as a human. That's part of being a ninja—blending in.

She makes her home in Idaho with her sadistically clever—yet often thwarted—husband, two frighteningly brilliant children, and three sneaky little shibas.

Find her on her blog or social media.
Loni gave me two truths and one lie to test your "lie detector" skills. Those who figure out the lie will go into my magic hat for the chance to win an eBook of THIS WORLD BITES!

You have until Tuesday, February 17 at 1 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answer on February 18.

TRUTH OR LIE

1. Loni has dyed her hair every color from midnight blue to Tostito yellow to fire-engine red. She saved purple for last because she held the opinion only old ladies had purple hair. Occasionally, she changes her hair color just to match her outfit for the day. It currently has silver, pink, and blue highlights.

2. Her two favorite cassettes growing up were New Kids on the Block and The Ninja Turtles' soundtrack (the latter, she stole from her brother). You could find her singing "Hangin' Tough" and "Turtle Power" at the top of her lungs in her bedroom. 

3. She has an uncanny sense of direction. It really saved the day when her car's oil pump went out and the engine seized. She had to walk 3 miles along the freeway to get to the closest off-ramp and gas station, and then deliver directions over the pay phone to her dad. 
So which is the lie? Are you a fairytale lover? Fantasy fan? Have you snagged yourself a copy of either of these books? (And if not, what's wrong with you? Get to steppin', eh?) What is your favorite fairytale?

68 comments:

  1. I read an interview with Loni on another blog. She's a really fascinating person. I wish her the best of luck with her book.

    And I think I've read that short story snippet before. Hmmmmmm??? :)

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    1. Did you say fascinating in a Spock voice? Because I totally heard it like that, eyebrow cocked an all. :)

      Thanks!

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  2. I do love fairy tales! This looks like fun, I'll have to check it out!
    Hmm, the lie. . . I have no idea! I'm going to say #3. :)

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  3. I was amazed when I saw the title of your story, The Fourth Wish. I wrote (and published) a book called The Fourth Wish. Belinda was a sweetie.

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  4. Congrats to you, Crystal, and all the authors of the anthology!

    Congrats to Loni! I'm going to guess #1 as the lie.

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  5. Aw, what a sweet and selfless fairy! I love the idea of this anthology, being a huge fairy tale fan :)

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  6. I gotta go with #1 The hair story being the lie. I think it's partially true in that Loni probably has dyed her hair a number of colors, but I don't think she thinks purple hair is for old ladies. Purple is hip!

    I can totally see Loni liking those cassettes and having the sense of direction as well as the determination to walk 3 miles on the freeway.

    Arlee Bird
    A to Z Challenge Co-host
    Tossing It Out

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  7. Hey Crystal!
    It was great being a fellow-collaborator (is that correct?) or does co-collaborator sound better, in the Of Mist And Magic anthology!
    What a fun project!
    The lie is... *drum roll*... no.#2! (Pure guesswork)

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  8. Great to see Loni here! I think her lie is #3.

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  9. Oh, how I love your stories:) So happy you joined this twisted tales collaboration! Looking forward to reading Loni's latest!! Take care of your baby bump and let me know when to host a "virtual" baby shower:)

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  10. #2 - lie

    The story - a pleasant read - then you leave the reader wanting more.

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  11. "only old ladies had purple hair" Hey! I resemble that remark! I have a beautiful purple streak in my hair. And I'm only in my *cough* 40s. I'm guessing #3 is the lie.

    I LOVE the idea of 'Of Mist And Magic'. Sounds awesome.

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    1. Oops. Wanted to comment (on both the hair thing & the Mist and Magic book) but forgot to mention I'm guessing the lie for fun. I already have, read, and loved This World Bites so take me out of the hat. Thanks!

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  12. Wonderful excerpt! Makes me want to read the whole story.

    And Loni, I think #3 is the lie.

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  13. I teach courses in folklore and culture, much of which focuses on fairy tales. There is so much to learn through them. Of Mist And Magic sounds great. I will have to pick up a copy.

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  14. Of Mist and Magic is a beautiful title, Crystal. It reflects your exquisite writing. And what a great cause! I will be sure to grab a copy=)

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  15. Congrats to Samantha and you for the release of the anthology! More congrats to Loni for her new release, and even more to Sherry for winning the book! I'm guessing #1 is the lie. Have a great week, Crystal! :)

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  16. Wow, so many great things going on here! I enjoyed the excerpt and I like fairy tale-related stories in general. :)

    I have trouble figuring out which could be the lie. Maybe #3?

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  17. I have my copy of Mist and Magic - congratulations on the inclusion of your story.
    I'd say the second one is a lie.

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  18. Go Loni! And Of Mist and Magic sounds great - congrats to you both :) I think #1 is the lie, but I'm opting out of the contest cuz I've got a copy!

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  19. Congrats on your story in Mist and Magic. It sounds great. And loved the part of your story that you shared.

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  20. Congrats on Of Mist and Magic! I love the title.

    As for Loni's lie, I'm guessing #1 because I think she'd look great with purple streaks.

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  21. Congratulations! Of course I love fairy tales. I grew up on them. Fantastic excerpt. All the best preparing for the baby.

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  22. Congrats on the anthology! Sounds great! And I'm going to guess #3 is the lie :)

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  23. Woo hoo for Of Mist and Magic. Nice to anthologize with you. lol That's not even a word.

    Congrats to Loni! I'll guess #1 because purple hair is awesome. One of my best friends has purple hair.

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  24. Congrats on the anthology! I love fairy tales :)

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  25. I'm going to guess that number one is the lie... ? :)

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  26. Ooh, I really enjoyed your excerpt! Loved the fairy's perspective. Congrats on the anthology! I'm guessing #3 for the lie. And my favorite fairy tale, it's hard to say, but I love the Russian folktales the best, especially the Frog Princess.

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  27. Congrats on your story! Thanks for the intro to Loni. :)

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  28. Yay! A fairy tale collection! Plus a cause I would absolutely love to support. It's the perfect combination. ^_^

    Hmm, I'm going with #2 for the lie this week. She totally seems like the fun, adventurous hair dying type. :)

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  29. Congrats to both you and Loni.

    My guess is a good sense of direction is the lie.

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  30. Congrats on the story. I love fairytales too so I can see how it would've been impossible to pass on this fantastic opportunity.
    #3 is the lie...I think.

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  31. Cool fairy tale. I smile every time I see Loni's picture. I love her hair and her expression in that photo and I don't think she liked New Kids.

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  32. Fantastic teaser! Congratulations to you and Loni! I've read This World Bites already and it's awesome. I'm still going to guess the lie and it's #3. Maybe....

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  33. I love Fairy tales.. I think one of my favorites is the remake of Cinderella in the movie Ever After... I liked how much more real yet happy it was too... I love those Happily Ever After movies even if they are not realistic... I guess we all need a little bit of a fairy tales in our lives xox

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  34. I love fairy tales too! Congrats to both you and Loni!

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  35. I'm guessing #3 is the lie, only because from what little I know of Loni, belting out "Turtle Power" and dying her hair seem appropriate. Eh heh heh.

    And I loved the story excerpt. New spins on fairy tales are always awesome to see, and this sounds really interesting. Might have to look this one up when I'm less busy. >_<

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  36. I downloaded Of Mist and Magic earlier today. Can't wait to read it! I'm going to say #3 is the lie. I already have a copy of This World Bites, though, so you don't need to put me in the hat.

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  37. Both books look like fun. Lie...#1...

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  38. There's a lot of great guesses! :)

    Hey Crystal, I read your story last night in the collection, and I wanted you to know I thought it was AWESOME. :) Totally cute. I loved it.

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  39. I love fairy tales too! I want #1 to be true, 'cause want to see Tostito-colored hair! So, I'm picking #2.

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  40. Love the excerpt! You made me really feel for that good-hearted little fairy.

    Hehe, I'm going with #3 as Loni's lie. I think the woman is highly intelligent...but directionally challenged. I don't know why I think that, but I do.

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  41. I must be psychic - I feel like I've read that snippet before. :-)

    I'm going with number one as the lie. Like a couple other commenters, I don't think Loni would assume purple is for old ladies only.

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  42. Yay! I'm so excited to win! Thank you!

    Of Mist and Magic sounds like a really cool book.

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  43. Yay! I'm so excited to win! Thank you!

    Of Mist and Magic sounds like a really cool book.

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  44. Great excerpt. Did I buy it already? I can't remember. I must go look and if not...

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  45. man, do I LOVE fairy tales! and I say 3 is the lie! :)

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  46. I'll guess #3 is the lie.

    The first book I ever read (though not all the way through yet) was the adult, uncensored version of Grimms' Fairytales, when hyperlexia struck at age three. I pretended I was looking at the pictures so my parents wouldn't find out my secret, but I was busted a year later, after my mother had begun suspecting I knew how to read. Those fairytales really subconsciously prepared me for the fact that life isn't all rainbows and kittens, and inspired much of the subject matter and themes in my own writing from a very young age.

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  47. I think #1 is the lie.

    Congrats to Sheri.

    I'll hop onto the link for Of Mist and Magic.

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  48. Aww, that was a sweet little excerpt!

    Zombies, eww. I hate those things, but hubs and the kid love them. Go figure, lol! Congrats to Lori!

    Sia McKye Over Coffee

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  49. I loved the excerpt- and I love stories with fairies. :)

    I am guessing that #2 is the lie. Sounds like an interesting story. Congrats to Sheri for figuring out the last one!
    ~Jess

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  50. Cool book:) And that cover is killer!

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  51. To be part of a fairy tale retelling? Wow. Just wow. Must be one of a kind experience. Congrats!

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  52. Wow I love the title of the book and the book cover for the fairytale retelling anthology! I loved your story even more! Thank you for sharing!!

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  53. Loved the excerpt, interesting story. Congratulations to Sherry!

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  54. I am so hooked by that excerpt!

    Also, congrats to Loni! :)

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  55. I really enjoyed your excerpt! Congratulations!

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  56. Congratulations on being part of the anthology! It looks wonderful! I loved your excerpt, too. Sounds like a great story!

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  57. What a beautiful story. I love fairytales. A great addition to a lovely idea of a book.
    Now where are my sparkles?

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  58. Way to go! I think a retelling of fairy tales is a lot of fun. I remember in high school AP English, we got to read a bunch of fairy tales from all over the world. I was aghast at how violent many of them were. Especially the Chinese and Russian ones.

    I'm thinking #3 is the lie.

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  59. Congratulations on the anthology! It looks wonderful! I loved your excerpt, too. Sounds like a great story!

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  60. I'm guessing that #3 is the lie. Most people get lost too easily. Plus, wild hair is fun, and so are those wacky cassettes that she describes.

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  61. Woot! Of course, you already know I love The Fourth Wish :) I would say my fave classic fairy tale is Sleeping Beauty.

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  62. Fairy tale retellings are so fun. Glad you got to do one, and for a good cause, too!

    I think #3 is the lie...

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  63. Ah, 'once upon a time, there was a prince.....and a princess'. Will we ever grow tired of fairy tales? I think not! Love this sweet retelling, Crystal.

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  64. Crystal, thank you so much for spotlighting our book last week! And thank you everyone for participating. I think the lie is number 2.

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Hit me with your cheese!