BLITZ: "Finn Finnegan" - by Darby Karchut (Xpresso Book Tours)

Make sure you scroll to the end - there are some awesome tips from this author for aspiring authors!!

BLURB

"Finnegan MacCullen: a thirteen-year-old apprentice with the famous Irish temperament.  Gideon Lir: a legendary Celtic warrior with a bit of a temper of his own.

Secretly, these blue-collar warriors battle the hobgoblins infesting their suburban neighborhood…when they are not battling each other.

Finn (not bleedin’ Finnegan) MacCullen is eager to begin his apprenticeship. He soon discovers the ups and downs of hunting monsters in a suburban neighborhood under the demanding tutelage of the Knight, Gideon Lir. Both master and apprentice are descendents of the Tuatha De Danaan, a magical race of warriors from Ireland. Scattered long ago to the four corners of the world, the De Danaan wage a two thousand year old clandestine battle with their ancient enemy, the Amandán, a breed of goblin-like creatures.

Now with the beasts concentrating their attacks on Finn, he and his master must race to locate the lost Spear of the Tuatha De Danaan, the only weapon that can destroy the Amandán, all the while hiding his true identity from his new friends, Rafe and Savannah, twins whose South African roots may hold a key to Finn’s survival.

Armed with a bronze dagger, some ancient Celtic magic, and a hair-trigger temper, Finn is about to show his enemies the true meaning of “fighting Irish.” "

Finn Finnegan by Darby Karchut
(The Adventures of Finn MacCullen #1)
Published by: Spencer Hill Press
Publication date: March 12th 2013
Genres: Fantasy, Middle-Grade

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

All her life, the archetypal hero and his journey have enthralled Darby Karchut. A native of New Mexico, Darby grew up in a family that venerated books and she spent her childhood devouring one fantasy novel after another. Fascinated by mythologies from around the world, she attended the University of New Mexico, graduating with a degree in anthropology. After moving to Colorado, she then earned a Master’s in education and became a social studies teacher.

Drawing from her extensive knowledge of world cultures, she blends ancient myths with modern urban life to write stories that relate to young teens today.

Darby is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and the Pikes Peak Writers Guild. She lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado with her husband, where she still teaches social studies at a local junior high school. She enjoys running, biking, and skiing the Rocky Mountains in all types of weather.

Her debut middle grade book, Finn Finnegan, released March 2013 (Spencer Hill Press). The next book in the series, Gideon's Spear (Spencer Hill Press), will be released February 2014. Her YA books include Griffin Rising (2011 Sharp Writ YA Book of the Year), Griffin's Fire, and Griffin's Storm. 

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FROM THE AUTHOR - SOME AWESOME TIPS:

"Ten things every aspiring writer should know

1. The best way to get better at writing is writing a lot. Your motto should be BICHOK: “Butt In Chair, Hands On Keyboard.”
2. The other best way to get better at writing is reading a lot.
3. Treat writing like a job—an incredibly fulfilling job that totally takes over your mind, but still a job.
4. Write every day, even if it is crap. You can edit crap. You cannot edit a blank page.
5. That said, try to write your best, even on the first draft. That way, you are training yourself to write well, earlier than later.
6. Treat your writing seriously and others will, too.
7. Act professionally at all times, whether in person or on social media. The book world (publishing world) is a small world. Believe me – agents and editors want to work with grown ups with positive attitudes and a strong work ethics.
8. Mind your health. Exercise every day. Eat healthy. Drink lots of water.
9. Getting published takes longer than you can imagine. It is worth the wait.
10. The moment when you see your book in the hands of a stranger? Yeah. Even better than you imagined."