The Princess in the Opal Mask officially releases into the world today, and I’ve been struggling to define exactly what I’m feeling right now (which I guess is kind of funny, since I’m not usually at a loss for words). But I think the warm feeling in my stomach today can best be described as gratitude.
For a long time The Princess in the Opal Mask was merely my secret project, and if I’m really honest, there were definitely days–whole seasons even–when I believed I’d never be able to write it. The story of two girls, with the weight of two kingdoms resting on their shoulders, just seemed too big for me to tackle.
But a funny thing happened a long the way: a lot of you came along side to cheer me on. Over the last two years I’ve had friends and family who have dropped everything to babysit my sons so I could meet a deadline, or travel several hours out of their way just to attend a launch party. I’ve received tons of encouragement and support from the kidlit community, the teachers and parents at my sons’ school, and tons of well-wishes from people I’ve connected with online. I’ve received emails from readers who tell me how my books have really touched them and caused them to think more deeply about their own lives–please believe me when I say that is the best compliment a writer could ever receive.
Somehow, all those good things swirled together and helped to build my shaky confidence up to the point where I decided I was going to tackle my story with not one, but two main characters. The result is the book I’m holding in my hands right now, and I’m still amazed that the story I’ve thought about for so long is finished, and is being sent off into the world today.
So, thank you. If you have ever read my blog, read (or plan to read!) or reviewed one of my books, or we have connected in anyway, please know I am so grateful to you today.
And since I’m in such a good mood, I’m holding a giveaway! I will be giving away two copies of The Princess in the Opal Mask, and some swag to one lucky winner! (One copy for you, one copy to giveaway. An early Christmas present, maybe? Boom! That’s one less thing on your list!)
To Enter: I’m not into rafflecopter, so I’m holding a Page Line Giveaway! Simply leave a comment below and choose a number from 1-350. I will reply with a line from that page in Princess (there are 350 pages in the print version), and you will be entered into the contest! The contest runs from now until Sunday, October 27th, at midnight. The winner will be posted on Monday, October 28th!
On you marks…Get set…Go!!!
*Also, today kicks off The Princess in the Opal Mask blog tour. So hurry over to Swoony Boys Podcast for an interview with me and a chance to win one of 15 copies of The Princess in the Opal Mask!
Congratulations!! You’ve worked so hard and there are going to be some really lucky readers out there today. Page 27
Thank you! Page 27:
He breaks off, and closes his eyes. When he opens them he says, “They’ve found me.”
Okay, if Ryan wins one of these 2 copies, you’re going to have some explaining to do! 😉
I am a candidate just like everyone else, Laurie. 🙂
My daughters and I cant wait to read this one! Pg 235.
Thank you! Pg 235:
“Something about a job at the docks? On the night of the masquerade–something that a Galandrian needed help with.”
Oooh, I can’t wait to read this! I reviewed both of your other books on my blog and would love to do this one, too. Page 117
Thanks Michelle! Pg 117
He circles around, taking his time, clearly enjoying the moment.
Congratulations! That’s quite an achievement. Page 150.
Thank you! Page 150:
The mask is hot, heavy, and stifling. It limits my vision, and I can’t help tugging on it as Arianne ties it on.
Can’t wait to read it! Page 10, please!
Sarah-
“Given her humble origins, few could have imagined the heights she would one day ascend.”
It’s like it was written for me! 😉
Thank you for this chance – I’ve been look forward to this one for a while now. So congrats!
Page 147
Danielle- Aw, thank you! Be sure to stop by the Swoony Boys Blog they have several ways to earn one of 15 other copies we’re giving away. Page 147
And tonight if an assassin gets past the palace guards and into the feast? No matter. I’ll be there to take the arrows for the beloved Princess Wilhamina.
This sounds so good… I want to hear a line from the first page 🙂
How about the first line of chapter one:
Somewhere in the kingdom of Galandria, someone knows my real name.
Awesomesauce! I luuve the cover :)) number 228 please 🙂
You got it! Pg 228:
“Interesting,” I say coolly. “Because in my country he’s considered a murderer.”
I really really want to read this! Love the cover, love the blurb, please give it to me!! 😀
Page 5
PD: is it international? ._.
Ella- LOL! I forgot actually that the actual story doesn’t start until pg 7 so here’s the first line of the prologue for you:
Not everyone who attends the coronation wishes the young queen well.
hahaaha ok 😀
Thath line is good
Congrats and I can’t wait to read to my kiddos …. Page 38
You got it! Pg 38: All my life I have been forbidden to show my face. Yet I don’t know why.
Page 24! Love the cover by the way 🙂
Thank you! Page 24:
Ever since he came of age things have been strained between us, and I wonder if he remembers our childhood promise.
I can’t wait to read this book. I fell in love with the cover, it’s amazing! Page 313
I’m not reading the comments because I don’t want to see the lines of text since I just started the book! 🙂 Even though I bought the Kindle version, I wouldn’t mind having a hard copy with that lovely cover. I think my sister would a copy too.
Page 215.
Page 215:
I left the castle on my own accord. I will return to it when I have found a story to hang on to during the lonely days and years that are sure to follow.
Congratulations! I fell in love with your debut book a while back so I’m looking forward to reading this book. Has anyone picked page 32? I hope not.
Thank you! Page 32:
People look at me, not as someone they may wish to know, but as a macabre curiosity, a freak that both intrigues and repulses them.
I can’t wait to read your book!
Page 53
Thanks for entering, Opal. Page 53:
“It would be my word against yours. Do you think anyone would ever believe you over me?”
Congratulations for your new book! Can’t wait to read it!
Page 289
Thank you, Leslie, I was hoping someone would pick page 289:
A princess in an opal mask stares back at me.
Congrats!!!! I’m so excited for this book!!!!!
Page 317!
Thank you! Page 317:
A suspicion is nagging at me, but I refuse to acknowledge it.
Congratulations!!! I´m happy with you and can´t wait to read The Princess in the Opal Mask! This book sounds really amazing 🙂
I choose page 197 🙂
Happy pub day!!! I’m so excited to read this one, the plot sounds just as awesome as the book cover is! 🙂 Let’s see…page 222!
Alice @ Alice in Readerland
Thank you! Page 222:
Tell me everything, I want to say. Everything you might know about Wilha that I don’t.
page 263!!!
You got it! Page 263:
Lord Quinlan wishes I was more like Wilha? More easily controlled, is what he really means.
What a neat idea! I’ve never seen this done before. I love getting to read these lines! I would like pg 88, please. Thanks!
Thank you! Page 88:
I nod blindly because I understand. I am not like other girls. I am broken. I am not normal.
Ooh, good one!
What a fun giveaway! I loved reading all the snippets!
Page 331 please 🙂
You got it! Page 331:
He glances quickly about the room and continues dancing, his arms tightening around me.
These are awesome to read, and very nice of you to do a giveaway.
pg.13 please
Glad you like them, Raya! Page 13:
I despise dinners with Mr. Blackwell, but at least I will eat well tonight for a change.
Love reading all the snippets—makes me even more excited to read the book!
Page 343, please.
Hmm… page 216. (Provided this is open internationally. If it isn’t, please disregard my entry.)
You got it! Page 216
see the image again, of me telling my daughter my story. The one only I know.
Page 42! Thanks for the chance, and congrats on the beautiful book.
Thank you!! Page 42:
“Done right, war can be quite profitable.”