Luna Lacour's Blog

Hey, all!

I wanted to write with a quick update regarding my writing, etc. But, first things first, I'VE RELEASED A NEW BOOK! Finally.

So, although I go into a bit more detail via Facebook, here's the down-low: I published my latest work, THORN, today. And while my debut was written under the pen-name, Luna Lacour, this novel is written under my Real Name, Liv Hayes. I'm very excited! That said...

As many of my writing buddies know, I'm the *worst* when it comes to anything promotional. I've done no Blitzes, tours, or anything, really. I hate asking for help, and frankly, I'm not a well-known author. I work a full-time retail gig, and there's little spending money for things like paid promotion. So that coupled with the notion of needing to bother people for help - welp - it makes me anxious!

In short, I'm hoping to find a few readers that might be interested in a Read to Review for THORN. The number of participants is unlimited - anyone that asks for an ARC will receive one. As for formats, I have both .epub and .mobi available. In your email/message, just specify which you'd prefer.

In terms of a time-frame, the ideal would be two-weeks, but I can work with schedules.

Here are the deets:

The Synopsis:

They say that bad news comes in threes – and for Emilia Tóibín, this is an understatement.

The anniversary of her son's death, her husband's affair, and a scathing separation. All on her 30th birthday.

In sorrow's wake, she leaves her editorial job behind, packs a single suitcase, and exchanges Manhattan – and the past twelve years - for her long-abandoned and deceivingly idyllic hometown of Montauk.

There, on the beach-front, she meets a boy. They share a single night together. And she believes, like everything else, that she'll never see him again.

When she takes accepts an impromptu position as a Creative Writing teacher at the local high-school, she sees a way to begin picking up the pieces. A new chapter of life. A chance to heal.

But when a familiar face appears in her classroom – the boy from the beach, Bryan Thorn – everything changes.

She is broken. He is troubled. And despite the whispers, pain, and the shared pasts that threaten to destroy them both – neither can keep themselves away.


One thing is certain: some affairs prick like thorns


Goodreads Page:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

Contact Email (if you'd like an ARC, and for questions):
l.hayes.author@gmail.com

Facebook (if message requests would be easier):
www.facebook.com/LivHayesAuthor



Lastly, I'd just like to thank all of you - present readers, future readers, past readers. I'd also like to thank anyone who took the time to read my debut, Star-Crossed, and those who took the time to write me such beautiful messages. I write because I love it; it's not about money, or things like that.

But if you'd like to help give this little ol' book a nudge, you have no idea how thankful I'd be.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

I love you, guys. <3

So I wrote something new yesterday morning - around 3am. It's titled Sincerely Yours, and quite simply, it's a very short story about a young boy who is in love.

I've made it available via Wattpad. You can check it out below:

http://www.wattpad.com/47541145-since...

Also, if you'd prefer a .mobi or .epub, I welcome any requests for e-reader copies.

So check it out, and spread the word if you'd like. This just a little piece that I wrote after some impromptu inspiration. I hope you enjoy it.

This was posted on my Facebook earlier, but I'm posting it here now to answer some of the GR readers that have sent me messages in this regard.

Many readers have asked me if STAR-CROSSED will be available in paperback. The question has become popular enough that I thought it might be a good topic to finally address.

So, the *dream* is for SC to be picked up by even a small publisher, so that I can go about having paperbacks provided through the traditional route. This is a deeply personal thing for me, and something I would love to see happen. What author doesn't love the idea of being able to walk into a bookstore and see their work on the shelves?

That said, this would definitely require more circulation. So if you enjoyed STAR-CROSSED, please share the love. The more people (bloggers and readers alike) are made aware, the more potential there is for things to pick up. The more things pick up, the greater likelihood there is for agents and publishers to take notice of my little indie book.

Thank you so much to every reader that has enjoyed SC. I'm working on a new project presently, and look forward to sharing new details soon.

Also, I've compiled a list of some FAQ for readers. This answers some questions that I've received quite a bit, through email and PMs.

What's the age gap between Mr. Tennant and Kaitlyn?

Mr. Tennant is 28/Kaitlyn is 18.

Is there any cheating?

No.

Is there any symbolism in SC? Was the descriptive writing intentional?

There's a lot of deliberate symbolism/foreshadowing/metaphors/imagery in Star-Crossed. I'm contemplating writing a more thought-out post later down the road - but for now, that answer is a resounding yes.

What's the song that Marius plays on the Piano?

That would be Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQVea...

What's the song that Will sings to Kaitlyn?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6hJF...

Is there a HEA for Kait and Mr. Tennant?

Until the spoiler tags decide to work, I don't think I can answer that here.

Star-Crossed is officially LIVE! I'm running a Promo Sale - until Sunday, the book is available for only .99 cents! Check it out!

Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JB0D4GW

Currently, the book is only in e-book format. I'm working out what I'd like to do for those who prefer paperback.

Also, e-books should be available for Nook soon.

Thank you so much, everyone!

I'm not typically one for posting sappy blog-posts, but given that my emotions have been all over the place in the last few days, I'm feeling inclined to post one.

I will say that, in general, I do believe reviews are intended for readers - not authors. That said, I was so anxious about the initial reception of Star-Crossed, I wanted to see what some of your thoughts were. This is my first book, so admittedly, my nerves have been bouncing off the walls.

Needless to say, I'm absolutely touched by the time taken with each of these thoughtful, beautiful reviews. Not simply because you all seem to be enjoying Star-Crossed (although this is wonderful news!) but because, quite frankly, life is busy. Jobs, school, relationships, children - all of it! We all have schedules we need to manage. Despite this, however, you ARC readers have taken time out of these limited hours to write such wonderful, detailed pieces. I love the use of .gifs, and quotes, and photos. The fact that each of you have taken a piece of your day to simply read my work means such a great deal.

I'm terrific at rambling, so I'll stop here. I just wanted to take a moment to thank you, each of you, sincerely.



While I'm running a general giveaway on my Facebook (www.facebook.com/lunalacourauthor) for everyone to enter, I'm thinking of doing a giveaway for everyone that has taken the time to read an ARC of Star-Crossed. I'll be trying to think up some ideas independently, but if any of you have some suggestions, feel free to say so!

Again, thank you. You're all awesome. I am indeed a lucky author.

1. Placebo - Running Up That Hill

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBlAdA...


2. Linus Young - City of Sin

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkR7vz...


3. Marina and the Diamonds - Teen Idle

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Loun4J...


4. The Veronicas - Lolita

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzcXsl...


5. Alkaline Trio - I Wanna Be a Warhol

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7trRQX...


6. The Smiths - There Is A Light That Never Goes Out

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YrXY4...


7. The 1975 - The City

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuihJI...


8. Explosions in the Sky - Your Hand In Mine

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdiY6k...


9. Thriving Ivory - Angels on the Moon

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWcXuu...


10. The Smiths - Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gunI_v...


11. Jimmy Eat World - Night Drive

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=008pJE...


12. No Doubt - Don’t Speak

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TR3Vdo...


13. Snow Patrol - Chocolate

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZR9ko6...


14. Cutting Crew - (I Just) Died In Your Arms

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrJky8...


15. Simon & Garfunkle - The Sound of Silence

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zLfCn...


16. Britney Spears - Everytime

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YzabS...


17. Bastille - Overjoyed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fK3fVJ...


18. The Ataris - Boys of Summer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCtr1m...


19. The Killers - Romeo & Juliet

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXGCb1...

Also featured on my Facebook Page, which you can check out here:





So the Flash Giveaway I ran over the weekend was fun. It's really nice to be able to give something to you guys in return for the generous help you've given me.

That said, I'd like to run another giveaway. This will also include an Amazon Giftcard ($10) - but it's also including something that I feel, at least, is particularly special. A printed copy of the STAR-CROSSED manuscript, in a fancy leather booklet, complete with a personal letter of thanks written in my hopefully-legible handwriting.

Now, I don't plan on releasing STAR-CROSSED in paperback. Or rather, there are no immediate plans. For the time being, the novel will be available in e-book format only. So this is something I thought might be neat. Also, it's the actual manuscript. You can hold it in your hands, flip through the pages, and get a sense of what I've been working with for the duration of nearly a year.

By the release date (March 28th) I would love to reach 1,000 likes. This admittedly feels like a stretch, but it's a goal I would love to attain. Still, if I could meet even half of that (500 likes) I would be absolutely thrilled.

But truthfully, regardless, I plan on running this giveaway no matter the number. So if you'd like to enter - from now until March 28th - just like this status, or share it, or even like my page. As I've said before, I suck at promoting myself. I'm a writer. Hopefully, when STAR-CROSSED is released, you'll fancy me a decent one. That's what I love to do.

There you have it. I'm looking forward to sending a manuscript (and a giftcard) to one of you.



You can check out this (and more) at my personal page: www.acebook.com/LunaLacourAuthor

Hey, everyone. I wanted to let you lovely people know that I'm currently running a Flash Giveaway on Facebook for an Amazon Giftcard ($10) that's up for grabs. Here's the deets below:



It's as easy as hitting 'like' on the ol' Facebook page (or liking the post, sharing, tagging your buddies):

www.facebook.com/LunaLacourAuthor

Also, if I manage to reach 500 likes, I plan on doubling the prize winnings ($20). If, by Zeus, I manage to reach 1,000 likes - I'm tripling the giftcard amount. So that's $30 to spend on books...or whatever you'd like.


Also! Some ARC-related news. For those of you who are currently wanting an ARC of STAR-CROSSED, my editor is running just slightly behind; he's hoping to have the final copy to me by March 14th, give or take a day or two. It might come sooner, fingers crossed. But I wanted to let you guys know that no, I haven't forgotten.

If you'd like a copy in exchange for a review, feel free to reach out at LunaLacourAuthor@Gmail.com

Hello Everyone -

Over the past few days I've been lucky to have received some phenomenal help in getting STAR-CROSSED circulating. However, I'm still a relative unknown; if there are any of you who would be willing to maybe give my book a shout - whether it's on your blog, social networking site, or dropping a suggestion to another blog you think might enjoy my work - I would be so sincerely appreciative. Promotional-related things are not my strong suit. I'm a writer, and that's where all of my focus has been. I've never been one to feel comfortable shooting out emails and imposing my requests on other people. It's always felt awkward, and I always get anxious.

That said, there are some larger blogs that I would love to see notice my work. Like Aestas Book Blog, for starters - a blog I myself have been a long-time fan of. My hope is that if there is enough people making note of my book, other blogs will follow. And as I've heard, blogs are where a lot of the positive promotion are.

If any of you would be willing to give me a hand, I can't describe how grateful I'd be. I'm a newb author, just trying to get my debut into the hands of readers.
In the meantime, my fondest thanks to some of the other bloggers ( True Story Book Blog, The Lovely Books, The Little Black Book Blog) for giving me a hand.

<3

- Luna

And lastly, if any of you would be interested in an ARC, feel free to reach out at LunaLacourAuthor@Gmail.com

Things I discovered about Mr. William Tennant:
-Only child. Very similar upbringing. Rich parents, lonely childhood. Spent most of the time with his books, films, acting.
-He was an Oxford man. Oxford. I couldn't believe it; and at the same time it wasn't a surprise at all. He showed me his diplomas, which he hung proudly in his office.
I tried not to think about the fact that, even if was barely for a minute, I had stood in his bedroom.
-Once-upon a time, I discovered, he had played Romeo. At the Globe Theatre, no less. There were photos of him on stage, performing; dressed in Renaissance costumes and wearing golden crowns.
With each page turned, the aged photographs granted me a small glimpse into the far away world that Mr. Tennant had once resided in. A time where his hair was just a little bit longer, his body a bit lankier, his eyes a bit brighter. They had darkened some since his youth.
Turning to the last page, there were several photos of the same girl that lived in the framed photographs. Burnished hair, freckled-nose.
I looked at Mr. Tennant, his mouth a straight line. We were floating in that same blue light, suspended in a place between silence and spoken words that neither of us would dare to say.
“Have you ever had your heart broken?”
The question drifted quietly into the air, evaporating immediately.
“Yes,” he said. No pause.
“When?”
“Twice,” he said. “Once when I was younger.”
He touched the photo. A part of me hurt; not because of him, but for him.
“And the second time?” I asked.
Mr. Tennant slammed the album shut, eyes heavy, touching his black tie and gazing into the projector's indigo glow with a look that said both help me and I can't be helped.
He wouldn't give me a response.