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Wednesday, March 6, 2019

IWSG - Villains and Music Boxes


t's IWSG time!

Every first Wednesday of the month, this group of writers come together to offer support, advice, encouragement or simply to let out frustrations and woes. Writing is a tough journey, and we don't have to go it alone.

Thanks goes to the brain behind this group, Alex J. Cavanaugh! If you want to join in or find out more (because there is so much more to this group) then head on over here.

Special thanks goes to this month's co-hosts:

Fundy Blue, Beverly Stowe McClure, Erika Beebe, and Lisa Buie-Collard!


Whose perspective do you like to write from best, the hero (protagonist) or the villain (antagonist)? And why?

I love this month's question because it's something I've never thought about before, and it makes such an interesting point. The idea of writing from the villain's point of view...well, it's done but not often. I've never considered writing a story from this direction, but then, I write the stories as the characters come to me. Maybe a villain is waiting in the dark corners of my mind. After seeing this question, I'll be keeping my eye out for them to step out and say something.


****

In my writing life:

I have been working on a new WIP with another writer, a co-authored project, and am enjoying it tremendously. But I haven't been getting to it as much as I'd like these last days because....


MUSIC BOXES came out yesterday!!!

I've been partying all week...

Oh....and as far as 'villains' go, the one in this story captured my heart in a wicked way!


Print ISBN 9781939844569 $12.95, 6x9 trade paperback, 158 pages
eBook ISBN 9781939844576 $3.99 EBook available in all formats

Juvenile Fiction: Girls & Women - Fantasy & Magic - Performing Arts/Dance



Twelve-year-old Lindsey McKay's biggest dream is to be a famous ballerina. But after moving to New York, she ends up at the Community Center with a teacher who’s a burly bear in tights.
When she meets Madame Destinée, the teacher of a top dance school who offers her classes for free, Lindsey can't believe her luck. In exchange, she must perform in the school’s exclusive midnight shows, ones sure to make her a star. But something’s not right...
One by one, the other dancers disappear. Each time they do, a music box with a figurine just like the missing ballerina joins Madame Destinée’s growing collection. If Lindsey doesn’t discover the truth about the dance school, she might end up a tiny figurine herself.

Amazon / iTunes / Barnes & Nobel / Kobo / BAM / Goodreads


I have my 'party' post up here with a few from the amazing review snippets it's received so far (I'm so excited about the amazing amount of kind words!) Go ahead and join in because who doesn't love a fun celebration?


There's a giveaway too!

The giveaway will run from midnight (EST) on the night of February 21st, 2019 until midnight (EST) on the night of March 15th,  2019. Entries will be made through the Rafflecopter. One winner will receive a music box (the one found in the book video:https://youtu.be/ww_RY4IVg3w) with the author’s golden signature on the bottom as well as swag (US addresses only). The second winner will receive an Amazon GC of $10 (US). The second winner must be in possession of a qualifying US Amazon account.

The contest is open to U.S. residents only, ages eighteen and over. No purchase is required for entry. All winners must claim their prize 48 hours after notification. Winners will be announced on www.tonjadrecker.blogspot.com on Saturday, March 16th 2019 by 10:00am (EST). All addresses and personal information will be used only for prize allocation. Sponsor, Tonja Drecker, assumes no responsibility or liability of any kind. Please email all questions to tonjadrecker@gmail.com.
a Rafflecopter giveaway


So what about you? Are you a villain observer or do you stick to the hero/heroine side of things?


Tuesday, March 5, 2019

Happy Book Birthday to Music Boxes!!!

It's release day for my debut novel!!!



via GIPHY

And it's time to celebrate!!!
For any of you who don't know what novel I'm speaking of
(and you really should considering how much I've been screaming it
out the world the last months...)

Here it is...



MUSIC BOXES
Middle Grade Magical Realism 
Modern Fairy Tale
For ages 9 to 12 
(But I think EVERYONE should read it because...well, I'm the author!)


“I only desire your talent...”


Twelve-year-old Lindsey McKay's biggest dream is to be a famous ballerina. But after moving to New York, she ends up at the Community Center with a teacher who’s a burly bear in tights.
When she meets Madame Destinée, the teacher of a top dance school who offers her classes for free, Lindsey can't believe her luck. In exchange, she must perform in the school’s exclusive midnight shows, ones sure to make her a star. But something’s not right...
One by one, the other dancers disappear. Each time they do, a music box with a figurine just like the missing ballerina joins Madame Destinée’s growing collection. If Lindsey doesn’t discover the truth about the dance school, she might end up a tiny figurine herself.




Every celebration needs...



via GIPHY

Since I can't provide cake...which is a real bummer... 
how about...


GOODIES!!!

Pre-order/order your book (ecopy or print) before midnight (EST) on Friday night, March 8th, send a copy of your proof of purchase to  tonjadrecker@gmail.com along with an US mailing address, and you will receive an envelope with exclusive swag (bookmark, sticker, bracelet etc). 


And BOOK BUZZ!!!


If I don't celebrate the wonderful reviews which have been coming in now, then when???
(There are many more, so head on over to Goodreads to find them!)
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41452109

"Deliciously creepy with a side of sinister, Drecker weaves an enticing story of talent, jealousy, and dark magic." 
Dianne K. Salerni, author of The Eighth Day series

"An enchanting mystery young readers will enjoy."
Kids Bookshelf

"...an enduring tale of friendship, magic, and the power of love. Five stars!"
Tamara Grantham, award-winning author

"...Music Boxes will enchant you."
P.K. Hzero, author

"The magical parts are enchanting, the exciting parts heart-pounding, and the poignant moments completely wrenching."
Ilana Waters, USA Today bestselling author

"...will keep you on the edge of your seat until the last spin of the music box."
S.A. Larsen, International award-winning author

"A powerful story with a compelling, mystical tale of adventure."
Reader's Favorite, 5-star review

And let's not forget...
PRIZES!!!


The giveaway will run from midnight (EST) on the night of February 21st, 2019 until midnight (EST) on the night of March 15th,  2019. Entries will be made through the Rafflecopter. One winner will receive a music box (the one found in the book video:https://youtu.be/ww_RY4IVg3w) with the author’s golden signature on the bottom as well as swag (US addresses only). The second winner will receive an Amazon GC of $10 (US). The second winner must be in possession of a qualifying US Amazon account.

The contest is open to U.S. residents only, ages eighteen and over. No purchase is required for entry. All winners must claim their prize 48 hours after notification. Winners will be announced on www.tonjadrecker.blogspot.com on Saturday, March 16th 2019 by 10:00am (EST). All addresses and personal information will be used only for prize allocation. Sponsor, Tonja Drecker, assumes no responsibility or liability of any kind. Please email all questions to tonjadrecker@gmail.com.


a Rafflecopter giveaway


And one last video for fun!!!




Joining it?
Leave a comment below and party with me!