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Wednesday, July 23, 2014

The One With the New Street Team!

Thank you all for so much for your patience as I went through the applications to join my street team! I am so honored and humbled by the number of you who are willing and enthusiastic about helping to promote my books. I wish I could have you all!!


To give you an idea of the process, I'd like to share with you the following:

The Five Stages of Choosing My Street Team

Stage One: Excitement


I've talked a lot about how much I love my Street Team. They were UNBELIEVABLY helpful in getting All Lined Up promoted (and basically have just made my life so much more joyful). When my team and I decided to expand from 25 members to 30, I just about did a back flip! I was absolutely thrilled to be adding more members to the Carmcat family. 

Stage Two: Feeling Overwhelmed

But then I started looking through the applications. The numbers weren't quite as astronomical as last time we held street team applications, so I figured choosing the new team would be easier. Yeah, I was wrong. Literally every application was amazing. EVERY. SINGLE. ONE. How could I possibly pick only 30 people?

Stage Three: Denial

So then I thought, "Surely it couldn't hurt to expand the team just a little. Like, five more members would be TOTALLY fine...or ten....maybe fifteen...I mean, the more the merrier! I could probably benefit from having a small army, right?"

Stage Four: Grief

But from a purely logistical standpoint, I knew it just wasn't feasible to have 90+ street team members. So I tweeted about my angst. I gnashed my teeth. I shook my fists at the heavens and raged at the gods. I stress-ate (a lot). And then I did what any other author in my position would have done. I made someone else do it for me.

5. Shirking Responsibility

Eventually there comes a point in reviewing applications when I have cut all I possibly can. Everyone that's left is amazing, and many of them I know personally, or interact with regularly online.  (This point came incredibly early this time around because like I said... SO MANY AMAZING APPLICATIONS). So, I turned to my amazing publicity team and said "HELP! HELP! I NEED ALL OF THE HELP!" They swooped in to save the day and somehow narrowed the team down to the final thirty. How exactly they managed to do it, I'm still not sure - they're probably wizards.


Before I reveal the thirty team members chosen, I want you guys to know that if you weren't chosen, it doesn't mean that my team and I don't think you're amazing. I am so in awe of the talent and passion present in all of the applications, and it breaks my heart that I can't choose all of you. I remember last time around the end, we had 5 maybes that were very strong contenders from which we could choose two final spots. By comparison, this time we had eighteen strong maybes to fill four final spots. I know without a shadow of a doubt that some truly amazing readers and bloggers did not make the list, and for that I ache. SERIOUSLY.... ACHE. All I can say is I hope you won't be discouraged if you weren't chosen. And I hope you'll come back when we open up for applications again before the next book. PLEASE come back! 

We're so appreciative of your support, and we always, always want you to have the chance to be involved. If you're a blogger and you haven't already, I highly encourage you to sign up for the InkSlinger PR mailing list. That's the absolute best way to make sure you get in on my cover reveals and other events, if you're interested. 

The aim of this wasn't just to go through and choose the biggest and most popular blogs. The aim was to create a team with various strengths and skill sets, who could support not only me and the Rusk series but each other as well. While online followings were a big consideration, things like location and specialties and enthusiasm also played a big part. The team is comprised of about half former street team members and half newbies. And I'm so SO excited!



So without further ado, here is the new Cora Carmack Street Team!

Stephanie Gibson
Kim Baker
Megan  Gallt
Amber Noffke
Ethan Gregory
Betsy Gehring
Krista Davis
Kaitlan Heaton
Alana Rock
Yvette Cervera
Christine @IHeartBigBooks
Yesi Cavazos
Andy Estrada
Beth Lattanzi
Momo Xiong
Katie Anderson
Vangelina Osteguin
Brooke DelVecchio
Melody & Betsy @BookCrastinators
Lori Wilt
Ashley Amsbaugh
Whitney B. Swain
Christina Marie
Kristen Chandler
Lenore Mullican
Brittany Berger
Katie Stutz
Kerry-Ann
Wendi Galbreath
Alyssa Kawata

For those of you on the team, I'll be in touch in the next few days to get things rolling! I'm so excited for this new adventure!

And to everyone who applied: THANK YOU. From the bottom of my heart.  I would be absolutely nowhere without your love and support, and I am so thankful for each and every one of you! (Seriously... please come back next time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) (Was that enough exclamation points?)



And as a consolation prize, here's an extended teaser from ALL BROKE DOWN in Silas's POV! <3



I give in to the itch to touch her and start at her bare shoulder, dragging a finger along until I can curve my whole hand around the back of her neck.
“You’re gonna have to stop trying to analyze me. I’m really not that complicated.”
For a girl like her, analyzing is step one. Fixing me would be step two.
She leans her head to the side, and my hand falls away from her neck.
“Tell me about the fight tonight.”
And so it begins. “Why?”
“Tell me about the fight. Let me clean up your hands. And then, I promise to let you teach me how to party. Or whatever.”
I feel like I’ve just stepped into a courtroom, and am being outnegotiated.
“So we’re making deals, are we?”
She smiles. “I suppose we are.”
I reach up again, and this time she doesn’t pull away when I curl my fingers around the back of her neck. I brush my thumb over her pulse point . . . feel that thin, vulnerable skin, and fuck, beneath that bossy exterior, I can see her nerves. But they’re different now. She doesn’t look scared or uncomfortable. Her heart is racing, blood pulsing fast beneath my finger, and she’s taking these tiny sharp breaths. It turns me on in a way I don’t even understand. Normally, the skittish, inexperienced types send me running. But the thought of teaching her anything makes my jeans feel too tight. I want her on her back in my bed, legs spread wide, eyes big and blue, lips parted, mouth babbling that nervous nonsense until I make her forget what she’s saying, forget how to talk altogether.
I want to forget myself in her, too, steal some of her sunshine, and give this pristine, perfect girl a taste of what it’s like to get a little dirty.

LOVE YOU GUYS!!! 



Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Summer Reads Scavenger Hunt!

The Summer Reads Scavenger Hunt will run from TODAY until midnight on SUNDAY (19th July). To enter to win FORTY signed paperbacks by a wide range of authors PLUS $30 worth of Amazon Gift Cards, simply hop around ALL participating stops, collect all of the highlighted numbers, add them together, and then go enter the requested details along with your calculated answer in the ENTRY FORM. You can find more information on how the stop works HERE. All stops will direct you to the next place to hop across to. And don’t worry if you get lost, because the entire list of participating authors can be found HERE.


There was a time, not many months ago, when I didn't believe that summer would ever exist. Call it what you want - Snowpocalypse, Snowmageddon, Polor Vortex, Hibernation- this past winter was brutal. 



 But there was a light at the end of the HOLY CRAP I'M SO COLD tunnel! And now...






And now all I want to do is be at the beach or by a pool with a good book (or several) and a margarita (or several).

So without further ado... Here are my top five reads for this summer! 


FIVE WAYS TO FALL by K.A. Tucker- I've already checked this one off my list. It's hot and sweet and set in Florida. There's beaches and margaritas and Florida oranges-- you can't get much more summery than that!



THE RULE OF SCOUNDRELS series by Sarah Maclean- I'll admit. I'm a newbie to Historical Romance. My mom read a lot of it when I was younger, and I was too weirded out to read it with her. But now I'm playing catch- up and I freaking LOVE Sarah's books. They're hilarious and smart and so very good!


EVERYTHING by Tessa Bailey- No... Everything is not the name of a book. I recently devoured pretty much everything Tessa has written, and they were the perfect sinful and fun summer reads. And I wouldn't be surprised if I reread several of them before Summer's end! 


SCORING WILDER by R.S. Grey- I've not read this one yet, but it sounds so awesome that my fingers are itching for it! I've not read anything by R.S. Yet either, so I'm excited to check out a new author!


WHITE HOT KISS by Jennifer L. Armentrout- *ducks* I know it's criminal that I haven't read this book yet. I am a super fangirl for all things JLA, and this little beauty is definitely on my to do list for this summer. Jen's books are always witty, and swoon-worthy, and imaginative. And I can't wait! 

Welp... There's my summer reads. Lots of sexiness up there, friends. 


What's on your to-read list this summer? Answer in the comments below for your chance to win this swag pack from Paranormal Romance author, J.A. Belfield! 


And now here's your hunt info! 

Scavenger hunt number: 32

Your next stop on the scavenger hunt is the one and only Wendy Higgins! Seriously... I effing LOVE Wendy and her books. If you haven't read them... What are you waiting for? 

Or, if you have all of your numbers and are ready to enter, then hop across to the Summer Reads Scavenger Hunt Entry Form.

Saturday, July 12, 2014

The One Where You Can Join My Team...AGAIN!

Do you guys remember back in March when I introduced you all to the wonderful members of my Rusk University Street Team?

Well, the time has come to start promoting the next book in the Rusk University series, All Broke Down.


And my publicity peeps and I think it's time to add some new readers to the mix! 


A street team is the ultimate set of super readers. I'm looking for people who've read all my books, and love my characters, and are eager for my next fictional journey! A street team helps spread the word about an author's books-- online, in person, and IN SPACE.   

The Rusk University Street Team (aka "The Carmcats") was absolutely invaluable to me during the lead up and release week of All Lined Up. They made graphics, designed the Rusk logo, hosted giveaways, helped brainstorm marketing ideas, and spread the word about ALU like a plague (a plague of AWESOMENESS). They went above and beyond to host the Spirit Week party during release week, and basically kept me from losing my mind during a (very exciting, but still very) stressful time.  And they are some of the funniest, kindest, most generous, most encouraging people I have ever met - I want to carry each and everyone one of them with me everywhere I go. Seriously... I cannot sing this team's praises enough. But now we're looking to expand and add new faces and new skills and new ideas! 

One of the many wonderful Rusk graphics created by the Street Team.  
I'm seriously still in awe of how talented these people are.



Interested? Here's some more details. 

It's a big time commitment to be part of this street team (not just because you'll be helping me, but also because our exclusive street team Facebook group is an incredibly fun place to hang out and ignore the rest of the world). Here's what's in for you: 

  • Exclusive giveaways ONLY for street team members. ARCs, Swag, Signed copies, and other special stuff. Your odds of winning are MUCH better than when competing with the masses. 
  • Exclusive content and news. When a new book is releasing or I'm writing a new project, you guys will be the first to hear about it! You'll also be the first people I torture tease with excerpts! 
  • Swag for you! Swag for your friends! Swag for strangers you bombard on the street! You shall be the swag queens (or kings... I'm looking at you, rare and exotic male fan. We've already got one dude reader on the team, here's hoping for more).
  • Every active street team member's name will appear in the acknowledgments of my books. Show all your friends how important and beloved you are! Plus, I sometimes steal street team members names when I'm creating characters. Just saying. :) 
  • Membership in the exclusive street team Facebook group! Here you can chat with other team members, brainstorm promotional ideas, and hang out with me! I'll pop in for exclusive street team chats and hang outs (and by pop in, I mean I spend entirely too much time procrastinating there). Not to mention I might pick your brain about books and characters you'd like to see. ;) 
  • **One extra lucky Street Team member will get to join me as my assistant at an upcoming signing in 2015! I'll take care of your flight and hotel, and we'll just hang out, meet book people, bask in our awkward goodness. Carmcat Stephanie from SmartSavvySteph won for ALU's team, and she'll be joining me at Chapter by Chapter Bookrave in NY! 
As a street team member, there's lots of things you can do to help my books succeed. You don't have to do them all...at least not at the same time. And this is far from an all-inclusive list, but rather some suggestions to give you an idea of how we might need you to promote All Broke Down.
In person you can...
  • Talk the books up and share promo material with friends, family, co-workers, and book clubs. You can even drop off promo materials at bookstores, libraries, coffee shops, etc. 
  • Buy my books the first week of release, which helps it get more visibility, thereby selling more books
  • Ask your local library to order my books. Give the librarians the title, name and publisher of each book. In the same vein, ask your local bookstore to stock my books if they don't already. 

Online you can... 

  • Share your (honest) review/rating of the book via Amazon, iBooks, BN.com, and Goodreads. I can't even begin to express how big a deal this is in terms of discoverability for new books. 
  • Share interviews, reviews, cover reveals, and other promotional events across your social media and online platforms (Blogs, Tumblr, Facebook, Twitter, etc)
  • Spread the word about my books to your online friends and followers. 
  • “Like” my books and me on Amazon.com & BN.com
  • Like, Retweet, and Share whenever/whatever you can!
  • Recommend the books on Goodreads and elsewhere. As readers, you wield so much influence. And every little bit helps! 
  • Participate in online Publicity and Marketing campaigns (Blog tours, FB parties, cover reveals, etc). 
And if you need more incentive, check out the video my current street team made all about being a Carmcat! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GR16PGu8U9E&feature=youtu.be

***THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS HAS NOW PASSED. STAY TUNED FOR THE ANNOUNCEMENT IN A FEW DAYS***

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

The One with the ALL BROKE DOWN Cover Reveal!!

 Hello, my loves! Just popping in for a moment to tell you that I'M SO EXCITED! 
Like, Jessie Spano on caffeine pills excited!


The reason I'm so excited can be summed up in three little words: ALL. BROKE. DOWN.
ALL BROKE DOWN is the second book in the Rusk University series. It's a New Adult Contemporary Romance novel published by
William Morrow (an imprint of Harper Collins) and it's scheduled to release on October 28. But you guys get to see the cover TODAY!






I think it should go without saying that I'M OBSESSED WITH THIS COVER. I love it so much! The fact that they did an entire photo shoot just to create a cover for my book is still mind blowing to me. And y'all....I love this book. I am so excited (and slightly terrified) for you guys to read it! Here's a little more info about ABD:

In this second book in New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Cora Carmack’s New Adult, Texas-set Rusk University series, which began with All Lined Up, a young woman discovers that you can’t only fight for what you believe in . . . sometimes you have to fight for what you love

Dylan fights for lost causes. Probably because she used to be one.

Environmental issues, civil rights, education—you name it, she’s probably been involved in a protest. When her latest cause lands her in jail, she meets Silas Moore. He’s in for a different kind of fighting. And though he’s arrogant and infuriating, she can’t help being fascinated with him. Yet another lost cause.

Football and trouble are the only things that have ever come naturally to Silas. And it’s trouble that lands him in a cell next to do-gooder Dylan. He’s met girls like her before—fixers, he calls them, desperate to heal the damage and make him into their ideal boyfriend. But he doesn’t think he’s broken, and he definitely doesn’t need a girlfriend trying to change him. Until, that is, his anger issues and rash decisions threaten the only thing he really cares about, his spot on the Rusk University football team. Dylan might just be the perfect girl to help.

Because Silas Moore needs some fixing after all.


Pre-Order Links:

Other Fun Links:

If you haven't read ALL LINED UP, the first book in the Rusk University series, what are you waiting for?!




Thursday, July 3, 2014

The One Where IT'S TIME!!!

It's midnight on July 3rd, which can only mean one thing....IT'S TIME.

IT'S VOTING TIME!!
 Like I mentioned in this post, the NA Crush Tourney is in full force, and Carson is competing RIGHT THIS VERY MINUTE! Betsy over at Book Drunk Blog has done an incredible job so far of advocating for Carson, and now it's up to you guys. 
We've only got 24 hours to show Carson our love, so make sure you vote! Remember, if Carson wins this match, I'm going to release a super secret sneak peek of All Broke Down - you want that, right? 

Here are some other ways you can show your support for Carson today:

-Like Carson on Facebook.
-Join Carson's Pep Squad on Facebook.
-Follow Carson on Twitter.
-Follow Carson's advocate Betsy on Twitter.
-Add a #TeamCarson Twibbon to your social media.
No matter what happens today, win or lose, I'm thrilled to have been a part of this tournament. And I hope all you awesome fans will take the opportunity to read any of the books involved if you haven't already. I've read a lot of them, and loved them so much. Please take the time to thank the hosts at NA Alley for hosting such a fun event to celebrate this genre that means so much to so many of us. Thank you all so much!!



Tuesday, July 1, 2014

The One Where You Can Crush on Carson

 The wonderful people over at NA Alley are once again hosting the NA Crush Tournament!

 If you aren't familiar with the concept of a Crush Tournament, check out this page for more information. Basically, think of it as a literary version of March Madness where you vote for your favorite book boyfriends until only one is left standing. 

I'll admit that I'm a little surprised that Carson made it into the tourney - not because I don't think he's crush-worthy, but because All Lined Up hasn't even been out that long! 

I thought if one of my guys made the tournament it would be Garrick or Cade, since y'all have had more time to get to know them. But I am absolutely THRILLED that it's Carson, and I can't tell you guys how much it means to me that you love him as much as I do!

Carson's first match is Thursday July 3rd, and he's going up against Jack Carter from The Perfect Game by J. Sterling. Jack's a super swoony baseball player, and I think it's kind of awesome that my quarterback is going up against another college athlete. It's sure to be a great match, and it's only TWO DAYS AWAY!


Here are all the ways you can support Carson:
-Vote for Carson on Thursday! Voting goes from midnight to midnight.
-Like Carson on Facebook.
-Join Carson's Pep Squad on Facebook.
-Follow Carson on Twitter.
-Follow Carson's advocate Betsy on Twitter.
-Add a #TeamCarson Twibbon to your social media.

You can also grab some of these sweet #TeamCarson graphics to post on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and anywhere else you see fit!







 But what's in it for you? I'm glad you asked! All Broke Down is the second book in the Rusk University series, and I just CAN.NOT.WAIT. to share it with you guys! It's Silas' story, and the first time I've ever written a "bad boy," and y'all...he is BAD. It's the longest book I've written to date, and by far the steamiest (for real, I'm blushing just thinking about it). All Broke Down releases in October, but if Carson wins the match on Thursday, I'll share a super secret excerpt with you guys!


So, to review: If you want an exclusive peek at All Broke Down, VOTE FOR CARSON! Thank you all so much for your support - it's because of YOU that Carson has this amazing opportunity!