RIDERS Cover Reveal!!

I'm thrilled to share the cover for my next book, RIDERS, with you. I love this book and I love this cover.

Here it is, followed by the jacket copy.

For eighteen-year-old Gideon Blake, nothing but death can keep him from achieving his goal of becoming a U.S. Army Ranger. As it turns out, it does.

Recovering from the accident that most definitely killed him, Gideon finds himself with strange new powers and a bizarre cuff he can’t remove. His death has brought to life his real destiny. He has become War, one of the legendary four horsemen of the apocalypse.

Over the coming weeks, he and the other horsemen—Conquest, Famine and Death—are brought together by a beautiful but frustratingly secretive girl to help save humanity from an ancient evil on the emergence.

They fail.

Now—bound, bloodied, and drugged—Gideon is interrogated by the authorities about his role in a battle that has become an international incident. If he stands any chance of saving his friends and the girl he’s fallen for—not to mention all of humankind—he needs to convince the skeptical government officials the world is in imminent danger.

But will anyone believe him?

***

Tor Teen (February 2, 2016)

Thoughts regarding our nation's military & RIDERS

Some time ago, I started doing research into US Navy SEALs, for RIDERS. That took me to a family friend, who is a Colonel in the Army Reserve now, but who served in the 75th Ranger Regiment. We have exchanged several emails. We've had dinner together. He was graciously opened the door for me to visit Fort Benning, where the Rangers train, and where one of the Regiment's Battalions is headquartered. He also referred me to a younger Ranger, who is currently deployed overseas, but who also always takes the time to answer my emails. Neither of these men ever make me feel dumb, when I ask for them something for millionth time. They are never anything less than completely supportive and encouraging (and they know I'm writing a YA Fantasy!) This is from two men who are deeply engaged in the protection of our country, whether it be on the front lines of conflict, or in steering critical decisions and the training of personnel.

Switching gears for a moment. I have a neighbor named Norm. Norm is about 85 or so, and every day he drives his motorized scooter past my house and goes downtown. I think he meets some friends at the Veteran's Hall. On the back of his scooter is an American Flag, and a Marine's flag. I always stop to talk to him. (He likes my dog.) A few days ago, I mentioned to him that I was writing about an Army Ranger. He comes over just now with magazines, books, (pictured) and get this: a business card for a man who is local, and who has three sons who are Rangers.

"Call him anytime," Norm says, pointing at this paper clipped card with his ancient fingers. "He'll help you however you need."

Guys. I have NO idea how RIDERS will do out in the Official Book World. There are so many factors that influence sales. At times I really worry about it. There is this pervasive notion in publishing that teenage boys don't read, which is a problematic bias on many levels (imagine if we only read books about people who were EXACTLY like us - horrible, right?) not to mention my decision on subject matter. It's a little daring. A little out there. But here's the thing. I have been so incredibly blessed by this book. It has given me so many brushes against true patriotism and sacrifice, to say nothing of the extraordinary character I've been privileged to see in our military professionals, time and again. It's a thing of wonder. Honestly, book sales matter. I help keep my family fed and housed because of them. My editor and publisher will also be very happy with good sales. *fingers crossed* That said, the rewards I've already reaped in writing this book have been nothing short of profound.

Feeling grateful,

V

BOOK NEWS!

I'm so excited to share this news! I've been working on RIDERS for a few years now, and it's funny and epic and sad and scary and I can't wait for you all to read it. CAN. NOT. WAIT.

Here's the announcement:

NYT and USA Today bestselling author of the UNDER THE NEVER SKY trilogy, which has been licensed in nearly 30 markets and is in development as a feature film, Veronica Rossi's RIDERS, the story of four modern-day teens brought together by an enigmatic girl, who unwittingly become incarnations of the four horsemen of the apocalypse, tasked with protecting mankind against an ancient evil; told through the eyes of a young army Ranger candidate who becomes the embodiment of War, and SEEKER, told from the perspective of the visionary girl with whom the Ranger falls in love, to Melissa Frain at Tor for publication in Winter 2016 and 2017.

--

- V

July Appearances & Boomerang Launch!

Hey, all.

Two great events to tell you about:

Irving Texas - July 10th, Irving Public Library Teen Party and Author Panel with Julie Murphy, Lisa Stasse, Sherry Thomas and John Corey Whaley. Led by local blogger and moderator Mary Hinson.  I can't wait for this!

Tampa, Florida - July 12th, BOOMERANG Launch Party! Come hang out and celebrate the launch of my co-authored NA, written as Noelle August.

And don't forget: only three weeks until the release! Preorder your copy here or at your local indie!

Thanks!

V

Summer Reading!

With summer coming, I know I'm thinking a lot about what I want to read. I have a post-it by my computer, and every time I see something that strikes my interest, I write it down. I think this summer I might hit some classics again, and mix those in with lighter, fun reads. I'll also reread some of my favorite YAs. 

If you're looking for some recs, here are a few. I'm going to try to stay away from current reads and really reach back for the ones that have left a lasting impression on me. Or ones that might not be in the "mainstream."

Anyway. And, go:

GRACELING by Kristin Cashore - This one has been out for a while, but wow. I love this book. Strong heroine in a medieval-type setting. Fantasy & adventure. Gorgeous romance. Beautiful writing. I've read this one three times and I make go back for round 4 soon.

ACROSS THE NIGHTINGALE FLOOR by Lian Hearn - Fantasy and adventure, and a great romance (see a pattern emerging in my reading tastes?) in a feudal Japan like setting. This book hurt me, I loved it so much. Amazing world, characters you love. Duty. Sacrifice. Swords. Love. Honor. Ugh. So good. I should also mention that this is an adult book, but it's a fairly clean read, for those who want that info in your decision-making.

For contemporary, THE FAULT IN OUR STARS, by John Green, doesn't really need my push since it's everywhere. I'm not a huge contemporary lover (I sort of read to go to faraway places and times?), but I really thought this book was special. If you're like me, and you were hesitating because of the subject matter, give it a try. It's actually a lot of fun - and yes, heartbreaking, but ultimately very beautiful and true.

Another contemp that's a bit more off the beaten path: SAVING FRANCESCA by Melina Marchetta. This book is just so full of heart. (And a little side-bar here about MM. She's the kind of writer I want to be… No matter what she writes, contemporary, fantasy, whatever, she knocks it out of the park. Seriously. You can bet you're getting great book every time you read her.)

One last contempt: MY MOST EXCELLENT YEAR by Steve Kluger. A smart, funny, funny book with irreverent, likable characters. Read this one in a single sitting.

BRAZEN by Katherine Longshore - A historical that'll keep you up late into the night. This one is coming June 12th. In full disclosure, Katy is a friend of mine, but if this book had been written by a total stranger, I'd still love it. This is set in the Tudor-era, about Mary Fitzroy, who was forced to marry Henry VIII's illegitimate son. Achingly good.

For non-fiction, if you like biographies, and you like military fiction, FEARLESS by Eric Blehm is a book that… well, it hit me pretty hard. One of those that changes you a little. It did me.

Also incredible and a must read if you're into this type of thing: UNBROKEN by Laura Hillenbrand, also the author of SEABISCUIT. It's the absolutely mind-blowing story of Olympic track star Louis Zamperini, who was a bombardier in WW II, and was shot down in the middle of the ocean, floated for like 60 days in a tiny raft with sharks all around him, then became a POW for many years. This book will give you an amazing look at history, but even better, a look at the amazing incredible strength of the human spirit.

I'll add more as I think of them, but adding a shameless plug here. BOOMERANG, written by me and my pal, Lorin Oberweger under the pen name Noelle August. It's a fun, fun read guys. Sexy (remember this isn't a YA) and, well, fun. It comes out July 8th, but it's available now for preorder, and I hope you'll all check it out. 

Happy reading!

<3

V

RT Schedule

Hellooo, everyone!

This week is RT Convention in New Orleans and I'd really love to see you, if you'll be there, too!

Here's where you can find me:

Tuesday 5/13
8:15 - 10 pm - Never Have I Ever: New Adult Pajama Party (sponsored by William Morrow) Marriot Gallery 4, second floor

Wednesday 5/14
I'll be pretty much everywhere, just chillin' and eating beignets :)

Thursday 5/15
9 - 11 am - Sponsored YA Author Brunch, hosted by Colleen Houck, Sophie Jordan, Suzanne Lazear, Stacey Kade, Tracy Deebs, Tera Lynn Childs, and yours truly in the Riverview Room.

Info: 

YA Authors at RT: Come hang out, eat, take pictures, and network with other YA authors attending the conference.

We will also have a drawing for five bags filled with goodies from the home states of our hostesses to keep the munchies at bay during the conference.

Tickets for this author only event will be included in your packets at registration. If you can't find yours or if you lose it, come anyway. It's very likely at least one of us already knows you. =)

Remember that your ticket gets both you and a guest into the brunch so if you have a friend, a sister, a mom, an assistant, or a fan you want to bring along, feel free. 

We look forward to seeing you all and catching up!

Note: The brunch bags are limited to 100, so it's first come, first served.

1:30 pm - Capturing the NA Voice Panel - moderated by Sophie Jordan, panelists: Jennifer Armentrout, Cora Carmack, Jamie McGuire, Tammara Webber - Studio 7, Preservation Hall

6:30 - 8:30pm - RT Bar Crawl, Avon Venue, Saints & Sinners, 627 Bourbon Street. (I will be there around 7:50)

Friday 5/16
6:15 - 7:45 pm - Avon's Crewe of Muses - 3rd Floor Room: Acadia, Grand Ballroom

Saturday 5/17
11 am - 2 pm - Giant Book Fair - I'll be signing free copies from the UTNS series. Loads of them, so come by!

6:15 pm - 8 pm - Teen Day Party

Phew! 

Come hang out, okay!?

Upcoming Appearances

Hey guys. Just a heads up on some signings I'll be doing over the coming weeks:

• April 13th, Kepler's Books, Menlo Park, CA - In conversation with the amazing Kelley Armstrong. This should be, um… amazing.
• April 26-27th, Manila & Cebu, Philippines - So, so, sooo excited about these events with Tahereh Mafi and Ransom Riggs. Thank you, National Bookstore!
• May 13-17th, New Orleans, LA - RT Convention - I'll be signing lots and lots of books from the UTNS series, and I'll also have some ARCs of the NA, Boomerang!
• June 7-8th, Carson City, Nevada - Ventana Sierra Advanced Writing Workshops - I'll be here in a teaching capacity, but will also be signing books.
• July 10th, Irving Public Library, Irving, Texas - I'll be doing a teen party and a panel. 

Hope to see some of you there!

A Moment of Gratitude

Some of you have reached out to me recently, either in the context of the end of the UTNS series, or with this recent announcement of the NA I cowrote, and expressed your support of me as a writer. You've communicated your faith in my ability as storyteller. You've expressed your eagerness to go new places with me, story-wise, and I just want to say thank you.

It's very scary to take risks. I don't want to let you down. But I have to take risks or I'd let me and you down, and then we'd all be sad and disappointed.

Anyway, it means a lot to know that some of you really get that and respect it. Thanks.

What do you say? Let's go see some new places!

Regarding the NA I've Co-Written...

Hey guys,

Very excited to start sharing some information with you about my first foray into NA. (And apparently rhyming? WTH?) The novel is titled BOOMERANG and it's slated to release this summer.

Because I'm co-writing with a dear buddy, Lorin Oberweger, because it's a very different genre & style than the UTNS series, because it's sexier (and some of you might like that but some of you might not), because, because, because, it's going under a pseudonym, Noelle August. Just want to keep things clear and un-confusing!

For a little while, I'll be promoting the book under my real name, but eventually I hope to phase everything over to the Noelle August website, twitter & Facebook accounts. You can also add us to your goodreads shelf, if you like. (Please note: some of these accounts are still getting up and running, so you might have to flow with it all for a bit.)

So! If you are a fan of funny, sexy, smart contemporary romances, please follow along on the Noelle August sites for updates. I had an absolute blast writing this book and I can almost, almost guarantee that you will laugh your tushies off and swoon while you read it.

As always, stay awesome.

- V

More Tour Fun

Check it out! I had so much fun with these. Huge thanks to all the bloggers who participated. Love you guys!

2/2/2014              Magical Urban Fantasy Reads       Talon/Willow Interview

2/3/2014              Bookalicious                                    Guest Post

2/4/2014              Pageturners                                     Interview

2/5/2014              Ravenous Reader                           Guest Post

2/6/2014              Two Chicks on Books                     Roar's Favorite Song

2/7/2014              Once Upon a Twilight                      Interview

2/8/2014              Mundie Moms                                   Interview

2/9/2014              Curling Up With A Good Book          Guest Post

UTNS Farewell Tour

This awesome group of bloggers has decided to throw the UTNS series a little goodbye party. Here’s a look at the great stuff they have planned all week:

Jan 20 - Cuddblebuggery Book Blog - Live Chat with Veronica Rossi

Jan 21 - I Read, Ergo I Write - UTNS Characters Are Here to Party!

Jan 22 - The Cover Contessa - Discussion post on Roar & Aria’s Relationship 

Jan 23 - That Artsy Reader Girl - Top 15 Reasons I Love the UTNS Series

Jan 24 - The Story Siren - A Goodbye Letter

Jan 25 - Hello, Chelly - Top Ten Aria & Perry Moments

Jan 27 - Blkosiner’s Book Blog - Into The Still Blue Review

Pretty great, right? Keep an eye out for lots of more fun to come over the next two weeks.

ITSB Contest Findings - and Winner!

Hi, guys,

The contest for the advanced reader copy of INTO THE STILL BLUE is now closed. I’ve ready every entry, and I want to thank you for sharing your lives with me. You’ve made me tear up and laugh. More than anything, you have made me so proud to be Team Human!

Here’s what you reminded me of:

You love your families and friends. You play Uno with your kids, and sew amazing dinosaur sweaters for them, and take the time to record their lives in pictures and scrap books. You love them unconditionally. You try to make your parents proud by doing well in school, and you listen—really listen—to your grandmothers. You love your husbands. You shout your love for your roommates to the world. You drop everything to help a friend who needs you. You are sounding boards and shoulders to cry on.

Kindness matters to you. You cheer up coworkers and even strangers. You shovel your sidewalk and then kindly do the same for your elderly neighbors. You open doors and help people who slip on ice back to their feet. You adopt pets from shelters, and tip your waitresses big.

Education is important! You’ve aced tests, sacrificed to go back to school, stay in school, pay for school. You’ve graduated with honors, or just managed to get a diploma while raising kids and holding down a day job.

Your own health and well being is a priority. You’ve run 10ks, and dropped lbs. You’ve won archery competitions (Perry says great job!) and worked at eating well. You quit smoking!

You are citizens of the world. You work in soup kitchens, collect coats and cans, and donate to charities that help people who need it.

You are artists and writers! You’re NaNo winners. Draft completers. Musicians. Painters. Playwrights. Creativity is important to you.

You are brave. You face your fear of spiders (which I TOTALLY get.) When your safety is threatened at home, even if it takes you five years to do it, you leave. You put yourself out there, when it wasn't easy. You know when to stick with the tough stuff when it would be so much easier to quit.

YOU ARE AMAZING.

Again, thank you!

WINNER: Our winner, who was selected randomly from almost 700 entries, is Molly Jane Karp. Congrats, Molly!

INTO THE STILL BLUE Giveaway

Hi, everyone!

I was just thinking I haven't done a giveaway for an INTO THE STILL BLUE ARC yet, and I happen to have one sitting right here that's searching for a new home. Which means it's time for a contest!

Last year we did this for copies of THROUGH THE EVER NIGHT, and you guys blew me away. I ended up asking my publisher for more copies, so we could have more winners, and I'd love to do that again. So enter, enter, enter!

To do so, just fill in the blank:

The last thing I did that I'm proud of is ______ .

Like last year, your answer doesn't have to be flashy. It can be anything. Picking up a pencil for someone. Studying for a test. Whatever! Your answers won't have a bearing on who wins. What I want is for you to have an excuse to pat yourself on the back--and I want to hear all the reasons why you're amazing--because you are.

Enter on twitter by using the hashtag #ITSBcontest OR post in the comments below, OR on the Facebook page. 

Enter until end of day, December 15th. (Doing this quickly, because I'd like to send you the book by end of year!) I'll announce a winner on December 16th. (At which time I'll contact you for your email address, so no need to include it now.)

And, yes, this offer is open internationally because I love you all, regardless of where you live, goshdarnit.

Okay! I'll start us off:

The last thing I did that I'm proud of is… oh, gosh, this is tougher than I thought. Okay. The last thing I did that I'm proud of is create a funny family video for my cousin who was going into brain surgery the next day. I think it made her laugh. (And she's fine now!)

Your turn! And hope you all have a wonderful holiday season!

BROOKE Teaser

I warned you guys. This is a very smoochy novella.

Pull up a chair, and let's chat!

Hey guys!

I’ll be live-chatting with the girls from Epic Reads tomorrow (Thursday 11/14) at 3:45 EST!

There will be prizes. There will be laughter. There might even be an appearance by a hedgehog! Hope you can make it! And don't forget to RSVP here.

Also, I wanted to share this bit of loveliness. So excited, you guys. INTO THE STILL BLUE cometh! 

Nook Deal for TTEN, YALLfest

NOOK Deal - Own a NOOK and want to read THROUGH THE EVER NIGHT? Today only, it's priced at $1.99. I think that's about as low as that price will get, so jump on it!

Goodreads Reader's Choice Awards - Super happy to share that THROUGH THE EVER NIGHT has made it into the semi-final rounds! Thanks so much for your support and your votes!

Finally YALLfest Awesomeness - I can't begin to tell you how amazing this weekend in Charleston, South Carolina was. 50 Young Adult and Middle Grade authors, and THOUSANDS of fans, in one of the most charming cities I've even been to. If you're considering going next year, DO IT.

Here are some photos from the weekend. More photos will be posted soon on the YALLfest website.

Thoughts on BROOKE

Hey, everyone.

I'm excited to share this with you - the first of several quotes leading up to the publication (in ebook format!) of the novella, BROOKE on November 26th. I've said it before, but I really can't wait for you to discover a new side of this character. I knew she had depth, dimension, and humor all along, but after spending a few weeks in Brooke's mind, I now absolutely love this brave, flawed, fierce girl.

I try to stay in a bubble as much as I can with respect to fan reactions to characters. Not because I don't care. It's rather the opposite. I tend to care too much. I would love to write characters that you all find witty, and honorable, and smart, and just generally fabulous. But, of course, I have to listen to my instincts when I write. Which means writing real.... the good and the gritty.

That said, I have seen some hints that BROOKE might not be a fan first choice for a side story. She hasn't always displayed great maturity or selflessness, but I hope you'll still give her a chance. I think it goes without saying... we all have moments where we're not at our best. Are those the moments that define who we are? Or is something else? How we move forward in the face of our hardships and stumbles?

Hmm... These things I wonder. And might have written about in a novella that will soon be released :)

Hope you're all well.

Here's the quote!

xo,

V

ARCs of ITSB, YALLfest

ARCs of INTO THE STILL BLUE - I signed 200 ARCs for NY Comic Con, so there's your chance to get an advanced copy. I want to thank those of you who have read it for 1) reading it, and 2) keeping spoilers off the internet. Really hope you guys love this one. I think it's my favorite of the three.

YALLfest - I will be in Charleston, South Carolina on Saturday, November 9th for YALLfest with a bevy of amazing authors. Come say hi! More info here.

Writing Update - At the moment, I'm working on two manuscripts - the New Adult I mentioned here, and a fantasy series that's bigger and scarier and more epic than anything I've ever undertaken. That one's still under wraps, but hopefully not for much longer. It's a thrill for me to think about sharing different types of writing with you guys. I hope you'll love these new stories as much as the UTNS series.

Speaking of the UTNS Series, have you see that BROOKE is available for preorder? This novella was surprisingly satisfying to write. I already knew Brooke had a lot more to her character than readers had seen, but after drafting this short story, I'm half-tempted to write a spin off series about her... Or maybe some fan-fiction?

Fun little fact about this novella: I based it loosely on Goldilocks and the Three Bears. You'll have to let me know if you pick up on it!

Finally, I noted some thoughts on inspiration for writers over at the YAMuses blog. Check 'em out!

Book News!

Break open the bubbly! A new book! A new book!

So happy to share with you guys that a good friend and I are writing a New Adult Contemporary Romance together. For those of you who don’t know what NA is, it’s like YA but a little edgier/sexier, and centered on characters who are college-aged. The book will fall under a pseudonym, as we’re coauthoring and as it’s in a different genre. The official announcement went out today (see below.) SUPER excited for you guys to read it. It’s been a blast to write!

I’m still writing YA as myself. I hope to have news of the YA fantasy series I’m working on soon as well.

The announcement:

Lorin Oberweger and Veronica Rossi writing as Noelle August’s BOOMERANG, pitched as THE HANGOVER meets THE INTERNSHIP, set in an online dating service that aims to be Match.com for millennials on the rebound, to Tessa Woodward at William Morrow, in a three book deal, in a pre-empt, for publication in 2014, by Adams Literary on behalf of Wildcard Storymakers (World English).

Awesomeness in the Form of Music from Poland

This morning I woke up to the coolest news. My publisher in Poland, OTWARTE, commissioned a song for the publication of THROUGH THE EVER NIGHT on August 28th.

The name of the band is A Shade of Gray, and I basically want to hop on a plane and take a very, very long flight so that I can meet the band members and force hugs upon them. Guys, if you are reading this, you did an incredible job with the song!

Here's the Polish version of the video, with lyrics.

Here's the English version, with lyrics.

And here is a link to the band singing the song (for some reason I can't get the video up like the previous two!)

I'm amazed, flattered and so grateful.

Thank you OTWARTE, Paul Gmyterko, and A Shade of Gray!