Merry Christmas!

A very Merry Christmas to all my friends at the middle schools in Blackfoot, ID, Baker High School, La Grande High School, UVU Upward Bound, Bailey in Las Vegas, Mesquite, NV, Bunkerville, NV, Littlefield, AZ, Desert Springs, NV, Timpanogos Academy, Kahuku High School, Aiea High School, Farrington High School--and to everyone else I've had the opportunity to visit including the beautiful children at the Shriners Children's Hospital in Honolulu. Thanks for your smiles and incredible imaginations! Make your futures bright.

Deseret News 'Amber Grey' book review!!!

Here's the link to the review in the Deseret News--it came out Saturday, December 11th. http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705395603/Review-Amber-Grey-Calm-Before-the-Storm-tells-the-story-of-a-young-girl-with-some-very-special.html   Many thanks to Steve Larson who wrote the article.

autographed books

Yes--first edition, autographed copies are available! Drop me note with your address and I'll contact you, and then send it out. Please let your friends know as well so they can get their hands on some before Christmas!
If you have a problem commenting on this blog, you can leave your message on Facebook--'Amber Grey Fan Club'.

kids in Hawaii

I am floored by Hawaiian hospitality! I recently returned from presenting the creative writing workshop to hundreds of students in Kahuku High, Farrington High, and Aiea High, and I also had the incredible chance to visit with children and parents in the Shriner Children's Hospital in Honolulu--my heart is so full! Thank you to all my new friends; I'll never forget you.

AMBER GREY NEWS: Your best bet to get your hands on the hardcopy is to order it from Barnes and Noble or Amazon online--it's so easy to do and people are reporting that the book shows up in 3 days!!! Not bad...
ALSO...watch for the Amber Grey book review in the Deseret Morning News!

in the news...

http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/313079 Wow!!! And so well written; I can't help appreciating that.

the Conservatives Lead Talk Radio show with host, Sean McCaffrey

Huge thanks to Sean McCaffrey for having me on the show! Hello to Amber Grey fans in Phoenix, AZ.

the paperback is for sale!!!

Public

Jennifer Coalwell

‎"Amber Grey-calm before the storm" is finally for sale in paperback!!!!! You can follow the link below to order it from Barnes and Noble, or you can order it on Amazon.com. (Barnes and Noble is cheaper)

Amber Grey

Available in:NOOK Book (eBook), Paperback. FREE Shipping on orders of $25 or more. Amber Grey: calm before the storm by J. L. Coalwell.

Creative Writing Workshops

Hello! to all the wonderful people I met over the past week in Blackfoot, Baker City, and LaGrande.
I had an amazing time with all thousand+ students while they shared their imaginations and ideas with me during the creative writing workshops. And a special thanks to all the teachers and staff who facilitated assemblies or welcomed me into their classrooms. Gauging from the students I met, America has a bright future in store!

order your book at Barnes and Noble

Here's a heads up; when the paper book comes out, run down to your local Barnes and Noble and order it. The more orders at a given store—the more likely they'll stock the book on the shelf! I'll keep everyone posted! (And if you know me, (or meet me) have me sign your book; a signed 1st edition will be worth more in the future.)

more updates

For more updates, become a fan of the "Amber Grey" fan club on Facebook . . . and you can follow me—Jen Coalwell—on Twitter

hardcopy book

Only 1 month left until the paperback "Amber Grey—calm before the storm" will be ready for your hands!!! Leave a request in the comment box if you'd like your copy signed.

Baron Book Review!!!

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Amber Grey: Calm Before the Storm by Jennifer Coalwell

Captivating!! Riveting!! Mesmerizing!!
My Take". . . it is never the task of the oppressed to change for the oppressor . . . in other words, we live our lives giving mankind the best we have to offer, and if our best offends another, we cannot change it—nor should we. It is a part of us . . . it is what makes us who we are."  Amber Grey: Calm Before the Storm

Amber Grey: Calm Before the Storm definitely has it all – fantasy, thriller, action & adventure, romance, historical fiction, comedy, and plenty of twists and turns. It’s a fantastic young-adult novel because of its imaginative and exciting story line. You can’t be sure what’s around the next corner for Amber.

When I first picked up this book and saw it had a fantasy themed plot, I was skeptical since that’s not my usual genre. However, after the first chapter, I was hooked! It was hard to put it down—I took my Nook with me everywhere because I was so absorbed in it. Even if I only had 5 minutes to read before an appointment, Amber was with me.

We all have our own “special gifts”—maybe not quite as flamboyant as Amber’s—that are given to us at birth. The challenge, as with Amber, is to use those gifts in a way to better ourselves, others, and possibly the world. Even a simple, small gift as being able to make others smile is a contribution to society. The trick is to find that gift within yourself, grow it, and use it in a positive manner—exactly the way Amber was taught to use her “special gift”.

The ending of the book (read it to find out!!!) was certainly not what I was expecting! But it’s made me want to learn more about Amber and her gifted journey. I’m really looking forward to Book 2—Amber Grey: The Lost City.  Hopefully it comes out soon so I can dive right in!

I’m giving this one a 5 out of 5 stars – it’s definitely a “must read” for young adults (and ahem…older adults….) with active imaginations and a yearning to read.

Posted by Baron Book Review at 6:21 AM

Labels: Brighton Publishing, Jennifer Coalwell, Romance, Thriller

"Amber Grey—the lost city" teaser . . .

 I promised tidibits of book 2; here we go!   ". . . Hate and contempt transformed his features to devilish vulgarity, and Amber's jaw dropped in shock. She stood motionless, her frame absorbing comprehension. This was the enemy—this was how it felt to be plainly confronted by a misuser, unmasked, no societal superficiality to veil pure, unadulterated, inconceivable hatred."

word is spreading . . .

Wow! Lately, so many names have crossed my eyes, names of people I don't know, and they've read Amber Grey! Love this!!! I'd be so happy to meet some of you at book club meetings—just leave a request in the comments. I'll also post times and dates of free workshops I'm giving this fall.

Press Release from June 16, 2011

Well . . . since the actual press release wouldn't show up, here are a few excerpts . . .

"J. L. Coalwell's taut new thriller captivates and scares with a child heroine unlike any since King's "Firestarter"."
"What happens when your child is born with an extraordinary gift? One that must be protected at all costs, but one that others would kill to possess? This breathtaking novel about a very special child encompasses every parent's greatest fears, and very possibly the very survival of the human race. In the process, it vaults author J. L. Coalwell to the highest ranks of thriller novelists."
"Compared to Mary Higgins Clark and Dean Koontz for her ability to keep readers turning the pages — and all the lights on! — Coalwell has produced a taut, fast-paced thriller not to be missed," said Kathie McGuire, Director of Brighton Publishing LLC. "Readers will be breathless turning the final pages."

a favorite quote from "calm before the storm"

". . . it is never the task of the oppressed to change for the oppressor . . . in other words, we live our lives giving mankind the best we have to offer, and if our best offends another, we cannot change it—nor should we. It is a part of us . . . it is what makes us who we are."

a happy thought

I love sharing my ideas and beliefs on the pages of books! It's like bits of my soul are plastered in print.

Publishers?

It seems that there is soooo much confusion in the publishing world—for writers, that is. No one wants to give writers a straight answer . . . why is that?? I feel so fortunate to have been blessed with an honest, straightforward, wonderful-to-work-with publisher—really can't say that enough!

creative writing workshops

Hi Friends! Just presented the first Amber Grey creative writing workshop at UVU last week—so fun!!! I'll be roaming the country this fall presenting the workshop in universities, high schools, and junior highs, so, if you'd like me to visit yours, just write your request in the comments below and I'll see what I can do!

Amber Grey trailer

Tell your friends to check out the book trailer! Search Amber Grey on YouTube.

The ebook is out!

It's here!!! Just check out Barnes and Noble.com or Amazon . . . go to the book or Kindle or Nook section and type in Amber Grey-calm before the storm, buy a copy, and then WRITE A REVIEW! I'd love to hear your comments! Don't forget to share the news with your friends!

Questions:

Any questions? Send them my way in the comments and watch for the answer!

Book 1 . . . Amber Grey—Calm Before the Storm

Hold on tight for the ride of your life! Full of mystery and adventure, book 1 of the Amber Grey Trilogy will be available the summer of 2011—a MUST READ for teens and adults alike. This is the next big series that you've been waiting for.

Despised by her mother, revered by her own kind, Amber's very existence binds mankind to the elements in such a way as has never before been explored. A tear shed wakes the skies, a cry of anguish rages in thunderous reply. Bound by years of rejection, Amber must learn to release the power which lies within, to dominate her own inner world and wield nature in a hand of absolute control. Her every emotion is interpreted in its most primeval form; it is in one both her curse and her blessing.

Grow with Amber as she learns to recognize the many faces of love, building relationships that will prove vital to gaining victory over evil and elusive enemies. This tale encapsulates tender and provocative themes, melting hearts and strengthening spirits. Close your eyes and dream, dream away into Amber's world; a whirlwind of adventure is waiting. . . .