Category: fun

Big News & A Giveaway!

Big, Huge, Awesome News: ADORKABLE is coming to print in September!!!

Yes, you read that right.  This little debut YA romance is going to be a paperback.  I’ll keep you updated on the official release date and also when the book will be available for pre-order.  I already have my proof (which is so beautiful!), but of course, I need a finished copy for my shelves.  Ahhh, I’m so excited! 🙂

So, to celebrate ADORKABLE‘s print release and to thank all of the readers, bloggers, reviewers, AMAZING people who’ve made this possible, I’m doing a giveaway!

The “I <3 Adorkable” Giveaway will run from September 1 (midnight) until September 22 (midnight), and you can enter using the Rafflecopter below to win a $25 Amazon gift card.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!  Thank you again for your support, and I hope you’ll all check out ADORKABLE when it comes to print later in September!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman

We have a winner…and a Gryffindor :)

At midnight, a winner was randomly chosen for the ADORKABLE 3 Month Anniversary Giveaway!!!

And…

her name is…

Natasha!!!

Huge congratulations to Natasha, and thank you to everyone who entered.  There were quite a few entries, and again, just thank you so much for helping me celebrate ADORKABLE.  It really made the three month anniversary special :-).

Also, I went to Hogwarts and was sorted!  Okay, so I didn’t really go to Hogwarts, but I did join Pottermore.  I took the test–unfortunately, there was no sorting hat.  I answered all of the questions as honestly as possible, without any expectations.  Not going to lie, some of the questions were pretty deep and took a lot of thought.

But now, I can officially say: I am a Gryffindor.

My main character Sally would be so proud lol!  It came as somewhat of a surprise but a very welcome one :).  Go Gryffindor!

In writing news, I have been working on getting everything ready for the print version of ADORKABLE as well as editing Ash’s book.  More on that later, but in case you were wondering what I’ve been working on, there you go.  Hope you have a great weekend!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman

Pottermore

Full disclosure: I have taken several Harry Potter quizzes (ones to determine: the house I would be in, which HP character I am, what my patronus is, what I would teach if I was a teacher at Hogwarts etc.).  BUT I have yet to actually go onto J.K. Rowling’s official site, Pottermore, and be sorted.

I know!  It’s crazy, and I can’t, absolutely cannot, believe I’ve waited this long!

And now, apparently there is an American wizarding school :-D.

My goal for this weekend (one of many, but an important one!) is to finally find out which house I will be sorted into.

Hogwarts

From past quizzes, I’m fully expecting a Hufflepuff-ian outcome–but maybe not.  I’ve always considered myself more of a Gryffindor, but heck, I love books and reading.  Ravenclaw qualities, but Hermione loved those things, too, and she ended up in Gryffindor.  Severus Snape was my favorite HP character.  Hands down.  Always.  So maybe, I’m actually Slytherin at heart?  Though I also loved Neville and Harry, Ron and Hermione, of course.  Oh, and Luna!  Something also draws me to the Malfoys–I’m pretty sure it’s the hair lol!

Anyway, the point is I really don’t know what the sorting hat will say.

I will also be taking the quiz for the American wizarding school, Ilvermorny.  But let’s just be honest, Hogwarts is really the thing!  I also can’t wait to find out what my wand will be made of.  Yes, I am completely letting my geek flag/Harry Potter fangirl side have free reign right now lol!

I’m nervous and excited to see where I end up.  I mean, it’s Hogwarts!!!

Have you been sorted?  Did you get the house you thought you would?

Hope you have a great weekend, and I’ll let you know how everything goes :).

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman

P.S. ADORKABLE was #1 in Germany and Canada this week in one of its categories!  Huzzah!

P.P.S.  There’s still time to enter the ADORKABLE 3 Month Anniversary Giveaway!  You can enter here.  Good luck!

It’s Giveaway Time!

Today is the 3 Month Anniversary of ADORKABLE‘s release!!!  I really can’t believe my debut novel has been out in the world for three whole months.  Sally and Becks are out there, being discovered by readers.  The book has ratings and reviews and people who actually enjoyed it.

That is just…incredible :).

It has been a while since I’ve done a giveaway.  So, since today is a very special day, let’s celebrate!

The ADORKABLE 3 Month Anniversary Giveaway is open to anyone and everyone in the U.S. and internationally.  The prize up for grabs is a $30 Amazon Gift Card.  The giveaway will run from June 30 (midnight) till July 21 (midnight) at which time the winner will be announced.  There are several ways to enter, so what are you waiting for?  Check out the Rafflecopter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you to everyone who has supported my little YA romance.  Whether you’ve read the book, reviewed or offered an encouraging word, I am so grateful!  Good luck with the giveaway, and I hope everyone is having a great summer!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman

Sally & Becks

The time has come!  I got a couple of great suggestions for the ADORKABLE cast (from a family member lol), and I liked all of her picks.  Well, I didn’t like the person she picked for Sally because she chose a picture of me.  Ugh!  Even though we are very much soul sisters, I do not physically resemble Sally at all.  If Sally was a real person, however, we would totally be friends, twinning in our Gryffindor jerseys :).

I had fun looking through pictures of actors, models, athletes etc.  Trying to figure out the right search terms to get exactly what I wanted was…interesting.  Yes, you detected a hint of sarcasm there, but it’s all good.  Google and I became very close frenemies during this time.

Luckily, I ended up finding some great choices for Sally and Becks <3.

Here are my picks:

Sally

Beautiful inside and out, Emma Watson would make an awesome Sally Spitz.  And no, I didn’t just pick her because she played Hermione :).

Sally2

Another great choice for Sally, I think Abigail Breslin is blonde now, but she’ll always remind me of Olive, the underdog in Little Miss Sunshine.

Sally3

And another great choice.  After seeing her as Alex Dunphy on Modern Family, I think Ariel Winters could definitely be Sally.

So, those are my girls!  Each one is adorkable in her own way, each somewhat Sally-esque.  I really could see any of them playing her.  Annnd without further ado, here are my guys:

Allow me to introuce Yoann Gourcuff, a real live French soccer player.  Yes, I’ve also developed a sudden interest in French soccer lol!  But seriously, this guy could totally be Becks <3.

Becks3

Liam Hemsworth.  No explanation needed.

Becks4

Gorgeous and giving off some serious smoulder, I think Tyler Hoechlin would make a great Becks.  Yes, I’m a fan of Teen Wolf, and yes, I am patiently waiting for Derek to rejoin the show :).

That’s my ADORKABLE dream cast!  It took me forever to find Sally and Becks, so I guess all of the other characters will just have to remain in my imagination for now.  Did you like my picks?  Do you have some of your own?  If you do, I’d love to hear about them!

It’s been a while since I’ve done a giveaway, and I’m going to try and set one up for tomorrow.  It’s to celebrate ADORAKBLE‘s 3 Month Anniversary!!!  As long as I can figure out Rafflecopter and how to get that setup, we’ll be good to go.  Wish me luck lol.

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman

Casting Call: ADORKABLE

Calling all fangirls and fanboys of ADORKABLE, I need your help!

If you’ve read the book, I would really love to hear who you’d cast if ADORKABLE ever became a movie.  (Note: This is not even in the realm of possibility lol.  There is no actual ADORKABLE movie–but a girl can dream!)  Like Sally, I love movies and TV shows and everything pop culture.  Plus, I’ve seen other authors do this, and it looks like a lot of fun.

Truth: it’s hard for me to visualize what my characters look like.

*gasp, wince, runs to hide in a corner*

But honestly, it is so much easier for me to know a character’s inner-workings: heart, mind, thoughts, likes and dislikes etc.  Eventually, I do get a handle on what they look like physically, but I sometimes have to add those details later.  You have no idea how much I wish I was one of those authors who just knew.  Maybe one day I’ll try finding a picture on Pinterest and then working from there.  Hmm…

Anyway, back to the casting :).

Who would be your Sally?  Who would be your Becks?  What about Ash and the rest of the ADORKABLE cast?  Please, don’t be shy.  I can’t wait to hear/see your ideas!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman

ADORKABLE Book Playlist

I love music.  I really, really do.  So, of course, I make a book playlist for each of my books.  Typically, this is a cumulative process, and I add songs as I’m writing as well as after I’ve reached the end.  Some songs represent a character and their feelings; others represent a scene (some fit so perfectly in my head that it’s crazy).  ADORKABLE‘s Book Playlist had several of my all-time favorites.  I’ve included a few music videos and what the songs represent to me.  Hope you enjoy!

“Sweet Disposition” by The Temper Trap is truly one of my favorite songs.  It represents Sally and this book and how Sally feels about Becks and how Becks feels about Sally…sigh.  It represents ADORKABLE in all ways :).

“Can You Tell” by Ra Ra Riot is so Becks it’s not even funny.  These lyrics: Oh have I been too discreet?  How long am I supposed to wait?  Absolutely, totally Becks–and he would have gladly waited as long as he needed to for Sally…and she would have waited for him.

This is the song I picture playing at the party during the shaving scene (which btw is one of my most favorite scenes!) <3.

The breakup scene :(.  Tegan & Sara do heartache/breakup/yearning songs like no one else.  “Call It Off” has exactly the right feel.

Annnd the happily-ever-after :).  Just being honest–and maybe this makes me a total girl–but DMB’s “Crash Into Me” is perfect for just about every love story ever.  This version of the song, though, I think is perfect for Sally and Becks.

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman

THE ADORKABLE BOOK PLAYLIST

  1. “Sweet Disposition” by The Temper Trap
  2. “Can You Tell” by Ra Ra Riot
  3. “The Way I Am” by Ingrid Michaelson
  4. “July Flame” by Laura Veirs
  5. “So Insane” by Discovery
  6. “The Trial of the Century” by French Kicks
  7. “Hysteric” by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
  8. “Powerful Stuff” by Sean Hayes
  9. “Call It Off” by Tegan and Sara
  10. “Your Song” by Kate Walsh
  11. “Nicest Thing” by Kate Nash
  12. “Hyperballad” by Whitley
  13. “Syrup & Honey” by Duffy
  14. “Oh Boy” by Duffy
  15. “She’s Got You High” by Mumm-Ra
  16. “Heart Skipped a Beat” by The XX
  17. “Tessellate” by Tokyo Police Club
  18. “I’m With You” by The Stills
  19. “Crash Into Me” by Dave Matthews Band (Live at Folsom Field, Boulder Colorado)

And the winners are…

The time has finally come!  I’m amazed at how many people decided to participate in both the ADORKABLE Blog Tour Giveaway and the Book Blitz (aka The ADORKABLE Challenge) Giveaway.  Thank you for helping me spread the word about my book.  It was so fun seeing all of the pictures, and I laughed out loud at several of them :).  Thank you YA Bound Book Tours for helping organize everything and for making this possible!  Thank you to everyone who participated, followed, tweeted, posted etc.  All winners were chosen randomly–thank goodness because you are all truly adorkable!!!

And the winners are…

ADORKABLE Blog Tour winner ($25 Amazon gift card) = Karen!

The #AdorkableChallenge Champion winner ($50 Amazon gift card) = Linda!

3 Runner up winners ($10 Amazon gift card) = Nikolina, Gina and Kristy!

CONGRATULATIONS, everyone!  You will be receiving an email from me shortly including your prize.  Thank you so much again to all who entered and to everyone who has given ADORKABLE a chance.

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman

ADORKABLE Release Day <3

adorkable-final

It’s here, it’s here, it’s finally here!

Today is the day that ADORKABLE will be released into the big wide world.  My little book set out into the wild.  I hope it flies so high and that Sally and Becks and Hooker and Ash find a place in readers’ hearts.  This debut has been a long time coming, and I’m so glad it’s finally here and that March 31st can now be a good day.

Thank you so much to every person who has supported me and this book.  Thank you to each and every reader.  May you live long and prosper.  May the Force be with you.  May the odds be ever in your favor.  And may you wake up tomorrow morning to find your letter from Hogwarts waiting on your doorstep <3.  I solemnly swear that I am up to no good–and that I am diligently working on my next novel :).

If you love YA romance, fake boyfriends, best friends, or geeking out, I’d love it if you would give ADORKABLE a try!  And if you do, please let me know.  I’d love to hear from you!

Happy Reading,

Cookie O’Gorman

Why I Write, What I Write

My debut novel, ADORKABLE, comes out on March 31, 2016! That’s next week ICYMI (hip-hip hooray!!!), and to keep from freaking out too much, I’ve been doing some research. I found this article by Kimberly Grabas that said to market your book you have to:

1) Know Yourself.

2) Know Your Audience.

Now, I’m probably the worst marketer in the history of indie publishing. Besides being an introvert (I’ve discovered this carries over into online interactions as well. Just my luck!), a first-time self-pubbing author (again, fun times, but man…the learning curve is steep), and just an overall awkward person (to quote Lady Gaga, “Baby, I was born this way”), marketing myself has never been easy. It’s like constantly fighting a battle against my inner-Self Doubt/Critic–and she is a nasty piece of work. Never shuts up, always present, always trying to hold me back.

But regardless, this article helped me. I may be crap at marketing, but I do know myself and my audience. So, let me break it down.

I write YA. I write in this genre because I love young adult books. My high school years, though filled with way-too-much Awkward (yes, with a capital “A”), were some of the best years of my life. Middle school sucked. Period. But in high school, I had a great group of friends that were a total mixed bag. Some were over achievers; some were popular; some were boy crazy; most were bandies or drama geeks–and all of them were true friends. None of them ever stabbed me in the back, and that’s why in my books you’ll read about real BFFs, who have each others’ backs, who would go to war together and fight off the monsters and mean girls/guys. Those were the friends I knew growing up. So, those are the friends I write.

I write romance. Not only that, I strive to write believable happily-ever-after romance because, in my opinion, real life sucks enough. There are too many tragic endings. If my characters are going to live, they will struggle. They will go through some awful times, sometimes physically, sometimes emotionally, because that’s just life. But in the end, they’ll come out on top. In the movie Becoming Jane, Anne Hathaway put it like this, “My characters, after a little trouble, shall have all that they desire.” So yeah, this. Absolutely, one hundred times this.

I write for the nerd in all of us. This is not just a line. I’m a nerd–which basically just means that I like things and get excited about life (see John Green’s quote below). I love nerdy people, passionate people, the ones who may be awkward but are excited by life and books and movies and music. And if they love Harry Potter, well…those are my people.

John Green_Nerd Quote

I also write for the girls/guys who are in love and too afraid to speak up. I write for the teens experiencing love for the first time and the adults who want to experience it again. Being in love, it is beauty and torture all wrapped up together. In my books, it’s not so much about “if” the characters will end up together. It’s about “how.” I write the journey, the first kiss, the misunderstandings, how the heart breaks, and how we piece it back together.

So, this is me. Why I write, what I write, and the readers who I’m writing for.

I hope you’re one of them :).

Cookie O’Gorman