Category: YA


Aug
2017

5000+ ADORKABLE Readers!!!

categories: Adorkable, debut, doing what you love, Goodreads, Ninja Girl, self-publishing, YA

This post could’ve also been called: OMG, when did that happen?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

But I figured it was too many question marks :).  As you can see, book baby #1 finally did it.  ADORKABLE reached 5000+ readers on Goodreads!  When I first started this journey into self-publishing, I honestly never thought this would happen.  I mean, I thought I’d be lucky to have five to 10 readers let alone this many.  I am truly floored and humbled by how many people have read ADORKABLE, and I cannot thank you all enough for the support.  Sally and Becks are out there, making their way into people’s hearts, and I am so grateful for that.

On a side note, book baby #2 isn’t doing too shabby either.  500+ people have read and rated NINJA GIRL on Goodreads which is crazy amazing.  Also, I noticed a little while ago that, although the book is actually rated 4.8 stars on Amazon (which is fan-freaking-tastic), it looks like 5 stars on the site.  Definitely not complaining about that lol!

To thank you awesome ADORKABLE and NINJA GIRL readers…it’s time for a giveaway!!!

There are several ways to enter, and the giveaway will run until August 31, 2017.  One winner will be randomly chosen, and the prize is a $25 Amazon Gift Card.  You can enter using the rafflecopter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Once more with feeling: THANK YOU SO MUCH, readers!  Thank you for reading the book in the first place.  Thank you for recommending it to your friends.  Thank you for being the adorkable ninja girl and guy bookworms that you are!  ADORKABLE and NINJA GIRL readers really are the best, and I appreciate you more than I can say <3.

I hope you have a wonderful week, and good luck!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman


Jul
2017

Happy Birthday, Harry Potter!

categories: Adorkable, fun, Happy Birthday, Harry Potter, YA

It’s July 31st, and every muggle knows this is a very important day!

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Today, Harry James Potter was born.  The boy-who-lived came into the world; the lightning bolt symbol gained a whole new meaning; and love stood up against evil…and won.  These books changed my life.  They made me want to read.  7 books, a golden trio, a boy living in a cupboard under the stairs of number four Privet Drive, a school called Hogwarts that felt like home, and the amazing woman who created them all.  I can say with complete honesty that I wouldn’t have become a voracious book lover–or a writer, for that matter–without her or her magical world.

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So Mister Potter, I’d like to wish you and your lovely creator, J.K. Rowling, the happiest of happy birthdays!!!  Thank you for the books, the characters and the magic!

Happy reading (and Happy Birthday, Harry Potter!),

Cookie O’Gorman

P.S. My ADORKABLE character Sally would totally be celebrating this day with a party, cake, butter beer, chocolate frogs, Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans , the works!  She’d probably even have everyone (Becks, Hooker, Ash, Snow, all the parents and the Kent brothers) over for an HP movie marathon.  I have to work, but I will definitely be rocking my Snape/Lily earrings! 🙂  Also, I’ll have a giveaway coming up, so be on the lookout for that.  I hope you have a great day, my fellow muggles!


Jul
2017

Be Water

categories: Adorkable, Be Yourself, doing what you love, Ninja Girl, self-publishing, YA

I can’t believe it’s been two weeks since I last posted!  Two freakin’ weeks…how did that even happen? 0__0

Well, I’m back readers, and I sincerely hope you are still with me!  Today, I wanted to share a video I found a long time ago when I was doing research for NINJA GIRL.  It’s totally awesome imo, and it’s Bruce Lee in a nutshell–so of course, Snow would love it :).  I do, too, and I hope you will as well.

While I’ve been editing my next book to be released and writing a new book, feeling all of the feels, doubting myself at every turn, I can honestly say I wish I was more like Bruce, more like Snow.  I try to be water.  Whenever new situations or challenges present themselves, I try to go with the flow, roll with the punches.  I don’t always succeed…but that doesn’t stop me from trying.

My next YA book will be different than my first two releases–completely new characters, not as fluffy (though still lots of laughs)–and I’m very nervous (see: terrified) about that.  And I actually wrote it before ADORKABLE, though it’s been through huge revisions since then.  Note to self: The writer-ly fears do not go away after you release a book.  They remain, hang around and sneak up on you when you least expect it.  I’m also organizing an event for a very good cause, a cause that I care deeply about, and so far?  I’ve only gotten one response.  Ugggggh…

And yet!  I refuse to give up.  I’m going to be water, my friends.  And it is my hope, no matter what you’re dealing with in your life, that you can be, too <3.

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman


Jul
2017

Congrats!!! And hey…is that Ansel?

categories: fun, giveaway, Ninja Girl, YA

It’s time to announce the winner of the NINJA GIRL Book Blitz Giveaway :).  It’s actually a little past time, but thank you so much to everyone for entering and for your patience and support.  Without further ado, big CONGRATS to:

Yadira!

I believe Yadira won the last giveaway as well–which of course means that she is a true ninja ;).  And a lucky one apparently!  Congrats again, Yadira, your gift will be on the way soon.

Hope you are all having a great week with wonderful people and great books!  If anyone is wondering, I will be doing another post about my trip, writing progress, and just general updates in the upcoming weeks.

But for right now, I will tell you…there is a guy on this bus who looks strikingly like a broad shouldered Ansel Elgort!  I’m doing my best not to stare; he’s probably 18 or something and looks like he would be great in a YA novel lol.  Hmm…maybe this is the muse telling me to write, write, write. 🙂

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman


Jul
2017

Top of the Mornin’ to Ya!

categories: Adorkable, doing what you love, Ninja Girl, YA

You guys, I actually had someone say that to me :).  It was so cool.  ADORKABLE and NINJA GIRL have been doing well, and I haven’t had a chance to post as much because I’m actually  traveling–which I hardly ever do!  And I am in a beautiful place at the moment; the only drawback is sketchy internet service.  So while I have a good connection: Hello from Ireland, readers!!!  Here’s a picture of me with my current read (which I got from the library here), gorgeous landscape and of course, the O’Gorman family crest.

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I hope you are all well and reading fantastic books (hopefully ones with Irish heroes who say “Top of the mornin’ to ya” in that lovely Irish brogue ;)).

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman


Jun
2017

NINJA GIRL Book Playlist

categories: Adorkable, book playlist, doing what you love, Ninja Girl, Romance, YA

First, I want to give a huge thank you to YA Bound Book Tours and to everyone who participated in the NINJA GIRL Book Blitz!  You are awesome, and I appreciate you so much for helping me spread the word.  I’ve mentioned that one of my biggest fears as a writer is that my books won’t find their audience, and that remains true today.  Every recommendation to a friend, every review/post/tweet truly helps.  So again, thank you!!!

Second, I wanted to share my book playlist for NINJA GIRL!  You may have already seen it, but I wanted it for my website as well lol.  Also, on Goodreads, a reader created her own book playlists for both ADORKABLE and NINJA GIRL, and I thought that was so cool!

If you’ve read NINJA GIRL, you’ll see several of the songs mentioned in the book–but others may be a surprise :).  The full playlist will be at the end of the post.  Alright, let’s get to it:

“Ho Hey” by The Lumineers–or “Snow Hey” if we’re talking about the swoon worthy rendition done by the one and only Ash Stryker–absolutely represents how Ash feels about Snow.  *sigh*  When he sang to our ninja girl, she definitely got the message.  And I mean, seriously, what girl wouldn’t love a guy putting her name into a song like this? <3

“I Am the Best” by 2NE1 represents Snow’s confidence in martial arts, self-defense and just taking on anyone who challenges her.  She may be insecure when it comes to boys and her own femininity, but when it comes to kicking butt?  Snow is a true badass!

When Nicki Minaj comes in and goes off on this track, it is Snow all day, every day lol!  But  “My Chick Bad” is the perfect song to express how Ash feels about Snow’s strength.  He’s impressed by it, finds it attractive; basically, he’s got it bad for our ninja girl–and even though he’s a country fan, I think Ash would totally agree with this choice (minus the 2nd verse bc Ash is a Southern gentleman :)).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QEDb3xzdec

Ah, that voice <33333.  Patsy Cline is timeless and truly one of the greats, and her songs are so so incredibly perfect for this little YA romance.  Snow’s tough on the outside.  Ash is confident/cocky.  But they both have their insecurities, and Patsy exposes them all.  The car scene where Ash and Snow have a Patsy Cline battle, speaking to each other through their song choices, too afraid to voice their feelings, is one of my absolute favorite scenes.

Okay, I LOVE this song.  It is so innocent and lovely.  I think the chorus is like what Ash was trying to convince Snow of all along: I’ll be yours, if you’ll just be mine.  Then the part near the end where she sings by herself, and it’s so exposed and real…that’s Snow finally admitting her feelings and how much she cares for him.  Snow and Ash, the honesty, the pure loveliness of this is what YA and romance is all about.

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman

NINJA GIRL Book Playlist

  1. “Ho Hey” by The Lumineers
  2. “I Am the Best” by 2NE1
  3. “Sparks Fly” by Taylor Swift
  4. “Fans” by Kings of Leon
  5. “My Chick Bad” by Ludacris & Nicki Minaj
  6. “In For The Kill” (Skrillex Remix) by La Roux
  7. “Lies” by BIGBANG
  8. “Someone Like You” by Adele
  9. “Miss Atomic Bomb” by The Killers
  10. “Crazy” by Patsy Cline
  11. “I Fall to Pieces” by Patsy Cline
  12. “Call Your Girlfriend” (live) by Lennon and Maisy Stella
  13. “Marry You” by Bruno Mars
  14. “Come By Fire” by Sara Jackson-Holman
  15. “Little Bit” by Lykke Li
  16. “Emmylou” by First Aid Kit

Jun
2017

Bookish Updates

categories: Adorkable, Amazon, Kindle Countdown Deal, Ninja Girl, YA

One of my family members (one of the 5 people who actually reads this blog lol!) always asks how my books are doing.  She does this pretty much every time we talk.  I love it when she asks because it reminds me: there are books out there that I wrote and love.  ADORKABLE and NINJA GIRL are out there in the world, finding readers every day, and that is a wonderful thing.

Several wonderful things are going on, so here’s a quick rundown :).

Wonderful Thing #1: NINJA GIRL will be available for $0.99 next week!!!  Yes, it’s time for a Kindle Countdown Deal, and I can’t wait to see how many new readers will find Snow and Ash!  The deal will run from June 12-19 on Amazon and Amazon UK.  I hope the book ninjas, the Force and the kimchi are with you little book!

Wonderful Thing #2: The NINJA GIRL Book Blitz starts next Monday, and there will be a giveaway.  Look out for that, and good luck!

Wonderful Thing #3:  A few kind readers have written reviews for either ADORKABLE and/or NINJA GIRL, and I just gotta say: You readers are incredible, and I’m so grateful for you!  If karma is for real, you definitely have some good vibes coming your way.

So, how are my books doing?

Answer: They are doing well, and I’m thankful for every page read, book sold, and new reader who finds my stories <3.

I hope you all are having a great summer!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman


May
2017

5 Things: I’m reading right now

categories: 5 Things, Adorkable, doing what you love, fun, Ninja Girl, YA

Okay, this is a bit of a cheat because what I’m loving right now is actually a series–but there are 5 books in the series, so it works ;).

About two weeks ago, I finally picked up the first book in The Selection series.  I know, I know, I am so behind!  One of my students (a girl who is always reading YA :)) recommended it to me…well, she said it was SO good and that I should read it, and she had that look in her eye that I get when I find a book I really love.

So, I got the first book, and Kiera Cass drew me in right away!  I sped through book 1 and immediately got the next 3 books!!!  I was semi-upset (I was very upset)  that they didn’t have the 5th and final book, The Crown.  Literally, I stood there for about 5 minutes staring at the bookstore shelf, hoping it would magically appear lol.  It didn’t :(.  And of course, I read through the next three books like wildfire, and book 4 actually did leave me hanging.  Thank goodness the final book was available as an ebook.

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The Selection, The Elite, The One, The Heir, & The Crown

It took me about 5 days–5 freaking days!–to read these books.  I couldn’t help myself.  The endings weren’t really cliffhangers, especially in the first 3 books, but I devoured the pages.  It was so addictive!  There was some type of magic in there, too, because I did not start out loving the main heroine *gasp*.  But she totally grew on me.  And I actually loved several of the main guys!  My favorite books were 3, 4 and 5; the first trio of books ended just right, and I loved how we got to see what happened to the characters we loved in the next two books as well as meet a whole new, awesome cast.

If I had to give one reason to read, I would say: Maxxon!!!! <333  I totally get it, fellow Selection readers.  I really do.  A few more would be: America, May, Marlee, Kile (he was my personal favorite!), Henri and Erik.

There are mixed opinions about this series, but for me, it was very enjoyable.  Loved it!

If you’re wondering what I have coming up, there will be a book blitz for NINJA GIRL the week of June 12th, which I think will be a ton of fun!  ADORKABLE hit #1 several times in the last few weeks, huzzah!!!  Also, I’m editing the book I think will be my next release and working hard on the rough draft of another YA book :).  I hope your week is going well!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman


May
2017

Oh My Ash! <3

categories: Adorkable, doing what you love, fun, Ninja Girl, Romance, YA

It’s a fact: Readers love book boyfriends.

Actually, a lot of us collect book boyfriends.  No really, it’s a thing!  And I know for a fact that I’m not the only one because I’ve seen other blog posts, discussions and articles about this.  Different readers look for different things in their favorite male leads, but the common trait that all of them share is this.

A great book boyfriend will make fangirl bookworms everywhere swoon and fall hard for him.

This post will focus on Ash Stryker, one of my personal favorites, first introduced in ADORKABLE and most recently featured in NINJA GIRL. 🙂

Here is what I think makes Ash book boyfriend material:

  • He kisses back. If you’ve read NINJA GIRL, you know what I mean.  If not, I’ll just say Ash goes with the flow and gives Snow an amazing/unforgettable first kiss (…and second…and third…).
  • He knows what he wants and goes after it.
  • He’s protective (but not in an overbearing a-hole kind of way). Yeah, he’s got a hero complex, but he makes it look good.  Just picture a young Chris Evans/Captain America with a bit of a pottymouth, and you basically have our Ash.
  • He likes smart girls who can kick his ass. He’s encouraging and loves Snow’s strength and intelligence.
  • He tells it like it is and never gives up—especially when it matters.
  • He listens to country and K-Pop.
  • He’s multi-lingual—which means he can sweet talk you in a whole bunch of languages.
  • He’s athletic, talented and yes, fit. Soccer is his passion, and he’s darn good at it.  The green eyes, dirty blond hair and lean body don’t hurt either ;).
  • He’s swoonworthy. In NINJA GIRL, Ash is willing to make a fool of himself for his girl (aka the singing), and he’s also thoughtful (the Bruce Lee marathon with Snow).  *Sigh*
  • He’s smart, confident, a little cocky and a lot comfortable-in-his-own-skin. He’s a straightforward smooth-talker with charm to spare.  He can also be jealous, incorrigible and a smartass.  All in all, Ash is imperfect and real—which may be what I like best about him.

For all these reasons and more, I love my main man from NINJA GIRL.

Oh my Ash! <3

Btw huge thanks to Tija for inventing the phrase “Oh my Ash;” I love it lol!  Basically, as Koi says in the book, Ash Stryker is a BAMF.  He’s also a great book boyfriend imo.  Feel free to add him and NINJA GIRL to your shelf if you’re looking for a sweet YA romance with a kickass heroine and a swoonworthy hero. 🙂

Hope you all have a great weekend!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman

 


May
2017

Yay!

categories: giveaway, Ninja Girl, YA, YA Bound Book Tours

The NINJA GIRL Blog Tour Giveaway has officially concluded, yay!  Thank you so much to everyone who entered and helped spread the word about Ash and Snow’s book.  You’re awesome.  A winner was randomly chosen to receive the $25 Amazon gift card, and that person is…

Yadira!!!

Congratulations, Yadira, and thank you so much for entering!  Your gift card will be on the way shortly :).

Again, thank you to everyone for your support of NINJA GIRL.  It means so much.  I’ve been a little under the weather recently, but I’m still planning to do that post about Ash *sigh.* It may just be a little later in the week.  I hope you are all doing well and that you have a great day!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman