Spotlight Saturday: Guest Post and Giveaway with Augusta Blythe, author of In the Land of the Sapphire Sea

Hi, everyone!

Welcome to another edition of Spotlight Saturday at Darlene's Book Nook, where we feature authors and their books!

We will be joined today by Augusta Blythe.

About Augusta:

Augusta Blythe is the author of In the Land of the Sapphire Sea, a middle grade fantasy novel, as well as Winterborne and Ravenstoke, two YA urban fantasy novels. In addition to writing, she loves to travel and likes the idea of gardening more than actually digging in dirt. She would one day like to have a vegetable patch and live by the sea. Born and raised in America, she currently lives in England with her husband, two children, a cleaner shrimp, a clownfish, and a mine urchin. 

CONNECT ONLINE WITH AUGUSTA:

Blog | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter

Welcome to Darlene's Book Nook, Augusta!

Augusta has written a guest post, so I will now turn the floor over to her!

Hooray for Heroines

by Augusta Blythe

I’ve noticed in my many years of reading and writing that I gravitate toward a certain type of main character.  She’s plucky but not perfect.  She’s feisty even with fear in her heart.  She loves her family and would do anything for them.  Most importantly, she’s someone I find myself rooting for, no matter what.     

In my book, In the Land of the Sapphire Sea, we meet Emily as an anxious young girl and watch her grow into a strong, confident twelve-year-old.  Although she would never admit it, she longs to be more like her brave little sister, Charlotte Amelia.  Emily simply doesn’t know how until circumstances force her in that direction.  Let’s face it, if your beloved little sister and her favorite stuffed bunny are in grave danger, you don’t stand there, wailing at the sky and wringing your hands.  You act.  You do everything in your power to save her even if it means facing off with a dreaded sea serpent, a ferocious gryphon, and horrific giants. 

Naturally, my preferred heroines aren’t limited to my own books.  There are some wonderful age-appropriate novels out there that feature strong, capable girls (or are at least in the process of getting there).  I am a huge fan of classics like Anne Shirley of Anne of Green Gables fame and Laura Ingalls Wilder’s character in the Little House on the Prairie series, not to mention Hermione in the Harry Potter series.  These heroines are by no means perfect; they are allowed to make mistakes, learn from them, and still be awesome.  This is a lesson every girl should learn, fictional or otherwise.             

Thanks so much for joining us today, Augusta!

Three lucky winners will win digital copies (ePub or mobi) of Augusta's Middle Grade Fantasy Adventure, In the Land of the Sapphire Sea.

Twelve-year-old Emily Timmons is tired of being upstaged by her confident and capable younger sister. Charlotte Amelia, on the other hand, idolizes her big sister and follows her everywhere, including to Emily’s special treehouse. When a freak earthquake transports the girls from the treehouse to a magical land, Charlotte Amelia is captured by an evil Imp queen. To save her sister from the queen’s cruel clutches, Emily must swallow her fear and perform nine treacherous tasks, one task for each year of her sister’s life. As Emily’s quest progresses, however, she and her new friends begin to suspect that the Imp queen may only be using the girls as part of a larger, wicked plan. Emily must find courage within as she braves sea serpents, dragons, giants, and other creatures in exchange for her sister’s freedom.

Buy Links:
Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle / Nook / CreateSpace Paperback

To enter the giveaway, you must complete the Rafflecopter entry form below.

This giveaway is open worldwide. The contest will close at 12:01 AM EST on August 25, 2012.

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