Thursday, May 12, 2011

Trip Around The World Mega Author Blog Hop, Your Ticket To Liverpool Awaits!

Hello, and welcome to Liverpool! Hop aboard the tour bus for the next stop on the Ticket to Paradise Mega Author Blog Hop! To find the first stop, visit Kristine Cheney's blog! Blog tour starts midnight, 16th May, and ends 23rd May at midnight.

Beat you to the top of the bus! And don't forget your camera. Oh, the natives are trying to say something to you...

"Arr-eye, lichk, fancy comin' down pub for a bevvy?"
Any clue what they just said? He's going to try again, without the accent.
"Aww. Aye. Like. Fancy coming down pub for a bevy?"
Still no clue? No problem, the bus driver is going to speak plain, British English.
"Moan. Do you fancy coming down the pub for a pint?"
Still not clear? Okay, I'll translate to American English.
"I'm bored, do you want to go out for a beer?"
Ah, you've got it now!

Yeah, those Liverpudlians, or Scousers, (people from Liverpool) have a language all of their own, and this posed a challenge and a half when writing When A Mullo Loves A Woman, my paranormal romance mystery. Why? Because Pearl Kizzy, the main character, is a Liverpudlian living in Monterey. Now, I wanted to get her background in, Liverpudlian all the way, but it's annoying when authors write with the slang and accent (see first line above! Imagine reading a book from a Liverpudlians point of view if the author wrote it authentically, and with an accent? Ack, that would be hard reading).
A Brit audience would know what I was going on about, but it would be all mumbo-jumbo (nonsense) to the average American. And since I am writing for an American audience, I had to get it right. Wanted to. Heck, most of my beta readers and critique parters didn't even know what a Liverpudlian was, never mind how they spoke. So I knew I had a challenge ahead of me. And here was me thinking writing about a Brit in America would be easy because I'm there myself. Ha! Silly me.

I decided to take a more subtle approach by slipping in the odd 'Arr, ay' in, along with a few other Brit sayings that weren't too 'out there'. I was careful with context, too, making sure whatever slang Pearl said was clearly defined by what happened before and after she said it.

Why did I decide Pearl should be from Liverpool? Because it's the one place in the UK where I used to enjoy going... it's where Richard and Judy spent years presenting Brits #1 morning show. Where fashion shopping (on the cheap) is aplenty and is, of course, the home of the Beatles. And let's not forget...it's where the soap, Brookside, was filmed. Also, I knew the accent well, since my wee home town in North Wales serves as their main holiday destination.

When A Mullo Loves A Woman, available to buy from all major ebook retailers!

"Take a chance on this new author and pick up this book. I was thoroughly entertained by this offering and am sure you will be too" -- BittenByBooks

"I got so caught up in it, there were a lot of fun quotes, too. 'I'm up the ghostie creek without an emf meter is my favorite." -- Demon Lover's Books And More

"A winning and surprising Paranormal Romance" -- The Romance Reviews


How would you spend the weekend, if you were to visit Liverpool?

You'd probably want to grab a bevy (beer) in The Cavern(although not 100% the original location where The Beatles played, it is the original bricks. Yeah, weird or what? It was rebuilt up on 50% of the original building site, brick by original brick.

The Beatles Museum on The Albert Dock is probably also going to be on your list, as is the Tate Art Gallery and The Merseyside Maritime museum. And quite possibly, you might also take theYellow Boat Tour! If you're traveling by road, you might have to pass through the Mersey Tunnel or take the Mersey Ferry. And you really couldn't stop by Liverpool without dropping in to see Knowsley Hall and attractions.

Or you might wanna take a walk/drive down Penny Lane, made infamous by The Beatles

But I feel I should warn you, Liverpudlians are deadly serious when it comes to football, and supporting their team. And you'll probably watch a lot of it if you do go down the pub for a bevy. Also, you'll probably indulge in a bar meal...lasagna, chicken curry or pie n chips. If that's not your cuppa tea, you can always pop down the Docks for some properFish 'n' Chips! YUM

And one last video about Liverpool before I give you the contest details... everything you need to know about holidaying in this great city!

So who's up for a trip down Liverpool, like? I've got a ticket to ride (yeah, Beatles pun), fancy joining me?

There's a prize in it for ya!
Mullo is currently going through the process of going to print, and one lucky commenter could win the first sig
ned copy of When A Mullo Loves A Woman (prize will be sent out when available) PLU
S a custom book thong AND they'll get to name a character in book two, which so happens to take place in LIVERPOOL! That's not all, there's a second prize, too. A PDF of When A Mullo Loves A Woman.


What do you have to do to win?
Easy... do one, all, or some of the following:

1) Go watch my vlog here and comment (1point) ALSO BONUS CONTEST ON MY VLOG -- when I get 100 vlog subscribers, my publisher is going to give away free ecopies of my book When A Mullo Loves A Woman, to 3 lucky subscribers. So be sure to click 'google follow' when you visit.
2) Add me, or my book, to your Goodreads (1point each)

3) Comment on this blog post mentioning which tasks you did. Be sure to include links and/or usernames so I can confirm which takes you have completed.

4) Subscribe to this site via Google Follow (1 point)

Last but not least,
PARTICIPATION AT EVERY BLOG IS RECOMMENDED. BUT REMEMBER: THE MORE YOU HOP, THE MORE CHANCES YOU HAVE TO WIN. EVERY AUTHOR IS WAITING TO MEET AND INTERACT WITH YOU, SO PLEASE BE SURE TO SHOW EVERY AUTHOR SOME LOVE!
YOUR NEXT STOP IS.. SOUTHWEST FLORIDA, BABY, with Kristie Cook!
Hope you had fun! And good luck, to each and every one of you. There are some majorly awesome prizes up for grabs -- be sure to leave some way for me to contact you if you should win my prize -- like a twitter, youtube or blogger account, or email.

CONTEST OPEN 16TH TIL 23RD MAY
And the tour starts here:Kristine Cheney

29 comments:

  1. Great videos and interesting blog. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Great post and very interesting! I didn't know anything about Liverpool.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Commented on the vlog! Love smutketeers!!! How fun is that?!!!
    added to goodreads- Shannon Johnson!!
    Thank you for the giveaway!!!
    GFC Shannon Johnson
    shannonjean14(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  4. Love your vlog left commet, google follow sharonramos2(at)gmail(dot)com goodreads. Sharon

    ReplyDelete
  5. Added your book to my goodreads :) Thanks for the giveaway.

    fadeintofantasy(at)live(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  6. I added your book to my Goodreads & I am now following your blog.
    Thank you
    Kleah921(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  7. Wow - the blog brought back memories of when I lived inthe UK - pity I support Chelsea!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I did ALL OF THE ABOVE! :D even liked ya on FB lol

    leanne_gag[at]hotmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  9. ok i really am going to have to read these books...
    I followed on fb, google, watched the vlog,and added your book on goodreads..
    velvetbear72@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. Let's see... I did the following...
    1. Followed your VBlog - Toni Steiner
    2. Following this Blog - same UN
    3. Left a comment on the VBlog - great way to review books BTW!!

    Thanks for joining the Hop!!

    tsteinerid (gmail.com)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Loved the tour! Thanks so much.
    longlegs_browneyes@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. Loved the tour. I always think of the Beatles when I think of Liverpool.

    GFC follower of here: June M.
    GFC follower of your Vlog: June M.
    Added your book to goodreads: June Manning
    Became fan and sent friend request on goodreads: June Manning

    Thank you!
    manning_j2004 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  13. Always love your romance Haul vlogs !!! Will be looking into those books ;) wink wink !!!
    Left a comment over their !!
    Your tour was great !! thanks for the insight !!

    I already have your book in my list over at goodreads, have reviewed it love it and would love a paperback copy ;) ** flutters eyelashes **
    I follow your blog via google connect as me ** katrina whittaker **
    I follow you everywhere ;)
    kat
    :) kittee_cat@bigpond.com

    ReplyDelete
  14. > I added you on Goodreads (http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/4595584-claudine-s) and I'm a GFC follower (claudine_princess)

    Thank you for this chance! My fingers are crossed :)

    claudine_princess@yahoo.com.ph

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hi. I have went to your Vlog, google followed and good reads followed ;)Thank you for the chance to win!

    heltondexter@yahoo.com
    FB-Rhonda Perkins-Helton
    good reads- Rhonda Helton

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hi JoAnne! No need to enter me in the contest, I already have an e-book copy of your book!! Fantastic! :) Great post! There are so many places in England I want to visit and I'm adding this to the list!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Squee!
    I subscribed on youtube as well, goddessofpixies

    my email is shadowestr @ aol . com

    ReplyDelete
  18. England is such a historical place. I love reading historical novels set there.
    +1 added to goodread
    +1 GFC follower....all under Michelle Bledsoe

    koonie2888 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hi!
    Been to England, but never in Liverpool yet.
    I'm a new follower here in this blog.
    +1 GFC inga
    +1 your book is now in my TBR list
    +1 added you to Goodreads´
    +1 looked at your vlog GFC inga

    Last, but not least, thank you for the giveaway!
    inga(dot)kupp(at)gmail(dot)com

    inga from http://www.ingasilbergbooks.com/

    ReplyDelete
  20. Followed your vlog - MichelleMBish. I would love to visit England.
    mmbourassa(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  21. If I visited Liverpool I would have to take a Beatles tour.. My hubby is such a HUGE fan!!! :) It would be fun for me to watch the joy on his face...

    Fun blog JoAnne!!!

    Lisa :)

    ReplyDelete
  22. Hello awesome I love the Beatles
    I am a follower here on the bog as Reanna Bartley and added your book and as a fan on Goodreads as Reanna

    Thanks Reannabartley(at)gmail(.)com

    ReplyDelete
  23. I commented and subscribed to your vlog on Youtube- MythLover86
    I am a GFC follower on here as well as REH under Krysta Banco
    I sent a friend request on Goodreads- Krysta Banco

    Morganlafey86(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  24. Loved the intro with the accents and the translations... LOL!

    I added you to my Goodreads, commented on your vlog, and following you on both under Alexandra Roxana.

    Thanks for the giveaway! And, who knows, maybe one day I will visit Liverpool and send you some pics :D But right now all I can do is say Hi! from Switzerland xD

    sontrei2000@yahoo.com.br

    ReplyDelete
  25. Been to liverpool a couple of times!! I love that city!!
    +1 I follow you here: melissasanchezdempsey
    +2 your book is now on my TBR list on goodread as are you: elizabethgold
    +1 looked at your vlog and followed: melissasanchezdempsey
    Thanks for the giveaway!!
    melissasanchezdempsey@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  26. I'm a GFC follower - Stacey Clifford and also I follow you on goodreads and have your book on my tbr list under the same name. :)

    s_l_a_s_c69@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  27. Wow Joanne, this is one popular blog, took me forever to scroll down this far. It's good to see everyone else loves you as much as the Decadent crowd

    ReplyDelete
  28. OMG, what a response, right? I'm thrilled it got such a great response! It's nice to see that people did more than just comment to enter, too xxx Thank you, everyone, for commenting, watching, subscribing etc.. -- I'm going in now, to count up the entries and to pick two winners! Good luck. I'll post a new blog to announce the winners.

    ReplyDelete