The SMASH 2013 Blog Tour Begins!

in , , , ,

Today, we kick off the 2013 Blog Tour! I'll update you at least once a day on where each post will appear and what we'll be babbling about this time. First stop: a guest post on the Random Chalk Talk blog about "How A Webcomic Becomes A Book." Blogger extraordinaire Jennie Smith even starts off with some lovely words for Smash: Trial by Fire:

The art work, plot and pure fun of this novel will keep you turning the page to see what happens and will definitely leave you wanting for more at the end! I can't wait to see the next novel!

Believe me, Jennie — neither can we!

Click here to head on over and check out the post. And be sure to have a look around Random Chalk Talk — you'll find a lot of great blog posts to read!

Next stop: the Powell's Books blog, where I write a piece about the birth of Smash — how an idea for an all-ages comic took shape into the book you can hold on your hands tomorrow!

To check out the full tour, click here.

Presenting...the SMASH Blog Tour!

in , , , , , ,

Tuesday is the big day! Hard to believe it's almost here after so much time and anticipation. Not only are we celebrating Book Launch Week, but we're also kicking off...

The 2013 SMASH Blog Tour!!

Smash Cover Small

"What's a blog tour?" you ask. Well, it's a lot like a book tour, but instead of physically traveling to stores for in-person readings, we've written and drawn pieces for some of the best book blogs I've had the pleasure to lay eyes on.

Here's the schedule:

Monday, 9/9: Random Chalk Talk — Guest Post on the evolution of SMASH from webcomic to book.

Monday, 9/9: Powells.com Book Blog — Guest Post on the birth of Smash, featuring the scandalous true story how we designed and created the character.

Tuesday, 9/10: Who R U Blog — Q&A with Kyle and me talking about what it's like to work together as brothers and other titillating tales.

Wednesday, 9/11: Book Bitch — Exclusive interview with none other than Smash himself! (Plus a surprise guest.)

Thursday, 9/12: Cynsations — Guest Post, "Graphic Novel 101" — how we make the comic.

Friday, 9/13: Green Bean Teen Queen — Guest Post about the magic of libraries and how they helped create a certain pint-sized superhero.

Saturday, 9/14: Charlotte's Library — Guest Post featuring a comic titled "The True Origin of the Brothers Bolton." Yes, it's all true!

Monday, 9/16: Hooked On Books — Guest Post featuring the SMASH playlist, for the perfect soundtrack to accompany the book!

Tuesday, 9/17: Bildungsroman — Q&A with Kyle and me.

Whew! In case you lost count, that's an entire week of SMASH bloggy goodness! We can't wait to share them with you — and we'd love to hear what you think. It's going to be an amazing week...

"An Action-Packed Crowd-Pleaser!"

in , , ,

Only one week until publication, and SMASH: TRIAL BY FIRE got a glowing review from School Library Journal:

[A]n action-packed crowd-pleaser....The full-color artwork is full of kinetic energy. Action sequences are rendered with a cinematic feel, heightening every punch, explosion, and impact. Smash pays homage to the genre while adding tweaks that make it all feel fresh. This is sure to be a draw for superhero fans and reluctant readers alike.

(Only available online from Barnes & Noble's site.)

SMASH Noted for Fall

in , , ,

We've received a very nice mention as one of ten "Books to Note" for fall 2013, courtesy of School Library Journal blogger Travis Jonker: Smash Cover

There’s no shortage of superhero graphic novels, but Smash: Trial by Fire is more well done than most. About a kid who inherits the powers of his favorite hero, it’s full of drama, humor, and seriously thrilling action sequences. To summarize: kids are going to love it.

SMASH: A Junior Library Guild Selection!

in , , , , ,

We're deeply thrilled and honored to announce that Smash: Trial by Fire has been selected by the Junior Library Guild for its Fall 2013 picks! What is the Junior Library Guild, you ask? From their own website:

We read thousands of books every year and select only the best.

The JLG editorial team reviews more than 3,000 new titles each year, in manuscript or prepublication stage. We've developed a keen sense for finding the best of the best. Nearly 95 percent of our selections go on to receive awards and/or favorable reviews.

So, as you can imagine, this is quite an honor! And we truly couldn't be more pleased. Read more about the JLG here.