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THE COLORS OF MADELEINE BLOG TOUR (& Giveaway): A Corner of White by Jaclyn Moriarty

Jaclyn Moriarty is one of Ana’s favourite writers (her Ashbury/Brookfield series is a thing of beauty) and A Corner of White has been a highly anticipated read since she first heard about it. And the book turned out to be as AMAZING as expected. So when we were invited to take part on the blog tour, we said yes as fast as we could.

ColorsofMadeleineBadge

Please, give it up for Jaclyn!

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The Colours of Cello

A Corner of White

In the Kingdom of Cello, certain colours that have come to life. These are known as the Colours of Cello. A Colour’s shade determines its form and its effect: some Colours float or mist or rain, some get under your fingernails or into your coffee beans. Some Colours have a fragrance, some, like Lemon Yellow or Hot Pink, can be extremely damaging to your eyes. It can be difficult to distinguish between a third level Grey, which will tear you to pieces, and a thunderstorm… There are Colours that bring out the beauty of your smile, Colours that spike like needles, and Colours so loud they can overwhelm your senses.

*

A few years ago, I decided to write a trilogy about the Kingdom of Cello. I drew a map of the Kingdom and its provinces, and I wrote notes about its landscape and politics. But I felt like something was missing.

One day I was working on my plan in a café. I always take big notebooks and coloured markers along when I work in a café. I use the markers to draw pictures or diagrams, and to accidentally drop onto the floor. So I spend a lot of my writing time bumping my head on the underside of tables as I search for a fallen marker, or apologising to strangers who have tripped over one (those things can really send you flying), or knocking my coffee sideways as I lunge across the table to try to catch a marker that is rolling steadily towards the edge.

Anyway, this day, a friend walked by the cafe where I was working. He waved through the window, then came inside, sat at my table, and asked what I was up to. (One thing about working in a local café: friends are always pulling up a chair to chat. They don’t realise it’s my office. They think it’s a café.) (It’s okay, I’ve learned to steer the conversation directly to the topics I’m researching. Eventually I find a topic in which they have expertise. Then I take notes while they talk. In effect, they become unpaid employees.)

So, like I said, my friend sat at my table and asked what I was up to. This friend, I should say, is a filmmaker, and his latest film had been a horror movie. I told him all about the Kingdom of Cello.

‘What are your monsters?’ he said at once. ‘You can’t have a kingdom without monsters.’

I looked at him.
He was absolutely right.

That’s what my kingdom was missing.

Then I looked down at the table—at all my coloured markers rolling around—and I decided that the monsters were colours.

*

That made no sense, of course. How can a colour be a monster?

But I started researching the science of colour, and I realised that it did make sense. Of course colours can be monsters. When you think about it, colours are just pieces of light. The sun sends out rays and each ray is a different form of energy. Most of these forms of energy are invisible, but light is the visible part—and if you break that light into pieces you get colours. Colours are just flying energy.

(The above is more or less true, but extremely simplified. Don’t show it to a physicist.)

About the Author: Jaclyn Moriarty is the prize-winning, best-selling author of novels for young adults and adults including Feeling Sorry for Celia and The Year of Secret Assignments. Jaclyn grew up in Sydney, lived in England, the US, and Canada, and now lives in Sydney again. She is very fond of chocolate, blueberries, and sleep.

Thank you, Jaclyn!

And don’t forget: today The Colors of Madeleine tour also stops by Perpetual Page Turner to feature “Pining for Purples” and Ana posts her review of the book.

The Giveaway:

PrizePack-Purple

One (1) winner receives The Colors of Madeleine prize pack in Purple:

· Moleskine journal
· Pen
· Coffee mug
· Copy of A Corner of White

The contest is open to addresses in the US ONLY and will run until Sunday, April 7 at 12:01 am PST. In order to enter, use the form below! Good luck.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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67 Comments

  • scribe k.
    April 3, 2013 at 3:57 am

    this book looks great! i am so excited to read it! i love all of Jaclyn Moriarty’s works, so this will be a shoo-in! <3 =)

  • Allison
    April 3, 2013 at 4:00 am

    these books look fantastic, definitely have to read them!

  • Raina
    April 3, 2013 at 5:15 am

    Sounds like an interesting book.

  • Jaime
    April 3, 2013 at 5:22 am

    I’ve been looking forward to this book. I’m glad you liked it.

  • Stephanie T.
    April 3, 2013 at 7:45 am

    I have been SO looking forward to another Jacyln Moriarty book since finishing the Ashbury series!! I’m so excited for this!

  • Jacqueline
    April 3, 2013 at 8:38 am

    The concept of having the monsters be colors is pretty fascinating. I’m looking forward to seeing how that works!

  • Libby
    April 3, 2013 at 8:42 am

    “Don’t show it to a physicist.”

    Well, now you’ve just compelled me to go find a physicist to take it to. Hm, where does one go about finding one of those…

  • Amanda W
    April 3, 2013 at 9:26 am

    Another bunch of books to add to my to-read list! This one looks like exactly my cup of tea, so I’ll move it to the top.

  • Tami
    April 3, 2013 at 9:27 am

    Oooh, colors as antagonists? That sounds intriguing!

  • Jill
    April 3, 2013 at 9:59 am

    This sounds ridiculously imaginative and awesome. And it reminds me I still need to read Moriarty’s previous Ashbury High series since she’s onto a new project.

  • Marla
    April 3, 2013 at 10:35 am

    I am so excited to see Moriarty has a new series! I would probably donate my copy to my library– after, of course, I finished it. Because I’m usually the last person to get to read the books I buy for the library.

  • mary anne
    April 3, 2013 at 10:44 am

    I have to admit I have entered for a chance to win a copy of this book at a few other web sites. I’m usually not so persistent, but I have enjoyed previous books by Ms. Moriarty, and this one looks really interesting. Why does it feel like Australian writers are universally excellent? Or is it just that we only get hold (in the U.S.) of those books from far off that have hurdled the quality barrier?

  • Etta
    April 3, 2013 at 10:54 am

    I’m so excited for this one. I loved Moriarty’s Ashbury High series, and I’ve been anxiously awaiting her newest. It sounds great.

  • Meghan
    April 3, 2013 at 10:57 am

    This series looks like it’s definitely something I should put on my ever-growing to-read list! I’m always intrigued when science and fantasy intersect and from your review, these look to be very fascinating indeed!

  • Anna Wing
    April 3, 2013 at 11:02 am

    I LOVED the Ashbury/Brookfield series, so I’m thrilled that this book sounds so amazing too–books that weave together traditional narrative with letters and in-universe writing are my kryptonite.

  • Amanda Lee
    April 3, 2013 at 11:27 am

    I adore Jaclyn Moriarty’s books. I’m so thrilled she has a new one coming out!

  • Rebecca I.
    April 3, 2013 at 12:35 pm

    Have been looking forward to this book for a while now – Moriarty’s previous work is brilliant! Very excited to read this. 🙂

  • Rose L.
    April 3, 2013 at 12:56 pm

    I’ve had this book on my radar for months now, and I’m so glad it seems to be living up to the hype! It’s really different from anything else I’ve come across in a while. Definitely need to check this out!

  • Superbwg
    April 3, 2013 at 1:29 pm

    Wooohooo, this book sounds awesome! I love stories that use things (like colors) in completely new and unexpected ways. Also purple is also one of my favorite colors 🙂

  • Ellie
    April 3, 2013 at 1:40 pm

    I haven’t read the Ashbury series yet, so I don’t know Jaclyn Moriarty’s writing, but this book sounds really good!

  • Katy K.
    April 3, 2013 at 1:58 pm

    How have I not heard of Jaclyn Moriarty before? Color me intrigued… and I will try to lay my hands on this book one way or another.

  • Andrea Grabowski
    April 3, 2013 at 3:39 pm

    I can’t wait to read this book! I love how in Jaclyn Moriarty’s books every thing comes together in the end. How things that seemed random or small in the begining make sense in the end.

  • Serena
    April 3, 2013 at 3:39 pm

    This book looks great. It sounds a bit like the His Dark Materials series, even down to the location of Cambridge!

  • hapax
    April 3, 2013 at 3:46 pm

    This looks delightfully *different.*

  • elena
    April 3, 2013 at 4:46 pm

    Yes, I AM SO EXCITED to read this one! After today’s review on the blog about it, I am even more excited.

  • Vivien
    April 3, 2013 at 5:20 pm

    This definitely caught my eye. Sounds utterly adorable!

  • Lark @ The Bookwyrm's Hoard
    April 3, 2013 at 5:22 pm

    I love Jaclyn’s description of her workspace, and the story of how her colour monsters came to be. And Ana’s review was awesome! I am definitely going to read this book.

  • Wendy
    April 3, 2013 at 5:25 pm

    I FirT Picked Up Her Book Because Of Her Name. Moriarty. I Love That Name, It Has That Ominious Sherlock Thing Behind It lol

  • Megan S.
    April 3, 2013 at 6:25 pm

    I’ve been enjoying reading these posts on the blog tour, and the book looks intriguing.

  • Regan
    April 3, 2013 at 6:26 pm

    I’ve never read her other books, but the colors as monsters concept is really interesting. I’m going to add this one to my TBR list.

  • Sarah
    April 3, 2013 at 6:39 pm

    I’ve loved Moriarty’s books for years – and I love that she writes in multiple genres. Cannot wait to read this one.

  • Lexi
    April 3, 2013 at 7:51 pm

    The book looks interesting. Also, I can sympathize with tripping random people with runway stuff. (:

  • Rylie
    April 3, 2013 at 8:18 pm

    This sounds like an interesting book.

  • Victoria Zumbrum
    April 3, 2013 at 8:20 pm

    These books sound really good. Thanks for the giveaway.

  • Jillian T.
    April 3, 2013 at 8:29 pm

    After this, I definitely have several more books to add to my TBR list! “A Corner of White” has now been moved to the top.

  • Wrighty
    April 3, 2013 at 8:36 pm

    What a great tour! I’ve really been looking forward to this book. Thanks for the offer! 🙂

  • Chris Bails
    April 3, 2013 at 8:37 pm

    The book sounds great. This is a new author for me. I love to read and always looking for new authors to check out. Thanks for the chance to win

  • Jasmine S.
    April 3, 2013 at 8:43 pm

    I’ve been interested in this for a while, as I’ve seen the blog tour, but now I’m VERY intrigued. The colour-monster explanation is brilliant. And now I want to check to make sure I have monsters in everything. 😀

  • Myra C
    April 3, 2013 at 8:49 pm

    A new author for me and this books sounds really good. Thanks for the giveaway!

  • Dana
    April 3, 2013 at 9:00 pm

    This books sounds great and has been getting such positive feedback. can’t wait to read it for myself!

  • Stephanie
    April 3, 2013 at 9:02 pm

    So excited for this book! Thanks for the giveaway.

  • erinf1
    April 3, 2013 at 9:55 pm

    sounds awesome! Thanks for sharing!

  • Hannah H
    April 3, 2013 at 10:12 pm

    May I just say that I am happy to learn that this exists? I love Jaclyn Moriarty’s books and due to the sad Australia/US gap I never learn about them in time. *Adds to Kindle wishlist*. Thank you, and I look forward to reading this!

  • Gabi
    April 3, 2013 at 11:24 pm

    I haven’t heard of this book before. I’m intrigued! It sounds fantastic. :]

  • Deserae McG
    April 3, 2013 at 11:46 pm

    Love the story behind the story, Jaclyn. My friends are always helping me figure out what I always knew but didn’t know I knew ’til they said it. And what a creative idea to turn the colors into monsters! I would have never thought… but when it works, it works!

    Warm wishes and thanks for being a guest!
    Deserae

  • Maggie, Young Adult Anonymous
    April 4, 2013 at 1:36 am

    I use the markers to draw pictures or diagrams, and to accidentally drop onto the floor.
    I love her. I feel like Ann Veal from Arrested Development when she tells George Michael, “Take me to your secular world!” Take me to your world, Jaclyn!

  • Franki
    April 4, 2013 at 4:24 am

    I’m so pumped that I found that there is a giveaway for this book! It looks fantastic! I love, love, love books that break the rules, and break the rules well. 😀

  • Nicole R
    April 4, 2013 at 7:57 am

    Between this fun post and Ana’s review, I expect I’ll love this one. Definitely adding to my TBR list.

  • Lindsay Elizabeth
    April 4, 2013 at 11:18 am

    This sounds great! And I loved her previous books.

  • Kaethe
    April 4, 2013 at 2:00 pm

    Another fan of the Ashbury series delighted to hear about this one being good.

  • Lauren
    April 4, 2013 at 2:21 pm

    Cheers to public cafe offices, and sending perfect strangers flying by way of escaped markers!

    Oh, and cheers to this new book as well!

  • Justine
    April 4, 2013 at 3:26 pm

    I’m loving how colorful this tour is!

  • Jasmine Rose
    April 4, 2013 at 7:54 pm

    I’m so glad it’s finally the purple stop! Also, I’m really glad this tour brought the book to my attention, because it sounds really good :]

  • Donna
    April 4, 2013 at 8:59 pm

    Great giveaway

  • julie
    April 4, 2013 at 9:31 pm

    would love to read this book

  • sarac
    April 4, 2013 at 11:28 pm

    this book sounds great. looking forward to reading it!

  • Linda
    April 4, 2013 at 11:38 pm

    Thanks for the giveaway

  • RivkaBelle
    April 5, 2013 at 11:16 am

    This sounds so fun! I love the concept…and the colors? Awesome. Definitely adding this one to my To Read list!

  • Alison C
    April 5, 2013 at 9:00 pm

    I love the quote “You can’t have a kingdom without monsters!”

  • http://www.chanel-vip-sale.com
    April 6, 2013 at 3:18 am

    This excellent website definitely has all the information
    I needed about this subject and didn’t know who to ask.

  • Misty
    April 6, 2013 at 10:01 am

    This sounds unusual and fun!

  • Elaine C.
    April 6, 2013 at 4:04 pm

    I remember reading the glowing, 10-rated(!) review of The Ghosts of Ashbury High here and kept it on my list of books to read. For some reason, I read Celia and Secret Assignments and never really checked back to see her newer work (although in my defense, the 4 books were released over something like 10 years). I finally finished the Ashbury/Brookfield series last year and it is glorious and incomparable. Looks like A Corner of White and this new series is heading there as well.

  • Maya S.
    April 6, 2013 at 8:56 pm

    Can’t wait!

  • Darith L.
    April 7, 2013 at 1:40 am

    Looks like a cute novel! 😀

  • diagnostic
    April 7, 2013 at 10:28 am

    At this time I am ready to do my breakfast, when having my breakfast coming yet again to read
    more news.

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