BLOG TOUR: Empty Cup - Suzanne Costigan + Review + Giveaway!

Title: Empty Cup

Publication date: November 3, 2014

Publisher: Rebelight Publishing Inc.

Author: Suzanne Costigan

Mom’s new boyfriend is creepy.

On the night of her seventeenth birthday, Raven finds out he isn’t just creepy, he’s dangerous. He leaves Raven broken and bleeding, but Mom blames her for what happened. She kicks Raven out of the house with nothing but a blanket to protect her from a frigid winter night.

Alone.

Devastated.

Abandoned.

As Raven struggles with the aftermath of the ultimate betrayal, she seeks solace in her imagination and a teacher who seems to understand her situation. She ultimately discovers that her world won’t change if she relies upon someone else to do it. Real change begins within.

“…Sure to prompt reflection and provocative discussions on important issues.”

-Allan Stratton, author of Leslie’s Journal

“Not an easy story, but an important one. Compelling, powerful, and engaging.”

-Eric Walters, author of Power Play.

Goodreads Buy: 

Chapters Indigo | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | TBD | IndieBound


REVIEW: 

Empty Cup is a book that will tug very hard at your heart strings. And if you're anything like I am, it will make you cry. A lot.

Raven's home life is terrifying and is a tragedy that no child should ever have to live through. Unfortunately, for Raven and children like her, it happens far too often. Raven's mother takes her anger out on Raven and often blames her for the life that she's living. Raven tries to be strong and tries to endure the abuse that's thrown her way but once her step-father crosses a very dangerous line, Raven can't take anymore. After being kicked out of her house by her hateful mother, she ends up at her friend Lyla's house. Lyla's mother does what she can to help Raven and to nurture her in order for Raven to understand that not all people will let you down.

Lyla and Raven's relationship takes a turn for the worse when Lyla's crush on their friend Cole drives a wedge between her and Raven. Throw in an inappropriate relationship with a substitute teacher and you've got one heartbreak after the other.

Suzanne Costigan's ability to write this book in a teenage girl's voice is amazing. Raven's character is believable and when I read this book I could really hear that teenage voice in my head. The dynamic between Lyla and Raven is a great one and I honestly think that Lyla saved Raven's life by being there for her at just the right time. The petty fights between the girls reminded me of being a teenage girl and having arguments with my girlfriends about guys.

My favorite part about this book would probably be the relationship between Raven and Cole. They've all been friends since they were kids but Cole promised himself years ago that he would protect Raven and when he finds out what really happened to Raven he blames himself. They both are going through a lot in their young lives and they try to save each other which I think in turn helps them save themselves.

The subject matter of this book is really dark and it can be very depressing. It's hard to say I enjoyed this book because of the subject matter but I did honestly enjoy this book and how Suzanne chose to portray the characters, their issues, and how they resolved those issues. Books like this really serve a purpose to bring awareness to the fact that things like this happen to young people far too often and far more frequently than people realize. I enjoyed Suzanne's writing style and I sincerely hope that she plans to write more books in the future because I would love to read more by her. You will not be disappointed if you choose to pick up this book! 

ABOUT SUZANNE COSTIGAN:

Suzanne Costigan is a child welfare advocate, supporting high risk children in her home, and an active member of the Winnipeg writing community. Empty Cup is her first novel.

Connect with the Author: 

 Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Giveaway Information:  Winner will be drawn March 27, 2015

·        Two (2) winners will received a physical copy of Empty Cup by Suzanne Costigan (US/Canada)

·        Five (5) winners will receive a digital copy of Empty Cup by Suzanne Costigan (INT)

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**Disclaimer: I received this book via Chapter by Chapter Blog Tours in exchange for an honest review. Any thoughts and opinions are my own.**

31 Days of Better Blogging: Day 30 - Brainstorming

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Day 30 is all about brainstorming!! 

As a writer, brainstorming is very important to me. Some of the best ideas I've had in my writing and in other areas of my life have come from brainstorming sessions. I've also wondered about my sanity during brainstorming situations. There are some scary things floating around in this head! 

I have five tips for brainstorming. These are things that I use to help me come up with ideas: 

• Listen to music that fits the mood or theme of whatever you're trying to come up with. For example, I listen to a lot of jazz music when I'm trying to develop characters. I like characters who have soft and hard edges like some jazz music so sometimes I grab my headphones, turn up the volume, and lay back on the couch until something comes to me. (Or I fall asleep. Don't do this if you're sleepy.) 
• Write down everything. Dump it all out on a piece of paper, a Word document, a note app on your phone, or even a cocktail napkin. Whatever you have on hand, write everything in your brain on that. When I was working in retail and I came across a brilliant idea, I'd write it down on receipt paper. I ended up with stacks and stacks of little notes but it helped me keep from forgetting my ideas. 
• Phone a friend. Or text. Bounce ideas off of someone you trust who will not judge you if you send them a message at 3 A.M. Especially if that message says something like , "I created a fictional cat in this story because I want a cat and the hubs says we can't have one." (Not that I've sent something like that to anyone.) 
• Get a hobby. I've had some "lightbulb" moments while I was immersed in one of my favorite hobbies. There are several times I've been working on a piece of jewelry and think about what it would look like on a character. Usually a dead character but beggars can't be choosers, right? 
• Have a good sense of humor. Allow yourself to be silly, even more so when you're getting frustrated with yourself or the situation. Find something funny in your brainstorming process and give yourself a good laugh. Don't be so serious! 

I hope some of my tips help with your brainstorming process. What are some things you do to help brainstorm?