Nicole Conway: “Fostering a Love of Writing” + Mad Magic Blog Tour Contest

The official blog tour for Mad Magic stops here today with a guest post from author Nicole Conway, plus your chance to win a copy of the book – so be sure to keep reading for all the details!

Two people stand out in my mind when it comes to fostering and encouraging my love of writing while I was in school. First, my mom. I was homeschooled until 6^th grade and was very fortunate to have freedom in those crucial years to read and write according to my own choices rather than within the boundaries of some generally prescribed curriculum. My mom said she noticed immediately that I had a passion for reading and writing, so she worked to encourage that and let me explore the world of literature as I pleased. She took me to workshops and to hear authors speak. It made that desire to be a part of the writing world grow strong in my heart – and that’s a fire that’s never died.

In high school, I attended a local public school, where unfortunately it’s harder to find opportunities for students gifted in the fine arts to really express and nurture their talent. However, I did have a teacher, Dr. Jerome Ward of Hartselle High School, who recognized my ability and immediately opened the doors to let me utilize and learn. He indulged me in reading some of my early (and frankly horrible) manuscripts, and pushed me hard to be better. I always gravitated towards the “hard” teachers in school because I wanted to be challenged. I was young and hungry, dying to learn, and soaking in everything I could. Dr. Ward was definitely a driving force behind my successes in school and now in the world of publication.

Mad Magic is a beautifully dark and rich Young Adult fantasy from Nicole Conway, bestselling author of the Dragonrider Chronicles.

Josie Barton is a high school student living in terror. Invisible creatures torment her everywhere she goes, constantly getting her into trouble at school, and even haunting her apartment. But just when Josie thinks things couldn’t get any worse… she meets the guy from across the hall.

Zeph Clemmont is a changeling with enemies in all the worst places, fighting to undo a curse that threatens to end his life. Survival means he will have to swallow his pride and trust Josie with all his darkest secrets.

With the help of a gun-slinging shaman and the enigmatic Prince of Nightmares, Zeph and Josie are only a heartbeat away from defeating one of the most diabolical faerie villains their world has ever known.

Find it: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | iBooks | TBD

My name is Ashley “Nicole” Conway. I’m originally from North Alabama and attended Auburn University where I earned a BA in English with a concentration in Classics & Mythology. I’m happily married and have one son, Ethan. I also have a cat, Mr. Darcy, and a dog named Phoebe.

Writing has been a passion of mine since childhood, and to be able to do it as a full-time career is something I take as a great blessing and honor. My heart is in children’s literature, specifically middle-grade and young adult fantasy. I’m best known for my MG/YA fantasy series THE DRAGONRIDER CHRONICLES, which is published by Month9Books. The second series, THE DRAGONRIDER LEGACY, just launched this fall!

My other works in include MAD MAGIC (2017), THE DISTANCE BETWEEN STARS (2017), SCALES (tbd), and SHATTERBEAST (tbd).

I am represented by Fran Black of Literary Counsel.

Look for my books on Amazon.com and at your local Barnes & Noble Bookstores!

1 winner will win a $10 Amazon Gift Card, US Only. 1 winner will win a finished copy of MAD MAGIC, US Only.