Chandler Baker | A Creepy Concoction for the Release of ALIVE

When I started to write ALIVE, it was on the heels of a crisis of faith. I had one manuscript that my agent had been unable to sell, followed by years of ghostwriting during which time I was hired by companies to write novels under pseudonyms. I knew it was time to pursue my own ideas again, but I was afraid of another rejection. It turned out fear, though, was exactly the emotion I needed to channel.

As I started to think about what bits of stories I enjoyed writing most, I realized quickly that it was the scary ones. Scenes that involved suspense, chills and even a bit of gore came easily to me. This revelation was a surprise since growing up, I’d always dreaded when a horror movie was put on at sleepovers and, still, to this day, I watch any and all creepy scenes through the cracks of my fingers. But I couldn’t deny that these types of stories evoked a strong emotional reaction that begged me to find out what happened next. I even have a hard time watching a trailer for any horror movie without immediately jumping to Wikipedia to learn more about the plot. I both love and hate the thrill and what I enjoy even more is creating that reaction with my own words.

With ALIVE I wanted to mix real-life scary (chronic illness) with a bit of the fantastical. It was a book born out of my favorite parts of horror movies, books and haunted houses and-- what do you know--it was the story that sold and is now my debut novel.

I’m so excited to celebrate the release of ALIVE here at Fresh Fiction. And what’s fresher for a summer read than sangria? Since I know not everyone can come to my launch party to celebrate in person, I wanted to share the Dark Heart Sangria we’ll be making at my fabulous local indie, BookPeople.

And since nothing is more frightening then my cooking (I only wish I were kidding…), this recipe is virtually foolproof.

To add to the theme of the book or for your next spooky party, check out these awesome blood bags we got for sangria serving. (Yes, I’m obsessed).

Happy Reading and Enjoy!

Dark Heart Sangria

-1 bottle of red wine
-1 shot of triple sec
-1 cup orange juice
-2 cups ginger ale
-Orange
-Blueberries, blackberries, cherries
-Any other fruit you want

GIVEAWAY

Readers, what's your favorite celebration drink? Leave a comment below and be entered for a chance to win a print copy of ALIVE! US only.

About Chandler Baker

Chandler Baker got her start ghostwriting novels for teens and tweens before turning to her own stories. She grew up in Florida, went to college in Pennsylvania, and studied law in Texas where she now lives with her husband. Although she loves spinning tales with a touch of horror, she is a much bigger scaredy-cat than her stories would lead you to believe.

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About ALIVE

Stella Cross's heart is poisoned. After years on the transplant waiting list, she's running out of hope that she'll ever see her eighteenth birthday. Then, miraculously, Stella receives the transplant she needs to survive.

Determined to embrace everything she came so close to losing, Stella throws herself into her new life. But her recovery is marred with strange side effects: Nightmares. Hallucinations. A recurring pain that flares every day at the exact same moment. Then Stella meets Levi Zin, the new boy on everyone's radar at her Seattle prep school. Stella has never felt more drawn to anyone in her life, and soon she and Levi can barely stand to be apart.

Stella is convinced that Levi is her soul mate. Why else would she literally ache for him when they are apart?

After all, the heart never lies...does it?