Chandler Baker | A Creepy Concoction for the Release of ALIVE

Dark Heart Sangria and Candy Blood Bags

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.

Website | Twitter | YouTube

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?

Comments

23 comments posted.

Re: Chandler Baker | A Creepy Concoction for the Release of ALIVE

Champagne:)
(Marissa Yip-Young 6:08am June 12, 2015)

My favorite celebration drink are margaritas. Sangria works
too, thanks for the recipe.
(Jennifer Ingman 8:23am June 12, 2015)

I like margaritas on the rocks. My daughter said tequila fixes
anything.
(Leona Olson 11:09am June 12, 2015)

Margaritas but i love just crown and Dr.pepper
(Jennifer Beck 11:29am June 12, 2015)

My favorite celebration drink is lemon sparkling water.
(Sharon Berger 12:02pm June 12, 2015)

My favorite celebration drink is my mother's recipe for
home made egg nog, made from scratch the old fashioned
way (with plenty of rum). But for hot weather, sangria is
just perfect.
(Irene Menge 5:58pm June 12, 2015)

Since I have a lot of health issues, I usually drink ice water.
I've read a few stories from people who have had transplants.
Sometimes life is stranger than fiction.
(Nancy Luebke 6:26pm June 12, 2015)

Any kind of red wine!
(Lily Shah 6:52pm June 12, 2015)

I prefer water when I celebrate. But I have no problem with anyone celebrating with the drink of their choice.
(Robbie Bauldree 10:55am June 13, 2015)

My go to drink has always been Strawberry Margaritas, but
wouldn't turn down a good Sangria either!!! Can't wait to dive
into this book & give this recipe a whirl!!! Thanks for the
opportunity to win & good luck to all who enter!!!:)
(Andra| Dalton 11:08am June 13, 2015)

Awesome giveaway. Thank you for this opportunity.
(Elizabeth Stacy 3:10pm June 13, 2015)

My favorite drink is a Strawberry Margarita or a good Lambrusco wine. I'm not much of a drinker and like a simple good tasting drink when I celebrate. Your Sangria recipe sounds really good. I've never had one but from ingredients know I'd like it with all the fruit. Thanks for the giveaway.
(Linda Luinstra 4:27pm June 13, 2015)

I like a glass of wine to celebrate thank you.
(Patricia Venable 8:46pm June 13, 2015)

In honor of the theme of the book my favorite celebration drink would have
to be a "Bloody Mary"!
(Trisha Mazzei 1:23pm June 14, 2015)

it a book that i may not boot down and after i finish i gave the book to my ma.
(Lori Huber 4:11pm June 14, 2015)

I love sangria, but somehow every celebration I take part in always ends up
with margaritas or champagne (yuck), depending on the occasion. I definitely
have to make this sangria!!
(Nikki Fournier 5:17am June 15, 2015)

Since I'm a Redneck girl I celebrate with a beer . Would love to read this book . Thanks for this giveaway.
(Joan Thrasher 10:35am June 15, 2015)

I like to celebrate with Rumchatta and Root Beer.
(Becky R 10:47am June 15, 2015)

My love is red wine
(Shirley Younger 12:19pm June 15, 2015)

I love a good glass of wine
(Jean Benedict 12:51pm June 15, 2015)

I am boring but I love a nice glass of iced tea with lemon
(Denise Austin 3:09pm June 15, 2015)

I love sangria, always looking for new recipes.
(Jean Patton 3:20pm June 15, 2015)

Gin and squirt.
(MaryEllen Hanneman 5:34pm June 15, 2015)

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