Thanksgiving: A Sneak Peek at Infinite Limits.

So, I guess I lied about there not being a post today...

I was actually in the shower when the idea came to me. You see, I was trying to think of books that are either based around the Thanksgiving holiday, or at least mention it some significant way. Then I remembered that Infinite Limits does just that! So in order to help celebrate how thankful I am for all of you, here is a first look at Infinite Limits...

Jade slumped her shoulders in defeat. 

She adjusted her scarf more tightly around her neck. 

If she pulled hard enough, she might choke and pass out, avoiding the situation altogether.

Before she knew it, they were walking up the steps.

They were in the front door. There was warm light filling the space in her head that had been dark for months. Mrs. Ashby was taking her coat. Asking her if she had a pleasant flight. Telling her she was the final guest to arrive, and assuring that no one was stuffed with turkey yet. Just alcohol.

“I’m so glad you came back to visit,” Mrs. Ashby

cheered. She was escorting Jade into the dining room.

“Larson has missed you dearly.”

Jade tried to remember the last time Larson’s mom

was so attentive. He’d mentioned that things were different at home, but she hadn’t been expecting this. She noted that Mr. Ashby hadn’t made an appearance. Maybe that was it. 

They’d finally separated. 

Jade felt a lump form in her throat at the thought of just how much she and Larson needed to catch up.

“I’m glad to be back,” she said, returning Mrs. Ashby’s smile with one of her own.

Jade was half-way lying. But it didn’t feel like it.

“Are you planning on going back to Vanderbilt? I

know Larson mentioned you were taking time off.” 

She brushed a hand through Jade’s hair. “Don’t worry, dear. Everyone does it. I did. It took me a year before I finally kicked my rear back into gear, but I did it. Graduated on schedule, too.” 

She winked. “You’ve got the rest of your life to figure out what you want to do with it.”

This was by far the most astounding and inspiring thing Jade had ever heard come out of Mrs. Ashby’s mouth. She stood with her mouth agape and found herself leaning into the woman, feeling safe.

Mrs. Ashby lit up the room with another smile, then she faced the dining room before them. Everyone Jade had stumbled across in the past six years was now sitting at the table, including a few new faces. Silas was pulling out a chair for Larson as he entered the room through the kitchen. Larson was carrying the turkey on a silver platter. He placed it carefully on the cloth surface and took the seat provided for him. 

Pre-order Infinite Limits on Kindle HERE! 

Available in paperback December 16th on Amazon and B&N.com! 

-Megan.

Owen's iPod (#10InfiniteWeeks)

I present to you... 

a handful of songs that inspired Owen's character and struggles.

I'm just going to let you all sit on these. Take some time to read over the lyrics and tell me what you think. (All Lyrics from AZlyrics.com)

1) "Keep Your Head Up"

Keep your mind set, keep your hair long.

Oh my my darlin' keep your head up, keep your heart strong.

No no no no, keep your mind set in your ways, keep your heart strong.

I saw a friend of mine the other day,

And he told me that my eyes were gleamin'.

Oh I said I had been away, and he knew,

Oh he knew the depths I was meanin'.

And it felt so good to see his face,

Or the comfort invested in my soul.

Oh to feel the warmth of a smile,

When he said "I'm happy to have you home.

Ooh I'm happy to have you home."

Yeah, keep your head up, keep your heart strong.

Oh, no, no, no, no.

Keep your mind set, keep you hair long.

Oh my my darlin', keep your head up, keep you heart strong.

No no no no, keep your mind set in your ways,

Keep your heart strong.

'Cause I'll always remember you the same.

Oh eyes like wild flowers within demons of change.

May you find happiness there,

May all your hopes all turn out right.

Ooh may you find happiness there,

May you find warmth in the middle of the night.

Yeah, keep your head up, keep your heart strong.

Oh, no, no, no, no.

Keep your mind set, keep you hair long.

Oh my my darlin', keep your head up, keep you heart strong.

No no no no, keep your mind set in your ways,

Keep your heart strong.

'Cause I'll always remember you the same.

Oh eyes like wild flowers within demons of change.

2) "Please Don't Say You Love Me"

Summer comes, winter fades
Here we are just the same
Don't need pressure, don't need change
Let's not give the game away
There used to be an empty space
A photograph without a face
But with your presence, and your grace
Everything falls into place
Just please don't say you love me
'Cause I might not say it back
Doesn't mean my heart stops skipping when you look at me like that
There's no need to worry when you see just where we're at
Just please don't say you love me
'Cause I might not say it back
Heavy words are hard to take
Under pressure precious things can break
And how we feel is hard to fake
So let's not give the game away
Just please don't say you love me
'Cause I might not say it back
Doesn't mean my heart stops skipping when you look at me like that
There's no need to worry when you see just where we're at
Just please don't say you love me
'Cause I might not say it back
And fools rush in
And I've been the fool before
This time I'm gonna slow it down
'Cause I think this could be more
The thing I'm looking for
Just please don't say you love me
'Cause I might not say it back
Doesn't mean my heart stops skipping when you look at me like that
There's no need to worry when you see just where we're at
Just please don't say you love me
'Cause I might not say it back
Please don't say you love me
'Cause I might not say it back
Doesn't mean my heart stops skipping when you look at me like that
There's no need to worry when you see just where we're at
Just please don't say you love me
'Cause I might not say it back
Just please don't say you love me
'Cause I might not say it back

3) "Sooner Or Later"

We're all standing with our backs against the wall, Sooner or later
Waiting on a phone that never calls, at all
Heartbreak comes Rollin in like a storm, Sooner or later
Trying to swim but your sinking like a stone, Alone
and I can feel fire in the night
Waiting here
Baby its like we're
Walking on a wire thru the fear
Take my hand
We'll get there
Sooner or later I swear we're gonna make it, we're gonna make it,
Sooner or later I swear we're gonna make it, we're gonna make it
Milk and honey till we get our fill
I'll keep chasing it I always will
Sooner or later I swear
We'll make it there
Sooner than later
We're all waiting on dream thats hard to own, Sooner or later
trying to feel the high without the low, you know
you can feel fire in the night
lying here
Baby its like we're
Walking on a wire thru the fear
Take my hand
We'll get there
the fear inside
the hills we've climbed
the tears this side of heaven
all these dreams inside of me
i swear were gonna get there

4) "Ordinary Love"

I don't wanna be no star
Have fame on the Boulevard
No that's not what I'm looking for
I don't need shiny things
Or love from a movie screen
But I tell you what I really want
Oh oh, oh oh gimme an ordinary love
That I touch
That I hold
Gimme an ordinary love
I don't live in the hills
And I probably never will
But that won't keep me up at night
Cause she's dancing like a fool
Across my living room
Whenever I'm with you
my heart is singing
Oh oh gimme an ordinary love
That I touch
That I hold
Gimme an ordinary love
Keep those fancy things
Keep your magazine
I don't even want what I'm chasing
because all I know isn't ordinary love is what we're made for
Oh oh, oh oh gimme an ordinary love
That I touch
That I hold
Gimme an ordinary love
Oh oh, oh oh gimme an ordinary love
That I touch
That I hold
Gimme an ordinary love
Gimme an ordinary love
Yeah gimme an ordinary love

-Megan.

Lowen (#10InfiniteWeeks)

Owen Spencer was born in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. His parents split when he was very young, but his home life was never affected by it. His mother and father remained friends, which allowed Owen to have an equally close relationship with both of them. He lived with his father and step-mother before attending Foster & Allan Academy in his seventh grade year. This is when Owen was introduced to the Ashby's for the first time.

It's a well known fact amongst Small Circles readers that this was the pivotable moment that forever connected Owen and Larson. Owen stands up for Larson against a group of guys on the lacrosse team. They had been teasing and taunting Larson for a long time, but when they finally get the balls to call him offensive names to his face, Owen steps in. It's this that seals the boys' friendship in Paxton's eyes. Owen is accepted into the group as an equal, and from then on out they are inseparable.

As Owen grows up, he's faced with the idea that he might be different than his friends. He knows that Larson obviously likes boys, and it's just as obvious that Paxton likes girls. But what makes Owen so different is that he doesn't quite know what he likes. He doesn't really like girls, but there aren't any boys he finds attractive either. Except for one. After Larson's birthday party, the two share a moment that forever changes how Owen views his openly gay best friend. One of Audrina's friends dares Owen to kiss Larson during a game of Truth or Dare. He does, but instead of just shrugging it off as mission accomplished, it lingers with him. He feels something. And so does Larson.

Over time, it's the need to explore this new territory that leads Owen to believe that he might possibly be falling for his best friend. But he doesn't publicly acknowledge it. Not by any means. He eventually decided to give in to his need to be with Larson, but only in private. He hides their relationship, which in turn puts a strain on it. Larson's love for the other boy grows so deep and so strong that he suggests coming out as a couple to their friends. Owen refuses. There's a part of him that still can't believe he's gay. To him, there's no proof, other than this one connection with Larson. He's never wanted any other boys. He's never felt "feminine". But over time, he realizes that's not what love is about.

After a long time apart, Larson is the one to convince Owen that love is not about labels. Slapping a definition on who he is isn't going to make either of them feel any better. I was completely moved by Owen and Larson's relationship. It was very important to me to shed light on a character like Owen in my books. Not everyone knows exactly who they are when growing up. Sometimes it's not about gender or sexuality. Sometimes it's just about the connection. And that's what happens with Owen. He falls in love with his best friend, because there's no one else. For Owen, Larson was it. And even though his life was cut short, it was full because he was loved back.


-Megan.

Owen Spencer (#10InfiniteWeeks)

It's week 8 of the Infinite Limits blog tour! Again, I stress how crazy fast this whole thing has blown by. I was already stressing over everyone getting advanced copies, but soon the whole world will be able to read it. Man. No pressure.

This week was originally going to be hosted by Catheryn from The Book Lioness (Blogger & Youtube). Also known as DeathbyFandxms on Instagram. She was unable to take over this week, so I am hosting in her place! And, on Tuesday, Jaclyn from Living in a World of Book Quotes will be posting on her page as well!

Most of you know Owen Spencer. He's our favorite all-American boy next door that we've fallen in love with from Small Circles. If you've made it this far into the tour, there's no point in me hiding spoilers. We all know what happens. And as sad as it is to talk about, Owen's death is what really shapes the series. In Three Sixty and Infinite Limits, readers really get to experience the aftermath of this terrible tragedy. Even if you only chose to read Small Circles, you're left with a sense of hope that everything will eventually be okay. I did that on purpose, and in a very blunt way. Mostly, because Small Circles was supposed to be a stand alone novel. I've explained in previous posts why I chose to continue the story, but after I made that decision, I realized that it would be a great opportunity to explore how each other the characters are actually dealing with the fact that Owen's gone. Each of them faces their grief in different ways, but to me, it was interesting to watch it all unfold first hand.

Owen's character serves as a rock. He is the reality that slaps his friends in the face, keeping them humble and grounded. Whenever there's a problem, Owen is usually the one everyone turns to for advice and comfort. I think that's why it's so hard for them once he's gone. They don't know what to do. The one person they always confided in isn't there to help anymore. Especially with Larson. Not only did he lose a friend, but a soulmate.

Was that the case though?

Was Owen the one person Larson was meant to be with? Or was Owen meant to die, allowing Silas to be in Larson's life? Then again, could Larson have ended up with Silas no matter what the outcome? Maybe Owen was just the push Larson needed to open his heart and experience real love for the first time. Even I don't know what could have happened between them if the accident didn't stand in the way. It's something I've thought about a lot, but will never really know the answer to.

I do know this: every character in the series was touched by Owen at point or another. I think that's what makes him so special. When Paxton's father died, Owen was the one that drove two+ hours to make sure he was okay. He was the one that realized Audrina's feelings for Paxton in the beginning and told her to stay strong. He was the one that gave Jade a chance and showed her how to be beautiful, not just desirable. He was the one that captured Larson's heart. He was the one that moved us.

Tomorrow I'll be posting a little more about Owen's history and family life. Tuesday, you can find Jaclyn's post on her blog. I will not be posting on Thanksgiving, because I will be stuffing my face and taking a nap. As the rest of you should also be doing. I'll also have more pictures and some special video to share with you all for the rest of Owen's week.

It's okay to be happy!

-Megan.


P.S. Owen Spencer portrayed by Austin Blythe.

Jade Walbridge (#10InfiniteWeeks)

We are now on week 7 of the Limits Limits blog tour! It's crazy how fast it's blown by! Before we know it, it'll be December 16th and Infinite Limits will be available for the world! Yay!

Until then, we still have four more characters to discuss. The four most important ones, in my opinion, because they are the ones that started it all. Jade, Owen, Paxton, and Larson. This week is dedicated to Jade Walbridge, and the lovely Jennifer from The Book Fighters is represented with full reviews of all the books, an interview, and lots more! But if you're interested in a little more, stick around to hear what I have to say on this blog. I did create the characters after all...

When I first started drafting ideas for a coming of age novel, I thought Jade was going to be my main character. I had already come up with her entire physical description, as well as her personality and hobbies. I knew who she was, but not what her story would be. Then, several months later, the idea for Small Circles struck me. Along with the character Larson Ashby. When I thought about Larson, I knew his two closest friends would be boys. However, he needed a girl in his life. Without meaning to, Larson sought Jade out on her first day of class. He recruited her, in all honesty, because he wanted someone like her on his side.

Jade Walbridge is originally from Boston. It's mentioned in the books that her freshman year of high school was not one for the record books. She makes some poor decisions and gets involved with the wrong type of boys, thinking their attention is what really matters. After naked pictures of Jade are leaked throughout the school, Jade takes her parents up on a previous offer to attend Foster and Allan Academy. Leaving for boarding school is the traditional way most teens in novels escape their problems. Or, in some cases, it's where their problems begin. Jade intended to start over. And she did. For the most part. But when she's first introduced to Paxton, she fears her reputation might precede her. He's the perfect bad boy that she loves. And the best part? He's screwed up. Jade is good at fixing other people's problems. So, when she realizes that Paxton's issues are deeper than angst and irritability, she jumps in.

Throughout Small Circles, Jade sees just how troubled Paxton is. She also sees that someone else is competing for his affection. From the get-go, Audrina views Jade as a threat. Jade doesn't quite understand why this blonde hates her so much, but she eventually recognizes it to be jealousy. The scuffles between the two girls doesn't hit it's peak until Three Sixty. This is when a direct threat is brought against Audrina's place in Paxton's life. ***SPOILER ALERT*** Jade's pregnancy does a number on everyone, not just Audrina. Even Larson is affected by the news, sensing the separation the aftermath causes. But what most readers aren't expecting is how much this affects Jade. She is the one that has to actually BE PREGNANT. In the beginning of Infinite Limits, we'll see exactly what's going through her mind, and telling Paxton is a huge start...

I've already discussed Jade's relationship with her brother, Carter. And we know about the dynamic between Jade and Larson. The only other person that's majorly important is Owen. Most of you might not think they were close, but if you recall, they dated. For like... a year. Or more. I don't remember. BUT, Jade was the first person Owen came out to, besides Larson. She saw the loves between the boys with her own eyes, and that moment was a critical point in their friendship. Even after, Jade feels a special connection to Owen. That's why when Larson introduces Silas to everyone in Three Sixty, Jade is the one to take it the worst. She almost feels protective over Owen, even after he's gone. And it's because he confided in her at such a vulnerable time in his life.

I haven't posted on my blog about Silas McFuller, but that's because Lainey from The Belle Beauty Blog did such a fabulous job during her week of the tour, and I didn't feel the need to add anything. Not that everyone else's posts were terrible. I've just been feeling chatty. If there's anything specific you guys want to know about ANY of the characters, never shy away from messaging or commenting your questions!

I hope everyone is having a lovely week! And don't forget, you can pre-order Infinite Limits on Kindle now! Paperbacks will be available December 16th!

It's okay to be happy!

-Megan.

P.S. Jade Walbridge was portrayed by Priya Pappu.

Tucker Watson (#10InfiniteWeeks)

For those that don't know Tucker, here's a little bit about the bad boy we love. 

Tucker Watson's character was created in Ninety Degrees - the precursor story to Small Circles. I needed someone to act as the other side of the seesaw, if you will, for Charleigh's balance issues. Her struggle to find love with Logan was something she couldn't fully understand without having a good comparison. Insert Tucker.

Tucker is a country boy at heart. He lives on a farm, has a thick southern accent, and brings moonshine to parties. I know what you're thinking. "They're from Tennessee, Megan. They all have southern accents." No. You are mistaken. Even within the bible belt, there are different levels of the southern drawl. For instance, in east and west Tennessee, the accent is less of a slur and more of a slight twang. Does that make sense? It's like Duck Dynasty versus the show Nashville. The deeper into the roots of the south you go, the lazier the sentences are. Half of that shit needs subtitles, even in real life. 

I always imagined Tucker to be filled with traditional charm. The old school stuff like opening doors for girls and saying "yes mam" to their moms. Along with those traits, he has a certain confidence that comes off as sexy and enticing. This is what draws Charleigh to him. He's definitely annoying, when it comes to her need to be independent and his need to make sure she's not, but he's the perfect tool to use in her game. Charleigh's main goal is to find out whether or not love and sex can be separate. It's Tucker that helps her see the flip side of that coin. 

**SPOILERS FOR NINETY DEGREES**

I know I was the one that wrote it, but it still made me sad that Tucker didn't get the girl. Coming from Charleigh's POV, she made the right decision. But as for Tucker, I felt really sorry for him. He's actually a really good guy, and his decision to step away in the end brought so many feels to my fingers. When Charleigh visits Tucker at the farm for the last time, and he confesses that he actually fell for her, my poor little author heart was weeping. But good news for all of you that haven't read Infinite Limits yet: TUCKER WILL FIND LOVE! Who, you ask? That's for you to find out...

Now, on to Tucker's disreputable history. At the beginning of Ninety Degrees, the reader learns that Tucker is a transfer student from Foster and Allan Academy. He starts his senior year at Chattanooga Prep, and most of the other students are concerned due to his rumored anger management skills. Throughout the story, we learn that the gossip surrounding his origin isn't necessarily true. It's this that allows Charleigh to trust him, and their relationship blossoms from partners to friends. Then, of course, more than friends. And after a little bit of drama is thrown into the pot... back to friends. There's a quote from Silas towards the end of the novel that goes something along the lines of, "If there was a temperature at which drama boiled, they were all sitting in hot water." After all of the stories intertwine, most of you will find this to be both extremely true and funny. I, for one, LOLed at that one while writing. 

Then there's the little brother. Maddox is a special character. He was originally created for the sheer purpose of shedding light on a terrible disease. I met a girl named Jaclynn a year ago, and she suffers from EDS: Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. When she told me her story, I was moved but also shocked at the lack of recognition it has. She has done a lot on her own to raise awareness with several musical artists and public figures. She creates jewelry that she sells and gives away. Even people like Ed Sheeran have worn the bracelets to help show support. I wanted to help contribute to the cause by writing about it in my books. So, I created Maddox's character. The idea behind why Tucker stole Logan's pills came much later, but I was happy at how it all made sense. 

There are several other things I'd like to talk about when it comes to Tucker Watson, but I don't want to spoil anything from Infinite Limits. So, how about this? Go grab your copy on December 16th, go read it, then come back and we can discuss anything and everything! Sound okay? Okay. (See what I did there? #TFIOS)

I'll be back to post tomorrow on Silas McFuller! 

-Megan.