Oh My March: Contests, Launches, and Hacks

I realize it's been several days since I posted something of...well, literary value. Or, okay, at least something thought provoking or interesting. You know, besides contests and stuff. But I have to warn you, more contest posts are coming at you, because while I claimed that February was the month of contests, so is March, apparently. Contests and book launches. Sheesh. TONS of books being launched this month.(More about all the awesome books later this week.)

Very exciting stuff, definitely. And while I'd love to leave you with brilliant words of wisdom...this is the week where I wallow in self pity and feel like a hack. (PLEASE don't contradict me, it's a phase I go through, it'll be over in a few days. Your reassurance only makes it worse.)

Currently taped to my bathroom mirror (compliments of Aprilynne Pike): "I am a capable writer with an original story to tell." Read out loud. Read again. Repeat. 

On that note, Suzette and Bethany at the Shooting Stars blog are holding a crazy awesome contest that will cheer up all writer-types, including me. They're giving away several fun prizes (I'd love any and all of them) but the big, crazy cool one, is a 40 page partial submission to Suzie Townsend of FinePrint Literary agency. Not only that, Suzie has agreed to critique said pages. Yikes! Can we say, gimme? Yeah. It's that cool. Thanks Suz and Bethany. So, go sign up if you know what's good for ya!

And since I'm back on the subject of contests, Elana Johnson is also having a contest, where she gives away autographed copies of the newest, hotest YA books in town. Well, okay, not necessarily in town, but on the market. You get me? Yeah, I thought so. Much coolness.

Other contests I've seen just today: Kimberly Job is giving away a whole bunch of her favorite things, including a visit with her entire critique group. I am a part of this particular group, and let me just tell you, this is a great prize. We have two professional editors among us, as well as three published authors and one almost-published author who is killer amazing with plot. Kim's giveaway is in honor of her first book, I'll Know You By Heart being released next week. I'm so excited for her. Congratulations, Kim!

And Daron Fraley, who's book, The Thorn is also being released on the same day as Kim's, is hosting a fun giveaway as well. 

**UPDATE: I originally forgot to mention Karen Hoover, who's book, The Sapphire Flute, is also being released next week. She's hosting an ongoing contest on her blog in which she draws a winner every Saturday this month. Check it out here.

You've all seen the Office Box and Wrong Number giveaway, no? Yeah. Reminder there. One tip on that: I've noticed that a lot of people are following instructions, but the ones from other people's contest posts, in their comments here. Seriously, people, each participant has different entry requirements. If you really want to win on my blog, you can't do so by tweeting or following someone else's post. If you're going to enter multiple times, you must follow multiple rules, or "No soup for you!"

Sorry. I know it sounds mean, but if you're going to go to the trouble of entering, at least read over the rules. This will make a difference when the numbers are tallied and random.org chooses my winner, who will then be entered into the big drawing. Got it?

All right. Now, if you keep checking back next week, I'll be hosting a giveaway of my very own along with the virtual blog tour for The Sharp Edge of a Knife. Speaking of my book, guess what? I've FINALLY scheduled my launch party. Here are the important deets:

March 27th
1-3 pm
Eborn Books
Provo Towne Centre Mall

Join me for drawings, books, snacks and other killer fun stuff. Be there! Oh, and one more bonus. The book store has agreed to give away a gift with every $10 purchase. My books happen to qualify, so BONUS! In the words of Elana Johnson, it's going to be awesomesauce!

Tomorrow I'll be reviewing Rachelle Christensen's newly released novel, Wrong Number. Stay tuned!

PS Anyone living in the area of Santaquin Utah, stop by the library there from 3-7 where I will be hanging out with authors Cindy Beck and Rachelle Christensen, signing books and raising money. Proceeds go to the library.