Silver Lining, Whitneys, and an Author Spotlight

Okay, first of all, my good friend Carolyn gave me a fabulous bloggy award several weeks ago, and somehow, I’ve neglected to acknowledge this fact and pass the award on to other bloggers. I plan to rectify that right now.

See this? It’s my award. It’s beautiful for several reasons, but mostly because it is one of those positive-type awards. It has nothing to do with the appearance of my blog, or how popular I am, but more about how my positive words affect others. To me, that’s something that really matters.

So, thanks Carolyn! I love it. And because of that, I’m going to pass it on to five other bloggers who have in some way helped me find a silver lining when I needed one.

1.      Ali Cross, who faces down adversity with grace and class.

2.      Christine Bryant, who has pushed forward through odds I can’t even fathom.

3.      Jodi Brown, my cousin who is the ultimate survivor. I could only hope to have a fraction of the grace with which you have accepted your circumstances.

4.      L.T. Eliott, who always, always comes through with a positive word and a hug whenever I blog, or see her in person.

5.      Keith Fisher, who always comes through for me, even when others forget. You rock.

Speaking of awards, we’re heading into April, and with the beginning of spring comes conference season and the Whitney Awards. This is definitely one of my favorite times of year. Not only do I get to hang with all my favorite writing peeps, but I get to attend a classy shindig and wear a fabulous dress while people I love and respect are recognized for their exceptional writing abilities.

And I have to say, simply being nominated for this prestigious award is quite an honor. This year, the list of finalists is crammed with awesomesauce. One of those nominees is my good friend, Joyce DiPastena. Joyce’s book, Illuminations of the Heart is a fantastic regional romance that will make your heart sigh while your stomach clutches with suspense. I adore regency era romance, but it’s so hard to find these without gratuitous love scenes. Joyce has managed to give her characters the honor of not only overcoming the odds of marriage laws and customs, but they’re able to do so while retaining their virtue.

And I simply love her style!  Check out the blurb:

“Clothilde.”

He spoke the name on a breath like a prayer. Then he lowered his head and kissed her.

Her heart is lost in that first embrace, her world shaken to its foundations. There is just one problem: her name is not Clothilde. It is Siriol de Calendri.

Trained in the art of illumination in the far-off city of Venice, Siri is directed by her late brother’s will to the county of Poitou in France, where she enters the guardianship of her brother’s friend, Sir Triston de Brielle. Once in Poitou, Siri hopes to find employment in an illuminator’s shop—until Triston unexpectedly snatches her heart away with a kiss.

Triston is a man of quiet honor and courage, but the guilt he carries for the death of his late wife, Clothilde, has left him numb and hesitant to love again. Worse yet, Siri bears an uncanny resemblance to his lost love. Or does she? Her merry laughter and twinkling eyes are very different from his late wife’s shy smiles and quiet ways. Yet when he gazes into Siri’s face, all he sees is Clothilde.

Then Triston’s past returns to threaten them both. Will his tragic life with Clothilde be repeated with Siri? Trapped between the rivalry of the king’s sons on the one hand and a neighbor out for vengeance on the other, Triston realizes it would be safer to send Siri away. But how can he bear to lose her again?

Siri is determined not to be cast off and not to live in another woman’s shadow. She has illuminated many a priceless book with pen and paint. But can her own vibrant spirit illuminate the darkness in Triston’s soul and make his heart beat for her alone?

I loved this book, but have to tell you that if you’re going to read this book, you really first ought to read Joyce’s first book, Loyalty’s Web, which involves some of the same characters. Well, okay, not Siri, but Tristan. They’re both fantastic. You can read my review of Loyalty’s Web here and Illuminations of the Heart here. Joyce, good luck at the Whitneys!

Illuminations of the Heart is available in Deseret Bookstores and some Arizona Barnes & Nobles. It can be ordered directly through Barnes & Noble and Borders bookstores, or ordered online at DeseretBook.com (http://deseretbook.com) Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com), BarnesandNoble.com (http://www.barnesandnoble.com), and Borders.com (http://www.borders.com).

Why Do You Read Blogs?

Last week I decided to shake things up. I borrowed a page out of my friend Elana’s book, and wrote all my blogs on the weekend then scheduled them. My plan wasn’t necessarily to blog daily on this blog, but Mon, Wed, Fri and then my regular Thursday blog on LDS Writer’s Blogck.

Turned out, I was scheduled for a Tuesday book review, and on Thursday, I happened upon an inspirational video I wanted to share. So, I ended up blogging here every day anyway. That was actually not my intention. But I do want to try and create some kind of blogging schedule.

Up til now, I’ve been blogging as I can or when I feel inspired. But that can be an erratic way to blog, and not a great way to keep readers coming back every day. So here’s the question. How often to you read blogs? Are there sites you return to more regularly than others? If so, why?

And one last question. Besides meaningful content—which, in my mind is a given—why do you read blogs and what brings you back?

Thanks for the input!

Personal Battles and Revolution

If you look back on history, or, okay, even better, open a newspaper and look at current events, you’ll see that revolution isn’t so much about war and rebellion so much as bringing about change. The early Americans had issues with how the English government was running our country from afar and decided to do something about it. To do what it took to change the rules, to adapt them so that they better fit the people living on this continent, rather than one thousands of miles away.

The civil war started, basically, over slavery and an intense need for those people to be freed, treated as human beings—which was a long process, granted, but served a much bigger purpose by helping shape this country into a stronger, bigger power. One in which all people would—eventually—be treated equally. Or at least, as equally as possible considering we’re all human.

That’s on a big scale. But if you look at smaller organizations, smaller businesses and even families, the same principles apply. In order to affect change, you must first question the thing that needs to be changed, then do what you can to initiate that change. Even if your personal revolution consists solely of having a conversation with someone in which you express your honest feelings by laying out the reasons the rules don’t work. If you do it right, you might find you have the ability to change something for the better.

However, there’s also a caveat to this line of thinking. Every war has casualties. Should you decide to fight any battle for change, there’s always a good possibility that the person lying on the ground in a pool of blood might be you. The question you need to ask is whether or not you’re willing to risk that, to take on that responsibility for yourself, and anyone else who chooses to back you on your mission.

And then ask yourself what you’ll do if you lose the battle. What will be the consequences to your words or actions? And what will you do next? How far are you willing to go to get what you want? At what point do you decide that the costs outweigh the benefits and consider changing course?

What makes you decide to fight one battle, but not another?

Maybe…maybe it’s a matter of thinking. In the case of the above-mentioned wars, it became increasingly clear over many years of time that something had to give. Those people—our ancestors—felt like they had no other choice but to fight, and fight they did. The revolutionaries in those cases won numerous battles and brought about more changes than we can probably even imagine.

But when it comes to smaller things, does it really have to be a war? And is what you’re after really worth the fight? Sometimes it is, and sometimes it isn’t. I think this is where you have to think things through carefully.

If you’re a writer, this same line of thinking can apply to plot and character. What matters to your character? What are they willing to fight for and what will be the cost of the battle if they do? What happens if they win? What happens if they lose?

Basically, how high are the stakes and what can the character do about them? And how can the main character make the changes necessary to make their life, or their world, better?

In real life, what battles will you jump into, and from which ones will you walk away in order to pursue other, more important fights? Do you really want to go to a party where you’re unwanted or would you rather throw a party of your own? And why is the party important to you in the first place? You might be better off doing something much more productive with your time, and whether or not the partiers eventually miss you, will you actually, in the long run, truly miss them?

What battles are you currently fighting and how important are they in the grand scheme of your life?



**This is not meant to be a political discussion, so let's please refrain from diving into the depths of certain current events as related to opinions meant to sway people in one direction or another. This is simply a thought process which turned into a blog.



Don't miss out on your chance to win lots of fun free stuff. Details here.

Thursday Inspiration

Okay, so this week, all my blogs were scheduled because I'm trying something new to get myself organized. But today I had to come out of edit-mode to share something I saw on Nathan Bransford's blog. (Thanks again!)

This video pretty much says it all for me today. It's very short and so worth watching.



Don't forget that today is my day to post on LDS Writer's Blogck. Come on over and say hi.

Are You Teachable?

I’ve had reason to be thinking about ego this week. Things that happen to send our egos soaring, and other things that knock us splat down with our faces on the pavement. In fact, in my experience, it’s entirely possible to experience both sensations within a single minute. A single conversation. A single sentence, even.

And I actually think this phenomenon is a good thing. Maybe, if we’re lucky, it’ll keep us humble. And if we’re really lucky, we might even have something to learn from such an experience. That is, if we are the kind of people who are teachable.

Case in point. I go to a lot of writer’s conferences. I’ll openly admit that very often, my motivations are social as much as about perfecting my craft. But I give myself credit for networking, and actually do take a new—or mostly new—notebook to each conference, and work toward filling either the notebook or a file on my computer, depending on my mood. Always, always, though, I come away having learned several valuable things that apply to me and my writing.

At one particular conference, I found myself sitting next to a newly published author, who, it seems to me, had traveled quite some distance to be there. This author attended several classes, and we ran into each other many times. I never once saw that person open a notebook or computer. That author sat through the entire conference and never wrote down a single thing.

On the other hand, I had—once again—filled nearly half my notebook with handwritten scribbles of value. At the end of the day, I found myself skimming through my notes looking for important tidbits I wanted to remember as I opened my work in progress. As I did, I wondered if the other author was sorry about not taking notes, or if they, perhaps, felt they didn’t need to remember the lessons from those particular speakers. Then I wondered what was the point of making such a journey, if not to learn something new.

As a good contrast, years ago at another conference, I found myself sitting in a class next to a beautiful red-headed woman who had her notebook open taking copious notes. I remember being impressed with the number of details she was able to scribble by hand as she listened to the speaker. After the class was over, I stayed in the same room waiting to hear from the next author—a many-times published, well-known author by the name of Janette Rallison. Imagine my shock and delight when Janette was introduced, and the woman next to me proceeded to stand and walk to the front of the room to teach the class.

It didn’t matter how many books she’d had published, she knew there is always more to learn. She was being teachable. I’m not positive, but I’m thinking that might very well have been my very first writer’s conference. What a great example to fledgling writers. At that conference, watching her take notes, I learned that all authors have something to learn. It’s a process of evolution.

Question: What have you learned recently? Do share!

Don't forget to check out my wicked awesome contest by clicking here.

Book Review: The Sapphire Flute by Karen E. Hoover

By Nichole Giles

The blurb:

It has been 3,000 years since a white mage has been seen upon Rasann. In the midst of a volcanic eruption miles outside of her village, Ember discovers she can see magic and change the appearance of things at will. Against her mother’s wishes, she leaves for the mage trials, only to be kidnapped before arriving. In trying to escape, she discovers she has inherited her father’s secret—a secret that places her in direct conflict with her father’s greatest enemy.


At the same time, Kayla is given guardianship of the Sapphire Flute and told not to play it. The evil mage C’Tan has been searching for it for decades and the sound alone is enough to call her. For the flute to be truly safe, Kayla must find its birthplace in the mountains high above Javak.


The girls’ paths are set on a collision course…and C’Tan will do whatever it takes to keep them from fulfilling their destiny.

My take:

When I first read this book, Karen Hoover hadn’t yet signed on the dotted line of her publishing contract. We’d swapped manuscripts, not for commenting, but because we were each curious about each other’s work. Because of this, and because I’ve known Karen for several years as we’re both members of some of the same writing groups, I’m going to here-by put forth my disclaimer: My relationship with this author or previous reading of this book have not colored my opinion of the quality of writing or story. There. Moving on.

Right away after receiving this manuscript, I felt myself pulled into the story to the point where I didn’t want to put it down—and it was on my computer. I ended up downloading a text to voice converter and loading it onto my iPhone so I could listen to it while I ran my kids around town and did yard work.

Here’s the problem. This story has everything. Magic, action, suspense, mystery, plot twists that have you dying to know what happens next and…one of my favorite elements, romance. Oh, and shape-shifters. Hence the reason I had to read and/or listen straight through.

I bought my copy of this book the day it launched, so excited to finally hold a bound copy in my hands. This is a must read!

There are a few areas where the plot slowed down for me, but I think those parts are sometimes necessary to give the reader a chance to breathe, and for the most part I found those scenes important to character, plot, or world development. The story is written very much in the style of the Harry Potter series, meaning Karen has started at the beginning and given us the back story first—which is totally okay in this book, because it moves fairly quickly—then continued to build the world in a way that young (and old) readers can understand what’s happening.

The point of view changes in about every chapter, moving back and forth between the two main characters and the antagonist, but while several other reviewers found that both distracting and confusing, it didn’t really bother me. Probably because I’m a fantasy reader, and that’s not an uncommon occurrence in this genre. I will warn you that there are lots of oddly named supporting characters, which are somewhat difficult to remember from scene to scene, but I suspect that as the series progresses, we’ll come to know much more about these characters and that will no longer be an issue. As I recall, it wasn’t until the third Harry Potter book that I actually remembered the name of that stupid cat that roams the halls in Hogwarts.

My nitpicks:

While the cover is beautiful and well done, it appears to be created for a younger audience rather than the young adult one for which the story is written. It’s bright and eye-catching, but nothing like books in the same genre. I hope this turns out to be a good thing for sales, and not a turn-off for readers of the correct age group, because it really is a story worth reading.

To purchase your copy of The Sapphire Flute click here.

To learn more about the author, visit her blog, or the Valor Publishing Group website.

**Dear FTC: Unlike many other reviewers for this book, I did NOT receive a free advance copy, or any other copy of this book for reviewing. Actually, I went to Barnes and Noble the day it was released and stood in line along with lots of other people in order to buy my copy and have it signed by the author.

Don’t forget to click here and enter my fabulous contest.

The Value of Words

For some reason, the subject of words and the way we use them has been coming up for me a lot lately. I’m not just talking about in writing, although, our style of word usage in writing has the potential to make or break us, depending on our choices. What about in other things? In conversation, vocal thoughts, arguments, emails, text. Blogs.

Sometimes when I blog I’ll have good friends question my words. Why did you blog about this? What’s going on in your life that would make you think about passion / obsession / emotion (etc)? These questions tell me that I’ve written something thought provoking to the person who is asking. Something that has hit a nerve or sensitive spot in that particular person and makes them go, hey, I can identify with that and now I wonder…

But not only that, when people ask me about particular blogs, I have cause to take a step back and wonder how the world views my words differently from how I mean them to be taken. Sometimes it can be for the good, sometimes for the bad. But the truth is words are rarely taken at face value.

The things we say or write—much the same as in the choices we make—affect other people. I think, for the most part, I try to write things that will help others or at the very least contribute something of value to blog readers everywhere. And then, I try to live by those words. You know, the whole clichéd practice what you preach thing.

In this process, I often end up helping myself as much as anyone. Huh. Imagine that. So, not only have my words become a value to others, but they’re also an asset to me.

What are your thoughts about the value of words?

Don’t forget to check out the contest in which I’m giving away tons of fun prizes.

Also, if you’re looking for where to buy my latest book online, click here.

More Lessons from Happy

We’ve talked about this before. I think it’s entirely possible that my kids teach me far, far more than I’ll ever teach them. But this is a good thing, because I’ve discovered that kids are inherently wise, even before they become privy to worldwide flaws.

Take, for instance, my daughter, Happy. It seems like there is always an excess of drama going on in her life. I’m not necessarily sure why, except that she tends to think and talk more like an adult than a pre-teen and other kids often take offense to that. Anyway, last month she had a birthday. And being the bad mother I am, I somehow allowed the month to fly by without making plans to host a birthday party with all her friends. The truth is, there just wasn’t a good day for one that week. So, we decided on a day a few weeks later, and Happy started talking to her friends about it.

This could be a long story, so I’ll shorten it. Another little girl decided to have a party that same weekend, and invited all the same kids. She didn’t, however, invite Happy. In fact, she made a point to discuss her party with other kids in front of Happy, and to let her know that she wasn’t invited.

Happy didn’t cry at first, because like I said, she has a tendency to think like a grownup, and because of that, internalized the hurt, then worked it out physically by going running. She did, however, ultimately decide to cancel her own party because she became convinced that none of her important friends would come due to the other party. That is how valuable she felt. And she took it better than I might have.

Until later. The evening of the other girl’s party, I went to Happy’s room to tell her goodnight and discovered her sobbing into her pillow—hoping I wouldn’t hear. She had her cell phone clutched in her hand, and after I pried it away, I scrolled through the incoming messages to discover that the other girls—the ones at the party—had been taunting her all evening by saying things like, “We’re having so much fun. Don’t you wish you were here?”

There were lots of those texts. From different girls. No wonder Happy was sobbing. I felt like sobbing too.

My first instinct was to intervene. To call parents and teachers and everyone else and fix the situation for her. I spent the rest of the night coming up with all the ways in which I had failed her, and how I could possibly make this right. But the truth is I couldn’t take away her hurt. No one could.

The next school day, I picked Happy up, waiting for an explosion of emotion. But Happy held it in. She put on a brave face, claimed her day was fine, then closed herself in her room. I let her have some time, then decided to offer something I would never before have considered. I went into her room where she’d been crying again and said, “Let’s reschedule your party. You can invite everyone except the girl who didn’t invite you.”

Yes, I realize I was being a tad vindictive. But I was angry that my baby was so hurt. However, she surprised me. She said, “Mom, I could never do something that mean. Even if I hate that girl, I would never, ever make someone else feel the way they made me feel.”

Um. Yeah. She could’ve knocked me over with a feather. Though, I don’t know why I was shocked. That’s the way Happy has always been.

She then proceeded to calmly explain her new birthday celebration plans, which included only two close friends and an amusement center. When I asked her if she was sure she didn’t want a party, or if she wanted me to call parents (you know, as a fall-back) she said, “No. I can handle this. I’m not a baby. Just because they made me cry doesn’t mean I won’t survive. Besides, I don’t want to hang out with people who don’t want to hang out with me.”

Again, shock. I know these things about her already. But Happy just turned twelve. Did I mention she has a tendency to act more like a grownup than some adults?

See, here’s the thing. Somehow, Happy and I tend to end up in similar places at similar times. I’m starting to think that these things happen to her in order to teach me how to deal with my own issues. Because her thinking and her reactions are more logical and more—well, sane—than mine. In recent months, she has taught me how to rise above adversity, how to make the best of an unhappy situation, and how to react to hurtful comments and situations with love and understanding.

Happy is a twelve-year-old grownup. And she taught me something else this time. Happy has convinced me that when something hurts, it’s okay to cry.

Small Potatoes

My friend, Elana Johnson, posted a thought provoking blog today about defining success. Actually, her posts are always thought provoking. That's why she has so many freaking followers. Duh. And I'm one of her faithful readers, because she's seriously rockin awesomesauce. Check out that post here, because I'm not even going to try and follow in her shining light.

I digress.

Anyway, this week, I've given a lot of thought to life, and the small things that matter as opposed to other small things that don't. It's kind of amazing how forcing yourself to think through something like this has a tendency to bring life into perspective. These thoughts are kind of similar to Elana's post, so I hope she doesn't mind.

What matters to me today:

My kids got themselves ready for school and out the door when I was barely functioning this morning, then came home safely afterward.

My husband is on his way home to spend the evening with us.

I had time to do Yoga earlier.

Lady Gaga sounds really good blaring through my bathroom speakers while I'm in the shower and blowing my hair dry.

I finally registered for the writer's conference coming up in April.

The sun came out long enough for me to put my convertible top down while I went to the gas station for a Dr. Pepper.

The gas station had Dr. Pepper.

My kids are happy.

My husband is happy.

I am happy.

The whole family is going to help fold clean clothes tonight.

On my dresser sits a stack of library books waiting to be read.

I have some amazing and wonderful friends who stand by me with unending support.

I have this really incredible, enormous family to stand by and support me too.

My little sister and her family are moving back to Utah after almost five years in Texas.

My first book is doing really well with sales.

I lucked out in the co-author department and picked a great one.

My second book is about to launch.

My third book is finished, and waiting for the perfect agent or publisher to discover.

That agent / publisher thing is going to happen any day now.

I'm married to my best friend.

He holds me when I need to cry and celebrates with me when I succeed--no matter how big or small.

My three teenagers, for all their angst, are well-rounded, healthy, and for the most part, dang good kids. So is my baby--who is not a teenager, but will be in a few years.

I could go on with this list, but you get the idea. And here's the point. These are the things that matter, the reason I am successful right now, today. Everything else is small potatoes. And who eats small potatoes anyway?

Don't forget that today is my regular day to post at LDS Writer's Blogck. Today's post looks at many myths I've recently heard about publishing anthologies.

Also, be sure to enter my really fun contest for way awesome prizes. Click here for more info.

Winner, Winner Chicken Dinner!

Well, okay. Not really a chicken dinner. But it got you here, right? Well. Anyway. I've officially finished the spreadsheet, done the math, and praised the geniuses who created random.org to discover who is the lucky preliminary winner for the Original Office Box and Wrong Number book launch contest.

The winner will receive a free, autographed copy of my new book, The Sharp Edge of a Knife, and her information is being passed onto the contest chair person, Rachelle, to be entered into the big drawing of an Original Office Box.

And the winner is...

Queen of Chaos

Who's winning entry number was the result of this blog. Notice how she included links and my book cover. Great job, your Highness!

Clapclapclapclapcheercheerclapclapclapdancesingclapcheerclapdancesingclapcheer! Congratulations on winning. I've emailed the queen, and requested her mailing information asap. If I don't hear from her within 24 hours of that email, another winner will be drawn. 

Thanks for playing. Don't forget to enter my most recent contest here, for a chance to win more free stuff.

My Blog Tour is Starting!

The Sharp Edge of a Knife Blog Tour and Giveaway!

To celebrate the release of The Sharp Edge of a Knife, I’ve put together an exciting giveaway, with several opportunities to win. Since the book deals a lot with making choices, the prizes all have something to do with choice.

Among prizes I’ve been collecting, Lisa at Watches by Lisa has agreed to sponsor the giveaway by donating a custom made beaded watch and face. Head on over to her blog and take a look at the incredible selection.  

So, choice number one:  the winner gets to choose a watch band and face so that their watch is personalized to their tastes and fashion needs.  

Yes, I realize that a beaded watch is not exactly a prize to be coveted by a bunch of masculine men (though it makes a great gift for the woman or girl in your life), which is why I’m also giving away more great stuff. Check out the following really cool prizes:

1.       Choice between: An autographed copy of the New York Times number one bestselling novel, Wings by Aprilynne Pike—or—a non-autographed copy of The Darwin Awards, Intelligent Design by Wendy Northcutt—or—a numbered, autographed copy of Recovering Charles by Jason F. Wright. Click here to learn more about Wings, here to read about The Darwin Awards, and here to find out about Recovering Charles. 

2.       Choice between: A $25 gift certificate to the Restaurant Morelia in Murray, UT (Sorry out-of-state peeps, this is local to Utah.) or $25 worth of vinyl lettering by Whaddayawannasay Vinyl Lettering—you choose your quote or phrase.

Bonus prize for author types

3.       You may substitute any of the above selections with the following incredible opportunity: The chance to sit in on a critique session with my wonderful, amazing, incredible critique group. While there, you will be treated to not one, but six critiques on the first chapter of your work in progress. This is no ordinary group. We have in our midst some fabulous authors including Tristi Pinkston, acquisitions editor for Valor publishing and author of the Secret Sisters series, Danyelle Ferguson, freelance editor and author of (dis)Abilities and the Gospel—who will edit via internet, since she actually lives in Kansas—Heather Justesen, author of The Ball’s In Her Court and the upcoming release, Rebound, Kimberly Job, author of I’ll Know You By Heart, and Keith Fisher, up and coming author of women’s fiction and plotting genius, and Nichole Giles, also known as D.N. Giles.  

**If you are not local to Utah, but would still like this option, we will still critique your chapter online.

Entries will be accepted between March 15^th and April 3^rd. On April 5^th Nichole will announce the contest winners on her blog. Entry requirements:

1.       You must be a follower of my blog.

2.       You must leave a comment telling me which prize you want to win and why.

3.       For those wishing to win the watch, you must go to Watches by Lisa and become a follower, then come back and tell me which watch combination is your favorite.

Extra entries:

1.       Blog about this contest, then come back and leave either a url address or a link in a comment.

2.       Twitter this contest, tell me where to see your tweet in a comment.

3.       Follow me on Twitter.

4.       Facebook the contest. If your Facebook page is private, and I’m not your friend, I can’t see that you’ve done this, so you’ll need to friend me.

5.       Become a fan of The Sharp Edge of a Knife on Facebook.

You may enter this contest here, as well as on any of the tour posts at the following blogs:

March 15^th Cindy Beck, Review

March 16^th David J. West, review, interview

March 17^th Cindy Beck, Interview

March 18^th Tristi Pinkston, review

March  19^th Rachelle Christensen, review

March 22^nd Shanda, LDS Women’s Book Review

March 23^rd Kimberly Job, review
March 23rd Keith Fisher, Interview

March 24^th Heather Justesen, review

March 25^th Christine Bryant, Review
March 25th Connie Hall, Interview

March 26^th Kimberly Job, interview

March 26^th Heather Justesen, interview

March 27^th Keith Fisher, review

March 28^th Ali Cross, Review

March 29^th Rachelle Christensen, Interview

March 30^th Heather Gardener, Fire and Ice Book Reviews

March 31^st Danyelle Ferguson review, interview

Exclusive contest for bloggers/reviewers

 Because Nichole is so grateful to her reviewers for taking the time out of their lives to read her book and write an honest review, she’s holding a second contest, open only to people who have read and reviewed her book. This contest will include the blog tour hosts, as well as anyone else who HAS READ The Sharp Edge of a Knife and written a review on a blog, Amazon, Goodreads, Shelfari, or other reviewing site.  Just to clarify: YOU MUST HAVE READ THIS BOOK and be prepared to answer two random questions about the contents to qualify. Simply leave a comment on Nichole’s blog, telling specifically where to find your review, and what you liked best about the book and you’ll be entered into the drawing.  (Blog tour reviewers are automatically entered twice.)

The prize? An electronic copy of From the Query to the Call by Elana Johnson. With this book, you will also receive a query critique from the query queen herself. The critique is invaluable for authors looking for a publisher or agent.  Should the winner already own this particular ebook, Nichole will offer an alternate prize.

Bloggers will also receive extra points for every ten comments on their posts, and the winner will be drawn via random.org on April 5^th. Yes, I am aware that this is the first day of spring break for some school districts. I, too, have plans that week, which is why I’ll give you ample time to get back to me following the notification of the winner.

Good luck to all!

To purchase this book click here.

A Visit with Author Rachelle J. Christensen

**Scroll down for information about my blog tour and contest.

Yep, I know it’s amazing. Three blogs in two days. You’d think I didn’t have anything better to do besides blog. You know, like write press releases and make dinner and do laundry and plan signings and blog tours and oh, um, hm, what else? Write books. Yeah. That little thing. But sometimes, blogging gets to jump up on the list. Especially when I’m kicking off my blog tour and giveaway for The Sharp Edge of a Knife, while still participating in another tour and giveaway for someone else.

Did I mention that March has gone crazy on me? Well, you know. It has. Whaddayagunnado?

Anyhoo. It’s been over two weeks since I did an author spotlight, and I figure it’s about time I took care of that. Today, I’m talking to my good friend, Rachelle J. Christensen who just celebrated the release of her new book, Wrong Number.

 
NG: What’s your favorite flavor of ice cream? Today, my new favorite is Ben and Jerry’s Key Lime Pie

RJC: Ben and Jerry’s used to make one called Oatmeal Cookie that was to die for—I haven’t been able to find it lately so I really like old-fashioned vanilla with fudge sauce and sliced bananas.

NG: Oh, I hope they didn’t discontinue your first favorite. Ben and Jerry’s did that to me once. They discontinued the pineapple mango flavor called Island Paradise. I’ve never forgiven them.

I digress. Back to the interview.

NG: Who is your favorite author? (Besides yourself or me, since everyone already knows we’re both awesome.)

RJC: Well besides us? That does make it hard because I'm reading all kinds of different genres and authors all the time. An easy way out is to have you check out my goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1663930 list of favorites and repeat-offenders to see more all time favorites. But I will say that I like Mary Stewart, Agatha Christie, Mitch Albom, Nicholas Sparks, Clair Poulsen, Jessica Day George, and Shannon Hale.

NG: Great selection there! And I’ve seen your Goodreads list. Lots of fun books on your shelves. By the looks of your reading taste, one might think you’re a writer. Oh wait, you are. But that leads me to another question. What is your most favorite thing to do when you’re not writing?

RJC: I love reading and I also like to go for a run while listening to my iPod.


NG: Nice! I read tons as well. I’m not a runner, but I do work out every day, so I get the iPod thing too. But since you like to run, I wonder, if you were an animal, what kind would you be and why?

RJC: A cat! When I was younger I wanted to be a cat because they could lay around all day and sleep and didn’t have to do chores or weed the garden.

NG: Wait, I thought you liked running! But then, lazing around does have merits. I could get used to that kind of life. Ahhh…

And speaking of a lazy life—wait, there’s no such thing for a writer. Strike that. How about this. Name one or two power snacks that keep you going as you write.

RJC: Apples and my favorite treat--graham crackers spread with peanut butter and topped with bits of dark chocolate.

Hm. Interesting combination. Sounds kind of good, actually. Except the dark chocolate part. I might have to try that with milk chocolate as a substitute. Thanks for the idea.

Now the last question is the important, tell-all question, the one that tells us what kind of person you REALLY are. Do you prefer diamonds or pearls?

FJC: Diamonds

NG: I knew it. You’re going to sparkle under the limelight, definitely. Congratulations in advance on that score. Rachelle, thanks for the visit, and the answers to what makes an author tick.

RJC: Thanks so much for having me--it's so fun to visit with friends!

For more information about Rachelle J. Christensen, click here.
 
To read the first chapter of Rachelle’s book, Wrong Number, click here.

To purchase the book, click here.

Launches and Contests and Parties, Yipee!

I don't sleep much some nights. Mostly I think this is because my brain doesn't like to shut down, no matter how tired my body is. As it happens, last night, I was lying in bed trying to get all those voices and thoughts to just **SHUT UP!** when it occurred to me that I promised to blog about all the book launches happening in March, but never followed through. My bad. I'm sorry!Gonna take care of that right now.

The worst part is that by not posting before now, I missed posting about two big parties. Luckily, I did make it to the one this past Saturday--but I missed a triple on Friday *frown, sigh, whaaa* thanks to my kids--where I had the opportunity to visit with my good friend Rachelle Christensen. Her book, Wrong Number is now available wherever LDS books are sold, and I'm so excited for her. You can read my review of this book here, or check back on Monday, March 15th to read an interview with Rachelle.

The next launch is a biggie, and one you don't want to miss. Valor Publishing Group is throwing a massive launch party to celebrate five March releases. Two of these books are by critique group friends of mine, Tristi Pinkston with Secret Sisters

and Kimberly Job with I'll Know You by Heart,

and one is by another close author friend, Karen Hoover, who is finally releasing the long anticipated The Sapphire Flute.

I just adore all these ladies and their work. In addition, Daron Fraley is celebrating the release of his long anticipated book, The Thorn,

as well as publishing veteran Michelle Ashman Bell, who is releasing Summer in Paris.

Now, just so you know, these people really know how to throw a party! They'll have live entertainment by Shaun Barrows, cake, door prizes, and all kinds of other fun activities that are sure to liven your boring Tuesday night. The party is this Tuesday, March 16th from 6-8:30 pm at Barnes and Noble in the Gateway Mall, Salt Lake City, UT.

Pshew. That makes my little launch party sound minor in comparison. But while I don't have Shawn Barrows, I could always stand on a table and belt a show tune at the top of my lungs. Or maybe I'll talk one of my kids into playing the Ukulele. You never know. And I will have cake. Or at least cookies. And door prizes, and other stuff too. Oh, and books, lots of books which you can buy and which I will sign for you and let you have your picture taken with me even. You know, if you want. Because I'm nice like that. It's going to be a blast. All the cool people will be there. (Except Heather and Rachelle who are otherwise engaged and send their regrets--they're still cool in my book.)

Once again, my launch is happening on Saturday, March 27th from 1-3pm at Eborn Books in the Provo Towne Center mall. The store is on the upper level, about three or four stores down from Dillards. And if by some strange chance you happened to forget, this is my book.

And now, news about the blog tour and contest. Yes, I'm having one, and yes, it's going to be loads of fun. The prizes aren't quite as big as the Office Box giveaway, but you know, I can only give away so much in one month. Here's the thing. This post is already pretty long. So...

I'm going to put all the contest information into another post, and schedule it for later this evening. Keep watching for it! And then tomorrow, I'll be interviewing my good friend Rachelle Christensen. You know, the one who's book, Wrong Number launched Saturday. Yeah, her. Going to be way fun.

Stay tuned.

The Eclipse Trailer is Out!

Here it is! Yahoo. I'm so excited. Enjoy.

The Defining Factor

I’ve been thinking this week about fear, and passion, and battles worth fighting. In real life, everyone has struggles. All of us. That’s kind of what life’s about. But it isn’t necessarily our trials in life that define us. Is it?

Trials may shape us, but passion can, and often does, define us. A passionate person will fight for something they want, something they believe in. I dare say that passion has been a big factor in war and revolution in our world. If the American people didn’t feel passionate about their freedom, the revolutionary war would never have been fought, and especially not won. We were then, and remain still, a passionate country. Why else would elections become so heated? Debates so nasty?

It’s all due to passion.

Granted, that doesn’t mean people don’t often take things too far. That’s a given. Still, passion is an important thing to feel, to own, to have. Unfortunately, along with passion, we also have fears. Fear of reprisal, retribution, consequence. What will happen if we follow our passion? What will happen if we speak our minds? If we rock the boat? If we change the norm? What if we follow our dreams?

Fear can bind passion more tightly than steel, paralyzing us, removing us, restraining us. But there comes a time when some battles need to be fought. The trick is figuring out which battles are worth fighting, and which ones are best to let die.

Do we fight the revolutionary war or run and hide from the redcoats? Do we speak up about injustice or wait for someone else to do it for us? When someone pushes us in the wrong direction do we step away or push back? Unfortunately, the answer isn’t always cut and dry, isn’t always easy.

I believe that our passions decide our life path and make us into stronger people. It makes us who we are, or even better, who we want to be.

Forgive me, I’m about to forge into literary territory again. Can’t help it. It’s what I do. I’m going to use The Hunger Games as an example. **Spoiler alert** We have three characters.

1. Katniss, the main character. From the very beginning, we know what she feels passionate about: Her family, and more specifically, her little sister. We know this because right off the bat, she’s hunting, working hard to feed her sister and mother so they don’t starve.

2. Then we have Gale, a secondary character. Throughout the book (as well as the sequel, Catching Fire) we see him expressing anger toward the Capital, the laws, the disgust at the conditions under which his society, his family, is forced to live. Gale feels passionate about change. And he recognizes that in order to bring about that change, eventually, there will have to be a revolution.

3. Character number three is Peeta. At first, I wasn’t sure what Peeta felt passionate about. It took a little more thinking on my part before I saw the obvious. Peeta may want revolution, or he may not. He likes art, and baking, and he’s strong. But none of those things are his passion. The one thing he wants most in life is for Katniss to survive. She is his passion. (Le sigh.)

If you look closely, you’ll notice how the motivations and actions of each character are driven by passion. Personality, disposition, and reaction all play a part, but passion is definitely the driving force behind everything, behind all of them. And it’s what makes this such a compelling, great story. The goal may change in each book, but the driving passion remains the same.

So, yes, passion is definitely important in writing. Not to mention that an author will never succeed unless he/she feels passionate about what they are writing, or about writing itself. But even more than writing, passion is a huge important part of life. No matter what your goals, passion is the driving force that will ensure you succeed. Without it, the goal becomes an empty shell. There is nothing to win, lose, or gain.

What are you passionate about? And how does fear paralyze you? Is your battle (internal or external) worth fighting? Why? Really, I want to know. And no, I’m not just talking about writing for a change. I’m talking about life in general. Let’s have a sharing moment.

Discuss!

**UPDATE: In my contest post the other day, 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. Sorry, Karen. Bad, bad me.

Book Review: "Wrong Number" by Rachelle J. Christensen

The Blurb:

Tidmore did the job, and the body is hidden in the manhole on 32nd street like we talked about. By the time they find him, we’ll be in the green. The intruder will clear the way.” The words were followed by a gruff cackle. Aubree’s heart raced. If Devin was playing some kind of trick on her, it wasn’t funny. She cleared her throat. “I think you have the wrong number.”

When Aubree Stewart receives a mysterious phone call on her way to work, she doesn’t know what to think. At first she assumes it’s some kind of prank. But the call isn’t a practical joke, and Aubree soon finds herself swept up in a world of danger, intrigue, and murder. With help from the FBI, Aubree races to protect herself and what’s left of her family, but the one thing she forgets to protect is her own heart.

I have a confession to make. I actually got to read this book last year. **Snicker** And though it was really great when I read it, Wrong Number is even better now. I loved that from the very first page Rachelle draws the reader right into the heart of the conflict with an expectant mother, so right off the bat there are tons of complications going on. There are so many twists and turns that you never know what’s going to happen. My favorite part is that the plot is unpredictable. That’s so refreshing because I’m one of those people who generally figures out who the bad guy is in the first third of the book, and this time even my best guess was way off.

Wait, no. My favorite part is really the romance, because I'm a hopeless romantic and I can't help but love that stuff. Sorry. (I believe I've acknowledged in past posts the fact that I'm a total dork, but just a reminder, I already know.) This is one of those books that you pick up to read and only set down long enough to take care of necessities, then you go right back to reading. Because of the suspense and the romance. 

If I was going to change something, I think I would have liked to see more of the FBI agent Jason, find out his story and a little subplot there, but luckily, I’m told that might be a possibility in the future. Plus, you can only cram so many subplots into one book before things start to get messy. So, yeah.

So, those are my thoughts, minus spoilers that would ruin things from the get-go. You can read the first chapter of Wrong Number here, or just go ahead and order your copy, because once you’ve read it, you’ll be itching to keep going.

Rachelle’s doing a lot of signings around Utah and Idaho, so check her blog or website to find out where you can meet her and buy a signed copy.

And don’t forget to check out the Office Box and Wrong Number Giveaway by either scrolling down two posts, or clicking link on my sidebar.

Ooh, and one last thing. Check out this awesome trailer.

**The author of this blog did receive a free copy of this book, however it was not as compensation for this review. I would have done the review even if I'd bought the book in a store (which I will) and the author would have given me a copy even if I wasn't going to review it. However, my friendship with the author had very little to do with my opinions on the quality of writing, plot, or story.

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.

The Office Box Giveaway & Wrong Number Book Launch

The Office Box Giveaway & Wrong Number Book Launch

The Original Scrapbox has a brand new piece of organizing furniture and you have a chance to win it! Introducing the Office Box...

And we're celebrating the launch of Rachelle J. Christensen's suspense novel, Wrong Number, with a chance to win an autographed copy!

The Office Box was created as an addition to the line of incredible scrapbooking furniture The Original Scrapbox has to offer, such as The Workbox and The EZ View Craft Desk.

Check out the amazing features on The Office Box, available in 4 different colors: Space for a 19" monitor, magazine holder, Totes that act as slide-out drawers, Velcro storage/organizers, Power cord hole in back of box. This folds out to 72" by 48" by 36" and closes up to the sleek space of only 36" wide by 48" high and 21" deep.

I'm hosting a preliminary giveaway with an awesome prize:

An autographed copy of The Sharp Edge of a Knife (fresh off the press).

You can enter to win my prize and on March 16th, I'll announce the winner who will then go on for the grand prize drawing of The Office Box and a copy of Wrong Number.The Grand Prize Winner will be drawn on March 19, 2010 at RachelleWrites. She will select a winner from the 25 finalists to receive one Office Box (Value $895.00) in their choice of color and an autographed copy of Wrong Number by Rachelle J. Christensen.

Giveaway open from March 5, 2010- March 15, 2010 at 11:59pm Mountain Standard Time.
Open to addresses in the contiguous United States only.
Giveaway Rules:

*You can only enter under one name

* It is possible to win more than one preliminary prize, which means it’s possible to be entered into the grand prize drawing more than once.

*All winner’s addresses must be stateside US addresses

*You must complete the required entry to be eligible to win

Here's how to enter:Please leave details in your comment of how you entered with required links. I'll put all entries into a spreadsheet and use Random.org to select the winner.

*Required entry: You must visit The Original Scrapbox website and leave a comment telling me your favorite item

Extra Entries:

• Become a Facebook Fan of The Original Scrapbox

• Tweet the contest with linkback in your comment and use the hashtag #officebox or #scrapbox in your tweet.

• Facebook the contest with linkback in your comment

• Add the contest button (pictured above) to your sidebar with a link to this contest announcement.

• Become a follower of THIS BLOG (see sidebar) **Update: in order to be entered into the contest to win my book, and then move on to the bigger drawing, you must follow this blog, Following other participating blog hosts will not count for this extra point.**
• Follow me on Twitter
• Become a fan of Nichole Giles on Facebook
• Become a fan of The Sharp Edge of a Knife on Facebook
• For five extra points post the cover of my new book The Sharp Edge of a Knife along with the cover of Wrong Number on your blog and link each book to the Amazon listing.
• Add The Sharp Edge of a Knife to your bookshelf on Shelfari, Goodreads, Amazon, or any other book reviewing site and leave a linkback in your comment. If you’ve read (and liked) the book, leave a positive review for an extra bonus point.  

To receive 15 extra entries, you must do the following 5 things together on your blog post and please leave a link back to your blog post with your comment (only one comment required, but you must leave a link so I can check your post.)

1. Blog about the contest WITH a picture of The Office Box and Wrong Number in your post and LINK BACK TO THIS POST so people will know where to enter.
2. In your blog post link the phrase "The Office Box " to http://theoriginalscrapbox.com/catalog/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=87&Itemid=138
3. Link the phrase "The Original Scrapbox" to http://theoriginalscrapbox.com/catalog/
4. Link the phrase "Wrong Number" to http://www.amazon.com/Wrong-Number-Rachelle-J-Christensen/dp/1599553643/ref=pd_rhf_p_t_1
5. Post the Wrong Number book trailer from You Tube on your blog

There are 25 different blogs participating in this giveaway. Each blog is giving away a preliminary prize and a chance to win an entry into the Grand Prize Drawing. Stay tuned for reviews on Wrong Number and author interviews as well!

Here's the list of blogs where you can enter:

The Mommy Files
Cricut Christmas
Little Birdie Secrets
Priscilla Styles
Mommy Mandy
RockinMama
RachelleWrites
Alvor-Dare To Dream
Diony George
Heather Justesen
Queen of the Clan
Scribbled Scraps
Anne Bradshaw
Rachel Rager
Tristi Pinkston
Cami Checketts
Nichole Giles
Wendy Paul
Marilyn Bunderson
Ronda Hinrichson
C.L. Beck: Write Up My Alley
Christine Bryant
Ali Cross
Jenni James
Annette Lyon

*Results of contests are final. Participants will be eliminated if entry rules are not followed correctly.