Chasing Twilight Contest. Enter to Win!

Oh my gosh! Do you know what today is?

Don't tell me you've been living in a cave. Or under a rock.

I don't believe you.

Whether you're a fan or not, it's hard to miss all the hype happening. Because, well, people like me, and Karlene at Inksplasher, jump on the fanwagons to capitalize on said hype, ask questions every true fan should know, and give away fun prizes. Just because we want to. Well, and because we want more readers.

Again, it goes back to the same thing I said in this post. I'm sticking to it.

Ahem. I digress. So. At midnight tonight, Eclipse is released into theaters, where millions of adoring, squealing fans will be staying up past their usual bedtimes in order to see the movie at the very first opportunity.

But what's even more exciting? Well, here, on my little ole blog, I'm participating in the Chasing Twilight virtual road trip, hosted by Inksplasher. The prize? I'm giving away a Team Edward pewter charm bracelet!

See? Isn't it cute?

You have lots of chances to win.

1. First, become a follower (if you aren't already) and then leave a comment on this post answering this question:

Who is the evil vampire who is still alive and in Forks plotting against Bella at the end of New Moon / beginning of Eclipse?

Everyone who answers correctly will be entered to win. But that's not all. Visit the Inksplasher blog for more opportunities to enter. This contest will close at...well, you'll have to visit Inksplasher to see exactly how long you have!

Good luck! And whatever you do, don't let the vampires bite.


**Update: Somehow, this post has been riddled with links that I didn't include. Do NOT click on any green links. I've tried to cover over all of them with links of my own, but more keep popping up. So sorry. I'm working to fix this problem right now. 

The Story of a Week

I got almost no writing done this week, but I swear I had really good reasons. (I know, excuses, excuses.)

See, it’s like this.

Monday and Tuesday were dedicated to turning this:

Into this.

I didn’t stay to watch them cut it, but I hear it tasted yummy. 

Then, Wednesday, since I was already in cake-making mode, and because she deserved it for always making incredible cakes for all our critique group book launches, I decided to make this

for my good friend Heather Justesen for her recent launch of Rebound. 

We ate it at critique group. It was yum. Chocolate.

Thursday afternoon I spent some fun time with my sister and my two little nieces and nephew—

during which a tragic drowning accident caused my beloved iPhone to die an untimely death.

There is no picture of that. Too graphic for my audience here.

After a night of mourning (aka uncontrollable sobbing) I paid a visit to this place.

They set me up with this. (In white)

I felt much better about life.

Then Saturday, I did this most of the day. 

Along with a few other important things.

Like this. (The query kind.)

Weekly word count total: around 900 words. 

*big sigh*  

I’ll try again next week.

*This week, instead of posting Monday, Wednesday and Friday, I will be posting Tuesday and Thursday, with a possible post on Wednesday to announce a contest winner.  (Big hint!) 

Growing Trees and Publishing Books: Which Takes Longer?

Last week at a conference, Christopher Robbins from Gibbs Smith Publishing said something that I thought—at first—could be true. However, after thinking about it for a few days, I think I might have to respectfully disagree.

Christopher said something along the lines of, “It takes longer to grow a tree than to publish a book.”

Well. Okay. That is possibly true for a pine or an oak, and if you’re comparing to a short book that was written in a flash. Maybe. Or maybe not.

It all depends on the book, the author, and the kind of tree.

For instance, I started writing (secretly) right about the time my family and I moved into our current house. Since we built this house, when we got here we had zero yard. Nada. Zilch. In fact, our first major purchase—after the house—was several truckloads of dirt. Dirt, people! (Let’s not get me started discussing why anyone should have to pay for dirt.)

After the dirt, we proceeded (slowly) to plant several baby-sized trees, some grass, and other various plants.

I’ll give it that most of our trees started as actual trees—probably a year or two old. Let’s say two. We have lived in this house for six years, and I’ve been writing for that many years. In the past six months, I’ve had two books published. Books of the shorter, smaller-market variety.

Now, let’s discuss my apple tree. If it was two years old when we planted it, and it started producing apples (more than two or three) last fall, then I believe we have something of a tie. Well, okay, I might have been a tiny bit faster in this case. But.

I also have a national market book, for which I am currently seeking an agent. This book has taken me much longer, and quite a bit more work than my others (partly for length—it’s at least twice as long). And if by some miracle I happen to find that agent in the next six months, it will then likely take me another three to six months of edits before my agent will send my book out on submission (okay, just a guess—not necessarily all true). Then, IF we sell this book to a publisher, up to a year (sometimes more) will likely pass before that book is in stores.

So, I’m looking at two years, if all goes the way I hope.

It’s entirely possible my apple tree will be OLD by then. So will my other trees. Including my maple, which is almost fully mature.

So, does it take longer to grow a tree than to publish a book? Not always. Not when you look at it from the author’s perspective.

Maybe we should as a tree for an opinion?

(This blog is done in fun and not intended to offend any publishing officials—especially Christopher Robbins—who is not actually the character from Winnie the Pooh.)

Random Thoughts from a Recent Conference

(Gleaned from a presentation given by Allie Condie, author of Matched.)

1. Nobody has enough time to write.

2. Either you’re good at multi-tasking or you’re bad at it. Decide which you are then get over it and move on.

3. Don’t make excuses, make improvements.

How’s that for a lesson of the day?

Another Kind of View

Last week I was honored to hear a keynote address given by the beautiful and talented Mary E. Pearson (The Adoration of Jenna Fox). During this address, she confessed that when she went to college, she became convinced that other than teaching, there was no practical use for an English degree. Instead, she got her degree in art. (Tee hee.)

Mary talked about the many things she learned as an art major, but they culminated into helping her see pictures and other works—such as books or stories—as a whole, rather than in the technical pieces. (You know, plot, character, setting, etc.)

Without going into detail about the different pieces of artwork or writing (or music or life) that make up the whole, I’ll just say her words struck me as true in many ways. She likened each book to a painting to explain in more simple terms the rejection process.

She said, “A book may not appeal to me personally, but that doesn’t detract from its contribution or value. It just means it doesn’t look good over my couch.” (I’m probably paraphrasing a bit—that might not be exact.)

For me, this way of thinking applied to so many different aspects of my life (and writing) journey. Like rejections and reviews. Opinions. Inclusion or exclusion from certain exclusive groups, clubs, or teams.

It doesn’t matter. Whatever our contribution to society and the world, it is not only beautiful, but valuable in innumerable ways.

Don’t you agree?

Whatever happens, don’t get discouraged. Regardless of where you are, you are making a contribution. And that alone is worth all your hard work.

Treasure Hunt Prize Winner

Before I tell you who won, I want to thank Joyce DiPastena, author of Loyalty's Web and Illuminations of the Heart (both fantastic regency historical romance novels) for organizing the 2010 Summer Treasure Hunt. It's been fun for me.

Haven't entered yet?

You still have time! Click here for more information.

And now the winner of an autographed copy of The Sharp Edge of a Knife is...

Taffy! 


Congratulations, Taffy. I'll be contacting you for your mailing information and get your prize to you this week.

My Day on the Summer Treasure Hunt! Enter to Win.

Okay kids, today is your lucky day. Not only is it Saturday, but you now have a rare chance to win a copy of my book, The Sharp Edge of a Knife.

There is a catch, though.

You don't email the lucky answer to me. You have to send it to Joyce DiPastena, who is in charge of this fantasticly fun treasure hunt. Here are the deets:

PRIZE: The Sharp Edge of a Knife (inspirational historical, based on a true story), autographed copy.

 

QUESTION: What is the correct title of the humorous anthology I coauthored? (Hint: Look in the right hand sidebar)

 

WEBSITE/BLOG: www.nicholegiles.blogspot.com

USA ENTRIES ONLY

 

To win all you have to do is visit my site (which you are now doing) and find the answer to today's question, then email it with your name and AND MAILING ADDRES to jdipastena@yahoo.com. (you will not wind up on any mailing lists). DO NOT LEAVE YOUR ANSWER IN THE COMMENTS!

Deadline: Midnight PST

 

The winner will be contacted and announced tomorrow, following the deadline.

All winners will be “drawn” by WWW.RANDOM.ORG.

 

Also, since you're here, feel free (or pressured or bribed) to become a follower. I try to post interesting things regularly. No pressure (or lots--whatever it takes). Good luck!

 

Harnessing the Power of Books

I don’t have a favorite genre. I mean, I do. I love YA, generally paranormal and dystopia, but I also read issue books. And religious books. And adult genres, specifically romance, but not always. Depending on my mood, I might read a drama, or an inspirational, or a fun little middle grade book. My kids will even tell you that I have my very own stash of picture books that they are not allowed to touch without asking. (Yes, sad, I know.)

But why should you care what I read? What does it matter?

I’ve discovered that even though I know what genre I’m writing (no really, I do!) everything I read—be it inside or outside my chosen genre—affects my writing. It does. Okay, so probably not directly, because a writer isn’t anything if not original, but think about it.

Poorly written books help me learn from the mistakes of other authors so I don’t make those same ones.

Excellent writing gives me the desire to reach higher out of my comfort zone and try new methods, or points of view, or styles.

Books that leave me thinking about the characters for days afterward give me reason to delve deeper into my own characters. That way my readers will become so attached, they’ll have the same problem as me.

If nothing else, every book is written in a different voice and style, both of which can be full of lessons for writers.

But what about those of you who aren’t writers? Reading a variety of genres is good for everyone, for many of the same reasons. When something is done poorly, you learn how to not make that mistake yourself. When something is done with extreme excellence, you inherit a desire to stretch farther and reach higher. When you read something that affects you deeply, you’ve generally learned a lesson about self or relationships. But if absolutely nothing else, readers generally have a better sense of life, the world, and, well, the universe. Oh, and also words. Can’t forget those. Readers know how to use words to the best advantage.

Guess what? Reading is a pretty powerful weapon. Regardless of your genre favorites, never be afraid to use your powers for good.

Who knows? Maybe something you’ve read will help you save the world someday.

It could totally happen.

Die-Hard Dedication

I took my kids to a parade last Saturday to celebrate the coming of summer. Unfortunately, Mother Nature felt the need to mock this celebration, and caused the temperature to drop into the fifties, and the rain to pour out of the sky in sheets. This weather went on all day Friday and most of Saturday.

It was so bad that I actually told my kids we weren’t going. (Yeah, there was no way I was sitting through a parade in the rain—talk about suckatular.) Luckily, about an hour before the set parade time, the rain let up and a few weak rays of the sun came out. We decided to go.

Even after all the rain, the freezing wind and cold temps, the place was packed. And the parade was long. To the parade participants, it didn’t seem to matter that their clothing might get soaked or their hair flattened against their faces. The cold wind didn’t keep them away. They marched on anyway.

The parade watchers were a little more wimpy, bundled up in coats and blankets and drinking hot chocolate. But we were there, watching, supporting, and generally giving the marchers a reason to keep going.

It occurs to me that this same thinking can be applied to lots of things in life. Like writers and readers. Sports players and sports fans. Movie stars and movie goers. As long as the first stays true to the course, the second will be there to cheer them on, even under the most miserable circumstances.

First, though, we have to give our fans a reason to sit out in the rain. What will you do to evoke that kind of following? For me it means hard work, dedication, and some seriously fantastic writing. Because when I end up with serious die-hard fans, I want to know that I worked my tail off to earn that kind of trust and admiration.

And if people ever come to see me in a parade, I’ll be the one throwing candy. (A little bribery never hurt anyone either.)

Write On Con--Epic Free Conference

**I'm featured today on the LDS Women's Book Review blog, where they're giving away lots of fabulous prizes. Come enter!**

Dude, you guys! Elana Johnson, Casey McCormick, Lisa and Laura Roecker, Shannon Messenger, and Jamie Harrington are so at it again. Watch the following vlog for information about a totally epic online writers conference that is...FREEEEEEE! (Did ya get that?)



Pay it forward, peeps. Oh, and if you want to win free stuff, check out these ladies blogs.

Elana
Casey
Lisa and Laura
Shannon
Jamie

Little Extras

My son got a job last week. This is a huge accomplishment, since he’s been looking for quite a while. In a sign of our poor economy, 350 people showed up to interview for 22 job openings at a newly renovated and reopening theater in town.

My sixteen-year-old, let’s call him Doc, managed to snag one of those 22 jobs. It’s very likely that most of the applicants were more qualified or experienced than him. What did he do to get noticed, to stand out above the other 349 people?

He worked. Most people who applied stayed just long enough to turn in their applications and be interviewed, but Doc stuck around. He realized that this theater was set to open in a matter of days, and there was lots of work still to be finished. So while he waited for the job announcements, he found someone in charge and offered to help, no strings attached. There were maybe five applicants—all kids—who were willing to work without getting paid. All but Doc were girls.

Doc left my house before eight in the morning, and didn’t come home until seven thirty that evening. But when he got there, he was glowing, because they’d offered him a job and given him a first day schedule.

That’s what he did to stand out and be noticed. To rise above the sea of others who all either needed or wanted that job as badly as him.

We all want something in life that seems either unattainable or just out of reach. The question is are we doing everything we can to rise above the other people who want similar things? Are we giving back to the community and to the world, or do we just expect to be “chosen” on our excellent qualifications and pretty smiles? Sometimes it comes down to all the little extras. Do you want your big thing bad enough to work for it?

Reasons Summer Rocks

I love summer. I love the warm sunshine, driving with my convertible top down, and walking barefooted in the grass. (Just as long as I watch out and don’t step in dogie bombs.) I love the lush green trees in my yard, and the flowering vines creeping up the pergola surrounding my porch. And fresh garden vegetables—even when they’re just tiny plants in the ground. I love the very idea of growing food in my backyard, and the smell of freshly turned soil that comes with it.

You know what else I love? Lying on a chair by the pool and doing nothing more than enjoying the absence of snow and cold. I even love the smell of sunscreen, especially if it’s Hawaiian Tropic brand. *sniffs the air* Aahhhh.

Oh, and parades and fireworks and outdoor craft fairs / art shows. (Which often smell like popcorn, cotton candy and caramel apples—or—barbecue.)

With summer, comes the sound of music as neighbors and friends host backyard parties, and the ice cream man driving up and down the street trying to entice little children into begging their parents to pay a dollar for a Popsicle they’d pay twenty cents for at the grocery store.

Homemade ice cream. Snow cones. Roasted marshmallows. Barbecue sauce. Fresh peas off the vine. Outdoor concerts. All tiny slices of heaven on earth as far as I’m concerned.

Oh yeah, people. Summer’s here. So grab a book and a bottle of sunscreen and take a few days to enjoy it. Because if you live in Utah—like me—it won’t last very long.

What’s your favorite thing about summer?

Connect the Dots: A Pep Talk From Steve Jobs

A few months ago, a friend of mine sent me an email that included a link. The text preceding the link warned that the video is long, but worth watching.

I have a confession to make. I don't always watch videos when people forward them. If I have time, sometimes I will, or if I'm looking for a laugh and the video is supposed to be humorous. But for the most part, I know if I'm on the computer I should be doing one of two things. Writing or communicating through one of many networking methods. Most other computer actions are superfluous for me.

But on that particular day, I needed some inspiration. Remember how I told you I've been doing hard things lately? Yeah, well, it's an ongoing process. But I think that's true for everyone on the planet. Anyway, I watched the video, not knowing who this guy was or why his words should be inspiring to me. But they were. And I've been thinking about his story ever since. The three stories told in this speech reminded me that no one can look forward and see the future, but when you look back, it's easier to connect the dots to see how you became successful. Sometimes, success starts with failure. (Aka rejection.)

Tee hee. Um, yeah. I now know who this person is, and so should you. If you don't, you will when this video is over. Take fifteen minutes out of your day and let Steve Jobs give you a pep talk. You'll be glad you did.




Also, don't forget to come on over to Star Crossed to see my review of Heather Justesen's Rebound. What a fantastic book!

What's Your Super Power?

I’m writing this book—a sequel for another book I’ve already finished—and some of the characters in it have special gifts, or powers, which are unusual to normal “accepted” human ability. Because of said gifts, most of my characters often feel like complete social misfits with an unfair amount of responsibility for the rest of the cruel world.

After spending so much time with these characters, I can’t help but wonder. If I had a special ability like the ones in my books, what would it be? I know if I got to choose an ability, hands down I’d choose teleportation power so I could zip from place to place in the blink of an eye.

Wanna go to Hawaii for the day? No problem.

Need to see that pyramid in Egypt for research? Sure, why not.

Got a hankerin’ for fresh Maine lobster? Great. On my way.

Watching the food network and want to eat at one of the restaurants featured there? *Blink-blink* “May I take your order please?”

Yeah, that would be the best. Power. Ever. I’d so totally be writing this blog on a beach right now instead of in my bedroom listening to my kids play Xbox in the other room.

What about you? If you could choose one super power, what would it be? Think hard and choose wisely. Your special ability can be anything you can think, but hopefully not completely obvious super-hero-esque-already-been-done type skills.

Because, well, that would be boring.

Bloggy Love

Have you ever seen the movie Julie and Julia? If not, you probably should. Because since you’re reading this blog, you’re obviously either a blogger, a blog reader, a stalling author, or all of the above. And the movie is all about a blogger.

Well, okay. A gourmet cook and a blogger. They go hand in hand. Sort of.

Anyway, there’s this scene where Julie’s sitting in her cubical at work, and she sneaks a peek at her blog and then jumps up out of her chair, yelling, “I have a comment!” Then she clicks on it, realizes it’s from her mother, and decides it doesn’t count. With a sigh, she flops back down in her chair, looking dejected.

Dude. That is so truly how bloggers feel about their blogs!

I mean, we’re writers, okay. And writers have this deeply ingrained need to know that someone—anyone—reads our stuff, even if it’s just blog posts. Just because someone clicks on the page doesn’t mean they read what we wrote, you know? Comments are like validation of the best kind.

Well, comments and followers. Some days it’s a toss up. But you get my point, right?

Consider all the tons of free stuff we give away. We do it to be nice, yes, and because we think it’s fun, but mostly, it’s selfish. We want readers, people! And we’re willing to spend all kinds of money we’ll never get back to reel you in. We want to know you’re out there and that you’re reading. We want that validation that tells us we’re not just thinking through our fingers and that someone actually got something out of our work as bloggers and writers.

In other words, we need to be loved.

So if you’re out there, and you’re reading regularly but not following or commenting, we—the bloggers of the world—would like to know why. Don’t you love us enough to tell us hi?

*Sniffs dramatically*

*Fakes a sob*

*peeks through fingers to see if the ploy worked*

Carry on.

*Remembers shameless self promotion plug*

Oh, and by the way, come see my new book review blog. Isn’t it pretty? I need followers there, too.

*Nods*

Okay, now carry on.

Summer Treasure Hunt Update

Welcome to our second annual “Summer Treasure Hunt: Dig for Clues and Win” Contes update. There have been several updates to the last post, so I'm going to go ahead and post again to make sure it's all right. The contest is going on now, so don't miss out on your chance to win lots and lots of fabulous prizes!

 

We have something for everyone: romance, fantasy, mystery, suspense, historicals, contemporaries, young adult and middle grade fiction; children’s picture books; and a variety of non-fiction titles. We also have some exciting non-book prizes: a hand crocheted book tote and cell phone case; a book/jewelry combo; a Mary Kay cosmetic assortment; a The Lion, the Witch, and The Wardrobe DVD; and (you aspiring writers won’t want to miss this one!) a free edit/critique for the first 50 pages of an unpublished novel by a three-time published author!

 

How can you enter to win one of these awesome prizes? Just follow the rules below!

 

SUMMER TREASURE HUNT RULES:

 

You can send in an entry for each day’s prize, or only for those prizes that strike your fancy. The rules are simple:

(1) Go to the website or blog indicated for each day, find the answer to the question for that day, then email the answer with your name and AND MAILING ADDRES to jdipastena@yahoo.com. I promise you will not wind up on any mailing lists. This is only to facilitate the receipt of your prize. All entries will be deleted at the end of the contest.

(2) Please send a separate entry for each day and type the day you are entering in the subject line. (Such as: Summer Treasure Hunt, June 1; Summer Treasure Hunt, June 2, etc).

(3) Deadline for each day: Midnight PST

(4) The winner will be contacted and announced on the day following the deadline.

All winners will be “drawn” by WWW.RANDOM.ORG.

You do not have to wait until the designated day to enter. You can start sending in your entries right now, or begin entering at any point along the way. And check back here each day between June 2nd-July 9th to read the names of the winners.

If you have any questions, feel free to email Joyce DiPastena at jdipastena@yahoo.com.

And now…let the treasure hunt begin!

 

June 1

SPONSOR: Donna Hatch

PRIZE: Queen in Exile, (fantasy romance), autographed by author

QUESTION: The princess must rely upon her magic to save whom? (Hint: Look under “Bookshelf” tab)

WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.donnahatch.net

OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES

WINNER:

Amber Neilson of Vermont

ANSWER:

 

Herself and her people from death and tyranny.
June 2

SPONSOR: Laurie Lewis

PRIZE: Awakening Avery (women's fiction), autographed copy

QUESTION: Avery's signal that she isn't handling her husband's death very well comes to her when she tosses what into what? (Hint: Look under “books &reviews, then click on the cover to Awakening Avery and read the first chapter)

WEBSITE/BLOG: www.laurielclewis.com

USA ENTRIES ONLY

WINNER:

Barbara Stilwell of Minnesota

ANSWER:

The remote into the TV
 

June 3

SPONSOR: E.A. West

PRIZE: Riley's Mission (PDF: romantic suspense)

QUESTION: Where does Jade sit after she sees Aziz Khadoul? (Hint: Click on “Books” tab, then on “excerpt” link for Riley’s Mission)

WEBSITE/BLOG: http://eawest.mcphitty.com

OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES

WINNER:

Judy Cox of Louisiana

ANSWER:

An empty wheelchair

 

June 4

SPONSOR: Jenna Dawlish

PRIZE: Sprig of Thyme (Victorian romance), autographed copy

QUESTION: What is the name of the hero in Jenna's first novel Love Engineered? (Check out “The Library” tab)

WEBSITE/BLOG: www.jennadawlish.com

OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES           

WINNER:

ANSWER:

 

June 5

SPONSOR: Rachael Renee Anderson

PRIZE: Divinely Designed (contemporary LDS romantic comedy), autographed copy

QUESTION: What is the title of Rachael's second book, being released in August? (Hint: scroll down to Rachael’s “Goodreads” titles on the right hand sidebar))

WEBSITE/BLOG: http://rachaelreneeanderson.blogspot.com/

USA ENTRIES ONLY

WINNER:

ANSWER:

 

June 6

SPONSOR: Linda Kay Garner

PRIZE: Some Secrets Hurt (picturebook), autographed copy.  This picture book is for all ages.  It is simple enough to be understood by a very young child, meaningful enough to appeal to teenagers, informative enough to be helpful to parents, and powerful enough to reach out to a wounded adult.

QUESTION: The only thing worse than finding out that your child is being sexually abused is ____ ____ ____? (Hint: Listen to 5 minute KSL TV interview on the right side of the website or dowload the free Parents’ Guide)

WEBSITE/BLOG: www.somesecretshurt.com

USA ENTRIES ONLY

WINNER:

ANSWER:

 

June 7

SPONSOR: Danielle Thorne

PRIZE: (New/Sealed) The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe (Widescreen DVD)

QUESTION: In Danielle Thorne's novel, Turtle Soup, what is the name of the marine biologist who inspires Sara Hart to name her deli Turtle Soup? (Hint: read the blurb for Turtle Soup on Danielle’s website homepage)

WEBSITE/BLOG: www.daniellethorne.jimdo.com

USA ENTRIES ONLY

WINNER:

ANSWER:

 

June 8

SPONSOR: Larry Hammersley

PRIZE: Lab Partners (sweet 1950’s romance), ebook

QUESTION: What are the first names of the hero and heroine in the short story Lab Partners? (Hint: Check out “WIP Report” post for April 4, 2010)

WEBSITE/BLOG: http://larryhammersley.blogspot.com/

OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES

WINNER:

ANSWER:

 

June 9

SPONSOR: Linda Weaver Clarke

PRIZE: Melinda and the Wild West: (historical romance, YA and adult), autographed copy

QUESTION: What was Melinda doing when she first met Gilbert and why did he act flustered and then abruptly turn and briskly stride away? (Hint:. Click on “Sample Chapters” tab, then on the book title for Melinda and the Wild West to read a sample chapter.)

WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.lindaweaverclarke.com

OPEN TO USA AND CANADA ENTRIES

WINNER:

ANSWER:

 

June 10

SPONSOR: Angela Morrison

PRIZE: Taken by Storm (Penguin/Razorbill 2009), YA romance, autographed hard cover

QUESTION: A legendary LDS author of over 30 books for teens called Taken by Storm, "An amazing story written with a clear, refreshing and creative voice." Who was it? (Hint: check “Taken By Storm” tab)

WEBSITE/BLOG: www.angela-morrison.com

OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES

WINNER:

ANSWER:

 

June 11

SPONSOR: Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen

PRIZE: Trapped (romantic suspense with a hint of paranormal fantasy), autographed copy

QUESTION: The first trap Emi Warrin encounters is a mysterious letter. To where does it lure her? (Hint: Read the book summary under the Trapped tab)

WEBSITE/BLOG: rondahinrichsen.com

USA ENTRIES ONLY

WINNER:

ANSWER:

 

June 12

SPONSOR: Anne Patrick

PRIZE: Journey to Redemption (inspirational romantic suspense), free download

QUESTION: What did Royce use to do for a living in my upcoming release, Out of the Darkness? (Hint: Look under the “My Books” link for Anne’s new release, Out of the Darkness)

WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.suspensebyanne.blogspot.com/ 

OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES

WINNER:

ANSWER:

 

June 13

SPONSOR: Rebecca Talley

PRIZE: Altared Plans (contemporary LDS romance), autographed by author

QUESTION: What is unique about my youngest son? (Hint: Watch the YouTube video Extra C posted on the right side of Rebecca’s blog)

WEBSITE/BLOG: www.rebeccatalleywrites.blogspot.com 

USA ENTRIES ONLY

WINNER:

ANSWER:

 

June 14

SPONSOR: David J. West

PRIZE: Heroes of the Fallen (historical fiction), autographed hardcopy)

QUESTION: What is the name of my favorite author? (Hint: Scroll through David’s June blogs. He promises you’ll find the answer!)

WEBSITE/BLOG: http://david-j-west.blogspot.com/

USA ENTRIES ONLY

WINNER:

ANSWER:

 

June 15

SPONSOR: Jennifer Stewart Griffith, author of Choosing Mr. Right and Delicious Conversation

PRIZE: FREE edit and/or critique of first 50 pages of a novel

QUESTION: What is the Japanese word for the hairstyle worn by sumo wrestlers? (Hint: Check out Jennifer’s favorite sumo blog, Sumo Beautiful. Look for Hama Bijin’s April 13^th post)

WEBSITE/BLOG: http://sumobeautiful.blogspot.com/ 

OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES as long as the manuscript can be emailed to Jennifer and is in English

WINNER:

ANSWER:

 

 

June 16

SPONSOR: Rebecca Irvine

PRIZE: Family Home Evening Adventures (non-fiction book of FHE lessons), free e-book on CD

QUESTION: What is the title of the first book written by Rebecca Irvine? (Hint: Read “about me” on Rebecca’s blog)

WEBSITE/BLOG: www.rebeccairvine.blogspot.com

USA ENTRIES ONLY

WINNER:

ANSWER:

 

June 17

SPONSOR: Marilyn Bunderson

PRIZE: The Mark (YA Fiction), autographed copy with a bookmark

QUESTION: In a deleted scene from my book, The Mark, Jon loses a bet to Shae. What does he have to do to pay up? (Hint: Found in post titled "Deleted Scenes From The Mark" dated April 15, 2010)

WEBSITE/BLOG: www.mrbunderson.blogspot.com

USA ENTRIES ONLY

WINNER:

ANSWER:

 

June 18

SPONSOR: Heather Justesen

PRIZE: Winner’s Choice: The Ball’s In Her Court (contemporary inspirational) or Rebound (contemporary romance), autographed by author

QUESTION: How much did the FBI agent expect John's bail to be set at? (Hint: Click on "My Books" tab, then "read more" about Rebound.)

WEBSITE/BLOG: HeatherJustesen.com

OPEN TO USA ENTRIES ONLY

WINNER:

ANSWER:

 

June 19

SPONSOR: Nichole Giles

PRIZE: The Sharp Edge of a Knife (inspirational historical, based on a true story), autographed copy

QUESTION: What is the correct title of the humorous anthology I coauthored? (Hint: Look in the right hand sidebar)

WEBSITE/BLOG: www.nicholegiles.blogspot.com

USA ENTRIES ONLY

WINNER:

ANSWER:

 

June 20

SPONSOR: Karen Adair

PRIZE: Trendy blue/brown crocheted book tote with matching cell phone case (Check out Karen’s “Diva Strings” website for examples: http://www.divastrings.com/index.html)

QUESTION: Where did Karen learn how to type and what speed did she finally top out at? (Hint: Check Karen’s “Bio” tab)

WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.kbadair.com

USA ENTRIES ONLY

WINNER:

ANSWER:

 

June 21

SPONSOR: Lynn Parsons, co-author of the soon-to-be-released non-fiction book: (dis)Abilities and the Gospel

PRIZE: A pair of hand-knit socks

QUESTION: What are three of the topics I list on the parent page of my website? (Look on “Parent Page” tab)

WEBSITE/BLOG: www.lynndparsons.com

USA ENTRIES ONLY

WINNER:

ANSWER:

 

June 22

SPONSOR: Kinzie Monroe

PRIZE: Reservations for Two (inspirational romance), autographed CD

QUESTION: What was Maggie doing when she and Carson first met in Reservations for Two? (Hint: click on the “Excerpts” link on Kinzie’s blog)

WEBSITE/BLOG: http://kinziemonroe.blogspot.com/

USA ENTRIES ONLY

WINNER:

ANSWER:

 

June 23

SPONSOR: Michele Ashman Bell

PRIZE: Summer in Paris (YA romance), autographed copy and Eiffel Tower bookmark

QUESTION: What is Michele "dreaming of"? (Hint: found on sidebar above picture of Eiffel Tower

WEBSITE/BLOG: micheleabell.blogspot.com

OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES

WINNER:

ANSWER:

 

June 24

SPONSOR: Jaimey Grant and JaysDesign Jewelry

PRIZE: A signed copy of Redemption, a Regency romance by Jaimey Grant, and a 19" hand-knotted strand of freshwater pearls ($45 value) handmade by Jay T Lyons of JaysDesign Jewelry.

QUESTION: Artist Jay T Lyons did a sketch for the cover of an upcoming Regency romance of mine. What is the sketch of and what is the title of the upcoming book?

WEBSITE/BLOG: http://sites.google.com/site/jaimeygrant/jaytlyons

USA ENTRIES ONLY

WINNER:

ANSWER:

 

June 25

SPONSOR: Christine Thackeray

PRIZE: Lipstick Wars (LDS Women’s Fiction), autographed copy

QUESTION: What is the name of the angel who needs a vacation in my recent pamphlet, “Could You Be an Angel Today? (Hint: Play the book trailer for “Could You Be an Angel Today” on Christine’s home page)

WEBSITE/BLOG: www.christinethackeray.com

OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES

WINNER:

ANSWER:

 

June 26

SPONSOR: Bonnie Harris

PRIZE: Mary Kay Satin Lips Set, Travel Size Satin Hands Set and a set of mineral eye colors

QUESTION: What is the name of my African Gray and African Desert Tortosie? (Hint: Read “About Me” in the left hand sidebar)

WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.bonnieharris.blogspot.com/

OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES

WINNER:

ANSWER:

 

June 27

SPONSOR: Teralee Deighton

PRIZE: Cup of Comfort for New Mothers (personal essay anthology)

QUESTION: Name  the editor of Cup of Comfort for New Mothers

WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.adamsmediastore.com/category/cup-of-comfort-series?r=COC_Bookstore           

USA ENTRIES ONLY

WINNER:

ANSWER:

 

June 28

SPONSOR: C. LaRene Hall

PRIZE: Martha’s Freedom Train (middle grade historical), autographed by both author and illustrator

QUESTION: How many short stories has C. LaRene Hall published in the humorous anthology, Mormon Mishaps and Mischief? (Hint: Look in the left hand sidebar)

WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.clhall.blogspot.com/

USA ENTRIES ONLY

WINNER:

ANSWER:

 

June 29

SPONSOR: Sarah M. Eden

PRIZE: Courting Miss Lancaster (Regency romance), autographed copy

QUESTION: In his "I Need Friends Friday" interview, what reason does Edward Cullen give for not sleeping at night?

WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.sarahmeden.com/2009/11/i-need-friends-friday-edward-cullen.html

OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES

WINNER:

ANSWER:

 

June 30

SPONSOR: Marcia Mickelson

PRIZE: Reasonable Doubt (LDS Suspense), autographed copy

QUESTION: In what country was author, Marcia Mickelson born? (Hint: Click on “About Marcia” tab)

WEBSITE/BLOG: www.marciamickelson.com

USA ENTRIES ONLY

WINNER:

ANSWER:

 

July 1

SPONSOR: Kimberly Job

PRIZE: I'll Know You by Heart (romantic suspense), autographed copy

QUESTION: What is the title of my current work in progress? (Hint: Look under “My Books” tab)

WEBSITE/BLOG: www.scribbledscraps.blogspot.com

USA ENTRIES ONLY

WINNER:

ANSWER:

 

July 2

SPONSOR: Joan Sowards

PRIZE: Haunts Haven (an LDS ghost story), autographed copy

QUESTION: What is the name of the town in which the story of Haunts Haven takes place? (Hint: Found on sidebar synopsis of story)

WEBSITE/BLOG: http://joansowards.blogspot.com/

OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES

WINNER:

ANSWER:

 

July 3

SPONSOR: Margaret L. Turley RN

PRIZE: Save the Child (Reality Fiction), autographed copy

QUESTION: Where can you listen to an audio interview with Margaret L. Turley about her book, Save the Child? (Hint: Click on link at the bottom of Margaret’s bio on her “About the Author” page)

WEBSITE/BLOG: http://margaretturley.com

USA ENTRIES ONLY

WINNER:

ANSWER:

 

July 4

SPONSOR: Joyce DiPastena

PRIZE: Illuminations of the Heart (sweet medieval romance, a 2009 Whitney Award Finalist), autographed by author

QUESTION: Who were gifts usually given to on Epiphany during the Middle Ages? (Hint: Click on “Stolen Christmas” tab and read excerpt from “An Epiphany Gift for Robin”)

WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.joyce-dipastena.com/

OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES:

WINNER:

ANSWER:

 

July 5

SPONSOR: Cindy R. Williams

PRIZE: Chase McKay Didn’t Get Up Today (Arizona Glyph Award Finalist and Southwest Book Awards Finalist), a snuggle, giggle children’s picture book

QUESTION: There is a picture of Cindy holding two dragons on her website, www.cindyrwilliams.com.  The names of the dragons are in the caption below the picture. What are their names? (Hint: Look on the “Book” page)

WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.cindyrwilliams.com

USA ENTRIES ONLY

WINNER:

ANSWER:

 

July 6

SPONSOR: Gail Pallotta

PRIZE:  Love Turns the Tide (inspirational romance with suspense), free e-book on CD, with a pendant necklace and matching earrings

QUESTION: Who comes to Cammie O'Shea's rescue after she has a break-in at her unit in Destin, Florida? (Hint: Scroll down to: MORE ABOUT THE BOOK)

WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.gailpallotta.com

OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES

WINNER:

ANSWER:

 

July 7

SPONSOR: Danyelle Ferguson, co-author of the soon-to-be released non-fiction book: (dis)Abilities and the Gospel

PRIZE: A 30 page manuscript edit

QUESTION: Name three of the "special needs" addressed in (dis)Abilities and the Gospel. (Hint: Click on the "Books" tab for (dis)Abilities and the Gospel)

WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.danyelleferguson.com/

USA ENTRIES ONLY

WINNER:

ANSWER:

 

July 8

SPONSOR: Karen E. Hoover

PRIZE: Sapphire Flute (YA Fantasy), autographed copy

QUESTION: How many bloggers have posted their reviews of The Sapphire Flute? (Hint: Check out the list under “Sapphire Flute Blog Tour” in the right hand side bar and count ‘em up)

WEBSITE/BLOG: http://karen-hoover.blogspot.com/

USA ENTRIES ONLY

WINNER:

Chasing Twilight Road Trip Trivia Contest

Hi and welcome to Chasing Twilight—our Countdown to Eclipse Virtual Road Trip to Forks Twilight Trivia Contest.

Yeah. That's a lot to remember. Don't worry about it. All you need to remember is to check the Inksplasher blog every day, read the new posts, and follow the directions. Easy-peasy. Promise.

But for those of you who want the nitty-gritty details, here they are.


Daily Posts
Every day from June 1 through July 3, there will be three posts.

1. Eclipse Trivia posts: Correctly answer the trivia question in the comments section of the post by the deadline and you will be entered to win the Daily Prize. Correctly answer the question any time before July 3, 2010 and you earn 1 point toward the Grand Prize.
2. Forks Road Trip posts: We will be taking a virtual road trip from Pleasant Grove, UT to Forks, WA. Travel with us as we visit various tourist sites along the way and in and around Forks. Correctly answer the Road Trip question in the comments section of the post by the deadline and you will be entered to win the Daily Prize. Correctly answer the question any time before July 3, 2010 and you earn 1 point toward the Grand Prize.
3. Visit our Sponsor posts: Follow the link to visit the sponsor of the Daily Prize. Correctly answer the question in the comments section on their post by the deadline and you will be entered to win the Daily Prize. Correctly answer the question any time before July 3, 2010 and you earn 2 points toward the Grand Prize.

Earning Grand Prize Points
The Chasing Twilight Grand Prize is truly awesome. We'll be adding prizes throughout the contest. Anyone who earns 100 points or more will be entered to win the Grand Prize. Winner will be chosen using Random.com

How do you earn points? Glad you asked!

1. Daily Posts: Participate in the Daily Posts as described above. If you get every answer correct, you will have earned 136 points.
2. Mr. Linky: Sign-Up using the Mr. Linky on the Inksplasher blog so we can visit each other and talk Twilight. :) Earn 10 points.
3. Blogs: Write a post about the Contest, include a link back to this post and the Inksplasher blog Earn 10 points per blog.
4. Buttons: Put a Chasing Twilight button on your blog, website or facebook page. Earn 10 points per site. (GO HERE for button codes.)
5. Facebook: Talk about the Chasing Twilight Road Trip on Facebook, include a link back to this post and the Inksplasher post. Earn 10 points per facebook profile.
6. Twitter: Twitter about Chasing Twilight. Earn 1 point per day that you Tweet about the contest.
7. Return and Report: You MUST come back here and tell me what you've done to earn the points. Leave links to your blog, facebook page, twitter, etc.