Random-ish

That Fairy Tale Life

2012-01-27T04:00:00.000-08:00

Dudes. I don’t watch a lot of TV. Seriously, I think Chopped is about the only show I watch regularly because it’s on late at night as I’m getting ready for bed. But every once in a while, there is an exception.

Like the new abc series, Once Upon a Time. *clutches chest* LOVE!

Usually, when I find a TV series and watch it regularly, it’s because I love both the characters and the storyline. But this one’s even better, because it has been created out of stories and characters I already loved, put a new twist on all my favorite fairy tales, and plunked them down in the modern world.

More love!

This is what it feels like to be on the other side of brilliant writing. It’s a learning experience, and not just for writers, but for everyone. I think whenever you take a perfect life lesson and turn it and twist it and move it into different places and take it to new heights, it makes us question our morals, our values, and our how far we would go for love, life, and the pursuit of, well, happily ever after.

What’s more, it makes me personally evaluate my own happily ever after. Have I reached that place yet? Keeping in mind that life changes daily, I ask myself if I died tomorrow, would I be happy with the life I’ve lived?

I still have a long bucket list, so I hope I don’t die tomorrow. But if I did, if some freak accident happened and I was hit by lightning or a bus or dropped off a cliff, would I be able to say I’d loved as deeply as I could, given back to the world in the best way I knew how, and affected someone else’s life for the better?

I certainly hope so. What about you? Are you living a fairy-tale kind of life?

The Beauty of An Open Mind

2012-01-25T04:00:00.000-08:00

When I first started writing, I had grandiose and rather naive dreams of how my newly chosen career would go. I’m sure you know them. They go something like this:

a. Write a single book in one draft.
b. Publisher falls in love with single book and offers buckets of money to publish it immediately.
c. Agents fawn over author, fighting over who gets to represent her.
d. Author makes so much money, husband can retire and together they can travel the world while the author writes more bestsellers.
e. Fans go so crazy that author has to hire personal security to follow her around.
f. Movie directors snatch up the gem and turn single book into multi-million dollar series of films.
g. Etc, etc, etc.

All right. I must admit, I wasn’t quite that disillusioned. But I won’t say I haven’t wished for similar scenarios. All authors have dreams like this. (And if you don’t, you’re either lying to yourself or crazy. Just sayin.)

But the reality is so very, very different. What’s more, each author’s journey is vastly different from that of his or her author friends/ acquaintances/ peers. In a market that offers so many levels of success, it would be impossible for two people to have the same experience.

My personal journey continues, and while I am probably still a long way from that story of wild success, I’m happy with where I am because I’ve opened my mind to all the new possibilities and levels of achievement. More, I’m learning to adjust my hopes and dreams as I discover new realities and potential I never before considered.

And I’ve come to realize that the one thing—the MOST IMPORTANT thing—is that no matter where I am in my career as an author, there will always be another level for which to reach, another skill to learn, and another book to write. The best thing I can do to ensure my own success is to learn how to keep an open heart and mind.

That, my friends, is a beautiful thing.

Attracting Positive Energy

2012-01-20T04:00:00.000-08:00

The other day, someone paid me a really nice compliment. She told me that good things happen to me because I am always so positive. It was kind of an offhanded comment, which made it mean all the more.

I believe that we attract the same kind of energy we put out, so if we put out positive energy, that is what we will attract—what will be drawn toward us.

For instance, if you believe in the parking fairy, she’ll work for you and make sure you get good parking spaces most of the time. And if you try hard to always see the good in people, situations, and circumstances, good things will come to you, largely because you’re LOOKING for them.

What do you think? Am I crazy, or does positive + positive = WOWZA?

Good Movies vs. Bad Movies

2012-01-18T04:00:00.000-08:00

I like movies as much as anyone, but I don’t often take the time to see them. Although, I’ve seen several lately. Some were extremely well written, and some were very poorly written (no, I’m not telling titles—you’ll have to figure that out on your own).

The well written movies had high tension levels, strong suspension of disbelief, identifiable characters, and plots with unexpected twists and turns.

On the other hand, the poorly written ones moved slowly, weren’t believable for one reason or another, had characters that were difficult to connect with, and a plot that didn’t fulfill the viewers’ expectations.

What’s the difference? Well, in the case of two of my recently viewed movies, several million dollars in ticket sales. But even more than that, fans that walked away either stimulated and satisfied, or feeling like they wasted their ticket money.

Notice I didn’t bring up the big-budget/small-budget comparison. It’s because I believe small budget movies can be well written as often as big-budget movies are poorly written. It’s a mixed bag.

One thing we can do to assure we don’t end up on the bottom end of the spectrum is to fact check and research. Especially real life scenarios. If law enforcement plays a big role in your storyline, talk to a law enforcement official. If your story draws on medical science, talk a doctor to or research the relevant subjects. If there is a strong historical side to your story, make sure your story is set in the right time and that you have given your characters the right tools.

I’m not saying you have to get everything exactly right. Just make it believable to the reader or viewer.

What other things can we do to assure that our stories are the best they can be?

Me in Ten

2012-01-13T04:00:00.001-08:00

I’ve done posts like this before. And for those of you who’ve been around for a while, please forgive the repeat. I’ve picked up a lot of new readers this year, so I figure it’s time to do a sort of get-to-know-ya post. Yeah?

Okay.

1. I’m older than I look, younger than my age, different than you think.

2. Four kids (one who will be graduating from high school this spring), and two golden retrievers all call me Mom. (Okay, the dogs don’t actually talk, but ya know.)

3. If it sparkles, I’ll like it. Also, if it’s colorful.

4. I live in the Utah mountains, but hope to someday move to a place with sand, water, and palm trees.

5. I’m an author (see sidebar or click the my books link above) of two small press books, and intend to break into the YA national market very soon.

6. I type fast and read fast, but the stories in my head evolve slowly.

7. I believe that love conquers all and that determination can help us overcome all obstacles, and compassion should be part of our daily decisions (maybe a little too idealistic, but that’s me in a nutshell).

8. Driving with my convertible top down is my preference. Even if it’s raining. But I don’t like to be cold, so not in snow.

9. I have four parents and ten siblings, not including the in-laws on either side. Also, over a hundred aunts, uncles, and cousins and three-living grandparents. Yep. Makes for some crazy family gatherings. I like it that way.

10. Travelling = yes please. Whenever and wherever I can, I love to go, go, go. Adventure included? Thanks!

There you have it. Me in 10 statements. If you’re a new reader (or not) feel free to tell me a few things about you. Let’s get to know each other!

Stick-to-it-ness

2012-01-11T04:00:00.000-08:00

If you’ve been a follower for very long, you’ll know I’m a gym regular, and that January is the season for newbies to join, come for a couple weeks, or a month, and then never return.

Newbies can be picked out from across the room in a packed gym, and it is not because their workout attire is either brand new or inappropriate (aka jeans, flip-flops, etc.). It’s that look of panic on their face, the confusion when they look at the equipment, the indecision that causes them to wander in circles.

Sadly, by the end of February, one of two things tends to happen with these people. Either they’ve given up the idea of getting fit and have moved back into old habits, or they’ve figured out the machines, found a routine, and bought a good sports bra or compression shorts.

The same thing happens to writers who are attending a conference or workshop for the first time. From the look of panic, the confusion when trying to figure out which breakout sessions to attend, and the indecision that causes them to wander the halls.

By the end of the conference though, either they’ve decided they really don’t want to be a writer and are looking into basketweaving or taxidermy, OR they’ve taken reams of notes, broken out of their shell to make friends with other authors, and are planning to attend other conferences near them.

There’s nothing wrong with being the newbie in either of these cases. It’s a very admirable thing for people to branch out and try new things. I’m all over self improvement. (Disclaimer: some people aren’t meant to get in shape in a gym. There are other methods. Some people aren’t meant to learn to write in a public setting like a conference. There are other ways to do that, too. And I wish those people luck. Today, I’m addressing those who ARE made to do things this way. )

The only way to reach a difficult goal like getting in shape or writing a book is to stick with it. Even when it’s hard. Even when it’s so hard you don’t know why you decided to do it in the first place. Even when you wonder why you subject yourself to such methods of torture. Keep going and keep going and keep going, because eventually, you will see results. You will lose five pounds or ten, or write a chapter or an entire rough draft, or even a short story.

Once you start seeing results, you’ll remember why you started this journey, and hopefully, that will be motivation enough to help you stick through the next difficult phase, until eventually, you manage to reach that goal.

What helps you through the tough parts?

My Kind of Resolutions

2012-01-06T04:00:00.000-08:00

Oh yes, it may be a trendy thing. I have lots of goals this year, too. But more importantly, I have resolutions.

What’s the difference? Hm. I think goals are like targets for which you can aim. For instance, go to the gym four times a week, polish two manuscripts and draft a third, send at least 100 queries (or find an agent or get a deal, whichever comes first), read 75 books, learn to scuba dive. Stuff like that.

But a resolution is more of a state of mind, a type of behavior, a change to the very way we act.

Over the holidays, I’ve had a lot of time to think about people. About human beings and our different conditions and circumstances. I think part of my thinking was spurred on by L.T. Elliot’s post about being capsized. But that’s not where it began. I think it started a long time ago, and was brought into sharp relief over the holidays.

And so I’ve made a different list of resolutions this year. I hope some of you will join me.

1. Love. Love everyone I should, and even some I shouldn’t, and love hard, because you never know when the important people in your life won’t be there anymore.

2. Forgive. Even the people who don’t deserve it. Because holding onto anger and hate only serves to make us miserable. And no one wants to be miserable.

3. Give. Give back to the world, give up impossible expectations, give of myself, and give something my all.

4. Create. Happiness, dreams, and the kind of life I really want to live. Because happiness starts from within, and must be created first within our hearts.

5. Dance. Alone, with a group, with people I love, as well as strangers. Because dancing, well. It’s fun. And healthy. And it makes me feel amazing.

6. Sing. Because I like it. Because I can. And really, besides myself, who’s listening anyway?

7. Jump. Off a cliff, into the water, into new ideas and out of old habits. Just jump.

8. Smile. At everyone. Even when they make me mad. Because everyone has bad days, and a smile might make things better.

9. Shop. For the best possible deals—some of the best things in life come free.

10. Ride. The wave fate has thrown for me. And never let it suck me under. I AM strong.

So now you know my plans for 2012. Which do you think are more important, goals or resolutions? What are some of yours?

A Brand New Year

2012-01-04T04:00:00.000-08:00

Now that the holidays are over and 2012 is here, people all over the world are making resolutions and goals. Some will be reachable. Some will not.

Believe it or not, I think it’s okay to have a few goals you probably won’t be able to reach in a year. However unlikely, going big gives us something to reach for, to work on, to dream about. And as long as we also set ourselves goals we CAN reach, ones within our control, these are the things that make life interesting.

One of my goals for the year is to rearrange some things and simplify certain areas of my life. For instance, I’m changing my blogging schedule from Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays to just Wednesdays and Fridays, with the occasional (maybe once a month or so) contest, which I will probably post on Monday. Hopefully, cutting back (just a little) will make it easier for my readers to keep up with my posts, as well as giving me more time to focus on writing other things.

I’ve also decided to plan a sort-of guideline for my regular posts. I realize that while a good portion of my readers are also writers, that percentage doesn’t include everyone. So I’m going to post about writing on Wednesdays, and about regular life things on Fridays.

For instance, this Friday, I’m talking more about goals. Hope you’ll join me.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T00:01:00.000-08:00

I'll be back to blogging later this week! Can't wait to hang with you all again.

Merry, Merry, Merry

2011-12-25T00:01:00.000-08:00

Christmas!

A special song for a special day. I love, love, love this arrangement. Always have.

Today, I wish for you happiness, love, and time to spend with the important people in your life.
Hugs and kisses, from me to you.

**I'm taking this next week off to be with my family. Please join me again after the New Year. Thanks for reading!**

Tis the Season

2011-12-24T04:00:00.000-08:00

Holy crap, it’s Christmas Eve! What are you doing reading blogs when you could be out celebrating and baking and shopping for last minute gifts? Not in the mood? Well, I am.

This is a day of great excitement in my family. So here’s a little carol, with phenomenal harmony, to get your Christmas spirit jumping and boiling. Okay? Okay.

Happy holidays, merry Christmas, and happy festivus to the rest of ya! Hooray for today.

Where Are You Christmas?

2011-12-23T04:00:00.000-08:00

This one I love, partly because my daughter plays it on the piano and I love that sound, but also because I feel like this a lot during the holidays. Sometimes we get so caught up in buying, and spending, and crazy time sucks, that we forget what we’re celebrating and why.

Also, I think we can all learn a lot from the Grinch.

So for today’s selection, I give you Faith Hill and Where Are You Christmas.

My Grownup Christmas List

2011-12-21T04:00:00.000-08:00

After Monday's post, I decided that this week I'm going to share with you some of the music that has most affected me during the holiday season. For me, music can make or break my mood, and this year, I can use a little mood music.

Plus, the kids are off school, so I'm spending the week doing fun things with my family. Don't worry, I LOVE Christmas music, so I'll be posting through the weekend as well. (But then I'm taking off the week after--you know, priorities.)

This next selection is another one I've loved for years, because it really hits home for me. (Yes, it's on the same CD as Monday's choice--coincidence? Uh, no.)

What can you do to give back this season?

The Songs/ Stories that Save Us

2011-12-19T04:00:00.000-08:00

Earlier this week, I was cleaning, and came across a book with CD, written and performed by recording artist Amy Grant. In this book, she tells the story of how one of her most amazing songs came to be written. As it happens, that song is a Christmas one, and it is my all time favorites. The book reminded me of a story of my own.

The years surrounding Christmas 1995 were some of the hardest I ever hope to face, and to this day, that fact holds strong. To tell you the story would be highly personal, possibly boring, and likely require an entire novel, so I won’t go into detailed explanations.

Suffice it to say, the foundations of my entire life were shaken, and in some places shattered into irreparable pieces. My heart was broken in about a hundred different ways (not having anything to do with my husband). That year, I discovered that evil lurked in the world, that things weren’t always as we believed them to be, and that even the people you trust most are capable of lies.

During this time, I had three things going for me that saved my life in more ways than I can count.

1. I was married to an amazing man who left work to come home and hold me when I needed to be held.
2. I had a two-year-old son who was the brightest part of my life.
3. I was pregnant with my second child—a daughter—whose arrival would make my life all the brighter, better, and sweeter.

That year for Christmas, my husband bought me a portable CD player with a car adapter (I only had cassette at the time), and I also got a copy of Amy Grant’s CD. This song (the one featured in the book I found the other day) is the one that helped me find strength to push through. I would listen to it over and over again, hands on my stomach as my daughter moved around, and know that I was strong enough.

The song is called Breath of Heaven, and to this day, hearing it makes my eyes tear. Merry Christmas, my friends. May you ever find the strength you need to push through your hardest trials, the way Mary did.

Has music ever saved you in some way?

Substitute Santa Claus

2011-12-16T04:00:00.000-08:00

**Scroll down to see who won the Give Books for Christmas giveaway!**

The other day, my (adult) son and I had a conversation about what would happen if Santa got sick and couldn’t deliver presents.

His best solution was that we send up the Bat signal so Batman could take his place. You know, because the Bat Mobile is fast and could probably fit all the presents in it.

I also think Spiderman could do a good job, because, clearly, he’s not afraid of heights, and he has easy access to chimneys.

Or Superman, because he can fly and see through walls with his x-ray vision, and he's strong enough to carry everything in a giant pack.

But the best solution, I think, is Wonder Woman. She can run fast, carry a big load, and reflect speeding bullets with her bracelets and stuff. (Plus, she looks great in this cloak, right?)

I don’t know. If something happened to Santa, who do you think would make a good substitute?

**UPDATE**
The winners of the Give Books for Christmas giveaway are Kathleen Brebes and L.T. Elliott. YAY! Congratulations, ladies. I'll be emailing you this morning.

My Life’s Greatest Accomplishment

2011-12-14T04:00:00.000-08:00

My son is turning 18 tomorrow. In some ways, this really freaks me out, because, well, I am the mother of an adult. Yikes! But in other ways, it doesn’t. He’s a good kid, and while he isn’t really sure what he wants to do for the rest of his life, I know he’ll figure it out as he goes, the same way I did.

For all intents and purposes, I didn’t figure out I wanted to be a writer until I was 30. It’s not so unusual. Don’t get me wrong, at his age I did have goals, and I reached them in short order. I think he has similar goals, but I also look at him and see a hundred-thousand possibilities. It’s entirely possible he does too, which would make it really hard to pick one or two on which to focus.

The good news is that I am quite confident that once he sets his mind to doing something, he will. It’s all a matter of him deciding what that thing is.

Whatever he decides, I could never be more proud of the man he has grown into, and who he continues to evolve to be.

See, one of my earliest goals was to get married and have a family—the opportunity to raise children to become responsible, conscious, compassionate, and just all around good adults. I may not be a bestselling author (yet), in fact, I have a long way to go. BUT. In raising this boy-become-man, I have achieved the single-most important accomplishment of my life.

Nothing I ever do could possibly compare to this. Nor would I allow anything to try. The story of my family is the single greatest story I could EVER write. And no matter what happens in the world, that is one thing that will never change.

What is your greatest accomplishment in life?

What Have You Done?

2011-12-12T04:00:00.000-08:00

We’re running out of time!

I don’t know where this year went. Seriously. Winter lasted like, forever, and then there was spring. Summer was here, and then it wasn’t, and now there are only three weeks left of 2011. Makes me wonder what I’ve done this year.

I know I’ve written another book, queried a LOT of agents, been to a number of conferences, etc, etc, etc. But really, what have I done?

I loved my family, made priceless memories with the people I love most in the world (friends and family), tried to be of service to others, and put together beautiful words that will someday mean something to someone else.

All in all, I’d say 2011 has been good to me. What about you? What have you done this year?

Holiday Favorites, Part III

2011-12-09T04:00:00.000-08:00

Tis the season of family togetherness. (Read: Fighting, bickering, arguing.) And I know there are a whole bunch of activities that will help bring the holiday spirit home. (And if that doesn’t work, there’s always duct tape.)

I think playing, eating, and even watching TV together can be a good thing, even if needed in small doses. But there’s nothing like a good holiday story to change the tone and restore peace among men (or children, as the case may be).

Today’s topic: Holiday Stories

1. The Nativity (Isn’t that a given?)
2. T’was the Night Before Christmas.

3. The Snow Tree (on my kids insistence—because the pages are texturized, I guess.)

4. You Are Special (not just a holiday story, but one we love, just the same.)

5. The Polar Express

And on my personal TBR list this season:

1. The Christmas List by Richard Paul Evans

See that list up there? It’s woefully short. And yeah, I have plenty of books on my to be read list, but still. I want to know what other fabulous holiday books are out there. So spill. What’s your favorite holiday story?

Eclectic Books Catalog

2011-12-08T13:19:00.000-08:00

I don't usually post on Thursdays, like, ever. But I just have to share the link to a really awesome online catalog for anyone wanting to give books for Christmas.

The Eclectic Books catalog offers a number of fantastic, clean books, complete with blurbs and purchase links. I hope this helps you find the perfect gift for the book lover in your life.

Happy holidays!

Holiday Favorites, Part II

2011-12-07T04:00:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite memories from my childhood is the treat table my mother established during the week of Christmas. We didn’t actually sit down to meals on it, but there was always so much food. Chips and salsa, cheese ball and crackers, ham, rolls cheese. Of course, after a couple hours, those things ended up in the fridge rather than the table, and we were left with breads, cookies, candies, and other delicious, delectable treats.

Even after I grew up and moved out of my parents’ house and into one with my own family, the tradition continued. Whenever neighbors or friends or family members brought us a thoughtful yummy, on the table it would go.

As my kids have grown, our treat table has started being established in early December, sort of as a kickoff for the real Christmas season. So far, this year, we have a few minor things on our table. But there are always other great ideas of treats that would be a welcome addition to our other regulars.

Today’s topic: Treats

1. Orange sticks—because seriously. Who doesn’t need a little bit of chocolate during the holidays?

2. Gingerbread cookies—I’m not going to lie, I buy the Grandma’s brand.

3. Homemade caramels—No, I haven’t made these yet, but I’m going to. Soon.

4. Cinnamon Roasted Almonds—I make these too. SO GOOD.

5. Caramel Apple or Pumpkin bread.
6. Hard candies
7. A box of delicious chocolates
8. Chips and salsa (usually homemade, and these stay in the fridge)
9. Cheese ball and crackers (our favorite cheeseball is a seafood one)
10. Chocolate marshmallow Santa’s/snowmen.

What are your favorite treats at this time of year? Shall we add them to our table too?

Holiday Favorites, Part I

2011-12-05T04:00:00.000-08:00

This week I’m in a holiday mood. I had dinner with some friends the other day, and we exchanged heart-felt gifts (the kind that wouldn’t mean nearly as much coming from anyone else) and it has left me feeling festive and happy. To me, time spent with the important people in our lives is what makes the holidays special.

In celebration of this feeling of festivity, I’m going to be talking about some of my family’s holiday favorites. And I’d love to hear yours. Maybe we’ve forgotten old favorites from the past, or haven’t found newer gems of joy. Either way, perhaps if we all share a little piece of holiday cheer, we can help each other catch the true spirit of what this season is really all about.

Today’s topic: Movies

1. Elf (EPIC. Best Christmas movie of all time, IMO.)

2. The Christmas Story (Only just barely trumped by Elf.)

3. The Santa Clause (Yes, it’s a series, but the first one is still the best by far.)

4. While You Were Sleeping (because, romance always makes me smile—plus that family is hilarious.)

5. Jingle All The Way (Because I think it’s all too accurate.)

6. How the Grinch Stole Christmas. (Both the animated and the new version.)

7. Jack Frost (even though it makes me cry.)

**8. Home movies of Christmases past. My family loves to watch and remember. It brings us closer together and reminds us of all the best parts of our life together. If you have home movies of your family, I highly recommend you try this.

This is a small list. I know there are TONS of awesome holiday favorites out there. What are yours?

Give Books for Christmas!

2011-12-04T20:04:00.000-08:00

It’s Christmas time! And I'm participating in the Give Books for Christmas Giveaway Hop, hosted by Inksplasher.

Again, I’m not jumping on a bandwagon, but doing something that sounded fun because, well, it’s Christmas, and I feel like giving things away. Yahoo!

Every year my kids come in on Christmas morning and open at least one book. Some of them (my book lovers) receive multiples. Sometimes, mom gets all the books, and then passes them around. But regardless of whom opens the brightly wrapped box of books, rest assured, they’re there every year.

I believe the world would be such a better place if everyone gave books for Christmas. (For your convenience, here's a really amazing online holiday catalog: http://www.eclecticbookscatalog.com/. You can also learn more about books written by me by checking out my books tab.)

So I’m giving away not one, but TWO copies of Hashbrown Winters by Frank Cole. This is the first in a series, and the books are hilarious, short, and easy to read. The perfect gift for that early reader on your list.

The blurb:

There I stood, hiding next to the vending machines, disguised as a potted plant. I brushed the plastic leaves from my face and stared down the hallway toward the front double doors. Snow Cone always said one day this ridiculous costume would come in handy. Fifteen minutes had passed since the last student left for the buses, but I wasn t about to take any chances. Not with my life hanging in the balance. Leaning forward, I peered around the corner just as the sound of footsteps echoed down the hallway. Was this it? Could this be him? Was I about to be pulverized by Hambone while wearing an emergency disguise I had just pulled from my locker? Hashbrown Winters and his treehouse club of buddies are well known around Pordunce Elementary, especially after Hashbrown s seminar last year on how to give the best show and tell performances... er, presentations. But when Hashbrown accidentally crosses Hambone Oxcart, the death dealer of Pordunce, he ll need more than just the support of his friends to survive Hambone s wrath.

Here are the details:

In order to give myself time to contact the winner, I’m going to close this contest on DECEMBER 15th at NOON. So if you enter, watch your email that day.

To enter you must be a follower (see the sidebar) and leave a comment telling me what books are on your Christmas list this year. That’s it!

The hop runs from December 1 through the 15th. All books will be shipped on December 16th. We can't guarantee books will arrive in time for Christmas, but we're going to give it a good try! **U.S. mailing addresses only, please**

At the end of this post, you'll see a long list of the participating blogs. Just click the links and go check out the contests.

Seasonal Traditions

2011-12-02T04:00:00.000-08:00

The Christmas / Hanukah / Kwanza / Festivus season is officially here. For my family, it means there’s a twelve-foot tree in our living room and little Santa’s and Snowmen around the house. There’s a card table with a puzzle in the family room, where we can work on it while we watch holiday movies, and our dining room table has been set up as the official treat station.

And now, all we need are some presents for people to squeeze and shake. (Working on that.)

This year’s puzzle is a James Christensen print, and most likely we’ll grab a couple Dowdle puzzles as well, because, well, we love them. (And we glue them when we’re done, so we always need a new one.)

If you were to visit my house, what movie would you want to watch (holiday or other favorites), and what treat would you hope to find on our table?

What Would You Do?

2011-11-30T04:00:00.001-08:00

I have a dilemma. A few months ago, my fridge broke. So I called a repair guy, and he came out and, frowning, told us it has a leak in the coils. At the time, buying a new one seemed like an easy solution, as fixing the dang thing was going to cost about as much. But now I’m starting to wonder if we shouldn’t have just fixed it anyway.

Why? Well. Because, apparently, no one wants a fridge with leaky coils. Not the power company, or a used appliance place, the recycle company, or even the dump.

So even though it h as stainless steel doors, a working ice machine, and a compressor that’s less than a year old, it’s now this 26 cubic feet box of junk that no one wants, because it’s “not worth fixing.” And it’s taking up space in my garage.

When did we become a society of “throw it away and buy a new one” when something breaks? And what would you do with this enormous box of…um, non-refrigeration that no one wants?

I feel a story coming out of this. Perhaps it could be turned into a Bill and Ted style time machine. Or a rocket that could take a kid into space a-la Explorers. Or…what else?

"Becoming" a Winner

2011-11-29T08:46:00.000-08:00

Get it? No? Okay, well, what I meant was that someone won a copy of Become by Ali Cross. And due to the holiday, I forgot to make that announcement. Duh.

So sorry!

So I just used the little random generator on the sidebar over there, and the winner is...

Diana!

*Claps and cheers and dances*

Diana, I will be emailing you this week to find out which type of copy you prefer (paperback or ebook) and if you'd like it signed, and how. If you choose paperback will NOT be mailing your prize until next week, after Ali's official launch party.

Thanks for playing everyone, and stay tuned for more giveaways coming soon!

A Little Bit of Both

2011-11-28T04:00:00.000-08:00

I hate to say it, but I’m so glad to have Thanksgiving behind me. Not that I don’t love the holiday—I really do. But it was a massive stresser this year. Thirty-seven people, two giant turkeys, ten pounds of potatoes, twenty-something pies, and a Costco sized package of paper plates, all consumed and enjoyed and now in the past.

I love holidays. Family, food, fun, shopping—all things that make life worth living.

But there’s a lot of stress involved, too, and at the end of it all, I enjoy the satisfaction of having it behind me. Still, I continue to be grateful for this country in which I live, the freedoms I enjoy, and all the comforts of life with which I’m blessed. So, you know, I’m thankful for the holiday, and at the same time so relieved to have it over.

It’s one of those days I both dread and adore. Do you feel that way sometimes? When and why?

More Thankful Things

2011-11-25T04:00:00.000-08:00

I figure I have a month’s worth of thankful statuses to catch up with, so I hope you don’t mind if I keep going for a bit. I did warn you that I have a long list, didn’t I? No? Well, consider yourselves warned.

It’s the small and simple stuff that makes life grand. So today I’m thankful for:

Twinkling Christmas lights, Little Giant ladders, and our Elves Gone Wild CD.

Online shopping, since Black Friday has turned into Black Thursday (which, IMO has gone out of control) and I have no desire to fight strangers over toys anymore. Also, special advance sales geared toward people who are prepared, and who can shop from the comfort of their bedrooms.

Free shipping!

Amazon—because they have everything, and usually at a discount.

Email. Seriously, I remember a time when I had to write letters to my long distance friends on paper and stick the paper in an envelope with a stamp, then wait days for my words to reach them. Now we can have real-time conversations via chat. Or for that matter, face-to-face ones with Skype,

Vacuum cleaners that pick up fake pine needles, dust, dirt, and sludge off my floor whenever someone walks in. Also, Clorox wipes, Awesome spray cleaner (yeah, that’s actually a brand), and melty wax cubes that make my house smell good.

My convertible Mustang, because even though it’s getting up there in miles, I continue to love driving it. (And it’s still cheaper than therapy.)

My followers, who give me a reason to write blogs every week, and who stick around and comment, even when I’m introspective or reminiscent. Or making silly lists, like this one.

Writer’s groups where I have made some amazing friends who have greatly enhanced my life. Also writer’s conferences and CON’s. Because, well, they’re amazing and fun, and great for my career plans. And the most amazing people attend them.

Take-out restaurants. Because, let’s face it. All too often this is the best way to assure the family gets fed.

Soft new flannel pajamas. Because that is my most productive writing outfit. (Now you know.)

And Chris Baty, who invented National Novel Writing Month, which thousands of authors now utilize in order to bulk up their levels of creativity to bigger, better heights. For the third year in a row, I hit 50,000 words. Yahoo!

So there you have them. My status updates that never made it to Facebook. I hope you’re having a beautiful, fun-filled Thanksgiving weekend. Oh, and if you’re out shopping, keep your eyes open and your fighting hands at the ready. And may the odds be ever in your favor.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T04:00:00.000-08:00

Thankful Kinds of Things

2011-11-23T04:00:00.000-08:00

I’ve noticed there’s a trend on Facebook this November. Every day, certain friends of mine update their status by saying something for which they are thankful. I think that’s a really great idea, because anything that reminds us about all the many blessings in our lives, however small, makes us stronger.

Being that tomorrow is Thanksgiving, I thought I’d do something similar, because, well, I am feeling rather thankful at the moment.

My kids, who are wise beyond their years, and who have worked hard this week to prepare our house for the insurgence of people coming for Thanksgiving dinner (looking at 35+).

My husband, who works extra hard to provide our family with the things we need, and other things we just want. Like turkey and pie. And who also offered to brave Black Friday if I need him. (Don’t worry, honey, I’m taking the girls.)

Friends who stand by me and cheer me on and who would break me out of jail if ever I needed. (You know who you are!)

Stephenie Meyer for creating books that were turned into movies that my girls insisted on seeing at 12:29 on a school night last week, because movies like that aren’t nearly as fun without screaming, excited girls who are hopped up on sugar and caffeine.

The Baltimore Ravens for letting us in their stadium (last fall) to look around, and then gave us all hats and footballs and signed team pictures. We became life-long fans that day, and now you’re looking at Super Bowl possibilities. This makes us happy.

Hawaii—because it exists and gives us something to dream about.

Publishing companies who produce quality books that make us love to read and who give writers a goal for which to strive. And also, for giving me a reason to stay up all night because I just have to see what happens next.

Blue glow sticks, rock candy lollipops, and Thunder—the Australian kind. Oh, and also peanuts.

Steve Jobs for inventing…well, pretty much all things Apple. But specifically, my iPhone.

**To be continued**

What are you Thankful for this year?

Apocalypse Scenarios and Being Prepared for Zombies

2011-11-21T04:00:00.000-08:00

Last week, my oldest son and I got into a discussion about emergency preparedness. I can’t remember what got us started, but naturally, the discussion segued into extreme possibilities and possible apocalypse scenarios.

Because, well, you know. Emergency kits and food storage could be rather handy in the event the world is overtaken by zombies. And we all know that’s coming someday. Or something’s coming, anyway.

As we were trying to merge our idea of the apocalypse (as is shown in so many popular dystopian novels recently) and possible reasons for the real world to come to such extremes, this is what we came up with.

Most likely apocalypse scenarios;

1. Solar flares that scorch the portions of Earth.

2. World War III = creates a nuclear winter.

3. A rapidly spreading, highly contagious plague that eats people’s minds and bodies = real zombies.

4. Animal overlords created by science experiments gone bad (think Jurassic Park).

5. Robot overlords created by an evil hi-tech master who is then killed by his own evil robots (think Terminator).

6. Planetary realignment that flip-flop’s the earth’s poles, killing off vegetation, animal life, and changing the flow of water all over the world.

We figure knowing the possibilities will help us to plan ahead and be prepared for anything that might happen. The question is, what did we miss?

Become by Ali Cross, Dark C.A.R.M.A. Spotlights, and another Giveaway!

2011-11-18T04:00:00.000-08:00

If you read my Monday and Wednesday blogs this week, you already know I’ve been spotlighting the Dark C.A.R.M.A. books this week. I’m way exited for these amazing women and their individual decisions to go INDIE with high quality work and a strong promotional push.

Today I’m spotlighting Become by Ali Cross.

I haven’t read it yet. Well, at least, not this version. I did read an older version of this book several months ago, and I loved it then. Love Desi, love Michael. Love the concept of the story. But I haven’t yet had the chance to read the newest version, but I’m really excited to get to it (as soon as I finish my NaNo project—you know, reward for accomplishment and all that). If it’s even half as good as the version I read, it’s really, really amazing.

Wanna know what it’s about? Here’s the blurb:

Sixteen-year old Desolation Black wants nothing more than to stay in Hell where it’s cold and lonely and totally predictable. Instead, she’s sent back to Earth where she must face the evil she despises and the good she always feared. When Desi is forced to embrace her inner demon, she assumes her choice has been made—that she has no hope of being anything other than what her father, Lucifer, has created her to be. What she doesn’t count on, is finding a reason to change—something she’s never had before—a friend.

A little bit about Ali:

I’ve always been a dreamer. When I would tell my family what new adventure I wanted to take on, they’d roll their eyes and say something like, “Oh yeah? Well let us know how that works out for you.” Meaning, of course, that no one expected my dreams to amount to much.

I wanted to be a pilot in the Canadian Air Force, a Royal Canadian Mounted Policewoman, and Prime Minister of Canada.

I wanted to be a youth minister, an opera singer, and a ballet dancer.

I wanted to be happy.

The good news is . . . not all dreams stay relegated to dreamland forever.

I was an opera singer (five years with Opera Idaho) and tried ballet for one magical summer when I was thirty years old.

And I’ve discovered new dreams that are coming true even as we speak.

And . . . I’m happy. Thanks to my family, friends and a core set of beliefs that shape my day.

It’s true, I’m a dreamer. But man, where my dreams have taken me!

And now, I'm the sansei of the writer's dojo, the author of the soon-to-be-released young adult novel BECOME, and ninja-writer extraordinaire.

And I should also add, Ali is a beautiful, smart woman who has an amazing capacity for friendship and I am one of the lucky people who gets to consider her one of mine. *sniffs and cheers* Go Ali!

And now, what you’ve all been waiting for. THE GIVEAWAY:

To celebrate the release of all these books, I’m giving away a copy of Become by Ali Cross. (Winner may choose between hard copy or ebook.) That's right! To enter, all you have to do is follow my blog (see the sidebar) and leave a comment on this post, telling me why you’re excited to read any of the Dark C.A.R.M.A books, or why you're dying to get your hands on a copy of Become.

That’s it. You have until midnight, MST, Saturday, November 26th to enter, and I’ll announce the winner sometime the following week. Okay? Sw-eet! Also, in case you're afraid you won't win the copy I'm giving away, there are LOTS more chances to win. Check out Elana Johnson's blog or fill out this form for a chance to win one of five more books.

**Friday, November 18 is the LAST Twitter chat during which one lucky person will. Search the hashtag #BECOME to participate and enter.

In case you can't wait (and let's face it, who can?) to see if you win, you can buy your copy of Become on Amazon. You can also read more about the works of Ali Cross on her website.

Once more, big congratulations to Ali, Christine, and RaShelle! And good luck to all the contest entrants.

Finding Your Wings (and Bound by C.K. Bryant)

2011-11-16T04:00:00.000-08:00

Sometimes it requires branching out, taking a different path than others have chosen.

Sometimes it means starting over or jumping into unfamiliar territory.

Sometimes it means saying goodbye to certain expectations or goals in order to make room for new ones.

Sometimes finding your wings requires the support of a number of incredible people who will stand by you and refuse to allow you to fall on your face.

But always, finding your wings requires an enormous amount of risk, which also requires bravery you haven’t always believed you possessed. But you do. You have it in spades. We all have this potential strength. It may take some digging, some serious soul searching, but when we find it—that is when we’re able to figure out how to fly.

Speaking of flying, today’s Dark C.A.R.M.A. spotlight is Bound, by C.K. Bryant.

This one, I have read, and it is really a great story. Favorite moments involve a waterfall and a shirtless hottie named Octavian, a dying girl and a best friend willing to risk everything to save her, and some great kissing scenes that leave Kira—the main character—and the reader breathless.

The one thing I was sad about was the ending, because I have to wait for book 2. *frowns*

Check it out!

The blurb:

When a photo shoot ends in tragedy, Kira discovers her best friend, Lydia, has been keeping a secret. Knowing the truth, and accepting it, will change Kira’s life forever and thrust her into a world of ancient curses, magical objects, and savage enemies. What happens next will challenge everything Kira knows about her world, herself and the shape-shifting warrior she’s falling in love with. No longer the timid mouse her mother accused her of being, but a woman who finds the mental and physical strength to endure and survive.

BOUND is a heroic tale of true friendship, infinite sacrifice and untamed love.

Purchase your copy of Bound on Amazon or learn more about the works of C.K. Bryant on her blog.

Blog-hop Winner!

2011-11-15T08:29:00.000-08:00

I know, I'm totally a slacker because I haven't announced a winner for the blog hop drawing yet. But as my regular readers know, I don't blog on the weekends.

The prize was a copy of Pride and Popularity by Jenni James. And the winner is...

Carolyn V.

YAY Carolyn! That random generator must just love you! I'll get a hold of you this week and make the necessary arrangements.

Thanks for playing, everyone!

A Town Called Hell

2011-11-14T04:00:00.000-08:00

Yes, really. It’s an actual place, and it’s here on earth. Don’t believe me? Google it.

A few years back, I visited this place. Imagine that? I’ve been to Hell and back, literally. *grins at the irony* In fact, there were vans full of people transported to Hell for the privilege of being able to say they’d been there.

Hell, the town, is located on Grand Cayman, an island in the Caribbean, and has a great deal of character thanks to the creative thinking of its founders and residents, who capitalize on the name daily.

In this case, the name of the town makes it not only memorable, but also an interesting place to visit.

I’ve also visited places like Death Valley, AZ. and Intercourse, PA. (which is doubly ironic because it is largely populated by people of the Amish faith). There are more. Wish I could remember them all. But I can think of one more. Forks, WA.

I think these real-life towns are a great example of why setting is important in fiction, and why naming our fictional towns require thought—a lot of it. In this way, the setting has an opportunity to become a character in itself. Basically, the place where a story takes place becomes as important as the characters in the story, with a personality all its own.

Do you agree with this theory? Have a story with a really amazing setting? Know of more towns or cities with really awesome names?

**This week I’m spotlighting the Dark C.A.R.M.A. books, which were released last Friday.

Today I’m sharing a little about Exiled by RaShelle Workman. I haven’t read this book yet, but it looks great, don’t you think?

The blurb:

Stubborn, sixteen-year-old Princess Venus of Kelari wants one thing, to become immortal, that is, until someone exiles her to Earth, kills her irrihunter and takes her family.

Now she wants revenge.

First she’s got to get home. But before she can return to Kelari, the Gods have commanded her to help an arrogant boy named Michael find his soul mate.

Only she doesn't know the first thing about love.

Rather quickly, her inexperience with human emotion is obscured by other matters—alien-controlled psychotic teens that are out to kill her, and a government group that is set on capturing and dissecting her.

Worst of all, Venus will suffer a painful death-by-poisoning, thanks to Earth’s atmosphere, if she remains on the planet longer than one week.

Still, Venus is a Princess and she's got a plan. Surely, with her help, Michael will fall in love with a human.

But time is running out and Michael is falling for the wrong girl—her.

You can get your copy of Exiled on Amazon.

Getting Unstuck

2011-11-11T04:00:00.000-08:00

Just in case you’re feeling creatively blocked right now, I’d like to share a few things I do when I’m feeling unable to write or create something of beauty.

1. Journal—even if it’s about nothing, just open a blank document and spill everything that’s weighing on my mind in order to clear out the cobwebs. This is a tremendous help.

2. Drive—for me this includes music. Very often when I’m driving and listening to mood music, things come to me and I feel incredibly inspired.

3. Meditate—clear your mind and let it drift. Often this is the most productive thing you can do.

4. Clean—some of my best ideas have come when my floor is half scrubbed, or my hands submerged in a sink full of dirty dishes.

5. Shower or bathe—seriously. Because, again, the best ideas tend to come when you’re…indisposed.

6. Decide to not write and walk away from your computer with a scowl. It will most likely miss you and call you back about the time you start to feel withdrawal.

7. Accomplish other tasks that are weighing heavily on your mind. If they truly distract you, finish them so you can let them go.

8. Brainstorm with another creative minded person—for me, this is often my teenage son, who has fantastic ideas, or other writers, who are also very creative.

9. Exercise. Working out stimulates endorphins that get your creative juices flowing unlike anything else.

10. Try writing late at night or early in the morning, when your brain is either shutting down to prepare for sleep, or just waking from it. When dreamland is within reach, so is your most creative self.

I hope I’ve given you something you can use. Now, jump over that wall and get back to work.

**Also, the Dark CARMA book tour starts today. If you haven't already checked out all the awesome online events happening, stop by their blog.

Apparently, November = the Month of Giveaways

2011-11-08T00:01:00.000-08:00

In case you didn’t see yesterday’s post, which is totally unrelated to this one, but IS, in fact, a giveaway, here’s the link. Or you can scroll down. Either way. But first, you’re going to want to read this one.

Amusing story: A bunch of people I know decided THIS must be the lucky week to hold all types of November giveaways, and I (not paying much attention to important details like dates) signed up to do a few of them. Because, well, why not? Right? (This is not me jumping on a bandwagon so much as wanting to support my friends who are hosting events—TOTALLY different situation.)

So this is how I have come to be posting TWO separate giveaway posts in two days, and also how I will post one more next week.

For today’s opportunity to win, I will be offering a copy of Pride and Popularity by Jenni James. (And if I can track her down, I may even get it autographed.)

Check out this really adorable cover:

The blurb:

Chloe Elizabeth Hart despises the conceited antics of the popular crowd, or more importantly, one very annoying self-possessed guy, Taylor Anderson, who seems determined to make her the president of his fan club! As if! Every girl in the whole city of Farmington, New Mexico, is in love with him, but he seems to be only interested in Chloe. This modern high school adaptation of Pride and Prejudice is a battle of wits as Chloe desperately tries to remain the only girl who can avoid the inevitable falling for Taylor.

It’s easy to enter. Simply become a follower (see the upper sidebar) and then leave me a comment telling me one thing for which you are thankful this month.

And since I won’t be doing a giveback giveaway for November (sorry, my budget can only handle so much this month) , I’ll give you an extra entry if you tell me one nice thing you’ve done to give back to someone else. This thing can be big or small. (For some great ideas, check out this post and this one.)

This contest will close on November 11th. US shipping, only, please.

Celebrating Breaking Dawn: Bella's Bridal / Baby Shower Giveaway

2011-11-07T00:00:00.000-08:00

You all know I'm a fan. I admit it. Think what you want, because I love a good story with lovable characters and the Twilight series is exactly that. Breaking Dawn part 1 comes out next week! And guess what? I'm participating in a bridal/ baby shower to honor Bella, and you're invited to attend.

Here are the deets:

Today is my sponsor day, which means you have the opportunity to win these fabulous prizes:

1. Vampire and werewolf gummies (by Black Forest)
2. A silver necklace with pink tropical hibiscus flowers in honor of the honeymoon in South America.

Items are wrapped in a pretty fabric bag and tied with a bridal-shower style ribbon.

To enter, you have to do is answer the following question:

Name three young adult genre books which have been or are being released this fall. (HINT: I made a list of some on this post.)

Email your answer, along with your name and U.S. mailing address to Bellasshower@gmail.com. That's it. Of course, if you want to help spread the word, that is always nice and we'd appreciate it most graciously. Also, you'll get extra entries.

To find out how, head over to Inksplasher. While you're there, you can also find out how to enter to win a whole bunch of other super-cool, mega-awesome prizes to help celebrate.

Good luck, and happy Monday!

Time to Party for Bella and Edward!

2011-11-05T00:00:00.000-07:00

The Juggling Act

2011-11-04T04:00:00.000-07:00

About now—or sometime in the next week—thousands of authors are going to hit a wall in their speed writing process (otherwise known as NaNoWriMo).

Things come up. Our families need us. The holidays are upon us, and there is baking / decorating / shopping / socializing to be done. Really. Who has time to write?

It’s definitely tricky. But you can handle it. Know why? It’s what we do. We juggle. We shift. We move things around until all the pieces of our lives and time fit together. Maybe we get less sleep and put off some unimportant things like making dinner and scrubbing floors.

We do what we must to accomplish our goals because this is how we keep all our balls in the air. We learn to juggle. And really, all I can offer is my wishes of good luck. I hope you manage to catch them all.

It Begins

2011-11-02T04:00:00.000-07:00

Ladies and gentlemen, November is officially here, and with it, the beginning of NaNoWriMo. Yes, I am writing, and yes, I intend to complete a 50,000 word manuscript this month.

Because of that (and other things, like going out of town and stuff), I’m not going to write a long missive of encouragement this year. But I will say this:

You. Can. Do. It.

It’s not about winning, but about proving to yourself that you have what it takes to work hard toward a specific goal and accomplish that goal to your own satisfaction. The end product or result will not be the same for everyone, but everyone will get results that matter to them. And that’s really the whole point.

Never underestimate your ability to accomplish something important.

*waves pompoms and cheers*

Now get off the internet and get to work!

8 Cool Facts about Hallowe’en.

2011-10-31T04:00:00.000-07:00

1. Aside from dressing up and getting free candy, Halloween is a festival of the dying year, and the evening before All Saints Day. Legend has it that as ancient Celtic farmers believed there was one day a year when the season of life meets the season of death. As vegetation dies off, spirits that have been kept down all year rise and make their presence known amongst the living. This day was known as Samhain, the Celtic word for the end of summer.

2. The costume tradition dates back to Celtic Ireland, when people lit bonfires and dressed in disguises to confuse and scare away evil spirits believed to walk the earth. They did this on a day known as Samhain.

3. In the eight century, Pope Gregory III established All Hallows Day to celebrate all saints, known, and unknown. This day was held on November first, the day immediately following Celtic Samhain.

4. Over time, the two religious festivals/traditions became mixed among accepting Europeans, and soon Samhain became All Hallows Eve (the evening before All Saints Day).

5. Hallowe’en (the evolved name) was not celebrated in America until the mid 19th century, when a potato famine drove shiploads of starving Irish to America looking for a better life. They brought their beliefs and traditions with them, where those traditions were thrown into the mixed bag of other cultures also brought into the country.

6. As traditions were melded and changed, roaring bonfires became lanterns carved from pumpkins and gourds, and the Celts demonic disguises became modern day costumes.

7. Trick or Treating is believed to have begun in as poor people traveling from home to home, offering to pray for dead family members in exchange for small cakes.

8. In modern times, Halloween is one of the most profitable holidays on the calendar, though curiously, it is not technically considered a holiday (as in close government offices and schools), but a tradition.

Happy Hallowe'en everyone! And good luck to all the NaNoWriMo participants. Midnight comes fast, so be ready!

**Information gleaned from the History channel. You can find several clips about this topic here.

The Professional Face

2011-10-28T04:00:00.000-07:00

(Here I go again, blogging about writing. I realize that I blog about this more than anything else. It’s what I do. Even if you’re not a writer, I hope you realize there is wisdom for all professions within the writing industry, and keep reading anyway.)

You know that whole first impression cliché? I’ve been thinking about that, and I kinda want to talk about an important part of our image as professionals.

When first we encounter someone in our industry, chances are it will be online, rather than in person. Not that the in-person part isn’t important—because I cannot stress enough HOW big it is to have that personal contact—but realistically, when we submit work to agents or publishers it’s generally cold. That means first impressions are formed solely on the quality of our query and sample pages.

If you’ve ever read an article on submitting, you should already know how important it is to send only your very, very best work. So I’m going to skip that lecture. Also the query lesson. (But if you need help in those areas, you can look here or here.)

So we work and work and work on our sample pages, and then we work and work and work on our query, and then we think…ahhhh. Now we can submit, right?

Actually, you’re just getting started. I mean, yeah, you can submit, but if you want to make a good impression, it’s also important to do some research first. I know, I know, we write fiction to AVOID research.

So what do we have to research and why?

1. First, research any potential agents/publishing houses to find out if they represent or publish the type of work you have.

2. While you’re there, look to see if they have something on their list similar to yours so you can mention that in your query. Trust me, it looks good for you.

3. Finally, (and people, this is the BIG one, I think) check their submission guidelines. Every company and every agent is a little different. Some want just a query, some want five pages, some ten, some three chapters, etc. Some have questionnaires, some want just a twitter pitch.

There are a bazillion different quirky things these professionals might expect. If you do it right, you have a chance. But if you don’t, it’s possible your submission will be deleted unread.

The good news: the majority of publishers and agents have websites where you can go to find the pertinent information. Really, truly, there is no need to email them individually to ask (although, in extreme circumstances, that might be okay, depending on who it is—most agents prefer not) because the frequently asked questions are generally covered in one section or another.

Your query package is the first part of you these people will get to meet. So IMO, it’s uber important to put on your proverbial conservative makeup, spray down your “stray hairs”, and wear something nice to the party. Make a good impression, and you will NOT be sorry.

Have a great time at the query party. And hey, while you’re there, find me and say hi.

Happy Friday!

Speaking of Winners...

2011-10-25T04:00:00.000-07:00

I bet you thought I forgot to draw a winner for the October Give-Back Giveaway, but I didn't. I just made you wait in suspense for two extra days. I have just drawn a winner using the random generator on the sidebar, and am going to tell you who it is.

But first, I want to give you a few highlights of the incredible things some of my readers have done this month:

Assisted neighbors and elderly.
Gave diapers and baby food to a family in need.
Donated blood to the Red Cross.

And I know there were many, many other acts of kindness and giving, small and large. I just have one thing to say to that. Keep it up, people. That's all. I adore you for who you are and how you choose to give.

And this month's winner is...

Carolyn V.

Clapclapclapclapcheerdancecheerclapdancearoundtheroomcheerclapclapclap.

Carolyn, I will get your information and mail your copy of Angela Morrison's Taken by Storm to you asap. Or see you soon and hand it to you. Something.

Thanks to everyone who participated. Stay tuned next month for two or three--or maybe more--awesome giveaways.

When News is Made of Win

2011-10-24T04:00:00.000-07:00

Did I ever tell you guys my recent news? Life has been a tad on the crazy side for me, so I can’t remember, but I think I didn’t. (Please forgive me if I repeat myself.)

A couple weeks ago, I got two bits of good news. First, I found out that the beginning of one of my manuscripts won second place in the Romance Writers of America Heart of the West contest. (Translation: a really COOL prize from a way cool organization.) It’s been a long time since I entered a manuscript in a contest, so it felt really good to not only place, but place high.

*does happy dance*

Maybe my writing doesn’t always suck.

Second, I have officially been asked to present at a local conference hosted by the LDStorymakers this coming spring. I haven’t done a lot of presenting up to this point, and since both my published books are through small-ish presses, I am beyond flattered by this development. And completely pleased.

*does happy cartwheels and other feats of bravery*

But I have to point out that neither bit of happy news simply fell into my lap by chance.

To place in the contest, I had to first enter. And to enter, I had to research the contest, judges, guidelines/rules, and also polish and perfect the manuscript segment I hoped to submit. (Once I clicked send, I put the entry out of my mind and literally forgot about it—hence my absolute surprise when I found out I was a finalist.)

To present at the conference, I had to fist come up with an idea, create an outline/lesson plan/proposal, and then research to whom I should sent that proposal in order for them to know that 1) I am willing to teach and 2) I will be prepared with a class that will help others in the writing process. (After I sent the proposal, it was several weeks before I heard back, but I was so happy when I did.)

So, lessons of the day:

1. Research
2. Prepare
3. Submit/ propose/ enter
4. Have faith enough to move on once you’ve clicked send.

What would you add to this list?

Trying Something New

2011-10-21T04:00:00.000-07:00

Have you ever watched that show extreme couponing? Last week, on a night when I couldn’t sleep due to my excessively stuffy nose and awful cough, I stayed up late watching episodes, and was astounded and amazed at how much stuff those women could get for either a very small amount of money, or completely free.

So I asked the only expert I know—my daughter—if people really get into couponing like that. Turns out, daughter has a friend whose mother does this and who has accumulated rooms and rooms of food storage.

Me: Huh.

Her: Mom, we should totally try it. They have all kinds of good stuff and they let us eat as much as we want cuz it was free.

Me: ??

Her: Really, I’m serious.

Me: You act like I never feed you. And that looks like a lot of work, which requires a lot of time and thought and calculations.

Her: But they save thousands of dollars. Please, let’s just try it. I’ll help. It’ll be a project we can do together. It will be fun.

This is how I have come to be considering attempting a single shopping trip in which I try to cut my grocery bill in half with the use of coupons. That it can be done, I have no doubt. The question is if it can be done by me, and if I can come home with grocery items my family will actually eat or use, without spending my week obsessing over sales and coupons when I should be writing.

What do you think? Is it possible?

Stay tuned next week to find out how it went.

**Don’t forget to enter my October Give Back Giveaway. The deadline has been extended to midnight tonight.

Own It

2011-10-19T04:00:00.000-07:00

There was a time, back when I was not as wise as I am now, when I actually worried about stupid things like appearances. What other people thought of me, why they thought such things, and how those thoughts might come to be.

And it was a crazy, stupid way for me to think because, as we all know, the thought processes of others are completely out of our control. Also, worrying about that was unhealthy and cumbersome to my self confidence and well being.

Since then, I have learned a better way.

Own it.

When you end up taking your kid lunch money still wearing your sweaty gym clothes and no makeup, own it.

When the neighbor comes to your door at 2:00 in the afternoon and you’re still in your pajamas with a fist full of tissues and bed-head—own it.

When you’re on your way to a formal benefit and need to stop by a book launch to support a friend (even though you’re vastly overdressed in a gown) own it.

You are who you are, even when the public perception might be somewhat…less flattering than you’d prefer. I’m not saying you should let yourself go and never try to look and be your best. On the contrary. Looking our best for certain occasions is very important (hence the formal dress in a casual setting).What I’m saying is we’re all human, and occasionally all humans are seen in a light different from what they would normally prefer to be seen. If, by some odd chance, that different light makes people stare a little bit, just smile and wave. It’s all good.

Be glad they didn’t walk in on you naked. Or did they?

Smile and wave, peeps. Just smile and wave.

**Don't forget to enter to win my October Give Back Giveaway. The deadline is extended to Friday at midnight!

When You’re High on Cold Meds

2011-10-17T04:00:00.000-07:00

You really shouldn’t make important online transactions.

For the last two weeks I’ve had an ongoing, long-lasting cold that I just can’t seem to get rid of, despite my doctor prescribing an antibiotic and my going a little nuts on vitamin supplements and probiotics. It’s all good, though. I have an economy size box of Sudafed, another one of Nyquil, and an ample supply of tissues.

As it happened, last week was a really busy one for me, and while I canceled a number of things, I couldn’t cancel or rearrange them all.

For example, paying bills. None of those big companies cared that I was dying, as long as they got their money.

Apparently, sometime on Thursday, at a time when I must have been high on cold meds, I paid my mortgage. Saturday, I had no recollection of such an event. (Even today, I have no recollection of it.) And so, worried that I had forgotten, I went online and made the payment.

It wasn’t until I thought to double check my bank balance that I realized my massive error.

I paid my biggest, most overwhelming bill twice.

Oops.

And still, I have no idea when on Thursday I made that payment. But according to my online statement, I did pay it that day.

Note to self: When you’re living on cold meds, you are not as lucid as you think. Just. Stick to email and Facebook and don’t do anything else, okay? Okay. Oh, and also, you should call the bank now.

**Because of last week’s illness, and my lack of publicity attempts, I have decided to extend out the deadline for the October Give Back Giveaway until midnight, Friday Oct 21. Enter here if you’ve done something nice this month.

Cheerleading

2011-10-14T04:00:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine once called me a cheerleader for writers. At the time, I wasn’t sure it was a compliment, but in the years since, I realize that friend was probably right. I have a tendency to want to encourage others, cheer them on, make them remember why they should keep trying when they’d rather quit.

I wish I could tell you why, other than it’s just the kind of person I am.

Everyone needs a little encouragement once in a while, and we all want to succeed at something, so of course we’re going to try. Sometimes we fail. Sometimes we work harder than we’ve ever worked and lose. But sometimes we succeed, and those are the times that keep us moving forward, keep us working hard. This is why we try.

But it takes faith.

And patience.

And every so often, encouragement from a cheerleader who believes in your ability to be the person you are.

I’m willing to be that cheerleader for you. For all of you. So if you’re lacking faith in yourself, I will have faith in you. If you’re lacking the patience to keep moving forward, not knowing when or if you’ll ever succeed, I’ll loan you some of mine. And if you need someone to shake pom-poms in your face and scream and cheer while doing cartwheels, I’ll do that too. (Well, maybe not the cartwheel part—I’m getting a little old for that.)

In the meantime, here is a little something to remind you what it means to be strong. (By the way, this is the true story of my cousin Jodi—who is also a cheerleader, apparently. I guess it runs in our family or something.)

Now you have no excuses left. Get to work!

Everneath by Brodi Ashton

2011-10-12T04:00:00.000-07:00

Remember a few weeks ago when I mentioned that I'd read Everneath and promised to review it? Well, today is the day!

*cheers, dances, and claps*

Debut author Brodi Ashton is about to make a splash on the publishing world with this breathtaking, heart-wrenching, beautiful story of love, loss, and sacrifice. This story is unlike any I’ve read recently, with a unique format that essentially tells two stories at once, and characters that start out raw and aching right from the beginning.

Oh my gosh, you guys, I loved it. Seriously. It’s not even out yet (January—count down with me) but I can’t wait for the next one in the series. The main character Nikki (great name, don’t you think? *winks*) starts out the story as a complete mess, and throughout the whole thing, all you want is for her love interest, Jack, to take her in his arms and make her better. Except really, he can’t. And the hardest part is when you realize he would. That he would do anything to help Nikki, even with Cole pulling at her using every means at his disposal.

Check out the Blurb:

Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she's returned- to her old life, her family, her friends- before being banished back to the underworld... this time forever.

She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.

Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there's a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back- this time as his queen.

As Nikki's time grows short and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she's forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole's...

Doesn’t it sound just fantastic? I assure you, it is. If you’re smart (and I know you are) you’ll put Everneath at the top of your must read list for 2012. In fact, you should just pre-order it here. It’s even a great price.

To hold you over until then, you can learn more about Brodi Ashton by reading her blog or the Everneath page on the publisher's website.

October Give Back Giveaway!

2011-10-10T04:00:00.001-07:00

I know I just did this a couple weeks ago, but I can’t help it. I loved hearing the results for my last charity-related giveaway, and this month is extra great, because there are so many great causes from which to choose. You, my readers, should know me by now. I believe in karma, and paying it forward, and also I believe that my personal success is absolutely dependent on my willingness to give of myself to people or causes in need.

Also, I like to see others give as well, which is what started this experiment in the first place. So, yes, I’m giving away another prize. Before we get to the details, though, let me tell you a little about my charity of choice for this week.

Clear Horizons Academy is a private school for children with Autism. By private, it means not-publically funded, which means all the money for treating these kids has to come from other sources. Most of the families with children enrolled in Clear Horizons are middle class working families who struggle with expensive tuition payments. Every year they hold a dinner and auction in an attempt to help raise funds which go toward the education of these very special children.

I’ve donated items to and attended the auction for several years, and intend to continue doing so for years to come. This year’s auction falls on Saturday, October 15th and once again, I will be there. (If you’re my friend on Facebook, you’ll be seeing pictures.)

This is the charity I’ve chosen for October. However, it is one of many great causes, and among great competition for worthwhile charitable events. October is also Breast Cancer Awareness month as well as Down Syndrome Awareness month, and I know there are countless small and simple causes, needs, and people whose special needs can be taken care of with just a little effort on our part.

*climbs off the soapbox and clears throat*

For this week’s give back giveaway, I have a paperback copy of Taken By Storm by Angela Morrison, accompanied by a signed bookmark for Angela’s other book, Sing Me to Sleep. To enter, I only have three requirements:

1. If you aren’t already following this blog, hurry up and do that. Invite your friends, too, if you like. I won’t complain.

2. Donate to a charity of your choice (but if you donate to the same one as me, I will be ever-so-grateful). **Donations do not have to be financial. Service to a greater cause is also acceptable. (Run a 5k, paint your neighbor’s house, donate food to the food bank, etc.)

3. Leave a comment here in which you tell me about the charity to which you donated, why you chose that particular one, and if possible, share a link that I can pass on to my readers.

This will be an on-your-honor giveaway, because I trust you. But just so you know, if you lie, Karma will send cold and flu germs through your computer where they will jump onto your hands and face and give you a nasty, icky sick-bug that will last at least a week. And fairies will hide your car keys so you’re late to your next important appointment.

You don't want to bring Karma down on your head. Just sayin.

I’ll keep this giveaway open until midnight on Saturday, October 15, 2011, and announce a winner sometime the following week.

Go forth and give, my friends. Eventually, it will come back to you.

All the Time in the World

2011-10-07T04:00:00.000-07:00

I think Jack Bauer said it best. “We’re running out of time!”

I used to love watching 24. Every episode, I’d wait for that line, then count how many times he said it. It was, by far and long, his favorite thing to say. But oh, Jack. How right you were. And are.

I don’t know about you, but lately it feels like there’s just not enough time in a day. Or in a week. Or a month, for that matter. How’s a person supposed to keep up?

So here I am, looking at my fall schedule, trying to fit in something fantastic that I am absolutely stoked to do, and wondering where I’m supposed to put it. I shouldn’t be surprised. Seems like it happens every year, and every year, I am somehow blindsided by it. Go figure.

Also, besides the things already on my schedule, I’m planning to write a novel in November. (See this post, if you missed that announcement.)

Don’t get me wrong. I love my life, and all the things in my schedule are things I CHOOSE to put there. I am well aware of this fact. But I am also aware that I will have to CHOOSE to cut some things out, or put them off, or rearrange them. It’s just life, I guess.

Oh how I wish I could borrow Hermione Granger’s time turner for just one month.

Which brings up the question. If you had the opportunity to borrow a time turner for a month, which month would you choose, and why? And what would you accomplish during that month?

Do You NaNo?

2011-10-05T04:00:00.000-07:00

And by that I mean do you plan to participate in the once-yearly National Novel Writing Month held in November? I’ve participated for two years in a row, and have to say, it’s a blast. Not only does it give me the freedom to write crap (which I do, but which is also much more easily fixable than a blank page) but it also forces me to pound out a rough draft in record time, without allowing me to think too hard about plot.

For a pantser like me, it’s completely exhilarating. And absolutely fulfilling. Because normally, it takes me a lot longer to complete a manuscript—even a rough draft. I just have too many distractions in my life, and pushing myself hard for one month of the year helps narrow my focus just long enough to accomplish something seriously awesome in a short amount of time.

So yes. I NaNo. And yes, I’ve figured out that it goes a lot smoother when I do some advance planning. And by some, I mean a small amount of plot structuring and some character developing.

This month I have goals to:

a) Write an outline that consists of maybes. (Because even a pantser needs a page of ideas that tell her where the story might go if I get stuck.)

b) Figure out my main characters, who they are, what they want, and why they can’t have it. (Because if I do that, maybe I won’t need the stinkin outline.)

c) Decide on a general location where this story might be set—even if it’s fictional. (Because that just makes it easier to see in my head.)

d) Figure out how in the heck I’m going to fit writing an entire 50,000 word novel into November this year, because my schedule’s already looking INSANE. This might require making a writing schedule that works around everything else. *gulps* Can we say challenging?

Writers: I recommend you try this once-a-year exercise dubbed NaNoWriMo, if for no other reason than to stimulate your brain.

Non-writers: Is there something you do once a year which stimulates you into temporary mass productivity? Tell me about it.

The Births of Many Books

2011-10-03T04:00:00.000-07:00

Holy cow. In case you haven’t been paying attention, fall is one of the biggest seasons of the year for releasing new books. There are so many new books coming out this fall (or that have already been released) that I almost can’t keep track. Therefore, if I happen to miss one in the following list, please forgive me. (But do tell me so I can add it.)

Being an avid reader, I can’t help it. All of these books have gone on my to-be-read list, which is growing enormously long, but which I am slogging through as fast as I can, while also preparing outlines and character sketches for National Novel Writing Month in November (but that’s another blog altogether).

Check out the following NEW books:

Indelible (book 2 of the Yara Silva trilogy) by Lani Woodland
With a Name Like Love by Tess Hilmo
Variant by Robison Wells
Slayers by Janette Rallison
The Death Cure (book 3 in the Mazerunner series) by James Dashner
Monarch by Michelle Argyle
Shifting by Bethany Wiggins
A Beautiful Dark by Jocelyn Davies
Armor of Light (book 2 in the Wolfchild series) by Karen Hoover
Lydia by Wanda Luce
Identity by Betsy Love
No Angel by Theresa Sneed
Pride and Popularity by Jenni James
Hang Em High by Tristi Pinkston
Defenders of the Covenant by Angie Lofthouse
Bound by C.K. Bryant (11-11-11 release)
Become by Ali Cross (11-11-11 release)
Exiled by RaShelle Workman (11-11-11)
Pigments by Angela Kulig (11-11-11)
Breathe by Melanie McCullogh (11-11-11)

Yeah, I know. It’s a LONG list! But oh my goodness, you guys, I’ve read some of these already and am working my way through the list. If you’re looking for something great for the upcoming winter days when you’ll feel trapped inside due to snow and other icky weather, here you go.

Consult the list. Hope it’s helpful.

Happy October!

Oh the People We Meet

2011-09-30T04:00:00.000-07:00

My friend, Lani Woodland, author of Intrinsical, is planning a release party for her newest book, Indelible. During the preparation, she somehow found out about a very special group who is planning to attend.

The book club / knitting group, the Naked Knitters, are part of a nearby nudist colony, and have clearly taken an interest in Lani’s series. This is a good thing, as all readers are important to our careers as authors. Luckily, they have promised to come clothed to the event.

*sighs in relief for Lani*

It’s times like this I wonder what is this dangerous, fantabulous, amazingthing career I’ve gotten into that my friends and I are so privileged to meet such interesting people?

Have you ever encountered wonderfully unusual people at a signing or other bookish event? I’d love to hear your story.

2 Social Networking Peeves

2011-09-28T04:00:00.000-07:00

You know what I’ve noticed? Social networking has become, like, the hub of our collective lives. Or, well, the dramatic parts anyway.

Take Facebook, for instance (just one of a great many examples). I can sign on at any time of the day, and with a few minutes of scrolling, figure out what’s going on with a lot of people. Theoretically, this should be the best possible place to get news or information about the people we care about.

Except for two things. (Well, there’s probably more, but I’m just going to highlight these two.)

1. Some people have discovered that these public forums are a good place to whine about their poor, sad existences in order to garner instant sympathy.

2. Others have discovered that these same public forums are a great place for publicity, and so they fill every post with, “buy my___” or “I’m doing this, come see me” or “I know you’re so excited about me, me, me”.

Don’t get me wrong. I think it’s perfectly acceptable to post about each of those subjects occasionally, sparingly. But I also think it’s important to have other updates in between. Let’s face it, no one wants to see how poor picked on you are 100% of the time, and if you never post anything entertaining, or of value to others, it’s highly likely you’re about to get unfollowed, unfriended, or hidden. Or in the worst cases, maybe even blocked.

The same rule applies to self promotion. Social networking sites are perfect for it. But if the only comments you ever make are all about your book or product, and you never take the time to give back to your collective following (chat, say something funny, comment on the weather or other people's statuses, whatever), people are likely to be more annoyed than glad for your potential success.

But I’m not an expert. This is strictly an opinion (or rant) based on my own experiences and observations. So I’d love to hear what you think about this phenomenon. Do you think it’s important to balance our social networking updates or posts?

In Which My Readers Give, and Someone Wins

2011-09-26T04:00:00.001-07:00

Last week I did a Give Back contest open to all people who took a minute (or several hours) to give of themselves. I posted this contest unsure of how well it would go over or who might enter. Not because I don’t think my readers are the giving type—on the contrary. I know they are. It’s just always hard to predict how a new idea will go over.

So I thought I’d share some of the charitable contributions made by my readers last week:

Donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.
Donated to the American Red Cross.
Organized fundraisers to purchase books for special Ed students.
Participated in food drive organizations.
Brought food / desserts / notebooks and other items to neighbors / friends in need. (The small acts of kindness we all need from time to time, and which mean so much.)
Gave free swim lessons to a needy family.
Organized fundraising efforts to help a neighbor family pay medical bills.
Raised money for the March of Dimes.
Organized a mass food drive in which the following organizations reaped benefits: The [local] food bank. The [local] veterans home, Aid for Friends, and the Bannock Youth foundation.

Guys. That was all in one week. LOOK at all that giving! *beams with pride*

YOU are my readers. You give. You love. You are all AMAZING.

I *heart* you all.

But I can only give away one prize for this contest. So I put all the names into the random generator (see sidebar). And the winner is…

Melissa Lemmon!

Congratulations! I will be emailing you for details this week.

My dear friends, I’m calling this experiment enormously successful. Because of that, I believe I shall make this a monthly thing. Or, if not monthly, often, so keep your eyes open for my next give back giveaway. My next choice of charity will be Clear Horizons Academy, a local school for children with Autism*.

In the meantime, keep on giving. We could all use a few extra Karma points.

*More details on this charity coming soon.

One Day Closer

2011-09-23T04:00:00.000-07:00

I subscribe to the Writer’s Digest online Ezine / newsletter, wherein they send a shortened version of the magazine—sans ads—to my inbox where I can read the articles that interest me at my leisure. With the exception of a distinct lack of pictures, it’s a pretty sweet set up. I mean, yes, I miss the pictures (especially when my friends are featured). But I always have the option of picking up a copy at a bookstore.

The other day, the newsletter arrived in my inbox with this headline:

6 Signs You’re Getting Closer to Publication

It’s articles like this that make me glad I subscribed. When I read the list, a realization hit home—this is me. Not just wanting to believe a similar something could happen, but actually where-I-am-in-the-process ME.

If you’re not a writer, this is likely not a concept you will understand, so I’m very sorry, you can feel free to ignore my rambling and move on with your life. But if you are a writer, you probably understand the significance of what I’m saying.

This is huge.

Granted, I’m not packing my bag to go on a world-wide tour yet. But I am preparing myself in other ways. My day is coming. And whether it happens tomorrow, or in six months, or six years or ten—I’m making progress. And that, my friends, is all that matters.

I. Am. Getting. Closer.

And so are you. Get ready.

An Offensive Four-Letter Word

2011-09-21T04:00:00.000-07:00

Well, okay. Some of you might say it. But you better NEVER say it when I’m in the room. I might have to hurt you.

Can’t.

Seriously? In my opinion, this four-letter-word is worse than the worst curse word. It’s self depreciating, self destructive, and just plain wrong because there is no such thing. So just don’t say it.

If ever you find you need a different word with which to replace this other naughty one, try these instead: Won’t, shouldn’t, am not allowed, illegal, it’s wrong, I’m afraid, incapable, don’t want to.

The truth:

YOU CAN.

Doesn’t matter what it is, it can be done, and by you. But first you have to believe in yourself.

That is all.

Being and Becoming

2011-09-19T04:00:00.000-07:00

This weekend I heard a really great quote that I think pertains to, well, everyone. It doesn’t matter who you are, really, or what is your religion, profession, life goal, this quote works for all of us.

“We become what we want to be by being what we want to become.” ~Richard G. Scott (a Mormon apostle)

The person who shared the quote called it a riddle, but I’m thinking that’s about as clear a statement as they get. If I want to be a good mom, be a good mom (in every way possible for ME). If I want to be beautiful, be beautiful (in action, deed, self confidence—every way under my control). If I want to have a thousand friends, be a friend to a thousand people. If I want to be a bestselling author, act like I already am one. Write every day, and submit like acceptance is just around the corner.

In other words, look to the future and see where I want to be in a year—or five, ten, fifteen years—and I put myself there. Act accordingly.

In other words, I stand up and stand out.

So there you go. A quote to live by. My good deed for the day is done. Carry on.

*Don't miss out on your chance to win a prize simply for doing a good deed.

First Ever Give Back Giveaway

2011-09-16T04:00:00.000-07:00

If you’ve been reading my blog for longer than, like, a month, you probably know I’ve always been an advocate of giving back. Karma, my friends. Such an important thing, in so many ways. In that vein, I think it’s been way too long since 1) blogged about a good cause and 2) gave away something fun.

SO. Today I’m going to do both.

I have a friend whose son, at age 5, was diagnosed with Type 1 juvenile diabetes. The diagnosis altered his life dramatically, as well as the lives of his family members. Three years later, with an insulin pump attached to him 24/7, his disease is what his mother calls, “under control.” But controlled is not a cure.

A cure would mean so much more freedom for children like him. Every year, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation holds a Walk to Cure Diabetes, during which they hope to raise money for diabetes research.

This is the cause for which I will be donating this week. But that’s not all. In an attempt to reward (in a small way) my readers for their efforts to give back, I’m going to host a giveaway.

One lucky winner will be given the choice between a hardcover signed copy of Matched, by Ally Condie—OR—a paperback copy of Taken by Storm by Angela Morrison. This book is not signed, but if this is your choice, I’ll include a Sing me to Sleep bookmark, which IS signed by Angela. (Both books are at the top of my list of favorites, just FYI.)

To enter is simple.

1. If you aren’t already following this blog, hurry up and do that. Invite your friends, too, if you like. I won’t complain.

2. Donate to a charity of your choice (but if you donate to the same one as me, I will be ever-so-grateful). **Donations do not have to be financial. Service to a greater cause is also acceptable. (Food to the food bank, manual labor to Habitat for Humanity, volunteering at a soup kitchen or animal shelter, etc.)

3. Leave a comment here in which you tell me about the charity to which you donated, why you chose that particular one, and if possible, share a link that I can pass on to my readers.

This will be an on-your-honor giveaway, because I trust you. But just so you know, if you lie, Karma will send computer gremlins to break into your hard drive and lay eggs in all your programs and eat your important documents, and my parking fairy will curse you to never get a good spot ever again.

You don't want to bring Karma down on your head. Just sayin.

I’ll keep this giveaway open until midnight on Saturday, September 24th, 2011, and announce a winner sometime the following week (but hopefully Monday the 26th).

Go forth and give, my friends. Eventually, it will come back to you.

Yay for Reading!

2011-09-14T04:00:00.001-07:00

Last weekend, I had a fun delivery. This showed up at my door!

(Yes, it's an Advance Reader's Copy!)

I know, I know. Lucky me, right? Well. I'd offer to give it away, but it's not actually mine. I have seven days to read it and then pass it on to the next person on the list. No worries, though. Almost done with it, and can I just gush for a sec? LOVE! If you are a fan of YA, of heartbreakingly beautiful love stories, you want to read this book when it comes out in January. I'm just sayin. (Yes, I will be doing a review, but not today.)

Before Everneath showed up, I was already halfway through this.

(Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin--first in the epic series.)

Again, LOVE. Totally different from what I usually read. NOT YA (definitely written for adults), but absolutely brilliant, with beautiful writing. And one epic fantasy series I know I'll finish (FYI, this is a rare occurrence as epic and I don't always get along). I might have to subscribe to HBO just so I can watch the series.

But that's not all, my friends. No. I am also about four chapters into this:

Two chapters into this:

and just downloaded this so I can read it for a review.

Also my TBR list has five other books I got in the mail the other day, as well as one I picked up by Peter Brett. I think I'm set with reading material until November or so. But then I'll need some more.

So tell me. What's on your To be Read list? I'm dying to know.

Taking up the Anti-Bandwagon Banner

2011-09-12T04:00:00.000-07:00

In case you ever wonder, no, I’m usually not a bandwagon jumper. Tempting though it may be from time to time, I have chosen to not spend my valuable writing time on blog-hop flash fiction (since I’m really more of a novelist). I am currently NOT joining a great many of my friends in the self publishing “revolution.” And I write what I do because it speaks to me—not because I think it will sell better than something else.

Don’t misunderstand, though. I am a fan of trends. Crusading bloggers? Magic steam-punk vampires? Mass self-publishing push? All great ideas. Brilliant in some aspects. And I wish all the best for those who are brave enough to take such risks and move forward on these uncharted paths. I applaud them. Admire their guts and spunk and bravado.But for now, none of these paths feels like the right one for me.

In other words, I am choosing the road less traveled by. Or maybe less recently traveled by? Or by fewer of my immediate friends, at any rate. Because it’s what I believe is best for my family and my future.

And that, my friends, is what *I hope* will make all the difference.

What recent things have you chosen to do differently from others?

That Initial Leap—Right off a Cliff

2011-09-09T04:00:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, I jumped off a cliff.

Yes, I’m serious. And no, I wasn’t pushed, unless by pushing you mean my kids counting down so my husband could snap the shutter while I was in the air.

Don’t worry. I landed in water. Clean, clear, warm water, and it felt fantastic once I was in it. The harder part was getting up the guts to bend my knees and take the initial leap.

Actually, it felt a little reminiscent of my journey as a writer. First, it was hard admitting to myself that I wanted to write—like, actual books. Then it was hard to finish that my beginner's crap manuscript, and later subject my work to critique, then to start submitting / querying.

Clicking send for the first time (and many, many times after that) felt highly similar to that dive I took the other day. Really, really scary when you’re on the cliff looking down, but highly incredible once it’s over and you’re in the water. Even if you know you’re going to have to swim to shore and climb up to take the leap again, once you’re there, a small body swimming around an enormous lake (or ocean), it feels absolutely incredible to know you’ve done a brave thing and survived.

What brave things have you done lately?

Actually, it IS Personal

2011-09-07T04:00:00.000-07:00

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been given a lot of reasons to reflect on personal connections and how important they can be to my career. Or anyone’s career, no matter what they do. In fact, connecting with people can potentially have an enormous impact on our personal lives as well.

Here’s the thing. When someone knows you, remembers having a conversation with you—however brief—you become a person rather than a random face in a crowd. And believe it or not, it’s a lot easier to think compassionate, fair, happy thoughts about a person you’ve actually met, as opposed to a random face you’ve never seen.

Easier to think good things, and harder to think bad ones.

Easier to respond positively rather than negatively.

Easier to understand that person, well, personally.

For instance. Say you’re querying agents (or editors or publishers), and somewhere along the way, you’ve met one. Spent a little time talking to that person. Made a connection with something the two of you have in common, or even just had a good discussion about business. You see them as a human being, and they see you in the same light. Then, when you send that person your query, they think, “Hey, I remember her.” And even if they must ultimately reject you, they’re far more likely to do so with a personalized note, maybe some advice, and perhaps a recommendation that you submit to XYZ who might be a better fit.

This can potentially extend your reach to other networks, other avenues, other possibilities. All because you took the time to talk to that one person when you had the opportunity.

The same thing can happen in any situation. Even if nothing huge ever comes from those connections, our lives will most definitely be richer for them.

Think about it. What connections have you made that have made your life (professional or personal) fuller?

All Hail Our Laborers

2011-09-05T03:28:00.000-07:00

In case you're wondering why the post office and all the banks are closed today, it's because of this:

And people like this:

And people who do stuff like this:

And this:

And a bazillion other things I couldn't possibly fit here on my blog in one post.

Thanks to all the laborers out there who contribute to life as we know it. And since you work so hard for the rest of the year, I hope you took today off and are doing something fun. I certainly am.

WorldCON: International Friendships

2011-09-02T04:00:00.000-07:00

I know. You’re probably getting sick of hearing about WorldCON about now. I don’t blame you. If you weren’t there, it’s hard to be excited about it. But I learned a lot of stuff, stuff that made me think.

You know what happens when I get thinking. I blog.

But I promise, this is my last post about WorldCON. At least, for this year. I can’t make any promises in the future.

Thing is, today I’m thinking about all my many new friends. It’s not like I haven’t had friends in other countries before. I have. I do. But I feel like my network of writer/fan friends has been extended exponentially. Ireland, England, New Zealand, Belgium, Austria—about every state in the US—the list is huge.

When I think of those countries, I automatically think of faces, names, real-life people who mean something to me, who spark memories and share common ground. People with whom I’ve made a connection. Even if I don’t remember all their names off the top of my head, I would remember their faces and where I was when I met them. Each of these people has enriched my life in one way or another, and I hope I have somehow enriched theirs as well.

So my thought for the day is this. Remember. Pay attention. Be in the moment. It’s a small world. No matter where someone is from, it’s entirely possible you’ll run into them again sometime. It happens to me regularly.

And I am always so glad when it does.

WorldCON: Loyal Fans and the BWB

2011-08-31T04:00:00.000-07:00

Another thing that was different about WorldCON and other conferences / conventions I've attended were the parties.

There. Were. So. Many.

I lost count. On the first night, when things were really just getting started, my friends and I attended no fewer than seven. And that was the night we went to bed earliest.

During the course of the CON, we met up with a really fantastic group of fans, some of whom also write, and who took us under their wings as if we were already a part of them. Not only that, they treated us to some of the hands-down funnest experiences of the whole week. The Brotherhood Without Banners invited us in, watched out for us, and I have to tell ya. Those guys (and also ladies) were seriously some of the coolest people we met all week.

And when I say cool, I mean seriously defying the seventies-type stigma-of-sci-fi/fantasy-fan often thought of by those who just don’t know any better, strong-men, jerky-makers, contractors, other great professions, young, old, male, female, every-type-of-person from a hundred different countries C.O.O.L.

But what is the BWB? They’re fans of George R.R. Martin’s work, specifically the A Song of Ice and Fire series. And they’ve been hosting WorldCON parties since 2001. (For the record, I’d never even heard of this group before the CON, but I’m now a member, and intend to remain that way indefinitely.) And though we’d already met GRRM earlier, we had the opportunity to actually hang out with him. We even had dinner with him one night. *cue fan girl squee*

George’s fans are some of the most loyal and dedicated I’ve ever seen. And I've seen a lot of authors with dedicated and loyal fans. What does that say about GRRM as an author? A person? What lesson can I take from his example in order to gather a following of fans even half as dedicated as his?

Well. Being that this was my first WorldCON, and I only got to hang with them for a little while the last couple days, I have a lot of learning to do. But learning? That’s a certain specialty of mine. All I have to do is attend WorldCONs of the future, and I’m sure to figure it out.

WorldCON: Brilliant Creativity

2011-08-29T04:00:00.000-07:00

Okay. I’ve been home almost a week and am starting to feel like I’m catching up on sleep. This is good news, people. I’ve been to a lot of conferences and conventions, and WorldCON was a whole different experience for a number of reasons.

For one thing, the variety of unique people was incredible and exhilarating. It was almost like this convention was the one place where people could be who they are, or who they want to be—including a Klingon or a Jedi or Harry Potter or any other number of fantastical characters—without worrying about being judged by others. Well, except the masquerade judges, but that’s totally voluntary.

The incredible creativity of the people in attendance was absolutely amazing. I loved it.

Not only that, the lets-dress-up-and-have fun mentality there is contagious. I offer exhibit A.

See those corsets? Courtesy of Damsel in this Dress. Can I just say that Michelle (the owner) is a fascinating, brilliant woman who creates her own designs and patterns and keeps her prices totally reasonable. If I ever need a specialized costume of this variety, I have her card. Will totally call her. Her work is A.Mazing.

With Halloween only a few weeks away, I’m looking forward to another opportunity to wear this awesome stuff again. You should check it out. I’m serious.

When’s the last time you had a great excuse to dress up? Do you do the Halloween thing?

Impressions that Matter

2011-08-25T23:43:00.000-07:00

Last week when I was at WorldCON, my roomies and I got into a discussion about networking, and how much it really matters. This discussion seemed to revolve around two solid points.

First, making personal connections with others who are—like us—first and foremost, people.

Second, solidifying that connection by making a memorable impression.

To me and my roomies, this meant grooming and dressing appropriately for each situation and other things of that nature. Because those are definitely priority. But also being in the moment. Listening. Joking. Laughing. Discussing. Remembering. Connecting.

In my experience, there have actually been occasions which called for singing and dancing. *shrugs* It happens.

My point is if we want to be remembered, we have to be brave enough to step up, reach over, and stand out.

So. What are your secrets to making a lasting impression?

Shout out:
**Also, check this out. It's a critique partner matching website. What a great idea. Ladies Who Critique.

Meet Your Perfect Critique Partner Today!
- Get the valuable feedback you need for your writing.
- Find other writers by genre, experience, & interests.
- Make contact, exchange work, and get critiquing.
It’s Fun, Free & Fabulous!

10 Things I LOVED about WorldCON in Reno

2011-08-24T04:00:00.000-07:00

I am still too exhausted to write an entire blog post detailing all my favorite moments from RENOvation. And since school started, like, hours after I returned home, I expect to be exhausted for—I dunno—another week? A month? Anyway, I don’t want to wait that long to tell ya, so I’m going to make a list and hope it gives you just a little taste of my favorite parts of last week. (In the order I come up with them, but not necessarily in order of what I loved most or least.)

1. Upon arrival at the conference center, my roomies and I immediately saw George R.R. Martin and stalked him until he agreed to come to the throne and pose in a picture with us.

2. Checking out the dealer room (and by dealer, I mean where they sell stuff that is legal, like corsets and books and jewelry—what were you thinking?) and finding treasures. Some of which were people.

3. Attending a private party hosted by TOR and hanging with more agents and editors than I’ve ever, ever seen in one single location. (Yes, we met, and yes, we pitched, and yes, requested. *squee*)

This is where they stored the drinks. Dr. Pepper, all around! (Why yes, that is a bathtub.)

4. Being escorted the half mile to our hotel (after missing the shuttle) by bestselling author Peter Brett and his agent friend Eddie Schneider (JABerwocky). They were quite chivalrous. And also lots of fun to hang out with. And now I have to read all of Peter’s books and catch up with the rest of the world because I have—apparently—been living under a rock for the last few years.

5. Becoming a lampshade sister with my roomies, wherein we swore an oath to always attend WorldCON together because it was SO BEYOND AWESOME. (*hugs to my sistahs* Especially Alaina, who is not in this pic, but was in one--somewhere.)

6. Chillin with lots of peeps I haven’t seen for a while, and making SO MANY new friends from around the world.

7. Attending the Hugos, even though none of my Utah friends won, and then actually being allowed to HOLD A HUGO later that evening.

8. Really amazing, creative, beautiful costumes being worn by some really amazing, creative, BRAVE, bold people. Also, my roomies and I dressed up for Masquerade night. It. Was. AWESOME.

9. Being invited to a private party by George Martin himself (and also by Lodey, and Wolfgang, and I think Stego, then later Frisco and Blackfyre—they all invited us) hosted by the Brotherhood Without Banners where we met some really awesome peeps, and joined, and then were invited back the next night so we could be sent on a quest after which we were knighted by GRRM. (That’s Ser Nichole, Awful Awful Lady Knight to you!) Funnest parties ever. I’m serious. Thanks BWB!

10. Hearing this EXCELLENT news about my Lampshade Sister, Jenn, and celebrating by eating Italian food at La Veccia. Twice. I am so happy for her I squealed. A few times. I’m actually hoarse now. Not joking.

So, there you have them—ten off-the-cuff highlights from RENOvation. There’s more. A lot more. But some stuff just has to be experienced.

What about you? What’s one of your most awesome conference/convention experiences? I’d love to hear it.

I'm Back!

2011-08-23T13:41:00.000-07:00

Dudes. I just got back from WorldCON in Reno. Sorry about the lack of blogs for the last week and a half, but even though my friends warned me, I had NO IDEA how busy I’d be. I’m talking like, never turned on the hotel TV busy. Didn’t read a single page except while traveling busy. Never opened my computer busy. And I might as well admit that I was sleep-three-hours-a-night busy, too.

It. Was. So. FUN.

And I know you’re dying to hear all the highlights because it might help you decide if attending a WorldCON should be in your future. And I will give a rundown this week. Just not today. My brain is still fuzzy, and I have so much to catch up on that I’m a bit overwhelmed. But I will say this.

Pay the fee. Reserve the room. Buy the ticket.

You will NOT be sorry. I’m already making plans to attend next year. I have somewhere around 371 days to save up and prepare. That’s plenty of time.

ChiCON, here I come! (Translation for ChiCON=WorldCON in Chicago.)

Conferences, Projects, and Insanity!

2011-08-15T08:58:00.000-07:00

Not to brag, but tomorrow morning, I will be heading out of town for World CON in Reno, otherwise known as RENOvation. I was going to schedule a bunch of blogs to post while I'm gone, but I'm not sure I'll have time so I think I may have to take the week off.

You can survive without me for a week, can't ya?

In the meantime, if you're feeling sad about not being able to attend a conference yourself, you can! This week is the second annual WriteOnCon, a completely FREE online event which teaches all about writing and publishing for young adult audiences. I attended last year (will also try to catch some events this year if possible) and it was fantastic. So be sure to head on over and check it out.

While I'm gone I'll also be working on some editing projects for others, and one polishing one of my own. Cross your fingers that I'll be able to be productive and learn at the same time, cuz there are deadlines coming at me from all over the place.

And, holy moly, school starts for my kids the day I get back. Yikes!

Summer is coming to a close with warp speed, people. I hope you're wearing seat belts, because it's time to slam on the brakes and go educational or something.

See you on the flip side! Have a great week.

Made By Sheer Determination

2011-08-12T04:00:00.000-07:00

Did I ever tell you my daughter Sneezy plays soccer? I know we’ve discussed basketball and softball, but all truth be told, soccer is her game. It’s the sport that makes her smile even as she tapes her blisters, dresses turf burn, and ices deep purple bruises.

This year she’s heading into high school as a sophomore (our HS here starts with sophomores, and freshmen attend the junior high—but don’t get me started on that) and decided she wanted to try out for the JV/ varsity soccer team.

At the beginning of June, Sneezy had a large tumor (non cancerous, yay!) removed from her neck. The surgery resulted in tendon and nerve damage in her neck and face that has left portions of those areas either in pain or completely numb. As a result, Sneezy has a tough time fully rotating her shoulder (a bad deal for a keeper/goalie), and occasionally when she runs, the insides of her neck throb like they’re going to "fall out".

Within a week of her surgery, summer conditioning started. Five days a week from 8-10:00 am, players proved their dedication by showing up and working their butts off in preparation for the soccer season. Sneezy missed almost a month, and worried about falling behind. Still, she determined she had to try.

So as soon as she could, Sneezy got up early every summer morning and went to conditioning, worked extra hard, then came home and spent the rest of the day with Ice packs taped to her shoulder and neck until she stopped needing the ice, and stopped needing the painkillers, and started to catch up.

Last week was try out week, which meant two hours in the mornings and two in the afternoons, of very seriously difficult work. At the end of each day, the coaches made cuts, and only those who made it through were invited back the next day.

Monday: Sneezy didn’t get cut. But one of her best friends (who is a phenomenal player) did.

Tuesday: Sneezy didn’t get cut. But another of her best friends did.

Wednesday: Most of Sneezy’s friends got cut. But Sneezy was invited back.

Thursday: Sneezy made the team and was given not just one, but two playing positions, ensuring her playing time as both JV and Varsity.

Friday: To celebrate, the team ran five miles around the city before starting their regular workout routine. But Sneezy got both her keeper jersey, and her forward one.

Sneezy still has pain and numbness. And she’s so sad her best friends got cut. But she has dedicated herself to working hard, moving up, doing her best to be the best soccer player she can be, despite any obstacles or challenges that come her way.

We’d all do well to learn a lesson from my fifteen-year-old Sneezy. I certainly have.

**All you Utahns, don't forget to stop by the big event and say hi!

Oh Summer, My Dear Summer

2011-08-10T04:00:00.000-07:00

In case you haven’t noticed, June somehow morphed into August in the blink of an eye. So fast, it almost felt like we skipped right over July (which, FYI, happens to be one of my favorite months of the year). School starts again in like, two weeks.

Get this. High school sports teams (like JV/Varsity soccer, which my sophomore daughter made after an INSANE week of tryouts) have been chosen and practice started. Class schedules and predicted fees have been mailed out, and back to school shopping is in full swing (for most people).

And through it all, I keep thinking…NOOOOOOOO! Not yet. I’m not ready for summer break to be over yet. IT JUST STARTED!

But like it or not, it’s about here. I have a total of two and a half weeks left before it’s officially over for good—and one of those weeks I will spend in Reno at World CON (without my family).

One of my most favorite parts of this summer has been the times I’ve taken to visit people I don’t see often enough, just to chat, or eat treats or a meal, or see a movie. I’ve had a lot of dear friends come into town, and most of them have been able to find time to hang out for just an hour or two.

I think it’s crazy that we only make time for the funnest stuff during certain months. It’s like we’ve been preprogrammed to think we’re only allowed to enjoy ourselves between this time and this time, and the rest of the year we have to work, work, work.

Why do we do this? I propose that we all stop thinking that way and continue living the ideals of summer throughout the rest of the year. I mean, sure, okay. I’ll probably have to put the top up on my convertible about the time the first real blizzard hits Utah, but I can still meet up with my favorite people and eat soup or drink hot chocolate or cider, right? Yeah. Okay.

*Sighs*

Still. I will have to get some work done at some point.

*hangs head*

Guess I’ll cheer myself up by stocking up on notebooks and pens. At least there’s one good thing about the end of summer. School supply sales!

Super-Spectacular, Uber-Fun Party/Event—You’re Invited!

2011-08-08T00:01:00.000-07:00

I don’t know if you’ve been to my events page or not, but this week I’m participating in an uber-cool, super-de-duper fun event in celebration of the launch of the newest Tristi Pinkston release in the Secret Sisters series, Hang ‘em High. Now, you know I’m not a blogger who frequently uses this space as an advertisement, so it should say a lot about how excited I am that I’m shouting about it here.

So check. This. Out. (Yeah, I took a picture of the flier--so shoot me.)

Did you see my name on that list of authors? Yeah. Not only will I be signing, but also handing out balloons and candy and whatever else needs doing. So come say hi. Bring your friends. And your neighbors. And your kids and their friends. And your extended family members. And when you meet me, tell me you read about this event on my blog. I *may* have a special treat just for my readers. Cuz I love you all so much.

Hope to see you there!

Many People, One Mood

2011-08-05T00:02:00.000-07:00

I love being social. Love hanging out with lots of friends, with my ginormous family, with writers at conferences, with…just people. It makes me happy. And when I’m hanging out with people, and I’m happy, they tend to leave happy too—even if they didn’t start out that way. And vice-versa.

When this happens, I think it’s because one person has come together with others, and that person brought with them an infectious mood that sets the tone for everyone else.

*dances a jig* Do as I’m doing, follow, follow me… (sing along!)

It could be the kid who runs through the house and pokes you in the side screaming, “Tag! You’re it!” You can’t tell me that if one of your kids (or friends, or siblings) did that, you wouldn’t chase them down and tag them back. (If you wouldn’t—you’re SO missing out.) (I did this as a kid. Got thrown in the pool for my efforts more times than I can count—yes, we had a pool. We lived in Arizona at the time—they’re very common.)

The point is, it doesn’t matter where you are or what the situation. It only takes ONE person to turn the tides, to set the tone for others around you. So choose your moods and your words wisely, my young Padawans, and use the Force. Your friends will thank you for your positive influence. Someday.

**This month, I reviewed Watched by Cindy Hogan, and The Key of Kilenya by Andrea Pearson.Be sure to come see what I thought about them.And don't miss this exciting announcement about a very cool event at which I will be signing.

This is Why

2011-08-03T04:00:00.000-07:00

This.

This is why, and how, and because. It is the motivation, the knowledge, the encouragement.

Every time one of my friends has the privilege of making such an announcement, I am encouraged. Because I KNOW that one day soon I will make one of my own.

It is announcements like this that remind me to never, ever give up.

Back to work!

*In case you didn't click both links, they're different--TWO of my friends had big announcements this week. You should check them out. Seriously.

Running for Tragedy

2011-08-01T04:00:00.000-07:00

In case you’re wondering how I did on Saturday, not only did I survive, but I was NOT the last person to cross the finish line. In fact, as predicted, I ended somewhere in the middle. More importantly, I finished. I set out to try a new thing, to do it for a good cause, and I did it.

And look, I didn’t even keel over afterward! Though I did get sprayed by a fire hose.(Yeah, I'm the short one.)

But sore muscles and wet clothes were not my only takeaway. Before the run, the parents of the little boy in whose memory Cooper's Run was created, stood to talk to the crowd, explaining how the raised money would go to help special needs children, and how their son would have been amazed and impressed at all the people who showed up to run that morning.

Those parents took their heart-wrenching tragedy and turned it into a blessing which has touched the lives of many, many others. By all rights, they could have crawled into deep depression and spent the last two years wallowing in grief. Instead, they’ve found therapy in service—and have magnified that service into a huge event which has rallied an entire community to also support and serve.

I think there’s a lesson in that. If ever I’m tempted to feel sorry for myself, I’d do well to remember Cooper’s family and their example. And if nothing else, go for a good long run instead.

Everything I've Got

2011-07-29T04:00:00.000-07:00

Guess what I’m doing tomorrow? I’m running (or maybe speed-walking) my first ever 5k. It’s called Coopers Run, which is a great cause, so of course I’m looking forward to it. Well, mostly.

First problem: I am not a runner. Never been a runner. Therefore, I will very probably be somewhat slow.

Granted, I spend a lot of time at the gym. Always have. And I have been running lately, which is why I was okay with this. But the truth is, running is not my favorite form of exercise. (And yes, believe it or not, I DO like to work out.)

Second problem: I will be running this 5k with a whole lot of police officers (and some wives) who happen to be my husband’s peers, and who are required to pass a twice-yearly physical fitness test which involves running. Some of these guys run marathons for fun on their days off. I am not joking.

Also, my two very athletic daughters, who will undoubtedly leave me in the dust from the beginning.

But again, I’m okay with this. Even if I get left behind and am the absolute last person to cross the finish line (which, FYI, I severely doubt. I’m in decent enough shape that I could walk it in a decent time), I will still be glad I did it. Because once I finish, I will do so knowing that I gave it my all.

That’s really the crux of everything, isn’t it? It doesn’t necessarily matter who gets there first, or who comes in last, or which of us stagger through somewhere in between, so much as it matters that we dedicate ourselves to a higher purpose and give it everything we’ve got.

It’s really the only way to be successful in this world.

Wish me luck!

Bigger isn't Always Better

2011-07-27T04:00:00.000-07:00

Oh my gosh you guys. The other day at the store, we found these marshmallows that are like, bigger than my whole hand. Seriously. The things are HUGE. Almost look like mini pillows. They’re called campfire marshmallows, and were on a s’mores display with chocolate bars and graham crackers.

Of course I had to buy them. I mean, who wouldn’t want to try roasting a giant marshmallow?

So we took those babies home and lit a fire in our backyard fire pit. Turns out, this was one of those cases in which bigger wasn’t better. The outsides cooked at about the same rate as that of regular sized marshmallows, but the insides took quite a bit longer, meaning that in order to cook them all the way through to s’mores perfection, either the outside was burned, or the inside was too solid.

Maybe it was just us. I’m certain that there are people in the world who will never go back to the regular sized marshmallows again. But I think we’re going to stick to our tried and true version so we’re able to cook them to exactly the right gooey crispness.

Because some things life are so good that trying to improve them will only make things messy. Don’t you agree?

Sometimes You Have to Get Wet

2011-07-25T04:00:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago we took our daughters and a bunch of their friends boating. Just as we got to the lake and paid to park my car (took 2 because we had so many kids with us), the sky opened up and it rained on us. Because we were at a reservoir surrounded by mountains, we didn’t have the advantage of being able to see very far in any direction, so there was no way to know if this was going to be a long storm, or if it would pass quickly.

At this point, we had a few choices. We could a) turn around and go home or b) huddle in the car and wait or c) take the travel covers off the boat and prepare to launch, hoping the storm would pass.

We chose to prepare for launch and hope for the best.

David Wolverton (aka Farland) once told me a story of a time when the publishing industry struggled to hold on. After several very lean, dry years, many authors gave up their craft and found other jobs. During that time, some authors stopped writing altogether, while others kept writing, but nothing of much value, believing that the opportunity to publish books had passed. One particular author never quit. Indeed, he kept writing as vigorously as he always had.

Many years passed. Guess what happened? The publishing industry pulled out of the funk it had been in, and agents and publishers looked hungrily for publishable works. While everyone else scrambled to get back into the writing game, the author who never quit now had something like 20 manuscripts polished and ready for submission.

Guess who had the best success rate?

At the lake that day, we ran through the rain, pulled the covers off the boat and loaded our gear. Wouldn’t you know it, ten minutes later, the rain let up and the sunshine came out to push the clouds away. We spent four or five hours as one of maybe 3 boats out there, and had some very happy kids.

Storms and famines will come. And it may take some time, but eventually they always pass. So today I ask a rhetorical question. Will you be the one packing up and leaving before you ever really started? Or will you get wet uncovering the boat while you wait?

Yeah, that’s what I thought. Better get to work then!

Because They ALL Matter

2011-07-22T04:00:00.001-07:00

By now you all probably know I had a birthday last week. (No, I will not tell you how old I am because it would totally ruin the illusion I have going on about that. Besides, age isn’t the point.)

Ever since I joined Facebook, I’ve discovered that my online friends are thoughtful people who remember the special days every year. Granted, you can’t miss those little reminders, but still. Every single birthday wish is thoughtful nonetheless.

Those people (even if I can’t really see their faces in the itty-bitty avatar box) took a small piece of valuable time to wish me happy birthday. ME. Even the ones who don’t know me IRL. I appreciate that. I am grateful for each person who is willing to take that time.

So on that day when I had a couple hundred birthday wishes, I wrote a couple hundred thank you replies. If I’d had a thousand, or ten thousand wishes, I would have written that many thank yous.

Someone suggested just write a blanket thank you on my own wall (as most people do—and which is a perfectly acceptable way to say thanks to a thousand people at a time—I’m totally not criticizing that practice, cuz a thank you in any form is always valuable). But I couldn’t bring myself to do that. For some reason, I felt it important to take a piece of my valuable time to thank each person individually. Because when it comes right down to it, each one of the people making those wishes matters to me.

Just as each one of my readers matters. I once told some author friends that I will never turn away a reader wanting their book signed, even when my hands are cramped and arthritic and screaming in pain. That’s not who I am. I value every single individual fan.

I believe that NO ONE on this earth gets where they are without help. For authors, readers are a large part of that help. I intend to do my very best to never ever forget their contribution.

On the day when I end up with half a million screaming fans waiting in a line that stretches across the city, I invite you all to question my sanity. (I do it every day.) But if that ever happens, I guess I’ll get to brag that I broke David Farland’s world record. And dang, I’d be ever-so proud.

Story of the Scary Poisonous Creature with Enormous Teeth

2011-07-20T04:00:00.001-07:00

Living with Teens can occasionally be amusing. And it's always entertaining. For example, take a recent experience.

We’re driving down the road with Happy, Smiley (Happy’s friend) and Sneezy in the back seat of our truck, when out of the blue, terrified screaming from behind us nearly causes my husband to swerve into another lane (yes, there was a car there).

Them: screaming and squealing like girls

Me: What? Is it a Spider?

Happy: No, it's a...a...slug and it's COMING CLOSER! *squeals again*

Husband: How did a slug get in my truck?

Sneezy: That's not a slug, it's a long furry thing with HUGE TEETH.

Smiley: Maybe it’s a snail.

Me: Whatever it is, it doesn't have teeth, I promise.

Happy: Stop the truck, stop the truck, STOP THE TRUCK! *practically climbs into sister’s lap*

Husband (after pulling over and dispatching the creature): Um, that’s not a slug or a snail. it's just a caterpillar. I set it free.

Smiley: You think that was scary, you should see when they turn into butterflies.

If you’ve read anything I’ve written about Happy and Sneezy, you know that they aren’t afraid of much. For girls, they’re pretty dang tough, sports-minded, and completely athletic. But when it comes right down to it, they’re still girls. As evident from the above story, not just in their love of clothes, shoes, and jewelry. Proof positive that people are truly complex.

And that, my friends, is why I write young adult literature, and also why I prefer to read it.

Floodgates to the Return of Brilliance

2011-07-18T04:00:00.000-07:00

Do you ever feel like quitting something you love? I did. This summer, I decided to take a break from writing. Summer is crazy busy. Especially July. And I just wasn’t motivated to write at the time. I had no good ideas, no thoughts on how to continue with certain works, nada. Zip. Zilch. So. I did it. I quit.

Wouldn’t you know it, during the craziest, busiest months, months when I don’t even have much reading time, I end up with my best ideas. New ideas, ideas on how to fix old manuscripts, ideas on ways to cut in more polished ones…IDEAS! Hooray and yay and happy dancing for ideas.

The notebook by my bed has been recently used in the middle of the night, without a light (also with a pen that ran out of ink, apparently). The notes feature on my phone, my voice recorder, and also napkins and receipts in my purse have been handy. And I have had some computer writing time. Just not as much as I want.

Three weeks ago, I told my critique group, some family members, and a number of other people that I was taking the summer off from writing. And when I made that claim, I meant it. I needed a break. My brain was stressed. Fried, even. So I gave myself permission to stop (temporarily).

And I did stop. For like, four days. And then the floodgates opened. And now that I’ve scheduled myself almost no writing time, I really wish I had some.

The moral of the story? The next time you’re tempted to temporarily quit, do it. Sometimes all it takes is to relieve a little bit of pressure before the brilliance returns full force. And let me just tell you now—that brilliance is as bright as the summer sun.

*sings praises to the elements* Hallelujah!

Gotta go. I have manuscripts to work on.

No Two Friends Alike

2011-07-15T04:00:00.000-07:00

I’ve been thinking this week about friendship and all its different forms.

I used to think all our friends fall into different categories and sub categories, kind of like books and genres. We might have best friends with whom we share everything, who we don’t always spend a lot of time with (but sometimes do), but who we know we can always count on unconditionally.

Then we might have close friends, who are just a little different than best friends in that they know a lot about us and we know a lot about them, and we probably spend a lot of time together (or at least talking or emailing, or whatever) but with whom we also have boundaries.

Then there are regular friends we like to see, love to spend time with and visit, but who don’t really know us like our close or best friends do. And vice versa.

Below that, we have acquaintances, who we know, who we enjoy seeing and talking to and getting to know better, but who aren’t the first people we think of when someone mentions the word friend.

Theoretically, that list sounds like a good way to classify the non-family people in our lives. Then logically, we have all kinds of sub groups, and sometimes it takes some work to figure out who belongs where in the file-folders of your heart.

Except I’ve recently discovered one problem to this way of thinking. People don’t always fit in file folders. We are emotional, and illogical, and commonsensical—but not. We are dreamers, and thinkers, and feelers whose moods and situations and family and jobs all affect who we are and why we love them or why they love you.

There is no safe way to categorize a friendship. So the best thing you can do is to stop trying and just let the people in your life be who they are and love them while you can. And if the day comes when you’re not as close as you once were, feel lucky that you had as much time as you did and be grateful to them for that time. Or maybe you’re closer than before. In that case, feel lucky for that.

Some friendships are worth fighting to keep, and sometimes we’re better off letting go and moving on. It’s all about what’s most healthy for both people involved. Just as love is a gift, so is friendship. And everyone appreciates it differently.

And people, I’m so grateful for all my amazing friends—no matter what category in which they fit. Or not.

Helping Hands

2011-07-13T04:00:00.000-07:00

**I interrupt this post for a late contest winner announcement:

I am a bad blogger. I totally forgot to post a winner for Monday's cheesy contest. There were a few people whose guesses I'm counting as close enough. They all guessed a conference, and I got registration for World CON in Reno. (*grins) So I entered the guessers into the random generator (to be fair) and it pulled up RivRe. Congratulations! I'll be emailing you for mailing info soon.

You may now return to your scheduled Wednesday blog.**

My dear blog readers. With my birthday, other summer activities, and the addition of two extra posts this week, I think I’m kind of blogged out. Out of subjects. Out of thoughts. Out of time. All that stuff.

So today’s post is me taking a break from thinking too hard. But I will leave you with the following little bits of inspiration.

Stay tuned Friday for a post about friendship.

Deathly Hallows Scavenger Hunt--ANOTHER contest!

2011-07-12T04:00:00.000-07:00

Okay my friends, here we go again.

If you missed this post about the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, part 2 party going on, you should hurry and go read it. We are giving all kinds of stuff away this week. Be sure to check out the Inksplasher blog to have lots more CRAZY AWESOME opportunities to play games and win.

Today, I’m giving away this:

Because, well, there are about a zillion things you can buy with it—including Harry Potter music, movies, audio books, and more.

The contest is like a scavenger hunt, but don’t worry. You will find one of several possible answers right here on the blog.

DO NOT put your answer in the comment thread. In order to win a prize, you must email your answer to kbrowning59 [at] gmail [d0t]com. But do leave a comment, as that's one of the requirements.

QUESTION—Part 1:

In the last installation of HP, Harry, Ron, and Hermione do a lot of traveling, and live in many different places. I have also traveled around a lot in my life. Name one of the many states in which I have lived.

(Hint: Click the 'about me' tab to find the answers.)

QUESTION—Part 2:

1) Become a follower of Random-ish, and b) leave a comment on one of my posts, then c) head over to the Inksplasher blog and leave a comment telling her you've been here. (If you're already a follower, then just say so in your comment.)

TO ENTER: E-mail the answer to Part 1. Please include your name and mailing address. Leave the comments on both blogs for Part 2 to be entered to win.

DEADLINE: Midnight, July 15th, 2011.

OPEN TO U.S. ENTRIES ONLY.

All correct answers will be entered to win the prize. Winner will be chosen using www.random.com and announced Saturday, July 16th.

Correct answers will also be entered to win the Grand Prize, to be awarded Saturday, July 16th. (Grand Prize open to U.S. entries only. Sorry.)

REMEMBER, EMAIL your answer. DO NOT PUT IT IN THE COMMENTS. Thank you, and good luck!

One Day Special: Win the Coolest Prize Ever

2011-07-11T04:00:00.000-07:00

Well. Clearly, this is a week for contests. Because while tomorrow I will be jumping into this Deathly Hallows, Part 2 celebration, today I am having a one-day only hurry and throw me an answer giveaway.

Because Saturday was my birthday, and I feel like giving away fun stuff to my friends. Also, I don’t have a clue what to blog about right now, because my brain is still full of cheese and chocolate fondue from The Melting Pot. So why not just give stuff to people, right?

Tomorrow’s contest will be easy, so because of that, I think today’s will have to be harder. BUT it will be worth it. Because the winner will come away with a handful of very fun prizes.

Check these out!

Okay, what you're looking at is probably the most random collection of prizes I've ever given away. But they all have a story. Well, all except that giant Tootsie Roll paper clip. I probably just bought it because it was cool. So, the dolphin bookmark (plush, by the way) came from Sea World, the wooden surfboard bookmark came from Hawaii, and the sombrero-guy pen came from San Antonio. At some point (as you can see) I used to buy this stuff every time I went somewhere. But then I never gave them away until now. So. Also, to sweeten the deal, I'm going to throw in a bag of these.

You know you’re dying to win this prize!! (Because who wouldn't want a bunch of useless, but silly stuff like this?)

So here is the question with a little lead up info: Two Julys ago, for my birthday my husband got me the most fabulous pink netbook (which I still use for hours EVERY DAY). Last year, he got me a Kindle (which I also use quite a lot). What could he have given me this year that could compete with those two gifts and make me squeal with delight? (Freebee: It’s NOT an iPad. Hint: it will be good for my career as a writer, and will make me most happy around mid-August.)

Just throw your answers into a comment and tomorrow, I’ll tell you who (if anyone) wins!

*dances around in excitement*

Totally Awesome Harry Potter Blog Party and Contests.

2011-07-10T13:11:00.000-07:00

Okay, peeps, I know it’s Sunday, and I usually take Sundays off, but I have to make an exception this week. As you know (or should know—if you don’t, have you been living in space or something?) Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, part 2 is coming out way soon, and I’m joining a huge online party to celebrate.

Guess what? You’re invited to play! I'm a sponsor, so you’ll want to be sure to come visit my blog on TUESDAY—which is another day I don’t usually post. (Clearly, I’m feeling rebellious this week!) I will be giving away another $10 iTunes giftcard so the winner can purchase Harry Potter media (music, MP4 movies, audio books, etc).

Here are the basic deets:

Our party starts on Monday, July 11th and goes through Friday, July 15th.

Here are some basic instructions. At the very end, I'll tell you how you can get started earning entries for prizes today!

How do you participate?

• Visit Inksplasher every day of the party and play our Party Games!

• There will be multiple posts and ways to enter to win each day, with specific instructions, deadlines, and actions posted—so read each post carefully.

• Most posts/entries will require you to email your name AND COMPLETE MAILING ADDRESS to kbrowning59 [at] gmail [d0t]com .

• Don’t worry, all personal info will magically disappear at the end of the contest. You won’t be added to any spam lists. Promise.

• All winners will be chosen using www.random.org and announced on the Inksplasher blog.

• Every daily entry also gives you a chance at the Grand Prize.

Party Games:

Harry’s Hunt for the Horcrux:
Since Harry and the gang will be searching for horcruxes and following clues, we’ll be doing the same, with an online scavenger hunt. Each day we’ll feature a sponsor and a question. Visit the sponsor’s blog or website, follow the clues to find the answer to their question, comply with any additional instructions, then e-mail the answer to the question to me. Each entry in this contest will enter you to win the sponsor’s prize AND the Grand Prize.

Hermione’s Hogwarts Trivia Test:
Always the source of trivial facts and information, Hermione will be matching wits with us. She’ll post a new Hogwarts trivia question each day. Your entry in this contest will enter you to win a Harry Potter Trivia Bingo Game* AND the Grand Prize.

Fred & George’s Magical Mix-Ups:
When you mix magic and teenagers, your bound to get some hilarious results. Each day there will be a wacky adventure (see our Chasing Twilight party), with it’s own set of rules specific to that post. Each entry in this contest will enter you to win a Harry Potter Bingo Game* (this is a visual bingo game, not the trivia bingo) AND the Grand Prize.

We have two Party Games that are on-going and you can start NOW!

The Daily Prophet Party Game:
Simply do something to help spread the word about Inksplasher’s Totally Awesome Harry Potter Blog Party. CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS.

Ron’s Read-a-Thon:
Read the Harry Potter books or watch the previous movies. This contest is retroactive to January 1st, 20011. CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS.

See you soon!

Live to Recognize Yourself

2011-07-08T04:00:00.000-07:00

Recently, I had an opportunity to visit with an out-of-town relative I haven’t seen in several years. Because of some medical issues, this relative’s appearance has changed considerably since I saw her last, and as a result, she has hidden herself from the world, refusing to even visit the family members who love her regardless of outward appearances.

When I asked her why she’d chosen this path, she explained, “No one recognizes me.”

To which I replied, “I did.”

And I had. The minute she opened the door (I kind of had to push my way in) I recognized her as the cousin I’ve loved my whole life. (Yes, my whole life—she’s older than me by a month.) And those feelings hadn’t changed, even though we both had.

Everyone changes. The whole world changes. Just look at global warming and earthquakes and volcanoes, and climate shifts, and floods. Look at how environments, and people, and economy, and style, and everything and everyone on the planet changes. IT HAPPENS! Nothing ever stays the same as it was yesterday.

But love is everlasting. So I couldn’t understand why my beautiful, vibrant cousin had chosen to put her life on hold to hide from the rest of the world.

It made me wonder. Think. Ponder. When something bad happens to us, do we roll over and die? Do we give up and stop living? Or do we adjust, pick ourselves up and live?

I think the answer should be simple. Not easy, necessarily, but simple. And also complex. We live for ourselves. First, and always ourselves. Then for those we love. And absolutely last—always—for those strangers who might see and not recognize us.

Who are you living for?

Rachel Morgan Tagged Me!

2011-07-06T04:00:00.000-07:00

It’s been a long time since someone tagged me, but last week, Rachel Morgan did just that. And since it’s my birthday this week, I figured there’s no better time for a fun party game. So I hope you’ll forgive me for indulging myself.

1. Do you think you’re hot?

Of course. Someone should call 911, because I’m on fire, peeps, FIRE! (Okay, seriously, it’s like 95 degrees outside, it’s Independence Day week, so there are fireworks happening all over the place, and since it’s summer, we’re firing up the grill for some serious BBQ. How much hotter does it get?)

2. Upload a picture or wallpaper you are using at the moment.
Hawaii, January 2010 (This was the view from our hotel Lanai/balcony.)

Washington DC in December 2010, and yes, that is my family all bundled up in all those layers of clothes.

3. When was the last time you ate chicken?

Last Friday night at a Chinese restaurant. It was mixed with zucchini, broccoli, and mushrooms, topping a bed of fresh noodles, and topped with spicy brown sauce. Delish! (And actually, mine had shrimp, but my husband’s had chicken, so I stole a piece of the chicken off his plate. It counts, right?)

4. The song (s) you listened to lately.

Oh man, what a question. You all know how much I love music, right? But, considering Independence Day celebrations, I have listened to The Star Spangled Banner a few times, Garth Brooks’s We Shall Be Free, and Toby Keith’s Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue.

But aside from the patriotic songs I’ve had in my head (and also because I posted one on Monday) this is my new current favorite.

Linkin Park, Iridescent

5. What were you thinking while doing this?

Black Forest juicy oozers are quite delicious, and make very tasty blog-writing treats. I should stock up. Also I should get some Dr. Pepper to keep in the fridge in my garage.

6. Do you have nicknames? What are they?

Nicki, Nick, Mom, babe, and Fab #3 (but only people who know what that means get to use it!)

7. Tag 8 blogger friends

Okay, I’m going to pick some people I’ve never tagged before, or whose blogs I have recently started to follow. (No offense to my regular, long-time friends—you can be tagged too if you want!)

Jemi Frasier
Donna K. Weaver
Heather Cashman
Matthew MacNish
Michelle Davidson Argyle
Jeff King
Christine Fonseca
Theresa Milstein

Can't wait to see your answers!

Bravery, Freedom, and the Human Spirit

2011-07-04T04:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Independence Day, all!

I'm so proud to be an American. But no matter where you're from, or where you live, or what you do for a living, I think this video applies to us all.

Special Post: Interview with author Heather Justesen

2011-07-02T00:05:00.000-07:00

Hi all! I don't usually post on Saturdays, but I'm so excited I had to share. This week friend and author Heather Justesen is kicking off her newest release, Blank Slate. Because she's awesome, she agreed to do a short interview about her journey in creating this particular book so I can share her story with you.

You can read more about what I thought of Blank Slate here.

NG: From what I understand, the premise for Blank Slate stemmed from a real-life T.V. news story. Can you elaborate a little about how this evolved?

HJ: Hmm, if I get too detailed it’ll give away my best twist, but suffice it to say that it came from a highly publicized news story—something that seemed like it was such a long shot it could never happen again. And then I did research and found out that the phenomenon has happened numerous other times across the country in the past decade. I started spinning scenarios and when I found a twist that made it different from the usual amnesia story and made me excited to start writing, I sat down and started typing.

NG: You have a gift for writing strong female characters who are not only talented, but who use their talents daily. Adrianna’s talent didn’t work out the way other character abilities have in your past books. Did this make writing her story more or less difficult? And why?

HJ: Adrianna’s loss of ability to play the piano after her accident really throws her for a loop. She had to reinvent herself and find a different path and there’s more than a little stumbling before she figures out what she’s good at—and what she’s really not good at. I’d say her change in talents did actually make it less difficult for me, if only because the job she ended up with was similar to my own work history.

NG: If you were allowed to spend a day with just one of your fictional characters (in any of your books) which one would you choose and why?

HJ: Okay, that’s seriously difficult to decide because I like them all! I always seem to like the characters I’m spending the most time with the best. As I’ve got three different critique groups working on three different books and a fourth I’m trying to get ready for submission, (Not to mention my three published books) I have a plethora of characters to choose from.

At the moment I’m going to have to claim a woman named Rosemary as my favorite. She’s bright and fun, a bit mouthy, a fabulous chef, and doesn’t put up with anyone’s guff, but on the inside she’s full of the same insecurities and worries that plague all of us and a pain she does a great job of hiding. She’s not even the main character in the book I’ve been working on, but she’s larger than life and I can’t wait to get around to telling her story. She’d be a blast to go hang out with because she’d push me outside my comfort zone without doing anything truly wild (like skydiving or base jumping). Oh, and she has terrific taste in shoes.

NG: I understand you already have ANOTHER book being released soon. Tell us about it!

HJ: Yes, my fourth book is slated for release in January with Cedar Fort. This is one of my favorite stories!

NG: Mine too. (Yes, I'm the lucky one who has read it already.*sticks out tongue*)

HJ: It’s about Rena, who is thirty-two, single, and wishing for a family of her own. When her best friend for nearly a decade, Tucker—who is a gorgeous Marine reservist—loses his brother and sister-in-law in a car accident, he wants to raise his niece and nephew. Alas, as a soldier—and one with basically no living family members left—the state is leery of giving him custody of the kids. What if he gets called up, who’s going to care for the children? He decides the way to solve his problem is to marry—so he turns to Rena. The struggle to juggle two successful careers, two children under the age of seven, and find love along the way makes for a fun read with great characters. My publisher is discussing new titles for the book, so I’m not sure what it’ll be called, but the current title is Family By Design.

NG: Excellent. I'm way excited for that one as well. Sounds like you have great things in the work, Heather. Congratulations and good luck!

Don't forget to head over to Heather's website and read a few sample chapters of Blank Slate. You have nothing to lose but a chance to read a great story. And once you're good and hooked, you can get your paperback copy at Amazon, or your ebook copy at Smashwords (on sale through the month of July for $1.49 with the magic blog-reader code: WV49Z )

Out There With the Brave

2011-07-01T04:00:00.000-07:00

At a recent restaurant in which a large number of authors had gathered, Jamie Harrington made a comment that got me thinking. She said, “I love how we’re all just so out-there.” And by we, she meant authors and other artistic-types.

She was sort-of referring to the rainbow of color represented in our many eclectic hairstyles, but also our styles of dress, our conversational topics, our ability to make friends with strangers who live far away. But mostly, I think her comment came down to her loving our bravery.

Later, at a book launch, author Don Carey asked some of us about our chosen styles and hair colors. He wasn’t asking because he believed there was some kind of rebellion behind it, but as research for his work in progress. Because of the nature of his question, I think he got better answers than most of us would otherwise have given.

I told him that for me, it comes to bravery. I AM brave enough to write a book. I AM brave enough to submit and be rejected over and over and over again. I AM brave enough to repeat this vicious cycle continuously until I find success. (Though, I really wish someone would PLEASE help end the insanity soon!)

And if I am brave enough to do all that, well. It isn’t such a stretch to realize that my style choices are a physical manifestation of the bravery I’m clinging to with everything I have. It never hurts to have a daily reminder that YES, I can do these hard things. YES, I can be brave. YES, I can take hard rejections. And also, NO, I won’t quit, however tempted I may be.

Crazy sounding? Yeah, I know. But that’s me.

What do you do to remind yourself to be brave?

The Almost Authentic Jukebox

2011-06-29T04:00:00.000-07:00

Also at the pizzeria (aka Deenos) last week was a real, working jukebox.

And I’m sorry, but obnoxious as it probably was, I had to put a quarter in and play a couple songs. Just because, well, that’s what you do when faced with a retro-vintage machine such as that.

To my dismay (as well as the dismay of a few of my Twitter followers) none of the songs available were by Boys II Men or Richard Marx.

*nods at gasps of horror*

I realize this is a travesty. But I did what I could and played an old Sheryl Crow and an old Martina McBride song. (You do what you must when faced with such challenges.) While those songs didn’t take me as far back as others might have, the over-loud, treble-heavy music reminded me of other times.

The problem was that the jukebox and the memories evoked by the music didn’t quite jive together. It felt just a little bit like I was pretending—which was totally true. I think this is one of the dangers of not fully fleshing-out our research, be it time, character, place, object, or any other number of elements in our creative ventures.

The facts don’t line up exactly and people will notice, even if they can’t put their finger on what they’re noticing. Like a painting that looks like it was meant to be centered, but didn’t quite get there. Or a person who looks like they’re almost having a good time, but not quite. Or a vase that looks like it was never broken, except for one small line of paint that doesn’t quite line up.

Those who are paying attention will always notice, the way I noticed the songs not quite going with the jukebox. I was okay with that because I know what a rarity it is to find a working jukebox in this century. But that isn’t always the case.

Theoretically, in what situations is it okay to pretend, and when must you be absolutely authentic?

Love, not War (or Asteroids vs. Mrs. Pacman)

2011-06-27T04:00:00.000-07:00

The other day I went to the launch for Heather Justesen’s newest book, Blank Slate, after which a few of us had dinner at an old-school pizzeria. Not only did we actually have to wait for our pizza after we ordered it (I know, crazy, right?) but as I walked into the dining room to have a seat, I found myself surrounded by upright arcade games (ala 1980’s) and a real-live jukebox.

In that moment, I was transported back in time to the childhood in which Asteroids was the ultimate in science fiction, and Ms. Pacman was the epitome of romance.

Am I right? I mean, come on. The Asteroids ship didn’t even move across the bottom of the screen (did it?). You had to have good aim and a quick trigger finger, or there was no way you were making it through space alive. And dying was the ultimate humiliation—no matter your age (just ask my parents and grandparents).

Many family wars have been credited to that game.

Alternately, when you finally made it through level two of Ms. Pacman, even hanging on with one measly life left, the whole effort was worth it when you got to see the uber-romantic chase/kiss scene.

Maybe it’s just me. But romance has always been my thing. And clearly it doesn’t take a lot to woo me. Sometimes, in writing, in life, as well as in arcade games, it’s the small and simple things that make all the difference. Like a silly two-dimensional kiss scene between pizza-head characters.

Oh! Oh. I know. It’s “making love, not war” in terms of Asteroids and Ms. Pacman.

*giggles*

What small and simple things really matter to you?

The First Time I Saw...

2011-06-24T04:00:00.000-07:00

Okay, I mentioned songs already. Still feeling a bit nostalgic, apparently, because now I’ve moved on to movies.

Picture this: I’m flipping through the TV channels on a Sunday afternoon, and come across a movie I haven’t seen for a long time. A movie that brings back all kinds of memories of friends and boys, old schools and other places, and feelings, lots and lots of feelings. The past. The present. The future.

Happens almost every weekend. Most often, lately, I find either The Notebook, or Titanic. But sometimes I’m lucky enough to find an older one like, Pretty in Pink or…Pretty Woman.

*eyes glaze over*

The first time I saw Pretty Woman, I was fifteen, and had met a boy at the show house one afternoon. Since we had the entire theater to ourselves, we were adventurous and sat in the aisle. The whole place smelled like spilled pop and that fake butter stuff they put on popcorn, and the air conditioner was cranked—raised goose bumps on my arms. Outside, it was like a hundred degrees (Phoenix weather), so I’m thinking it must have been either late spring or early summer.

And I remember that I really, really liked the boy. And yes, we went out again. Several times.

Ahh, memories. What movies take you back? To where? And with whom?

Michael and Leesie Forever! (And contests and questions.)

2011-06-22T04:00:00.000-07:00

Guys. Tell me you’ve heard of this book.

If not, I’m telling you now, if you enjoy a good love story, a heart-breaking coming of age story, a conflicted YA story, or books with unusual, but beautiful formatting, you’ve got to check out this one.

Here’s the blurb:

Leesie Hunt’s Unbreakable Rules:

No Kissing (at least not of the French variety)…No Sex (hah! Not even close to happening anyway)…No Dating Outside the Mormon Faith (what would be the point?)…ABSOLUTELY No Falling in Love with the Wrong Boy (would ruin everything)

Leesie thinks she has her whole life planned out: get into the school of her dreams, write her poems, meet the perfect guy, and settle down. Then she meets Michael—a boy whose parents were killed in a diving accident during a terrible storm.

Michael is drowning in tragedy. And all Leesie wants is to save him. With each day, her heart hurts more. Could it be, perfect Leesie is falling from grace? Or is she just falling in love?

But if Leesie gives in to temptation, who is going to save her?

Sounds great, right? It is. Totally. And so, so romantic. Not only does Morrison explore the difference between love and sex in this heart-wrenching tale, but she delves into the importance of respecting personal beliefs and morals, and also a little about dealing with grief. There is some religion involved, but not so much as to be preachy. *

Michael and Leesie’s story is told in the format of Michael’s dive logs (he’s a scuba diver) and Leesie’s poetry and internet chat logs, giving an alternating point of view, which I appreciated because I think having both points of view make this particular story full and rich.

If ever a book has made you want to learn how to do something, or go somewhere, Taken by Storm will make you want to go to a tropical location and learn to scuba dive.(Seriously. I'm signing up this summer. No joke.)

And. If you finish Taken by Storm and haven’t had enough of Michael and Leesie, good news! Morrison has released two more volumes, taking Michael and Leesie into emotional depths that will transcend any hurricane or religious differences.

To read more about my thoughts on Unbroken Connection (book 2) and Cayman Summer (book 3), visit Star Crossed. I had a lot to say about all three.

After finishing this series (twice) there were a few questions I just had to ask, so Angela Morrison has graciously agreed to an interview. Check it out!

NG: Where were you, and what were you doing when you first met the sexy, charismatic, yet horribly, tragically sad Michael? And what about sweet, loving, gracious Leesie? How did you come to know her?

AM: I met Michael my first residency at Vermont College of Fine Arts. I was sitting in a circle of my MFA classmates, learning the mysteries of free writes from a graduate assistant. She gave us a prompt. “Remember a sound.” I started scribbling, but it wasn’t me. It was Michael. He’d been a vague, haunting idea ever since I heard about a real accident similar to the fictional one I wrote about in TAKEN BY STORM. But all of the sudden he was there on the page. Real. I could almost touch him. And I had to figure out what to do with him.

I met Leesie when Michael went on a field trip to Grand Coulee Dam. That scene is the first one I wrote with the two of them. Poor, Leesie. I let her live in my house, made her go to my high school, and even gave her the challenge of being the only LDS girl around. I got carried away, smothering her with every awful thing that ever happened to me in high school. She put her foot down. I felt awful. Cut and revised. I gave her a retro hippy suede-leather jacket and my sister’s beautiful long hair to make up for it. She was never content until I let her narrate through her poems.

NG: Holy cow! This entire series came from a writing prompt about sound? That's a fantastic story. I love knowing that. Maybe I should take writing prompts more seriously.

I hear you’re a scuba diver. I've always been interested in the sport, and thanks to Michael's story, I'm ready to sign up and get learning. If you were to go on a diving trip with Michael and Leesie, where would be your first two choices? Why?

AM: I have to confess. I’ve gone on loads of diving trips with them. Purists and my accountant would call it site research, but my husband and I took Michael and Leesie along whenever we dove. The Spiegel Grove in the Florida Keys. The Caymans. Cozumel. Thailand. The Red Sea. All amazing story material. I’d love to spend a week diving Little Cayman. Bloody Bay Wall is the best dive site I ever dove. And I’ve only been once. And then, what the heck, why not somewhere amazing, like Fiji or Tahiti. Truk Lagoon. Palau. Maybe we could spend a whole month in the South Pacific. I’ve never dove there.

NG: I figured you'd been a lot of places, otherwise there's no way Michael could see all the things he sees in Thailand and Cayman. But I did not realize you'd taken these two with you!

*scribbles note to self about traveling with future characters*

You chose a really unconventional way to unveil Cayman Summer to your readers, by blogging it rough section by section. What was your favorite part of this process? Your least favorite? Would you do it again?

AM: I wrote a new scene every day and posted it. My favorite part was the immediate feedback. I loved that. My reader’s comments not only helped me when I came to revise but inspired upcoming scenes. And I let them suggest names for the six new guys in Michael’s apartment. Those guys got them drooling. Fun amidst a serious book that had us all crying every post. My least favorite? Trying to figure out how to share the revision process. I gave up—took a break—and then posted the final version on two page tabs—that’s at http://caymansummer.blogspot.com. I loved the whole adventure. If I had a publisher who would let me do that or if I ever have stranded books again, I’d be back at it in a flash.

NG: You know, I would never have thought of doing something like that. You're one brave woman. Because of this process, what kind of influence did readers have on the final finished product?

AM: Loads. I’d been thinking through this story for so long that I had the story plotted out beforehand. That stayed the same, but things they liked and didn’t like helped me come up with twists and turns.

NG: I can see how that would happen. My critique group does that for me every week. I guess blogging it must be like having a giant critique group. But I'm wondering, do you feel the story might have ended differently had you published all three books with the same publisher?

AM: I don’t think Penguin would have ever published CAYMAN SUMMER. Razorbill didn’t ever see it, but when we submitted a proposal for UNBROKEN CONNECTION, I included a brief summary. I think CAYMAN SUMMER’s ending is one of the reasons they walked away from it. My editor left[the company], too. That didn’t help, either. The ending even made some of my readers angry. They didn’t like what happened to Michael. But that’s how I wanted to end it. And I released it myself, so I figured I could do what I wanted. That’s rare in this business.

NG: I'll say. Can we expect another excellent book from you anytime soon? Can you give us any hints or details about plots or release dates or characters?

AM: Earlier this year, I signed with a fantastic new agent, Erzsi Deak at Hen & Ink. I’ve revised the two novels that got sidelined because of my option clause with Penguin with her critique, and now the first one, MY ONLY LOVE, is on submission. MY ONLY LOVE is a historical YA inspired by my Scotts ancestors. I made me great, great, great, great grandmother’s big brother into the hottest 19th century coal miner every to leave Scotland. People who’ve read all my work say this book is my best by far. I hope to have release date for it soon. Right now, we’re waiting, waiting, waiting.

The second book is a romantic, time-travel adventure called SLIPPED. If you took Mad Max and Jane Eyre and plunked them down in Medieval Europe to save the future, you get SLIPPED. I’m putting the final touches on it now.

You can read excerpts of SLIPPED and MY ONLY LOVE at the WIP section of my website, www.angela-morrison.com.

Right now, I’m working on a musical stage adaptation of SING ME TO SLEEP with Harriet Bushman, the incredible composer who wrote the music for and arranged “Beth’s Song” and “Take me Home.”

NG: Yowsa! That's a whole lot of projects for one writer to juggle. And yay, because that means we fans won't have to wait too long for the next awesome book. And I'm completely stoked about the idea of a musical adaptation for SING ME TO SLEEP. You already know I loved that story as well. (Highly recommended, but be warned, you WILL cry at least once.)

Angela, thanks so much for taking the time to visit with me, and for writing such phenomenal stories. Can't wait to get my hands on the next one.

Angela is having a fantabulous contest in which she's giving away loads of free books and swag. Hurry over and enter now.

Purchase your copy of Taken by Storm or visit Angela Morrison's website.
I also read UNBROKEN CONNECTION and CAYMAN SUMMER, and am discussing these books today on Star Crossed Book Reviews. If your interest is piqued, come see more and join the discussion.

Okay, so I've got to know. What books have you found so unspeakably romantic that you had to immediately re-read them again?

*FYI while there isn't an excess of religion in book one, subsequent volumes contain significantly more, and religious beliefs and doctorines become a huge part of the plot in book three.

The Musical Trigger

2011-06-20T04:00:00.000-07:00

I’ve decided that life should be set to music. Seriously. Like, when a baby is born, the nurses should assign them a life theme song. Not a permanent one. Just one to get that person started, going, inspired, until he or she outgrows that theme song and needs a new one.

I could swear every memorable moment in my life has some kind of music or song involved, or at the very least, there’s a song that reminds me of those moments. And when I hear those songs, I’m transported in time and place, and suddenly, I’m five again and singing, “Li’l Red Riding Hood” (by Sam the Sham and the Pharohs) in the living room of our tiny house in the Nevada desert. Or I’m fifteen, learning to drive to the sweet harmonies of Wilson Philips. (Am I crazy to admit that?)

Because of this, I have a tendency to unconsciously assign theme songs to books as I read them, heightening the book’s emotional impact.

Do certain songs trigger memories for you? Which ones?

Memorable People

2011-06-17T04:00:00.000-07:00

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” ~ Maya Angelou

I have a theory. Probably not an original one, actually. In fact, someone somewhere has most likely done a study on it at some point. But I believe that our memories are based not on sights or tastes or sounds or smells, but on feelings first. Everything else is secondary.

For instance, we might remember our first vacation because of the excitement and happiness we experienced during that trip. And then we associate smells and sights and sounds with that incident, and voila, we have a memory.

On the other spectrum, we might remember a broken heart because of the hollow ache, the physical pain. And again, all the other sensations we remember are linked to that original gut-wrenching feeling.

I don’t remember a lot of books I read as a child. But there are a handful that I do, and they affected me enough to help shape what I became as an adult. Thinking back, I’ve always been a fan of romance in plots. Even in Nancy Drew, I couldn’t get enough of the almost-kisses between Nancy and Ned. That’s the feeling I latched onto, and the only part about those mysteries I really remember. Well, that, and the fact that Nancy always conveniently carried a change of clothes in the trunk of her car. But ya know. I think that had more to do with believability.

Another example: People.

I’m terrible with names. It takes me at least three times of meeting you before I remember yours (unless you’ve done something to make a huge impression, then it might only take two). But if you made me smile, I’ll remember that feeling and associate it with your face. If you made me angry, I remember that too. And if you said or did something outlandish or incredible or absolutely impressionable, if you made my cheeks hurt from laughing, or my heart flutter with happiness, or my gut clench with pain or anxiety, I will definitely remember your name. The first time.

How do the people you meet remember you?