Reveals, Releases, and Really Great Friends

A couple weeks ago, I was able to spend a few amazing days with four women who are my best friends in the world. The trip started as a Christmas gift from one person’s husband and then snowballed into a full-blown all-in FAB 5 hoorah: Destination San Antonio, Texas.

In the few days they were here, we did a lot of fun things, including making the very long trek to my house and the nearby beach. But the thing that struck me most—the thing that always strikes me—is that when the five of us get together, it doesn’t matter what we do. Whether we’re treated like royalty in a five-star resort, or stranded overnight in a hotel in an unsavory city because we missed our connecting flight trying to get to that resort, we are always happy to each be in the company of the others.

When the weekend arrived and my friends had departed, I drove home feeling a glow of happiness that can only come from spending time in the company of other women, and I found myself thinking, hoping. Friendships like ours are increasingly rare.

It is my grandest hope that someday my daughters will be as lucky as I have been and build the kind of friendships that fill in the spaces and gaps in each other’s lives. The kind of sisterhood that should be shared, and maybe used in a story someday.

Do you have a unique relationship with someone? Would you write about it?

NEWS UPDATE:

Guys. I know this has been a LONG time in coming. But I finally have a release date for BIRTHRIGHT! Mark your calendars for May 1st, because—hopefully—it should be available for purchase from all your favorite bookstores on that day (and if you're coming to the LDStorymakers conference in Logan, UT in April, I plan to have a FEW advance copies).

But…but…you haven’t seen the cover yet, right? How will you know what it looks like? Don’t worry. The cover is coming very soon. Like, probably in the next few weeks soon. As in…check back on or around *April 10th, when I will be posting both the cover and also a teaser chapter to whet your appetites. Between now and then, expect updates, signups for events and/or contests, and any changes or other news. 

See you soon! 

*Date subject to change, but let's hope it doesn't!

Spilling Secrets: My Epic News

If you’re my friend on Facebook or if you’ve seen me around lately, you might have noticed I’ve been in a rather chipper mood. You’ve probably wondered about my unusually goofy grin, and why I do things like sing at the doctor’s office while my kids are getting x-rays or whatever.

It’s a side effect of keeping a really great secret. Or two.

But with this blog post, my secrets are secrets no more. That’s right, you get to read it here first.

So, my first secret:

Me, signing my agency agreement.

As of last week, I am officially represented by Brittany Howard of the Corvisiero Literary Agency! (And okay, if you're my friend on Facebook, this wasn't so much of a secret.)

*cheers, dances, claps, dances, cheers some more, sings*

This is huge and exciting for me, as Brittany and I hope to be submitting my newest manuscript to publishers very soon.

But that’s not all. Oh no. There’s more. And this one has also been in the works for several weeks. (Two bits of equally huge news—no wonder I’ve been extra happy, yes?)

With Brittany's help, I have accepted an offer of publication from Rhemalda Publishing. They’ve picked up my YA paranormal romance, Descendant, and we’re aiming for a May 2013 publication date.

The cool thing about being an author?
You can sign important documents in your pajamas.
Me, signing the Rhemalda Contract.

*dances more, does a cartwheel, cheers, sings, cheers, flips*

I cannot tell you how hard it has been to keep all this to myself. At times, my brain has been at risk of exploding. But now you know, and I don’t have to keep secrets anymore.

None of this would have happened without massive amounts of support from the writing community and certain friends who held my hand all along the way (you know who you are) or without hundreds of visits to my local gym. To those of you who have supported me, thank you. Thank you so much for all your loving support.

Also, I'd like to thank the makers of Dr. Pepper and the good people at the Black Forest gummy company for making my favorite writing-time snacks, and the long list of amazing singers and songwriters who perform the inspiring music that has kept me going for the last several years.

I hope you will all be watching for launch party dates in May, because we are going to celebrate BIG. And everyone’s invited.

Oh, and also, stay tuned next week for giveaways and partying. There will be much celebrating in blog land.

**To stay up to date with more exciting news, please take a second to sign up for my newsletter (you’ll find the sign up on the sidebar). This is also the first place where you’ll hear about contests and blog tours, etc.

When News is Made of Win

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?

The Road Not Yet Traveled

Today—probably as you’re reading this, actually—I’m taking off for a week-long road trip across the country. While I’m gone, I hope to visit places I’ve never been, see things I’ve never seen, experience new things, and gain inspiration and knowledge that will help me creatively. We'll be taken roads I've never traveled, which is great fodder for writing.

I like road trips. This country is beautiful, and I’m constantly amazed at the artful hand with which it was created. Also, I love adventure. And this promises to be a good one. So. Yeah.

Maybe I’ll get to see the world’s largest ball of twine. Or something equally cool. I will definitely be making stops at some of the restaurants featured on the food network. Specifically, DDD. Because, well, it sounds like fun. Who wouldn’t want to do that? (Come be my friend on Facebook, and I’ll try to post pictures as I’m able.)

Before I go, I want to continue the good news challenge I started on this post. Let’s keep the good news flowing, shall we? (If you just asked why, because it makes me happy. So there. *sticks out tongue*)

Okay, so my good news for the week:

1. Both my books won a Silver Quill award from the League of Utah Writers over the weekend. I’m honored and amazed. And humbled. Definitely humbled too.

2. The LUW gave me cute stickers to put on my book covers that say it’s an award winning book. Which, you know, is very cool. Stickers are awesome.

3. I’m up to 75,000 words on my current WIP. It isn’t finished, but is coming along well enough that I’m happy. And I like it—well, for a rough draft.

4. It’s fall, which means all the hot fall book releases are getting ready to launch. (YAY for good books!)

So much good news! What’s yours? Feel free to share. Or tell me about a road trip turned adventure you've experienced. I want to hear that too.

**Since I’m out of town, chances are I won’t be as quick in replying to comments as I usually am (mostly via email, sometimes via return comment). Don’t worry! I will still read every single comment and appreciate your participation.


***Also, since I’m out of town, I will probably not be reading many blogs or commenting. It’s not because I don’t love you all, I promise. I’ll try to catch up when I get home.

Good News Minute--All Weekend Long

Okay people. If you’re a regular reader, you don’t need to be told what brought this on. If you’re not a regular reader, you should be (for shame!). Scroll down and catch up. Anyway, after everything, I’ve decided it’s officially time for some really good news.

There’s this thing with the ladies in my church where we take a minute to let anyone and everyone share good news or exciting things that have happened during the week. I don’t often speak up, because my brain isn’t fast enough, my hand doesn’t shoot up quick enough, or my tongue is just plain too slow in catching up with my thoughts. My bad.

I believe we create our own moods, our own circumstances even, through positive thought and happy energy. Therefore, I am officially declaring this weekend a good news weekend. I want to hear your good news and know that positive, happy things are happening all over the place in the world. September is going to be a fantabulous month.

I’ll start.

1. Even though the air has become cooler in the last week, the sun is shining bright and warm in Utah, and the sky is clear. I’m driving around with my convertible top down.

2. My husband found my very favorite, and extremely hard to find, dressing / bread-dipper on the shelf at a local grocery store the other day. (Score!)

3. Going to dinner and a movie with my bestest non-writing girlfriends tonight. Can’t WAIT!

4. In just over a week, I will be driving across the country with my husband to take him to a lengthy specialized training course in Quantico, VA. I’ll leave him there and fly home, and yes, we’ll miss him, but this is really great opportunity. And going to be an incredible drive.

**Update** I almost forgot this fun bit of news as well.

5. Tomorrow, I'm going to be hanging out with some of my bestest writing friends at The Kings English for Kirsten White's Paranormalcy event. I love those kinds of days.

Okay, now it’s your turn to share your good news. Starting…NOW!

Exciting News and A Spotlight: Donna Hatch

I am totally writing right now--had an epiphany and am doing a rewrite on one manuscript so I can then focus on finishing another one--cuz I have great ideas for both. Separate ideas. But I can only work on one at a time. You know, one brain two hands and all that. Oh, the life of a writer.

But I have to take a short break, because this news is too cool not to share.
Look what came in my mail today...

He he! Hooray, cheer, cheer, excitement all around. Okay, so really, I only get to keep one of these. It's a proof copy--the kind where the publisher and author get one or two to look over and approve before the big order is printed. So, my publisher gets the other two. But look! It's here! And guess what? It looks amazing. I LOVE it! Love the cover, love the chapter headings--everything. Yay!

This means my author copies will be here in a few weeks, so it's officially time to plan a party. More news on this soon.

Don't forget, I'll be signing copies of Mormon Mishaps and Mischief at the AuthorPalooza event being held at the Sandy, UT. Barnes and Noble (this is right by Southtowne Mall) from 1-4pm. I'm there with about 30 other authors, so this is going to be a totally fun event. But if you can't make it, don't stress. Cindy and I will also be at the BYU bookstore in Provo on Thursday, Feb 11th from 11:45-1:30. Come say hi if you can.

Oh, I almost forgot to do my author spotlight this week. Today, I'd like to introduce you to Donna Hatch. This interview was conducted by someone who is not me, so you won't recognize any of my usual questions. However, I like her answers and have been given permission to post the interview here. Thanks Donna!

Hi Donna. Tell us about your release, The Stranger She Married.

Okay, here's my elevator pitch:

The Stranger She Married is book one of the Rogue Hearts Series. Torn between a disfigured war hero with the heart of a poet, and a handsome libertine who may not be all he seems, impoverished Alicia must marry by the end of the month. Despite a murder threat looming over her, learning to love the stranger she married may pose the greatest danger of all … to her heart.

The cover is gorgeous! Can you tell us a little about how covers come into being? Do you have input into the process?

Most publishers don't let the authors have any input, but I was lucky -- mine does. I filled out a questionnaire with character descriptions and a concept of what I'd pictured. The finished result was nothing like I'd imagined, and the hero looks nothing like the cover, but they got the heroine spot-on right down to the eye color.

What are you working on now?

I'm finalizing the edits on book 3 of the Rogue Heart's Series which isn't titled yet. (Gulp.) Book 2, The Guise of a Gentleman will be out in April. Each book is a stand-alone book, about a different brother of the Amesbury family, and the family members wander in and out of each other's books.

You have a posse of kiddos, how do you find time to write? How do you balance family with writing?

Yes, with 6 children, making time to write is very challenging. I do much of my writing at night after they are in bed, or during nap time, but when I'm on a roll, I write instead of unimportant things like fixing dinner. I haven't dusted since last Christmas and I gave up scrapbooking. This year, my youngest child started kindergarten, so now I can write after they all leave for school. I also work in an office part time every afternoon, so that really cuts into my writing but I'm very focused, (or obsessed) so I keep at it at odd times of the day. And night.

What is the coolest thing about being an author?

A huge rush came when I got my contract and I was giddy about it for months. But I have to say that was nothing compared to the day my book came out and I saw it on the home page of my publisher. The euphoria was almost a surreal experience. The giddiness is still with me and I've noticed people inching away from me when my grin gets a bit too happy. I guess I scare people. And now I do it without even opening my mouth.

What has surprised you about being a published author?

How excited my friends and family were for me. I knew they'd be supportive, but I had no idea how they'd rally around me and help me promote it like they have. My niece even set up a fan page for The Stranger She Married!

What do you like to do when you aren't writing?

I love to read more than almost anything else. And I love music; I sing, play the harp, and am the choir director for my church. I also like to swim, water ski, snow ski, and dance. I’m totally uncoordinated, so I don’t play any team sports and sports worldwide thank me for it. And, sappy as it sounds, I love to spend time with my husband, talking, walking, playing racquetball, or just cuddling.

Thanks again, Donna, for letting me spotlight you here. For those interested in purchasing a copy of The Stranger She Married, click here.

And now back to editing, writing, and planning a launch party.  (Tick, tick, tick--yeah, I actually have a plan.) Write on!


**The author of this blog did NOT get a free copy of this book, and will not receive compensation of any kind for this spotlight, except maybe the gratitude of the book's author. But I do plan on reading this book because I'm interested. Does that count?

Launch Party News: "Am I Not A Man, The Dred Scott Story" by Mark L. Shurtleff

I really don't have time to be blogging today, because, well, there's a HUGE party happening tonight, and I'm invited. Actually, everyone is invited. Everyone being all those interested in being part of the cool, "it" crowd. Or just avid readers who want to meet an author who also happens to dabble in politics on the side. (He he.)

Valor publishing group sent this memo out this morning, and I can't not pass it on, so here you go.

NEWS ITEM – NEWS ITEM – NEWS ITEM – NEWS ITEM – NEWS ITEM

Mark L. Shurtleff Celebrates Release of First Book,
“Am I Not A Man, The Dred Scott Story” with National Launch Party

Dred Scott descendant, Lynne Jackson, and recording star, Alex Boye, to speak and perform at the event sponsored by the Valor Publishing Group.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Mark L. Shurtleff, Utah State Attorney General and author, will be joined by Lynne Jackson and recording artist, Alex Boye’, on Tuesday, November 3, 2009 at Barnes & Noble Booksellers in Salt Lake City’s Gateway for the national launch of his new book, Am I Not a Man; The Dred Scott Story, published by Valor Publishing Group.

Candace E. Salima, president of Valor Publishing Group, has planned several activities for the book launch party and hopes to attract a wide spectrum of new fans for Shurtleff “We are so excited for Mark and hope this becomes an opportunity for the public to know him on a different level.”

Musical tributes by the Calvary Baptist Choir of Salt Lake City will be featured, with a special performance by Alex Boye, dedicated to the memory of Dred Scott. Lynne Jackson, the great-great granddaughter of Dred Scott, will be a guest speaker at the launch party. In addition to the performances and presentations, Valor Publishing Group has commissioned baker Cindy Parvizi of CakeFlake to create two specialty cakes for the occasion.

Mark Shurtleff’s historical novel details the story of Dred Scott, a freed slave who was forced back into bondage, and his fight to regain his liberty. Scott is arguably the most important figure in the 18th century struggle for freedom from slavery. His tragic case against the U.S. Supreme Court emboldened the abolitionist movement of the time and became part of Abraham Lincoln’s presidential platform and key reference for the historical, the Emancipation Proclamation.

The national book launch and release will start at 5:30 p.m. at the Barnes & Noble Booksellers location in Salt Lake City’s Gateway open air mall. Festivities will end at 8:30 p.m.

Lynne Jackson will be available for interviews on November 3rd. Mark Shurtleff is available for interviews from October 28th to November 3rd.

Barnes & Noble Booksellers
The Gateway
6 Rio Grande Street
Salt Lake City, UT

5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Calvary Baptist Choir
6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Mark Shurtleff signs copies of his book “Am I Not a Man? The Dred Scott Story”
7:00 p.m. to 7:05 p.m. Alex Boye’ sings “Am I Not a Man and a Brother?”
7:05 p.m. to 7:10 p.m. Connie Hall reads her winning essay “Stand Up for Freedom”
7:10 p.m. to 7:20 p.m. Lynne Jackson speaks about Dred Scott
7:20 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Mark Shurtleff reads 1st Chapter and Q&A
8:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Drawing for Grand Prize and signing of any last books

Mark Shurtleff and Lynne Jackson are available for live interviews on November 3rd. Mark Shurtleff is available for interviews on other days according to his schedule.

For more information, contact:

Candace E. Salima
Phone: 801-358-6213
Email: candace@valorpublishinggroup.com
http://www.facebook.com/l/e544a;www.valorpublishinggroup.com

Fairies in My House?

It's Sunday evening, and I realize I haven't posted a blog here all week. I'd like to give a good excuse like I've been working on one of my books, or that I went on an awesome tropical vacation, or that I've accomplished a whole lot this week.


I can't even say I'm all caught up on my laundry, or that I shampooed my carpet or anything--that would be fiction, not fact. Darn. Anyone who wants to come over and do those things for me is totally welcome. Just be forewarned that my pile of clean-but-unfolded laundry is nearly as tall as me.


So, where have I been? Um, really, just hanging out, being the mom. In my defense, I wrote about half a chapter in Cursed and did get some cleaning done this week--and it was so desperately needed I can't even tell you. I peeled, cut, and froze a bucket of peaches, and picked and froze lots and lots of raspberries. Oh, and I've been doing some reading. I'll be reviewing several books in the next few weeks, so keep watching. This Wednesday is my tour stop for Rachel Ann Nunes's upcoming release of "Saving Madeline," and soon after that, I'll be reviewing "Alma" by H.B. Moore. (Both excellent and extremely well written books, BTW.) So, watch for those reviews and some possible contests and giveaways.


Also, I now have a fan group on Facebook, so come on out and join me there.


The good news of the week: Both my girls (and their teams) won their soccer games and we're heading into tournaments with lots of possibilities, all my kids are becoming quite skilled at both piano and guitar, and my oldest son didn't wreck my car when we went out driving this weekend. (Let's all sigh in relief together.)


More good news: When my refrigerator went out, it somehow luckily turned out that the compressor (an expensive, major part, I'm told) was under warranty, even after five years. Hooray! And when the speedometer on our truck decided to become stuck (sometimes on zero, others on one hundred twenty) that turned out to be recalled, and so is also under warranty. Apparently, I have a community of fairies living in my house because they're taking good care of me these days.


I wonder if they now expect some kind of thank you gift? Hm. I'll have to think about that.



Anyway, even though I haven't posted anything worth reading here, I still always meet my deadlines on the other blogs on which I participate. I blogged here last Thursday, and here Monday the 14th.



Have a wonderful week, and write on.



Nichole