Cover Reveal: Diamond Rings are Deadly Things by Rachelle J. Christensen (and a giveaway!)

About DIAMOND RINGS ARE DEADLY THINGS: 

Adrielle Pyper knows how to plan a wedding, and she is especially good at pleasing bridezillas. But when her biggest client and best friend is murdered just three days before the wedding, Adri’s world falls apart. She moves to the resort town of Sun Valley, Idaho, and starts from scratch. Thanks to Adri’s impeccable taste and unique style, she lands two celebrity clients, and her business seems headed for success--that is, until someone vandalizes the specialty wedding dresses she imported from overseas. The race is on to uncover a secret hidden within the yards of satin and lace before Adri becomes the next victim. With a delightful blend of mystery, toe-curling kisses, humor, and spine-tingling thrills, Diamond Rings are Deadly Things is a romantic suspense novel that will keep you turning pages long into the night.

Find this book on Goodreads

Pre-order on Amazon

Pre-order on Barnes and Noble

Endorsements:

“I love Rachelle J. Christensen’s stories and characters, and Diamond Rings Are Deadly Things is another thrilling mystery to add to my collection. Don’t be surprised if you have to stay up all night to finish he book!”

--Rachel Ann Nunes, author of Before I Say Goodbye

Diamond Rings are Deadly Things pulled me right in from the first page and held me captive until the very end. Great characters, a compelling plot, a surprising twist at the end ... Rachelle Christensen knows how to craft a great mystery.

 - Tristi Pinkston, author of the Secret Sisters Mysteries

A cunningly crafty mystery with just the right mix of romance. Readers won't be able to get enough of Adrielle Pyper, stunning party-planner turned heroine.

--Nichole Giles, author of Descendant

About Rachelle J. Christensen: 

Rachelle J. Christensen is a stay-at-home mom of four cute kids. She has an amazing husband, three cats, and five chickens. Rachelle was born and raised in the small farming town of Rupert, Idaho which is adjacent to the setting in her latest mystery Diamond Rings Are Deadly Things due out this July. Her new website www.mashedpotatoesandcrafts.compartners with the characters from the novel to bring readers an interactive look into the mystery of crafting and wedding planning.

Rachelle graduated cum laude from Utah State University with a degree in psychology and a music minor. She enjoys singing and songwriting, playing the piano, running, motivational speaking, and of course reading.

Rachelle’s first novel, Wrong Number was awarded Outstanding Book of the Year from the League of Utah Writers and was also a 2010 Whitney Finalist. She is also the author of Caller ID, a nonfiction book Lost Children: Coping with Miscarriage for Latter Day Saints, and a novella with a Timeless Romance Anthology, Fall Collection.

Visit www.rachellechristensen.com to learn more about upcoming books.

Social Media Links:

Facebook Author Page
Twitter
Rachelle's Blog
Author Website

Goodreads Author Page
Craft Website based on the series

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Visit with Author Rachelle J. Christensen

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I digress. Back to the interview.

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FJC: Diamonds

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

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

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

To purchase the book, click here.

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

The Blurb:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Office Box Giveaway & Wrong Number Book Launch

The Office Box Giveaway & Wrong Number Book Launch

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*You can only enter under one name

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

*All winner’s addresses must be stateside US addresses

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

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

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

Extra Entries:

• Become a Facebook Fan of The Original Scrapbox

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

• Facebook the contest with linkback in your comment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Worth The Cost

Over the past month, I’ve had several people ask me why I chose to go all the way to Phoenix for the ANWA conference this past weekend. It’s not a huge conference, and several of the speakers are authors who will also be teaching at the upcoming LDStorymakers conference in April here in Utah. The conference itself wasn’t expensive, but if I add up the cost of hotel and transportation, it did cost me a bit more that I’m usually willing to pay. But I did it anyway, because I wanted to go, and because I felt like I was supposed to be there for one reason or another.

Did I get my money’s worth? Yeah, I did. I had several important ah-ha moments, got some great advice, and heard words that felt custom designed for me. And yes, I’d do it again; even though I won’t even try to pinpoint the “reason” I was supposed to go. At least, not yet. I think sometimes we just get to know that we got something important from following that spiritual direction, even if we’re not able to give a name to the blessings that come from it.

That said, I will tell you a little about my favorite classes. J. Scott Savage gave the keynote address, during which he talked about the importance of setting proper expectations for ourselves. We made a list of things we can control versus those which we can’t. For instance, we can’t control what an agent wants, but we can do our best work and send it out there. We can’t control what’s “in” in the market or being in the right time and place, but we can polish our query and submit often. We can’t control how long an agent takes to get back to us, but we can send our query and then get right to work on the next project.

He also touched on several other subjects, like the folly of comparing ourselves to other authors—since we’re all individual and shouldn’t even WANT to be the same as someone else. He gave us tips on overcoming writers block and reminded us that it’s always darkest before the dawn. Which translates to, the journey’s always hardest right before you stumble into success. I loved that part, but my favorite piece of advice is that we break through the barriers to reach our potential.

Amen and nuff said. Thanks for that, Jeff. (He also had a class about finding an agent, which was also crammed with excellent advice.)

Later in the day, Aprilynne Pike talked about the life cycle of a writer and all the highs and lows we go through, even after we’ve signed with an agent and /or publisher. I loved her analogies, and though I didn’t get the exact steps written down, left the class with one thing to remember: I am a capable writer with an original story to tell. I think I’ll print that one and put it on my bathroom mirror as a reminder. Thanks, Aprilynne.

Helen Blair then spoke to us about tapping our subconscious minds, and helping our conscious and subconscious minds to play nicely together in order to reach our potential for creativity. She taught us how each part works, and why we sometimes suffer the effects of writers block. This class really spoke to me because I’m a big, big believer in this kind of thinking, and I found the whole lesson fascinating. Again, a whole class of takeaway for me, but during this session, I had a sudden epiphany of an important paragraph that needs to go in the beginning of one of my books. Yes, I wrote it down. And yes, it was a very important realization. Say it with me: Ah-ha!

There were several other classes I could tell you about, and other things I learned. But seriously, I need to get back to work on my book. I will say, though, that the ANWA ladies did a great job of putting this conference together, and for all the people who are wondering if it was worth it, the answer is yes. Yes it was.

Now, before I forget, there are lots of fun things happening on my blog this month. Check back on Friday for another big giveaway being held in conjunction with a book launch for my good friend Rachelle Christensen, who’s book Wrong Number is now available online and in stores. During this promotion, I’ll be giving away one copy of my new book, The Sharp Edge of a Knife, which is now available online, and should be in stores very soon. Following that, I’m launching my book (see title above) with a blog tour and more giveaways. I’m also planning a physical launch party, so watch for that announcement as well. (Still working on location—sorry for the delay.) Also, keep an eye on my event list on the sidebar to see where you can come meet me in person. Lots of fun events happening in March!

And now, I’m really getting back to work. Have a great day and write on.

Lots of Random

What is it about fate that makes certain weeks extra busy, and others extra slow? And why haven't any slow weeks been thrown my way lately? Seriously, sometimes I think it's a miracle that I get any sleep at all. Just saying.

Not that I'm complaining, mind you. I'm actually very excited about everything I have going on right now. But, you know, there aren't enough hours, yadda yadda. The good news is this is a cool, fun, interesting week. Here's the rundown:

1. Today I blogged on Writing Fortress (aka Cedar Fort Authors) about why networking is important. Click here to read more.

2. The winner of the $20 Barnes and Noble gift card has been posted, along with a few random Monday comics on LDS Humor. (Yes, posted by yours truly.) And while I'm talking about winners, the contest winners for all the other contests I posted about last week have also been chosen. I'm not one of them, but scroll down and click on the links to see if you might be one of the lucky ones.

3. Tomorrow, right here on this blog, I'll be reviewing a book called Love Your Body by Brooke Parker R.D.. It's a short read with excellent suggestions on how to rethink your eating and dieting habits. PS This is NOT a diet book! I'm not a big dieter, but I do think eating right is important. Check back on Tuesday to read more about it. Also, as a bonus, enter to win one of five copies of the book, being given away by the publisher. Yahoo! More free stuff.

4. Wednesday I've been asked to present at the League of Utah Writers meeting. This is a great honor. I'll be bringing my coauthor Cindy Beck with me, and we're speaking about our journey From Proposal to Publishing and Promotion. (Aka how Mormon Mishaps and Mischief came to be.) The meeting is being held at the library in Provo, UT, room 201 from 7-9 pm. Oh yes, and it's free to the public. That is, unless you're a heckler. Then you'll be forced to buy my books as payment.

I'll also have a few books handy for purchase, and will sign them for you if you ask nicely. Or if you bribe me with chocolate. Either way.

5. Thursday is my regular posting day at LDS Writer's Blogck. Since I've been busy taking care of Monday-Wednesday's obligations, I have no idea what I'm blogging about there. I'll surprise you. But still come leave comments. They make me so happy.

6. Friday I'm jumping on a plane bound for Phoenix. (Okay, not literally jumping. We all know what happened when Kramer did that.) Yahoo! Off to the ANWA Writer's Conference. I'll be spending the rest of the weekend hanging with my ANWA sisters, learning, relaxing, and writing. Along with some other authors, I'll be signing right after the conference, probably somewhere in the hotel, so if you're in the Mesa area come by and say hi. I'll even sign a book for you. **Crossing my fingers I'll have copies of The Sharp Edge of a Knife before Friday**

7. What else?  Oh yes, March 5th is the day I'll post about my next way cool giveaway. This is in conjunction with a blog tour for my good friend Rachelle Christensen's new release, Wrong Number. You don't want to miss this one, people. So mark your calendars. Also, you MUST read this book. It's a page turner, I tell ya.

8. I'm also still looking for a way awesome, incredible, cool grand prize to give away on my blog tour for The Sharp Edge of a Knife. Speaking of that, I'm also STILL waiting for confirmation on the launch date. I have a tentative schedule, but it all depends on how fast the bookstore can get books. One way or another, I'm launching in mid-March, even if I have to change locations. I'll let y'all know asap.

9. There's still time to register for the LDStorymakers Conference in April. And if you hurry, you'll be able to just squeak by inside the deadline for the first chapter contest. Great prize this year, too. Check it out and register, if you know what's good for you. I'm going, which means all the cool people will be there.

Am I missing anything? Seriously? Because I know I am--not including my kids' indoor soccer games, basketball, music, yadda yadda yadda. What is it? Remind me already!

Cool Book to Watch For and Fun Signing News

Okay, I've blogged every day this week. Not always here, mind you, but we're talking serious bloggage going on. And I had no intention of blogging again today, because, you know, I have writing to do. Plus, I'd hate to make you sick of me.

But...I have cool news I want to share. Cindy and I are officially scheduled to sign copies of Mormon Mishaps and Mischief at the BYU bookstore during the sci-fi / fantasy conference, Life, the Universe, and Everything. Our signing date is Thursday, Feb. 11th, from 11:45-1:30. Yes, during lunch.

I realize that the time seems a bit odd, and that it will cut into the conference classes, including both lectures by my favorite artist, James Christensen. BUT this is a good thing because I can catch a little of both lectures, and still sign for the lunch crowd. So come by and say hi, and if you haven't already, pick up your copy of Mormon Mishaps and Mischief. If you already have one, it makes a great gift for your Valentine, and also Mother's and Father's Days. Just sayin.

And since I'm sharing anyway, my friend Rachelle just released a trailer for her book, Wrong Number. It's being released in a few weeks, and I'm totally excited for it. I've read this book, and it's so, so good. So, here it is. Enjoy!



That's it for this week, kids. Have a great weekend!

Nichole

My Book is Here and a HUGE GIVAWAY for Charity!!!

It’s here, it’s here, it’s finally here! Today, I got a box of books. Guess who’s names are on the cover? Mine. And my co-author’s, too. But my books are here! Check them out.

Awesome, right? Don’t forget, you’re all invited to the launch party for a rare opportunity to buy your copy and get it signed by both authors, as well as a few of the story contributors. And if you can’t make it to the launch, no worries. Cindy and I will also be signing in various locations in Utah during the month of December. Check out the sidebar for dates and locations and come see us!

For all you out of state people who are dying to get your hands on a copy, you can buy a copy here, or look here to find out how to get an autographed copy for a limited time.

Now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for…the big giveaway of the Original Scrapbox! This is by far the coolest, biggest giveaway I’ve ever participated in. And you, my fair readers, have a rare opportunity to enter to win.

The Original Scrapbox Gives Back with the 12 Blogs of Christmas December 4-11, 2009 GRAND PRIZE WINNER announced December 14, 2009

There are 12 ways to win and 12 blogs to visit to enter with a special way to help The Original Scrapbox give back!

Enter to win a NEW EZ View Desktop and an entry in the Grand Prize Giveaway for a NEW EZ View Craft Desk from www.theoriginalscrapbox.com for FREE! Your entries will help The Original Scrapbox GIVE 2 of these desks to charity!

Yes—these are two separate items. The desktop is not a desk, it is designed to sit on a table or desktop and the drawers can be pulled open from either end. Click here to see more pictures and details of the EZ View Desktop.

One of the newest products at The Original Scrapbox.com is the EZ View Craft Desk. This desk is designed with a clear, glass-like top and the dimensions are 50"W x 25" D x 31" H
The desk is big, with 4 drawers with built-in partitions for easy organizing on any home project. How would you like one for FREE? 

Enter this giveaway for a chance to win a FREE EZ View Desktop and for a chance to be put in the grand prize drawing for the EZ View Craft Desk.

Contest ends December 11, 2009 at 11:59pm

The drawing for the EZ View Desktop will take place on December 12th.

The Grand Prize Drawing for the EZ View Craft Desk will take place on December 14, 2009.

How will The Original Scrapbox give back?

We will be tracking web traffic to The Original Scrapbox during the giveaway. When we reach 12,000 hits during our giveaway The Original Scrapbox will donate an EZ View Craft Desk to the Friends of Utah County Children’s Justice Center. This charity helps abused children.

‘Tis the season of giving and The Original Scrapbox wants to give back to a charity of your choosing. When we reach 25,000 hits during our giveaway they will also donate an EZ View Craft Desk to a charity nominated by you!!

Would you like to nominate a charity to receive this spectacular gift? Please send an email to RachellewritesATgmail.com with the name of your charitable organization as well as a description of what they do. We would like to choose a charity that will be able to utilize the EZ View Craft Desk in their program. Tell Rachelle why these products would benefit your charity.
Email the charity organization name, description, and contact person for receiving donations to
RachellewritesATgmail.com

Rachelle will review all nominations and The Original Scrapbox giving board will choose a recipient.

When you visit the website to choose your favorite product and enter the giveaway, you’ll help us get one step closer to our goal.

Enter to win:

You may earn 1 entry each for doing the following (Please make a separate comment for each entry-I'll be checking.)Make sure your contact info is easily accessible so I can contact you if you win: No purchase necessary to enter. Entries that do not follow all of the entry requirements will not be considered.

*Note: the contest will be open to residents of UK and EU countries as well as the United States and Canada.

You must at least do entry #1 to be eligible for this contest. Visit the website--every hit counts toward our goal to help The Original Scrapbox give back for Christmas!

1. You must visit The Original Scrapbox website to be eligible for this contest. Choose your favorite product. Leave a comment here and tell me what your favorite is and how you would use this product.

2. Become a Facebook fan of The Original Scrapbox here. Leave me a comment telling me you did this—and as much as I trust you all, I promised the company I will actually check that you actually did this.

3. Facebook the contest and share the link back to this post.

4. Tweet about this contest with link backs here (copy and paste http://nicholegiles.blogspot.com/ right into the text box).

5. Follow me on Facebook (Click on my Facebook box in the sidebar). You can also become a fan of Mormon Mishaps and Mischief on Facebook. I'll count two if you do both.

6. Become a follower on my blog (yes, this one) and add http://nicholegiles.blogspot.com to your link list.

7. Sign up for my newsletter-- email: writenicholeAT gmail.com with subscribe in subject box.

8. Add my button (available on my sidebar) or my Scrapbox button or banner to your sidebar/blog.

9. Comment on any non-contest post (must contribute to the conversation).

Receive 5 entries for the following (Make 5 separate comments so I can keep track of the entries. Thanks!)

10. Blog about this contest with a picture of the Workbox and the EZ View Craft Desk. If you have a private blog, it will not be eligible for this part of the contest. In your blog post, please use the tags: The Original Scrapbox, Scrapbook storage, Workbox, EZ View Craft Desk, and Nichole Giles. Link back to me, http://www.nicholegiles.blogspot.com/ and / or any of the other 11 bloggers participating. We all appreciate it!

There are 12 ways to win and 12 blogs to enter with a special way to help The Original Scrapbox give back!

There are 11 other awesome bloggers holding a contest to give away an EZ View Desktop (Yes, 12 EZ View Desktops will be given away—one from each blog!) and at each of these blogs you can also enter for the GRAND PRIZE-- EZ VIEW Craft Desk. Stop by their blogs and enter for more chances to win:

LifeasLou

Vanilla Joy

PriscillaStyles

Capadia Designs

Crafty Makes

Just Me,My Soldier and My Two Little Chicks

Rachelle's Writing Spot

Auntie Thesis

Park City Girl

Lovely Little Handmades

Queen of the Clan

Get as many entries as you can by telling your friends about this contest and stay tuned to my blog for more incredible giveaways! Good luck and remember to follow the rules correctly to earn more entries in the contest. Contest ends December 11, 2009 at 11:59pm.

On December 12, 2009, I will announce the name of one winner of the EZ View Desktop available in black or vanilla color from my blog. That winner will then go on for the grand prize drawing of The EZ View Craft Desk at Rachellewrites. If you are the winner, I'll email you and you must respond by December 13th or a new winner will be selected to go on for the Grand Prize.

Then on December 14, 2009, Rachellewrites.blogspot.com will hold a drawing using Random.org to select one winner from the 12 entries to win The EZ View Craft Desk! That winner will need to contact her with their shipping info by December 16th or another winner will be randomly selected. Sorry, there is no Christmas delivery guarantee.

*All comments on my blog are moderated, so if yours doesn’t show up right away, don’t panic! I check all comments before I post them to my blog.


**One prize per person.  Each entrant may only win one EZ View Desktop and one entry into the grand prize drawing. 

Over the Top Bloggy Award

Last week was a little trying for me. I don’t really know why, a bunch of small things added together with some not-so-small ones and by the end, I was ready to run away and start a new life in another country. Well, okay, maybe not an entirely new life. Still, sometimes I feel that way, you know?

And then my friend Ronda awarded me with the “Over The Top” blogger award, and the fact that she would think of me, and her reasons behind giving me the award made my week. I am one lucky lady to have such supportive and wonderful friends like Ronda, and our larger Authors Incognito group, as well as my other writing groups and all the extended support I get every day from each of them. Also, I have some amazing and wonderful friends who are not writers, and who love me no matter what.

Thanks to a combination of those people, this week has been wonderful, and so much better than last week. Hooray for awesome friends. Thanks, Ronda, for the award. And now, I’ll try to do justice to your fun questions.

1. Where is your cell phone? Right next to me on my bed (since that’s where I’m sitting right now.)

2. Your hair? Clean, just past my chin, auburn this month, flat because it’s almost bedtime.


3. My mother? Um, what about her? She’s my mother.


4. Your father? Same deal. Neither of them live very far away, so I see them regularly.


5. Favorite food? Snow crab. And really, I’m not very picky.


6. Your dream last night? Can I plea the fifth on this one? No? Let’s just say it involved me, my friend Jen, Las Vegas, shopping, lightening and some seriously amazing thunder. Oh, and probably a bestselling novel—or I could be inserting that in mentally, not sure. Don’t remember much else, sorry.

7. Favorite drink? Dr. Pepper rocks!


8. Your dream/goal? You already know this answer—my novel on the New York Times Bestseller List. Duh!


9. What room are you in? My bedroom.


10. Your hobby? Besides writing? Reading, listening to music, driving around in my car, shopping, traveling, hanging with my family.


11. Your fear? Something happening to my husband or kids.


12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? A bestselling author living on a tropical island.


13. Where were you last night? In Las Vegas.


14. Something you aren't. Fake, a liar, perfect.


15. Muffins? Yes please. I like all except ones with walnuts in them.


16. Wish list item? Trip to Hawaii. Macbook Air, new carpet, living room chairs.


17. Where did you grow up? Everywhere. =) Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Texas, Utah.


18. Last thing you did? Caught up on three days worth of email.


19. What are you wearing? Pajamas.


20. Your TV? On. Watching “The Breakup”.


21. Your pet? Two golden retrievers, Tika and Dixie.


22. Your friends? THE BEST!


23. Your life? Is now complete. =) Full, awesome.


24. Your mood? Calm, content, happy.

25. Missing someone? Always.


26. Vehicle? 2004 Ford Mustang convertible. Red.


27. Something you're not wearing? Jewelry. (Are ya shocked? Yeah, well, I don’t wear it to bed.)


28. Your favorite store? That is a loaded question. Depends on what I’m shopping for, and the purpose for which I need it. Express maybe? Victoria’s Secret? Dillards? Really, I have to choose just one?

29. Your favorite color? Depends on my mood. Usually green or purple. Or pink. Or blue.


30. When was the last time you laughed? A few minutes ago. I laugh regularly.

31. Last time you cried? Last week, I think.


32. Your best friend? Besides Gary and my kids, Jennifer, Tiffany, Raylene, Lori, Mitzi, and Tova.


33. One place that I go over and over? The schools. Drive to school, pick up from school, drive to school, pick up from school. It’s a never-ending cycle. Same thing with the grocery store. Can’t figure out why…


34. One person who e-mails me regularly? My writing groups—SuperEdits, AuthorsIncognito, NovelThoughts, ANWA—my cousin Kellie, my coauthor Cindy…wow, do you really want this list? It’s pretty long.

35. Favorite place to eat? Mexico, a cruise ship, the beach, the mountains. (No one said it has to be a restaurant.)


Now for the five I've tagged to receive this award:



1. Rachelle: For always being there when I need encouragement or a good edit. Also, for her ability to continue on when most other people would give up, and seeing the forest for the trees. You are a constant example to me.

2. Danyelle: For patience and strength, and a deep and abiding ability to encourage others and be a good friend. Even as she collected rejection after rejection, she always rejoiced with others when they found success, and continues to do so every day.


3. Josh Perkey: Who watches out for others, gives excellent input, and is generally an all around great guy/editor. I’m so lucky to have him for a friend.


4. Darvell Hunt: Who is the head and heart behind Authors Incognito, and who has toiled and labored at his writing as long or longer than anyone else I know. Success is headed his way very soon.

5.Tristi Pinkston: For always saying it like it is with class and panache. The Storymakers wouldn’t be the same without her, and neither would Authors Incognito.

Since I was limited to five people, there are others I didn’t tag. Cindy Beck was tagged by both Karlene Browning and Ronda Hinrichson, and Connie Hall is dealing with a lot of things and I’m not sure she’s up to answering all these questions. But she definitely deserves an honorable mention for her sweet generosity, kind heart, and stalwart strength.

Thanks again, Ronda. And good luck with the release of your book, Missing.


Hey, you five, if you answer this tag, let me know. I really want to read your answers. Thanks. Until next time, write on.

Nichole

Awesome Places to Win Free Stuff

Okay, people, this must be the week for awesome giveaways, because right after I announced my own contest, I started getting announcements for a bunch of others. There is some seriously cool stuff being given away this week--so I just have to share with you all. Consider it a benefit of reading my blog.

First, though, in my previous post, I announced the two winners of "Saving Madeline" by Rachel Ann Nunes, but I did not announce the winners of the multiple drawings for Joyce DiPastena's "Illuminations of the Heart." Those winners have been chosen and they are:

Jennifer B. won the autographed copy of "Illuminations of the Heart."

Park Avenue Princess won the $10 Amazon.com gift certificate.

Elizabeth Morgan won the $10 Deseret book gift certificate.

Congratulations to all the winners!

Okay, so now here's where you can go to win cool stuff:

Rachelle Christensen is giving away a Ribbon Box or ScrapMaBob on her blog, and all entrants will be entered into another drawing to win a Scrapbox, valued at $1,200. This thing is huge and way cool, people, so run over and sign up, fast!

Next cool giveaway is over at Cindy Beck's blog. She's giving away two books--and you can enter to win either or both by just leaving a comment. (Hint to you writers--one's a writing book.)

Anne Bradshaw is giving away a historical novel set in the pioneer era, by renouned LDS author, Shirley Bahlman. Ann always has great giveaways, so if you check back at her blog, you have a chance to win something every week.

And then, if you want to win a copy of Zion's Promise: Amidst War's Alarms, by Chris Jefferies, scroll down and sign up for my giveaway. Instructions are in the post just below this one.

So there you have it. Your chance to win lots of awesome prizes. Keep checking back--I have more things to give away in the upcoming months.

Also, don't forget--The Mazerunner is being released on October 6th. Make sure to grab a copy. Unless you've already pre-ordered it, in which case you can just plan to grab a copy for someone else.

In other news: Did I mention that my denial of summer might be coming to an end this week? Yeah, the weather man is predicting some serious cold temperatures in two days--which makes me feel a keen sense of loss. Put away the swimsuits, break out the sweatshirts. Whaaaaaaa.

Don't worry. I'll get over it. I suppose it's time to break out the Halloween decorations as well, considering it's practically October already. Sheesh. Guess I ought to figure out how to get my enormous pumpkins from my backyard garden up onto my front porch. Maybe I'll roll them...


Nichole

What's playing in my head today? Shooting Star by Poison.

Work or Recreation?

By Nichole Giles (Well, who else would it be by?)

This weekend I had the privilege and opportunity to attend another writer’s conference. This one was for the League of Utah Writers. I try to go to as many conferences as I can (you know, if time and budget both allow) because I am of the opinion that I need to learn all I can, and network, and all that good stuff. Plus, it’s fun.

It was held in Midway, Utah, which—if you’ve never been there—is a tiny mountain town, surrounded by trees, and grass, and gorgeous mountains. The view was absolutely stunning with the colors beginning to change and the sky going from clear, to cloudy, to rainy, and then clear again. But the most awesome part—aside from the uber-informative classes that will definitely help me hone my writing skills—was hanging out with so many awesome, incredibly talented authors.

Anyway, as a group of us were hanging out, we got into a discussion about movies, and the merits of watching them to see how the plots progress, and to notice dialogue and things. I have to admit, most of the movies that came up for discussions I either never saw or saw so long ago that I have about zero recollection of details. But the point is that we made the conclusion (or at least, James Dashner did, and then convinced us all to subscribe to his way of thinking) that seeing movies is as important a part of our job as reading books.

(In the picture: Taffy Lovell, Me, Richard Paul Evans, Connie Hall.)

Seriously, after the discussion, I decided James is absolutely right. I should totally see more movies. In fact, I should make a point to watch old movies when I can, too. (Remind me to ask my accountant if there’s any way I can deduct the price of movie tickets…)

(In the picture: James Dashner, Clint Johnson.)

What other people do in their off time for entertainment is actually part of what we do as artists and writers. I love that thought! And you know what else? Going to conferences where we can sit (or stand) around having intelligent conversations about the merits of this movie or that, or this book or that and why this worked but that didn’t is also part of our job. (I did know that, by the way.)

(In this picture: Rachelle Christensen, Connie Hall, Me.)

The problem I’m having is that it just doesn’t feel like work. Not that writing always does either, but at least that requires my butt being in a chair and my computer on (or notebook open) and concentrating for blocks of time. Hanging out chatting with friends (who also happen to be authors/agents/editors) feels more like recreation, just like seeing movies.

So the question begs to be asked: Can there be a more rewarding, fulfilling, awesome career on the planet?

Hm. I’m thinking no. No way, no how. I’ll take my rejections and run with them (and by the way, I’m accumulating quite the collection) because this is definitely where I want to be, what I want to be doing. It’s my dream career. How ever did I—lowly housewife and mother—get so lucky?

(In this picture: Heather Moore and Richard Paul Evans.)

For your enjoyment, a few pictures of some of my author friends at this conference. (Somehow, I failed to get a picture of all of us together, and didn’t get one of Eric Swedin, and a few others who were also our conference buddies. My bad, and now I’m sorry. Catch you all next time, guys! And just for clarification--I don't personally know Richard Paul Evans, but I did meet him and can testify that he is genuine, kind, and extremely smart.)

I Won the Superior Scribbler Award

My friend Jordan has given me a blog award for helping her with a recent query letter. In that case, I should give one right back to her, since she also helped with mine. But I think that's against the rules, so I'm going to have to pass the joy on to other people who have helped me during my writing journey.

The trick, I think, is picking only five people out of a whole lot who help me every day.

These are the rules:

Each Superior Scribbler must in turn pass The Award on to 5 most-deserving Bloggy Friends.

Each Superior Scribbler must link to the author & the name of the blog from whom he/she has received The Award.

Each Superior Scribbler must display The Award on his/her blog, and link to This Post, which explains The Award.

Each Blogger who wins The Superior Scribbler Award must visit this post and add his/her name to the Mr. Linky List. That way, we’ll be able to keep up-to-date on everyone who receives This Prestigious Honor!

Each Superior Scribbler must post these rules on his/her blog.

Though choosing five bloggers has been extremely difficult, I've chosen people who've helped me recently, and who I know will respond to this award with a post of their own.

Many thanks to: Cindy Beck, Rachelle Christensen, Tristi Pinkston, Ali Cross, Elana Johnson, and Connie Hall. (I know, I'm a bit of a cheater to give it to six people instead of five. I told you it was a tough choice!)

Thanks for all your help, you guys! I wouldn't survive this whole writing thing without you.

Peace and Love--until next time.