Moving, Vacation, Signings, and Prizes for a Giveaway

Just popping in to let you all that I returned from vacation alive, rested, and happy. However, it is now officially moving week for my family.

The Caribbean Sea as seen from my own eyes.

Why yes, yes we did just move. In August. BUT that was from Texas to Utah, and I'll spare you the longer explanation by saying that we found and bought a house (we are not fans of renting), and we are now moving into that house to make this the last move EVER. Or, you know, until I'm a little old lady who can no longer get up and down stairs or whatever.

I am very excited about the house and the office in which I plan to finish a plethora of projects that are chilling on my computer waiting to be completed.

While I was gone, Water So Deep surpassed a milestone review goal, and because of that, I think a giveaway will be necessary. I picked up a beautiful jewelry set in the Caribbean, except, um, well... my husband sort of packed it away in a box yesterday, and we have about half of what we own at our new house, and half at the old house. So it might be a couple of days before I find it. So please be patient. I haven't forgotten the giveaway, just postponed it until I can actually find the prize!

But here's a hint. The more of my books you've reviewed (and the more places you've reviewed them) the more opportunities you'll have to win.

What else? The LDStorymakers writer's conference is coming up in May, and I am working hard to help that come together. Really excited to see all my writing friends. And also there will be a massive signing that includes a whole lot of fabulous authors--including yours truly. This will be my first signing since the release of Water So Deep, so if you want a chance to get a signed hard copy of it, plan to attend that on May 16 at the Utah Valley Convention Center in Provo, Utah. (No ticket required.) Time to be determined, but I'll let you know.

Okay, now that I've caught you all up on what I'm doing, what fun things are you doing this spring?

Fun Stuff Coming Up!

Guys! I feel like I have so much to tell you. It’s not that I’ve been keeping secrets, or taken a break from posting, but suddenly I have a list of THINGS to share.

When I was writing my posts for the week, I looked at my calendar and realized that June is over and July is upon us. And HolyCrapSummersHalfwayOver, and there are some FreakishlyCoolBeyondAwesome things coming up fast.

Like a really fun Birthday Bash promotion, in honor of my birthday, and also DESCENDANT being published, and in which you can buy my book and get free stuff, be entered to win free stuff, and then get more free stuff for participating. It runs July 1-9^th, and there are lots and lots of ways to participate, and did I mention free stuff and prizes? Yeah.  Maybe keep that in mind and if you’re planning to buy or gift a copy of DESCENDANT, you may want to wait until July 1st, and check back here for the details on how to get your free stuff. (I mentioned free stuff, right?)

Party. Balloons. Party favors. YAHOO!

A few weeks after that, I will be doing a little traveling, some of which *might* involve research for a manuscript which *might* be a sequel to DESCENDANT. This trip will also involve a few days in Utah, during which time I may set up a signing if I have time. (I’ll let you know!)

Also, have you ever attended WorldCON? If you’re at all into science fiction / fantasy of any kind (Star wars anyone? No? Star Trek maybe? Game of Thrones?) it’s pretty much a week of unbridled awesome. And this year, it’s called LoneStarCON, because it’s in San Antonio, which is only two hours away from me, which means I WILL SO BE THERE! So far, I am not planning on being on any panels or participating at all because I hesitated too long, but I don’t even care. I have my reservations and have paid my fee and at the end of August, I AM GOING. (So if you’ve ever considered attending, you should come this year and find me and say hi.)

What else? Oh yes! My friend Tova (the one who made my awesome DESCENDANT lip balms and body sprays) at The Way of the Witch has recently launched an Ailment app, which will is geared toward helping people find holistic, natural remedies to whatever ails you, kind of like Abby in DESCENDANT. Cool, right? I recommend checking that out if you’re at all into natural healing.

Okay, last thing. I have some seriously big goals for the next few months, and lots of important tasks vying for my attention, so aside from a few extra promotional posts, I’m going to cut back to one post a week until September.  And because it seems like a good time to experiment, I’m going to try posting that once-a-week post on Tuesdays. (Obviously, I’m feeling rebellious.)  

Thanks so much for reading and for understanding and for just being awesome. That’s all for now!

*Don’t forget to check back on July 1^st for an opportunity to participate in the Birthday Bash Promotion and get lots of free stuff!

Last Weekend at Barnes and Noble

Okay, I know I’ve been talking a lot about conferences and events and stuff, and sorry if you’re sick of hearing about them all. I promise, this is the last event I’ll talk about for a while. Because, well, it’s the last in-person event I have scheduled for now.

(Although, the DESCENDANT blog tour is still happening for a few more days, so if you haven’t entered to win yet—you still have lots of chances.)

I’ve never done a signing in Texas before. In fact, I’ve never done a signing outside of Utah. So you can imagine my trepidation and nerves upon showing up at the Barnes and Noble in Corpus Christi, Texas—which is roughly 1500 miles away from all my strongest, most dedicated supporters and fans. And my biggest worry was that I wouldn’t sell enough books. Or that I wouldn’t sell any books, and would spend the whole afternoon twiddling my thumbs and looking like a loser.

It’s true. Authors worry about this. Every time we go to sign somewhere.

Anyway, there was traffic on the way there. And I ran into the store with like, five minutes to spare, and found a line had already formed for my signing partner, Marcia Mickelson, who lives in Corpus Christi. Believe it or not, we had a fairly steady flow of people for most of the afternoon, several of which bought both books. I saw a number of my new friends from church, and met a bunch of new fans. Marcia and I both sold quite a few books. All told, I think Barnes and Noble was happy with us. I had a great time, and there was no time for thumb-twiddling. 

*sighs in relief*

Unfortunately, though we took a lot of pictures, a lot of them ended up fuzzy. Just how it goes. Sadness!  

So yeah, that’s the end of my signing schedule for the time being. And now my focus will shift to moving, packing/unpacking, and decorating. And then…

SUMMER!!!

So. What scary things have you done lately and what are your plans for summer?

Choosing Which Events to Attend

Wednesday I posted about not being able to attend every conference or writing event I want to attend. To read more, scroll to the previous post.

I don’t know how you do it, but this is how I decide on where my time and money will be best spent:

1.       Location. How far do I have to travel, and how long will it take me to do that, and how much will it cost?

a.       If I need a plane ticket and hotel room, I need to really weigh those costs, along with the conference price.

b.      Is there an upcoming conference or event that might offer similar classes or opportunities that will perhaps cost less?

c.       Will I be able to continue writing while I travel, or will I spend 6 hours driving? And is it worth going if that’s the case?

2.       What will I get out of this conference/activity?

a.       Sometimes I go strictly for social reasons or to support other authors or organizations—and that’s perfectly okay. It doesn’t all have to be about learning or pitching or work-shopping. But…

b.      Will I learn something new or find assistance with the thing on which I need the most help? (This could be writing, marketing, formatting, pitching, querying, self promotion, blogging, online networking, publishing, etc.) OR…

c.       Am I going to connect with other people in my profession? If so, is this event going to be well attended or intimate?

3.       What will I have to give up to participate?

a.       A couple years ago, I skipped a great conference because my daughter had been invited (at the last minute) to participate in an out of town soccer tournament, and I didn’t want to send her alone. To me, her tournament was more important. I know others who have left conferences for karate tournaments, birthday parties, etc. I think it’s important that we know our priorities, and not compromise them. There will always be another activity or conference.  

4.       Who will be part of this event?  

a.       Are the instructors people whose classes you have attended three times already, or are you going to learn from someone new?

b.      Are you going to support a friend or to meet new people?

c.       Will you hide in the bathroom or branch out and socialize? (If you’d rather hide out, you should be going to a more intimate conference, IMO.)

d.      Is an agent or editor to whom you’d like to pitch or who you’d like to meet going to be present? What about an author? Other type of instructor?

e.      Are you going for academic or social reasons? (Either is okay, so long as you know what’s important to you.)     

5.       What is included in the price?

a.       Will you have meals included or is that another expense? Are you expected to pack a lunch or will they offer snacks for purchase? What kind of time will you have should you choose to go out?

b.      Does it cost more to pitch? To workshop? To attend a social event?

c.       Are these things that matter to you?

6.       Word of mouth. Who is talking about this conference and why?

a.       Because seriously, the best conferences get talked about. By everyone. You know it’s worth going when that’s ALL anyone can discuss during a three day period or whatever. Does that mean you need to suck it up and spend the money? Not always. See the above list and think about those first.

7.       Finally: Are you going to regret not going?

a.       Meaningless analogy: I once told a friend if I can find a piece of jewelry that I think I love, but then walk away from it, and have forgotten it an hour later, it wouldn’t have been a good purchase.

b.      Apply this way of thinking to conferences: If you think you love a conference, but can miss it without a bucket of regret a few days later, you probably didn’t miss as much as you think you did. And if you do regret it, plan to go the next year, since the best conferences tend to come around annually.

8.       One last thought: I’ve never gone to a conference/activity/workshop from which I didn’t gain SOMETHING important. Ever. So if you can afford to attend everything, and can physically handle it AND keep writing AND keep up with your family, friends, etc, then do it. Seriously. What do you have to lose?

And there you have it.  Eight things to consider when you’re building your personal writing investment portfolio.

Today’s question: Which events are you attending this year? Why?

Supply Season

Quick question. Who else is excited about buying school supplies this year? Notebooks and pens and paperclips and more notebooks and…yeah.

That’s not to say I’m excited for school to start again, because, well, that means summer is over and that just makes me sad. Also, our schools have ridiculous fees (yeah, it’s public school—I think it’s a rotten deal too), and I’m dreading getting the bill.

But also, also…books. And guess where you can get some great books, for a good cause, and also meet some amazing authors (including me)? The Pleasant Grove library is hosting a fundraiser tonight at 7:00, and if you’re anywhere in the area, you should stop by and say hey! But even if you don’t stop by, what upcoming releases are you looking forward to reading this fall?

A Not-to-be-Missed Event!

And guess what? I will be there too. Come say hi!

Multi-author Book Signing

August 1st from 7-9 p.m.

30 E. Center Street, Pleasant Grove, UT

Come join your favorite local authors at the Pleasant Grove City Library 

and support the cause of literacy!

• Julie Coulter Bellon

• Monique Bucheger

• Rachelle Christensen

• Loralee Evans

• Julie N. Ford

• Nichole Giles

• Heather Justesen

• Angie Lofthouse

• Heather (H.B.) Moore

• L.L. Muir

• Andrea Pearson

• Tristi Pinkston

• Suze Reese

Proceeds from the silent auction will go to benefit the library, as will a portion of the proceeds from book sales.

Oh the People We Meet

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.

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

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!

Launches and Contests and Parties, Yipee!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stay tuned.

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

Things I've learned today and Big Winner of the Original Scrapbox EZ View Desktop

I spent the morning and part of the afternoon signing books at Barnes and Noble in the Gateway mall.  There are two things I learned.

First, every bookstore is different. They're all under different management, and since each person has a different view of authors and the books they've written, each manager prepares very differently for a signing. On Wednesday we showed up where they had a table waiting with a nice cloth, balloons, and lots of signage. We'd been placed in a position near the customer service desk and had lots of room.And our books were all spread out nicely on the table, just waiting for us to sign them.

Today, we showed up, the manager cleared off a display table and carried it right next to the doors and handed us a stack of books. He was a totally nice guy, and was sure to check on us and make sure we had what we needed. And how he did it wasn't wrong by any means. Just different.

So...lesson number one, always come prepared with your own table cloth, signage, and ideas.

Second, you'll get a different reaction to your book depending on the location of the store--especially when your book has a religious theme.We got lots of dirty looks today, but also met some interesting and wonderful people.

Lesson number two, it's always a good idea to have a giveaway or two, and if you can do more, try to draw for them every half hour or so in order to keep people around. The truth is, whenever there's a crowd, people come over to see what's going on, and sometimes those people end up buying.

There's more, but I'm pretty well aware that you're all dying to know who won the EZ View Desktop. Drawing now...

And the winner is...





Are you mad yet?





Okay fine, I'll really draw.





BABA!  Congratulations on winning the desktop.  Email me at writenichole at gmail dot com and get me your full name, mailing address and phone number as well as your color preference.

Thanks for playing, kids. And stay tuned for more giveaways coming soon.

Have a great weekend.

Nichole

Last Night's Launch and More Giveaways

Today, I've been trying to go easy on myself. The last few days--weeks, actually--have been hectic, and after several days of stress, I tend to get migraines. When I woke up with the start of one this morning, I found myself extremely glad I had nothing big that had to be done today. I got the day off! Yay! (This is me ignoring all writing and editing projects and pretending they don't exist for a day.)

But I have to brag for just a little minute. I have perhaps the most incredible family and groups of friends in the world. Yes, that's right, the world. If you'd seen the turnout to last night's launch party, you'd know what I'm talking about. The manager at Barnes and Noble was more than flustered, she was flabbergasted at the sheer number of people who showed up to our launch--and stayed. Even the checkers were shocked at how many of our books went through that store.

Hooray! Not only did we sell them out of all their stock of Mormon Mishaps and Mischief, we sold 40 out of a box of 50 more books that we'd brought with us. (Barnes and Noble is reordering to replace our stash so they can be invoiced from our publisher.)

AND on top of that, since we invited our contributors to sign with us, some of them also sold a few of their in-stock books.

So, if you're wondering, yes, the launch party was a huge success. I'm only hoping now that we can sell even half that many at our signing at Barnes and Noble in the Gateway mall in SLC on Saturday  (11a-1:00p). That would make me really happy. Everyone cross your fingers, okay? Because it's supposed to snow and we don't need that at all.

Anyway, I'm very happy about how everything went, and will post pictures tomorrow or next week sometime. (Since I don't have my camera nearby and am being too lazy to go get it right now.)

I've been trying to keep all my readers up to date on all the awesome giveaways and fun prizes available to win this month, so here are a few updates:

1. Rachelle Christensen is giving away a gorgeous bracelet watch by The Bead Princess. Click here to see the details and enter to win. I LOVE these watches. They're one of my favorite accessories. As I mentioned in my comment to Rachelle, it's nearly impossible to choose just one.

2. Mary Greathouse is holding a giveaway for her new release, The Family Record Keeper on her blog. Click here to enter that contest and find out more about the book

3. LDS Women's Book Review is giving away a whole list of cool things. If you'd like to find out more, click here. Just a hint: Mormon Mishaps and Mischief is on the list of giveaways. 

4. Queen of the Clan is giving away a copy of Missing by Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen. I reviewed this book a few days ago, so now those of you who are interested should go sign up to win a free copy. Click here for that contest.

That's all for now. Next time, I promise to include pictures.

**Update:

Just discovered a WAY AWESOME giveaway here. Shannon Messenger is giving away a SIGNED COPY OF TWILIGHT. Yep, that's right. Awesome, epic giveaway. Totally fun.

And I almost forgot to mention the giveaway here on my blog of the Original Scrapbox. We're so close to hitting that goal. Make sure to click on this link. Every click counts toward a donation to charity.

Back to your regularly scheduled blog reading now.

Two Days to Launch, Prizes to Win, and an Awesome Gift Idea

Okay, so first of all, the book launch for Mormon Mishaps and Mischief is in two days. Two days, people! This is crazy cool, and before you ask, yes, I'm totally excited. This will be my very first book signing in which I'm actually on the author side of the table. Yahoo! And I'm lucky because if no one shows up, at least I'll have my co-author Cindy to talk to. No hours spent twiddling our thumbs and feeling stupid for us. No-sirree. (But please, show up. Please, please, please...okay, so I told myself I wouldn't beg. Enough of that!)

Now, lest you have forgotten in all my many posts, you are all invited to this launch. And I'll just add that Cindy and I are in the process of putting together the prizes and gift baskets, and this is going to be one launch you don't want to miss. But...if you can't make it, check out my sidebar for one of our other December signings. We're planning to have a few giveaways at those as well.

We'd love to meet you!

Now, moving on to other cool news:

I'm told there are several blogs giving away copies of Missing by Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen. In case you didn't read my review the other day, scroll to the blog below this one or click here. This is a must read!  Click here, here, or here and enter to win.

Also, if you're looking for awesome cool prizes, don't forget about the Original Scrapbox 12 Blogs of Christmas giveaway. Click here to enter and find out more details.

My good friend, Mary Greathouse, has just released her newest creation, The Family Record Keeper. This handy-dandy little book is an organizing genius for vital information for everyone in the family. I've been waiting anxiously for this book to be released, and now it's here! Thank goodness. And just in time for the holidays, too. It's a great gift idea.



Here's the scoop:

A personal record journal for parents, children and grandparents  

Keep all of your important personal family records from babyhood through senior citizen years.,  All in one place.
.
Personal information                          Education                                              Resume of my life experiences        
Identification records                           Medical records                                   Things I'd like my family to know
Immunization records                         Military                                                    Financial records, if desired
Employment                                          Religious activities                              Marriage and family
Organizations & activities                    Youth Activities                                     Scouting records

Customize to your needs

• Compact,  7" x 9"  3-ring binder with removable pages
• Add or remove pages to fit your needs
• Individual sections for 5 different family members, more individual sections available
• Each section includes 38 pages
• Emergency information section includes contact information, meeting places, special instructions, etc.
• Extra pages for  Special Occasions,  School schedules,
• Year in Review section to track major life events, year-by-year.
  
• Movable address pages
  
• Lots of extra note pages to move to where you need more record keeping room
• Grab and go in an emergency.  All of your records in hand

Click here to order your copy.

Got to run now, people. Lots to do! More later. Until next time, Write on!

Nichole

 

So Many Giveaways and More Free Stuff

Oh my goodness, it's December already. Or, um, it will be in a few hours. Where has the year gone?

So, in honor of the upcoming holiday, and to coordinate with the end of blog tours and other events, I'm going to share with you--my ever faithful readers--links to some way fun giveaways and ways to get free stuff.


1. My good friend Heather is giving away TONS of stuff on her blog this week. One prize a day, every day this week, except today--today's the jump off day--and Saturday. Not one prize on Saturday because...she's giving away three. Yes, that's right, three on Saturday for a total of nine prizes. All awesome stuff, too. Click here to enter. Oh, and by the way, I saw that cake in person. It was beautiful, and tasted great too.

2. My other good friend and co-author Cindy is giving away a gift card for Baskin Robbins Ice Cream. Very good stuff, if you ask me. Click here to enter her drawing.

3. Ann Bradshaw, queen of blog giveaways, is giving away a copy of Missing by Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen.I'm reading this book right now, and so far am completely hooked. Not only is it a great read, but is a great gift idea as well. Click here to enter Ann's drawing.

4. This week is my friend Karlene's birthday week, and to celebrate, she is giving away several prizes. No one knows what she'll give away until she announces it, so you'll have to click here and scroll through this week's posts to enter. 

5. This coming Friday, I'm participating in a really awesome, incredible, HUGE giveaway that includes a very large prize that many people will want. Keep watching here to find out more information about this incredible opportunity. (Seriously, you're going to love it!)

Is that all?  Well, okay then. Now I can update you on my news.

Mormon Mishaps and Mischief appearances and signings:

Wednesday, December 9th, 6-9pm
Barnes and Noble Booksellers
University Crossings Plaza, 330 East 1300 South, Orem, UT 
(801) 229-1611

Saturday, December 12th, 11:00 am-1:00 pm
Barnes and Noble at the Gateway
6 North Rio Grande Street, Salt Lake City, UT 
(801) 456-0100

**Wednesday, December 16th, 6-9pm
Borders Booksellers
4801 N University Ave # 910, Provo, UT 
(801) 224-2720


Saturday, december 19th, 11:00 am-1:00 pm
Barnes and Noble
South Towne Marketplace
10180 S. State Street
Sandy, UT 84070
(801) 233-0203

** Tentative date, not confirmed. I'll let you know for sure if Borders will have books for us to sign on that day. If they do, we'll be there!


Come say hi to Cindy and me. Eat treats. Enter our drawings.  Buy a book or two and get them signed.  


Have an awesome week, kids. I now officially give the weather gods my permission to let it snow! (Just not too much, please.)

I Must Be Crazy

I've done it before. And it was worth it. totally and completely. I've never had any reason to regret the time dedicated, the agony of emotion, the physical exertion and lack of sleep, the actual insanity it takes to write a 50,000 word novel in a month.  And yet, as the end of October looms ever closer, I find I have a stomach full of fireflies--hot and fluttery all at once--and my brain screams for all the many other projects to which I could, and maybe should, be dedicating myself.

Thanksgiving is in November. It's at my house again.  There's scrubbing, and cleaning, and organizing, and shopping to do. Not to mention cooking, preparing, inviting, and planning. And don't get me started on Christmas preparations, or the serious shopping involved in that.

And I've gone and committed myself to participate in NaNoWriMo. What am I thinking?

Clearly, I'm thinking it's about time I got another novel drafted, and forget about everything else in life for a while. Oh, I'll handle the holidays and the family dramas. In fact, now that I think about it, maybe all my other stresses will become fuel for my new story. After all, life does lend the best material.

Now, lets just hope I actually find time to sleep next month.

That's right, kids. November is National Novel Writing Month, in which thousands of authors dedicate themselves to writing an entire rough draft of at least 50,000 words before December first. Some think it sounds easy, others think it's hard. Truthfully, it's a little bit of both. More hard than easy, though. And there are no guarantees that we'll actually produce good work, and most definitely, none of it will be publishable right away. But creatively, it's empowering, and inspiring, and then we get to say we did it.

I think maybe that's the best part. Being able to say you did it.

So if you're a writer, and you want to jump on an author-wagon with other writers, join us! Sign up for NaNoWriMo and come be my writing buddy. Username: NicholeGiles. Now, let's get writing!

On a different subject, I was remiss in mentioning a few other author events/signings.  Tuesday, October 27th at 7:00, James Dashner will be signing The Mazerunner at Deseret Book in Orem. (The big distribution center one, not the one in the mall.) And because he is also the author of The 13th Reality series, I'm pretty sure he'll sign those too.

Also, on November 3rd, Valor Publishing will join Mark L. Shurtleff, the Utah State Attorney General, in launching his book Am I Not A Man? The Dred Scott Story.  This is a big deal.  Not only will Mark be there selling and signing his books, but Dred Scott's great-great granddaughter will take a few minutes to speak. Also Connie Hall, winner of the Cry for Freedom contest held by Valor last month, will be reading her winning entry. Musical entertainment and refreshments are provided. This is a MUST ATTEND! It's going to be way, way fun, and a truly memorable occasion. And if you don't want to see Mark or any of the other amazing authors I hear are attending, you can always come just to see me. 

6:00-8:00 P.M.
November 3rd
Barnes & Noble Booksellers
The Gateway
6 North Rio Grande Street
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
(801) 456-0100

Okay, what else? Oh, Halloween is on Saturday. Have a safe, memorable, fun day, and if you're dressing up as something cool, I want to know about it. Me? Well, considering what November is looking like, sounds like I'm dressing up as an author. Imagine that.

Until next time, write on!

Nichole

A Little Inspiration, A little Information

First, the information:

Two of my good friends are launching books this week.
Ronda Hinrichson will be signing her debut book Missing Thursday, October 22nd at the Reflections of Utah bookstore @ 47 South Main Street, Brigham City, UT from 5-7:00.

This is a long anticipated release, so if you're anywhere near Brigham City, run on over and be one of the first to get your copy and have it signed by the author--who's name is actually lit up in lights on the marquis.

Heather Justesen will be signing her debut book The Ball's In Her Court Saturday at the Filmore City Library, in Filmore Utah from 10-1:00.  

Again, a much anticipated book. I already have my copy--signed by the author, naturally--and am excited to get reading it this week. So if you're anywhere near Filmore, same deal. Go get your copy, get it signed. Be ahead of the crowd.

If you are not one of the lucky people who can make it on Thursday or Saturday don't despair. I hear both of these ladies will be signing together at the Barnes and Noble in Sandy, UT on November 7th. (Details to come when I have them.)

Also, Frank Cole, author of the Hashbrown Winters series will be signing at the library in Pleasant Grove on Thursday evening, and since the library closes at 7:00, I'm thinking that one will be early--like five-ish. (Don't quote me, I'm not positive.) His book has been out for a month or so, but this will be a great chance to say hey to Frank if you live in Utah County.

Okay, now that I have you running all over the state of Utah (sorry out-of-towners) here is some inspiration for the week.  This is not your average shampoo commercial, and so worth watching.  Bottom line? NEVER GIVE UP.

Nuff said.