Awesome Books WEEK!!! (And yet ANOTHER contest.)

OH. My. Gosh. You guys!

Have you seen the awesome that has been released this week? And by awesome, I mean books, of course. There are so many, and I am excited for every one. SO EXCITED. Like, majorly. BIG TIME. Enough to use three exclamation points in the title of this post, and I never condone actions like that. That is how stoked I am.

Also, I am so very bummed, because all these releases mean launch parties in places where I am not, and so I will be missing some seriously stellar events. There will be tears. No avoiding it. But I am still so excited about these books that I just have to share them with all of you. Because, seriously, if I can’t be to the events, the least I can do is cyber-celebrate.

And because I can’t be with the authors on their big days, I think a little drawing thingie is in order. Here’s what I’m thinking. I want pictures. Send me a picture of you and YOUR copy of any of the following books (or all of them!) and I will enter you into a drawing to win one FREE e-copy of my book, DESCENDANT. That’s right. FREE! You can send me your pics via Facebook or Twitter (tag me using my handle @nicholegiles), or email me at writenichole @ gmail . com by no later than midnight on Saturday, June 8^th, and I will draw a random winner. Winner will be announced Wednesday, June 12^th- -ish. One entry per book purchased (if you buy all of them, you’ll have an entry for all!). Open internationally.

Deal? Okay then.

Here are your options:

Happy reading, happy buying, and…oh, um, happy June!

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?

Some Cool April Things

It’s April. And with the new month comes some cool things. Some VERY cool things. Like…

1.       Descendant is officially available for pre-order, and it’s entirely possible you *may* be able to get it in ebook form within the next couple weeks. Just…you know, if you’re interested in that little tidbit.

2.       The launch party will officially be held at The King’s English book store in Salt Lake City, UT on Saturday, May 4^th, 2013 at 4:00 pm. I hope to see lots of you there!

My flower in honor of Descendant.

3.       Because of that launch party, and also because of the upcoming LDStorymakers writer’s conference, in Provo, UT during the following weekend, where I am presenting, I have purchased my plane ticket and will be going to Utah in ONE month. Actually, less than one month. So yeah. Lots of excitement over here.

4.       Spring has sprung in Texas, and I found this at the store the other day. Matches the one on the cover of Descendant, so I had to have it. Flowers make me so happy.

5.       I am planning to write a new book this month. Going to be tricky, since I have TONS of other things to get done before May, but it seems like I work best with tricky. Going to give it a shot.

What about you? What are you excited about this April?  

Fun Stuff and a Thought About Love

This week, I’m diving into planning fun events leading up to the release of my book, Descendant. The first in a long string of fun things, Giselle at Xpresso Reads is coordinating my cover reveal for March 4^th. Anyone can sign up, and there is no limit to how many people can participate. If you’re interested, you can sign up here.

I’m also working on bookmarks, posters, and other fun swag. What does this mean? Uh, prizes. Contests. Chances to win. And maybe, possibly teasers. Exclusive stuff. Not announcing any other dates yet, but working on it, so stay tuned.

*takes a moment to jump up and down squealing*

Please forgive my excitement. It’s just that I thought this day might never come, and it’s ALMOST HERE! And I intend to celebrate in a very big way. I hope you will all join me.

On a different subject, last weekend, a very dear friend of mine came to visit me in Texas. She knows I’ve been feeling a little homesick for my Utah people, and so she did what only the best of friends would do. She bought a last minute plane ticket, and came to hang out for a couple way-too-short days.

And even though I shed a few tears when she left, her visit was so good for me. Because no matter where we live or what we spend our time doing, everyone needs to feel loved sometimes. Not just by our spouses or children (although, that’s also really important), but by other people who matter to us. We all need to be reminded that, regardless of how it sometimes feels, we are not alone.    

So, with that thought in mind, what have you done recently to show someone special that you love them?

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.

Blown Away--The Beyonders Launch Party

Last week I had the opportunity to attend one of Brandon Mull’s highly acclaimed launch parties. This one for his newest book, The Beyonders.

I’ve never been to one of Brandon’s launch parties before, because rarely have I known about them enough in advance to get a ticket—since these events are widely attended. So. I went with the esteemed Elana Johnson and Ali Cross, fully expecting Brandon to get onstage and talk about his new book, maybe read some pages or a chapter.

But what I saw was so much more. It was an entire show, people! With sets and actors who did skits wearing costumes, and cameos from lots of other authors, and music and free glow sticks and a slideshow. This was definitely not a typical launch party.

It was so much more. No wonder so many elementary students love Brandon. He makes them excited to enter into the worlds offered on the pages of books. His show even made ME excited to read—and I already love books.

That is the kind of author I want to be when I grow up. Except in a me way, rather than a Brandon way. Know what I mean? Of course you don’t. I don’t even know what I mean. Just. Wow. That’s all. Wow.

You're Invited to a Launch Party!

You are invited to the release

of Tristi Pinkston’s new novel

Dearly Departed

on Friday, January 14th,

at Pioneer Book

858 S. State, Orem

6 – 8 pm

Refreshments, prizes, and fun!

Bring a package of socks to be donated

to the homeless, and you'll be entered in an

additional drawing.

Hope to see you there!

Writerly Adventures

Last week Ali invited me to go with her and Elana to The King’s English for the launch of Kimberly Griffiths Little’s newly released novel, The Healing Spell. TKE is an Indy bookstore in the Avenues of Salt Lake City crammed and jam-packed full of more books than you’ve ever seen in your life. It’s the hip and trendy place for launch parties. Just walk in sometime, and you can totally see why.

*sniffs the air*

Ahhh. Can you just smell the mixture of powdery paper and leather and all things bookish? It’s better than a library, although, more expensive because you have to buy your books.

So Elana, Ali and I were hungry and feeling adventurous, so before the launch we went to Mazza—a totally charming Middle Eastern place—to eat.

We didn’t recognize a single thing on the menu—except Dr. Pepper. They did have that, to my utter relief. Elana even Googled one of the items in question. Anyway, we each picked something and ordered, but our food kept not coming and not coming, and then we needed to go to the reading, so Ali flagged down our waiter, Jody, to see if we could pay and then come back to eat in an hour later. He very kindly sent us on our way. Without paying.

Dude. We already had our drinks, so this was very trusting on his part. (Thanks Jody!)

Anyway. When we came back, we brought Jenn, Sheralyn, Suzette, and Suzy’s son Asher with us, and ended up seated outside on the softly lit patio. Dusk fell around us as we ate and laughed, and strings of tiny white lights twinkled in the shrubs nearby. Elana discovered her first fan-boy in Jody the waiter—and Suzette even took a picture to prove it—and we spent the evening talking writing and books and families and life.

If I had been on a date, I’d have called the whole evening romantic.

What do you call an experience like that when it has nothing to do with the courting process and everything to do with having a great time hanging out with friends?

Doesn’t matter. It was fun, and I came away feeling refreshed, recharged, and grateful to my supportive writer friends. Without their help, I don’t know how I’d ever survive the crazy quest for publication.

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.

Take a Guess While I'm Gone

I’m out of town this week, so I hope you aren’t anxiously waiting for a new blog from me. Before I leave, though, I couldn’t help but sharing a few things with you, my faithful readers.

First, The Sharp Edge of a Knife is right now at the typesetter, which means it will be going to print very soon, which means I will be scheduling a launch party as soon as I get back in town. Yahoo!

Second, check out the cover! As soon as I get home I’m going to get to work planning the launch party, so watch for more info on that to come.

Here’s the blurb:

The hand gripping my shoulder clenched, holding me tighter against the back of the seat. “I said, pull over,” Gayle demanded. “I’ve used this knife before, and I will not hesitate to use it again.” 

When Mel Petersen leaves for work on the morning of February 7, 1958, he has no idea what awaits him. A few miles from his house, Mel picks up a pair of young men who appear to be college students, hoping to prevent them from having to walk in the cold. What Mel doesn’t know is that the men are actually convicts on the run, who are desperate to get away by any means necessary.

When one of his passengers holds a knife to Mel’s throat, he has no choice but to submit to the demands of the criminals. Mel hopes he has what it takes to talk his captors into letting him live so he can return to his wife and children, but fears they will kill him before he has the chance.

Based on a true story, The Sharp Edge of a Knife follows Mel and his captors on an unforgettable ride that will have you questioning the depth of your faith and sitting on the edge of your seat as it grabs your attention from the first sentence and keeps you riveted until the very end.


Third, I want to have a contest while I’m gone this week. So… On both of my current books, I’ve used the initials D.N.Giles for my author name. You all know what the N stands for, but I’ve had lots of questions about the D. Here’s the deal. You have one chance to guess my first given name (one that is on my birth certificate but to which I have never answered, nor will I ever—that means you, Keith!). Email me your guess sometime between now and January 15th, and the person who comes up with the correct answer gets a prize. I’m not sure what yet, but it’ll be good, I promise.

If more than one person guesses the right name, I’ll put all the correct entries into my random generator and draw the winner that way. Unless there are only two correct answers, in which case I may just give away two prizes.

Don't put your guesses in a comment though, or you might hurt your chances of winning. Family members are not eligible to enter this contest, since you've known me forever and already should know the answer. Sorry!

How does that sound? Good? Great! Good luck with your guesses and keep writing!

*This week I've also blogged at LDS Writer's Blogck and Writing Fortress. Check out my posts there as well.

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.)

My Big News and Winner of the Twilight Inspired Fragrance

I so totally should be writing on my work in progress right this minute, but I have to take a moment to share the good news.

Mormon Mishaps and Mischief has a cover!  Isn't it pretty?

It goes to press on Monday the 16th. Yahoo!  This means you can find it in stores sometime in mid-December.  And if you really want a few copies (this book really does make a great gift) you can come buy them at our launch party.And of course, Cindy and I--and probably a few of our contributors--will be signing.

Here are the details:

December 9th
6:00 pm-9:00 pm
Barnes and Noble
University Crossings Plaza
330 East 1300 South, Orem, UT 84058
Put that date on your calendars, Utah County people, because I want to see you all there. I give you my personal promise that it will be a way fun shindig.

In other news, last week I held a contest giving away a Twilight inspired scent by Custom Scents Online. These scents are so fun, and there are lots to choose from, so check them out. Remember, it's the season of giving and a Twilight inspired scent would make an excellent gift for the Twilight lover in your life. Or the spouse or significant other of the Twilight lover in your life. Either way, you can't go wrong, right? 

And the winner is...

Carolyn V. 

Wahoo, clap, clap, clap, clap, cheer, cheer, cheer, clap, clap, dance, sing, clap, cheer.  Carolyn, email me your snail mail address and choice of fragrance so I can forward it to Custom Scents and they will get your one ounce dram in the mail.

Okay, back to your regularly scheduled blog reading.

Nichole

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

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

Agent in Old Lace Launch Party

If you don't already know by now, my good friend Tristi Pinkston is launching her new book, "Agent in Old Lace" tomorrow at Providence Book in Pleasant Grove, UT. I'm way excited for this launch because I was one of the lucky critique groupies who got to read this before it went to press. Of course, as is true with all of Tristi's work, I loved it.

Everyone's invited, so come join us tomorrow for books, refreshments, prizes and a killer sale going on at Providence before they close the doors permanently. Feel free to bring a friend or several.

Date: Saturday, May 16th
Time: 3-5 p.m.
Place: Provident Book - 661 West State Street, Pleasant Grove

If you're not able to come, and would still like to purchase a copy of the book, you can do so here.