I'm famous!

Okay so not really. Though day in and day out you all make me feel super awesome and amazing!

Today someone stands out. The wonderfully talented Michelle Merrill… why you ask? Because she was sweet enough to interview me! So please check out her blog (grab a cookie before you go) and say hello. She’s a doll for inviting me over!

I’ve decided today works best for shout-outs! I’m not low on posts just thought it’d be nice to give back to the blogging world.

Elena Solodow is hosting the $100 for 100 words blog fest for the month of January. Trust me you want in on this!! Elena is the bestest girl in town with her awesome vlogs… seriously, she owns her vlogs. They are super cool and always fun!

I’m hosting the fabulous For the love of gifts Giveaway. Selecting a winner on the 20th of January so get your name in. Two amazing packages to be given away!

Awesome Amy over at A.B. Keuser is having a race to a 100 followers contest! She is giving a special copy of her unpublished book! The cover is gorgeous! Stop by and take a look!

I know that come January there will a ton more blog fests and giveaways! Please email me the info (jenniferdaiker(at)gmail(dot)com because I want to showcase you on my sidebar and the occasional shout-out I have on my blogs!

I’ll see you in the New Year!!! Looking forward to it! What are you looking forward to in the New Year?

Seeing things.

No I haven’t lost my mind (it was already gone before I started this post).

Now that the holidays are officially over (I’m not undermining New Years, I just consider it to be a 2011 event) I’ve started to settle into the way of the world.

Now I’m getting back to life, getting back to writing, getting back to avidly blogging. It feels right, so normal, so… so… so good.

With getting back into writing I’ve come across the realization that things change, people have new agendas, new plans.

Here’s what I’ve noticed:

1. New Year’s Resolutions are being planned (what’s yours?)
Christmas drinks are being forgotten (see ya next year apple cider, hot cocoa, pumpkin spice latte)

2. The nice is wearing off (that’s right, holiday cheer is past due)
Greediness comes on stronger (returning gifts can get ugly. I prefer to keep my gifts in hopes to one day love it, all to avoid the crowd)

3. Stores are emptying (Unless you have a gift card the hustle and bustle starts to die down from the last minute items needed for the holidays)

4. Gift wrapping no longer available (what about birthdays?)

What have you noticed? Give you something to write about? I know I have a ton of fresh new ideas flowing!

For the love of gifts GiVeAwAy!

Hi. This is my first post after Christmas. How does it feel you ask?

Brilliant! Because even though the family festivities are over I still have my other family.

So since I’m on the topic of family we should talk. That’s right, I consider you family. You are my other family.

I want to show my love and appreciation for you all. Which naturally means…

A Giveaway!!!!

Thank you for helping me get to 1000 followers. I am under a year of blogging and you all were sweet enough to stop by my pad give a quick hello and follow. I love you for it!

So what’s up for grabs? 2 gift packs!

There will be two winners (Yes this is open internationally!) and there will be two gift packs… so what am I giving away? Well that’s up to you!

I know most of you who follow me have a love for books; however that is not the case for all of you! So you have the option between the gift of books or the gift of pampering.

Option #1 – You say books. I answer. Books, bookmarks, magnets, etc.
Option #2 – Bath salts, soaps, candles, lotions, galore.

I do not have pictures because I haven’t purchased anything yet. I want time to get to know all of you and the style you like to read or the scent you enjoy most.

That’s where you come in! Here is how you enter…

Comment : This is a must. Choose your package # and then add one of the following -

Option 1 – tell me your favorite genre. You MUST also give me a favorite quote of yours to be entered.
Option 2 – tell me your favorite scent. You MUST also share with me your favorite way to be pampered.

Extras
Tweet (and leave the link)
Facebook (because I love to be talked about)
Post (give me blog love for blog points)
Sidebar (you know my love for sidebars)

The more you play the more you win!

The winner will be selected on my first official year of blogging. January 20th! The polls are open. Let the games begin.

Merry Christmas!!!

Author Note: Giveaways, blog fests, anything that is coming up for the month of January PLEASE let me know this weekend! I'll be doing a special shout-out next Friday for all the fabulous things the new year is going to bring! Leave a link, email me, find me to tell me about it!

Yes. I'm cheating.

With the holiday here posts are harder to come by. My thoughts are jumbled and holiday fever takes over!!

So this week was easy, next week you'll have the old Jen back (commenting and all!) I'm excited!

So enjoy this lovely holiday season, and whether it is christmas or any of the other many holidays I wish you and your family the best!












PS - I will be having a contest starting the first week of January! So stick around, you won't wanna miss it!

Holiday Block?

Hows the writing going?

We're days away from the holidays, do you find yourself under the curse of the holiday block?

Your mind wandering around thoughts of holiday parties you must attend, getting the kids to bed, preparing for Santa, making the holiday feast (or snacks) and allowing proper shipping times for gifts to make it around the world.

Is it any wonder that writing might end up being the last thing on your list? I have to say, there are moments where I feel like I've lost it, I'm not sure what I'm doing or where I'm going, but the writing though it may not be on paper is still an avid part of my life this holiday season...

Rather than dancing gumdrops I'm dreaming of the stories I'll write when the time is right.

So has the holiday block hit you?

Be Jolly By Golly Blogfest!!!

You guys have been awesome! I'm over the moon on the amount of people that signed up (90+)! Melissa and I had a lot of fun creating this blog fest and we hope you all enjoy it!

Here are my holiday decorations! It was a lot of fun putting them together in the new place just in time for the blog fest!!

The Christmas Tree










The little tree in our bedroom









Snow on the tree (one of my favs)









One of our cats enjoying my handiwork









Lights along the banister









Holiday stocking holders! So cute!









My little town! I love them!






Now my two recipes... one is for delicious spritz cookies and the other is a traditional vodka slush my husband and his family make every year!! I've searched high and low for a picture of vodka slush so you'll have to use your imagination for that one!

Spritz Cookies (Picture below):
1 1/2 cups butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional) - I don't add this
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Mix everything in a bowl, let it sit for 30 minutes (to help soften), roll into a log and place in cookie press ($20 at Target).

Oven 375 degrees, 8 minutes per batch, Making 84 cookies (about 70 for me)!

These are some of my favorite! It took two tries to get it right but I did it!











Now bring on the alcohol... I bring you Vodka Slush (Vicki knows it's good!) - No she is not a lush, she just used my recipe.

Ingredients:
1 - 6oz cherry jello gelation
2 - 12oz orange juice
2 - 12oz frozen lemonade
64 fl oz cranberry juice
Vodka

Directions:
Grab a big bowl (the ingredients don't look like much, but they are)
Make sure you have freezer room for this large bowl
Add 1-6 oz cherry jello gelation (dissolve in 2 cups hot water)
Add 6 cups cold water
Throw both frozen orange juice and both frozen lemonade
Add 4 cups of cranberry juice
Add 4 cups vodka
Freeze for 48 hours (stir every couple of hours - While working 2-4 times a day is fine)

Serve with Sprite in a wine glass! Voila!

Here we are! That was fun! Now I get to go see what other's make for the holidays! Join me!

We are IN it?!

Oh.My.Gosh it’s Friday.

Which means, I’m in my new apartment!!!!

Wanna see pictures?

Just teasing… no pictures… yet.

That’s because I’m saving them for next week! Melissa and I are hosting the Be Jolly By Golly Blog fest. Super easy, take pictures of your Christmas tree (decorations, etc.) and also add a recipe for a fun holiday treat (or cocktail) to share with everyone!

If you are one that doesn’t take pictures or don’t have recipes you can just do one portion of the blog fest, no one will fault you!!! We have over 80+ participants!

I’m extremely pleased with the turnout! There is still time, sign up now!

What have I been missing around the blog? Any awesome posts to check out? Great blog fests going on?

Upcoming contest: Beth over at Project 52 is giving away books of your choice! Contest ends Christmas Eve so hop on over and show the love!

Breaking News: Jen's Laws

Don't worry this post is important, but I have a few equally important things to share.
Abby is interviewing me! She's an awesome blogger... and I'm awesome at interviews (hey, someone's gotta feed this ego)! So go and visit! Tell her I said hello!
One of the most FUN blogfests is coming in January and you all MUST sign up (beacuse it's that awesome!) the lovely Elena Solodow over at You're Write. Except when you're Rong. is hosting it!
So simple. Write 100 words (whatever you wanna write about) and in January you'll post it on your blog, twitter account, facebook, whatever you desire and let Elena know where to look. Finalists are to be chosen in February!
Make sure to link up! The more entrants the more money given! Don't forget to grab the kick ass button! Now go and sign up!











Told you it was made of awesome. Now to my awesome.
Laws.

I’m reading a story right now that has rules.

The Lipstick Laws (a wonderful ARC I won from Amy Holder)

Author Note: I shall spill the beans soon! The novel was amazing!
Anywho this got me thinking, why not make my own up?

Jen’s Laws (Feel free to join in. If you can follow the rules you can be my extra special best friend… 4 Life)
1. Consume at least one chocolate chip cookie a day.
2. You must send one obnoxious text, tweet or facebook post an hour to a friend (sending it to me gains you more brownie points), this includes random facts about yourself, your cat or other uses for white-out like painting your nails.
3. Must use another accent (one you aren’t used to… pirate slang) when ordering your lunch. If you bring your lunch (or heat in the microwave) I’ll expect you to speak to the microwave. Sorry people, no way around these rules.
4. Watch at least one trash television show a week (for more trash consumption the cooler you are in my book – only because it makes me feel less bad about my number).5. Meow at your co-workers or child while in a conversation. (trust me. It's fun)

What laws would you add in your make believe and overly childish world? Come on… I'm bringing on the peer pressure. (One more plug: Go see Elena now! Say hi from me!)

Crazy Holiday Blogfest - Early!

Small note: Our friend Shannon McMahon is doing an awesome service for the writing community! Annonymous critiques! The writer's could use your help! Hop over and shed some love!

I’m cheating! I hope Christine will forgive me but her Crazy Holiday blog fest is tomorrow and I only realized it after I had everything set up, and since I now post at Jules on Tuesdays I decided I should still participate I’ll just post early.

So pretend today is Tuesday.

Author Note: If this makes the week seem longer don’t blame me. It was not my intention.

Since I’m moving (in TWO DAYS) I had to be more prepared. So here is my piece in 250 words or less.

The snowflakes flitter
My heart beats
Rosy cheeks
Children laughing
Snowballs forming
A fight’s beginning
The war is on
Forts built
Frozen in silence
Heart beats become one
Wind shifts
Birds chirp
Clinking glasses
Parents chatter
Wind chimes ring
Release the cannons
Man down
Laughter amongst all
Snowballs high in the sky
Blue eyes water from the cold
Fight comes to a close
Lying in the snow
Making angels
Running inside
Cocoa for all this holiday season

Don't forget to sign up for the upcoming Be Jolly By Golly happening on the 20th!

Christmas Blogfest - Harry Potter Style

Michael (a badazz blogger of mine) is hosting the fabulous Christmas Harry Potter Blogfest!

I know this is no surprise...

I love HaRrY pOtTeR

So of course I jumped at the chance to write a piece. Granted, I'll admit this is poor writing, but I have yet to back out a blog fest and I'm not about to start... so without further ado I give you...

Neville & Luna @ The Christmas Dance

I quite like Christmas. I’ve never fit in easily but I must say that Harry has made it very easy. My dad says it must be all the times I’ve let Harry know he’s not alone, I mean everyone else thought he was crazy when he noticed the Thestrals, but I knew better.

“Hi Harry,” I sang as he walked through the hallway.

“Hello Luna, you look very nice.” He said, always a gentleman.

“Thank you,”

“Would you like to walk with me?” he asked.

“No thank you, I’m waiting for Neville. We’re going to the Christmas dance together,” I said excited.

“Well then, have a great time.” He said walking toward the great room with every girl in school following closely behind.

I swayed back and forth staring out the hall window, letting the nerves flutter out with the dose of witelinger I’d taken before they got the best of me. I’d never been asked to a dance as an actual date before; it was sort of hard to believe.

“Hi Luna,” Neville said, sweat beads forming on his scalp.

“Are you nervous?” I asked his blank stare surprised.

“Um, yeah, a little” he said before clearing his throat, “Are you ready?”

“Yes.” I grabbed his open hand and we walked to the party.

“You look nice,” his nerves were a little overwhelming.

“You know, daddy says that if you give yourself a little witelinger it takes away your nerves,” grabbing what was left from my bag I handed it to Neville, his face scrunched up as he examined the few slivers I had left.

“Are you sure about this?” he asked.

“Positive, I just took some myself.” I said approvingly.

He popped them in his mouth, quickly chewed and swallowed, his hand lightened and his feet felt a bit lighter as he walked, we moved a lot more quickly to the great room and as we entered we were hit with streamers, loud music and several smiling faces.

“Would you like to dance?” he asked.

“That would be lovely,” I said leading him to the dance floor.

We held hand to hand and moved slowly to the melody as the remaining couples joined us in the big oval space. The white snowflakes fell from the ceiling and the invisible glass held them high for pure viewing pleasure, the ice sculptures were perfect for the Christmas dance.

“You know Luna, you’re one of a kind,” Neville said.

“Unique is the best way to be I’ve heard.” I replied.

“You definitely have it down.” he said.

The rest of the evening we laughed, danced and even after the witelinger faded Neville’s nerves remained in control.

So there is my (less than 500 words) story for Michael's blogfest! Be sure to check out the other entrants! They will not disappoint!

Losing it

Big News: Did you see it? The follower button? I'm like SO CLOSE to a thousand followers! I know, I know!!! I'm so excited! Okay here is the deal... the thousandth follower wins a little treat (make sure to show yourself!) and unlocks the secret giveaway I've been planning!! So blog help is welcome... there are some great brownie points involved!

I’ve lost it.

I’m no longer a writer virgin.

Shocked?

I didn’t think so.

It’s been a long time coming I admit it.

At the beginning of this year I had no idea what I was doing.

I told myself possible things:
I wanted to write.
I wanted to write a blog.

I told myself impossible things (I didn’t realize them at the time):
I wouldn’t lose sleep.
It would be easy to finish a book.
I would not be a victim of writer’s block.
I would be published after my first draft (I didn’t even know about agents then)
I would not consume alcohol while writing (Talli has my back on this one… simply impossible… too much fun)

So to all you wanna be writers… you’ve been warned. Trust me, you think you know what you’re doing, but nothing prepares for the love you’ll feel for writing and the fight you’ll put up to get your wish granted.

So what possible and impossible things did you think about writing at the beginning?

You had me at hello.

I know. I know. I shouldn’t show my love so openly, but my love for you grows deep (like trees).

Let’s see here.

How does the blog world show love vs. people in my real life?

Conversations with PICS (people I can see-duh):

Jen: I wrote a book.
PICS: Nice *stares* what’s it about?
Jen: *blinks* Um, it’s complicated, but it’s about a girl who’s a witch-
PICS: Oh like Harry Potter?
Jen: No, Harry is a boy, my character is a girl (so clearly not Harry Potter related).
PICS: Hmm *blinks* *yawns* so can I buy it at a store?
Jen: Not yet.
PICS: So you really didn’t write a book then?
Jen: *mind slaps them* I wrote a book. Publishing is just a hard place to get into.
PICS: Oh. *awkward silence* Well good luck. I’m sure you’ll be rich soon.
Jen: *blinks* yeah *walks away

TWO MONTHS LATER

PICS: Is your book in stores yet?
Jen: *blank stare*
PICS: So is it?
Jen: No, it’s complicated.
PICS: Have you called any publishers?
Jen: *laughs hysterically* *clearly crazy* Um, no, you don’t call publishers.
PICS: Sure you do, my friend did. It worked for her.
Jen: Who is your friend? *what a liar*
PICS: Oh no one you know…
Jen: *figures*
PICS: okay, well she was self-published, and it was about flowers.
Jen: flowers?
PICS: Yeah, she’s a florist
Jen: Cool
PICS & Jen: *silent stares* *walks away*

Conversations with BIL (bloggers I love-duh):

Jen: I finished my book!
BIL: OH MY GOD THAT’S HUGE! How did you celebrate?
Jen: Glass of wine, bubble bath, and read a book.
BIL: Perfect! What is this one about?
Jen: My MC is sick and tired of being treated like garbage from the queen bees in the school. When she finds that she’s a witch her mother moves her to give her a fresh start and my MC decides that this time she’ll take down the queen bee before the queen bee takes down her.
BIL: WOW! That sounds SO good! Oh my gosh I can’t wait to hear when you query.

TWO MONTHS LATER

Jen: My MC hates me.
BIL: Dreaded writers block?
Jen: Ugh, yes. It’s awful. She won’t even talk once I told her I had to kill her friend.
BIL: Lost the element of surprise did ya? That stinks. Don’t worry it’ll come back to you.
Jen: I know you’re right. She just makes me angry.
BIL: Take a bubble bath, watch a chick flick, then try again in a few days.
Jen: Thanks.

See you. You guys get me. I don’t have to explain all the crap. So stay cool, stay sweet, stay solid.

How’s your experience in the real world?

Author Note: This is not everyone. For overdramatic purposes I chose an idiot, who isn’t my friend, I needed to make this work for me people. My husband is very supportive and several of my family members. THAT IS ALL. (Well not as in all who supports me. Just all the statements I have… CRAP!)

Welcome to My World

Note: I’ll be posting over at Jules tomorrow! Be sure to stop by for the latest celebrity gossip!

Here at Unedited we have the wonderful and talented Miranda Dickinson has stopped by my blog today just in time for the holidays! Her novels Fairytale of New York and Welcome to My World are perfect for the upcoming holiday!

I haven’t done an interview in a while and thought with the approaching holiday it would be perfect so you can snag your copy in time for Christmas!

How long have you been writing?

I've always written stories for as long as I could write. When I was younger, most of these were impossibly awful and rarely went much past Chapter One (this became a joke with my family that I would one day have a library of Chapter Ones...) I started writing what became Fairytale of New York as something to amuse myself about nine years ago. A friend gave me a very decrepit PC that I absolutely loved for all its stubborn crankiness and one day I started writing a paragraph which kept growing. I kept coming back to it over the following couple of years and more words came... I'm very much an 'accidental novelist' because I only realised I was writing a novel when I did a word count and discovered I'd written 60,000 words!


In 2008, I uploaded my incomplete manuscript onto Authonomy.com - HarperCollins' site for unpublished authors - just to see if anyone else on their thought what I'd written was any good. To my amazement, it was discovered by an editor from Avon (part of HarperCollins) and I signed a three-book deal in January 2009. Fairytale became a Sunday Times Top 10 Bestseller and has sold over 105,000 copies to date... I'm still coming to terms with the fact that I can now call myself a published author - it really is a dream come true!

Has it always been romance?

Actually, no. I have two novels I'm still writing that are more in the vein of Neil Gaiman, Jasper Forde and Sir Terry Pratchett, all of whom I am massively in awe of. Of course, I am an unashamedly girlie romantic, so a bit of romance always creeps in, but I would say that comedy is my first love. One day, I'd love to be able to publish my other work - just to show I can write more than one genre - so if you see a novel about a 3,000 year-old mystical wombat, or a crack squad of undercover tea lady spies you'll know I succeeded!

You can read these two at Authonomy.com:
The wombat story
The tea ladies

What’s your favorite part of the writing process?

I love it when characters arrive out of nowhere. I remember reading Stephen King's On Writing when I first realised I was becoming serious about writing, and in it he said to be prepared for your characters to misbehave and surprise you. That's certainly true for me, but I adore the journey of creating something out of nothing. I also just adore being a storyteller - weaving in things I've noticed, memories from my own life and stories I've overheard from others into this amazing, living world that people will get to wander in... It's magical.

How do you come up with your characters names?

Lots of different ways! Sometimes they just turn up already named, other times I search things like magazines and newspapers for interesting first names and surnames to put together. Film credits are awesome for inspiring names - so that's a good excuse to lose myself in a good rom-com for a couple of hours (research, you know!)

Any advice for aspiring authors?

Write for yourself first and foremost. If you love what you're writing, other people will love it too. Write a first draft, warts and all, and then go back to polish it. My biggest mistake in the beginning was editing as I went along - hence the fact it took over seven years to complete the first draft of Fairytale of New York! Just enjoy the creative part as much as you can and let your imagination run free. Some of the best things I've written were serendipitous happenings that ended up shaping the story. Surprise yourself and you'll surprise your readers too. Lastly, never ever lose faith in your writing. The very fact that I am a published author today is down to just being in the right place at the right time. I just made sure I was 'out there' and happened to get noticed by someone who happened to be looking. I don't have an agent, I'd never sent my manuscript off to a publisher or agent before (I didn't have the nerve!) and yet it happened for me. That means it can happen for you, too. So keep believing in yourself and love your writing.

Fun & Random Questions
Hot cocoa or Hot Tea: Always hot tea! I'm a true Brit in that respect.
Snow or Rain: It has to be snow. I love it. I'm like the biggest kid when it snows.
Favorite ice cream: There's an ice cream company in Wales called Cadwalader's who make the best ice cream in the world - I always treat myself to a couple of scoops when I visit. Other than that, Ben & Jerry's Phish Food is irresistible!
Favorite book: I know it's a cliche, but Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice is the most perfect book. I come back to it every year. It has everything: social observation, wit, intrigue, brilliant characters and the classic 'will-they-won't-they' rollercoaster. I adore it.
Favorite time of year: Color: autumn. But I also love winter - partly for the snow, partly because my birthday's in January and partly because I am a huge fan of Christmas.
Crazy fun ornament tree or elegant and simple: Probably somewhere in between!
Are you guilty of playing Christmas music early: *holds up hands, blushes* Absolutely, guilty as charged... I'm a bit of a traditional girl - you can't beat a bit of Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra at Christmas! I have an old CD I picked up in a pound shop a couple of years ago that I play every year - and every year it sneaks onto my CD player earlier and earlier...

So there you have it, she’s a kid at heart, who enjoys snow, romance and playing Christmas music early. Who wouldn’t love her! Make sure to check out her uber awesome blog and purchase her books (trust me on this one, you will NOT be disappointed!)

Revisions Week - Collages Reveal

Characters. My favorite part of the story.

I love creating them, I love watching them come to life.

My main character comes first, they speak to me, tell me what they like, what they dislike.

We talk. I listen. We argue. I win. They stop talking. A vicious cycle that eventually works itself out.

Then I write. Let it sit. Outline. Begin Collages (sometimes before I write a story, but rarely)

Here is what before looks like.


I grab my trust accesories box. Pens, paperclips, post-it's, glue sticks, rulers, everything I'd need for the perfect collage.










Here is a side view of both boxes. My trust accessories box and my magazine and paper box. Beautiful is it not?






Just a peek inside. Glamour always has amazig stuff. But I have tons of magazines, anything I can get my hands on I tuck away, I even have a western magazine (no.I.did.not.pay.for.it.) it has been useful!






You can see my jeans (right hand corner) this is me at work, carefully planning everything, making sure I have the perfect colors, pictures, and all to make the best character collage for my peeps!





I love everyone I make. Every piece is thought out. Colors, designs, names, models, all represent something in my story. It may not mean anything to you, even after reading the story, but it's there, hidden beneath the written words.

My Traveler's Collages - I will warn you, I'll share just a little about each character, however not a whole lot. I am in revisions so there is still a lot of unknowns and a lot of secrets I'd like to keep.

Lauren

My main character. Lauren. 16 years old.











Mel, Lauren's best friend in the real world.










Tully, the first person Lauren meets for the Travelers.









Blake, an arrogant guy in the Traveler's house that thinks he is Lauren's perfect match.










Brianna, Lauren's roommate at the Traveler's house.









Cameron, her friend in the real world. The only one to see her for who she really is.







All of these characters are in order of how they were introduced in the book I wrote. I hope you enjoyed.

What's your favorite part of the writing process? Do you make character collages?

Talli Roland's Blogsplash!

Help Talli Roland's debut novel THE HATING GAME hit the Kindle bestseller list at Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk by spreading the word today. Even a few sales in a short period of time on Amazon helps push the book up the rankings, making it more visible to other readers.

Amazon.co.uk: Click Here!
Amazon.com: Click Here!
Goodreads: Click Here!

No Kindle? Download a free app at Amazon for Mac, iPhone, PC, Android and more.

Coming soon in paperback. Keep up with the latest at Talli's Blog.

About THE HATING GAME:

When man-eater Mattie Johns agrees to star on a dating game show to save her ailing recruitment business, she's confident she'll sail through to the end without letting down the perma-guard she's perfected from years of her love 'em and leave 'em dating strategy. After all, what can go wrong with dating a few losers and hanging out long enough to pick up a juicy £2000,000 prize? Plenty, Mattie discovers, when it's revealed that the contestants are four of her very unhappy exes. Can Mattie confront her past to get the prize money she so desperately needs, or will her exes finally wreak their long-awaited revenge? And what about the ambitious TV producer whose career depends on stopping her from making it to the end?

My review:

Mattie Johns is crumbling to pieces, a man-eater by nature she has sworn of guy after guy before it gets to serious, burned by her last ex she finds not only her heart falling to the ground but her business.

A solution walks into her office, a proposition that Mattie will not refuse. Go on a dating show and win the prize money to save her company. Nothing is as simple as it seems, she soon finds out she's not dating just anyone, she's dating her exes.

Talli Roland left nothing to chance, her writing keeps you on your toes, surprise after surprise lunged one right after the other, and just when you think you've got it all figured out she turns Mattie's world upside down once more.

This novel was light, fun and perfect for any girl who has ever guarded their heart until they've found the one. Break up, make up, whatever stage you're at in the dating world you're sure to love this tale!

(See... told you it was awesome... now go get your copy and wish Talli a Happy E-Book Birthday!)

Jules Rules!

I'm over posting as Jules todays! Check it out :)

Revisions Week - Outlining & Plans

This is Revisions week. (I apologize for hoarding these post for 3 weeks now!)

Revisions.

Why not share with you how I revise.

Then we can compare! Hehe... I love comparing, no writer is alike!

After I write my novel I let it sit. About a month, any less and my mind is still to invested. I re-read what has been written and then I start my outline.

That's write people, my outline happens AFTER I've written the novel. I find that if I write it before all is lost and I can never finish the draft. Superstitions have gotten the best of me.

Here are pictures of my process:

This is my first step. My whiteboard. My very first experiment when I began blogging (Writings on the wall) and since then it's become one of my favorite things. I set up the basics, my favorite parts, and a few chapters to get me started.



This is what happens after the whiteboard... my outline. Notebooks and notebooks filled with important character questions, chapters, and an overall view of my novel.




Plans.

Everyone has them.

For my alternate worlds I create floorplans, find the perfect photos for inspiration, the letters my character writes to each of the people who touch her life.



Click for a better view. I never push hard enough when it comes to my floorplans, I even tried to make the font darker, lol. As you can see I'm not gifted in that respect.









Here is the Traveler's house and the greenhouse. To very important parts of the story.




Does your story come with a road map? Are you a big Outliner? Before or After writing the novel?

Wednesday: Talli Roland's BLOGSPLASH!
Friday: Character Collages and more!

A story out of novels

I've seen two blogs working their magic with novels and I wanted to join in on the fun!

Tahereh called it A Poem of Novels

Christina Lee called it Titles Tell a Story

Either way, I call it GENIUS!

Here is mine!











I PROMISE NOT TO TELL
THE BODY FINDER
about the WHITE CAT
on THE NAUGHTY LIST
after I saw THE BOOK THIEF
CATCHING FIRE
IF I STAY these
IMPOSSIBLE dreams must stop
to which they reply YOU WISH

Do you have a story to tell from the novels you own?

Reminder: Next week I'll be blogging here M-W-F and over at Jules and the Stars T-Th I look forward to seeing you all there!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

I hope everyone has an awesome Thanksgiving in the states today!







Make sure to eat plenty of turkey and pumpkin pie today, because tomorrow you need to have plenty of energy to hang christmas lights and decorate the christmas tree!!!



Be sure to sign up for the blogfest Be Jolly By Golly to show off your awesome stuff! I wanna see how everyone celebrates!!!








I am looking forward to having dinner with my family, extra special since my baby sister is in town, and I'll get to see my niece for the first time!!





So I leave you with some fun pictures on all the awesome food we'll be enjoying!! What are your plans today, regardless whether you're in the states or not!

Inspiration Found!

NOTE: Thanks to everyone who is following and commenting on Jules and the Stars I appreciate it!!!

GIVEAWAY: A giveaway is happening at my friend Donea's place! Check it out!!!

I don't know if anyone plans to write during the holidays but if you do then I leave you with some inspiration and motivation!!!

• To be a writer, you must sentence yourself to a life of solitary refinement.
• A writer may leave off writing for a time. A writer cannot leave off being a writer.
• A fair number of fiction writers have been avid liars since childhood.
• Writers have friends, to be sure, but mostly writers have sources.
• Give the opportunity, a writer will fiddle with a piece of writing forever.

Anything inspire you lately? What have you been working on?

All info found here.

Tuesday Twist

Happy Tuesday!!!

BIG NEWS! I've started a new blog! Not to worry, Unedited will still be in full force, there will only be a few changes. I will only be posting here Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Jules and the Stars is where I'll be on Tuesday and Thursdays for all the latest gossip and letters to famous individuals. This is for a new project/novel I'm working on and I know this would be beneficial! I look forward to seeing you over at the other neck of the woods! This will help me manage my time and visit you all more often! Please hop over and take a look at the new blog! It means amazing things to come, and who doesn't love a little gossip now and then!

This officially starts NEXT WEEK! I look forward to all your support. This will not be easy, but I'm giving it an honest effort!

Now onto Tuesday Twist!

Three sentences.
Three attempts to capture your attention.
Three novels at your fingertips.

Sentences
1. I used to think our town, buried in the South Carolina backwoods, stuck in the muddy bottom of the Santee River Valley, was the middle of nowhere.
2. Jane Robert leaned against the dresser, studying the way her white silk nightie looked against her sun-kissed skin.
3. This city is not mine by birthright: I was born over three thousand miles away in a sleepy town in the heart of England.

Reveal
1. Secret Revealed
2. Secret Revealed
3. Secret Revealed

What do you think? Any sound good?

Always worth the wait...

Side Note: I'm 11 away from 1000 followers!!! I can't wait to get there! This is so huge, and a HUGE giveaway is planned!! :)

I went.

I saw.

and then I went again.

Oh yeah, I'm talking about Harry Potter (those who aren't a part of this epic event, know that I'll be back to normal posting tomorrow)!
Today are the facts and photos of this awesome event!

Facts:

• We arrived at 6 PM
• We waited in line for 6 hours
• We were the first in line (weird or not)
• We saw Dumbledore (I know, I know, he's dead)
• I learned a game called Ninja (and at 10PM it's fun)
• Dueling is allowed in the theater
• Harry Potter was awesome!!!!!
• Best film so far (most accurate) Part 2 will probably kick it's ass (I hope!)
• Made $24 Million at midnight (didn't be Twilight, but the Vamps got it going on)

My Photos: Line 6 @ 6, it was meant to be. My husband Trevor, my cousin Matthew, his friend Kera, the kids playing Ninja, a picture of the line!



























Melissa Widden's Photos!!!! She had a ton of fun as well! You'll see Mad-Eye Moody, Hedwig, Hogwarts Students, Molly Weasley, Dumbledore! Doesn't Melissa's face paint rock??






















Did you enjoy Harry Potter? Did you wait in line? How many times have you seen it?

Off Schedule - Simple Request

For those of you who follow me I would like to ask for a favor.

You see, I'm starting a new blog (for a purpose) and I would like to create a nice following on that site as well. It is Jules and the Stars.

All I ask is that you stop by and check it out. If you are not a fan you don't have to follow, if isn't your cup of tea don't feel obliged to stop by, however if you find yourself intrigued and interested to know more I'd love for you to follow and also tell your friends. Yes, I'm asking for a little blog love for the new blog. I still plan to blog here M-F and I'm really looking forward to snagging 1000 followers before the end year, the goal remains the same, I just have new ones as well.

An opportunity has arose for a new book, the problem is that this blog doesn't fit the bill for the type of reader I want to grab, and since I plan to use a pen name I thought it appropriate to start networking now so when the future arrives I'm ready.

I appreciate anyone who reads this regardless whether you make it over to the new blog or not!!! Thank you ;) Happy Weekend!

So do please stop by at Jules and the Stars!

RELEASE DAY - I IS TALKING MAGIC

RELEASE DAY! For those of you who have already seen the movie (you should be ashamed - I expected an email full of your thoughts already... seeing as I too, saw the midnight showing - wrong your right, before you go any further). For those who haven't, our.lips.our.sealed (those who cannot contain themselves must exit the blog quietly.)

Last day that I get to spend with my awesome lady friends... but I had a blast and this has been one wild adventure.

Lisa Galek
Renae Mercado
Colene Murphy
Melissa Widden
Laurel Garver

Harry Potter.

He would not exist if the Wizarding World had never been created. Which is why I'm going to share with you... today... some of the best reasons to live in the Wizarding World.

Note: I'm very upset that JK Rowling is holding out on the real Hogwarts, Hogmeades anything else magical she's hiding from us. I mean, I know I'm a muggle, but isn't there an app for that?

Diagon Alley

• First stop on the Harry Potter train. Enter by brick, flu network, or apparting, this is a one stop shop for all the necessities.
• Owls, wands, potions, dress robes, this magical land leaves you with an empty pocket book but a handful of goodies for the next fall at Hogwarts.

Hogwarts

• Is an explanation really needed? (yes, yes, I'll still give you one, just a minute).
• First... you get to live with your best friends (seriously, that's on a scale of coolness times a gazillion), you get to eat amazing foods and no one passes judgement (hello, Dumbledore's obsession with candy - totally passed down to the students... no calorie counting here)
• Floating Candles, Thunder storms, snow, pumpkins, everything right in your view with no hassle of spilled wax or soaked clothing. What's not to love.
• Ghosts, here you actually learn that ghosts can be friendly... and those that aren't, did it to themselves.

Quidditch Field

• This is so a place. Totally where the magic happens (get your head out of the gutter). Teamwork happens here, everyone bans together.
• Flying on brooms (hello, that alone should entice you)
• No matter who you wanna be (seeker, beater, etc) you're hot sauce, and those sitting on the sidelines want your number. (who needs sexy singles.com?)

Hogsmeade

• You can drink. Seriously... don't worry, no legal age limit here (butterbeer anyone).
• Gossip, only the best in town, just make sure you snag the invisibility cloak for maximum information.
• Cookies, candies and more, the trips to Fred & George's place will rock your socks off... never in a million years would you imagine this much candy under one roof... not to mention love spells, and the perfect potion to get out of class.

There you have it... I've given you 5 EPIC days of Harry Potter love... Now, by this time I will have already watched the midnight showing... but I do not divulge or enable my friends... no, no, you'll have to watch for yourself... we'll catch up later. You know where to find me. (Okay, but seriously, after you watch it, totally email me... I'm dying to talk Potter.)

Hogwarts Letter...It Finally Arrived

Be sure to visit the lovely ladies... also to sign up for our super fun christmas blogfest.

Lisa Galek
Renae Mercado
Colene Murphy
Melissa Widden
Laurel Garver

The Letter:

HOGWARTS SCHOOL
of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY

Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore
(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock,
Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards)

Dear Mrs. Daiker,

We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.

Term begins on September 1. We await your owl by no later than July 31.

Yours sincerely,

Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress

The second page with requirements (so.not.important)

This was my reaction:

1. Stares at Letter
2. Touches emblem
3. Re-reads letter
4. Jumps on the bed
5. Pulls out suitcase
6. Stares at letter again (want to make sure it's real)
7. Pee's a little (of course, only natural, overly excited)
8. Re-reads letter
9. Dances around suitcase
10. Shares news with parentals
11. Listens as they read the letter
12. Screams when they says it's time to grab supplies
13. Blinks rapidly, frozen in place
14. Grabs pants to visit Diagon Alley
15. Re-reads letter
16. Dances around suitcase once more
17. Hugs parentals (maybe a little to long)
18. Vows to always be good
19. Climbs in the car
20. Realizes the flu networks faster

That's my reaction... care to share yours?

Why Females Rock

Day Three - You's know the drill....

Lisa Galek
Renae Mercado
Colene Murphy
Melissa Widden
Laurel Garver

Females Rock!

Note: I know I mention no one by the name of Harry Potter, Ronald Weasley, Dumbledore, Fred & George Weasley, Professor Snape, or Draco Malfoy, and for good reason, they're not females. It's my blog. I do what I want.

Hermione Granger

• Savior - Without her, the books would have been The Lost Boys.
• Mistakes - She makes mistakes but we all do (I'm talking to you Harry - It was ONE troll ONE time... let it go already)
• Hero - Three headed dog anyone? How about Devil's Snare incident (yeah, you're welcome Ron). Not to mention the countless spells she can conjure up with the flick of her wand. (She's just that cool.)

Ginny Weasley

• Love - Her love for Harry runs deep. (Thank God, someone needs to keep Harry in check)
• Human (sort of) - So she opened a journal. So it happened to be Tom Riddle's (how was she supposed to know he was a jerk) I know she almost got herself killed, but Fawkes and Harry saved her (so, no biggie)
• Fighter - I mean, she doesn't take shizz from Harry, even when he tries to be all like "I need to do this on my own," "I don't want anyone else getting hurt," oh no buddy, she's on.to.you.
• Talent - One slick witch, hexes, Dumbledore's Army, oh yeah, she's not one to mess with.
• Qudditch- oh yes, both seeker and chaser (eat your heart out Harry)

Luna Lovegood

• Comic Relief - Everyone needs it in trying times.
• Compassion - Always out for the best interest. She didn't look at Harry weird when he thought he was going crazy (winged horses, so.not.crazy)
• Loyalty - Stands by the Quibbler, and her father. Without her we'd never wonder what Blibbering Humdinger or the Crumple-Horned Snorkack were! (It's time we ask questions people!)

Professor McGonagall -

• Follows Rules - Don't make her give you detention (Harry, Hermione, Ron) don't make her take house points (Harry, Hermione, Ron) she's badazz and has no problem punishing those who aren't following rules.
• Strong - She doesn't put up with crap. You cause trouble in her neck of the woods she'll be all up in your bizness, best be sure of that, don't talk trash about the main man in charge (Dumbledore) or her little chicks (Hogwarts students) cuz you won't like the wrath of this badazz animagus (better watch yourself Umbridge)
• Caring - Always has the best interest of members and staff, you need help, she'll help you even out of the stickiest situations.

Molly Weasley

• Protector - You got something to say? Best watch your back if it's something nasty, this mama bear watches over her cubs, and she has no problem setting those little snakes back in their spots (Bellatrix, any last words?)
• Motherly - Hungry (why wait, Have some at Molly's) this woman never leaves a child with an empty stomach. Harry Potter's second home, this warm place is all thanks to Molly, without her and her little cubs safe the world would be a very dark place.
• Trusting - She knows who is trustworthy and when something has been broken, a link in the chain doesn't get past this one, this adorable little worrier will fight for those she loves... this is one mama you'll want on your side (hell yes I'm on Team Molly)

So there you have it... several brave and badazz woman in Harry Potter... kicking butt and taken names.

Ways to awesome - Thanks Gilderoy

Day Two. No rest for the Harry Potter Love.

My Gal Pals joining in the fun:

Lisa Galek
Renae Mercado
Colene Murphy
Melissa Widden
Laurel Garver

Gilderoy Lockhart


Order of Merlin, Third Class, Honorary member of the Dark Force Defense League, and five times winner of Witch Weekly Most Charming Smile Award. But he didn't get rid of the Banden Banshee by smiling at him.






This man knows what it's all about.

He's written countless books:

Break With A Banshee
Gadding With Ghouls
Gilderoy Lockhart's Guide to Household Pests
Holidays With Hags
Magical Me (his autobiography)
Travel With Trolls
Voyages With Vampires
Wandering With Werewolves
Year With The Yeti

And can attract any young adult around (female that is) so why aren't we listening to him? Because he hasn't shared his secrets, luckily I've found a few secrets up his sleeve.

Always Positive- Can you possibly imagine a better way to serve detention, than by helping me to answer my fan mail?(Such kindness)

Great Advice - Fame is a fickle friend Harry. Celebrity is as celebrity does. Remember that. (so true... so wise... so...)

Plugging, not a problem - Professor Dumbledore has granted me permission to start this little dueling club, to train you all up, in case you ever need to defend yourselves, as I myself have done on countless occasions. For full details, see my published works. (saw a moment and took it.)


Appearance Important - It's really quite filthy down here.(must keep those blue robes tidy)

Partier - Spooky how the time flies when one's having fun.(oh yeah, always making light of the situation)

Confident, lovable, well respected or maybe conceited, annoying, hated by many... yeah, maybe we don't want to take his ways to awesome, but at least we enjoyed him acting a fool in front of us.

Regardless the man has some flair, and I think as writer's we could find a little Gilderoy in ourselves when the timing is right.

All quotes found here.

My letter to JK Rowling

For those who stopped by for revisions week I apologize... something much bigger has come into our lives and I believe it must be shared.

HARRY POTTER.

Release Week. Midnight Showing. Yes folks, it's EPIC. All those obsessed with the tale, the novels, the movies, and the fab JK Rowling, we all UNITE in the week of Harry Potter.

A team of us have banned together this week to give you Harry Potter (yes, this addiction must be fed) so here are the other fabulous participants:

Lisa Galek
Renae Mercado
Colene Murphy
Melissa Widden
Laurel Garver

Do stop in to see the magic they're stirring up!

Also I just found an awesome blogfest happening with all things Hary Potter over at In Time (Michael's blog) do check it out! See why revisions can wait?

Let's get started. This is my letter to JK Rowling.

Dear Jo, (cuz that's your name)

How lucky are you too be so uber popular. People in the real world think that YOU being REJECTED twelve times is an OUTRAGE. Well we know in the writer's world, that's quite amazing (lucky). Still I bet your laughing at the thought that all those losers passed you up and are probably regretting it (just kidding, I know, you're humble, or not).

I'm guessing your a witch (feel free to write me back if I'm incorrect), and you've had quite the numbers game.

13 being the lucky publishing number (ahem, most people consider 13 an unlucky number, but you're a witch so it's cool)

7 years until you met the love of your life, along with 7 novels, and 7 horcruxes to be found.

Did you really think we wouldn't notice these numbers? I mean, did you honestly think you wouldn't get caught. We know your abilities go deeper than just writing Harry Potter (I'm keeping my eye on you).

Regardless, I want to thank you for your EPIC idea and your EPIC attitude. One day we'll meet. Accio JK Rowling! *looks around* (crap, where is she?), AHEM, ACCIO JK ROWLING! *blinks* (stupid wand).

I'm sure you're hiding under the invisibility cloak, don't worry, I get it, you think I'm crazy... trust me I'm not. *scans room* *grabs thin air* (this could take awhile).

Witch at heart (swear I'm not a stalker),
Jen

PS - Could you send me a wand that works? Oh and your interview with Oprah rocked my world (though I still believe Oprah was rude talking over you, we wanted to hear you, not her).

Author Note: Oprah's feelings were not hurt during the making of this letter.

Extras: This video was an attempt to look like I was stalking JK Rowling. I obvs need work on my skillz, but I figured rather than choosing a photo I thought I'd just show you this ridiculous video. (even though I don't like you tube for discriminating against work computers! Sorry Matthew!)

NOTE: Speakers should be lowered. I laugh loud. Though I hear it's contagious (please be nice, I have feelings).

My love of books

I love books. Like really I do, I love them.

The month of January has a new meaning for me.

The month I:

• Began blogging
• I wrote a novel
• I found Blue Willow
• I met Ally Carter
• I realized I was a young adult author

What started it all? The day I watched Julie & Julia, the idea for a blog, she hated her job, really didn't like where she was in life so she challenged herself to cook, every day, for several days.

Definitely wasn't going to try my hand at becoming a chef. The inspiration, however, was born, there I started a blog and began to write. Susan Elizabeth Phillips and Stephen King also inspired me.

All of you taught me to love books. Not just any books, Young Adult. A concept so foreign to me I was afraid to even visit the section in a bookstore.

I'm no longer afraid. I love to read and write young adult. It is where my passion is and will always be.

Thank you Blue Willow for showing me your love of books (especially young adult) and thank you bloggers for doing the same.

Now after all that sap and story telling we get to the good stuff.

BOOKS! Here is what I have to read... oh yes, I plan on reading all of them.














Don't worry I won't leave you hanging... Here's what I have:
Close to Famous by Joan Bauer (release date: Feb 2011)
Trauma Queen by Barbara Dee (release date: Apr 2011)
The Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney (out NOW!)
Love, Inc. by Yvonne Collins & Sandy Rideout (release date: Jan 2011)
Entwined by Heather Dixon (release date: Mar 2011)
Vampire Crush by A.M. Robinson (release date: Dec 2010)
Head Games by Keri Mikulski (release date: Jan 2011)
The Lying Game by Sara Shepard (release date: Dec 2010)
Pink by Lili Wilkinson (release date: Feb 2011)

What are you reading?

NEXT WEEK: I planned on it being revision week, but my love for Harry Potter is so large that every post will have a Harry Potter theme... get ready for the awesome!