Who needs sleep?

Yes I know, two posts in one day!!!

For those looking for the AwEsOmE Cyn Balog, check out her interview HERE!

This post is just a little something special, just for me, which I think is well deserved!!!

So let's get to it... Who needs sleep? Seriously, with all the awesome novels, character collages, revisions and first drafts you're working on, who the hell needs to sleep, let alone has TIME to sleep.

So what are my plans tonight??

Character Collages!!!


Deciding what book to read!!!!



So many decisions!!! Woohoo!!! My favorite thing!!!

So what are your plans this evening?!

Fairy Tale, Starstruck & More

Thank to all of you who commented on my Fairy Tale entry! I'm waiting for Emily to post the top 5 and from there I'll let you all know if you need to vote for me or vote for another entrant since I did not make it! We shall see!!!

To keep in the fairy tale spirit Cyn Balog stopped by my blog today and she is fantastic!!!


Happy Tuesday! As you know last week was Featured Writers Week and since I've recently come across such great Writers and Authors I decided to extend it three more days!!!!

Featured Writer: Cyn Balog

Author of Fairy Tale, Sleepless and Starstruck

Fairy Tale - Morgan Sparks and Cam Browne are a match made in heaven. They’ve been best friends since birth, they tell each other everything, and oh yeah- they’re totally hot for each other.

But a week before their joint Sweet Sixteen bash, everything changes. Cam’s awkward cousin Pip comes to stay, and Morgan is stunned when her formerly perfect boyfriend seems to be drifting away.

When Morgan demands answers, she’s shocked to discover the source of Cam’s distance isn’t another girl- it’s another world. Pip claims that Cam is a fairy. No, seriously. A fairy. And now his people want Cam to return to their world and take his rightful place as Fairy King.

Determined to keep Cam with her, Morgan plots to fool the fairies. But as Cam continues to change, she has to decide once and for all if he really is her destiny, and if their “perfect” love can weather an uncertain future.

To read the others click here!

1. How do you come up with your characters names? Do they just come to you or is there research required? I love with Starstruck that you have nicknames Dough & Wish.

I come up with them in all sorts of ways. Like in SLEEPLESS, I just liked the name Julia, but for Eron and Chimere, I used babynames.com (Eron means “peace” and Chimere means “dream”, which is fitting since they are both sandpeople). “Dough”, hmmm, I have no idea how I came up with that, but I really thought it would be great to have a main character who works in a bakery named Dough, which is short for Gwendolyn. And there was a guy where I used to work with the nickname of Wish (a shortened form of his last name) and I just loved it, so I stole it!

2. Growing up did you dream of being in a fairytale? Were you quiet and shy in school or loud and wild? What character would you have most liked to be?

I think I wanted to be in Cinderella. I was incredibly shy and didn’t utter more than 10 words my whole high school career, so I just had this idea that life would be much simpler if I could just go to a ball and have that love-at-first-sight thing. Also if I could have some mice sew clothes for me and a fairy godmother, too.

3. Is writing your day job or is there something else fabulous you do in your life?? A Ninja fighting crime maybe?

I used to work full-time in addition to writing, but now I write full-time. I also have two little kids, so most of my time is spent with them. Writing is something I do like, an hour a day, after they go to bed!

4. What is your favorite part about writing? First draft? Revisions?

AGHHHH I hate revisions! I can not do them without having a massive brain-freeze. Hmmm, I really don’t like writing first drafts, either. Actually, my favorite part of writing is the first draft, but only like, right after the first paragraph, to maybe chapter 5. And then the last chapter. And then writing THE END. And also coming up with a title. The rest of it makes me want to throw up. It used to be a lot more amusing when I wasn’t on deadline. Before it was fun, like eating ice cream. Now it is like eating ice cream but with someone sitting on your back whipping you and going, “EAT!”

5. Ever had a horror story at a book signing?

Oh yes, I’ve had a bunch of little horrors. I have had people come up to me and ask me to sign books that were not mine, because “I just know you will be famous one day but I don’t want to shell out money to buy your lousy book right now.” And I get a lot of cards from people who want to collaborate. A man came by and showed me about 4000 (bad) illustrations he’d done for about two hours, and a lot of people stop by to just chew your ear off. It’s like they know you’re trapped and can’t go anywhere.

Fun & Random Questions

Pizza Place: Skinny Vinnie’s at Rutgers
Cloud Princess or Water Princess: Cloud!
Fairy or Gypsy: Fairy, of course
Beverage: Iced Tea
Writing Snack: Twix bars
Favorite Book Series: Hunger Games
Favorite Book: The Murder of Roger Ackroyd
Writing Spot: The porch overlooking the beach
Favorite thing to do when you aren’t writing: Be with my kids

There you have it, the lovely Cyn Balog!!! She has some amazing books that you should definitely check out!!! For more about her check out her website!

Fairy Tale Blogfest

FAIRYTALE BLOGFEST!!! This is a long post... but for a purpose and I really, really want you to read it!!! Emily had a super awesome idea over at Stepping into Fantasy. You were suppose to re-tell the story of a loveable fairy tale and make it a different genre. I think I did well. Check out the other entries (AFTER YOU READ MINE)

The REAL story of Beauty and the Beast.

Word Count: 960 words (Woohoo under 1,000)

START

All I’d wanted was a rose. We weren’t rich, but he still asked us what we wanted when he returned from his journey, I chose something we could afford, my sisters were the ones who wanted the jewelry and fine dresses, and now I’m being punished. The rose doesn't seem worth it anymore. With each gust of wind tree branches tap against the window. The scraping against the glass could be anything and I try to reassure myself that I’m alone in this room, but it’s dark and my nerves are shot.

It was my father’s plan, well more of a settling of the grounds between him and the beast, and I agreed to visit because I knew this agreement would benefit our family. At first everything had been nice, he’d bought me diamonds, gorgeous gowns and gave me my own room which was practically the size of our cottage. But then it all stopped because I’d asked to go home and see my family. Affection wasn’t his strong suit and he spent little time with me. I was desperate to give my father a hug, and ached for any type of human interaction. I had seen his anger and irritability but he had never been violent towards me. The day we fought I’d never seen the Beast so angry. His last words to me were, “You’ll never return.”


I should have left when I had the chance. I didn't always want to leave, however in the last few weeks things changed and he kept getting angrier by the day. He never slept and on occasion would venture away from the castle. When I tried to run he caught me and drug me to the corner tower where he chained me to the brick wall. He gave me such a look of anger it caused the hair's on my neck to electrify. Slapping me on the face, he said something underneath his breath before walking out and slamming the door. I jerked at the chains wanting to cool the sting on my cheek.

A small window allowed a sliver of light to fill an otherwise empty room, when the footsteps came the echo bounced off the once quiet walls. My hands are freezing but I’m unable to warm them. My legs tremble beneath my tattered dress. The last time I ate was two days ago and if he ever comes for me, or unlocks these chains, I don’t think I'll have the strength to escape.

There was a pause in the relentless wind and I heard a shuffling in the room but it was too dark to see.

“Hello?” I said. “Hello, is anyone there?” I tried to inch my body as far as I could for a better view but still saw nothing.

“Belle?” a shaky voice emerged from the darkness. “Belle is that you?”

One of my sisters called out, and heart break came over me. I didn’t understand why this happened. Why were we all being punished, none of us had done anything wrong. Was he really lonely and unhappy?

“Are you okay? Are you all here?” I cried out.

“Me and Melissa are here, he-” she whimpered, “he killed dad.” My heart sank deeper into my chest.

“What? How did this happen?” I wanted to see her. “It’s going to be okay, we’ll get out of here.” None of this was okay but still I wanted to comfort my sisters.

"We were so worried about you," Kat said. "We were on our way to find you when the Beast came. He was so angry. He said you wanted to come home but that wasn't part of the deal and he caught you trying to escape." Kat said with panic, "He brought an axe with him and-," she cried before she could finish.

“Kat I’m so sorry.” I didn’t know what else to say; from her voice I knew I didn’t want the details. I was helpless. He had destroyed my father and we’d soon be next. “How is Melissa?” I hadn’t even heard a whimper out of her.

“She's barely breathing, Belle, she isn't well. He stabbed her after she leapt to save dad. I stayed back like a coward.” I could hear her wheeping. I wanted to make it better I wanted to take the pain away but I knew I couldn’t. I was bound against a force larger than my own.

Before I could say anything to comfort them the door flung open. He’d returned and by the look on his face he’d brought vengeance with him. He ripped the chains off as if they were just taped to the wall then dragged me across the floor.

“No!” I screamed “Kat!” I heard Kat shriek watching her shadow turn towards me, I caught a glimpse of Melissa lying motionless on the floor. I should be scared but my only concern is how to save my family. “Please don’t hurt them!” I screamed.

I didn’t look away, if this was the last moment I wanted to look at them until I was forced not to. There had to be away to help us all. His grip tightened around my waist; I kicked as hard as I could, trying to knock him off balance. Nothing phased him. Thrasing my body trying to escape from his hold, if I could break my hands away, I could claw my way to freedom. “Please don’t hurt them.” I roared.

It was then I knew I would die. He was done with me. I refused to love him and there was no way he would allow me to love anyone else. He threw me to the ground and that is where I saw the rose. The whole reason this started.

THE END

If she likes it (which I hope she does) she will put it on her blog for voting to win the grand prize... if that's the case, you BeT your TuShY I'll be asking for your help!!! I hope you enjoyed the story! Now go visit the other entries!!!

Hunger Games Giveaway

Today is a day of giveaways!!!

If you haven't signed up for mine make sure you stop by!!!!

Tracy over at A Blissful Life is giving away the Hunger Games Trilogy!!! Please tell her I sent you (maybe I'll gain a few more blogging brownie points!) and also sign up for yourself!!!

THIS IS OPEN FOR INTERNATIONAL FOLLOWERS (which is now lessening my chance of winning, so you know how much I love all of you!!)

So what are you waiting for?? Visit... now... and make sure you bring back my brownies!

You're Easy

Hi peeps!!!

Today's Saturday (which you already knew) and I've been asked if I'd like to do a giveaway for my bloggers, of course I would never say no!!!

CSN Stores has amazing online stores where you can find anything from lights and furniture to cookware and baking products, I have purchased quite a few things for the home office as well, binders for those rough drafts and essentials to make the best character collages.

So here's what's up for grabs!!!

US Winner:
$60 gift certificate for 200 CSN online stores!

UK Winner:
£60 gift certificate for 6 CSN online stores!

Germany Winner:
€60 gift certificate for 4 CSN online stores!!

I was so excited to see that they were open to the UK and Germany!!! I love all my international buddies!! So there you have it, the chance to win some money to buy some great stuff online!!!

To enter: Give me some comment love & add your email! I'll select the winner next week!

feeling insane

Hi my party bloggers!!!!

Have you missed me? You know, my real voice? The one that normally graces this lovely blog (it's my blog, I'll call it like it is).

I've missed myself recently, it seems these SpEcTaCuLaR interviews have taken over my blog and though I wouldn't change it for the world, I wanted to make sure that all my besties still knew I was out there.

Jess this is for you!!!

I think it's important as bloggers to keep your voice, your style, and still support causes. Writing contests, Joy 2 World contests, and interviews are fantastic to share, however we also don't want to forget about ourselves. Which I have recently done... for that I'm sorry.

Next week you'll see a little more ME time :)

I have not disappeared, I'm still alive and want you all to know that even though I'm feeling a bit insane at the moment, I'll have it underwraps when my blogging personality comes back...

wait a minute...

that's not right, I'll actually be more insane by then.

Then again, you love my insanity don't you?

SO I leave you with this... love me and all my craziness, and while you're at it, to get the old me back I want some CRAZY QUESTIONS from my crazy favorite bloggers. If you don't understand check my best pal Vicki's post today and you'll know what I'm looking for!

Don't forget SOPHIE JORDAN is on my blog today!!! She's fabulous!!! Please stop by!

Light My Fire

BLOG UPDATE: Next Week - Blogfest Participation and Interviews! Following Week - My bad-ass self back in business! Let the awesomeness begin.

For those who are in Houston, Texas this Featured Writer will be gracing us with her presence on September 11th at Blue Willow Bookshop! So you must stop by and say hello! This book is fantastic and she is awesome as well!! Be sure to purchase the book from Blue Willow so you can get it signed! If you have questions just shoot me an email!

Featured Writer: Sophie Jordan

Debuting her novel Firelight in Sept 7th 2010

Marked as special at an early age, Jacinda knows her every move is watched. But she longs for freedom to make her own choices. When she breaks the most sacred tenet among her kind, she nearly pays with her life. Until a beautiful stranger saves her. A stranger who was sent to hunt those like her. For Jacinda is a draki—a descendant of dragons whose greatest defense is her secret ability to shift into human form.

Forced to flee into the mortal world with her family, Jacinda struggles to adapt to her new surroundings. The only bright light is Will. Gorgeous, elusive Will who stirs her inner draki to life. Although she is irresistibly drawn to him, Jacinda knows Will's dark secret: He and his family are hunters. She should avoid him at all costs. But her inner draki is slowly slipping away—if it dies she will be left as a human forever. She'll do anything to prevent that. Even if it means getting closer to her most dangerous enemy.

Mythical powers and breathtaking romance ignite in this story of a girl who defies all expectations and whose love crosses an ancient divide.

1. First off for those who don’t know you are already a published author and have a few adult novels out. Care to share a little bit about them?

I’ve been writing historical romance and paranormal romance for a several years now. Clearly, romance is what I do. What I read, what I write, what I love.
It’s really no surprise that there is a romance at the center of my first YA.

2. I love that Jacinda can breathe fire, what a cool power to have! Where did this idea come from? Have you always wanted to breathe fire? (PS there are more than just fire breathers in this book!)

I guess the idea followed immediately on the heels of deciding that my heroine is a descendant from dragons. The ability to breathe fire just flashed into my head as a natural connection to dragons. And once it hit me, I knew I was on to something good. So good I decided to make her even more special by making her the last fire-breather of her kind.

3. How did you come up with the names for your characters?

Well, the human names were fairly ordinary picks, but the draki names I gave a little more thought. They needed to be a tad exotic … since they didn’t belong to humans. I wanted draki names to sound a little “old”, too. And of course they have to “fit” the character. Sometimes you just know when a name works for the character in your mind. I knew Jacinda’s name immediately. It had been lurking in the back of my mind for a few years waiting for the right character.

4. When do you realize you wanted to be a writer?

Probably in the seventh grade when I tried to write my own version of a Sweet Valley High book!

5. How long did it take you to write you first novel? Was it accepted by an agent?

I probably spent a few months writing it, then I revised off and how over the course of the following year … all the while actively submitting it to agents and working on a new project. I signed with an agent probably two years after I wrote that first book. And yes, miraculously, it was that first book I wrote that she sold.

PS - Firelight has been optioned for film! And the film company has asked for my input/involvement regarding the adaption of the book. That’s been somewhat hush-hush news I’ve been sitting on. Really excited!

6. What is a day in the life of Sophie Jordan like?

Oh, wow. Not all that glamorous. Here’s an average day:

I have two young kids to deal with on top of writing 5-10 pages a day, possibly revising or working on copyedits, running an online presence, checking emails, FB, twitter, taking calls from agents or editors, trying to hit the gym, cooking dinner, bathing kids, homework, picking up the house the 2yr old destroyed, and then after all that, I sit on the couch (hopefully!) and watch some TV with the hubby.

Fun & Random Questions

Favorite bookshop – KATY BUDGET BOOKS
Favorite place to eat – HUNGRY’s
Salty or Sweet – Both combined.
Favorite ice cream – Any peanut butterish flavor
Favorite book series – Hunger Games
Dragons or Dinosaurs – Ha! Dragons.
Chick flick or horror – Horror
Person who most inspires you – My father
Snow or rain – Rain
Favorite place to write – My patio
Favorite treat while writing – Chips and guac!

Be sure to visit Sophie's website!! Check out her novel too! I've read Firelight and it was a very magical and romantic world! You will NOT be disappointed!

Monsters...Zombies...Carrie Harris?

Happy Thursday! Instead of the regular Truth Thursday I have someone very special here today!!!

Featured Writer: Carrie Harris

Debuting her novel Bad Taste in Boys in July 2011

Bad Taste in Boys (BTIB) is about a girl named Kate Grable. Kate’s a super smart med geek, and she’s the student trainer for her high school football team. She figures the experience will look good on her college apps, and as an added bonus she gets to be close to her quarterback crush, Aaron. Then something disturbing happens. Kate finds out that the coach has given the team steroids. Except...the vials she finds don’t exactly contain steroids. Whatever’s in them is turning hot gridiron hunks into mindless, flesh-eating...zombies.

Unless she finds an antidote, no one is safe. Not Aaron, not Kate’s brother, not her best friend...not even Kate...

Dum dum DUM.

1. SO I have to ask do you have Bad taste in boys?

Well, now I’m married to a mega awesome guy. He’s a doctor AND a ninja. Really. I’ve seen him whack shuriken out of the air and everything, and it’s surprisingly sexy. But in my pre-husband days? I dated a guy who thought he was a werewolf and tried to tear my couch apart. I dated a guy who got a cue ball stuck in his mouth. I unknowingly dated a small time mobster. And I went out with a guy who used to drink red tinted corn syrup at parties because he thought it made him look vampiric.

So, um…yeah. I should have tattooed “bad taste in boys” on my forehead back then, because mine was HORRID. And now it would be like free advertising for my book, which is never bad.

2. After recently stalking your blog (because I can’t get enough of the awesome!) I too have found a new love for Monsters. Did you love monsters even when you were little? Did you look for them underneath your bed at night?

Absolutely! I used to look for them all the time and be incredibly disappointed when they didn’t show. This may have had something to do with the fact that the underside of my bed was packed with assorted crap. You’d think there’d be a monster under-bed cleaning service or something.

Oooh. That’s a good idea for a book.

But anyway. I never outgrew my monster obsession, which you probably already figured out based on my dating history. I was a total Bella, minus the debilitating clumsiness and damsel in distress tendencies.

3. So tell us what your favorite type of characters is to write? Villains, Monsters, girls, boys? Are your monsters really bad?

I probably have the most fun writing geeks, monsters, and bad guys. I could quite happily write a book about a city full of geeky were-wombat megalomaniacs. I’m not sure if the world is ready for that, though.

As for the monsters, I’m not really big on the whole black and white thing. I don’t want to write bad guys who dry wash their hands and cackle while ordering their minions to throw the good guys into a pit full of geeky megalomaniacal were-wombats. I hate it when the bad guys are so obviously BAD. Admittedly, it’s hard to make walking corpses cute and fuzzy, but I still worked hard to fully flesh out my zombie hordes.

Get it? FLESH? As in flesh eating zombies? Sometimes I crack myself up. And other times I just make myself groan. I’m sure you can figure out which one I’m doing right now.

4. Have you ever gone to a science fair? Done a science project? What’s your favorite one? Any disaster stories?

One year, I decided to make a temperature sensor for some strange reason. My dad worked in plastics, so he got one of his coworkers to help me. I later learned that the guy actually worked on the atom bomb. I find it incredibly surreal to think that this guy’s resume included working on bombs and helping me with my junior high science project. Because of course that went on his resume.

The next year, I made a solar system mobile with bouncy balls that kept falling off. It was funny until Jupiter bounced off some girl’s head and sent her to the nurse’s office.

5. Dare to share any of your story experiments at work in your secret lab? (aka any new novels in the works)

Well, I’ve just finished another Kate Grable book and sent it to my agent, so I’m hoping we’ll be able to visit her again, only this time she’ll be hunting different beasties. Hairy ones. And I’ve got a few other books in various stages of completion featuring all kinds of creatures—demons, pirate leprechauns, fairies, and various werebeasties. But not geeky megalomaniacal were-wombats, I’m afraid.

Fun and Random Questions (As if we didn’t already cover those)

Pizza: Deep dish pepperoni. Or chicken and telephone, depending on the day.
Soda: Diet Dr. Pepper keeps me conscious.
Book: My head would explode if I tried to pick just one. And head explosions = bad.
Book Series: You really have something against my head, don’t you?
Mermaid or Cloud Princess (yes she lives on clouds people): I usually call myself Sparkly Merpire Princess. You know, when I’m talking to the voices in my head. Can we make that one of the options?
Bicycles or rollerblades: Roller SKATES. I want to be a roller derby girl so bad. They could call me Carrie Go Round.
Writing spot: The couch in front of my picture window. I like to keep watch over the front lawn in case the zombie hordes attack my house.


Now for those peeps who would like regular Q&A please visit Carrie’s awesome website where you will find yourself short stories, how and why she became a writer and what Monster Prom and Monster Math is all about! She also has her blog attached!

Gossip? Mos Def

Happy Wednesday!

Featured Writer: Rose Cooper

Debuting her novel Gossip from the Girl's Room in January 2011

She just received her ARC's!!! Be sure to stop by after the interview to check it out!!!
Thank you so much for having me here!

6th grader Sofia “accidentally” overhears gossip in the girls’ room, but she has to overhear very carefully so that she doesn’t miss a word of what’s being said. She uses her super-secret notebook (the book) to jot down all the juiciness so her brain doesn’t forget any single important detail. Sofia juggles all the gossipy goodness and bathroom stakeouts along with her BFF Nona Bows, getting the attention of her forever crush and battling the super snooties and popular pretties of the school. But, there are twists involved too. There are illustrations on every page that add a “punch line” to the text. I cracked myself up just writing it!

1. So in school were you the one gossiping in the girl’s room, or the one who heard the gossiping? Care to dish on the dirt?

I was the one who heard the gossip—and it was usually about me! My mom worked at the school for most of my school years so that was hard because a lot of the girls gossiped about me when they got in trouble. They always thought I put my mom up to it, or told lies because of course they weren’t bad or anything *rolls eyes*. Then when we moved to a small town, I was the new girl so the gossip was all about me, all the time. And most of it was made up stuff like I slept in a coffin or talked to ghosts. Which you can understand why by reading the next question!

2. A little bird told me (okay I was blog stalking you…) that you are a step daughter to morticians, corpses and all. Have you ever used your experience or stories to create a novel surrounding it? Or are you terrified of corpses like me?

I love blog stalkers! Confession-I was freaked out when my mom married a mortician. I thought my life was over (this happened in the beginning of my teen years). I had so many embarrassing moments that led to all that gossip I mentioned (picked up from school in a hearse (with a dead body) to start with. At that time, it was traumatic and I was horrified by it all. But after awhile, I just got used to it. And yes, I wrote a book about it! It’s an MG novel called DEADIES DON’T GOSSIP (notice a theme here?) which is based on my experiences but I turned it from total drama into a humor story. Fingers crossed that it will be published someday. You know Jen, the best way to get over your fear of corpses is to be around them. Want to hang out in my old town?

3. Author and Illustrator… tough question but which do you love more? Do you create your own illustrations for your novel or does someone else?

Writing is my first love. I just recently got back into illustrating. Back in my teen years I loved drawing and writing, but I seemed to give up the drawing because I didn’t think it was good enough. I could never give up the writing though, it was something I always felt compelled to do. I absolutely love doing both right now. With my book series, Gossip from the Girls room (2011) and Rumors from the Boys Room (2012) I do all of the illustrations myself. I’m hoping to do illustrations with other books in the future outside of this series as well.

4. What do you find to be the hardest part of the writing process?

I would have to say the deadlines. And it’s not making the deadlines that are difficult, but it’s knowing you have a deadline. Before, I could write anytime I wanted about anything I wanted, whenever creativity struck. With deadlines, you have to make the creativity work by a certain date and that can be very difficult. I sometimes will hit a brick wall with my story and instead of taking a few days to figure it out, I have to really work that much harder every day because I know my deadline is right around the corner. Sometimes it feels like a deadline even stops my creativity flow, but I think it’s just a matter of remembering to keep that date pushed to the back of my mind and enjoy the writing or else it’s too stressful. It’s just one of the things you learn and try get used to during the process of publication.

5. If you were forced to live in a house with one of your characters who would you choose and why?

Oooh, that’s a tough one! It definitely wouldn’t be the character that lives with the corpses, been there done that! I would have to say Sofia from my debut book, Gossip from the Girls’ Room. Even though she’s a cartoon, I’ve spent more time with her than any character and I feel like I actually know her. And she is so hilarious. There would never be a dull moment living with her, and really, who wouldn’t want to live with someone who likes Zombie Cows and doesn’t mind getting into a little bit of trouble every now and then?

Fun and Random Questions

Pizza: All cheese with white garlic sauce topped with feta. Yum!
Ice Cream: chocolate with brownie chunks
Pirate or Spy: Spy!
Mountains or Beach: Definitely the beach.
Book: The Hunger Games
Book Series: Twilight (just finishing Break of Dawn) Love it! And yes, I know I’m behind.
TV Show: I’m a reality show junkie. Bring on the drama!

Be sure to check out Rose at her website/blog! She's awesome!

The Near Witch

Day Two of Featured Writers Week!!!

Today's Featured Writer: Victoria Schwab

Debuting her novel The Near Witch in August 2011

The PM listing makes me smile, simply for using the phrase “darkly romantic fairy tale”, but here’s the slightly longer pitch:

There’s an old ghost story in the town of Near. It tells of a Witch that lived on the edge of the village, and gobbled up all the darkness, and sang the hills to sleep, and loved the children almost as much as the garden she kept beside her house.

Sixteen-year-old Lexi Harris has heard the stories her entire life, first from her father, and then from old Magda and Dreska Thorne, the two Witches who live on the edge of Near. Everyone loves to tell the story, but everyone knows a different ending. Some say that the Near Witch blew away on a gust of wind. Others tell of darker things.

To Lexi, they’ve always been stories, nothing more. But when a strange and silent boy walks into the village of Near, and then the wind begins to lure children from their beds at night, she starts to wonder if there’s any truth in the tales. Why are the children vanishing? Who is the newcomer? And could the Near Witch be more than a ghost story?

1. So have you always written in the YA ghost story genre or did this story just kind of fall in your lap?

All my stories fall into my lap, I think, but the thing they have in common is a desire to reinvent. I like to create a new mythology rather than relying on existing ones. I also have a thing for doors/boundaries. In-between spaces, lines between worlds, these things show up a LOT in my stories.

2. Are you a fan of ghost stories, or do they scare the pants off you? Or both!? I know I love a good ghost story but they can sometimes terrify me!

I actually have NO tolerance. I can’t watch scary movies or read super creepy books, because I have a VERY vivid imagination and will scare my own pants off. But for some reason I can write them (mind you, mine are more in the Grimm’s fairy tale vein than the Stephen King one, but those original stories are messed up! :p) perhaps because I know the ins and outs, so it doesn’t scare me.

3. So how do you find your characters, do they speak to you, do you create Character Collages, research baby names?

Characters almost always come with names. I can’t start writing a character unless I know that name, or find it. I have chats with them to the point of outside concern :p I learn most of their details by writing them in situations that perhaps don’t have anything to do with the book, just to see how they respond to stress, change, etc.

4. Do you have any other works up your sleeve?

I do, I do ;) I’m not supposed to say anything about it yet! But I ALWAYS have something up my sleeve. In addition to cookies.

5. I’m sure everyone wants to know, as do I, how long did it take you to snag the perfect agent, feel free to share the story!!! Squee! We love fabulous stories!

I was in college. I wrote a book called THE SHADOW MILE. It needed work. I shelved it. Six months later. I saw a contest (on Nathan Bransford’s blog) and pulled TSM out, dusted it off, entered. It was in the top 3! I thought, “Hey, I should do something with this! I began revising, and querying, and a week and a half later, I signed with my amazing agent, Amy Tipton. (TSM went on sub, had a sickening number of close calls, and then I wrote THE NEAR WITCH because I needed an escape from submission stress. The rest is history).

6. What do you do when you aren’t writing?

I’m almost ALWAYS writing something, either drafting or editing, but when I’m not, I try to read as much as possible (I can only read certain things while I’m actually writing. I’m also prepping for grad school, so I take classes and study. I love to travel, and I’m part of the vlogging group the YA Rebels, so I’m always prepping/filming for that.


Fun & Random Questions

Mountains or Beach: Mountains.
Pizza or Fried Chicken: Pizza.
Favorite Weekday: Is there such a thing? I’ll say Friday!
Pets: I have FIVE. Three dogs and two cats. It’s a jungle and I love them.
Dinosaur or Dragon: Dragon, duh!
Currently Reading: MATCHED by Ally Condie and THE AENEID by Virgil :p …and my CP Myra’s awesome book HOURGLASS, and…this could take awhile.
Favorite Author: Tie between Neil Gaiman and Cassandra Clare
Favorite Book & Book Series: The Mortal Instruments
Favorite TV Shows: The Mentalist, Castle, and Lie to Me
Favorite Writing spot: Coffee shop. I actually love the ambient noise. I’ve written entire books in one location, I get a little obsessive about it, as if I start to associate a level of creativity and focus and story with one place. I get sad when I don’t have a good writing haunt.
Added: FAVORITE BAKED GOOD! CUPCAKES!

You should visit my website. I did it myself! I supposedly have a degree in design! From a university! And it might be the worst degree to have as an author because you almost never have creative control, or even input, but there you go :p

And thank you so, so much for having me, and for putting up with my emoticon addiction. I promise THE NEAR WITCH is emoticon-free.

Isn't she AWESOME!!! So for more of Victoria be sure to visit her website and blog!

Lipstick Laws

This week is the official start of:

Featured Writer's Week! (Yes this week will be extra long posts... a normal no-no for me, but with interviews... of course there are exceptions!

I love these weeks! 5 days filled with awesome bloggers and authors! I am actually cheating and there will be 8 authors total that I'll share within these next two weeks! So prepare for the awesomeness!

Today's featured writer: Amy Holder

Debuting her novel The Lipstick Laws in April 2011

At Penford High School, Britney Taylor is queen bee. She dates whomever she likes, rules over her inner circle of friends like Genghis Khan, and can ruin anyone's life as easily as snapping her perfectly manicured fingers. Just ask the unfortunate few who have crossed her.

For April Bowers, Britney is also the answer to her prayers. With zero friends and nothing close to a boyfriend, April is so unpopular, kids don't know she exists. That is, until Britney notices her. One lunch spent at Britney's table, and April is basking in the glow of popularity.

But Britney's friendship comes with a price tag.

How much is April willing to pay?

Now let's get on to the questions!

1. Were you Britney in High School or more like April?
Personality wise, I was more like April. I was unsure of myself at times, a bit boy-crazy, longing for naturally straight hair (and still do), and I sometimes succumbed to peer pressure out of my desire to fit in. As an adult, I've realized that being unique totally trumps fitting in with the crowd.

2. Did your school follow certain rules for being popular?

Rule #1 - Dominate and train a herd of trusty followers.
Rule #2 - Always be nice to people's faces.
Rule #3 - Stay on top of trends, and know when to jump ship from sinking trends.
Rule #4 - Do WHATEVER IT TAKES to keep your popularity stock high.
Okay, I'm just kidding. Thank goodness there weren't any actual popularity rules, because that would be so wrong on so many levels. And you may just get a taste of those levels if you read The Lipstick Laws. But of course there were common unwritten popularity rules in my high school like being social, having popular friends, going to all the hot spots and parties, and claiming a socially coveted seat in the cafeteria, just to list some.

3. If you had the choice to step into any character (outside your book) who would you choose and why?

This is such a fun question! I'd probably want to be Hermione Granger because who wouldn't want to be muggle-born with magical powers? She has the best of both worlds, plus she gets to marry Ron Weasley... and I'd love to be a part of the Weasley clan. Not to mention, Hermione's parents are dentists, which means I could probably get laser teeth whitening whenever I want without going broke. Case closed.

4. Care to dish the dirt on any upcoming novels?

Right now I'm working on a contemporary YA novel with a paranormal twist. I'm planning on tackling a fun middle grade novel that's been brewing in my mind since 2003 after that. And I have tons of other stories in my brain that are pacing in line, just dying to get on paper.

5. Is there anyone who inspired you as a writer?

My parents always encouraged my creativity and nurtured my love of books, so they definitely inspired me from the beginning. As a child, I was also motivated to write my own stories after being completely captivated by Shel Silverstein and Roald Dahl books. Today, I'm inspired by Sophie Kinsella's amusing plots, Meg Cabot's endless imagination and productivity, and the laugh out loud humor of Louise Rennison.

6. Is this the first novel you've written?

Hmmmm... if you count my many attempts at writing novels from elementary school and on, I'd say I'm a pretty practiced novelist at this point. On the other hand, if you only want to count the ones worth publishing, I'd say this is my first.

Fun & Random Questions

Pizza joint: Mark's Pizza out of Rochester NY! I miss it and my mouth is watering now just thinking about it!
Favorite subject: Psychology
Lipstick or Lipgloss: Bring on the lipgloss!
Hot Jock or Drama Geek: Can I say a creative, hot jock?
Favorite book: You're killing me with this one! I have too many to choose from, but I'll go with one of my favorite classics and say A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.
Favorite TV Show: Project Runway! "Make it work!"


Thank you so much Amy!! Be sure to stop by Amy's blog, website and more about her upcoming novel!

Seriously... People Rock

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, for making my very first blogfest such a successful one! You guys were amazing!

I was fortunate enough to read some of your very special stories, those snippets that you've been revising for quite sometime and those who were brand new trying it out for size.

You allowed everyone to guess even though the character you envisioned could have been entirely different and rather than sticking your head in the sand you laughed along with the rest of us on what people guessed!

I had a ton of fun, and if another creative idea pops into my head you bet I'll be posting all about it and I hope you'll join me in another awesome blog fest!!!

So for those who have yet to see all that is awesome here is Part One, Part Two, and the Participants.

Next blog fest I'm joining in on is Emily White's Fairy Tale Blogfest on August 30th, it's going to be wild!!!

On even MORE exciting news I wanted to tell you about my good friend Jessica over at The Alliterative Allomorph! She is holding an amazing contest built just for writers, published and unpublished! You'd be donating to an AMAZING cause and along the way set yourself up for some AMAZING prizes!!! Trust me, it's worth a look-see!

So bounce around the blogosphere and make sure you stop by all the awesome!!! Make sure to check out my sidebar for all the other awesome giveaways around town!!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!!!

Guess that Character - The Big Reveal!

PaRt TwO of this spectacular fun fest!!!

Again a huge thanks to all those who participated and for all those who took the time to blog hope and give your guesses! 61 of you joined in on the fun... Did you hear me??? 61!!! Without you this would not have been a success!! So make sure to visit the others!!

Isn't this the perfect way to end the week? Revealing the characters!! Were you close? Did you get anything right?

I've provided two pictures and I will tell you a little bit about my character and help with descriptions, since let's face it, my character isn't as good looking as the actress I'm about to show you!

Sadie Jones is played by the lovely and talented Selena Gomez. Yes my character was indeed a girl.

Real Description of Sadie:

Long black hair, unlike her mother's adorable blonde locks. Blue eyes, the only trait her mother happened to pass down. Short in height and an oval face that didn't help her fit in either. As far as clothing goes earth friendly is an understatment, it's almost earth friendly meet hobo style... but that's all about to change when she moves to Cascade.

A little more info on Sadie:

Sadie isn't your typical teenager, She's a witch. (Ironic I know. I hadn't realized Selena was the oh so fabulous actress who played on the Wizards of Waverly, but hey guess it was just meant to be! *focus jen focus*) What makes matters worse is that she's also the girl that nobody likes, the one the Queen Bee (Stacy Finnegan & Veronica - who you've yet to meet) can't help but pick on her (PS they've already made this judgement before they even knew she was a witch! I know, I know! I can't believe it either!). Which is why she wants to murder Stacy Finnegan.



When Sadie is kicked out of school her mother decides it's time to move on and start a new life. She takes Sadie to a small town in Iowa where they must start over. This time Sadie has a plan, to take down the Queen Bee before she takes down Sadie. Problem is the new Queen Bee is Veronica, and she's got a secret of her own. Nothing in Sadie's world is ever easy.

Below I decided Sadie should give her best impression of the prissy Queen Bee pose, I think she rocked it don't you?



So were you close? Way off? I had a lot of fun reading your responses and my absolutely favorite was Nicole Ducleroir's answer! She guessed it spot on... Selena Gomez was her entry! Way to pick my character Nicole!

Guess that Character!

It's Here!!! It's Here!!! My first ever blog fest! I want to thank everyone who decided to join in on the fun! To those who have done a blog fest before and those who are new, you are all welcome and loved!

I promise that I will visit each and every one of you!!! So who has all decided to join on the fun?? All these awesome participants!

This is a two day fun fest!

Day one (yes, that would be today) everyone will share a piece of their story and your job is to guess what you think their main character looks like!!!

Day two (yes, that would be tomorrow) everyone will do the big reveal and that's where the reactions take place!

This is the perfect time to learn what people really think your character looks like!!! So enough chit chat... LeT's GeT sTaRtEd!!!!

sNiPpEt Of SaDiE

I wanted to murder Stacy Finnegan. I gave her the biggest death glare I could muster, it didn't make a difference, that ice princess wasn’t phased. Of course, it didn’t help that I was the freak in the school. Being the “new” kid and having a mom who bought only earth friendly clothing, aka rugged jeans and ugly colored t-shirts, didn’t make fitting in easy. My mom hadn’t listened to my feelings, not that she ever had she preferred torturing me. I begged her to move and it's not like we hadn't done it before. She was notorious for having our bags packed without any kind of warning always telling me that the "earth" told her it was time. Yeah, that's my mom, the biggest hippie on the planet. Trust me, it’s a nightmare. Why couldn’t the earth look out for me this time?

When I was younger I would cry, beg her to stay but she said it would only happen when she’d been told. Yeah if a tree started talking to me I would want to run too, no wonder my dad left. He never understood her, or me. The day he left she gave up her gift; the magic she once loved and shared disappeared. She’d spend hours outside working on the latest mosaic piece that we could have sold for money, but she said the earth had bigger plans for it. I don’t know if I would call bigger plans making it a pathway to her work space, but whatev’s I'm not the expert.

EnD oF SnIpPeT

Give me your best guess!!! What does she look like? Come back tomorrow for the big reveal!!! Check out all the other awesome entries as well!!

Blog Addict

Blog Addict? I know I am and I'm finding that with less time I'm looking for the perfect blogging style!!!

Several of you have been emailing me on what it takes to be a better blogger. How I've gained so many bloggers and how I always have something to talk about, so I've decided that a post is in order.

Tips for the making's of a better blogger:

Super long posts suck!

Keep it fun!

Stalk until you drop!

Commenting is a must!

Stay Organized!

Whining is for babies!

Just a quick elaboration on all of what I wrote. No one has time to read a super long post, especially those with a huge following! The shorter the posts the more time to read and actually comment. If you want comments YOU MUST comment, nothing is free! Make sure they are heartfelt, you want to show the blog author you actually read their stuff. Keep a good schedule, if you're sporadic with posting your bloggers will be sporadic in visiting. Keep your blog positive! If you whine to much no one will want to listen.

So there you have it! This is what it takes to be a better blogger! I hope I helped inspire your journey to continue to make the blogging world a happier place :)

Feel free to add extra thoughts!

Tomorrow is the blogfest!!!! Hooray! If you've yet to sign up you still can!! Just visit HERE! Next week is Featured Writer's Week and the following week will be the continuation of In Their Own Words!!!

You like my look?

Hi!!!

I know double posts... it's like a theme these days, but I've been having trouble loving my blog and I was looking for some honest opinions.

Okay not really, I just want you to tell me that you like my sexy new look and then call it day.

Is it easier to navigate?

Easy on the eyes?

You like the colors?

Does it seem like me?

Okay after you're done giving me the confidence I'm in need of, go check out my real post for the day. I give you Tully.

In Their Own Words - Tully

There are two sides to me. I'm a Traveler and a Head of House. Both of these roles are stressful but save lives. Watching lost souls, those in the in-between arriving at my house break my heart. It's all the same situation.

One bad thing happened for them to end up on my front porch. There is one reason they come to me, they have an opportunity, to catch the killer and prevent them from hurting anyone else. Some survive and are able to go back to the real world, but most stay in the Traveling world. Once their tasks are complete they are asked to say as a Traveler.

Some don't stay. Some decided to become roamers. That breaks my heart even more, roamers leave my house and are left to a life of loneliness, they are wiped clean of all their thoughts and that is the end of them.

My role as Head of House is to give each recruit or traveler tasks to help them catch their killer. My latest recruit, Lauren, is like nothing I've ever dealt with. Her story is heartbreaking and her courage reminds me a lot of myself. My second role is what I started out as, a Traveler, you could say I have two personalities.

Being a traveler is hard, catching a killer is even harder, but it's what I do, and I'm the best at it.

In Their Own Words - Fina

Happy Monday!!! This weeks posts are all about the characters!!! Getting inside their minds and learning a bit more about them! It's perfect considering the week ends with my awesome Guess that Character Blogfest! Make sure to sign up!!!



Fina - Fairy of Raslina

It's hard being part of the human world. My wings aren't an accessory, they're a part of me, they are who I am, but the last thing I need is to be known as a freak. Things weren't supposed to be this way, I am known as a traveling fairy, one who travels to the human world and other kingdoms to pick up certain supplies that we are lacking. This time wasn't that simple. Someone or something passed through the spells cast over Raslina and compromised our Kingdom, which means I'm stuck in the human world until they weed out the issue.

Welcome to my nightmare. Stuck here I now have to fit in, trust me this isn't easy. My best friend Elsa and I have never been apart, normally she is my support system but now I'm alone in a world I know nothing about. What's worse? I'm forced to attend High School to fit in better until Raslina allows all of us back.

My first attempt in the human world did not go well. It seems that my studies in Raslina, flunking didn't used to be my strong suit but I've recently picked it up and now it's stuck on me. That's when Jase offered to be my tutor. He's a hunk, sort of hard to say no. Until I met Erica, she's loved by all in High School, the popular girl, head cheerleader, you name it she has yet, all except Jase that is. That doesn't mean she doesn't want him. She does, and she's told me several times. It only makes it harder to work through. I'm just not used to all this stress, hopefully before Erica becomes even pushier I can go back home, at least before it's to late.

What's happenin' in the bloggin' world

Happy Saturday!!!!

Saw Eat, Pray, Love lost night... my review?

Awesome!! It was everything I had hoped it would be and more. I think you should read the book first, not because you need it to see the movie but because it will mean so much more. Definitely worth seeing!!!

Okay so what's happening on the blogosphere? Lot's of things!!!

Up first:

This week on my blog I'll be doing a segment our very own blogger E. Elle over at The Writer's Funhouse created titled In Their Own Words. My characters will share their thoughts, fears, problems and more M-W!!!

My Upcoming Blogfest!!!! Guess that Character blogfest is on the 19th & 20th (this Thursday & Friday)to finish out the week! If you've yet to sign up please stop by and read to see if it's something you'd like to do, then join in on the fun!!! Don't forget to grab the badge :)

Amy Holder is giving away 3 $30 Amazon giftcards and out of those winners one lucky winner will giveaway her very own signed ARC copy of The Lipstick Laws.

Jennie Bailey over at Garden Full of Lily is having a fun-tastic summer giveaway!!! Tote, books, candy, and lip smackers!!! Stop by and check it out!!!

Christine H. over at The Writer's Hole is having a fantastic giveaway for the month of august!!! Books, coffee, chocolate, and memo pad fun!!! Check it out!

If you didn't get your giveaway listed, let me know and I'll make sure to give you a shout-out next round!!! I hope you have an awesome Saturday!!!!!

fRiDaY iNsPiRaTiOn

Stephanie over at the Writers Cocoon is giving away a copy of her book A Bitch Named Karma (I WAN'T IT) she needs five more followers by today, so if you could please hop over and help me out, and her with her awesome novel I'd appreciate it!! ;)

May your weekend be filled with many inspired works! Just to help with the inspiration here are a few quotes and inspiring sentences from Writer's Little Instruction Book by Paul Raymond Martin

1. Trust your hunches

"trust your hunches... hunches are usually based on facts filed away just below the conscious level. Warning! Do not confuse your hunches with wishful thinking. This is the road to disaster." - Dr. Joyce Brothers

2. See life as it is, but write about life as it might be.

3. What works, what doesn't

"If it's working, keep doing it.
If it's not working, stop doing it.
If you don't know what to do, don't do anything." - Dr. Melvin Konner

4. The road to unfinished work is paved with good intentions.

5. The road to published work is always under construction.

Happy Writing!!!

PS - I'm going to see Eat, Pray, Love this evening and if you haven't heard of it please snag the book, you won't be disappointed!!! Squee!!

Seriously Awesome

I know, I know, you're thinking "What doesn't she get enough comments in the morning, does she seriously need more attention?" but this isn't for me... this is some awesome blog love right here... You know I love you more than a fat kid loves cake (we've been over this)!

So here is the love...

Check this chick's blog out...

Her name is Emilia and she's known as The Punk Writer Kid! You will not be disappointed.

What's over there you ask?

A music video about procrastinating. Yup that's right... she's taken the song Tik Tok and re-named it Clik Clak, it's complete with lyrics down at the bottom just incase you don't get it all!!!

What are you still doing here, hop over NOW!

Truth Thursday's - Book Love

BiG NeWs!! Blogger and author Amy Holder is giving away a signed ARC copy of her upcoming novel The Lipstick Laws and three lucky winners will be receiving $30 Amazon giftcards! So be sure to jump over there when you're done reading my ridiculously awesome truth thursday :)

I love Truth Thursdays!!! Today is extra special, it's just my views on books I've read, I've heard of, and more!

1. Zombies scare me. Just the thought of something that has no problem having someone say “FLESH-EATING ZOMBIES” isn’t right. I mean, why not try and be a vegan Zombie? Maybe I’d consider changing my opinion of you?

2. Does anyone else find it wrong that people are falling in love with animals these days? I mean come on… Jacob is part werewolf, isn’t that enough to make you run away? Teen Wolf anyone? Yeah I’m not down with that… I’d rather go with the sparkly vampire (sorry Candyland) as wrong as I think sparkles on vampires are, loving a wet dog just doesn’t work for me.

3. Why does everyone give Voldemort such a bad wrap? I mean is he really that bad of a guy? Harry spends all his time rubbing the fact that he has friends in Voldemorts face; I’d be pissed off to and wants to ring his little neck. Besides sometimes Harry whines a little too much, and I’ve never been a fan of whiners.

4. If I were to be a princess I would like to be Anne Hathaway’s version. Anyone who can get away with saying “Shut up” and have a cat named Fat Louie while still maintaining royal status is A-Okay in my book. Seriously she gets to wear jewels, kick ass dresses, AND slide down an air mattress on royal stairs, what could be better than that?

5. I’ve been thinking about Fairytale land and who I’d rather be. This one was tough, Sleeping Beauty is just a princess who is asleep waiting to die, Snow White has to take care of some very opinionated and bossy little dwarfs, Belle is forced to be with a Beast that has serious anger management issues, Jasmine wants to take a life of riches to marrying a dirty “street rat” (their words not mine) and Ariel doesn’t understand how cool being a mermaid is. Are these women really that dense? They really make us look bad. However if I had to choose I suppose Ariel would win, and that is only if (ONLY IF) I get to remain a mermaid and the Prince turns into a sexy Merman… don’t believe it can happen? Read Forgive My Fins.

So what are your truths? Care to work off mine, opinions are welcome :)

Reality

Ninja fast typers, Clerical Monsters, Zombie Cleaning ladies, fairy school teachers, Rockstar bank workers, lobster lover servers, Stay-at-home Vampire Mom's (who don't like little children's biting habits)

We all have jobs, but I'm curious on our journey as writing and aspiring authors where we all began and where we are at now!

Are you a professional working by day and awesome writer by night?

Are you crazy job hopping loony by day and ninja fast writer by night?

Are you a stay home writer, mom, and write all day?

I'm interested to know all different walks of life! I'd love to hear what you all did before you came that full-time writer, or what you're still doing until you get there! What pays the bills until you sell that NY Time Bestseller (Yes we can all dream)!

My jobs:
Grocery and Market jobs
Retail job
Inbound call center for infomercials
Server
Data Entry

Still working towards full-time writing :)

Dreaming Crazy

ZoMbIeS... MoNsTeRs... FaIrIeS... WiTcHeS... WiZaRdS

It appears my dreams have been taken over by all different types of characters lately. I'll say it's been one wild ride this week!!

A the beginning of the week ZoMbIeS were roaming throughout a school hallway having "ZoMsTer" fights with MoNsTeRs. They were rivals... go figure.

FaIrIeS envaded my dreams mid-week where I dreamt of a distant land named Ralsina, evil fairies had their wings clipped for monitoring, and a young fairy named Fina whose given the opportunity of a lifetime being sent out of the kingdom and into the human world. It's fun until she's locked out of her world and forced to live among humans. Not everyone is kind in High School.

Sadie showed up at the end of the week. Which brings up the world of WiTcHeS and WiZaRdInG World.For those who don't know her or our relationship read here. She's decided she's ready to talk so I'm listening. Low and behold she is a badass who has an agenda, to take Veronica down for making her life a living hell.

Stories are brewing, good things to come for the remainder of the summer and most certainly into the fall... and I'm sure you will all be happy to hear that the collector should be back come those winter months... october is such an eerie month that I think he'll be creeping back up.

What stories do you have brewing?

Informal Book Club

Happy Monday!!!!

This weekend I hung out with a few of my girlfriends and one of them gave the rest of the group each an envelope. It was such a great opportunity I had to share it with you to see who was all interested!!! So here are the details!!

Informal Book Club

There is no money involved so it is legal and fun.

All you have to do is send a book (paperback, audio book, hardcover) that you have already enjoyed to the person listed on the back of the sheet I will mail to you. There is no need to box the book you mail; a mailing envelope is fine. Be sure the book you send is still in good condition, we don't want anyone being shorted out on the fun.

How do you know where to send the book to?

The letter that will be mailed will have a address label listed on the back (that is where the book will be sent) from there you will make 6 copies of the letter and attach the 6 address labels I provide for you. Find 6 people you would like to join in on the fun and send the letter (with my address label on the back) and 6 address lables of your own (loosely in the envelope) so you can receive books.

What's the point of this? Sending out 6 letters means you will eventually get 36 books for FREE!!!! You are only sending letter amongst friends and people you know so you can already see how much fun and how easy this will be!! It will be interesting to see what kind of books you'll receive!!

So anyone want to join??? I'm hoping you all say yes! If you'd like to be apart of something super cool say yes in the comment section provided with your email address and I'll contact you for your address! Who doesn't love books!

ONE MORE THING - If you cannot do this soon (withing a few weeks of when you receive the letter) let me know so that we can be fair to all participants. I don't want anyone waiting to get their novels.

PS - If you haven't heard about my upcoming Blogfest please check it out and sign up!! Happening the 19th and 20th!

DL Hammons HIGH DRAMA BLOGFEST

I think it's super cool when I see tons of my fellow bloggers with DL Hammons name plastered over all of their posts for today!!! Just shows what an awesome bunch of bloggers I'm hanging around with!

Today's your big day DL!! You're a Rockstar Celebrity!!! Go ahead, soak it all up! PS thanks for the muffins!! To check out the others participating go here!

So the piece I'm sharing with you today is part of the very first novel I've ever written. Now I know the original goal was 500 words or less so I tried to remain kind and stay as close as I could, and you'll be glad to know that 504 was what I ended up with! So this is where Lauren my MC finds herself in a not so nice situation with a serial killer! Hope you enjoy!

Someone was in my house. This was my first time to sleep alone in the cabin, and I had hoped it would not be my last. Lying in bed I pulled the covers up to my chin, analyzing the situation. I knew I only had a few minutes, everyone of them needed to count. I heard footsteps approaching, deep powerful steps, I had hoped it was Ricky just messing around but the fear standing on the back of my neck told me otherwise. My heart raced as the footsteps approached my bedroom door, they were coming for me. They could have had anything they wanted, I wouldn’t have told a soul, I wouldn’t have known being so far back at the end of the house, but they wanted me, the goose bumps across my arms only confirmed the truth. I placed a hand over my mouth to prevent from screaming, I wanted to yell for my neighbors but I knew there was still to much I was risking.

Thoughts raced in my mind for a plan, something, anything but when I came up empty I knew there wasn’t time to be upset about it. I needed to move forward. Not making a peep I realized the footsteps had stopped and were right at my bedroom door, any minute this man would come in and I needed to be ready. Quietly I planted my feet on the cold wooden floor and shuffled my feet towards the window, tucking my body behind the curtain, praying he wouldn’t notice.

The door knob turns. My heart stops. Closing my eyes I wish for this thing, this person to go away. I peak around the curtain when silence fills the room and their stands a shadowy figure, slapping both hands over my mouth I quiet the screams, tears burn my eyes and fall down me cheeks. I can hear his footsteps approaching the curtains I found safety in, I know I only have a few seconds to make my move, I remember a lamp on the nightstand that only happens to be a few feet away, my timing must be perfect.

I count for strength and courage I’ll need in a few seconds time, One, Two, Three, I fling the drapes towards the shadowy figure and grab the lamp, he’s quick on his feet and stands directly in front of the bed post, my only way of escaping and he’s blocked it. I rip the lamp out of the socket and swing it at him. “What do you want?!” I scream “please, you can have anything you want, just get out!” tears fall in streams down my face, terrified with my hands still shaking I grip the lamp once more and flail it at him. This is my chance for freedom, only a second as he pulls him self together. Right outside the bedroom door just as I start to feel freedom his hands grab my feet and throws me against the wall, it’s the last thing I remember.

Super Hero Links

So what better of a way to spend a Friday then a bunch of ShOuT-oUtS!!!!!!!!!

We have some awesome things happening around the blogosphere and I think it's time they are shared over on this here lovely blog of mine :) So let's get started!!!!

Shannon Whitney Messenger
Check out one awesome blogger who just so happens to be giving away an ARC copy of Torment!!!! Don't you want it??? Stop by her blog and tell her I sent you!

Theresa Milstein
This blogger is a bestie of mine. Always super sweet and just as giving as the lovely cAnDyLaNd. Giving away a $25 giftcard of your choice and a $25 donation to the awesome cause to cure a rare form of cancer! Stop by her blog for more info!

Jennie Bailey - Garden Full of Lily
She is one of my new besties!!! She is hosting an awesome giveaway, and there are only two requirements you must be creative and a coffee addict!!! What do you win?? $25 giftcard to Starbucks!

Kari
Kari is throwing her biggest contest yet!!! Must see (okay so I am giving this shout-out even though I REALLY want to win): Two packages up for grabs! Check it out!!!

Melanie Musings
She has a super cute blog and some awesome swag giveaway!! MUST SEE!!! Be sure to check out all the fabulous swag, you won't be disappointed!

If I've forgotten you, or you don't feel love please include it in the comments below for the world to see :) HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!

Truth Thursday's - Blog Bling Edition

Happy Thursday!!!! So today I thought I'd still stick with the fabulous truth thursdays but rather than referring to the regular world I'd apply this weeks to the blogging world... complete with... AwArDs!!!!!!

Here we go!!!

1. I'm such a rockstar I haven't had time to pass out all my awards! I think I have racked up more than Justin Bieber & Madonna CoMbInEd. (Seriously I think I might need blogger body guards)

2. Commenting is tough. I have so much love for my bloggers. I love you like a fat kid loves cake. So when I don't visit... remember the love.

3. I'm in Revision Hell, then again they should call it second guessing syndrome because everything I write I second guess. Thanks to the bloggers for keepin' it real and showing me love, sometimes someone has to tell me to PUT DOWN THE CANDYBAR.

I know that's only THREE but don't hate, I don't want to waste your time for why we are all here today! So let me give some long over-due blog love!!! I've made a few of my own awards to really show the love! Let's get started!

Cupcake Love Award
This award is for all of those that I love MORE than a fat kid loves cake! You have stood by me and give me so much continual love I can't help but pass it on!

Amber Tidd Murphy
Candyland
Kristin Rae
Talli Roland
Rose Cooper
Carrie Harris
Justine Dell
Jessica (TAA)
Katie (CQG)
Erica Spickard


Crazy Love Award
For those who visit me every day, leave me such special and sweet comments. Making my day cheerful on even some of the most gloomiest of days! I appreciate your CrAzY cOmMeNt LoVe. I will list quite a few here, but if you comment regularly consider the blog award yours!
Jemi Fraser
Theresa Milstein
Jackee Alston
Meredith
Christina Lee
Amy Saia
Carolyn
Lenny
Laura
Kim Franklin
Susan Fields

Newbie Bestie Award
This blog award is extra special! I've had a ton of newbies join me on my journey to publishment since the last time I passed out awards and I want to give them some extra blog love!!!!

Terry Stonecrop
Renae Mercado
Teenage Bride
LTM
Dianne Salerni
Vicki Rocho
Jennie Bailey
Diana Mieczan
Jolene Perry
Angie - Addicted to Books
Victoria Caswell

So there you have it!! Sorry for such the long post! Congratulations to all of the bloggers I listed!!! I'm sorry that I didn't get all of you! Just know that you are loved and if you know you fit one of these awards please TAKE IT!!! You are super special too! Now pass them on!