Oh yeah, I'm awesome.

I've done it!!! I've really done it!!!

31 days of non-stop blogging.

I declare that I'm a NaBloWriMo winner, and it feels fantastic!!!

For all you newcomers I'm normally a M-F type of girl, and that's exactly what I'm going back to!

However something else is in the works for November...

NaNoWriMo!

For those of you who have joined and need a writing buddy I'd love to be yours!!! (Username: Jen_Unedited)

What are you going to write about? What is everyone working on that isn't participating in NaNo? (yeah, I'm keeping this short and sweet)

Ode to Halloween

Yay!!!!!

We made it!!!!!

Tomorrow is Halloween!!!!

You know what that means?

PARTIES!!!!

Are you going to one? What are you dressing as?

My husband's birthday is also tomorrow so we'll have an even better time!!!

So I'm off to help decorate the party! Pictures to come! You'll love them!

Reading... Yeah I love it

I'm an addict. I know, I know, we've had this conversation before, being an addict, can't break the habit of blogging, writing, and reading. It's a cycle that we fall into... hey, at least it's legal.

Since it's friday what better way to end the week than to show off some newly purchased books that have been on my TBR list for a bit...













Pretty right?

Barnes & Noble is so good to us, showcasing all the lovelies along a beautiful wall... just waiting to be read! If only I was a millionaire, I would have bought the whole wall! Since I finished reading one already this week I wanted to share a small review with you... picking up a book this week make sure you have Girl, Stolen within that handful of yours!

Confessions of the Sullivan Sisters by Natalie Standiford, reccommended by Lisa & Laura... it's bound to be good, the synopsis will knock you off your feet!

Wildthorn by Jane Eagland, this one is all about the cover, pure elegance, but the story sounds like a whirlwind, can't wait to share my thoughts!

Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green & David Levithan, a novel I won on the blog!!!!

Girl, Stolen by April Henry, which I completed first after picking up the novel. The cover alone swept me off my feet. Cheyenne Wilder is sick with pneumonia, her step mom Danielle walks into a pharmacy to grab her medication, and the next thing Cheyenne notices is that she's been kidnapped. What's worse is that Cheyenne is blind. This story keeps you on your toes. Being kidnapped is one thing, but April bends her way through a world unlike any other, the descriptions will leave you breathless, imagining for just a moment what it would be like to be in Cheyenne's shoes. When you think the twist and turns have stopped April will be one step ahead of you. It's a wild and riveting ride you're sure to love. After you're done reading you'll want to visit her blog/website, how she researched for this book was amazing, who she met along the way, who proofread her novel. April really did capture the essence of being blind thanks to a wonderful team of experts.

I also had the pleasure of helping a few girls out with their book choices, who knew it could be so rewarding!!! So what are you reading?

Truth Thursdays

You know this is one of my favorites... I mean I'm seriously in love.

Why? Well I guess part of it is the fact that I get to talk about myself... I mean, who wouldn't love that?

So here are my thoughts.

1. I love vlogs. Every stop I make and see one puts a smile on my face. I have this urge to try it out... but I fear that you may think it blows, and then where would we be? (If you think it would suck less than what I think let me know and I'll consider it for November)

2. Michael Meyers terrifies me. Give me Jason and Freddy Kruger, combined they don't even touch the Halloween terror. If you visit my Halloween party with that mask (if you would you're seriously messed up) expect to walk out with bruises before you meet any guests... Jamie Lee Curtis has nothing on me!

3. My husband and I are adults now (don't worry I'll tell you why) since moving to Houston we've been without a dining room table, well now we have one. Though it's yet to really be used come december in the new apartment it shall get tons of use while I write (more or less stare out the beautiful bay windows - pictures to come).

4. Sleeping is something I cherish, but lately the dreams have been scary. That Collector that you all know and love (for those of you who don't know he's a serial killer who haunts my dreams, dying to be written) has returned, along with a new one on the loose. Oh the creepy holiday is in full swing!

5. My cooking sucks. Okay that's not fair... it's more like non-exsistent. I long to cook dinner like a normal wife (at least the stereotype) for my husband, but take-out, pizza and drive-thrus seem to be my specialities. Any ideas to help me break the cycle?

What are your truths?

May Terrify Children

Warning: This may terrify children. It might terrify you as well. Candyland and I are different, this will probably be the most insane post you'll ever come across.

If your eyes diverted to the body suit I ask that you change your focus to the following words...

This is the strange adventures of Candyland and {Insert cooler name than Jen} celebrating our VeRy MeRrY uNBirTHday!

We've never claimed to have our blog posts make sense. We've never claimed to be sane, but Candyland and I do claim to be AWESOME.

Which is why for our Very Merry Unbirthday party we've dressed in our very special one-of-a-kind body suits. (who wouldn't want to have their own body suit?) I've chosen the traditional birthday suit (as close to naked as one can get, paired with heels).

So sit back and enjoy the wine, tea, and treats!

All we ask is that if you take a treat, please tell us what you'd add to our ensembles, I mean I like my outfit, but maybe it needs more?? What would your body suit look like?

Author note: Candyland and I were not harmed in the making of these body suits... okay, so maybe our egos... a little.

Tuesday Twist - Spooky Edition

I am getting such a positive response on my tuesday twist that I'd be crazy not to continue!

For those of you who don't know, I will list three sentences below for you to see if the first sentence is captivating enough for you to want to know the answer! After you read all three you can click the secret revealed link and it will show you what novel to add to your TBR list!

Be sure to tell me which one's you find entertaining and which one's left you without a feeling! This week we are bringing the spooky one's out of the closest! Thanks Summer Ross for the suggestion!

Sentences:
1. I felt her fear before I heard her screams.
2. On Monday morning, Olivia Morrow sat quietly across the desk from her longtime friend Clay Hadley, absorbing the death sentence he had just pronounced.
3. Wedged in the middle of an ocean of people, I gasped for air, but nothing came. The heat from a million writhing bodies radiated over me, their sweat weighing down the air.

Titles:
1. Secret Revealed
2. Secret Revealed
3. Secret Revealed

So what do you think? Any of them grab your attention?

Writer and Sour Patch Kids... it's happening

Quick note: Can you believe I've blogged for 25 days straight! I'm nuts! I'll also be glad for a break, but NaBloWriMo has been a blast!! Well I am looking to finish it strong!

You decide you want to be a writer.
You tell the world. (hypothetically)
Everyone asks what you've written.
You realize you've written nothing.
So you write something.
You tell the world AGAIN. (obvs you haven't learned your lesson yet)
Once asked what you've written you have an answer.
A novel.
What's it called they ask next.
You hadn't thought of a title so you don't respond. (don't be rude and walk away talk about the weather)
You think of a title.
You tell the world AGAIN. (because you're an idiot)
Once you tell them you've written a novel and the title they ask another question.
Do you make J.K. Rowling wages? What's it like being famous?
Then you realize, they think being a writer means you have to be published.

Some moments are sweet, and some moments are sour. It's sort of like a sour patch kids. Little. Bastards. Had any of these moments lately?

Stanley and the Writing World

So I'm trying something out. An experiment of sorts! Everyone who knows Flat Stanley knows he's a traveler, one who loves to jump in an envelope and travel the world, trying new foods, new experiences, new lives.

So here is my flat stanley (colored him myself) and I've decided to see who would all in the writing world would be down for taking Flat Stanley on adventures... and several people have already agreed (because they are so awesome)!

So I'll be letting you know when the page is updated (which can be found under Stanley's Adventures) but for now here are a few authors who have already visited with Flat Stanley...

Alexandra Adornetto visisted Blue Willow and Stanley was overjoyed to be in a photo!

Last week Tony DiTerlizzi, Flat Stanley and I all had coffee at Starbucks, we enjoyed talking about The Search for Wondla, how Tony got his start, how him and Holly Black met, and co-created The Spiderwick Chronicles.

So here's what I know when we got down to questions with Tony...

Hero or Sidekick: Hero (used to be the quiet nerdy guy)
How Tony met Holly (for Spiderwick Chronicles): He worked at Dungeons and Dragons and Holly Black wanted to interview him for the small magazine she worked for. They had dinner and became friends, the rest, is history.
Advice for Writers: Keep writing, HAVE OTHERS READ IT. So many times he talks with writers working towards publishing and they never show their work.
Favorite snacks: Coffee, Macaroons, Fig Newtons
Favorite writing space: IN MY MIND, also a studio (cool way of saying converted basement).
Favorite book: Watership Down

And there's a bit about Tony!

Next stop for Flat Stanley? Victoria Schwab... Cyn Balog... and other awesome authors!

Ghosts-Goblins-Scarecrows OH MY!

Something fun for this holiday season!

Fun or Creepy

Ghosts
Paranormal Activity - Creepy
House Ghosts at Hogwarts - Fun
Stir of Echoes - Creepy
Fabric hanging from trees - Fun

Verdict: Creepy & Fun (a tie)

Goblins
Hands down Creepy.

Verdict: Creepy. Even in Harry Potter.

Scarecrows
Wizard of Oz - Fun
Jeepers Creepers - Creepy
Festivals - Fun

Verdict: Creepy & Fun (favoring Fun)

Care to add to the list? Change my mind on creepy little goblins? Add other movies or novels that make you feel differently?

Do THEY regret that YOU remember?

Announcement - Do you see my sidebar follower count??? Yes it says 900!!! Oh my gosh. I'm blushing! Get ready for a HUGE... EPIC... CRAZY BIG contest in the works!

Okay, now I'm back!

Mean Girls (or boys/guys or vampires) suck.

They etch a place in your brain... a place where you'll always remember them. (Muahahaha)

You grew up with them. (for the record, I've never come across a Vampire, but no judgement if you have)

You fought them. (Unless you were converted, yes that was a vampire joke. I never claimed to be a joke teller)

Maybe you even WERE them. (Shame on You)

They are always in our stories. (Told you I'd remember you)

Your main character isn't allowed to pass GO until they've encountered with one of them.

Villians. Monsters. Queen Bee's. Vampires. (Not Edward)

How did you label the bully in your middle grade/high school years? Who were you in high school? Jock, Pretty Girl, Queen Bee? Do you use someone you remember as a guide for your stories?

Guess if they knew, they'd regret how they treated you. (Fat chance, they probably think they're popular. losers.)

For the record... I was nor the bullied or the bullier, I was the one who sat from the sidelines, quietly tucked away with a book that I pretended to read... stalking at an early age.

Why you're a stalker

Well isn't it obvious? You've just visited my blog, and you continue to visit my blog... that totally makes you a stalker, trust me I would know... I'm the one being stalked.

So why do you stalk me? What is it you enjoy about me? Don't worry I'm not in need of an ego boost, I just started to think (after several people emailed me asking "What are you all about") I've realized as bloggers we never go into details about ourselves... so I've decided to take a leap of faith, and let you all see the crazy you're dealing with.

Thank me later.

Who are you?

Easy Answer: (also uninteresting)

Jen, 24, Writer (told you... total bore fest)

More detail:

Paints toenails
Reads novels
Loves chick flicks
Writes better in coffee shops (Tuscan sun rocks!)
Adore chocolate chip cookies
Imagination at best in bathtub (with running water or without... do.not.mock)
Talk to myself
Sarcastic
Kind (I needed a boost of self-esteem)
Funny (If I don't say it, who will?)
Best friends with blogger/twitter/facebook (and husband)
Slightly controlling (okay maybe more so... who cares)
Overachiever (always setting goals out of reach)
Unrealistic (told you)
Loves adventure (within reason, see, controlling)

So there you go... more about me. How about you? What are you all about?

You can thank me now.

Let's talk... I wanna know you

Real quick I want to give a very, very special shout-out to our blog friend Lenny!!! Today is his BIRTHDAY!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LENNY!!! I hope you get everything you've ever dreamed of!!! Sharon and Candace were so sweet to set everything up for this big day! There were tons of creative people who sent gifts, books, and cards! I hope it made his day very special! Feel free to stop by and wish him a happy birthday!!!

Contest: Amy Holder has Writing & Publishing packs to giveaway, all you have to do is come up with a one line entry using some fun Halloween words! Creative fun! Hop over!

Back to the topic at hand...

So I've been thinking, we need a free day... fun day... whatever you want to call it day.

A day where I ask questions and YOU answer...

(HEY! Where are you going?? Get your tush back here!)

*blushes*

(Sorry - they were just getting a refill on their wine)

So like I was saying... I'll give you my answers but PLEASE fill in the blanks on what you would say!!! Take it as a huge author interview!

That's right! You're being interviewed, so make it count!

Favorite Dessert: Banana Pudding... wait! Chocolate chip cookies... wait! French Silk Pie... wait! (Okay so I have an addiction)

Favorite Superhero: Cupcake Girl (she is a godsend, never a cupcake wasted when she's around)

Favorite time of day: 4PM (finally off work)

Favorite article of clothing: Knee socks

Favorite book: The BFG by Roald Dahl

Favorite fictional relative: Sirius Black (He always meant the best)

Favorite candy: Sour patch kids (sour and sweet)

If I could have any job (do NOT say writer... let's get creative): Personal shopper, beach shell picker-upper, barbie doll maker, full time partier, shoe designer (only the fun sparkly kind)

If I was a beverage: Strawberry Banana Daquiri (Sweet & Sassy & Alcohol included)

Special talents/abilities include: Jumping from one conversation in my head to the next in less than two seconds... Baking the best chocolate chip cookies...

oKaY yOuRe tUrN... make it fun!

Funky Lovin Tuesday

So I've found that you ALL adore my Twisty Tuesdays where I give you a few sentences and have you running off wondering who has written such an awesome beginning.

Why change something if it works?! Plus I adore surprising some of you and also share in your delight when it's already made it to your TBR pile and was pushed up a few spots just from these posts!!!

1. "Which one of Johnny Burwell's eyebrows do you think is cuter?" Sarah asked.
2. This was getting old.
3. I wish I had a boyfriend.

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

These were all different, nothing based on spookiness, just fun reads that I've wanted to add to my TBR pile!!! So what do you think? Which one's would you choose? Do you have a specific genre you want me to tackle next week?!

Tonight Tony DiTerlizzi will be at Blue Willow Bookshop!!! It's at 5pm so be there if you can!!! For more info click the button at the top of my left hand sidebar (yeah it's a mouthfull!)

Etsy... the NEW eBay!

Our good friend Rose Cooper has finally opened up her ETSY account!!!

So what better way to spend a Monday then to share a little bit of her awesome work with you!!! She is after all AMAZING, and not to mention inspirational!!!

















She's an avid blogger, writer (her novel debuting next year!) and an illustrator!!! So please visit her blog, check her out and see all that is awesome, along with her fancy new etsy site! You're sure to walk away with some uber cool items!!!

She's working on comissioned pieces so be sure to check out her blog for her very special post today!! You can also find magnets and bookmarks so be sure to stop by and say hi!

Quick note: Killer Chicks is having a fabulous giveaway that starts today! They are girls who have teamed together to make one KILLER blog. Serious dose of awesome. Must check out! $100 in gift cards being given away!! Why are you still here??

Do you dabble in any other profession besides writing? Do you draw? What other talents do you have up your sleeves?

You're a failure? Join Me.

We all fail. It's apart of life. What we do with is the key.

I'm looking to not fail during this NaBloWriMo and so far we're on day 17 and I'm still going strong. Not to mention I'm still keeping me swagger (hell yeah!) and no one has left me to go find something more interesting. (I'd be lying if I said there wasn't someone more interesting out there... but I beg you, please stay here with me, I hate being lonely!)

Back to failing. I've started to get nervous about this whole National Novel Writing Month approaching in November (NaNoWriMo for those who know the abbreviation). I don't want to fail, I want to make my go of 50K but that's when I reminded myself. Failing is a part of life. If I am to fail then it will happen and I should accept it and keep pushing on. However the more I focus on it the more it will become true.

Even J.K. Rowling admits to failing, and the 12 times she sent out her Harry Potter novels she felt the failure in each rejection letter... but that 13th saw her for what she really was... someone who was going to be huge one day!

Maybe you're the next J.K. Rowling.. and if you are, accept your failures and move on... the faster you do, the faster you'll be sitting with Oprah.

Blogger Note: 13 is a very lucky number and I think it all had to do with a little bit of magic, I think the world of Hogwarts put in a good word for her. Also just incase you didn't know this is Oprahs last year so if you're planning on an interview you better get your tush writing and STOP failing so she'll be interested. Make it EPIC.

What's your latest failure?

No Pants... Scared them right off of ME

Don't worry, during this entire post I will keep my pants on. I promise.

What better way to get closer to the end of the month that I share the top Haunted attractions around the world (or the first few I could find!)

The Top 13!
1. The Bates Motel & Pennhurst Asylum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
2. Erebus Haunted House, Pontiac, Michigan
3. 13th Gate Haunted House, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
4. The Darkness, Creepyworld, & Lemp Brewery, St. Louis, Missouri
5. The Beast & Edge of Hell, Kansas City, Missouri
6. Headless Horseman, Poughkeepsie, New York
7. Netherworld Haunted House, Atlanta, Georgia
8. The Cutting Edge Haunted House, Dallas, Texas
9. Kersey Valley Spookywoods, Greensboro, North Carolina
10. Asylum/13th Floor Hanted House, Denver, Colorado
11. The Dent Haunted Schoolhouse, Cincinnati, Ohio
12. House of Torment, Austin, Texas
13. Nightmare on the Bayou, Houston, Texas!

Can you believe it??? Houston made the list?! Is your state on the list? Ever been to any of these? Care to add to the list?

Blog Action Day

Quick Note: I'm being interviewed!!! I know I know... super dose of awesome! The fabulous Clara over at Pinches of Madness so please check it out!! Wait!! Read my post then go :)

One day. One Issue. Thousands of voices.

Blog Action Day.

3700+ bloggers have come together to empower a nation one ONE topic.

Water.

A huge thanks to Bish for letting me know this was going on. I use this blog to talk about writing, my life, my woes, my struggles, but I never take time to take a look at the bigger picture. My blog has grown and with that I should join a force that is worth fighting.

What does the world talk about online?

GADGETS HANDBAGS BOOKS WRITING LIFE FRIENDS TV SHOWS HOLIDAYS

What if, on October 15th, the same thing is talked about EVERYWHERE.

Something that effects all of us.

Something that can fuel for life, or cause death.

Water. Why Water?

Because almost a BILLION people don't have access to clean water. Because every week 42000 people die from unsafe water. Because clear water could become the SCARCEST resource of the 21st century.

Water is a Health Issue.
Water is a Human Rights Issue.
Water is a Global Issue.

Children: Every week, nearly 38,000 children under the age of 5 die from unsafe drinking water and unhygienic living conditions.
Polluted Oceans: Not only is pollution bad for the environment, it’s also expensive! Death and disease caused by polluted coastal waters costs the global economy $12.8 billion a year.
Water & Poverty: A lack of water contributes to poverty, with parents and children too ill or too busy collecting water to go to school and work.

So that's what I learned. I'm a lot more knowledgeable because of this. To visit other blogs and learn more about the shortage of water feel free to stop by Blog Action.

Sucky Ideas... How to Improve

Are you tired of crap ideas?

Or no ideas at all?

Well the idea bucket is here to save the day, just follow the simple steps listed below!

Place the bucket at the edge of your bed right before you retire that evening.
Recite the mantra "Fill my bucket" three times for the best outcome.
Mail 3 installments of $9.99+ s/h to ideabucketworks

Customer Reviews:
Amy, 35, housewife - I've been struggling for years trying to think of the perfect story when this informercial came on, I had to try it! Thank goodness I did, now I'm going to be a published author all thanks to ideabucketworks!

Disclaimer: We do not give refunds, this method works and we stand by our product. However we are told to notify you that Amy has been compensated for her false review. She did not come up with an idea and is not becoming a published author. We still stand by our product.

If all ideas happened this quickly there would several people writing their hearts out! Unfortunately as writers the one thing that is amazing about us is something that often gives us the most trouble. Ideas do come out of thin air... that's when they're the best, something in our mind is triggered and brilliance erupts on the page.

Lauren Conrad, Hilary Duff, and Snooki do not count.

So if you're feeling a little low on ideas don't fret, they'll start flowing again! For my NaNo I needed to come up with a fresh idea... well if you've checked out my WiP World tab you know that I have all the ideas in the world, and the minute I signed up for NaNo my idea machine broke (No I do not have a machine... or an actual bucket) but after digging a bit I came up with my idea!

So when the ideas are low here are some tips:
1. Watching Jersey Shore might help - I mean it worked for Snooki
2. Imagine what it would be like if you were a pint size little barbie (or Ken) living among humans (Aren't you curious to how you would survive?)
3. Go to a drive-in movie theater and count how many couples are making out... then shower them with popcorn.
4. Watch I know what you did last summer (every edition) and Scream (every edition) to know what NOT to do in those situations.

What? Did you think they were actually going to help you come up with ideas? I'm not the frickin' idea fairy... go find your own.

Blog WORLD AnNoUnCeMeNt

Listen up my awesome peeps... someone I love (and stalk regularly) as recently received her ARC's (like just a day ago) and she has decided to do something OH.SO.FUN!

Share her awesome feelings and giddiness via a Vlog! Give it up for Victoria Schwab... awesome author of The Near Witch... I can't wait to read this novel... and how appropriate with the Halloween festivities around the corner for her to see her cover in the FLESH! So without further ado... her she is peeps!



AND! Here is the awesome pitch for this rockin story:

"The Near Witch is only an old story told to frighten children.
If the wind calls at night, you must not listen. The wind is lonely, and always looking for company.
There are no strangers in the town of Near.

These are the truths that Lexi has heard all her life. But when an actual stranger—a boy who seems to fade like smoke—appears outside her home on the moor at night, she knows that at least one of these sayings is no longer true.

The next night, the children of Near start disappearing from their beds, and the mysterious boy falls under suspicion. Still, he insists on helping Lexi search for them. Something tells her she can trust him.

As the hunt for the children intensifies, so does Lexi’s need to know—about the witch that just might be more than a bedtime story, about the wind that seems to speak through the walls at night, and about the history of this nameless boy.

Part fairy tale, part love story, Victoria Schwab’s debut novel is entirely original yet achingly familiar: a song you heard long ago, a whisper carried by the wind, and a dream you won’t soon forget."

Delicious is it not?!! So stop by and say hello, congratulate her on her fanatstic ARC fest and please in the comments tell me either what you think of this fabulous novel, or what eerie novel you've enjoyed reading during the Halloween holiday!! Muahahahaha!

DARE TO PRE-ORDER! She just found she's on Amazon!!! Trust me pre-ordering would seriously be awesome! You'd be crazy not to!

Adventures with Casie

NOTE: This is a story about Cassie... my name is Jen, but for today this post is not about me, it's just a fun story for a fun ARC contest :) Enjoy!

Adventure is what you make it. My bag is packed with the essentials… a toothbrush (I don’t need my dentist calling disappointed) and my notepad, I mean what else could you possibly need? I throw it on my back and run out of the door there is no time to waste, I mean the portal is only open for another 2 minutes and if I ever plan on making it to Casea then I best be on my way. Rushing out the door I leave the door unlocked, when the rents get home they can lock it, the tongue lashing for leaving the door unlocked will be the least of my worries.

Running up the hill I spot the door, a red one, shiny and inviting, waiting to transform into another world the minute I enter. Oh the possibilities. I dash across the field letting the wind hit my face with each stretch of my body to reach the doorknob before it’s too late.
Just in time, always on time, never early, never late, today it pays off as I open the door and a cloud sweeps me off my feet, faltering I land on my hind end and quickly stand to my feet to take in the beauty. The fresh scent of cut grass, lavender and the quiet sounds of children laughing, I could hardly contain my excitement.

I watched as other cloud travelers floated by in amazement, I would never be able to tell my parents, who would believe I’d ever traveled on a cloud? My whole life I told them it was possible and they always responded that it was water, nothing more. Guess next time I’ll bring a camera, could have definitely proved them wrong.

We stop on open land where I take a step onto the soft luscious grass and a sign into the beautiful city Welcome to Casea I felt more than welcomed, this place was truly magical, each building floated on a cloud, people walking and hopping from each cloud until they reached their destination, talk about new technology… I hoped this would never end.

“Casie,” someone called my name, looking around a shadowy figure appeared “Casie, honey, time to wake up,” the voice became louder and louder. “Casie.”
It was then I awoke and my mom sat on the bed next to me, checking my temperature. Maybe one day I’ll get a real adventure.

Beth Revis, a fabulous blogger and writer has her upcoming book Across the Universe for release in Spring 2011 has decided to giveaway an ARC signed copy of her debut novel. All you have to do is share a story of adventure, which is what YOU just read. Few days left to get your piece up on your blog HURRY!

Talking crap about your WiP

We all do it, working chapter by chapter isn’t easy.

It’s a lot of work and every once in awhile you slip, say something you didn’t mean (or did mean, Shh, we won’t tell if you don’t) Those who say they don’t are LYING.

Clearly we can leave those folks in denial, but for the rest of you, hear me out.

I’m guilty.

I’ll write my first draft, walk away feeling full of life, picking dandelions in the fields (they’re sort of flowers after all) having that glass of wine to celebrate.

Then reality strikes. So many things to revise… ahem, I mean rewrite. You’re angry, it isn’t fair. No one told you that you had to first WRITE the book and then REWRITE the book and then REVISE like a GAZILLION more times.

You walk away not only feeling like DEATH but looking like it too, leaving your men and babies to feed themselves, not shaving your legs even though you know you should. You end up back in the field of flowers and rip the dandelions out of the field, they’re IMPOSTERS, not real flowers, and have a BOTTLE of wine to drown away your sorrows.

That’s when it happens.

You talk about them.

Your REAGO (see Candyland) appears: You tell all your friends your MC sucks (who could give a crap; they don’t even READ books, let alone understand how to write them).

Leaving, feeling completely defeated you go home, ignore your husband and go straight for the scent of real food (seeing as that bottle of wine sort of did you in). Grab that bowl of soup and sit at the computer.

Your TWEEGO (see Candyland) self pops up and twitter and facebook is where you drown your sorrows, #stupidnovelsucks #nomorewineinhouse hoping at least ONE person clicks LIKE just to show that you aren’t alone.

Still not satisfied with talking trash about your WiP you hit your last option.

Your BLEGO (see Candyland) self runs to blogger to leave short post:

MY MAIN CHARACTER BLOWS, THEY RUINED MY WHOLE STORY WITH THEIR DUMB PLOT IDEA.

You know your blogger buddies will share their stories and make it all better so tomorrow you are not so awful to be around.

MORAL of the story: The more you talk about your MC and your WiP, the longer you DON’T shave your legs, your MC IGNORES you, your friends and family AVOID you and your blogger community TIRES of you. Get your ASS back in that chair, grab a cookie and make it BETTER.

D-E-L-I-S-H

Okay, okay, so I brought you here under false pretenses, I'm sure you were looking for some yummy food... but instead I've brought you YUMMY contests & YUMMY books!!!

So.lets.get.started.

I met the fabulous Taryn Kincaid on the blog this week for the first time and I saw that her book released THIS WEEK!!! On the 8th!!! Here is my belated HAPPY BOOK BIRTHDAY!!! Be sure to stop by and check her out! Her novel is Sleepy Hallow Dreams. Now this might not be up your alley as it is an erotic novella, so before you hop over here is a little about it:

Is he the man of her dreams…or her worst nightmare? All Katy Lyndhurst wants is a normal suburban Sleepy Hollow life, despite the strange things that keep happening to her. Blistering hot erotic dreams bleed into her waking hours, making her yearn for her dream lover to materialize. When her sexy dream voyager, Ryck, shows up in the flesh and ignites her steamiest passions, she wonders if he's a sultry fantasy conjured by her fevered brain…or something much more dangerous? Centuries ago, a wicked succubus cursed Ryck Van Winkle to fulfill the desires of sleeping women while unable to take pleasure himself. Only Katy possesses the power to break the spell and awaken him. But Ryck’s defiance sparks the demon’s fury, causing supernatural portals to crumble and allowing demonic minions to threaten Katy and her world. Now Katy and Ryck must battle the forces of darkness together. But will Ryck will be trapped forever in her Sleepy Hollow Dreams?

Beth over at Project 52 is having a very special giveaway! Though I don't want to share... because I want to win it myself, she is giving away a few books, one of them being the fabulous Hunger Games series! Let her know I sent you for some awesome brownie points!!

New follower Deepali is having an awesome 100 followers giveaway! Be sure to go and check her blog out! What's for grabs??? A book $15 book of your choice over at Book Depository!!

Operation Awesome is giving away the White edition for Twilight... just write a fab 200 word fan fiction Twilight story on why you deserve the novel! Hop over for my details!

Lisa Galek is giving away Parnormalcy which I would love to win! Too many awesome giveaways happening!!!

If I've forgotten any of you it's not intentional!!! My email has been piling up and I have done my best to make the proper shout outs!!!

Halo at Blue Willow

I had the best time last Monday at Blue Willow with the lovely Alexandra Adornetto!










She was heavenly! What a doll! I'm still in awe that she is 18 years old and has already written four novels!!! You heard me FOUR! I had the pleasure have reading her very first... and below I've listed the lovelies in order!!!

The Strangest Adventures (MG/YA):
Book 1 - The Shadow Thief
Book 2 - The Lampo Circus
Book 3 - VonGobstopper's Arcade

Halo Trilogy (YA):
Book 1 - Halo
Book 2 - Hades (yet to be released)
Book 3 - Heaven (yet to be released)

To check out all the details on these novels and Alexandra visit here!

She answered questions, chatted with the intimate group that made it out to see her, and was so humble at the excitement that several of us had for her accomplishments!

A few things I learned about her:

1. While writing Halo she attended a coed school and promised her mom she wouldn't write during her senior year... she lasted a week and a half.

2. She started writing at age 13.

3. When a boy she is friends with asks if they are Xavier she tells them "Yes, of course they are," (read Halo to get to know Xavier!)

She is the very first person to join the Flat Stanley project... visit here for more instructions!

The Search for Wondla

I'm being interviewed over at Nicole's blog!!! Check it out!!!

Now for today's post, short, sweet and AWESOME!

Tony DiTerlizzi knows magic.

Imagination is definitely part of his world, he's both an award-winning author and illustrator.

His children's books Wondla, Spiderwick Chornicles, Spider & Fly are loved by many.

He's visiting Blue Willow Bookshop on October 19th and you'd be crazy not to attend! I look forward to watching him bring his stories to life.













What authors inspire magic?
Also just so everyone knows I'm going to have a very special face to face interview with Tony on the 19th before the book signing!! Oh yes, random questions will be asked! Any questions you want to ask him? I'll see what I can make happen! Also he'll be the participating in the Flat Stanley tour (which I'll be discussing next week! Trust me, you want to join!!!)

For the love of writing

This week it's all about magic! One of my favorite things to dream up!

My favorite thing about writing is the ability to write whatever I want. I started writing Chick lits, falling deeply in love with everything I read by Susan Elizabeth Phillips. I soon found that even though I enjoyed the romance I might be a little more prude then I'd like to think.

Love and Romance is awesome to read, but terrible to right, small parts I'm cool with, but the whole thing... I'm out of my league.

Then I found Young Adult, a what a wonderful world it is. I love the ability to shape different worlds, mold them into what I want. There are no worlds, the options are endless. Teenagers have such awesome imaginations that even when you think no one will appreciate the work you've done they will.

In Peloria fairies, wizards, and gypsies are all who reside in this magical kingdom. A place where falling stars are kept for magic, tea's are used for healing, and happiness is in the air!

In Raslina the kingdom is full of beautiful fairies, their wings are vibrant colors, their eyes different shades of the rainbow, their homes are held in the highest trees and each evening they sit at the harbor looking at the city lights in the human world.

What do you love most about writing? Where's the magic?

True Love

Today is my Anniversary!!!!

I'm making today a short post day... after all short and sweet is always the way to go!

3 years of marriage and I'm even more in love with my husband than I was the day I met him (6 years ago).

Love is an amazing feeling, not only to love someone but to also love something more than you ever thought you could!

I am happy to have the things I love the most very close to me!

1. My husband
2. My family
3. My writing
4. Fall weather
5. Chocolate Chip Cookies!

What are the things you love the most?

PS - Happy Anniversary to all those other bloggers out there! I have seen that a lot of us celebrate in the month of October!

Spooky Tuesday

Since everyone loved last week's Twist Tuesday, first sentence style, I figured I would continue the trend, only this week it would be one big Spook-fest!!!

Three novels. Three sentences. Which would you read?

1. Violet Ambrose wandered away from the safety of her father as she listened to the harmony of sounds weaving delicately around her.
2. I could have died three months ago.
3. Detective Carl Hamilton shielded his eyes against the blaring blue lights and flashed his
badge at the police officer.

1. Title Revealed
2. Title Revealed
3. Title Revealed

This weeks was short and sweet! It seems after too much thought regarding posts they've come up short! Easier to read I suppose!

MaGiC and iMaGiNaTiOn

A school for young wizards.
House ghosts.
Love heals all.
Parseltongue.
Charms.
Spells.
House-elves.

Fairies.
Falling stars.
Kingdoms.
Magical forest.

The in-between.
Traveling.
Catching Serial Killers.
Telepathy.

We all have imaginations! As writers we just know how to use them! With fall officially here my imagination is flowing! J.K. Rowling has one of the best imaginations and after watching her interview on Oprah and the latest Harry Potter trailer I find myself hoping to find the same imagination within myself to make a world unlike any other!

When is your imagination at it's best?

Bad Blogger

I've been a bad blogger.

I'm sorry. Life has gotten crazy. I've had to buckle down on my blog schedule. (Check blog schedule to the left...)

Don't worry. I'll make it up to you.

A few things I haven't mentioned but are coming up very soon!

You see my trusty Blue Willow Bookshop badge? Look to the left... it's super cute, I made it myself... if you don't see it yet, I've provided a bigger picture for you to enjoy!



So what is this??? Only the best bookshop in town... if not in the WORLD! I love it, the staff is always sweet and the authors that stop by are just as SWEET! So if you're in Houston or in the surrounding area you should click the badge on my sidebar and check out all the awesome authors coming into town!!

October 4th - 7:00pm - Alexandra Adornetto
She's 18 and already wrote 4 BOOKS! One is a YA titled Halo, and then middle grade novels The Strangest Adventures! You should check them out, they're amazing!


October 19th - 5:00pm - Tony DiTerlizzi
Author and illustrator Tony DiTerlizzi. He will be at Blue Willow to discuss and sign his newest YA novel, The Search for WondLa. For those of you who don't know he co-creator and author of the Spiderwick Chronicles!

I also wanted to let everyone know on top of me joining NaBloWriMo in October I'll be joining NanoWriMo for November, so for all those who are participating let me know and I'll be your writing buddy!!! My username is Jen_Unedited! See you there!

i'Ve LoSt My MiNd... SeRiOuSlY

Are you curious?

Wondering how I've lost my mind yet?

I've joined NaBloWriMo. Yup, I did.

For those of you unaware it means I'll be writing everyday... and I mean EVERYDAY for the month of October. I don't expect everyone to comment away, after all some days the posts might really suck. I hope they won't. But they might.

Okay so weekends are for fun. Well I would like to think every day here is fun, but on Saturday and Sunday they will be mindless. I'll talk of movies, candy, fall, anything I want. So are you ready?

Since we've fallen into October, and you know it's my favorite thing, it only makes sense that I share my favorite things... HEY... maybe on the weekends I'll post my favorite things *makes notes*

Favorite FALL Movies...

You've Got Mail
Meg Ryan, Tom Hanks, the perfect holiday combination. (Owning a beautiful bookshop helps!)

Step Mom
Susan Sarandon, Julia Roberts, the perfect holiday combination. (Makes you laugh, cry, and want the family connection in the end!)

While you were Sleeping
Peter Gallagher, Sandra Bullock (noticing a trend) the perfect holiday combination. (Romance, unobtainable men, awesome family, what's not to love!)

Sleepless in Seattle
The duo are at it again! Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan continuing to swoon woman all over the nation!

Location, Location, Location, Blog Fest

Serena is new to the blogging world but has a super cute and creative idea and I knew I had to join in on the fun!

She listed a few towns on her blog and of those you were to choose one and describe what you thought it looked like, you could draw, write a few sentences, or a few paragraphs.

I chose...

Woodsville.

Woodsville, a town where every morning you wake up a cool breeze greets you out the front door. Outside your window trees cover your line of view, the fresh smell of pine fills your lungs. You grab your jacket and boots, it’s always a bit cool, not to worry, you’re always prepared.

You walk down the path you made over the years of growing up in the area, the roads are built within the trees, you can’t see too far ahead so when on foot roads are avoided. You meet your friend a mile down and continue the journey into town, good company keeps you motivated for the warm cup of joe that will greet you when you get to the local coffee shop.

Arriving into town all you see are friendly faces, everyone as happy to be alive as you are. All dressed in their puffy jackets and color coated boots. You have deep red on, it’s your favorite. Walking into Betty’s Café the aroma of cinnamon fills your nostrils. She bids you good morning and leads you to your usual spot with the frosted window, the warmth from that first cup of coffee and the specially baked cinnamon rolls puts you in a coma that makes it almost impossible to walk back home. Thank goodness your friend joined you because a nice long chat is in order.

There you have it, a description and a serene story of you in such a beautiful place, perfect for the October air. If you'd like to really learn about Woodsville, NH, click here.

To check out the other entries be sure to stop by Serena's blog.