Renae Mercado

String Bridge by Jessica Bell

2011-11-10T19:56:00.015-06:00

Today is THE day to help Jessica Bell's debut, STRING BRIDGE, hit the bestseller list on Amazon, and receive the all-original soundtrack, Melody Hill: On the Other Side, written and performed by the author herself, for free!

All you have to do is purchase the book today (paperback, or eBook), November 11th, and then email the receipt to:

jessica.carmen.bell(at)gmail(dot)com

She will then email you a link to download the album at no extra cost!

To purchase the paperback:

Amazon USA

To purchase the eBook:

Amazon USA

Amazon UK

To listen to samples of the soundtrack, visit iTunes.

If you are not familiar with String Bridge,
check out the book trailer:

Rave Reviews for String Bridge:

“Jessica Bell’s STRING BRIDGE strummed the fret of my
veins, thrummed my blood into a mad rush, played me taut until the final page,
yet with echoes still reverberating. A rhythmic debut with metrical tones of
heavied dark, fleeting prisms of light, and finally, a burst of joy—just as
with any good song, my hopeful heartbeat kept tempo with Bell’s narrative.” ~ Kathryn Magendie, author of Sweetie and Publishing Editor of Rose & Thorn Journal

“Poet and musician Jessica Bell's debut novel String Bridge is a rich exploration of desire, guilt, and the difficult balancing act of the modern woman. The writing is lyrical throughout,
seamlessly integrating setting, character and plot in a musical structure that
allows the reader to identify with Melody's growing insecurity as her world
begins to unravel … String Bridge is a powerful debut from a promising writer, full of music, metaphor, and just a hint of magic.” ~ Magdalena Ball, author of Repulsion
Thrust and Sleep Before Evening

“Jessica Bell is a brilliant writer of great skill and depth. She doesn't pull back from the difficult
scenes, from conflict, pain, intensity. She puts it all out there, no holds
barred, no holding back. She knows how to craft a scene, how to develop
character, how to create suspense. This is an absolutely brilliant debut novel.
I look forward to reading her next novel, and next and next.” ~ Karen Jones
Gowen, author of Farm Girl, Uncut Diamonds and House of Diamonds

And for a very special treat, a word from the author herself:

Check out my interview with Jessica...

Was there ever a time when you felt like giving up?

Actually no. I’ve never ever wanted anything so much in my life. Not even music. When I discovered I wanted to write, something clicked. I finally had a goal I was so passionate about that I finally stopped sticking my fingers in too many different pies. When I was younger, I couldn’t decide what I wanted to do. I loved to sing, play guitar, play piano, dance, make jewelery, study archaeology, and plus some. There were so many things that I wouldn’t spend enough time perfecting any one craft. I finally found the craft I wanted to perfect and so I pushed forward with everything I had and didn’t let anything stop me.

What have you learned about promoting books in your publication journey?

That you sometimes have to bite the bullet and toot your own horn no matter how intimidated you feel. Gosh, I’m loving the clichés today …

What has worked well for you?

Hmm, I think I’m going to keep the clichés going and say … the fact that being with a Small Press meant that the promotion ball was pretty much in my court. Of course, I had to keep my nose to the grindstone, but having such an amazing support system full of people like yourself, Renae, really helped me shoot for the moon and all that jazz.

Aww, you are too sweet! Now was there anything that was a waste?

Absolutely nothing. All is as good as gold!

Fantastic! So tell us...what is your perfect writing situation?

Beats me … any place, any time, really, as long as I’m not banging my head against a brick wall.

Do you have any pearls of wisdom for aspiring authors?

Oh look, you got a cliché in there too! Awesome! Let’s see, pearls of wisdom … Batten down the hatches, lower the boom, raise the mizenmast: full speed ahead!

Ha! I just had to work my own in didn't I? Now, since I'm always looking to add to my TBR pile, what upcoming releases are you dying to get your hands on?

I’ll be all bent out of shape if I don’t get the latest releases written by Marilynne Robinson, Margaret Atwood, Anne Lamott and Raymond Carver … wait, he’s dead … wanna help me dig him up? Because I’m having minimalist withdrawals …

You are too funny! Okay now tell us something about yourself that would surprise us.

There aren’t any clichés in String Bridge. Seriously …

She's right people...and let me add that String Bridge is amazing! Thanks Jessica for answering my endless stream of questions!

To Connect further with Jessica:

String Bridge: http://www.stringbridge.com/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/jessica_bell

Website: http://www.jessicacbell.com/

Blog: http://thealliterativeallomorph.blogspot.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/author.jessica.bell

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/MsBessieBell

Publisher: http://www.luckypress.com/

Please TWEET and/or FACEBOOK this post using #StringBridge!

Let's all help author, Jessica Bell, top the Amazon charts today with her debut novel String Bridge, and receive the soundtrack, Melody Hill: On the Other Side, for free! Visit her blog for more details: http://thealliterativeallomorph.blogspot.com/

Good luck Jessica and thanks everyone for stopping by!

String Bridge by Jessica Bell

2011-10-25T21:14:00.011-05:00

Amazing. Gripping. Poetic. Heartbreaking.

These are just a handful of words that come to mind when I think of how to describe Jessica Bell's debut novel String Bridge. Now I have to admit I'm not good at venturing outside of my young adult comfort zone, but let me tell you that I am so glad I did.

From the moment I began reading String Bridge I was hard pressed to put it down. That's how I measure the quality of a good book. If I walk around my house attempting to multitask while still reading, then I know it has to be fabulous.

Jessica has created a raw and relatable character in Melody. The roller coaster of emotions this character goes through leaves the reader breathless and begging for more. What starts out as a story of a woman striving to reach a lifelong dream soon swerves into something much, much more than the reader can even possibly imagine.

Not convinced yet?
Here's a little snippet...

String Bridge by Jessica Bell (Goodreads Author)

Goodreads Description:
Greek cuisine, smog and domestic drudgery was not the life Australian musician, Melody, was expecting when she married a Greek music promoter and settled in Athens, Greece. Keen to play in her new shoes, though, Melody trades her guitar for a 'proper' career and her music for motherhood. That is, until she can bear it no longer and plots a return to the stage--and the person she used to be. However, the obstacles she faces along the way are nothing compared to the tragedy that awaits, and she realizes she's been seeking fulfilment in the wrong place.

Dying to read it yet? You should be. You need to read this book. But you'll have to wait a little while longer. the official release date for String Bridge is Tuesday November 1st. I know, I know I hate teasing, but I just couldn't wait to share.

To learn more about Jessica you can visit her website here or her amazing blog here.

In My Mailbox

2011-09-26T06:20:00.003-05:00

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren. Anyone can participate in IMM and you are not limited to only sharing books that arrive via your mailbox. You can also share books that you've bought or books that you've gotten at the library. You can find more information on how to participate in the In My Mailbox meme by visiting The Story Siren.

This week In My Mailbox...

Glow (Sky Chasers #1) by Amy Kathleen Ryan

Goodreads Description:

What if you were bound for a new world, about to pledge your life to someone you'd been promised to since birth, and one unexpected violent attack made survival—not love—the issue?

Out in the murky nebula lurks an unseen enemy: the New Horizon. On its way to populate a distant planet in the wake of Earth's collapse, the ship's crew has been unable to conceive a generation to continue its mission. They need young girls desperately, or their zealous leader's efforts will fail. Onboard their sister ship, the Empyrean, the unsuspecting families don't know an attack is being mounted that could claim the most important among them...

Fifteen-year-old Waverly is part of the first generation to be successfully conceived in deep space; she was born on the Empyrean, and the large farming vessel is all she knows. Her concerns are those of any teenager—until Kieran Alden proposes to her. The handsome captain-to-be has everything Waverly could ever want in a husband, and with the pressure to start having children, everyone is sure he's the best choice. Except for Waverly, who wants more from life than marriage—and is secretly intrigued by the shy, darkly brilliant Seth.

But when the Empyrean faces sudden attack by their assumed allies, they quickly find out that the enemies aren't all from the outside.

Hades (Halo #2) by Alexandra Adornetto

Goodreads Description:

Heaven Help Her.

Bethany Church is an angel sent to Earth to keep dark forces at bay. Falling in love was never part of her mission, but the bond between Beth and her mortal boyfriend, Xavier Woods, is undeniably strong. But even Xavier’s love, and the care of her archangel siblings, Gabriel and Ivy, can’t keep Beth from being tricked into a motorcycle ride that ends up in Hell. There, the demon Jake Thorn bargains for Beth’s release back to Earth. But what he asks of her will destroy her, and quite possibly, her loved ones, as well.

The story that Alexandra Adornetto built in her New York Times-bestselling debut, Halo, comes alive in action-packed and unexpected ways, as angels battle demons, and the power of love is put to the test.

The Girl of Fire and Thorns (Fire and Thorns #1) by Rae Carson

Goodreads Description:

Once a century, one person is chosen for greatness.

Elisa is the chosen one.

But she is also the younger of two princesses, the one who has never done anything remarkable. She can’t see how she ever will.

Now, on her sixteenth birthday, she has become the secret wife of a handsome and worldly king—a king whose country is in turmoil. A king who needs the chosen one, not a failure of a princess.

And he’s not the only one who needs her. Savage enemies seething with dark magic are hunting her. A daring, determined revolutionary thinks she could be his people’s savior. And he looks at her in a way that no man has ever looked at her before. Soon it is not just her life, but her very heart that is at stake.

Elisa could be everything to those who need her most. If the prophecy is fulfilled. If she finds the power deep within herself. If she doesn’t die young.

Most of the chosen do.

That's it for this week everyone. Feel free to share what's in your mailbox! I'm always looking for new reads!

Dealing With Rejection Step 7

2011-09-19T06:18:00.012-05:00

Last week I blogged about rejection. We all face it. No matter the stage in our journey.

Little did I know however, that waiting in my inbox was a whopper of a rejection. And it stung. Bad. It was one of those make you want to go back to bed and curl up under the covers kind of rejections.

But then I started getting comments on my post. My friend Matthew MacNish had an amazing concept that made me feel so much better. He is blogging about it today. Be sure to check it out!

Oh and then later in the day I opened a message from my amazing crit partner Lindsay to find this:

Cupcakes help with everything, just in case you didn't already know!

So what does all of this have to do with rejection?

Let me introduce you to step 7:

Rely on your support system. My family is amazing. They always encourage me to keep going and not to give up. But there is something about leaning on your fellow writers that really helps with things (like rejection) that other non-writerly folk might not understand. I received the best advice and encouragement last week and this week I am diving headfirst back into my WIP. And the feedback I received I can look at now and recognize how helpful it is going to be!

Have a great Monday everyone! (I am so trying to put a positive spin on the fact that it's Monday!)

On My Wishlist

2011-09-16T06:13:00.013-05:00

Dealing With Rejection

2011-09-14T06:23:00.003-05:00

Rejection. It's one of those words that no human being alive wants to have uttered in their direction. I mean it's just a wretched, wretched word. But is there something better to call it?

How about the brush-off or maybe cold shoulder. No, those aren't any good. Lets try dismissal or exclusion. Do any of those make you feel any better. No? Okay I've got it-kick in teeth, no dice, no go, no way, slap in the face, thumbs down or veto. Okay, I'll stop, you get the point. To be denied or refused something you've worked so hard for...no one wants that.

But when you're a writer, rejection takes on a whole new meaning. Whether it's a form rejection letter or a detailed description of why your work isn't the right fit, rejection hurts. But everyone gets rejected...and everyone has to find a way to deal with it and move on.

So how is this task achieved you ask? Well I will admit that I am no expert and I have in no way mastered this myself. But here are a few tips that have helped me through the horror that is rejection...

Step 1- Acknowledge that anyone can be rejected, no matter who they are. You must also acknowledge your own rejection in this step as well. You may not want to face that you got rejected, but you did. Remember everyone goes through it.

Step 2- Laugh, cry and get mad. But don't fight your feelings. Work through them and use them to your advantage. Whenever you feel this roller-coaster of emotions ready to boil over, sit down and write about it.

Step 3- Learn from your rejection. Yes, form letters are customary. But there are times when you get helpful advice from your rejections. I combed through each and every reply looking for the slightest hint of insight. Then I used that advice to perfect my query letter.

Step 4- Keep writing. Don't give up. The way some writers avoid rejection is to just quit writing. While that would result in putting a screeching halt to the rejections, it would also put the brakes on your dream of one day getting published. The right agent is out there. This business is subjective and all it takes is one yes!

Step 5- Keep your cool. Yell, scream, cry...whatever it takes. But do it in the privacy of your own home. Don't shoot out a reply to that agent that has just sent you a rejection. At the end of the day the publishing business is a very small world. Agents are human and they do talk. Don't shoot yourself in the foot. Keep a cool head and move on.

Step 6- Comfort food. This most important and final step in the process is a deal breaker. Whether it be chocolate, fried chicken or Ben and Jerry's ice cream. Or maybe all three...give yourself a small indulgence then plunge right back into the thick of things.

Remember each rejection brings you closer to your dream agent...if you'll let it. I used to hate it when people would say that to me. But it's the truth. The right agent is out there for everyone.

So what about all of you out there? How do you cope with rejection? Do you have any helpful tips that I've missed? I'd love to hear them!

In My Mailbox

2011-09-12T06:13:00.002-05:00

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren. Anyone can participate in IMM and you are not limited to only sharing books that arrive via your mailbox. You can also share books that you've bought or books that you've gotten at the library. You can find more information on how to participate in the In My Mailbox meme by visiting The Story Siren.

This week In My Mailbox...

Bloodlines (Bloodlines #1) by Richelle Mead

Goodreads Description:
The first book in Richelle Mead's brand-new teen fiction series - set in the same world as Vampire Academy.

When alchemist Sydney is ordered into hiding to protect the life of Moroi princess Jill Dragomir, the last place she expects to be sent is a human private school in Palm Springs, California. But at their new school, the drama is only just beginning.

Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Bloodlines explores all the friendship, romance, battles and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive - this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone's out for blood.

Fury (The Fury Trilogy #1) by Elizabeth Miles

Goodreads Description:
Sometimes sorry isn't enough....
It’s winter break in Ascension, Maine. The snow is falling and everything looks pristine and peaceful. But not all is as it seems...

Between cozy traditions and parties with her friends, Emily loves the holidays. And this year’s even better--the guy she’s been into for months is finally noticing her. But Em knows if she starts things with him, there’s no turning back. Because his girlfriend is Em’s best friend.

On the other side of town, Chase is having problems of his own. The stress of his home life is starting to take its toll, and his social life is unraveling. But that’s nothing compared to what’s really haunting him. Chase has done something cruel...something the perfect guy he pretends to be would never do. And it’s only a matter of time before he’s exposed.

In Ascension, mistakes can be deadly. And three girls—three beautiful, mysterious girls—are here to choose who will pay.

Em and Chase have been chosen.

Vanish (Firelight #2) by Sophie Jordan

Goodreads Description:
To save the life of the boy she loves, Jacinda did the unthinkable: She betrayed the most closely-guarded secret of her kind. Now she must return to the protection of her pride knowing she might never see Will again—and worse, that because his mind has been shaded, Will’s memories of that fateful night and why she had to flee are gone.

Back home, Jacinda is greeted with hostility and must work to prove her loyalty for both her sake and her family’s. Among the few who will even talk to her are Cassian, the pride’s heir apparent who has always wanted her, and her sister, Tamra, who has been forever changed by a twist of fate. Jacinda knows that she should forget Will and move on—that if he managed to remember and keep his promise to find her, it would only endanger them both. Yet she clings to the hope that someday they will be together again. When the chance arrives to follow her heart, will she risk everything for love?

In bestselling author Sophie Jordan’s dramatic follow-up to Firelight, forbidden love burns brighter than ever.

That's all for this week. Of course this is probably a good thing now that the school year is in full swing. I really need my TBR pile to remain under control. (Yeah right!) Now it's your turn to share the contents in your mailbox.

WriteOnCon...Are You Ready?

2011-08-15T08:01:00.003-05:00

So WriteOnCon starts tomorrow. That's right August 16th is already here. I can hardly believe it! Not only do I have to go back to work next week, but I have about a thousand other things to do to get my kids ready for school.

But that's next week.

This week is dedicated to this amazing online conference! Living smack dab in the middle of nowhere-land, I never get the chance to attend writing conferences. That is until WriteOnCon. These ladies are amazing! They have authors, agents and editors...it is going to be fabulous.

Not signed up yet? Don't worry there's still time. (But not much!)
Just visit their home page here. Get yourself signed up, have a look around and then get a good night's sleep.

But before you crash for the day be sure to check out the brand new Query Ninja's...

From the WriteOnCon website:

This program will take place in the forums–so you must be registered and using the forums to participate.

Here’s what you’ll do:
1. Post your absolute best, polished query letter or writing sample in the appropriate critique threads in the forums. (Please look carefully and ask questions if you’re unsure about where to post, and make sure you follow all our forum guidelines)
2. Don your thick dragon skin, cross your fingers, and keep checking your forum posts, because our Ninja Agents will be sneaking around, leaving feedback on whatever strikes their fancy–which could very well be YOUR QUERY.
3. Pray you’ve perfected your work enough to generate a request. Some agents may be requesting from the posts they read.
4. Remember your manners. Please don’t engage in hurtful behavior toward an industry professional because of feedback they might leave on your query. Remember, publishing is SO SUBJECTIVE.

That’s it. That’s all there is to it. All you have to do is use our forums the same way you should be using them anyway (because they’re AWESOME) and you could have a super-cool Ninja-Agent critique your work. And even if they don’t comment on your work (they promise they will try to comment/critique on as many as they can) you can learn SO much from the comments they leave for others.

So how do you know when to look for them?

Watch the @WriteOnCon twitter feed for when we tweet: “A Ninja Agent just entered the forums!” That’s how you’ll know exactly when they’re there. But really, the best part about the forum is that you can go read the feedback whenever your schedule allows.

What the Ninjas will do:
1. Each Ninja Agent will be in the forum for at least one hour (some have multiple slots). You won’t know who, and you won’t know when…that’s the beauty of a ninja. They strike when you’re least expecting it.
2. Ninja Agents have been encouraged to leave feedback—as detailed or as vague as they want—on as many queries as they can. They can also request from the queries they read.

We are announcing who the Ninja Agents are, but not when they’ll be Ninja-ing.

Our Ninjafied Nunchuckatorians are:
Michelle Wolfson, with Wolfson Literary
Natalie Fischer, with Bradford Literary
Michelle Andelman, with Regal Literary
Kathleen Ortiz, with Nancy Coffey Literary
Ammi-Joan Paquette, with Erin Murphy Literary
Jessica Sinsheimer, with Sarah Jane Freymann
Roseanne Wells, with Marianne Strong Literary
Joanna Volpe, with Nancy Coffey Literary
Mary Kole, with Andrea Brown Literary
Suzie Townsend, with FinePrint Literary
Carlie Webber, with the Jane Rotrosen Agency
Alyssa Eisner Henkin, with Trident Media
Marietta Zacker, with Nancy Gallt Literary

The Ninja-Agent Program is open for business starting on Monday, August 15, one day before the conference begins. That’s when we’ll open the main conference forums and let you start posting your work. This will give you time to get your writing in tip-top shape and in the forums before Tuesday, when our first Ninja will arrive.

Like I said these ladies are amazing! I won't keep you...go sign up! Post your queries and I'll hopefully see everyone at the conference.

In My Mailbox

2011-08-01T14:47:00.008-05:00

The End Is Here...

2011-07-15T05:00:00.000-05:00

"I had an idea for a boy who had magical powers but didn't really know what he was."
J.K. Rowling

It's almost impossible to believe the series that stemmed from that one idea. That single thought. It's been a wild adventure that I have thoroughly enjoyed and I am sad to see it all come to an end.

If you're like me and are being forced against your will to wait just a little longer, here are some awesome photos to ease your suffering.

Okay, now I'm even more excited...Be sure to visit my partners in crime for one final dose...
Jennifer Daiker
Michael Di Gesu
Laurel Garver
Lisa Galek
Abby Minard
Colene Murphy
Melissa Sarno

Everyone Loves A Good Villain

2011-07-14T07:54:00.005-05:00

There cannot be light without the dark...you cannot have good without the balance of evil. And oh, how I love the evil that oozes out of my favorite Harry Potter villains. So many love to hate characters made it almost impossible to choose my favorites. Almost. But, I managed to narrow it down to my top five. Though in the end some turned out to be good in their own right, they earned their status with past deeds.

So without further deliberation I give you my top five villains:

#5 Draco Malfoy
From the moment they arrive at Hogwarts and Harry turns down his friendship, Draco becomes a bane in Harry's existence. Eager to please his father, Draco is vile and cruel to all muggles and anyone associated with them. The apple didn't fall far from this tree my friends.

#4 Lucias Malfoy
Rich, powerful and utterly full of himself, Lucias Malfoy is any dark lord's dream come true. Why? Because he will do anything to stay close to those in power and step on anyone who gets in his way.

#3 Bellatrix Lestrange
Proud member of the noble house of Black, Bellatrix has a heart to match her family name. Devoted to Voldemort through and through, Bellatrix kills her own family member Sirius Black when he comes to Harry's aide.

#2 Severus Snape
From the moment of his arrival at Hogwarts, Snape has been a thorn in Harry Potter's side. Whether it be ten point from Gryffindor or Occlumency lessons, Snape never passes up the chance to torment The Boy Who Lived.

#1 Voldemort
Can you possibly be surprised? Since Harry was just a baby, this dark lord has been vying to kill him. Voldemort has single handedly raised an army wiping out those Harry loves with the flick of a wand. Yes, Voldemort is my number one villain.

So who's your favorite? Go ahead and spill...you know you have one!

For more Potter fun be sure to stop by these amazing blogs:
Jennifer Daiker
Michael Di Gesu
Laurel Garver
Lisa Galek
Abby Minard
Colene Murphy
Melissa Sarno

Potter Mania Continues...

2011-07-12T05:36:00.003-05:00

Potter mania continues today with a few of my favorite quotes. And be sure to visit these other fabulous bloggers for their installments today as well.

Jennifer Daiker
Michael Di Gesu
Laurel Garver
Lisa Galek
Abby Minard
Colene Murphy
Melissa Sarno

"It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live."
— J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone)

"What happened down in the dungeons between you and Professor Quirrell is a complete secret, so, naturally the whole school knows."
— J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone)

"I'll be in my room, making no noise and pretending that I don't exist."
— J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets)

"Why does it have to be follow the spiders! Why can't it be follow the butterflies!"
— J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets)

"You foul, loathsome, evil little cockroach!"
— J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban)

"I solemnly swear that I am up to no good."
— J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban)

"Remember, if the time should come when you have to make a choice between what is right and what is easy, remember what happened to a boy who was good, and kind, and brave, because he strayed across the path of Lord Voldemort. Remember Cedric Diggory."
— J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire)

"Numbing the pain for a while will make it worse when you finally feel it."
— J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire)

"You're the one who is weak. You will never know love or friendship. And I feel sorry for you."
— J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix)

"We've all got both light and dark inside us. What matters is the part we choose to act on. That's who we really are."
— J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix)

"We're all human, aren't we? Every human life is worth the same, and worth saving."
— J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows)

"Every second he breathed, the smell of the grass, the cool air on his face, was so precious: To think that people had years and years, time to waste, so much time it dragged, and he was clinging to each second."
— J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows)

Have a great day everyone and I'll see you tomorrow. Now off you go!

My How Things Change...

2011-07-11T08:19:00.010-05:00

To kick off this week of Harry Potter mania I decided to compare pics of some of my favorite Potter characters then and now. Take a look below, it's amazing how much they have changed since the beginning!

Draco Malfoy...

Ginny Weasley...

Neville Longbottom...

Fred and George Weasley...

Ron Weasley...

Hermione Granger...

And last but certainly not least Harry Potter...

Hard to believe how much the cast has grown since the very first movie. Well that's it for today...but be sure to visit my partners in crime for their amazing posts and stay tuned for more Potter fun throughout the week!

Jennifer Daiker
Michael Di Gesu
Laurel Garver
Lisa Galek
Abby Minard
Colene Murphy
Melissa Sarno

On My Wishlist

2011-07-08T07:38:00.007-05:00

Accio Contests!

2011-07-06T07:53:00.010-05:00

As promised my fellow Potter cohorts and myself have been plotting and scheming to celebrate the release of the final Harry Potter movie. Next week posts will be all Potter so stay tuned...

To kick things off Lisa Galek is having an amazing contest over on her blog.

Here's a list of the fabulous prizes she has for you:

Gryffindor

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
Quidditch Through the Ages
Harry Potter Coloring Book

Hufflepuff

The Gospel According to Harry Potter by Connie Neal
The Magical Worlds of Harry Potter by David Colbert

Ravenclaw

The Science of Harry Potter by Roger Highfield
The Tales of Beedle the Bard

Slytherin

The Great Snape Debate
Barry Trotter and the Shameless Parody by Michael Gerber

You can also enter the The "Happy Birthday, Harry!" Fan Fiction Contest.

The prize for the winner will be something fabulous that Lisa picks out from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

So what are you waiting for? Head on over to Read. Write. Repeat. for all of the details.

Thestral Gazette

2011-06-23T07:50:00.012-05:00

I'm not here today...I'm posting over at Laurel's Leaves for The Thestral Gazette. Feel free to stop by and check it out.

But I can't leave you empty handed...since you made the trip have a look at these images I stumbled across:

Hope everyone has a great day!

And So It Begins...

2011-06-22T07:19:00.008-05:00

You knew it was coming, so don't even pretend to be surprised to see this post! As you have probably guessed, me and my fellow Potter cohorts have been plotting and scheming once again. This is the very last movie in the series people so did you expect anything less from us?

To start things off I just had to share this trailer I stumbled across. If you have not seen it I just have to say it gave me chills. Yes, I admit it my Potter obsession is insane...but at least I'm in good company.

Now if the trailer didn't get you salivating for the movie, I can't help you. For those of you who simply can't wait...perhaps a good laugh would help? If so check out the Thestral Gazette here. I promise you will not be sorry!

Okay...that's it for today, but be sure to stay tuned for more Potter fun.

In My Mailbox

2011-06-20T07:20:00.007-05:00

The Wait Is Over...

2011-06-07T07:56:00.006-05:00

Today is the day...Possession by the fabulously talented Elana Johnson is finally in the wild!

Possession is a beautifully crafted story with amazing characters that will pull you in and hold you captive until the very end.

But don't take my word for it...see for yourself:

Goodreads Desciption:

Vi knows the Rule: Girls don't walk with boys, and they never even think about kissing them. But no one makes Vi want to break the Rules more than Zenn...and since the Thinkers have chosen him as Vi's future match, how much trouble can one kiss cause? The Thinkers may have brainwashed the rest of the population, but Vi is determined to think for herself.

But the Thinkers are unusually persuasive, and they're set on convincing Vi to become one of them...starting by brainwashing Zenn. Vi can't leave Zenn in the Thinkers' hands, but she's wary of joining the rebellion, especially since that means teaming up with Jag. Jag is egotistical, charismatic, and dangerous--everything Zenn's not. Vi can't quite trust Jag and can't quite resist him, but she also can't give up on Zenn.

This is a game of control or be controlled. And Vi has no choice but to play.

So, I've been to the gym, had my soy protein shake and now I'm off to the bookstore to get my very own copy. You should do the same...trust me you will not be disappointed.

On My Wishlist

2011-06-03T07:27:00.008-05:00

On My Wishlist is a fun weekly event hosted by Book Chick City. It's where you can list all the books you desperately want but haven't actually bought yet. They can be old, new or forthcoming. Mr Linky is always at the ready for you to link your own 'On My Wishlist' post. If you want to know more click here.

This week on my wishlist...

Clockwork Prince (The Infernal Devices #2) by Cassandra Clare

Goodreads Description:

In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray has at last found safety with the Shadowhunters. But that safety proves fleeting when rogue forces in the Clave plot to see her protector, Charlotte, replaced as head of the Institute. If Charlotte loses her position, Tessa will be out on the street—and easy prey for the mysterious Magister, who wants to use Tessa’s powers for his own dark ends.

With the help of the handsome, self-destructive Will and the fiercely devoted Jem, Tessa discovers that the Magister’s war on the Shadowhunters is deeply personal. He blames them for a long-ago tragedy that shattered his life. To unravel the secrets of the past, the trio journeys from mist-shrouded Yorkshire to a manor house that holds untold horrors, from the slums of London to an enchanted ballroom where Tessa discovers that the truth of her parentage is more sinister than she had imagined. When they encounter a clockwork demon bearing a warning for Will, they realize that the Magister himself knows their every move—and that one of their own has betrayed them.

Tessa finds her heart drawn more and more to Jem, but her longing for Will, despite his dark moods, continues to unsettle her. But something is changing in Will—the wall he has built around himself is crumbling. Could finding the Magister free Will from his secrets and give Tessa the answers about who she is and what she was born to do?

As their dangerous search for the Magister and the truth leads the friends into peril, Tessa learns that when love and lies are mixed, they can corrupt even the purest heart.

Wolfsbane (Nightshade #2) by Andrea Cremer

Goodreads Description:

This thrilling sequel to the much-talked-about Nightshade begins just where it ended–Calla Tor wakes up in the lair of the Searchers, her sworn enemy, and she's certain her days are numbered. But then the Searchers make her an offer–one that gives her the chance to destroy her former masters and save the pack–and the man–she left behind. Is Ren worth the price of her freedom? And will Shay stand by her side no matter what? Now in control of her own destiny, Calla must decide which battles are worth fighting and how many trials true love can endure and still survive.

Vanish (Firelight #2) by Sophie Jordan

Goodreads Description:

To save the life of the boy she loves, Jacinda did the unthinkable: She betrayed the most closely-guarded secret of her kind. Now she must return to the protection of her pride knowing she might never see Will again—and worse, that because his mind has been shaded, Will’s memories of that fateful night and why she had to flee are gone.

Back home, Jacinda is greeted with hostility and must work to prove her loyalty for both her sake and her family’s. Among the few who will even talk to her are Cassian, the pride’s heir apparent who has always wanted her, and her sister, Tamra, who has been forever changed by a twist of fate. Jacinda knows that she should forget Will and move on—that if he managed to remember and keep his promise to find her, it would only endanger them both. Yet she clings to the hope that someday they will be together again. When the chance arrives to follow her heart, will she risk everything for love?

In bestselling author Sophie Jordan’s dramatic follow-up to Firelight, forbidden love burns brighter than ever.

Passion (Fallen #3) by Lauren Kate

Goodreads Description:

"Every single lifetime, I'll choose you. Just as you have chosen me. Forever."

Luce would die for Daniel. And she has. Over and over again. Throughout time, Luce and Daniel have found each other, only to be painfully torn apart: Luce dead, Daniel left broken and alone. But perhaps it doesn’t need to be that way. . . .

Luce is certain that something—or someone—in a past life can help her in her present one. So she begins the most important journey of this lifetime . . . going back eternities to witness firsthand her romances with Daniel . . . and finally unlock the key to making their love last.

Cam and the legions of angels and Outcasts are desperate to catch Luce, but none are as frantic as Daniel. He chases Luce through their shared pasts, terrified of what might happen if she rewrites history.

Because their romance for the ages could go up in flames . . . forever.

Sweeping across centuries, PASSION the third novel in the unforgettably epic FALLEN series hits stores Tuesday 14th June 2011.

These are installments from some of my favorite series and I can't wait to get my hands on them. So what's on your wishlist? You know how I love to have an out of control reading pile!

Plotting and Scheming

2011-05-31T07:41:00.004-05:00

So now that school is finally out for the summer I started working on my bright shiny new idea. It’s been banging around in my head for quite some time, but I haven’t allowed myself to officially start because I knew that would become my focus and I had to much work to do before the school year was over. Let's just say I knew better. You know how you get tunnel vision when working on a new project…it’s not a good combo when you have other obligations.

But I finally started. Saturday I had the house to myself and was able to knock out the first couple of chapters. Then more and more ideas began to surface. So many that it became impossible to keep going until I stopped and jotted them down.

Now as most of you know I am a self proclaimed pantser through and though. But I have to say, it’s kind of nice to have a loose outline of where my story is going. Nothing set in stone…more of a skeleton of possibilities. I’ve been able to relax about it by telling myself that I can change whatever I want when I get there.

My problem now is that I’ve started writing out of order. I’ll get excited about an idea and just run with it. There is a beginning and then bits and pieces here and there. I feel like I'm all over the place, but for now I'm going with the flow. We'll see where I end up.

Have any of you ever gone with your gut and pieced your story together later? Have I lost my mind, or does this all come together in the end? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

In My Mailbox

2011-05-23T06:20:00.005-05:00

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren. Anyone can participate in IMM and you are not limited to only sharing books that arrive via your mailbox. You can also share books that you've bought or books that you've gotten at the library. You can find more information on how to participate in the In My Mailbox meme by visiting The Story Siren

This week in my mailbox...

Divergent (Divergent #1) by Veronica Roth

Goodreads Description:
In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her.

Debut author Veronica Roth bursts onto the literary scene with the first book in the Divergent series—dystopian thrillers filled with electrifying decisions, heartbreaking betrayals, stunning consequences, and unexpected romance.

But I Love Him by Amanda Grace (Pseudonym), Mandy Hubbard

Goodreads Description:

Tonight was so much worse than anything before it. Tonight he didn't stop after the first slap.

At the beginning of senior year, Ann was a smiling, straight-A student and track star with friends and a future. Then she met a haunted young man named Connor. Only she can heal his emotional scars; only he could make her feel so loved — and needed. Ann can't recall the pivotal moment it all changed, when she surrendered everything to be with him, but by graduation, her life has become a dangerous high wire act. Just one mistake could trigger Connor's rage, a senseless storm of cruel words and violence damaging everything — and everyone — in its path.

This evocative slideshow of flashbacks reveals a heartbreaking story of love gone terribly wrong.

It is a good thing school is almost out because I have been dying to read these two little jewels!

Feel free to share what's in your mailbox...I'd hate to miss the opportunity to add to my already out of control TBR pile!

To Prologue Or Not To Prologue...

2011-05-10T05:30:00.006-05:00

It seems to be an ongoing debate...do I write a prologue? Is it needed. Does it help set the stage for my story or is it nothing more than an indulgent way to start off my novel with flair?

The answer to this question? I honestly have no idea. But I'll let you in on a little secret. I always write a prologue. Gasp! I know...they seem to be so Tabu. We don't dare speak of them. But inevitably I write one. And every single time I end up deleting it. Every. Single. Time.

So I've come to the conclusion that for me it's an exercise that helps get me started. Even if it never sees the light of day. So I do write a prologue, but it's basically just for me, if that makes any sense at all.

Still not certain about prologues? Check out this amazing post I found last night when I was procrastinating...I mean writing this very post. Super amazing lit agent Sarah Lapolla with Curtis Brown Ltd. gives some valuable insight into her thoughts on prologues. Check it out here.

So what's your take on the growing debate? Do you prologue?

A-Z Challenge...Y

2011-04-29T06:47:00.003-05:00

Today Y=Your order is on its way! I love those e-mails. You know the ones I'm talking about...you go a little nuts ordering books one day and then sit back anxiously awaiting their arrival. Then you get word that they are on their way. And then you wait, vowing not to attack the mailman when you see him carrying one of those small brown boxes.

So here is what's heading my way:

Abandon by Meg Cabot

Illusionsby Aprilynne Pike

Bite Club (Morganville Vampires #10) by Rachel Caine

Chime by Franny Billingsley

Like I said...I went a little nuts, but what can I say? They had a good sale! So what books have you ordered or purchased lately? Are you chomping at the bit to read them like me?

W=Writer's Insanity

2011-04-27T19:22:00.003-05:00

Do you have it?

Check out the signs below and if you can nod and smile with even just one, well then I'm sorry my friend. You've got it. You've got it bad.

How will you fare? Read on and find out:

10. You leave the house in such a spastic hurry for work that you're not sure you're wearing matching shoes. (This is due in large part to taking that extra few minutes out of your morning routine to finish that chapter you've been dying to get down on paper.)

9. You opt for a ponytail and slap on the make-up in order to buy yourself more writing time.

8. Mac and Cheese/Hamburger Helper become gourmet meals at home.

7. You start referring to your characters like they are real life people.

6. Caffeine becomes its own food group.

5. Sleep becomes highly overrated. That's what the weekends are for right?

4. You can carry on an entire conversation by yourself.

3. In the car on the way to work you get an idea out of the clear blue sky, have no paper so you write on your arm with your lipstick because you also have no pen. (Do not even judge me it only happened once!)

2. Non-writers often look at you like you're speaking another language when you talk about your manuscript or even your favorite books.

1. Last but certainly not least...Someone can be talking to you and you hear nothing. Not a darn word because you have dialogue running through your head and you secretly want to get to a quiet corner to write it down.

So how did you fare? Did I leave anything out that you our willing to share? Come on spill, you know you want to!

A-Z Challenge...Voice

2011-04-26T20:07:00.005-05:00

We've all heard it. We've all read it on countless blogs posted by agents and editors, that key ingredient that pulls a manuscript out of the slushpile and separates itself from all the others.

What is it you ask? Voice.

Simple right? Not exactly. You see though voice is the key to making or breaking a story, it's also the toughest to grasp. I know it's a constant thorn in my side. There's no clear cut way to add voice to your work and no two authors utilize it in the same way. Think of it as your very own fingerprint in the writing world. Which is a good thing. It's like people, if we were all alike this world would be a very boring place.

So how do you find your voice? There is no sure-fire way...but here are a few tips that have helped me.

1. Read-read whatever you can get your hands on. Read the genre you write in. Read outside of your genre. Give yourself the knowledge of what's out there and how your favorite authors use their voice. Then think of your own. It's essential to know what's been done in order to set yourself apart from it.

2. Write-write whatever you're passionate about. Write what you love. Don't lend yourself to writing trends or whatever you think is the "it" topic of the moment. I've found that if I'm not one hundred percent in love with what I'm working on my voice falls flat.

3. Personality-let your personality show. Ultimately that's what voice is. Your own personality shining through your characters. Personality adds the spice and flavor to your writing so don't hold back.

4. Don't be afraid to rake risks!- Writers can't be afraid to put themselves out there. Be terrified, afraid...but then tell yourself this: If you don't try how will you ever know what potential you possess?

Still uncertain? That's okay. Voice is one of those elusive traits that one person will love and another...not so much. This is a subjective business after all.

Here are a few questions to ponder the next time those creative juices start to flow.
*Am I enthusiastic about my topic?
*Does this writing sound like me?
*How do I want my readers to feel?
*Will my story hold a readers attention? Will they want to hear more?

Now its your turn. How do you find your voice? I'd love to know!

A-Z Challenge...Under Pressure

2011-04-25T19:12:00.006-05:00

Writers put themselves under an immense amount of pressure. Usually before they even sit down to write. So how does this factor in when you are under a deadline, going through revisions or even completing a first draft?

The truth is it doesn't. So what do you do when inspiration remains evasive? Do you sit there gaping at the screen, pondering what deity in the universe is laughing heartily at your expense? Not quite. The next step is really quite simple.

Take a break. It's okay, trust me. Procrastination is one thing. It's a whole other post if you want to get down to it. But accepting the fact that you may need a break is something entirely different. There's no shame in admitting that your mind needs a rest. Is it hard? Absolutely.

Here are a few ideas:

Take a walk- You'd be surprised how effective even a short walk can be. No I don't take them late at night, but I do like to walk right after work and I've found that the ideas tend to come more readily. I've even run straight into the house to jot some down.

Watch a little TV- TV always relaxes me and allows my mind to wander. Usually I keep my trusty little notepad with me and if ideas come, I can write them down during the commercials.

Read a good book- Reading a good book always gets me in the mood to write. I love getting inspired by the words of other writers, seeing what they have achieved. It also reminds me why I do what I do.

Shopping- Retail therapy is always a great motivator for me...oops, its research, that's the party line that I feed my husband. Research for current trends is my reasoning for spending hours at the mall. I know this sounds like a crazy way to get inspiration, but I never claimed that my methods made sense.

Starbucks- When all else fails make a Starbucks run. Or sit and stay a while. Something about sitting and working in those places gets the creativity going for me. Okay so we all knew I would throw in Starbucks. It's pretty much a given for me.

Bottom line...when your mind gets all tangled in the web of craziness that we as writers all like to weave, relieve a bit of the pressure by doing something for yourself to relax. The ideas will return.

Okay, now it's your turn. When your thoughts go by the wayside, how do you get them fired up and sparking again?

S=So Many Books...So Little Time

2011-04-22T06:04:00.012-05:00

Every single time I make the slightest dent in my TBR pile I manage to discover even more books to add to my list. But that's okay, I'd rather have too many books than none at all. So here are a few little gems I stumbled across yesterday:

The Goddess Test (Goddess Test #1) by Aimee Carter

Goodreads Description:
It's always been just Kate and her mom—and her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear her mother won't live past the fall.

Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld—and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests.

Kate is sure he's crazy—until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she succeeds, she'll become Henry's future bride, and a goddess.

Thank-you Lindsay for recommending this one...
Chime by Franny Billingsley

Goodreads Description:
Before Briony's stepmother died, she made sure Briony blamed herself for all the family's hardships. Now Briony has worn her guilt for so long it's become a second skin. She often escapes to the swamp, where she tells stories to the Old Ones, the spirits who haunt the marshes. But only witches can see the Old Ones, and in her village, witches are sentenced to death. Briony lives in fear her secret will be found out, even as she believes she deserves the worst kind of punishment.

Then Eldric comes along with his golden lion eyes and mane of tawny hair. He's as natural as the sun, and treats her as if she's extraordinary. And everything starts to change. As many secrets as Briony has been holding, there are secrets even she doesn't know.

The Vespertine (Vespertine #1) by Saundra Mitchell

Goodreads Description:
It’s the summer of 1889, and Amelia van den Broek is new to Baltimore and eager to take in all the pleasures the city has to offer. But her gaiety is interrupted by disturbing, dreamlike visions she has only at sunset—visions that offer glimpses of the future. Soon, friends and strangers alike call on Amelia to hear her prophecies. However, a forbidden romance with Nathaniel, an artist, threatens the new life Amelia is building in Baltimore. This enigmatic young man is keeping secrets of his own—still, Amelia finds herself irrepressibly drawn to him.

When one of her darkest visions comes to pass, Amelia’s world is thrown into chaos. And those around her begin to wonder if she’s not the seer of dark portents, but the cause.

Now it's your turn...what books are you just dying to read?

A-Z Challenge...R

2011-04-21T05:30:00.005-05:00

R is for Renae! Oh yes, I am taking the easy road today. Thank you Jen for giving me this great idea that I'm stealing. This has been such a long week and my brain is fried! So since you made the trip over here let me share a few things that most of you no doubt probably already know.

1. I have a day job...teaching second grade and no I can't formulate coherent sentences at the end of the day.

2. I have two adorable kids. Scarlett and Schandon. Scarlett is the diva extraordinaire and her brother Schandon is the football playing saint that endures her antics.

3. I hate cheese. There I said it. (Want to gross me out? Force me to make mac & cheese. Yuck!!!)

4. But I do love chocolate cake. (Though I try to avoid it!)

5. I do have weird quirks. I like things in a certain order. I'm a little OCD about it to be honest.

Okay enough about me...well that is unless the rest of you have anything you are just dying to know. This is your one and only chance, otherwise share something about your wonderful self!

Q=Quiters

2011-04-20T18:05:00.002-05:00

Have you ever felt like throwing in the towel and quitting it all? Has there ever been a time that you felt like you couldn't possibly write another word?

I have. There are those days when you have one to many let downs, or get a rejection on some requested material or even hit a rough patch in your new manuscript. Those days are tough.

So why do we stick with it? What makes writers dig deep and stay on this roller coaster of a journey?

Well for me it's simple...I just can't stop. When all is said and done, writing is my outlet. There's nothing like polishing a scene until it's exactly they way I want it. Or typing the last sentence on that manuscript I've been working so hard on.

The list goes on and on. Bottom line though, since I have started writing I have an escape. A place to go where I can control what happens.

Now it's your turn, why do you stick with the writing game? What keeps you coming back for more?

Perfect Writing Getaways

2011-04-19T05:19:00.003-05:00

This time of year is always absolutely chaotic. With field trips, construction, field days and the last day of school right around the corner, my days are filled with stressful madness.

So it got me to thinking of the perfect place to write. Here's what I managed to come up with...

How about a nice home office?

A nice quiet library perhaps?

A beautiful cafe?

The beach anyone?

Or my personal favorite, Central Park.

And now back to reality. I dare not show you my actual writing space. Now it's your turn...what would your perfect writing space look like?

On My Wishlist...

2011-04-18T05:26:00.005-05:00

N=New Things!

2011-04-16T20:46:00.006-05:00

Everyone loves to get new things. Clothes, purses shoes etc...

But this weekend the new item I acquired was something I have been itching to get my hands on since I first saw it in the movie theater. Yes that's right my very own copy of The Deathly Hallows.

So as most of you probably guessed, my daughter and I have been having a Harry Potter marathon all day. And it has been worth the wait I must say.

I hope every has a great weekend! See you back here on Monday.

M=Movies!

2011-04-15T05:30:00.004-05:00

I love going to the movies, getting out of the house, the popcorn. What's not to love? The following, in no particular order, are some upcoming flicks that I can't wait to see:

How many of those I actually get to go to remains to be seen. So did I miss any? What movies are you dying to see?

Live It...Learn It...Love It

2011-04-14T05:31:00.002-05:00

As writers we live by a game plan. It may not be conducive to any nonwriterly people we may come in to contact with, but we live by it just the same. And we love it, regardless of the raised brows and crazed looks it earns us.

My plan goes something like this...

*Wake up at 5:00 in the morning, get ready for work, then blog until it's time to leave.

*Stumble through my day (because I'm usually so tired.) That of course is where the coffee comes in.

*Get home from work, fix dinner, homework, time with the kiddos. (You get the idea.)

*Once the bed time routines are complete, I breathe a sigh of relief, pull out my laptop and write until the wee hours of the morning. Who needs sleep anyway right?

*Then I go to bed so I can get up and do it all over again the next day!

But I love what I do and I can't imagine not writing. So spill...how crazy is your game plan each day?

K Is For Kaleidoscope

2011-04-13T06:13:00.006-05:00

This one was a tough one. But I looked up the definition of Kaleidoscope and this is what I found: An instrument invented by Sir David Brewster, which contains
loose fragments of colored glass, etc., and reflecting
surfaces so arranged that changes of position exhibit its
contents in an endless variety of beautiful colors and
symmetrical forms. It has been much employed in arts of
design.

This got me thinking, our writing in a way is much like a Kaleidoscope. Instead of colors, writers use words, but the effect is similar. Move a few things around and you have an entirely different meaning. A fresh new perspective.

If a chapter is not flowing quite the way you want it, shake things up, manipulate it until you love it. Characters falling flat? Add a little something extra to them.

Just remember that one small change can breathe new life into your writing. Whether you're working on a first draft or a final polish, The slightest flick of pen or brush of a keystroke can change everything.

Just Write...

2011-04-11T21:55:00.006-05:00

When the ideas are flowing and you finally have that well deserved chunk of time to work, the last thing you want to do is let anything get in the way.

The main goal when writing unltimately should be to get your story down on paper. At least when I first start a new MS that is my goal.

So why then does the task seem so difficult?

Oh let me think...I can come up with a few reasons off the top of my head:

Outside disturbances-At my house I am finder of all lost things, homework guru and a referee.

To Do Lists-There is never a dull moment at my house and there is always something to be done.

Daytime Job-As much as I would love to stay at home and work on my writing while the kiddos are at school, I have to work. And as most of you know, by the time you get home from work (if you are like me) formulating cohesive thoughts is quite hard.

My Inner Editor-Ah, yes my pesky inner editor. She likes to rear her ugly head at the most inopportuned of times. I have to admit that I am getting used to ignoring her.

So in order to get my story out, I sit down at my designated time, shut the rest of the world out and write. I write until my time is up and I write without letting my inner editor have a voice. As hard as all of this is for me, I used this strategy on my last ms and it really did help. Of course I still scribble away any chance I can get, but at least I know that during my time I'm being productive.

So what about you? Anything to add? I love advice!

In My Mailbox

2011-04-11T06:11:00.004-05:00

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren. Anyone can participate in IMM and you are not limited to only sharing books that arrive via your mailbox. You can also share books that you've bought or books that you've gotten at the library. You can find more information on how to participate in the In My Mailbox meme by visiting The Story Siren

This week in my mailbox...

Hush, Hush (Hush, Hush #1) by Becca Fitzpatrick

For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her...until Patch comes along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment, but after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is far more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel. For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.

Crescendo (Hush, Hush #2) by Becca Fitzpatrick

Nora Grey's life is still far from perfect. Surviving an attempt on her life wasn't pleasant, but atleast she got a guardian angel out of it: a mysterious, magnetic, gorgeous guardian angel. But, despite his role in her life, Patch has been acting anything but angelic. He's more elusive than ever and even worse, he's started spending time with Nora's arch-enemy, Marcie Millar. Nora would have hardly noticed Scott Parnell, an old family friend who has moved back to town, if Path hadnt been acting so distant. Even with Scott's totally infuriating attitude Nora finds herself drawn to him - despite her lingering feeling that he's hiding something. Haunted by images of her murdered father, and questioning whether her nephilim bloodline has anything to do with his death, Nora puts herself increasingly in dangerous situations as she desperatly searches for answers. But maybe some things are better left buried, because the truth could destroy everything - and everyone - she trusts.

And of course this one...

City of Fallen Angels (The Mortal Instruments #4) by Cassandra Clare City of Fallen Angels takes place two months after the events of City of Glass. In it, a mysterious someone’s killing the Shadowhunters who used to be in Valentine’s Circle and displaying their bodies around New York City in a manner designed to provoke hostility between Downworlders and Shadowhunters, leaving tensions running high in the city and disrupting Clary’s plan to lead as normal a life as she can — training to be a Shadowhunter, and pursuing her relationship with Jace. As Jace and Clary delve into the issue of the murdered Shadowhunters, they discover a mystery that has deeply personal consequences for them — consequences that may strengthen their relationship, or rip it apart forever. Meanwhile, internecine warfare among vampires is tearing the Downworld community apart, and only Simon — the Daylighter who everyone wants on their side — can decide the outcome; too bad he wants nothing to do with Downworld politics. Love, blood, betrayal and revenge: the stakes are higher than ever in City of Fallen Angels.

That's it for me this week...so what's in your mailbox? I'd love to hear about it!

How To Focus

2011-04-09T09:54:00.003-05:00

This time of year with the promise of summer just around the corner and a hundred things still on my to-do list, I tend to get a little bit scattered. Some days I don't know whether I am coming or going.

So I have revisited a few solutions to my problem. Now I have capitalized on my writing time and have more free time to spend on my dreaded to-do list.

Below I've listed the quick fixes that anyone can use:

1. Headphones-I always assemble some sort of playlist when I start working on a new MS. Music always helps get my creativity flowing and it relaxes me.

2. Un-plug-Now don't panic. It's only for a little while and I promise the blogoshpere will still be there when you get back. Again, I told myself this over and over again when I was forced to do this very thing.

3. Find you own space-This is very important. Set aside a small area (or a large one if you have it.) But make it yours and yours alone. Have everything you need right there at your fingertips. My family knows when I go to my space to work that I'm basically on an island surrounded by sharks and they can't get to me.

4. Set aside a special time-I have a set amount of time set aside each day for me to work. It's not a lot, but without the constant interruptions I get so much more accomplished.

5. Give yourself permission-Give yourself permission to take breaks from your writing. Give yourself permission to celebrate even the smallest of victories. Just give yourself whatever you need you need in order to be successful in your writing venture. Though nothing in my crazy life is foolproof, these fixes have helped me tremendously! So now it's your turn...when your world is spinning out of control, how do you focus? Have a great weekend everyone!

G Is for Goodreads

2011-04-08T06:14:00.002-05:00

Words alone cannot express how addicted I am to this site. Each week when I post my Wishlist I have so many of you comment that you love the books...well, this is where I find my books. There are so many amazing lists to choose from like this one, 2011 Book Releases I Crave. Or you can simply search for your favorite authors or genres.

One of the fun parts is their widgets. Once you create a reading list, you can make collages out of them for your blogs, much like the two examples that I have in my sidebar.

There are so many great features on this site, you can invite friends and share reviews with them. Join groups and hear what others are reading in your favorite genres and then discuss them.

I will admit that I have yet to explore every nook and cranny of Goodreads and there is so much more to offer. So if you need one more thing other than blogging, Twitter, Facebook, you should check it out here. Enjoy!

Finally…

2011-04-07T21:33:00.001-05:00

There are so many uses for that word today, but in keeping with Jen’s words of wisdom I have managed to dwindle the list down to three.

* Tomorrow is Friday! This has been such a long and I am so very excited for the weekend. No big plans really just spending time with my kids and working on my writing.

* My Internet is working so I will be able to post at my normal time instead of the evening. I know that’s not a big thing, but it has been making me crazy and I have not gotten around to as many blogs as I had planned.

* Last and certainly not least…after over a month of re-runs (though I love those as well) Vampire Diaries is all new! See? It does not take much at all to make me happy!

So there you have it…now tell me, what have you been waiting for this week? Do you live for the weekends like I do?

Erasing The Bad...

2011-04-06T17:28:00.003-05:00

Do you ever wish that you could just wipe away some of the not so good things that have occurred in your life? Rinse them away like they never happened. Pretend it was all a bad dream?

I do.

At least I thought I did. And then I started to think. Had I not gone through certain experiences, I never would have started writing again. If I wasn’t stressed just a little throughout the day my creativity would be stifled.

I’m not saying I want bad things to happen or that I love having drama in my life. This is just me trying to put a positive spin on why things happen and how I manage to deal. So now when I begin to throw a little pity party for myself, I flip open my laptop instead. It still amazes me that no matter how bad or crazed the day might seem, when I dive into my own little world, everything is just a little bit better.

So what about all of you out there? Ever have a day or events you’d like to erase? How do you deal?

Debut Author Reading List

2011-04-05T05:20:00.005-05:00

For me it is extremely important to support new authors as they embark on publishing their very first novels. Besides, these talented individuals make it easy when they write such amazing stories. So of course I began compiling a list of books I simply must get my hands on...some of them I have and some I am still pining for.

Here is my list so far: For complete descriptions you can visit my list on Goodreads.

The False Princess by Eilis O'Neal
Unearthly by Cynthia Hand
Entangled by Cat Clarke
Across The Universe by Beth Revis
The Iron Witch by Karen Mahoney
Vesper by Jeff Sampson
The Liar Society by Lisa and Laura Roecker
Angelfire by Allison Courtney Moulton
Haven by Kristi Cook
A Touch Mortal by Leah Clifford
Burn Bright by Marianne de Pierres
Falling Under by Gwen Hayes
Wither by Lauren DeStefano
Die For Me by Amy Plum
Flawless by Lara Chapman
Awaken by Katie Kacvinsky
Possession by Elana Johnson
Luminous by Dawn Metcalf
Bad Taste In Boys by Carrie Harris
Wildefire by Karsten Knight
The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab
Anna Dressed In Blood by Kendare Blake
Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout
The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey

And that's only my debut author list...my pile just keeps growing and growing. If I ever make it to the bottom, well that's not going to happen so why worry about it?

So spill...what books are you pining for this year?

City Of Fallen Angels

2011-04-04T05:58:00.009-05:00

How fortunate that C in the A-Z challenge fell on the day before one of my favorite authors releases the next installment in her fabulous series. That's right. City of Fallen Angels hits shelves tomorrow and I for one cannot wait. If you have not dove head first into The Mortal Instruments, I highly recommend that you do. You will not be sorry. From the moment I picked up the first book I was hooked. Cassandra Clare has a talent for weaving a beautiful story that pulls you in and holds on until the very end. As if that alone isn't enough, her covers are gorgeous. Have a look...

Still not convinced? Take a peek at the first three installments:

Now I'm even more anxious for tomorrow. Does anyone else ever feel like a little kid at times like this? I certainly hope so!

Okay and now last but certainly not least, the winner of my ARC of Possession...

The winner is VIVIEN! Thanks to everyone that helped spread the word about Elana's awesome book!

B=Being Productive

2011-04-02T09:00:00.006-05:00

This says a lot today considering Saturday is my day to be a bum.

I sleep in. Skip the gym. Cheat on my diet and spend time with my kiddos.

You get the idea.

Saturday is also the day I get the most writing done. Crazy right?

Not really.

If there is one thing that relaxes me and relieves the stress that erodes into my daily life it's my writing. So on Saturday afternoons when the little one is down for her nap and my son is playing X-Box, I write.

I write without listening to my inner editor. My goal is to simply get my thoughts and story down on paper. I work on a new WIP or an existing scene that's not quite where I want it to be.

Whatever it is, when I finish, I do feel productive. Regardless of what I accomplish or fail to complete the rest of the day. Writing is my outlet, the one thing that takes my mind off of everything that's troubling me. When I'm working...for just a little while I am in control and things go the way I want them too. Isn't that a great feeling?

So why do you write? What holds your dedication to your craft?

Blogging from A-Z April Challenge-A

2011-04-01T06:22:00.008-05:00

Today marks the beginning of the A-Z Challenge. Challenge being the operative word for me, the challenge requires that bloggers post everyday but Sunday. Thus the challenge...at least for me. But I think I'm up for it. I hope!

So let's get started.

A stands for A Wishlist...Ha! maybe I can make this work!

Die for Me (Revenants #1) by Amy Plum

Goodreads Description:
My life had always been blissfully, wonderfully normal. But it only took one moment to change everything.

Suddenly, my sister, Georgia, and I were orphans. We put our lives into storage and moved to Paris to live with my grandparents. And I knew my shattered heart, my shattered life, would never feel normal again. Then I met Vincent.

Mysterious, sexy, and unnervingly charming, Vincent Delacroix appeared out of nowhere and swept me off my feet. Just like that, I was in danger of losing my heart all over again. But I was ready to let it happen.

Of course, nothing is ever that easy. Because Vincent is no normal human. He has a terrifying destiny, one that puts his life at risk every day. He also has enemies . . . immortal, murderous enemies who are determined to destroy him and all of his kind.

While I'm fighting to piece together the remnants of my life, can I risk putting my heart—as well as my life and my family's—in jeopardy for a chance at love?

Flawless by Lara Chapman

Goodreads Description:
FLAWLESS is a modern retelling of the Cyrano story in which a senior-class salutatorian with a notable nose agrees to help her perfectly gorgeous best friend catch the eye of the new hottie at school, only to discover he's actually the perfect guy for her.

Awaken by Katie Kacvinsky

Goodreads Description:
Maddie lives in a world where everything is done on the computer. Whether it’s to go to school or on a date, people don’t venture out of their home. There’s really no need. For the most part, Maddie’s okay with the solitary, digital life—until she meets Justin. Justin likes being with people. He enjoys the physical closeness of face-to-face interactions. People aren’t meant to be alone, he tells her.

Suddenly, Maddie feels something awakening inside her—a feeling that maybe there is a different, better way to live. But with society and her parents telling her otherwise, Maddie is going to have to learn to stand up for herself if she wants to change the path her life is taking.

In this not-so-brave new world, two young people struggle to carve out their own space.

*Don't forget tomorrow is the last day to enter for a chance to win my ARC of Elana Johnson's Possession.

A Little Pick Me Up

2011-03-30T06:31:00.006-05:00

It's only Wednesday and it has already been an immensely long week. I know I shouldn't complain, I did get a week off and was able to be extra productive with my editing, but let me tell you, I'm making up for it now.

So I was up for some inspiration...a way to ease into the day. If you find yourself in need of a smile or a little lift read on. I know when I stumbled onto these amazing quotes they helped me.

"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind."
— Dr. Seuss

"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."
— Eleanor Roosevelt

"Be yourself; everyone else is already taken."
— Oscar Wilde

"Insanity is doing the same thing, over and over again, but expecting different results."
— Albert Einstein

"Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: "What! You too? I thought I was the only one."
— C.S. Lewis

"It is our choices, Harry, that show us who we truly are, far more than our abilities."
— J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets)

"I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best."
— Marilyn Monroe

"All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost;
The old that is strong does not wither,
Deep roots are not reached by the frost.

From the ashes a fire shall be woken,
A light from the shadows shall spring;
Renewed shall be blade that was broken,
The crownless again shall be king."
— J.R.R. Tolkien (The Fellowship of the Ring)

Okay so that last one I just had to throw in...have a great day everyone.

Possession by Elana Johnson

2011-03-28T06:16:00.004-05:00

So Friday afternoon I have to admit I was feeling bummed out. I had a super productive yet relaxing week, but Spring Break was sadly coming to a close.

Yuck.

My day took an abrupt turn and was instantly fabulous when the mail arrived and much to my surprise in my mailbox was my very own ARC of the amazing Elana Johnson's debut novel Possession.

Yeah, I about passed out. I'm pretty certain that my neighbors are now close to having me committed. Oh well.

So the rest of the day went like this.

Put daughter down for her nap. Read Possession. Had dinner with my parents. Read Possession. Got the kiddos to bed. Read Possession.

You get the idea.

I could not put it down and when someone made me, it wasn't pretty. Needless to say I finished it last night and it was amazing. If you follow Elana's blog you know she has a free spirited voice like no other. That very same voice shines through in Possession.

Possession is a must read, get your hands on a copy ASAP kind of book. I became an instant fan of her MC Violet/Vi...her quick wit and no-nonsense attitude won me over in a heartbeat. And her leading men? Well I won't ruin any of the well played surprises there. The characters in combination with the beautiful clean writing of Elana's created a fabulous story. It will leave you breathless until the very end.

But don't take my word for it...check out the description from Goodreads:

Vi knows the Rule: Girls don't walk with boys, and they never even think about kissing them. But no one makes Vi want to break the Rules more than Zenn...and since the Thinkers have chosen him as Vi's future match, how much trouble can one kiss cause? The Thinkers may have brainwashed the rest of the population, but Vi is determined to think for herself.

But the Thinkers are unusually persuasive, and they're set on convincing Vi to become one of them...starting by brainwashing Zenn. Vi can't leave Zenn in the Thinkers' hands, but she's wary of joining the rebellion, especially since that means teaming up with Jag. Jag is egotistical, charismatic, and dangerous--everything Zenn's not. Vi can't quite trust Jag and can't quite resist him, but she also can't give up on Zenn.

This is a game of control or be controlled. And Vi has no choice but to play.

Okay....I don't want to be selfish. Though it pains me to part with it, I am giving all of you a chance to win this ARC. It's so good that I just have to share it!

So, I think we all know the drill by now. All you have to do to enter is leave a comment on this post, follow my blog and of course Elana's. You can also get points by helping me spread the word about this amazing book by blogging, tweeting etc...just let me know in the comments.

Thanks for helping me support Elana and good luck!

On My Wishlist

2011-03-18T06:28:00.003-05:00

On My Wishlist is a fun weekly event hosted by Book Chick City. It's where you can list all the books you desperately want but haven't actually bought yet. They can be old, new or forthcoming. Mr Linky is always at the ready for you to link your own 'On My Wishlist' post. If you want to know more click here.

This week on my wishlist:

Vanish (Firelight #2) by Sophie Jordan

Goodreads Description:
To save the life of the boy she loves, Jacinda did the unthinkable: She betrayed the most closely-guarded secret of her kind. Now she must return to the protection of her pride knowing she might never see Will again—and worse, that because his mind has been shaded, Will’s memories of that fateful night and why she had to flee are gone.

Back home, Jacinda is greeted with hostility and must work to prove her loyalty for both her sake and her family’s. Among the few who will even talk to her are Cassian, the pride’s heir apparent who has always wanted her, and her sister, Tamra, who has been forever changed by a twist of fate. Jacinda knows that she should forget Will and move on—that if he managed to remember and keep his promise to find her, it would only endanger them both. Yet she clings to the hope that someday they will be together again. When the chance arrives to follow her heart, will she risk everything for love?

In bestselling author Sophie Jordan’s dramatic follow-up to Firelight, forbidden love burns brighter than ever.

Sweet Venom (Medusa Girls #1) by Tera Lynn Childs

Goodreads Description:
Grace just moved to San Francisco and is excited to start over at a new school. The change is full of fresh possibilities, but it’s also a tiny bit scary. It gets scarier when a minotaur walks in the door. And even more shocking when a girl who looks just like her shows up to fight the monster.

Gretchen is tired of monsters pulling her out into the wee hours, especially on a school night, but what can she do? Sending the minotaur back to his bleak home is just another notch on her combat belt. She never expected to run into this girl who could be her double, though.

Greer has her life pretty well put together, thank you very much. But that all tilts sideways when two girls who look eerily like her appear on her doorstep and claim they're triplets, supernatural descendants of some hideous creature from Greek myth, destined to spend their lives hunting monsters.

These three teenage descendants of Medusa, the once-beautiful gorgon maligned by myth, must reunite and embrace their fates in this unique paranormal world where monsters lurk in plain sight.

Fins Are Forever (Fins #2) by Tera Lynn Childs

Goodreads Description:

On Lily Sanderson’s eighteenth birthday she’ll become just a girl—still a mer girl, true, but signing the renunciation paperwork will ink Princess Waterlily of Thalassinia out of existence. That leaves plain old Lily living on land, dating the boy she loves, and trying to master this being human thing once and for all.

Now that Lily and Quince are together, mer-bond or not, she’s almost content to give up her place in the royal succession of Thalassinia. But just when she thinks she has everything figured out, Lily’s father sends a certain whirlpool-stirring cousin to stay with her on land. What did Doe do to get herself exiled from Thalassinia and stuck in terraped form, when everyone knows how much she hates humans? And why why why is she batting her eyelashes at Lily’s former crush, Brody?

The seafoam on the surf comes when a merboy from Lily’s past shows up. Tellin asks Lily for something that clouds her view of the horizon. There’s a future with Quince on land, her loyalty to the kingdom in the sea, and Lily tossing on the waves in the middle. Will she find a way to reconcile her love, her duty, and her dreams?

If this inflates any of your TBR piles, I apologize. I guess since mine is already out of control I need to help everyone else out. Do you have any upcoming books that you are just dying to get your little hands on? I'd love to hear about them. Have a great weekend everyone!

Thankful Thursday

2011-03-17T06:25:00.006-05:00

Thankful Thursdays is a meme hosted by Oasis For YA, an awesome blog run by some fabulous writers. These wonderful ladies know that taking a minute to think about the good things in life that you already have is a sure-fire way to lift your spirits and get those creative juices flowing.

Care to try it for yourself? For all of the details visit and follow their blog here. Aside from this fabulous meme, they have some great posts.

This week I am thankful for...

Spring Break! There I said it. I just have to get through today and tomorrow and I have one whole week off. And I am so very thankful for that. This has been a very long week. I'm excited to say that I am moving back into my renovated classroom. The moving part isn't much fun...for those of you unaware, teachers tend to accumulate a lot of stuff. One doesn't realize how much until they have to move. Yikes! On the bright side my room looks great and this is my last move! (For those of you who missed my earlier pitty-party, I had to move over Christmas break as well.)

I have also been on lock down editing mode all week. I've had tunnel-vision working on this most recent draft, whatever number it is. So I apologize for being scarce this week.

So next week I plan to polish up this manuscript of mine, do some beta reading for the wonderful Lindsay and visit all of your amazing blogs. I cannot wait! So go ahead and spill...what are you thankful for?

It's Lovely To Be Wicked...

2011-03-10T05:25:00.004-06:00

It all started with a few simple rules...

RULE 3: NEVER STARE AT INVISIBLE FAERIES.
Aislinn has always seen faeries. Powerful and dangerous, they walk hidden in the mortal world.

RULE 2: NEVER SPEAK TO INVISIBLE FAERIES.
One of them, a beautiful faery boy named Keenan, is trying to talk to her, asking questions Aislinn is afraid to answer.

RULE 1: DON'T EVER ATTRACT THEIR ATTENTION.
Now it's too late. Keenan is the Summer King and is determined that Aislinn will become the Summer Queen at any cost. Without her, summer itself will perish....

And that was just the first book...
Throughout the entire Wicked Lovely series, Melissa Marr has crafted masterpiece after breathtaking masterpiece as she brings to life an entirely new world of Faerie.

From the first book I was hooked, right up until the very end with Darkest Mercy. It was a beautiful finale with wonderful surprises and of course a little heartache. As with any series that a reader falls in love with, it was hard to see it end.

If you haven't had a chance to peruse the pages of this particular series, you have to. Melissa Marr creates nothing less than stunning beauty with every word.

And just in case you haven't seen the covers...Prepare to drool:

Wicked Lovely

Ink Exchange

Fragile Eternity

Radiant Shadows

Darkest Mercy

Like I said, if you have not read this series for yourself, you absolutely need to. Go out...buy it today. You will not be sorry.

Being Fearless

2011-03-07T06:18:00.005-06:00

We all have fears. No one wants to freely admit it. We like to go about our day, pushing through. Never dwelling on the negative, always remaining positive right? Well, like it or not the fear is there...lurking in the corners, waiting to strike. It snatches our ideas and siphons our creativity. So how do you go about being realistic while battling this invisible foe all at once? Here are a few tips:

1. Allow yourself to be afraid: Yes, you heard me right. You have to face your fears. Its not pretty, but I promise you will feel better. Others are scared too. And it is okay to admit it. There I said it. Now that we all know, we can deal and move on. Once you admit to the fear, you can mute it, set it aside and get your story on paper. And that's the important thing. To be able to tell your story.

2. Ask for help: The hardest thing to do is let others read your work. The first time I sent chapters off to a beta I nearly gnawed my nails into nothing. But everything turned out to be fine. Sure she may have had a lot of notes, but I was able to fix what was wrong and make my ms even better. Writing my very first query letter seemed impossible, but I sought out help. Places like Query Tracker are amazing resources for writers. Go there. Get help! I promise you won't be disappointed.

3. Put Others First: Help out your fellow writers, you'd be amazed at how good it feels. I haven't met a fellow writer yet that wouldn't bend over backwards to help someone out. It's what we do. Become a beta, get on those sites and help proof a query letter or even just offer a sympathetic ear.

4. Cheer Up: You're not in this alone. It may seem that way sometimes when you're in your little writing cave and the doubt creeps in. But it is far from true. I have met so many amazing people in this blogging community. We may all be at different stages of this long journey, but at some point we all have to face the same hurdles. It helps to know that someone else has been where you are.

5. Relax: It terrifies me when my ideas for my current ms run dry. But I've learned through several trips to Starbucks and countless amounts of chocolate that stress is not my friend. So when you feel the fear creeping up take some time for yourself. Take a walk, watch a movie, or my personal favorite, go shopping! Whatever you do, make sure its something that relaxes you. The ideas will come. Trust me.

These tips may not be foolproof, they are what they are, suggestions. I'm not saying I'm completely fearless yet, but I'm working on it. Bottom line when it comes to writing...you just need to sit yourself down and write what comes to you. Block out everything else and write. The rest will fall into place.

Now that we have all that out, it's time to share. What scares you the most about writing? Or have you made it to fearless?

On My Wishlist

2011-03-04T06:14:00.006-06:00

Thankful Thursday

2011-03-03T05:27:00.002-06:00

Over at Oasis For YA, an awesome blog run by some fabulous writers, they have started a new meme. Thankful Thursdays.

So why are they doing this? These wonderful ladies know that taking a minute to think about the good things in life that you already have is a sure-fire way to lift your spirits and get those creative juices flowing.

Care to try it for yourself? For all of the details visit and follow their blog here. Aside from this fabulous new meme, they have some great posts.

So this week I am thankful for...

Of course, my kids. I have been blessed with two amazing kids that keep things lively. There is never a dull moment at my house. My son is thirteen and my daughter is four. You can imagine how well they get along. He's into sports and X-box, she loves ballet and anything princess.

Oh yeah, they clash.

But I wouldn't have them any other way. They are the best inspiration whenever I hit a mental block. Listening to their banter, watching my daughter play dress up and dance around her room. They give my mind that little bit of a break it sometimes needs to let that last idea slip in. It honestly never fails.

Sometimes we get so wrapped up in the day to day tasks, we forget to step back and just observe life. I advise trying it. You'll be amazed at what you see. I know I am. Each and every time.

Sorry for the syrupy sweetness today, but it is what it is! And now it is you turn...so what is it that you are thankful for this week? I hope everyone has a great day, tomorrow is Friday and I cannot begin to tell you how thankful I am for that as well.

Pink Anyone?

2011-03-01T05:27:00.007-06:00

Perhaps you have heard of a little book debuting today by the name of The Liar Society. A book by the sister team of Lisa and Laura Roecker.

Well if you haven't...well seriously where have you been? Totally kidding. Well maybe a little, but really have you missed all the pink hair flying around the blogosphere? I love it!

Anyway some fabulous writers by the names of Elana Johnson, Shannon Messenger, Suzanne Young, Kimberly Derting, and Beth Revis, got together and decided to promote this fabulous book.

It all began with a series of fantastic videos. Haven't seen them? Watch them here.

And if that wasn't enough they went even further by putting together a little contest.

They will be giving away 10 (TEN) signed copies of THE LIAR SOCIETY all this week! The contest started Monday, February 28 and runs through Friday, March 4.
For details go here.

Can't wait that long to get your own copy? Buy it here or here.

Have a great day everyone and Happy Book Birthday to The Liar Society!

In My Mailbox

2011-02-28T05:55:00.002-06:00

The Summer King is missing; the Dark Court is bleeding; and a stranger walks the streets of Huntsdale, his presence signifying the deaths of powerful fey.

Aislinn tends to the Summer Court, searching for her absent king and yearning for Seth. Torn between his new queen and his old love, Keenan works from afar to strengthen his court against the coming war. Donia longs for fiery passion even as she coolly readies the Winter Court for battle. And Seth, sworn brother of the Dark King and heir to the High Queen, is about to make a mistake that could cost his life.

Love, despair, and betrayal ignite the Faery Courts, and in the final conflict, some will win . . . and some will lose everything.

The thrilling conclusion to Melissa Marr's New York Times bestselling Wicked Lovely series will leave readers breathless.

A Touch Mortal by Leah Clifford

Eden didn't expect Az.

Not his saunter down the beach toward her. Not his unbelievable pick-up line. Not the instant, undeniable connection. And not his wings.

Yeah.

So long, happily-ever-after.

Now trapped between life and death, cursed to spread chaos with her every touch, Eden could be the key in the eternal struggle between heaven and hell. All because she gave her heart to one of the Fallen, an angel cast out of heaven.

She may lose everything she ever had. She may be betrayed by those she loves most. But Eden will not be a pawn in anyone else's game. Her heart is her own.

And that's only the beginning of the end.

Desires of the Dead (The Body Finder #2) by Kimberly Derting

The missing dead call to Violet. They want to be found.

Violet can sense the echoes of those who've been murdered—and the matching imprint that clings to their killers. Only those closest to her know what she is capable of, but when she discovers the body of a young boy she also draws the attention of the FBI, threatening her entire way of life.

As Violet works to keep her morbid ability a secret, she unwittingly becomes the object of a dangerous obsession. Normally she'd turn to her best friend, Jay, except now that they are officially a couple, the rules of their relationship seem to have changed. And with Jay spending more and more time with his new friend Mike, Violet is left with too much time on her hands as she wonders where things went wrong. But when she fills the void by digging into Mike's tragic family history, she stumbles upon a dark truth that could put everyone in danger.

That's it for this week and it's not even Tuesday yet...there are at least three more books scheduled to be released tomorrow that will be coming my way. How I accomplish anything at all is beyond me.

I hope everyone had a great weekend!

On My Wishlist

2011-02-25T05:55:00.004-06:00

That's it for this week. Anyone have any additions that are coming out soon that I missed? I'd love to hear about them! Have a great weekend everyone.

Draft Two...Fix Up Time

2011-02-24T06:32:00.010-06:00

Recently I finished the first draft on my current WIP. Thanks and appreciation go out to all of those fabulous snow days we had in January and February. I took advantage and was amazed at just how much I was able to accomplish.

Now with the first draft completed I just need to go back and fix it all. That's not so hard right? I wish! This to me is the hardest part. The first draft? Not so much. For the first draft I write and ignore my inner editor. Or at least I try. The second draft on the other hand...this is the part where I start to hyperventilate and get overwhelmed with the little things.

So first I will let it sit and have one of these...

Or maybe some of this...

Oh, and last but certainly not least I must have this...

Now I am ready. Maybe. Possibly.

So what does jumping off into the ever stressful second draft look like for me? Everyone is different, but for my second draft I grab my to do list which consists of everything I need to fix. This list comes together during the first draft so that I don't stop and nit-pick right then and there.

My lists consists of the following:

Repetitive or Down Right Bad Writing-It's there, I won't lie. This is the place where I clean up that mess.

Pacing-I can usually tell when a scene is moving fast or dragging out forever. Instead of rewriting, adding/cutting during the drafting phase, I do it here.

Plot or Character Inconsistencies- The more I delve further into the ms, the more I notice inconsistencies with my characters. Things they would not do or say. I also look out for the little things that don't quite mesh in the plot during this run through.

Clarifying or Adding Description-I love to describe things. Everything. I want the reader to have as vivid an image in their mind as I do. What's the problem then? Too much of a good thing can get really old. So I go through and fine tune the necessary descriptions. Those that move the story forward. Anything extra that does not add to the plot or characters gets cut. Even if I love it.

Well there you have it, the partial method to my madness. Of course this is only step one. I won't even attempt to go any further today. Do any of you wonderful people out there have any other suggestions for this stage of you ms? I would so love to hear them!

Tying Up Loose Ends

2011-02-21T05:57:00.002-06:00

Have you ever read a book or watched a movie that left you completely unsettled? Left you with more questions than answers? Well I don't know about you, but I hate that feeling.

Detest it actually.

Over the weekend I watched a movie that did just that. For starters it was a scary movie that had me jumping out of my skin and hiding behind my throw pillow. Not my idea of a good time. When the credits finally rolled I found myself sitting there thinking...what the heck just happened?

I still am.

Aside from the eye-covering and screaming I was paying close attention and wanted to know the end result. This got me thinking about my writing. Of course. I am on the brink of finishing my first draft on my current WIP and I know without a doubt that there are loose ends flapping about. Among other things. I think every writer wants their readers thinking about their work long after they have put the book down. But not because they couldn't figure out the resolution or were confused by the plot-lines.

This epiphany could not have come at a better time. I'm now more aware of the work that needs to be done in order to complete this ms. Like I didn't know that already. But now I'm going into my second draft with an obstinate determination to make my plot lines crystal clear and all loose ends tied up firmly in a neat little bow.

How will I achieve this goal you ask? Lucky for me I get a little OCD when I write. This time around however I was determined to silence my inner editor. So when I came across any sort of issue that needed to be ironed out, I made a note in a separate document that I'll refer to as I work through the second draft. The process will no doubt be daunting, but the end result will hopefully be well worth the effort.

So spill...how do you feel about loose ends? Do you like to finish a movie or book and be left questioning it? Or do you prefer to have all the answers? I hope everyone had a great weekend. Last week was brutal, but its over now and I'm so excited to be back into my normal routine. I have missed visiting all of your blogs!

On My Wishlist...

2011-02-11T06:37:00.006-06:00

Goodreads Description:
Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn’t understand that once love -- the deliria -- blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the governments demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Holoway has always looked forward to the day when she’ll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy.

But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: She falls in love.

Desires of the Dead (The Body Finder #2) by Kimberly Derting
Goodreads Description:
The missing dead call to Violet. They want to be found.

Violet can sense the echoes of those who've been murdered—and the matching imprint that clings to their killers. Only those closest to her know what she is capable of, but when she discovers the body of a young boy she also draws the attention of the FBI, threatening her entire way of life.

As Violet works to keep her morbid ability a secret, she unwittingly becomes the object of a dangerous obsession. Normally she'd turn to her best friend, Jay, except now that they are officially a couple, the rules of their relationship seem to have changed. And with Jay spending more and more time with his new friend Mike, Violet is left with too much time on her hands as she wonders where things went wrong. But when she fills the void by digging into Mike's tragic family history, she stumbles upon a dark truth that could put everyone in danger.

Angelfire (Angelfire #1) by Courtney Allison Moulton
Goodreads Description:
This debut, the first novel in a trilogy, is achingly romantic, terrifying, and filled with blistering action.

When seventeen-year-old Ellie starts seeing reapers - monstrous creatures who devour humans and send their souls to Hell - she finds herself on the front lines of a supernatural war between archangels and the Fallen and faced with the possible destruction of her soul.

A mysterious boy named Will reveals she is the reincarnation of an ancient warrior, the only one capable of wielding swords of angelfire to fight the reapers, and he is an immortal sworn to protect her in battle. Now that Ellie's powers have been awakened, a powerful reaper called Bastian has come forward to challenge her. He has employed a fierce assassin to eliminate her - an assassin who has already killed her once.

While balancing her dwindling social life and reaper-hunting duties, she and Will discover Bastian is searching for a dormant creature believed to be a true soul reaper. Bastian plans to use this weapon to ignite the End of Days and to destroy Ellie's soul, ending her rebirth cycle forever. Now, she must face an army of Bastian's most frightening reapers, prevent the soul reaper from consuming her soul, and uncover the secrets of her past lives - including truths that may be too frightening to remember.

Delirium was released on the first of this month and Angelfire and Desires of the Dead are scheduled for release on the fifteenth...this coming Tuesday! I've got a lot of reading to catch up on this weekend to be ready. How about all of you? Are there any upcoming releases you can't live without?

*I won't be posting again until next Friday. I have Parent/Teacher conferences at work and as you can imagine I'll be just a little busy. My goal is also to finish the first draft of my current WIP. I'll still be visiting all of you though. Have a great weekend everyone and I'll see you next Friday.

Book Review...Rosebush by Michele Jaffe

2011-02-10T05:35:00.004-06:00

To me there is no sweeter treat than picking up a book and finding myself unable to put it down. And once I picked up Rosebush, I did not let it go until I was finished. Thank goodness it was the weekend.

Michele Jaffe has spun a mystery that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat throughout the entire story. Jane wakes up in the hospital with no memory of the accident that left her for dead in the middle of a rosebush. She's surrounded by her friends and admirers, yet any one of them could be the responsible party for her current state.

With so many twists and turn you'll find yourself constantly changing your mind about who's guilty and who is in fact innocent. Every time I thought I had it figured out, I was proven wrong.

A heartbreaking thriller, perfect for anyone who loves a good romance riddled with secrets and lies.

Rosebush by Michele Jaffe

Goodreads Description:
Instead of celebrating Memorial Day weekend on the Jersey Shore, Jane is in the hospital surrounded by teddy bears, trying to piece together what happened last night. One minute she was at a party, wearing fairy wings and cuddling with her boyfriend. The next, she was lying near-dead in a rosebush after a hit-and-run.
Everyone believes it was an accident, despite the phone threats Jane swears were real. But the truth is a thorny thing. As Jane's boyfriend, friends, and admirers come to visit, more memories surface not just from the party, but from deeper in her past . . . including the night her best friend Bonnie died.

With nearly everyone in her life a suspect now, Jane must unravel the mystery before her killer attacks again. Along the way, she's forced to examine the consequences of her life choices in this compulsively readable thriller.

If you haven't read this addictive little number yet, I highly recommend doing so.

Guest Post

2011-02-08T05:38:00.003-06:00

Today I'm guest posting over at the blog of Chris Phillips Slushpile Savant. He has a weekly post featuring music we love to write to so be sure and stop by!

Since you made the trip, I won't leave you empty handed. Here are a few amazing picks I just happened to stumble upon...

There is this one...

Love this one...
And for those of you who haven't heard about the big bad wolf...
And last but certainly not least...
Hope that's enough to tide you all over! Have a great day everyone!

Skipping To The End

2011-02-07T06:07:00.003-06:00

Over the weekend someone near and dear to me did something I can't believe I'm still talking about, much less blogging about.

But this is just to good to let drop. This person who will remain nameless has been bugging me to know what happens in Breaking Dawn. She has watched all of the Twilight movies and now wants to know how it ends. My response? Read the book. I will not tell people how stories end. I just can't do it. She has asked me several times how it ends and I tell her the same thing every time. So this weekend she was at Walmart and while her husband was perusing the isles for whatever it is he gets there, the little stinker picked up Breaking Dawn and read the last chapter. Then she has the nerve to tell me about it.

You can imagine how that conversation went.

One of my all time no-no's is skipping to the end of a book. Especially a good book. I mean, who does that? For me part of the fun is getting there. I love picking up a book that I just can't put down. A book that I find myself walking around the house with. Reading while I cook...clean...whenever and wherever I can. Unable to think of anything else until I read that last page. So skipping to the end is, well I just can't imagine doing this.

This got me thinking of my own writing. I am a self proclaimed pantser through and through. When I sit down to start a new project I have the big idea and my characters. I jot down a few details and possible solutions, but that's it. The ending of my own book isn't set in stone until I get there. Again, part of the fun is letting it develop and take on a life of it's own.

Okay...here endeth my rant. So my question for all of you is obvious. Would you skip to the end if you were dying to know what happens? Or are you in for the long haul?

On My Wishlist...

2011-02-04T06:05:00.004-06:00

On My Wishlist is a fun weekly event hosted by Book Chick City. It's where you can list all the books you desperately want but haven't actually bought yet. They can be old, new or forthcoming. Mr Linky is always at the ready for you to link your own 'On My Wishlist' post. If you want to know more click here.

This week on my wishlist:

The False Princess by Eilis O'Neal

Goodreads Description:
Princess and heir to the throne of Thorvaldor, Nalia's led a privileged life at court. But everything changes when it's revealed, just after her sixteenth birthday, that she is a false princess, a stand-in for the real Nalia, who has been hidden away for her protection. Cast out with little more than the clothes on her back, the girl now called Sinda must leave behind the city of Vivaskari, her best friend, Keirnan, and the only life she's ever known.

Sinda is sent to live with her only surviving relative, an aunt who is a dyer in a distant village. She is a cold, scornful woman with little patience for her newfound niece, and Sinda proves inept at even the simplest tasks. But when Sinda discovers that magic runs through her veins - long-suppressed, dangerous magic that she must learn to control - she realizes that she can never learn to be a simple village girl.

Returning to Vivaskari for answers, Sinda finds her purpose as a wizard scribe, rediscovers the boy who saw her all along, and uncovers a secret that could change the course of Thorvaldor's history, forever.

A dazzling first novel, The False Princess is an engrossing fantasy full of mystery, action, and romance.

The Iron Witch (The Iron Witch #1) by Karen Mahoney

Goodreads Description:
Freak. That's what her classmates call seventeen-year-old Donna Underwood. When she was seven, a horrific fey attack killed her father and drove her mother mad. Donna's own nearly fatal injuries from the assault were fixed by magic—the iron tattoos branding her hands and arms. The child of alchemists, Donna feels cursed by the magical heritage that destroyed her parents and any chance she had for a normal life. The only thing that keeps her sane and grounded is her relationship with her best friend, Navin Sharma.
When the darkest outcasts of Faerie—the vicious wood elves—abduct Navin, Donna finally has to accept her role in the centuries old war between the humans and the fey. Assisted by Xan, a gorgeous half-fey dropout with secrets of his own, Donna races to save her friend—even if it means betraying everything her parents and the alchemist community fought to the death to protect.

Vesper (Deviants #1) by Jeff Sampson

Goodreads Description:
Emily Webb is a geek. And she’s happy that way. Content hiding under hoodies and curling up to watch old horror flicks, she’s never been the kind of girl who sneaks out for midnight parties. And she’s definitely not the kind of girl who starts fights or flirts with other girls’ boyfriends. Until one night Emily finds herself doing exactly that . . . the same night one of her classmates—also named Emily—is found mysteriously murdered.

The thing is, Emily doesn’t know why she’s doing any of this. By day, she’s the same old boring Emily, but by night, she turns into a thrill seeker. With every nightfall, Emily gets wilder until it’s no longer just her personality that changes. Her body can do things it never could before: Emily is now strong, fast, and utterly fearless. And soon Emily realizes that she’s not just coming out of her shell . . . there’s something much bigger going on. Is she bewitched by the soul of the other, murdered Emily? Or is Emily Webb becoming something else entirely— something not human?

As Emily hunts for answers, she finds out that she’s not the only one this is happening to—some of her classmates are changing as well. Who is turning these teens into monsters—and how many people will they kill to get what they want?

I'm a little behind on my January releases, but I plan to get caught up just in time for all of the fabulous releases coming out this month.

Have a great weekend everyone and be sure to let me know what little jewel you are dying ot get your hands on.

Back To Reality

2011-02-03T06:26:00.007-06:00

That title has dual meaning for me this morning. First, I am going back to work after having three snow days in a row. (I have not left my house since Saturday.) Second, this post is my writing reality. At least for now.

So yesterday I gave you a sneak peek into the workings of my little dream world. Now today for those of you who need a good laugh, here's what my days actually look like:

My alarm blasts at five o'clock in the morning. I want to cry. I get up, thankful that I picked out my clothes the night before because now I don't have to think yet and everything will match. Yea me! I rush through getting ready. I have to at least slap on make-up or I'll scare the children.

Once presentable. I sit down at my laptop in the family room, kitchen, dining room...wherever I land. And wherever my power cord will reach. I have no writing space. I post a blog and visit as many as I can before my son hollers that we have to leave now! Yep, he is that responsible.

I go to work, try not to do anything socially awkward like phase out in the middle of a conversation or have my eyes glaze over during the lunchtime conversation because I have dialogue running through my head.

When I get off work, I go to the gym,daughters dance class, or my son's games. Then do all the other mommy stuff and get everything ready for the next day. When all of this is done, I sit down to my laptop, again wherever I can find a semi-quiet corner.

And I write.

I write about the few ideas I've scratched down throughout the day. I finish that chapter I've been working on. I start a new chapter. Whatever it is, I write. This is where the fate of my sleep will be decided. If the ideas come. I'll be up awhile. If not, I might get a little sleep. Just a little. But before I do that I also squeeze in some reading!

Then I get to get up and do it all over again. Yea!

So there you have it, my day. I'm tired just looking at it. This was not meant to be a venting session or a pity party. It is what it is, I love what I do and this is how I accomplish it.

So what about you? What does your day look like? I sincerely hope it looks more like the day I posted yesterday.

My Perfect Writing World...

2011-02-02T07:59:00.003-06:00

Some of the best advice I have ever heard for writers is this:

1. Get your very own writing space. Eliminate every distraction.
2. Write. A lot. Set a goal for each day.
3. Read as much as you can in your own genre.

At first I laughed. Then I felt like crying because most new writers still have another job, kids and no writing space. Finally I got realistic. I can do this. I do this. Everyday.

So before I examined my actual situation I thought I'd have a little fun. If I could hand mold my day to day writing world, this is a glimpse at what it would look like:

My job would be my writing. Nothing more, nothing less. I would write. A lot. At least ten pages per day. Around 2,000 words would be my goal. Some days I would write more, but never less.

I would have my very own writing sanctuary. Something like this...

On days I was stuck, I would write with my pretty purple pens.

On days I was not, I would use my pretty, pretty laptop. (Sadly mine looks nothing like this.)

I would go into this room, with my beautiful writing tools, close the door and shut the rest of the world out until my daily goal was met.

I would be able to blast my play-list without others commanding I turn it down or that they hate my music choices.

I would have time to put a dent in my out of control TBR pile. I could read and read and read because my writing would be done early in the morning, leaving plenty of time to read before the kids come home from school.

But alas...this is a dream. Maybe a goal. But it's a pretty good one I must say. So what does your sanctuary look like? Stay tuned tomorrow for a glance at what my days really look like. I will warn you, its not pretty...but we love what we do right?

In My Mailbox...

2011-01-31T06:27:00.005-06:00

The body of a young girl is discovered in a field of wheat. Her flesh mutilated by telltale claw marks. The Wolf has broken the peace.

When Valerie learns that her sister has been killed by the legendary creature, she finds herself at the center of a dark mystery, one that has plagued her village for generations. It is revealed that the werewolf lives among them, and everyone in the village immediately becomes a suspect. Could her secret love Peter be behind the attacks on her town? Is it her betrothed, Henry? Or someone even closer to her?

As the men in the village hunt for the beast, Valerie turns to her grandmother for help. She gives Valerie a handmade red riding cloak, and guides her through the web of lies and deception that has held her town together for so long. Will Valerie discover the werewolf's identity before the town is ripped apart?

This is a dangerous new vision of a classic fairy tale, the happy ending could be hard to find.

When I saw this at the bookstore I had to pick it up because I am just dying to see this movie when it comes out in March.

If you haven't heard about it, here are some fantastic pics:

How fabulous does this movie look? I for one can't wait to see it.

Well that's it for this week. I know, I know it was slim pickings this week for my mailbox, but don't worry, there are some up and coming releases that will more than make up for it. So tell me...what's in your mailbox?

In My Mailbox...

2011-01-24T06:13:00.004-06:00

Goodreads Description:
A love out of time. A spaceship built of secrets and murder.
Seventeen-year-old Amy joins her parents as frozen cargo aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed and expects to awaken on a new planet, three hundred years in the future. Never could she have known that her frozen slumber would come to an end fifty years too soon and that she would be thrust into the brave new world of a spaceship that lives by its own rules.

Amy quickly realizes that her awakening was no mere computer malfunction. Someone-one of the few thousand inhabitants of the spaceship-tried to kill her. And if Amy doesn't do something soon, her parents will be next.

Now Amy must race to unlock Godspeed's hidden secrets. But out of her list of murder suspects, there's only one who matters: Elder, the future leader of the ship and the love she could never have seen coming.

Unearthly (Unearthly #1) by Cynthia Hand
Goodreads Description:
In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees . . . .

Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what that is, though, isn't easy.

Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place—and out of place at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side.

As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make—between honesty and deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?

Unearthly is a moving tale of love and fate, and the struggle between following the rules and following your heart.

The Lost Saint (The Dark Divine #2) by Bree Despain
Goodreads Description:
The non-stop sequel to The Dark Divine delivers an even hotter romance and more thrilling action than Bree Despain's first novel. Grace Divine made the ultimate sacrifice to cure Daniel Kalbi. She gave her soul to the wolf to save him and lost her beloved mother. When Grace receives a haunting phone call from Jude, she knows what she must do. She must become a Hound of Heaven. Desperate to find Jude, Grace befriends Talbot - a newcomer to town who promises her that he can help her be a hero. But as the two grow closer, the wolf grows in Grace, and her relationship with Daniel begins to crumble. Unaware of the dark path she is walking, Grace becomes prideful in her new abilities - not realizing that an old enemy has returned and deadly trap is about to be sprung. Readers, raveous for more Grace and Daniel, will be itching to sink their teeth into The Lost Saint.

Awakened (House of Night #8) by P.C. Cast, Kristin Cast
Goodreads Description:
At the start of Awakened, the pulse-pounding eighth installment of the bestselling House of Night series, Zoey has returned, mostly whole, from the Otherworld to her rightful place as High Priestess at the House of Night. Her friends are just glad to have her back, but after losing her human consort, Heath, will Zoey—or her relationship with her super- hot Warrior, Stark—ever be the same? Stevie Rae is drawn even closer to Rephaim, the Raven Mocker with whom she shares a mysterious and powerful Imprint, but he is a dangerous secret that isolates her from her school, her red fledglings, and even her best friends. When the dark threat of Neferet—who is coming closer and closer to achieving her twisted goal of immortality—and Kalona returns, what will it take to keep the House of Night from being lost forever, and what will one desperate girl do to keep her heart from being irreparably broken?

Much more to come next week...So many books, so little time! Have a great day everyone!

You Need to Read Carrie Jones...

2011-01-21T06:22:00.003-06:00

Over the break I caught up on a most intriguing series by Carrie Jones. What first drew me in was of course the cover I mean just look at it...

Isn't it just stunning? Now throw in a lovable character named Zara and a creepy stalker guy and you have a must read book. But don't take my word for it...
Need (Need #1) by Carrie Jones (Goodreads Author)

Goodreads Description:
Zara White suspects there's a freaky guy semi-stalking her. She's also obsessed with phobias. And it's true, she hasn't exactly been herself since her stepfather died. But exiling her to shivery Maine to live with her grandmother? That seems a bit extreme. The move is supposed to help her stay sane...but Zara's pretty sure her mom just can't deal with her right now.

She couldn't be more wrong. Turns out the semi-stalker is not a figment of Zara's overactive imagination. In fact, he's still following her, leaving behind an eerie trail of gold dust. There's something not right - not human - in this sleepy Maine town, and all signs point to Zara.

In this creepy, compelling breakout novel, Carrie Jones delivers romance, suspense, and a creature you never thought you'd have to fear.

The fun does not stop there. Here are the next two installments in the series:
Captivate (Need #2)

Entice (Need #3)

Aren't they just stunning? I left off the descriptions so as not to give anything away. The fourth installment is in the works and I for one cannot wait to get my hands on it. I will warn you, book three does end with a cliffhanger of sorts. I'm not against them, but you all know my skill of patience is a bit lacking at times.

How about you? What must read series have you read lately? Do you enjoy a good cliffhanger or would you rather have a resolution?

Character Building

2011-01-19T06:18:00.004-06:00

A crucial element to any story is the characters that move about. Readers have to fall in love with these characters whether they are good, bad or oh so evil. I've found that if cleverly written, even the worst of characters can become a favorite.

As posted yesterday, I recently read On Writing A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King. Here are the tips on character building I pulled from the memoir that have helped me tremendously.

1. When out and about pay close attention to those around you and how they behave and record what you see. In other words, people watch. This is something I always do and it of course drives my family crazy. But what better way create real-life characters.

2. Keep in mind that in real life, no one is "the bad guy" or "the best friend." We all regard ourselves as the main character or the protagonist. Use this same attitude when creating characters.

3. Every character is an extension of you in some way, yes the rest is from your imagination. But whether you plan the action or not, a small part of you seeps in.

4. Make your characters behave in such a way that both helps the story and seems reasonable. Think about what we know about the character and what we know of real-life.

5. Make a bad character persuasive. For example, make your readers understand the reasoning behind their actions...this makes the character even more disturbing and real.

6. Remember, sometimes villains feel self doubt or pity. Sometimes the good guy is tempted to not do the right thing.

*Most important tip I took away from this book...If you do your job right, your characters will come to life and start doing stuff on their own.

So there you have it. These tips have helped me breathe new life into the characters in my current WIP and also resulted in a trip to the mall for a session of people watching. Much to my sons embarrassment! But hey, its all for the sake of the story so what can I say? We do what we have to do.

If you haven't read this book yet, I highly recommend. What each person takes away depends on what stage of your journey you are in. And were I to read it again, I'm certain I would take something else away entirely.

Must Read For Writers...

2011-01-18T06:11:00.004-06:00

Scary stories and movies were a staple growing up in my house. My mother is a fanatic when it comes to the biting your nails, hide your face in your pillow and try not to scream type of movies. (I'm the one performing these acts not her.) You get the idea. The first scary movie I watched was Carrie based on the novel by the master Stephen King. Though it freaked me out, I loved it. So of course when I got older I simply had to read the book.

Having such an impact on the entertainment in my house growing up, when I stumbled upon his book on writing I knew I had found another must read. I flew through the pages in a day and even took notes. I never take notes when I read. As promised in my goals for the year, I will be posting about the tips I found most helpful. I didn't expect to get the inspiration and determination for my current WIP from one book. But I did.

On Writing by Stephen King
Goodreads Description:
"Long live the King" hailed Entertainment Weekly upon the publication of Stephen King's On Writing. Part memoir, part master class by one of the bestselling authors of all time, this superb volume is a revealing and practical view of the writer's craft, comprising the basic tools of the trade every writer must have. King's advice is grounded in his vivid memories from childhood through his emergence as a writer, from his struggling early career to his widely reported near-fatal accident in 1999 -- and how the inextricable link between writing and living spurred his recovery. Brilliantly structured, friendly and inspiring, On Writing will empower and entertain everyone who reads it -- fans, writers, and anyone who loves a great story well told.

If you have yet to read On Writing, I highly recommend it. The beginning is a memoir of his life followed by his tips on writing. Whatever stage you are on your journey as a writer you will find something to either help, inspire or push you in the right direction.

My Inner Editor

2011-01-10T06:33:00.001-06:00

So I have this plan. A goal. One that I thought would be easy to keep up with.

My goal is to write something everyday. Whether it be one page or ten, I want to write every single day. What's the problem you ask?

That little voice that won't shut-up for five minutes. Yes, my inner editor.
I'm so excited that the ideas for my new ms are flowing freely right now and I want to make as much headway as possible before the self doubt sets in. But every time I sit down at the laptop, the editor begins to rant.

I'm so picky that I find myself rereading sentences and picking apart descriptions at every turn. The perfectionist in me wants to constantly check word choice and the fluency of each and every sentence. As you very well know this tends to throw a kink in the progression of one's writing.

But I managed to find a way around this little problem. It was a fluke really. I simply put my laptop away. I put it away and pulled out a clean notebook and my favorite purple pen. I know crazy right? But it works.

Now whenever I get a few spare minutes I write. I write and I don't even think about that pesky little editor that taunts me to go back and fix something that might be a little less than perfect. Why exactly this works I cannot begin to explain, maybe it's that blinking cursor or the empty document page staring back at me that cause my mind to freeze up when I use my computer. But writing long hand is working and for the moment I'm just going with it.

Scribbling away in my notebook has released some of the pressure and makes writing a little bit each day much more attainable and enjoyable. I now remember why I started writing again in the first place. It really is the best outlet for stress and I do love it.

So do you have an inner editor taunting away as you try to write? How do you silence yours?

On My Wishlist...

2011-01-07T06:10:00.005-06:00

Goodreads Description:
A love out of time. A spaceship built of secrets and murder.
Seventeen-year-old Amy joins her parents as frozen cargo aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed and expects to awaken on a new planet, three hundred years in the future. Never could she have known that her frozen slumber would come to an end fifty years too soon and that she would be thrust into the brave new world of a spaceship that lives by its own rules.

Amy quickly realizes that her awakening was no mere computer malfunction. Someone-one of the few thousand inhabitants of the spaceship-tried to kill her. And if Amy doesn't do something soon, her parents will be next.

Now Amy must race to unlock Godspeed's hidden secrets. But out of her list of murder suspects, there's only one who matters: Elder, the future leader of the ship and the love she could never have seen coming.

Unearthly (Unearthly #1) by Cynthia Hand
Goodreads Description:
In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees . . . .

Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what that is, though, isn't easy.

Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place—and out of place at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side.

As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make—between honesty and deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?

Unearthly is a moving tale of love and fate, and the struggle between following the rules and following your heart.

The Lost Saint (The Dark Divine #2) by Bree Despain
Goodreads Description:
The non-stop sequel to The Dark Divine delivers an even hotter romance and more thrilling action than Bree Despain's first novel. Grace Divine made the ultimate sacrifice to cure Daniel Kalbi. She gave her soul to the wolf to save him and lost her beloved mother. When Grace receives a haunting phone call from Jude, she knows what she must do. She must become a Hound of Heaven. Desperate to find Jude, Grace befriends Talbot - a newcomer to town who promises her that he can help her be a hero. But as the two grow closer, the wolf grows in Grace, and her relationship with Daniel begins to crumble. Unaware of the dark path she is walking, Grace becomes prideful in her new abilities - not realizing that an old enemy has returned and deadly trap is about to be sprung. Readers, raveous for more Grace and Daniel, will be itching to sink their teeth into The Lost Saint.

Awakened (House of Night #8) by P.C. Cast, Kristin Cast
Goodreads Description:
At the start of Awakened, the pulse-pounding eighth installment of the bestselling House of Night series, Zoey has returned, mostly whole, from the Otherworld to her rightful place as High Priestess at the House of Night. Her friends are just glad to have her back, but after losing her human consort, Heath, will Zoey—or her relationship with her super- hot Warrior, Stark—ever be the same? Stevie Rae is drawn even closer to Rephaim, the Raven Mocker with whom she shares a mysterious and powerful Imprint, but he is a dangerous secret that isolates her from her school, her red fledglings, and even her best friends. When the dark threat of Neferet—who is coming closer and closer to achieving her twisted goal of immortality—and Kalona returns, what will it take to keep the House of Night from being lost forever, and what will one desperate girl do to keep her heart from being irreparably broken?

Well there you have it. So far my goal to put a dent in my TBR pile is not going so well. I'm reading. A lot. But as you can see it has been rather difficult to keep from adding to it. So what books are you dying to read? Did I miss any new releases that have to be added to my list?

Back To Work...

2011-01-05T06:22:00.007-06:00

As I write this blog post I am willing myself not to complain, cry or break out the chocolate.

At least not yet.

My room has been moved and ready or not the children will be coming back today. Vacation was fabulous while it lasted, but all good things must come to an end right? So now its back to work and I decided that it was time to set some goals to keep me on track before things get too crazy.

Now I'm not much for making new year's resolutions. Mainly because I am terrible at keeping them. But when I'm not actively writing, I'm a complete mess. You may be laughing right now, but I'm telling the honest truth. Thoughts get jumbled in my head and I feel completely unorganized. You get the idea.

So to keep myself on track and out of chaotic trouble, here are my goals for the year...or at least the immediate future.

1. Write something everyday. I won't give myself a specific word count. It just doesn't work for me. Some days I write one page, while others I write an entire chapter. It all evens out. But I will write everyday.

2. Writing helpful blog posts. I've been blogging since the end of May and while I have less time to work on my writing, I love all of the people I've met and wouldn't trade that for anything. So my goal is to keep my blog fun while helping others along the way. I'm in no way an expert, but what I stumble across that helps me I promise to pass along to you.

3. Make a significant dent in my TBR pile. As you all very well know, the pile is just out of control and only grew over my vacation.

So there you have it. I know my goals will change throughout the year, but for now this will get me started. So what about you? Do you believe in resolutions? If so what are yours?

In My Mailbox

2011-01-03T07:05:00.002-06:00

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren. Anyone can participate in IMM and you are not limited to only sharing books that arrive via your mailbox. You can also share books that you've bought or books that you've gotten at the library. You can find more information on how to participate in the In My Mailbox meme by visiting The Story Siren.

This week in my mailbox...

Rosebush by Michele Jaffe

Instead of celebrating Memorial Day weekend on the Jersey Shore, Jane is in the hospital surrounded by teddy bears, trying to piece together what happened last night. One minute she was at a party, wearing fairy wings and cuddling with her boyfriend. The next, she was lying near-dead in a rosebush after a hit-and-run.
Everyone believes it was an accident, despite the phone threats Jane swears were real. But the truth is a thorny thing. As Jane's boyfriend, friends, and admirers come to visit, more memories surface not just from the party, but from deeper in her past . . . including the night her best friend Bonnie died.

With nearly everyone in her life a suspect now, Jane must unravel the mystery before her killer attacks again. Along the way, she's forced to examine the consequences of her life choices in this compulsively readable thriller.

Once In A Full Moon by Ellen Schreiber

Beware of a kiss under the full moon. It will change your life forever.

Celeste Parker is used to hearing scary stories about werewolves—Legend's Run is famous for them. She's used to everything in the small town until Brandon Maddox moves to Legend's Run and Celeste finds herself immediately drawn to the handsome new student. But when, after an unnerving visit with a psychic, she encounters a pack of wolves and gorgeous, enigmatic Brandon, she must discover whether his transformation is more than legend or just a trick of the shadows in the moonlight.

Her best friends may never forgive her if she gives up her perfect boyfriend, Nash, for Brandon, who's from the wrong side of town. But she can't deny her attraction or the strong pull he has on her. Brandon may be Celeste's hero, or he may be the most dangerous creature she could encounter in the woods of Legend's Run.

Psychic predictions, generations-old secrets, a town divided, and the possibility of falling in love with a hot and heroic werewolf are the perfect formula for what happens . . . once in a full moon.

Sapphique (Incarceron #2) by Catherine Fisher

Finn has escaped from the terrible living Prison of Incarceron, but its memory torments him, because his brother Keiro is still inside. Outside, Claudia insists he must be king, but Finn doubts even his own identity. Is he the lost prince Giles? Or are his memories no more than another construct of his imprisonment? And can you be free if your friends are still captive? Can you be free if your world is frozen in time? Can you be free if you don't even know who you are? Inside Incarceron, has the crazy sorcerer Rix really found the Glove of Sapphique, the only man the Prison ever loved. Sapphique, whose image fires Incarceron with the desire to escape its own nature. If Keiro steals the glove, will he bring destruction to the world? Inside. Outside. All seeking freedom. Like Sapphique.

I hope everyone had a fabulous Christmas and that the new year is off to a great start for all of you. As for me, well that's an entirely different post isn't it?

Now it's share time...what did you get for Christmas?

Be Jolly By Golly

2010-12-20T06:02:00.001-06:00

Today is the day...it's finally time for the Be Jolly By Golly Blogfest hosted by Jen and Melissa!

This year has been absolutely insane, but I'm excited for Christmas none-the-less. Once school is out and I manage to get my classroom situated I'll be all set.(Yes I have to move my room in the middle of the year!)

So here are some pics of what we do to celebrate Christmas...

The stockings...yes, the animals have their own.

The tree...

The house...

The luminaries...every year my neighborhood puts out luminaries on Christmas Eve. It's hard to see, but the effect is amazing.

So there you have a little peek into our Christmas. I can't wait to see what the rest of you have posted! I will not be posting for the rest of the week, as I mentioned earlier...I have to move my entire classroom. Plus all the cooking and baking, company coming...you get the idea.

I'll still be visiting your blogs though! I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas!!!!

On My Wishlist...

2010-12-17T06:21:00.003-06:00

Keep It Simple

2010-12-15T06:27:00.002-06:00

So I had this idea.

It has been growing and festering in my mind for quite some time now, just waiting to get out. But, I put it on hold. I had revisions to finish.

Still the idea grew. But, I had another manuscript to complete before starting a new one because that would be crazy right?

Well, I finally tied up all the loose ends and began to map out all the details of this new idea. I made out a rough outline, found pictures for the setting and characters. Began character sheets and filled out interviews for those characters.

Then I stopped. I can't work like this, I can't do it. I am ridiculously organized about everything else in my life and that's why writing has been such a great outlet. I love starting a new idea and being uncertain where that notion will lead. I love plotting and scheming as I muddle my way through each and every chapter.

So I set all of that hard work aside and just dove in and started writing. I ended up finishing a complete chapter in one sitting. Now I'm not saying all that research and planning didn't help, but giving my mind the freedom to wander where it may was just the medicine I needed to get through my little slump.

Now, I'll hang on to the outline and all the work I've already done, but from here on out my pantser ways are going to come into play. I'm glad I have all of the pictures and the outline to refer to in the event of another slump. But I'm removing the pressure of writing inside the box and now the ideas are flooding in.

So what about you? Have you ever tried something new in your writing? Did it work, or are you like me and stuck in your ways? (Not that that's a bad thing.)

In My Mailbox...

2010-12-13T06:06:00.006-06:00

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren. Anyone can participate in IMM and you are not limited to only sharing books that arrive via your mailbox. You can also share books that you've bought or books that you've gotten at the library. You can find more information on how to participate in the In My Mailbox meme by visiting The Story Siren.

This week in my mailbox...

Last Sacrifice (Vampire Academy #6) by Richelle Mead

Rose Hathaway has always played by her own rules.

She broke the law when she ran away from St. Vladimir’s Academy with her best friend and last surviving Dragomir Princess, Lissa. She broke the law when she fell in love with her gorgeous, off-limits instructor, Dimitri. And she dared to defy Queen Tatiana, leader of the Moroi world, risking her life and reputation to protect generations of dhampir guardian to come.

Now the law has finally caught up with Rose- for a crime she didn’t even commit. She’s in prison for the highest offense imaginable: the assassination of a monarch. She’ll need help from both Dimitri and Adrian to find the one living person who can stall her execution and force the Moroi elite to acknowledge a shocking new candidate for the royal throne: Vasilisa Dragomir.

But the clock on Rose’s life is running out. Rose knows in her heart the world of the dead wants her back… and this time she is truly out of second chances. The big question is, when your life is about saving others, who will save you?

Though I was sad to see this series come to an end, it was well worth the wait. I finished this fabulous read last night and have the bags under my eyes to prove it.

Second on my list...

The Lying Game (The Lying Game #1) by Sara Shepard

Goodreads Description:
I had a life anyone would kill for.

Then someone did.

The worst part of being dead is that there’s nothing left to live for. No more kisses. No more secrets. No more gossip. It’s enough to kill a girl all over again. But I’m about to get something no one else does—an encore performance, thanks to Emma, the long-lost twin sister I never even got to meet.

Now Emma’s desperate to know what happened to me. And the only way to figure it out is to be me—to slip into my old life and piece it all together. But can she laugh at inside jokes with my best friends? Convince my boyfriend she’s the girl he fell in love with? Pretend to be a happy, carefree daughter when she hugs my parents good night? And can she keep up the charade, even after she realizes my murderer is watching her every move?

From Sara Shepard, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Pretty Little Liars books, comes a riveting new series about secrets, lies, and killer consequences.

Let the lying game begin.

Pretty Little Liars did not disappoint, so I'm sure this new series from Sara Shepard will be no exception. So what did you add to your reading pile? I'd love to hear about it. Hope everyone had a great weekend!

On My Wishlist...

2010-12-10T05:57:00.009-06:00

A Writer, A Sister and Three Teachers...

2010-12-08T05:55:00.008-06:00

Its been said that writing is a solitary act...that it must be done alone. Well, maybe this statement is true for a large part of the writing process, but I've learned throughout this little journey that writers can't do it alone.

We all need help.

Before you sign with an agent, before an editor picks up your manuscript, your work needs to be seen. The thought of this is terrifying I know, but it is a necessary evil.

I used to hide away in my little writing hole scribbling incessantly on my manuscript with no plans for any other human eyes to see it but my own. And then the day came that I sent a little snippet of something I had been working on to my sister. She immediately called me back asking questions. You see she was the first person to ever know what I was up to. So she became my first critic. I'd send her work, she'd go over it with a fine tooth comb and then send it back to me.

Now I have an even larger circle of betas or critics...whatever you want to call them. Four who are non-writers...my sister and three co-workers who are avid readers and don't hold back on their opinions. If something is off, they let me know. My final beta is a fabulous writer in her own right. You all know her, the fabulous Lindsay over at Adventures in Writing. She goes through and finds all the embarrassing little mistakes that I manage to miss no matter how many times I edit my ms. Did I mention that I love adverbs? Oh yeah...she fixes those as well. She also gives me priceless feedback about things that might be unclear or ideas I hadn't even thought about.

So as you can see, all of the help is absolutely worth the torment of having an outside source read your work. If you don't have crit partners. Get them. If you haven't had someone else read your work. Find someone. You won't be sorry.

Still unconvinced? The best place to start if your a little nervous is querytracker. This site is a must have resource for writers at all stages of the process. Go to the forum and there is a thread where you can post the first five pages of your manuscript for others to review. The members are honest and positive.

So there you have it, a little peek into the method of my madness. Any tips on how you whip that WIP into shape? I'd love to hear them!

In My Mailbox...

2010-12-06T06:05:00.005-06:00

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren. Anyone can participate in IMM and you are not limited to only sharing books that arrive via your mailbox. You can also share books that you've bought or books that you've gotten at the library. You can find more information on how to participate in the In My Mailbox meme by visiting The Story Siren.

This week in my mailbox...

Matched (Matched #1) by Ally Condie

Goodreads Description:
Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate . . . until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black.

The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow.

I've already finished this fabulous book and what a great read it was! I love powerful stories that have you questioning everything. I highly recommend it!

The Atlantis Complex (Artemis Fowl #7) by Eoin Colfer

Goodreads Description:
Artemis has committed his entire fortune to a project he believes will save the planet and its inhabitants, both human and fairy. Can it be true? Has goodness taken hold of the world’s greatest teenage criminal mastermind?

Captain Holly Short is unconvinced, and discovers that Artemis is suffering from Atlantis Complex, a psychosis common among guilt-ridden fairies -- not humans -- and most likely triggered by Artemis’s dabbling with fairy magic. Symptoms include obsessive-compulsive behavior, paranoia, multiple personality disorder and, in extreme cases, embarrassing professions of love to a certain feisty LEPrecon fairy.

Unfortunately, Atlantis Complex has struck at the worst possible time. A deadly foe from Holly’s past is intent on destroying the actual city of Atlantis. Can Artemis escape the confines of his mind -- and the grips of a giant squid -- in time to save the underwater metropolis and its fairy inhabitants?

I just cracked open this little jewel, but know I won't be disappointed. Whenever Artemis Fowl is concerned, there is bound to be an unmitigated disaster.

That's it for today...I hope everyone had a fabulous weekend!

On My Wishlist

2010-12-03T06:37:00.007-06:00

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

2010-12-02T06:19:00.004-06:00

You know those stories that pull you in from the very first page and hold tight until the very last word is read? I love those stories...thrive on them. For me Nightshade slid right into that category beautifully. Just look at that gorgeous cover!

The character driven plot took off and kept me intrigued until the very end. Calla, the Alpha of the Nightshade pack is destined to be with Ren, the Alpha of the Bane pack. Their fates have been entwined since they were born. But when Shay comes into the picture, fate twists itself in something unrecognizable to Calla. As truth becomes fiction and facts become blurred...Calla begins to question a future that has always been crystal clear to her.

Readers will not be disappointed in Nightshade.

Goodreads Description:
Calla Tor has always known her destiny: After graduating from the Mountain School, she'll be the mate of sexy alpha wolf Ren Laroche and fight with him, side by side, ruling their pack and guarding sacred sites for the Keepers. But when she violates her masters' laws by saving a beautiful human boy out for a hike, Calla begins to question her fate, her existence, and the very essence of the world she has known. By following her heart, she might lose everything— including her own life. Is forbidden love worth the ultimate sacrifice?

Need I say more? This book has literally been staring at me from my book shelf for weeks. My only regret is that I didn't read it sooner!

Now if you thought the first cover was droolworthy...check out the second installment due in stores July of 2011.

Wolfsbane (Nightshade #2) by Andrea Cremer
Betrayal, loss, pain, fear. How many trials can love endure and still survive?

I can't wait to add this little jewel to my shelves! If you have't picked up Nightshade yet, I highly recommend you do so. You can get it pretty much anywhere so grab yourself a copy and dive in...you won't be sorry.

The Hating Game...

2010-12-01T06:22:00.004-06:00

What better way to bring in the new month than by celebrating the release of a fabulous new book? Join me today to help Talli Roland's book THE HATING GAME hit the Bestseller's List on Amazon!! Talli is a wonderful writer and a very supportive blogger. So let's spread the word!

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

Doesn't is just sound amazing?

To order The Hating Game for yourself simply follow the links:
Amazon.co.uk
Amazon.com

No Kindle? Download a free app at Amazon for Mac, iPhone, PC, Android and more.
Coming soon in paperback. Keep up with the latest on her website here.

Extra: Want to have a snippet of your work critiqued in a positive and anonymous manner? Shannon McMahon is offering this amazing service over on her blog. Volunteers post their work and other bloggers can off their positive feedback. Intrigued? Check it out for yourself on her blog...Somewhere Between Fact and Fiction.

What's In A Name?

2010-11-30T06:05:00.004-06:00

If you're anything like me, naming your characters is like naming one of your own children. So any old name simply will not do...

Before I can even start a new manuscript, I have to have my main characters named along with the bulk of my central characters. Of course there are always those characters that pop up throughout the story, but for the most part my names are set in stone.

How do I know the name I select will fit? It's hard to explain, it's just a gut feeling I get. I write up extensive character pages during the pre-stages of a ms and refer to these when selecting my names.

Where do I find these names? To begin with, I have a list of names that I've compiled from my day to day interactions with television, books and other people. when I see one I like, I add it to the list for future use. If I can't find a name from the list, then I refer to one of the many websites dedicated to names. It's actually pretty fun because unlike when I named my kiddos, I don't have to have anyone else's input!

Here are a couple of site's that have been helpful to me:
Name Berry
Namelists

Now these are just a couple I have used. I don't have to tell you that there are tons of lists out there for you to access. But whatever resource I use, the names simply have to be perfect before I can begin getting acquainted with my new characters.

So what about you? What methods so you use to match up new characters with the perfect name?

In My Mailbox

2010-11-29T05:49:00.007-06:00

I'm Thankful For...

2010-11-23T06:19:00.004-06:00

*Two-day work weeks! Yes, today is the last day before Thanksgiving Break! At 3:35 today cheers will be heard throughout the halls of my school. (The students might be a little excited as well.)

*Friends and family. I'm so excited to get to spend some time with my family this week!

*My adorable kiddos...My son is thirteen and my daughter is 4. There is never a dull moment at my house. Not ever! They keep me on my toes and I couldn't love anything more!

*An awesome blogging community. I can't believe how terrified I was to start a blog. Now I don't know what I would do without the incredible support I receive from all of you!

*Harry Potter! Oh yeah! I said it! My son and I are going to see it today after school. (My second time, his first.) I went with a rowdy bunch on Friday so he had to wait.

*Black Friday...need I say more?

*Amazing food. It's even more fabulous when I don't have to cook it!

So do any of you have any special plans? Other than stuffing yourself to misery?

If you want a clue what I'll be doing on Friday morning...or maybe just need a reason to smile, check out my favorite little shopper below!

I won't be posting the rest of the week due to my full house...but I will be stalking your blogs when I can sneak away with my laptop.
Have a great Thanksgiving everyone!

In My Mailbox

2010-11-22T06:16:00.005-06:00

Today Is The Day!

2010-11-19T06:21:00.003-06:00

It's finally Friday! I can't believe I actually made it through this mind numbingly slow week...but I did. I feel like a little kid on Christmas morning.

So the plan is dinner followed by our stint in the line for the big show. But. I still have to make it through an entire day of work. I can do it. Maybe.

So what about all of you? Any big plans?

If you're like me and are being forced against your will to wait just a little longer, here are some awesome photos to ease your suffering.

Okay, now I'm even more excited...Be sure to visit my partners in crime for one final dose...
Jen, Melissa, Lisa, Colene and Laurel

Have a great weekend!

Time For The Good Guys...

2010-11-18T05:56:00.003-06:00

It's Thursday...you know the drill by now! Visit my comrades:
Jen, Melissa, Lisa, Colene and Laurel

We've all come to the realization that we need both light and dark in the world...I even posted my top five villains in this series. Now it's time for the good guys to take their turn.

Once again I narrowed the list down to my top five. This was even harder than the villains! Harry was an obvious choice, but he received an entire post yesterday.

So here they are:

Nymphadora Lupin (Tonks):
Auror extraordinaire, studied under Mad-Eye-Moody and a Metamorphmagus...what's not to love?

Sirius Black:
An unexpected bright spot in Harry's life. Like Harry's parents, Sirius was taken from him far too soon.

Albus Dumbledore:
The ever brilliant headmaster will always be one of my favorite characters of all time. Losing him was one of the biggest shocks of the series.

Ronald Weasley:
How can you not love Ron? He's awkward while being absolutely hilarious. Need I say more?

Hermione Granger:
Yes she may be muggle born, but fans could care less. This little witch is the best in her year.

One more day everyone...see you tomorrow!

Harry Through The Years...

2010-11-17T05:58:00.002-06:00

"I had an idea for a boy who had magical powers but didn't really know what he was."
J.K. Rowling

My the creations that can stem from one simple idea…

When we first met Harry, he was known only as the boy from the cupboard who lost his parents. One couldn't help but feel sorry for the plain little human that had been forced to endure years of torment at the hands of his relatives the Dursleys.

Then Harry turned eleven and everything changed. He was then known as “The Boy Who Lived” and was thrust into a world of magic and intrigue. Harry couldn't help but fall in love with the world that his own parents fought so hard to save.

Over the years Harry has met his fair share of obstacles. Now he faces his biggest challenge yet. Armed with the knowledge that he is “The Chosen One,” Harry must destroy Voldemort in order to save this life he’s grown so fond of. But what sets Harry apart from other hero’s for me is the fact that he would do what needs to be done to protect those he loves. No matter what.

My how far he’s come since that first ride on The Hogwart’s Express…

For more Harry Potter Madness be sure to stop by and see...
Jen, Melissa, Lisa, Colene and Laurel

Potter Mania Continues...The Villians

2010-11-16T05:54:00.005-06:00

There cannot be light without the dark...you cannot have good without the balance of evil. And oh, how I love the evil that oozes out of my favorite Harry Potter villains. So many love to hate characters made it almost impossible to choose my favorites. Almost. But, I managed to narrow it down to my top five. Though in the end some turned out to be good in their own right, they earned their status with past deeds.

So without further deliberation I give you my top five villains:

#5 Draco Malfoy
From the moment they arrive at Hogwarts and Harry turns down his friendship, Draco becomes a bane in Harry's existence. Eager to please his father, Draco is vile and cruel to all muggles and anyone associated with them. The apple didn't fall far from this tree my friends.

#4 Lucias Malfoy
Rich, powerful and utterly full of himself, Lucias Malfoy is any dark lord's dream come true. Why? Because he will do anything to stay close to those in power and step on anyone who gets in his way.

#3 Bellatrix Lestrange
Proud member of the noble house of Black, Bellatrix has a heart to match her family name. Devoted to Voldemort through and through, Bellatrix kills her own family member Sirius Black when he comes to Harry's aide.

#2 Severus Snape
From the moment of his arrival at Hogwarts, Snape has been a thorn in Harry Potter's side. Whether it be ten point from Gryffindor or Occlumency lessons, Snape never passes up the chance to torment The Boy Who Lived.

#1 Voldemort
Can you possibly be surprised? Since Harry was just a baby, this dark lord has been vying to kill him. Voldemort has single handedly raised an army wiping out those Harry loves with the flick of a wand. Yes, Voldemort is my number one villain.

That's it for today...I'll see you tomorrow!
Don't forget my partners in crime for your daily dose of Potter:
Jen@ Unedited
Melissa@ Through The Looking Glass
Lisa@ Read. Write. Repeat
Colene@ The Journey
Laurel@ Laurel's Leaves

On My Wishlist

2010-11-12T06:58:00.003-06:00

Misery Loves Company

2010-11-11T06:00:00.004-06:00

I'm suffering from I don't know what in the world to write today...not in the sense that I've developed writer's block. Thank goodness that hasn't happened! I just for the life of me could not focus on one single blog topic. I think the problem is I have so much going on in my head right now that I can't keep it all straight.

Here's what I'm dealing with...

I'm editing and revising back and forth between two separate manuscripts. But I just received some awesome feedback from my fabulous beta Lindsay with some great ideas that I just have to incorporate in one of them.

I'm outlining a second installment for Radiant Fury. (gasp!) I know I'm changing my ways. Outlines are new for me, but I had so many ideas for this book that I had to get them organized. Please don't hold it against me!

I also have a growing pile of books to read glaring at me every time I walk past my dresser. Those are not going anywhere anytime soon.

In addition to all of this, a brand spanking shiny new idea has just sparked and has begun running rampant through my head. Dialogue has begun and continues even when I arrive at work. This causes sidelong glances from my colleagues when they ask me a question and I just stare at them. But I'm not complaining . I figure it's better than the alternative. I'd rather be overrun with ideas and work than have my drive and creativity completely dry up.

How is this a problem? It's not really, but in one day alone here are a couple of the blunders I executed that caused those around me to question my sanity:

I ran off copies at the office and left them in the workroom. Just waltzed right back to my room without them. (Another teacher had to bring them to me.)

Had someone else ask me for something that was right in front of my face and I told her I had no idea what she was talking about.

Oh yes and my personal favorite, I couldn't find my favorite pen for the longest time, swore my kids were messing with me only to discover that it was stuck in my ponytail when I got home. This of course was after I had run errands all over town.

Yep it's a good thing my head is firmly attached or I would lose that too. So my plans for the weekend are very simple...I'm finishing revisions and concentrating on one thing at a time. I'll let you know how that works out for me!

How do all of you lovely people keep it together? Am I the only maniac running around like a crazy person? Feel free to lay it all on the line in your comment. I so love company in my crazy corner of the blogoshpere!

Instant Inspiration

2010-11-09T05:55:00.004-06:00

One of my favorite things to do is listen to music. I would be absolutely lost without my MP3 player. I keep it with me all the time and whenever I have a free minute at work, in go the headphones and I enjoy a few stolen moments of peace.

That being said...anytime I feel like I've hit a wall with my writing I turn to my trusty little playlists that I build specifically for whatever manuscript I happen to be working on at the time.

Now it's no secret that I absolutely drool over The Vampire Diaries. I live for Thursday night in order to get my fix for the week. So of course when the new soundtrack for the hit series was released I of course had to have it. Even if you're not a fan of the show you should really check it out. Here's the list of songs included on the album:

1. Stefan’s Theme - Michael Suby
2. Running Up That Hill - Placebo
3. Currency of Love - Silversun Pickups
4. Hammock - Howls
5. Sleep Alone (909s in the DarkTimes Mix) - Bat for Lashes
6. Bloodstream (Vampire Diaries Remix) - Stateless
7. We Radiate - Goldfrapp
8. Obsession - Sky Ferreira
9. Head Over Heels - Digital Daggers
10. Down - Jason Walker
11. Beauty of the Dark - Mads Langer
12. Cut - Plumb
13. All You Wanted - Sounds Under Radio featuring Alison Sudol of A Fine Frenzy
14. The Fellowship - Smashing Pumpkins
15. On Melancholy Hill (Feed Me Remix) - Gorillaz

I can't tell you how fantastic this soundtrack is. Just look at the cover for goodness sake! But don't take my word for it...to sample the tracks for yourself visit Amazon.com here.

Enjoy and Happy Writing!

How Is It Monday Already?

2010-11-08T05:58:00.003-06:00

So it's yet another Monday and I had to drag myself out of bed this morning. Literally. That being said...I had the best weekend. I spent the entire day Saturday and Sunday working on revisions and having a Harry Potter marathon with my kids.

Sounds a little indulgent I know. And so worth it. We are usually running ourselves ragged or we have company. So when the weekend rolled around and we had nothing planned, I jumped at the chance. Now we are all caught up and I can't wait to see part 1 of The Deathly Hallows!

If you haven't read the final installment of this epic series...well all I can say is what are you waiting for? There's still time to get caught up. I've already cracked open my copy of The Deathly Hallows and am halfway through. Yes I like to re-read the books before seeing the movie.

Now, for those of you like me that simply can't wait, here's a little treat to tide you over...

On My Wishlist

2010-11-05T06:04:00.002-05:00

The Morganville Vampires: Ghost Town

2010-11-04T05:56:00.014-05:00

I just finished the latest installment of The Morganville Vampires, GHOST TOWN. Even though this is the ninth book in the series, I still found myself unable to put it down until I had read it cover to cover. The characters are amazing and keep the reader wanting more, which is good because Rachel Caine has more installments coming our way. In GHOST TOWN Claire, finds herself separated from those she trusts the most. Forced to save the town and its inhabitants Claire once again shows just how tough she can be. It was amazing!

Goodreads Description:
The fragile peace between humans and vampires in Morganville is in trouble, and when Claire takes drastic action, she's put under serious pressure to re-establish the barriers that keep the town residents inside, and wipe the memories of those who leave. But working with her half-crazy vampire boss Myrnin means that things don't always turn out as planned ... and as the people of Morganville begin acting strangely, Claire and her friends must solve the mystery and try to put things right. But one by one, her allies are turning on her ... even the ones she trusts most.

Still a little daunted by such a long series? Well check out these new volumes that combine two books in one.

Volume One:
Book 1-GLASS HOUSES
Book 2-THE DEAD GIRLS' DANCE

Volume Two:
Book 3 MIDNIGHT ALLEY
Book 4 FEAST OF FOOLS

Volume Three:
Book 5 LORDS OF MISRULE
Book 6 CARPE CORPUS

Volume Four:
Book 7 FADE OUT
Book 8 KISS OF DEATH

Aren't they gorgeous? Even though I have the series, I think I may have to get these as well. Well that's one book down and a lot more to go in my TBR pile. Now I have to decide what to read next. Decisions. Decisions.