Crits for Water

Crits for Water is being hosted by Kat Brauer from March 31st - June 31st

The idea is that for every $1 you donate to Crits for Water, Kat will critique 250 words from your MS.

She has also got some special guest critiquers (which work on a different scale for donations).  You can see the list HERE, but some of the names included are Susan Dennard, Joanna Volpe, Sara Kendall, The Rejectionist, and many more!

Charity: Water is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to bringing clean water to the estimated 1 billion people on earth who do not have access to it, and all donations go directly to the field.  A super worthy cause, wouldn't you say?

This is a huge opportunity for you to make a difference in someone's life, and still benefit from it!

The WIAWAB Blogfest

You know that Samurai with Blue Lipstick you see running about here and there?  Well, in her supreme awesomeness, she is hosting the most amazing blogfest today that I am proud to take part in. May I present the:

When I Actually Write A Book, You Will Be Acknowledged Blogfest.

Or, WIAWAB Acknowledgements Blogfest.

March 30 write an acknowledgement blurb for 12 people, with 12 reasons. But not just ANY twelve people:

• 3 people you know IRL.
• 3 people you know online.
• 1 person who has died.
• 1 person you never met.
• 1 person you met once.
• 1 couple (so, 2 people).
• 1 author. 

I'm going to be serious with mine, because I'm in a serious mood.  :)  So, fair warning.


Acknowledgements:

There are so many people to thank, even so early in my writing journey.  I'd like to start by thanking my sister.  Not only is she my shoulder to lean on, but she has been there since I put the first word to the page of my first novel, never wavering in her dedication to cheering me on.

My son, who is my ever-present inspiration.  Any time I feel like giving up, I look at him and find the strength to keep going.  I don't want to tell him he can do anything, I want to show him.

I'd also like to thank my brother, Robby.  Even though he's no longer with us, he has inspired me more than words can ever express.  It's through the sorrow of losing him that I found the thing that makes me happiest.  I miss him every day.

An extreme amount of thanks and love goes out to my critique partner and beta readers, Susan, Erinn, Alicia, and Katherine.  You guys are amazing.  I'm so lucky that I get to call you all my friends.  Without you there to run to when I'm having a freakout moment, I don't know what I'd do.  And, let's face it, my writing would suck without you too.

To JK Rowling, thank you for showing me that even though I may be struggling now, it doesn't mean I can't go for my dreams.

Jessica Sinsheimer, the first literary agent I ever met in real life, thank you for being so kind and encouraging.  At the beginning of my journey, (which is where I was at the time) I really needed that.

Thanks to my mom and step-dad for listening to me constantly ramble about all things literary, even though they had no idea what any of it meant.  And thanks to my (other) brother for always remembering to ask how the writing is coming.  It means more than you know.

Book Recommendations - Two for One!

Well, since I didn't give you a recommendation last week, and I've got another post planned for this Thursday, you get a double recommendation today! Yay!

Up first, You Wish by Mandy Hubbard

 

Blurb from Goodreads: "Kayla McHenry's sweet sixteen sucks! Her dad left, her grades dropped, and her BFF is dating the boy Kayla's secretly loved for years. Blowing out her candles, Kayla thinks: I wish my birthday wishes actually came true. Because they never freakin' do. Kayla wakes the next day to a life-sized, bright pink My Little Pony outside her window. Then a year's supply of gumballs arrives. A boy named Ken with a disturbing resemblance to the doll of the same name stalks her. As the ghosts of Kayla's wishes-past appear, they take her on a wild ride . . . but they MUST STOP. Because when she was fifteen? She wished Ben Mackenzie would kiss her. And Ben is her best friend's boyfriend."




Pure. Awesome.


Let me tell you, if you are looking for a book that demonstrates the perfect character arc, this is it.  It's quick, it's funny, and it's just plain fun to read.  Kayla is a great MC, and you really can't help but feel sorry for her.  Especially when gumballs keep falling out of her pockets.  ;)


Definitely a must!

 

Second, we have Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins (2nd book in the Hex Hall series)

 

 

Blurb from Goodreads: "Sophie Mercer thought she was a witch. That was the whole reason she was sent to Hex Hall, a reform school for delinquent Prodigium (aka witches, shapeshifters, and fairies). But that was before she discovered the family secret, and that her hot crush, Archer Cross, is an agent for The Eye, a group bent on wiping Prodigium off the face of the earth. Turns out, Sophie’s a demon, one of only two in the world—the other being her father. What’s worse, she has powers that threaten the lives of everyone she loves. Which is precisely why Sophie decides she must go to London for the Removal, a dangerous procedure that will destroy her powers. But once Sophie arrives she makes a shocking discovery. Her new friends? They’re demons too. Meaning someone is raising them in secret with creepy plans to use their powers, and probably not for good. Meanwhile, The Eye is set on hunting Sophie down, and they’re using Archer to do it. But it’s not like she has feelings for him anymore. Does she?"

 

If you enjoyed Hex Hall, you'll love the second installment.  

 

Sophie is back, and this time, she's faced with even more danger than the terrifying Alice.  The Eye is out to get her, she's stuck in the Council's headquarters in London with her dad and two very creepy demons, and best of all, Archer keeps showing up.

 

I'm going to warn you, though.  CLIFFHANGER OF EPIC PROPORTIONS.  Just so you know.  lol  Now...when does the third book come out???  ;) 

Playlists of Awesome

So, I was adding to my playlist for writing this weekend.  I've come to enjoy writing to these happy, peppy girl songs.  I don't know how else to describe them, but anyway, I found a song as I was browsing itunes that made me think, "Um, was this written for HAPPILY NEVER AFTER?"

I was giddy when I found it, so of course I have to share with you.





"Heroes & Thieves" by Vanessa Carlton

Well, disaster it strikes on a daily basis
And I'm looking for wisdom in all the wrong places
But still wanna laugh in disappointed faces
And you can't help me
I'm blinded by these

Heroes and thieves at my door
And I can't seem to tell them apart anymore
Just when I've figured it out
Darling it's you I'm without

Well I'm stubborn and wrong,
But at least I know it
I keep movin' along
And hope I can get through this
But maybe this song is the best I can do it
So I'm patiently waiting on these

Heroes and thieves at my door
And I can't seem to tell them apart anymore
Just when I've figure it out
Darling it's you,
Darling it's you oh,
Darling it's you

I'm without your comforting logic like
These days are the ones I'll miss
And I seek a solitude
That I can't find without you

Well it seems like I'm getting closure somehow
A flicker of peace that I finally found
Thank you for believing in me now
Cause I do need it

Give me a year or two
And I'll mend my ways
And see these mistakes
And when I see the truth,
Darling trust me, when I can see
I'll be coming back
I'll be coming back to you

These heroes and thieves at my door
And I can't seem to tell them apart anymore
Just when I've figured it out
Darling it's you oh,
Darling it's you oh,
Darling it's you I'm without

Flash Fiction Friday #3: No, really...it's me.

It's that time again!  My buddies over at Paper Hangover and I are doing another Flash Fiction Friday.

Here's the gist. Each week, one of us we'll give you some kind of writing prompt--it won't always be stories, just something to get those creative juices flowing. If you want to participate, just leave your link in the comments and we'll stop by and see your work. Easy, right??


This week's topic:

"In 300 words or less, write a story that begins with "It's not you, it's me..."

"It's not you, it's me, Teddy.  I just can't go on like this."  I run my hand through the wild tangle of curls I call hair.  "People are talking, Teddy.  There are whispers, and I don't think I can handle it."

I pause at turn to look at him sitting there on my bed.

"You understand, don't you?  I've got to take this chance to make my mark on the world.  Go places I've never been.  Make new friends.  And there's just...."  I sigh.  "There's just not room for you in that life."

I step toward the bed and lift my teddy bear into my arms, hugging him with all the strength I have.  "This is goodbye.  I hope you can forgive me."

Well, that was a short one today!  Hope you enjoyed it.  :)   Also, don't forget to enter my Blogoversary Giveaway!!

Blogoversary Celebration!

Today, lovelies, my blog turns one!  Naturally, to celebrate the occasion, I want to give YOU a few gifts.

 

I've got THREE prizes to give away.

One winner will get a $15 gift certificate to the online book retailer of their choice!

Another winner will receive a preorder of WHERE SHE WENT by Gayle Foreman!

And a final winner will receive a preorder of SUPERNATURALLY by Kiersten White!




Preorders will get a choice of ebook or hard copy.  *Update*  Thanks to Claire for cluing me in on the Book Depository, the contest is open internationally!  Everyone can enter!


To enter?  Submit this form!  Extra points for tweeting/blogging, but it's not required at all.  You must, however, be a follower to enter.  Because this is meant as a thank you to the people have stuck with me over the last year, and the ones that will into the future.  :)  Muah!  You guys are the best blog buddies ever!

Contest closes at midnight on April 1.  Ha.  How's that for an April fools day?  I'll announce the winners on April 4th.  Good luck!

Road Trip Wednesday

Road Trip Wednesday is a ‘Blog Carnival,’ where YAHighway posts a weekly writing- or reading-related question and we answer the prompt on our own blogs.






This Week's Topic:
Which book character would you like most as a next door neighbor? 

Well, right now I'm reading DEMONGLASS by Rachel Hawkins...and I don't think I want any sassy prodigium to move in next door.  I don't like the idea of bringing the whole world of magic down on my head.  Yikes.

It might be entertaining to have Kayla from YOU WISH by Mandy Hubbard next door.  I mean, then you get to watch her battle her dolls-come-to-life, a life-sized pink pony, and ridiculous amounts of gumballs.  Yes, that would make for quite a show.

What about you?  What character would you like to live next door?

Poll Time!

Ha, I'm in the mood for a little fun.  And I've got much work to do, so easy is good.

I want your opinions once again, fellow blog buddies.  The last poll on my MS title was super successful, so I have come again to ask your thoughts.

Poll 1:





Poll 2:




I can't wait to see your answers! :) Feel free to discuss in the comments...

Writing Slumps

I'm in a rut.  A writing rut.  And I don't like it here.

It's not the ideas -- I've got plenty of those.  Plots?  Check.  Awesome characters?  Check.  Words?  Nada.

*cry*

It happens to all of us, I know.  You sit there and stare at that document willing words to come to you.  Any words, really, even if they're crap.  But none show up.

And I'm sure it's caused by something different for everyone.  Stress, being busy, being upset, life...you know, normal everyday things.

It hurts, doesn't it?  It's physically painful to sit there and stare at the screen and have ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO WRITE.  I mean, what kind of freaking life would that be -- a wordless one?  It'd be sad...no, worse than sad.  It'd be plain old awful.

But then we all know that with time, and a refusal to give up, the words will return.  They'll flow again if we just hang on.  Keep staring at that screen, keep developing those voices in our heads.  (No matter how crazy it makes us sound.)

Anybody with me?  What do you do to get out of a slump other than power through it in the most (im)patient way possible?

Don't worry...I'll keep staring at the blank page until the words come.  This isn't defeat, it's war.  ;)

Flash Fiction Friday #2

Each week, Paper Hangover gives some kind of writing prompt--something to get those creative juices flowing. If you want to participate, just leave your link in the comments over there so we can all read what you write.

This week's prompt is:

In 300 words or less, write a story beginning with the cliche, "Another one bites the dust."

I'm working on dialogue this week:

"Another one bites the dust," I whisper into my cell phone.

My sister's voice sounds distant on the other end of the phone, like she's not really paying attention.  "That's great, Sis.  How'd you do it?"

I roll my head to the right to brace the phone between my face and shoulder so I can wash my hands in the sink.  "It wasn't easy.  I had to chase the little devil all through the park."  Grimy suds drop into the sink as I attempt to scrub my hands clean.

"Did he try hiding in the tree like last time?"

I sigh.  "Yes.  Of course.  And, you know, I'm really not as limber as I used to be.  It is not as easy to climb a tree as it looks."

My sister's laugh booms through the phone.  "You tried to climb up after him?  That's priceless."

"Ha.  Yeah, I put on quite a show for the other moms.  At least they had enough class not to laugh at me."  My sister bursts out laughing, and I have to pull the phone away from my ear with a wet hand before my eardrum explodes.  "Thanks, Sis."

"But kiddo is sleeping now?" she giggles.

"Yeah, out like a light."

Book Recommendation - A Curse Dark as Gold

A Curse Dark as Gold

By Elizabeth Bunce

Blurb from Goodreads: "Upon the death of her father, seventeen-year-old Charlotte struggles to keep the family's woolen mill running in the face of an overwhelming mortgage and what the local villagers believe is a curse, but when a man capable of spinning straw into gold appears on the scene she must decide if his help is worth the price."

I read this book because of Abby's recommendation over on her blog.

It's a retelling of Rumpelstiltskin, which -- freaking cool, right?  I was sold the minute I saw that.

What I didn't expect was how deeply the story would hit me.  It scared the bejeezies out of me!  And it's not even scary really.  But, dude, I avoided the book one night because I was so creeped out from what I had read at lunch that day.  lol  Thing is, I couldn't not read it.  I had to know how it ended -- had to know everything would work out and be okay.

This book isn't about the razzle-dazzle, it's a quiet melancholy story that reaches into your heart and draws out your darkest fears.  Er-- maybe it was just me?  lol

Either way, it's an excellent story, and I definitely recommend it for people who enjoy reworkings of old stories, or just a good ghost-type story. 

The ending -- oh my gosh I was on pins and needles, tense as a wire, and SCARED to turn the light off because Jack Spinner was coming for me.  I WAS SO SURE!  lol  (I think I've admitted to being a scardy cat before, right?  Because I am.  For real.) 

Road Trip Wednesday

Road Trip Wednesday is a "Blog Carnival," where YA Highway's contributors post a weekly writing- or reading-related question and we answer it on our own blogs.  This week's topic:

Who (from real life) have you written into a book?

 The only person I've directly written into a book is my best friend.  I've taken personality traits and such from others, but my best friend is the only one who can totally claim a character.

I wrote her into my first book, Emerald's Keeper, as a teacher who's a fairy-type creature.  See, the bestie has always been obsessed with fairies.  A love of fairies is something we have shared for, oh, a decade at least.  :)  Plus, she kinda looks like a fairy, and she is a teacher for real.

What about you?  Have you written someone you know into a book?

Today, I Redirect

I'm posting today over on Paper Hangover with a teen interview.  Go check it out.

My View on Branding

Super Spawn and I watched the newest Scooby Doo all day Sunday, and some of the bonus features on the DVD got me thinking. 

You see, this was the newest "real" Scooby Doo movie.  (So, not animated.)  The commentary during the feature that talked about making this movie was where my idea came into play.  The director talked about the lengths they went to to be sure the Scooby trademarks were in the movie.  This is for fan recognition, expectations and, you guessed it, branding.

When you think of Scooby Doo, what pops into mind?  Maybe the theme song?  Fred's ascot?  The classic removal of the mask from the villain?  Or maybe all of the above.

If Scooby Doo is one thing, it's consistent.  Every time you turn on a show, you know what to expect.  You know you'll be entertained, that the villain will be unmasked, and that it will end with, "I'd have gotten away with it if it weren't for you meddling kids and your dog."

Same thing goes for writing.  Branding yourself as an author is the same kind of idea.  You want to uphold your readers expectations.  And I don't think it's as scary or limiting as some writers do.

It doesn't necessarily mean writing the same thing over and over, in my opinion.  I believe it's more about staying true to your style.  Every writer has a different style.  Some always write in that lyrical prose that I liken to eating dark chocolate truffles, and some have a more jaunty lilt.  One author may have a certain knack for ending chapters in a compelling way, while others have more fulfilling chapter endings.  Same with the overall endings...some people prefer the loose endings left to the readers imagination while others prefer tightly wrapped answers.

I think if we look at branding like Scooby Doo, we'll all feel a little less anxious about it.

What do you think?  Do you agree with me here?  Are you adverse to the idea of creating your brand?

Flash Fiction Friday

Today is the official inauguration of Paper Hangover's Flash Fiction Friday!   

Here's the deal -- every week a different contributor is going to give you a writing prompt.  Something to get the words flowing, get you thinking, and help hone your writing skills.  Then, link your post in the comments over on Paper Hangover, and we'll jump around and comment.  

It's meant to be fun.  You can take the prompt seriously, or have a little fun with it.  You're choice.  This week:

In 300 words or less, tell us a story beginning with, "That darn cat..."

Mine:  Kitty War

That darn cat was worst thing that ever happened to me. First, the little shit attacked me. Kitty left a nice scar on the inside of my wrist from that attempted assassination. Then, as if that wasn't enough, Kitty filled my house with fleas.

Guess he figured slicing me open wouldn't work, so he'd let the blood suckers finish me off.

How wrong Kitty was. I dominated the fleas with my little insecticide bombs. And a flea bath. Oh yeah, it gave me a little thrill to see Kitty dripping with soap.

Kitty sat in the bay window for while, twitching his tail and watching me as I tapped away at my keyboard. I should have known the little beast was plotting against me, even as I scratched his head and fed him the expensive canned food he demanded. Little demon.

I woke up one morning and stumbled to my computer chair, coffee in hand, prepared for a long day full of work. I reached down to press the power button on the tower of my machine and my hand brushed something furry.

Kitty. He was perched atop the computer like a King in his throne, his tail dipping down and back up in a way that said, "I'm causing serious trouble."

"What are you doing there?" I asked him.

His eyes slid half-way closed and he glared at me.

Something was up, and I knew it wasn't going to be good. I pressed the button.

Nothing.

I pressed the button again.

Nothing.

I closed my eyes and sucked in a long breath. When I reached down and pulled the tower from under my desk, my heart stilled in my chest. Every single wire on the back of the tower had been chewed in two.

Kitty had dealt the death-blow.

Behind the Mask

I'm putting my book recommendation on hold this week.

Susan posted an amazing and thought provoking post on Let The Words Flow yesterday that I want to chime in on.  She opened up about depression, and how social media tends to cause us to hide when we're feeling sad.  Nobody wants to read a whiny tweet, etc. And in the face of all the happy tweets and happy blog posts, maybe it even makes us feel inadequate.

credit

But, you know what?  Sometimes, people are sad.  And sometimes, you need to talk about it.

I've been in the trenches of clinical depression before.  It's a dark and lonely place.  There was a time when I wasn't sure I'd ever make it out of that abyss.  I did...eventually...after years of searching the depths of who I am.

The thing that pulled me out?  Writing.

Know what can send me right back down that spiral?  Anything.  It's a daily battle I fight, and one I suspect I will fight for the rest of my life.  And that's not something I need to feel ashamed of anymore.

I try very hard to always be positive and happy in the face of social media -- heck, even around my family and best friends.  I never want to be the downer.  But in my past, that kind of outlook has done nothing but hurt me.  So maybe it's time to take the blinders off.

It's easy to beat yourself up over feeling sad.  Being in the industry we are, and the necessity of having an online presence, only adds to those feelings. 

So-and-so got an agent in only 24 hours, without querying!  It's not fair!  I'm one rejection away from the pill bottle.  What am I thinking?  I'll never be good enough. *

Turns into...

 I shouldn't be jealous, I know my turn will come.  Why am I so shallow? Gah, I hate myself for thinking that way! *

A vicious cycle, to say the least.

Then you read all the advice that says you should always be positive on your blog and Twitter!  Always wear a shining, happy face!  Be yourself, but only your happy self.

But it's not that simple.

Slapping on that happy face for the world is exhausting.  Sometimes you need to say out loud, "I'm sad!  I need someone to talk to!"  And that's okay.  Please, for the love, if you feel lonely and sad and like you can't reach out to someone, EMAIL ME!  Because I've been there.  Heck, I am there.  I'm sad too.  My life is not a perfect place to live.  The grass is no greener here than there and, in fact, is looking quite brown today. 

It's okay to admit that not everything is sunshine and daisies.  Even if, on the outside, your life looks it.  Because life isn't always bright and blooming.  Sometimes the skies darken, and it's easier to cope with it if you know you're not alone.


So, lovelies, I'm taking a stand right next to Susan.  It's okay to be sad, and it's okay to talk about it.  It's not about whining or wanting attention.  It's about our health, our feelings, and our needing support.  No more pretending.

*These are dramatic examples, of course, but you guys get the point I'm making.  Right?  You're smart like that.

Road Trip Wednesday

This week's Road Trip Wednesday:  

In honor of the release of Like Mandarin ~ Growing up, who did you want to be like?

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 When I was a little girl, I would sit out in our front yard beneath an old oak tree and dream.  I dreamed of exploring the rain forests in Bangladesh, and scrubbing the oceans free of toxins and dangers to the sea-life.  I dreamed of curing cancer and treating pediatric patients with the greatest care.  I dreamed of being a mother.

There were two people that I can say I truly dreamed of one day being like them, and still strive to be like the kind souls that they were:  Mother Theresa and Princess Diana.

As a child I watched, rapt, as Princess Diana visited children in third world countries, bringing them more than food or money -- she brought them hope.

And Mother Theresa gave everything she ever had to better the lives of so many people.

Both of these women effected me more than I could ever express.  They are the women I always wanted to be like -- heck, I still want to be like.

What about you?  Who did you want to be like growing up?

Tuesday Fail

It would seem I forgot Tuesday even existed.  I didn't plan a blog post, and only just realized it. 

And after staring at a blank screen for a good ten minutes...I've got nothing.  Every other day this week got planned.  Poor Tuesday.  Neglected.  Left alone to wander the wastelands of the blogoverse.

Okay, maybe that's a little dramatic.

So, lets do a status update.  How are all of you, my lovelies?  Writing?  Revising?  Querying? 

I'm working on my shiny idea.  Totally in love with my main character -- she's freaking awesome.  And the premise is going to be a lot of fun, I think.

What about all of you?  Where are you at in the writing world right now?

First Story

I had a proud mommy moment when I picked Super Spawn up at school the other day.  The teachers commonly display the kid's artwork in the classroom's windows, so as I walked in, I took a gander at the newest pictures.

Their theme was Dr. Seuss that week.  The teacher had the kids draw a picture and then tell her a story about it.  She wrote their stories on the bottom of the pictures.  (Hey, they're only three, they can't write yet.)  Most of the kid's pictures had a single sentence beneath their precious drawings.

But not Super Spawn.  Here's his:

 

It says: "Once upon a time there was a little boy.  One day there was a cat in the hat a one and a four.  Once upon a time there was a jump!  The cat in the hat clean up."

My heart melted to a puddle of mush right there in my chest.  I told the teacher as I walked in the classroom how much I love the kid's stories, and she went on to say, "Super Spawn is such a great storyteller!  He makes up the funniest stories for me!"

I don't think she could have given me a bigger compliment.  I just had to share.  This one is getting framed for my office wall.

Gone But Not Forgotten Blogfest!

Nothing is meant to last forever. Sometimes things run their course, and other times things are shot down in their prime. I’m talking about television shows of course.

Sadly there are many AMAZING shows no longer on the air. Does this mean we forget them? No! They will live forever through fanfiction and blogfests like this.

List your top 5 TV shows no longer making NEW episodes.

They may still be on the air but in syndication. These shows may be GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN.


1. Full House - I used to LOVE this show as a kid!  In fact, my sister's middle name will prove how much I loved it.  ;)

2. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air - Need I say more?  Really?  I think not.

3. Dinosaurs - Umm...do you remember this hilarious series?  My sister and I used to watch it with my dad.  "Not the Mama" can still be heard in our presence on occasion.

4. Gilmore Girls - I watched this aaaalll the time in college.

And I SUCK because that's all I can think of!  *hangs head in shame*  I mean, I could fill in with the obligatory Friends, but I ...well, I won't say it out loud because you'll all hate me.

Also, don't forget to check out Erinn's awesome giveaway that she's hosting!  And head over to Paper Hangover to meet the final two contributors and find out who the winners are!!

Book Recommendation -- Once Upon a Marigold

I decided to wander through the book store over the weekend.  There was a task in mind.  A desire to find something new.  A book I've never heard of by an author I've never read.  Something fresh and fun.

Boy did I find a winner.

Once Upon a Marigold

By Jean Ferris

 

 

Blurb from Goodreads: "A young man with a mysterious past and a penchant for inventing things leaves the troll who raised him, meets an unhappy princess he has loved from afar, and discovers a plot against her and her father."

 

Guys, I don't even know if I can do this book justice here.  You know I have a love of fairy tales, and I am quite over the moon for this one.

First of all, the book is written in 3rd person omniescent.  I didn't realize this when I bought it (based only on the cover, admittedly), but it is easily discovered in the first few pages.  Omniescent is hard, but Ferris definitely did it the right way.  You're not overloaded with thoughts, but given just enough to make the story even funnier.

Yes, it is FUNNY.  And it's so rich with detail and charisma...okay, I could sit here and gush ALL day.

The message here: Read this book.  It's light-hearted and fun, and will make your heart melt.  The narrative flows so well and keeps you enchanted right to the very last sentence.

I cannot wait to get my hands on the sequel, Twice Upon a Marigold.

And don't forget to check out Paper Hangover today!  Emy and Michelle are introducing themselves, and there are MORE prizes!

Check it out

Today on Paper Hangover Pam and I are interviewing each other!  (And giving away query critiques!)

Attention!! I have an announcement!!

Today is THE day!  What day?  Well, it's the grand unveiling of a secret project I have been working on with some AMAZING people!

Are you excited yet?  You should be!

I am happy to announce to you: Paper Hangover.  A group blog dedicated to bringing you fresh, informative content on the publishing industry.

To kick off our first week, we're hosting GIVEAWAYS today through Thursday!  Today we even have for you an ARC of DIVERGENT, a copy of LIKE MANDARIN, HAVEN, and UNEARTHLY! 

*SQUEE!*

With each day of giveaways, we will also be introducing you to our contributors.  And we have some AWESOME contributors, guys!  I'm so excited to be part of such a talented group of writers.

Head over, check us out, and enjoy!