Wrapping it With a Bow: ROW80

2013 is almost past, and what a year it was. It's time to say goodbye and look forward to a new year, one overflowing with possibilities.

This year was full of ups and downs, but I have a new mantra for 2014... gratitude and positivity. For Christmas, I gave myself a gift: a journal with entries to fill out. Each day, I will answer the following: My goals for today, Today I feel, The funniest thing that happened today, The best part of my day, and Something I look forward to tomorrow. I'm excited to focus on all the wonderful blessings in my life and stay out of the trap (as much as possible) of being hard on myself and letting stress consume me.

So, to wrap up 2013, I wanted to share my Top 10 of 2013 (in no particular order)...

1. I traveled cross-country with my girls (plus, my mom joined me until I reached CO and my dad joined us from CO to CA). So many wonderful memories from this trip.

2. I published Chasing Memories. Through the process, my editor and I became very close. I am very grateful for Jo Michaels in my life. I will finally get to meet Jo, and many other writer friends, in person at UTopYa in Nashville in June 2014. So excited!

3. I won a short story competition.

4. I discovered that I love wine. I always thought I hated it until my husband and I (along with his brother and soon-to-be new wife--seeing them get married will be on the top of my 2014 list) visited Napa over the holidays. I like it sweet.

5. My husband and I were able to spend two weekends in San Francisco, four days in St. Thomas, and a night in Napa this year (sans kids). Not bad. We'll celebrate 19 years of marriage in March (and celebrated 23 years of being together this August). My love for him grows every year.

6. We had two wonderful family trips: one with my family to Disney World and one with my husband's family to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

7. I won NaNo 2013. My first NaNo was in 2012. I think I'm addicted. Planning to participate every year now.

8. I edited/proofread some amazing books this year: Borrowed Things by Doris Schneider as well as Mystic ~ Coralie, Mystic ~ Melody, and I, Zombie by Jo Michaels. All wonderful books! I look forward to more in 2014 thanks to Indie Books Gone Wild.

9. I read some great books this year and a large percentage of them were indie. With each year, the quality and cleverness of indie books gets better. So excited to read many more this year. For a list of my 4.5-star and higher rated books in 2013, please visit my review blog, Mom in Love with Fiction. The post will go live 1/1/14.

10. My family and I moved to California. In my heart, I'm a California girl.

This list also serves as my A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80) wrap-up for 2013 and Round 4. I've met many goals this year, but I'm excited to define my 2014 goals to begin Round 1 of 2014 on January 6.

And, in case you missed it and you've still got the holiday spirit in you... stop by and listen to YAPodcasts A Christmas Carol here. Several NA and YA authors read an abridged version of the classic. Plus, there's a giveaway of some awesome books that ends later today (12/30/13). Enter here.

Wishing everyone a happy and healthy 2014 overflowing with special moments and many blessings!

Joyful Holiday Wishes

This year is ending more with a whimper than a bang. Such a marathon year for me and my family, and in the final stretch, I feel like I passed what was my finish line and am limping over to get my much-deserved banana.

My mind is overflowing with goals for 2014. But most of all, I want to settle into a good routine and have a lot less drama. Here's to hoping!

For the next few days, I plan to focus on the joys of the season: eat way too much, play silly games with my children, connect with family and friends (including those far away), and so much more. Basically, I want to refill my energy from a draining year.

I wish a joyful season for everyone!

Wanted to also share the picture from our Christmas cards this year.

In & Out of the Rabbit Hole: ROW80

Wait, what, has it really been a week since I last posted?

This time of year gets me in such a tizzy. So much to do. I feel like the rabbit in Alice in Wonderland, constantly lamenting being late.

Crazy busy here, but in good ways.

First, I'm working on polishing Chasing Shadows (Tala Prophecy, Book 2) before it goes to my amazing editor, the lovely Jo Michaels (Indie Books Gone Wild). In addition, I'm writing a novella, Chasing Forgiveness (Tala Prophecy, Book 2.5). One of the characters from Chasing Shadows demanded a story of her own. Love her story.

Speaking of IBGW...

There's a great giveaway of two printed copies of A Pair of Docks by Jennifer Ellis, a YA Sci-Fi Time Travel novel. IBGW (Jo!) did the proofreading and formatting for the novel, so they run a giveaway and promote. Jo Michaels is awesome like that. (I also edit and proofread there). Enter the giveaway here. While you are there, check out the IBGW services.

And...

Also this past week, I had to record my piece for an amazing upcoming event. Thanks to the fabulous Amy Jones, several YA authors got together and recorded an abridged version of A Christmas Carol. The finished product will be featured on YAPodcast this Christmas Eve, 12/24/13, at 7pm EST along with some great giveaways.

So gather your kids and family around on Christmas Eve and listen in! More information can be found here. There's also a FB event page here.

Now, I am going back in my rabbit hole and finish up some books. Hope everyone is surviving the hustle and bustle of the season!

What does Indie Mean? -- Indie Life & ROW80

It's hump day, and time for my monthly posting for Indie Life.

What is Indie Life?
How: Sign up on the Linky at the bottom of this page
When: Post on the second Wednesday of the month (starting 1/9/2013)
What: Write anything indie related: something that will inspire or help a fellow indie; something that celebrates a release or a milestone; something that talks about the ups and downs, joys and heartaches of Being Indie.
Grab: The banner to include in your posts!

What is Indie Life?

I wasn't sure what to talk about this month, so I do what I often do when I'm stumped. I go to the dictionary. I'm a nerd like that. Proudly. Then, I went to the thesaurus. Some words nailed it, but quite a few didn't. My thoughts...

Separate/Unconnected/Unaided/Non-aligned

None of these have been true in my experience. Before I published my first book in late 2010, I was very much all of these things... a closet writer. But ever since I came out, I have found an amazing community of indie writers (and small press and traditional writers).

Self-Reliant/Self-Sufficient

Sure. There is no publishing house administrator or agent breathing down my neck for my manuscript. If I don't motivate myself, it's simply not going to get done. But I do have some amazing authors who push me and remind me that I can do it.

Self-Determining/Uncontrolled

At the end of the day, all things land on the indie author's back. They have to find people they can trust to help them with the business of writing: editing, publishing, cover design, marketing, promotions, tax matters, and on and on. But I wouldn't want to send my baby away and then have her come back to me grown and influenced by others. I like the control I have over my novel.

For me, indie = a wonderful community. One that supports me while I navigate an ever-changing publishing world. Indie life is full of believing in myself but never being alone. It's the power to control my own destiny, as much as humanly possible.

What does Indie mean to you?

*****

And a quick A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80) update...

Editing is almost done, and then I can focus on polishing Chasing Shadows (Tala Prophecy, Book 2). Thanks for all your help with the title -- this was my hubby's suggestion, so he's feeling pretty good that it was the clear favorite.

Plus, I hope to get my website up and running by year-end or early January.

And I've been a social media slacker... lots of blog reading to catch up on!

In the Words of Nelson Mandela: ROW80

So many great thoughts were expressed by Nelson Mandela, may he rest in peace. The world shines a little less brightly with him gone.

Source

Over the last few days, many have shared his words and beliefs. I would like to share some that have inspired me...

I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.

 

There is no passion to be found playing small—in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.

 

It always seems impossible until it’s done.

These quotes speak to me on so many levels. As a writer, they remind me to triumph over insecurity, believe in myself, and never give up.

This time of year, it's easy to get caught up in the to do list and be overwhelmed. I've been feeling a bit "Bah, Humbug!" lately, and I'm determined to shake it. What better way than to focus on my December A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80) goals.

My progress

- Editing a great new zombie book. Confession: This is my first zombie book. But my main criteria for any book = good writing. This one is amazing!

- Polishing Chasing Memories 2. Slow progress here. I needed to step back over a little plot hole. It's small. Editing is clearing my brain. Plus, the missing title is confounding me. Which leads me to...
   

I'm struggling with a title for my sequel. I want to stay with the running theme and two-word title.

Please share your thoughts on (or choose a favorite)...

Chasing Shadows
Chasing Fire
Chasing Gifts
Chasing Strength
Chasing Ancestry
Chasing Answers

In this sequel, Reagan is coming to terms with her new life and abilities. She's confused, but determined. I'm saving Chasing Destiny for Book 3.

Thanks in advance for your help, and may the words of Nelson Mandela inspire us all to be the best we can be.

Dreading One-Star Reviews: ROW80 & #IWSG

It's the first Wednesday of the month and time for my Insecure Writer's Support Group post. A huge thanks to Alex J. Cavanaugh for putting together this group. I appreciate the opportunity to share my insecurities on the #IWSG therapy couch and to read how others are doing. 

Last week, I ran my first free KDP promotion. It was amazing. My book, Chasing Memories, hit #36 in the Kindle Free store and #1 in two categories.

Two reviews have come in from new buyers since then--a five and a four star review. Although I'm excited to get my book into more readers' hands, I've read too many stories lately about authors who finally get more book visibility only to draw the attention of trolls--reviewers who begin a campaign of scathing one-star reviews.

As a long-time book club member, I quickly learned one truth--no one book will ever be loved or hated by all readers. I would come to book club all excited to discuss a book I loved, only to have half the members hate it with a passion.

My books will get some one-star reviews, and there will be readers who legitimately don't like them. It's not my favorite feeling to see a ★ sitting all by itself, but it's part of the writer's journey.

Still, I don't look forward to ever drawing the attention of some of these trolls. Most of their reviews don't list any pertinent information. In some cases, they are obviously wrong. An author friend of mine had reviews condemning the faeries in her book when there weren't any. I've even heard of authors getting a slew of one-star reviews on GoodReads before their book is even published.

It too often seems to happen to indie authors who finally break through the barrier and begin to see the light of success. How sad--nobody should fear success because it will draw haters.

But what's a writer to do... dread checking on her book and scrolling down to the review area and seeing that first glaring ★? No, I will choose to hold my head up high and focus on people who bring positive energy into my life. Just don't judge me if I eat an entire coconut custard pie when it happens. It's good for the soul.

Criticism is something we can avoid easily by
saying nothing, doing nothing, and being nothing. Aristotle

I'd rather be, and then eat my pie when the time comes.

It's Wednesday, so it's also time for my A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80) Update. On Monday, I declared my new goals for December. Really, the focus is on polishing Chasing Memories 2 to send to my editor and editing another writer's novel. I spent some time on each. But I have a double date with Starbucks and progress on Saturday morning.

Exhale, Deep Breath, Forge Ahead: ROW80 & Giveaway News

It's December. I've survived NaNo, so now it's time to set new goals for the remainder of 2013. After a whirlwind month, I finally exhaled. Now it's time to take a deep breath and forge ahead.

But first...

A huge thank you to everyone who helped me share about the free promotion for Chasing Memories. Since it was over the holidays, I couldn't watch it every second. However, I did catch it hit #36 overall in the Kindle Free Store and #1 in two categories.

It was quite a ride! Again, I couldn't have done it without some amazing writer friends and blogger support. Thank you all!

I also wanted to share a huge giveaway from a bunch of authors planning to attend UTopYa in June 2014. If you don't know anything about this rocking conference, check it out here.

Now through December 25, there will be a new prize pack given away each day featuring some great books. Then, as the finale... TWO fully loaded Kindle HDs will be given away loaded with all the books. Enter HERE.

And onto December A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80) goals...

* Read through and polish Chasing Memories 2 (and come up with a title!). My goal is to have it to Jo Michaels, aka my wonderful editor, by 12/15.

* Finish my website and have it up and running before Christmas.

* Editing -- excited for my newest project, and another one is on the way.

* Be more active on social media now that NaNo is over.

* Take notes and start preparing for Chasing Memories 3 and my shiny new YA (possibly NA) idea.

Looking forward to catching up with everyone!

Black Friday Deals

Some great Black Friday deals and fun to share with you today.

Chasing Memories is FREE on Amazon Kindle today through 12/1/13.

Thanks to the lovely Gin at Gin's Book Notes for the graphic... she's a gift to authors and readers. Truly. Check out her site.

A great series by the amazing Jo Michaels is on sale, with the first two in the series FREE, until 12/3. Don't miss out--you get the entire 5-book series for $2.97! Crazy good! Find out more here.

Want a chance to win one of FOUR $50 Amazon cards? Enter below. Also, please come to the Facebook party TODAY (11/29/13) here.

This event was organized by the lovely Laura Howard. Her book, The Forgotten Ones, is FREE today on Amazon Kindle as well, so grab a copy here. Find out more information here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

There are so many great deals today, but I couldn't list them all here. Follow me on Facebook or Twitter for more!

Grateful to be a Winner & a Gift: ROW80 & NaNo Updates

Monday night, at 10pm West Coast time, I did it. I passed 50K.

I needed to write a bit more to wrap things up, but I couldn't help but validate and official be declared a winner. I nailed the last few words yesterday. Next week, the editing begins.

I'm so grateful. November is not the month I would pick for writing a novel, with the holidays looming and general end-of-year anxiousness. But I've written a book the last two years, so something about it must work for me.

I am so grateful for the support and encouragement I get from my writing community. At this time of thanksgiving, I hope you all know how much you mean to me.

As a small way to say thank you, the eBook of Chasing Memories is FREE on Amazon today, November 27, through December 1.

I'd love some help spreading the word. I have some prewritten social media goodies below to make it easier.

For Facebook

I'm giving away my book as a Thanksgiving gift to you! A great #YoungAdult #paranormal read that will keep you riveted to the pages. http://amzn.to/1aUIOBd Grab yours while it's hot and★★ FREE ★★ Highly rated, over 20 reviews! 4.6 Stars! Happy Thanksgiving, all!! ~Tia

For Twitter

★ A Thanksgiving Sale ★ Great #YA #Paranormal Read http://amzn.to/1aUIOBd #FREE on #Kindle 4.6 of 5 stars 20+ reviews! Pls RT!

Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

If you aren't in the US, I wish you a week full of what makes you grateful.

Going With the Plan or the Muse? -- ROW80 & NaNo Updates

I've been a bad blogger this month. For the past two Fridays, I've neglected to post. But it's for a good reason... I'm writing. NaNoWriMo is winding down, and I'm determined to finish my manuscript before my parents arrive for Thanksgiving.

As of last night late, I was at 46,633 words.

My plan is to finish today or tomorrow morning and set it aside for a few weeks. Then, I'll edit once and send it off to my beta readers before it finally lands in the hands of my amazing editor, Jo Michaels at Indie Books Gone Wild. While my betas and then Jo have it, I'm going to write book three.

Then, I plan to finish book two of Depression Cookies (already have 45K).

So of course a funny thing happened to me this weekend. An exciting idea for a new Young Adult book, one I believe will be a stand alone, came to me. I'm so jazzed about it, but I have plans. What's a writer to do?

Should I be practical and stick to the plan (taking detailed notes on this shiny new idea) or should I write the new one first?

Not a bad dilemma to have, especially since I really wondered after Depression Cookies if I was a one-and-out author.

Monday is also my A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80) update day, but my only goal for November is NaNo and keeping up with my sponsor posts. I was caught up before Sunday's updates, so I will plan to catch up again today.

I hope everyone is knocking out words, whether as part of NaNo or not. Happy writing.

And check out Mom in Love with Fiction today for some information on Ripley Patton's PSS Chronicles and a top ten movie list. 

Ghost Hand (Book 1) is currently free on Amazon!

And speaking of free, the eBook for Chasing Memories will be FREE on Amazon from Wednesday, November 27 through Sunday, December 1.

On Wednesday, I'll share premade Twitter and Facebook posts for sharing. Please stop back by then and help me spread the word.

Negotiating the Last Few Words: ROW80 & NaNo Updates

Must. Write. Must. Write.

It's been my mantra all month, and I'm determined it will stay my mantra into 2014. As of last night, I was sitting at 40,024 words. My goal is to finish by the weekend, since my parents are coming to town for Thanksgiving (their first time to see my new CA home).

I haven't decided how I want this book to end, so I'm struggling to punch it out. Plus, my characters have been really pushy about where they want this story to go. It's exciting, but I know I'll have to fix some issues they've created in editing.

Now, I just need to find the words necessary to finish!

Which made me think of the cartoon I published around this time last year.

Used with permission from Debbie Ridpath Ohi at Inkygirl.com.

I only need 10,000 words. Wonder what it would cost me? *smiles*

How are your November goals coming along? If you are doing NaNo, please share about your progress.

Wishing everyone a wonderful Hump Day!

A Message of Flowers Release Day Blitz & ROW80 Update

A Message of Flowers Release Day Blitz

White Carnations - pure love, sweet and lovely.

Daisy - Innocence, beauty, simplicity.

To florist, Georgina Nickols, every flower has a meaning and a purpose. Flowers are something she knows, lives, and breathes. But when they start mysteriously showing up on her porch, she’s unsure of their meaning, and of who is leaving them.

What do these flowers mean to the messenger?

An old friend from high school, Corbin Waylay, moves back to town. When he shows up, he stirs up all kinds of trouble for Georgina. Her life-long friend, Sid Trail, hates him and makes that fact clear to Georgina. But despite the warnings from her friend, she just can’t help the feelings that resurface. The feelings she hasn’t felt for anyone since high school graduation, the feelings that only Corbin can induce.

As Corbin moves closer into her life, it causes a rift between her and Sid. The mystery flowers continue to appear and begin to add to the stresses of life.

Love, secrets, pain, and lies surround Georgina, putting her trust to the test.

When the messenger is finally revealed, will the meaning of the flowers be enough to repair the damage of those hidden secrets?
 

Forget Me Nots - Remember me forever, good memories, hope.

Single Red Rose - I love you.

Buy A Message of Flowers
Smashwords
Lulu
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Amazon CA

 

Excerpt

“Who’s that for?” A smooth male voice pulls me from my work.

I place the last white flower into the vase, and spin it, checking appearance at all angles. “This is actually for no one in particular, Sid.” I shrug to my best friend and employee.

“Come on, G,” he coaxes, using my nickname for effect.

I sigh. “I’m just puttin’ it together. They’re my flowers, so who cares why I arrange them?”

“Yes, I’m well aware who my boss is,” he deadpans. “I’ve seen you at work, and I’ve seen you work. There’s a difference.”

I glance up to him. His eyebrow is arched, daring me to deny what he’s said. His blue eyes are drilling into mine, knowing that I’m hiding something. If I hadn’t known him since grade school, I’d ignore him and tell him to mind his own business. But this is Sid, one of my best friends, who will eventually pull out my mystery flower messenger anyway. Quickly, I remind myself why I’ve hired him to begin with. I can trust him, and he’s known me for so long he knows how to help me and not be a distraction.

I blow out a slow breath of resignation as I side step him, placing the vase on the wide windowsill. “When I left my house this morning, there were four white carnations on my porch. There was no note either, so I just brought them here. And I can’t sell them - they’re not mine.”

His usually smiling mouth opens and closes like a fish sucking for air. “So you just bring stoop flowers in here?” While his eyes usually seem hooded, giving him that lazy surfer look, now his eyelids widen as his eyebrows disappear under the baseball cap that’s hiding his shaggy blonde hair, making his pastel blue eyes pop wide. The more he sputters, the more his nostrils flare. “Go wash up! There could’ve been poison on them!”

I burst out laughing. “Sid, calm your conspiracies. Who would poison carnations?” Ever since middle school, he’s always had crazy conspiracies. The teachers had a hidden agenda with pop quizzes and homework. Parents having evil plans by giving us chores, and then there was the driver’s license hoax. Thankfully we’re interrupted by the bell chimes above the door.

I work to calm my rolling hysterics, taking a deep breath, and trying to think about anything other than poisoned carnations or Sid as I walk to the front of my store. “Welcome to G-Quets. I’m Georgina, can I help you?” I ask to the back of someone’s head.

The man spins around so fast he’s a blur and wraps his arms around me, pulling me into a huge bear hug. “G-G! Is this your store?”

That voice, the familiar husky scratch.

Author Bio

Rachel lives in Central Pennsylvania, is a stay at home mom, and has a wonderful husband, total of 4 kids, 3 of which are step kids. She’s a true Pittsburgh Penguins and Steelers fan. She’s an insomniac that loves coffee, Johnny Depp movies and bonfires, dislikes driving on the interstate, bugs of any kind, and a too quiet house. When she’s not playing with the people inside her head, making her family think she belongs in the loony bin or writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, finding new music, new books, helping someone or plotting something equally crazy with her Critique Partners. Be sure to check out her debut YA Paranormal True Connection.

Links

Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18041712-a-message-of-flowers?ac=1

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RachelWalterAuthor?fref=ts

Twitter https://twitter.com/rachelw_auth

Blog http://rachelwalterauthor.blogspot.com/

Giveaways

International
a Rafflecopter giveaway

US Only

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*****

A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80) Update

I am so suffering from NaNo brain, but thankfully my word count has not suffered. As of last night, I was sitting at 37,002. My goal is to hit 35K by sometime early tomorrow and finish by Saturday at the latest. My parents are coming for Thanksgiving, and I really want to enjoy them!

Wishing a happy Monday to everyone!

Still a Stigma? -- Indie Life & ROW80

It's hump day, and time for my monthly posting for Indie Life.

What is Indie Life?
How: Sign up on the Linky at the bottom of this page
When: Post on the second Wednesday of the month (starting 1/9/2013)
What: Write anything indie related: something that will inspire or help a fellow indie; something that celebrates a release or a milestone; something that talks about the ups and downs, joys and heartaches of Being Indie.
Grab: The banner to include in your posts!
 
On any given day, I see articles talking about traditional versus independent publishing. Although I think indie has come a long way, there is still a faction of readers who think only traditional books are legit.

Why? As a reader, do you really want other people (publishing houses and their staff) deciding what books are acceptable for public consumption?

Let's consider independent films. They are often labeled as artsy and are usually critics' darlings. But independent books get blasted for low quality and not having a publishing house's stamp of approval. Why then should we think an independent movie is hip if Twentieth Century Fox turned it down?

Yes, there are independent books out there that are low quality. But there are traditionally published books that are simply awful. Have I loved every indie book I've ever read? Of course not, but I haven't loved every William Morrow book I've ever read either.

Do you know how many times JK Rowling got turned down for Harry Potter? 12! The Help? 60! Publishing houses can be, and often are, wrong.

So indie authors, please hold your heads high and be proud. If we all continue to put out high quality, exciting books, people will start to change their minds. I've seen a huge turnaround in opinion since I published my first book in late 2010.

What will it take for more readers to consider indie?

*****

A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80) Update

How is it that we are almost halfway through November already? Almost halfway through NaNo, and my word count is: 25,068 (as of last night).

I'm trying to front load my words, because my parents are coming for Thanksgiving (their first time out to our CA home). Other than writing, I'm just trying to keep up with my sponsor duties, blogging (thankfully I wrote several blog posts before 11/1), and some social media interaction.

How are my NaNo buddies doing? And my non-NaNo buddies?

TTYL by Bethany Lopez -- Release Day Blitz & Giveaway

Title: TTYL (Stories About Melissa #4)

Series: Stories About Melissa

Author: Bethany Lopez

 

About TTYL (Stories About Melissa #4)

 

The last few months have been a rough road for Melissa. Her grades have slipped, her parents treat her like a prisoner, and her closest friends are too involved in their own lives to spend time with her. Desperate to escape her depressing funk, she starts spending more time with Layla, who introduces her to a new crowd...the wrong crowd. When Melissa starts to go down a dangerous path, can anyone get through to her before she does something she'll regret?

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18403655-ttyl

Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/Stories-about-Melissa-Bethany-Lopez-ebook/dp/B00GKNFZVU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1384219881&sr=8-1&keywords=ttyl+bethany

Barnes and Noble Link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ttyl-bethany-lopez/1117236898?ean=2940148928010

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About Bethany

Award-Winning Author Bethany Lopez began self-publishing in June 2011. Since then she has published various YA and NA books. She is a lover of romance, family, and friends, and enjoys incorporating those things in what she writes. When she isn't reading or writing, she loves spending time with her husband and children, traveling whenever possible.

Connect with Bethany:

IAN

Webpage

Twitter

Facebook

Pinterest

My Books

*****

I can't say enough kind things about Bethany. She has one of the brightest smiles I've ever seen, a light-the-room-up kind of smile, and she is always giving back--promoting indies and serving our country.

Recently, I finished one of her novels, and I can't wait to share my thoughts (thanks to NaNo, I'm quite behind on posting reviews). Suffice it to say, I loved it. I can't wait to read more from her.

Please share this release throughout your social media. I know Bethany would greatly appreciate it. Happy Tuesday!

A Gaping Hole in YA Fiction: ROW80 Update

My November is shaping up to be an incredible month. I feel an energy I haven't felt in quite a while. And I like it.

As of yesterday, I was sitting at 17,396. Right on target. I'm particularly proud of that, because I don't usually write on weekends. Just too much going on. And I finally caught up with my sponsorship duties. I was three updates behind. Those are my only two A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80) goals this month, so that's my big update.

But I'm interested to get some thoughts on something I experienced this weekend...

My middle daughter wanted a book. This in and of itself was a small miracle, as she is not a reader. * sniff, sniff * But to make it harder, she does not like paranormal, fantasy, or what she calls real life (think Sarah Dessen, Judy Blume). What she does like... mystery and historical fiction.

No problem, I thought. Perusing the shelves in Barnes & Noble produced nothing, so I went to the customer service desk. First one employee then two more came up, completely perplexed. "There really isn't anything in those genres that is teen or young adult." One lady suggested Philippa Gregory. I've only read The Other Boleyn Girl, but I didn't think it was appropriate for my sixth grader.

So, I wonder... is there a gaping hold in young adult fiction? At least on the traditionally published side. Anyone know of some YA/teen fiction that would fit the bill. And, of course, I would love some indie titles suggested. Ready, set, go...

 

*****

Oh, and I promised a few New York City pictures. Not only do I feel rejuvenated by friendship, but it was awesome to see my girlfriend, Eileen, kick some NYC Marathon butt!

Wishing everyone an amazing week!

Cover Reveal for Juliana Haygert's Playing Pretend & NaNo Update

Playing Pretend

by Juliana Haygert

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Word Count: 65,000

Release date: March 2014

Cover: Berto Designs

Summary from Goodreads:

As the Governor’s daughter, Charlotte McClain is an expert in playing pretend. High society, the men her mother shoves in her direction and a Pre-Law major are all a part of her perfect pretense. But when she pretends to be a nobody during Spring Break, she meets someone who rocks her world.

Mason Rowell knows heartbreak and Spring Break don’t mesh well, so he allows the mysterious Charlotte to seduce him. What should have been a fling, results in something deeper. After Spring Break has long since passed, he moves to Washington to pursue his graduate degree, but what he never expected to find living among the rich and pompous, was the girl who gave him the strength to change and the desire to start anew.

When the guy Charlotte can’t forget goes from a sensual memory to temptation in the flesh, her facade is put to the test. If she surrenders to his charms, she risks ruining her mother’s perfect career and master plan. Playing pretend is what Charlotte does best, but how long can she pretend she doesn't love the man who made her proud of her true self?

**A light, sexy NA Contemporary Romance**

About the Author:

New Adult author and contributor at NA Alley blog.

While Juliana Haygert dreams of being Wonder Woman, Buffy, or a blood elf shadow priest, she settles for the less exciting—but equally gratifying—life of a wife, mother, and author. Thousands of miles away from her former home in Brazil, she now resides in Connecticut and spends her days writing about kick-ass heroines and the heroes who drive them crazy.

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*****

Love this cover!

Juliana is a frequent guest at #ROW80 sprints during the week. She's so lovely. Can't wait to finally dive into one of her books. Just need to get through NaNoWriMo first. A quick update... as of yesterday, I had 11,741 words! Wishing everyone an amazing Friday!