Sharing reviews of Chasing Memories

Since I'm on my way out of the country, I thought I'd share some reviews of my YA novel, Chasing Memories, today.

From author, Shauna Kelley (Max and Menna, Listening In and Other Stories, and Don't Wake Up):

Chasing Memories had me from the first word. Tia Bach has woven a mystery and given her readers a perfect, snarky, and oh-so accurate teenage voice to help us navigate through. Reagan doesn't so much come to life as she vaults off the page in your face. Nonetheless, where other "typical teen" narrators might annoy (hello, Bella Swan), the muted desperation to understand what is happening that lies beneath her teenage 'tude makes Reagan unquestionably sympathetic. I felt for her, I wanted to hug her, and I wanted to know what in the heck was happening to her.

Read her full review here.

From a teen reader:

From Elise Fallson, amazing writer and blogger:

The characters in this book were well written and I connected largely with Reagan and her grandmother, Nana. At times Reagan’s mother got me so mad but that just shows how invested I became in this book. The twist ending left me wishing for more and I’m looking forward to the next book in this series. So for anyone looking for a fun YA summer read with a paranormal twist, I’d recommend this book!
 
Read her full review on GoodReads.

And, from the lovely Jo Michaels (who in the interest of full disclosure was the editor for Chasing Memories), author of several titles including Yassa and The Bird.

I loved how the supporting cast of characters came to life on the page, how well I could see Colorado in my mind's eye (I've never been there, but now I feel like I have), and how accurate the descriptions of Georgia were. When I got to the last page, the surprise ending left me wanting more. It's a good thing there's a sequel in the works!

Read her full review here. Find out more about her books on her website and her editing services at Indie Books Gone Wild.

Keep visiting the blog for more updates. Plus, I have some exciting news about an eBook sale and some giveaways in August. Stay tuned!!

About Me: From Writing to Peanut Butter & Mayo

I started blogging late in 2010 when my first novel (and so far only--but I plan to remedy that soon!), Depression Cookies, came out. Yes, I started after the book came out. I knew nothing except that I wanted to write and find an online community to share all the aspects of writing with... the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Today, thanks to published author and blogger Steve Tremp, who came up with the idea of the Please Allow Me to Re-Introduce Myself Blogfest, I am able to take a moment to reconnect with the wonderful online community I've found. Plus the blogfest is being co-hosted by a dear friend, Elise Fallson, as well as two other amazing authors, Carolyn Brown and Mark Koopmans.

My first novel, Depression Cookies, was co-written with my mom. It's a coming of age story told from two different perspectives, a teenage daughter and middle-aged mother. It was the 2011 Readers Favorite Silver award winner for Realistic Fiction (and Finalist for Chick Lit) as well as the 2011 Next Generation Indie Book Awards Finalist in Chick Lit.

Eight Fun Facts About Me

* I participated in my first NaNoWriMo this past November and won! It was crazy, but exhilarating.

* I completed my first half marathon last September, just after turning 40.

* I met my husband my third day of college and on a blind date.

* I moved, on average, every 3 years my whole life. Each of my daughters was born in a different city/state (Chicago, IL; San Diego, CA; Baltimore, MD).

* My favorite book of the last five years: Book Thief by Markus Zusak.

* My favorite sandwich is sliced bananas, mayonnaise, and peanut butter. 

* I am the oldest of three girls, and we have 8 girls between us.

* I am a word nerd. 
Some of my favorite words include: discombobulated, catawampus (although I'm equally drawn to it's synonym, askew), fastidious, persnickety, audacity, prevaricate. Really, I should stop. I'm getting giddy. My least favorite word: irregardless. Oh wait, it isn't a word, so it wouldn't qualify. *wink* 

I can't wait to hop around and reacquaint myself with old friends and make some new ones. If you missed the blogfest and happen to stop by, tell me something interesting about you in the comments below.

Grateful for Writers: NaNo & ROW80 Updates

Life is full of ups and downs, so it stands to reason that writing is as well. Writing springs from what we experience. But for me, writing is also a product of the people who influence me.

When my mom and I published Depression Cookies in October 2010, I wasn't sure if I wanted to write another book. Or, if I could. Was this my only story?

Only after publishing did I understand the importance of an author platform. Before, I picked books based on covers, summaries, and book recommendations. I knew nothing of indie publishing.

Now I can't imagine my life without getting to know writers and taking chances on books. And that's only the beginning of what the indie writing community has done for me. Now I have amazing resources for all things book-related: editing, covers, publishing options, book reviews, marketing opportunities, advice, and on and on.

Most importantly, writers made me realize how much I love writing. I now know I'm not done. Not even close.

So, I found this mention on my dear friend's blog all the sweeter. Elise Fallson, my sister from another mister as I like to call her, and I bonded instantly. I encouraged her to jump into the writing community, because I knew how much it had done for me. This is what she said...

Tia, I'm sending you big hugs and I thank you for getting me out of my writers closet and for being such a positive force in this writing community.

Knowing I paid it forward means the world to me.

Also, Mom and I attended this weekend's Readers Favorite Award Ceremony in Miami. Being surrounded by such amazing authors was inspiring. It lit a major fire under my butt! (I'll share more about this sometime this week.)

I am more determined than ever to finish the follow-up to Depression Cookies and my NaNo project, a young adult book currently titled Chasing Memories. I know now that I don't just like to write... I must write.

My NaNo and ROW80 update... my NaNo project is currently at 22,204. A bit behind, but I feel confident that my renewed writing energy will get me through!

Summer Hodgepodge: ROW80 Update

Again I missed my A Round of Words in 80 Days Sunday check in post. But I have a great reason. I'm finding balance. Finally.

It's summer, and it will be over before I know it. I'm managing writing time, but it's planned around family and friends.

Family

My daughters had three swim meets in the last week. I am so proud of how they always give it their all. This summer was the first swim season for my 7-year-old, and she was quite proud of herself after winning her heat in the 25 Free.

Friends

Then Saturday I hosted a dear friend, someone I now consider a member of my family... Elise Fallson. Elise is a wonderful writer, blogger, mom, and all-around great gal. I met her through my mother, and we bonded right away. She stayed with me Saturday night, along with her two adorable children and lovely mother, before she headed back home to France after a three-week US tour of family and friends.

Elise and I only met about a year and a half ago, and we met online. She read my novel, I'm reading the drafts of hers (SO excited to see it come out!), and I coaxed her into the wonderful online writing community. Check out her blog, Elise Fallson.

We stayed up way too late Saturday night talking about writing and the storylines we are working on. I was in heaven. Missing you already, Elise! Guess it's my turn to come see you.

I think I should start a new group: Women's Writing Slumber Parties. We could gather in a central location for the most fun. Otherwise, we start a twitter party at 10pm and all chat about our characters, stories, frustrations, victories, love of words, and so on until the wee hours of the morning.

*****

Are You a Mom Who Writes?

The lovely Annette Gendler features guest posts for a Moms Who Write series. I met Annette during last year's WordCount Blogathon and felt a connection to her and her blog right away.

Today, she features my guest post about writing and balance. Please check it out: Have Laptop Will Travel.

*****

A day late...

A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80) Update

Where I've found balance... in prioritizing. My family comes first, but right after comes working on my WIP. Then it trickles to editing, blog, etc.

Writing: I spent at least 30 minutes, my test mile, working on my WIP Wednesday through Saturday, with Sunday off. I spent 45 minutes on Friday writing up notes and character details for Sherry's Tale (so a working title).

Editing: I'm determined to finish up on four lovely short stories. Another blogger and friend I look forward to talking about... Eloise Currie. Her works are destined for a short story collection. I might be able to convince her to write a novel one of these days, too!

Blogging: I missed Sunday, but I'm keeping steady with blogging Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays.

Social Media: Behind. Weekends are fast becoming family time. I like this new system. I'm thinking I should treat writing like a work week. Monday through Friday, with weekends off. Hmmm. But I can't help squeezing in some blog reading!

Reading: I've been on a roll with good books, and I'm blogging about it. Reviews are coming fast and furious at Mom in Love with Fiction. Check it out when you get a chance.

One last bit of fun

My girls after a trip to the American Girl Store,

enjoying a Lego Woody (during a trip to Chicago).