My Own Crystal Ball: Virtual Launch Party for Jessica Therrien's Uprising

Today is the Virtual Launch party for Jessica Therrien's newest book, Uprising. 

In addition to sharing information about her new release, participants could write a post about their favorite supernatural power.

My thoughts...

*****

All supernatural powers have their own draw. After all, who wouldn't want to be invisible or fly or heal quickly or run fast? So many choices. 

Thanks to my upcoming cross-country move, there is only one supernatural power I would wish for right now... the ability to see into the future. I just want to know my kids will be okay and everything will work out. A crystal ball, if you will.

But, I'd want the extra power of controlling what I see and how far into the future I had to go. I don't want to know the date of my death (or anyone else's)... just what I want to know. How's that for a request!

What supernatural power would you wish for?

*****

Before I share more about Uprising, I wanted to mention my 5-star review for Oppression. Check it out. I'm so excited to read book two!

And now the details about Uprising...

Title: Uprising (Children of the Gods #2)

Publisher: ZOVA Books

Release Date: May 28, 2013

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Pages: 384

Synopsis:

Jessica Therrien follows up her bestselling novel OPPRESSION with UPRISING, the second book in the Children of the Gods series.

OPPRESSION, translated and sold around the world, was one of the best selling YA novels of 2012. UPRISING continues the story of Elyse, William and the Descendants.

Elyse has been in hiding for most of her life. Only now she’s hiding with William, and she knows who she’s hiding from. The Council wants a child Elyse and William have yet to conceive, a child who will be the next oracle, and who will provide the final piece to a plan Christoph has been organizing for years. Charged with leading the rebellion against Christoph and his Council, Elyse feels well out of her depth. But she has good friends and strong allies who are willing to fight with her to the end, regardless of how far they have to go, and how many lives will be lost in the process. They have one goal: to live freely and openly with the rest of humanity, out from under The Council’s oppressive rule. The stakes could not be higher for Elyse and the Descendants longing for freedom. They'll have to learn to fight if they want to stand up against The Council, and to find allies in a world ruled by their enemies. The hardest part of waging a war is knowing who to trust. Elyse knows their uprising will change the world. She doesn’t realize it will change her, too.

About Jessica Therrien

Jessica Therrien is the author of the young adult paranormal fiction series Children of the Gods. Book one in the series, Oppression, was published by ZOVA Books in February of 2012 and became a Barnes & Noble best-seller shortly after its release. The second book in the series, Uprising, will be available in May of 2013.              

Aside from her Children of the Gods series, Jessica’s work can also be found in a published collection of flash fiction stories called Campaigner Challenges 2011. Out of over 350 submissions her story, The Soulless, won first place for people’s choice and fourth place in the judging round of Rachael Harrie’s Writing Campaign Challenge. Her story, Saved, is also available as part of the anthology.

Jessica currently lives in Chula Vista with her husband and is working on book three in her Children of the Gods series.

Author Links:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

Links to Oppression (Children of the Gods #1):

Amazon | B&N | GoodReads | Facebook

Links to Uprising (Children of the Gods #2):

Amazon | B&N | GoodReads | Facebook

Networking = N: Blogging from A to Z

Prior to publishing my first novel, Depression Cookies, in October 2010, I was a closet writer. Very few of my friends knew I was writing a novel, and I had no idea I should be creating a platform; blogging; creating a presence on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+; joining a writing community; and the list goes on.

Networking has added so much to my writing experience. I've found fellow writers who encourage me and share their knowledge, most notably through Kait Nolan's A Round of Words in 80 Days and Rachael Harrie's Writers' Platform-Building Campaigns. And now I'm loving the Blogging from A to Z Challenge.

But what got me started... last May I happened upon Michelle Rafter's WordCount Blogathon, a challenge to post every day in the month of May. Not only did I met an amazing group of writers/bloggers, but I learned so much about posts and blogging. Last year I signed up for Twitter, and learned so much about it, for this challenge. This year there is a Pinterest component; I have avoided Pinterest, but I'll be jumping in now.

If you are looking to expand your blog and gain knowledge, please join us in May for the Blogathon. Visit this post for more information and to sign up. I know I can't wait.

Networking has helped me realize I'm not alone. I have so many resources now, and they continue to grow. No matter if you are nervous, normal, new, nerdy (me!), nude (they can't see you!), naive (me last year)... everyone can benefit from building their network.

Have you had success with networking online? If so, please share groups or challenges you've found the most rewarding.

*****

Thanks for joining me for N. I hope I'll see you back here for O through Z.

Breaking Out: The Latest Campaign Challenge

It’s time for another Writers’ Platform-Building Campaign challenge, and Rachael Harrie has issued quite the challenge this week. From her website:

I’ve been asked for a more difficult Challenge this time, while at the same time I know many of you would prefer not to be *too* challenged. So I’ve given you a range of different activities you could do below, all based on the same prompts, and it’s up to you whether you do one or some or all of them. I’ve determined the judging criteria in advance too, so it will enable the judge to assess all your entries equally no matter what you decide to do. I can’t wait to see what you come up with!

Second Campaigner Challenge (of Fourth Campaign)

Prompt 3:

From Rach Writes

Do one or more of the following… I’ve only included the one I did.
* Write a poem/flash fiction piece (in less than 200 words) about the water pear *without* using the words “pear”, “spoon”, or “droplet”.  --- CHECK!

For added difficulty/challenge:
* Write in a genre that is not your own --- CHECK!

 

*****

Breaking Out

Years of practice were about to pay off. She trembled with anticipation as she focused her energy. To Hell with what her parents thought, she knew she could do it. What was the point of countless hours of studying spells if she never used magic?

Yesterday was her eighteenth birthday. She received many gifts, but not the one thing she wanted most—independence. She was sick of living in her parents’ shadows, confined by their rules. They may have saved Melpomene before, but the Elders were going to have to trust the next generation sooner or later.

She’d show them. Nobody had dared bring forth a new dragon in a hundred years; the last attempt had been disastrous.

Centering herself, she felt power course through her body. She was ready. Using her grandmother’s antique wand and the ripened fruit from the counter, she began to spin the dragon’s egg.

From nature’s sweet

A dragon we’ll complete

Heat spread through her and sweat dripped down her spine. So close, she kept pushing. Spinning, spinning, spinning. As the darkness took over, she saw a green arm pop out. A smile spread across her face as she slipped away.

*****

I am not too proud to admit it… that was hard! And I only did one of the options. I’m looking forward to visiting the other entries (I never look until I’ve written my own, because I don’t want to be influenced) and hope you will, too.

If you like my piece, consider voting for me (#106) here. I’d also appreciate feedback in the comments. Thanks.

Pulling Him In: Campaign Flash Fiction Challenge

Time for the First Campaign challenge!

The rules from Rachael Harrie’s Writers’ Platform-Building Campaign blog:

Write a short story/flash fiction story in 200 words or less, excluding the title. It can be in any format, including a poem. Begin the story with the words, “Shadows crept across the wall”. These five words will be included in the word count.

If you want to give yourself an added challenge (optional), do one or more of these (I did all three, yeah me!):

·         end the story with the words: "everything faded." (also included in the word count)
·         include the word "orange" in the story
·         write in the same genre you normally write (women’s fiction for me!)
·         make your story 200 words exactly!

Pulling Him In

Shadows crept across the wall, projections of an uninvited visitor. She knew he was there, inching closer to his desired place. Every day, she fought to keep this one corner of her world private and make sure she didn’t get lost in all his needs. But she understood the desire for comfort and security.

“You shouldn’t be here. We’ve talked about this.” 

No answer and no retreat.

Every woman in her life offered advice, convinced they knew the best way to make him a better man. Should she listen to them or trust her heart? Too often it had led her astray. The man before abandoned her. He was always seeking something else, someone else, and was never the man she needed him to be.

The visitor waited, patient and determined. He looked at her. With no words, he said all she needed to hear. The boy standing there couldn’t be blamed for the men who came before. She owed him that much.

Her heart won. She pulled back the covers, and her sweet son cuddled close. The smell of his orange-scented shampoo and the sweet sounds of his snoring lulled her into a much needed sleep, and everything faded.

*****

If you enjoyed my story, please vote for me (#169) here. And take some time to read some other wonderful flash fiction pieces.

What's On Your Nightstand: Campaign Fun!

Jessica Therrien, a fellow campaigner, started a fun campaign game: What's On Your Nightstand? I seem to always be chasing my tail lately, so I'm late responding. Better late than never, right?

The following books are next to my bed:

1. 11/22/63, Stephen King

2. The Book Thief, Markus Zusak

3. Bird by Bird, Anne Lamott

4. Elephant Milk, Diane Sherry Case
2011 Next Generation Indie Award Winner - Chick Lit
(Depression Cookies was a Finalist in this category, and I was curious to read the winner.)

And, since my Kindle and IPad are next to my bed, I thought I'd list three eBooks on there that I'm excited to read.

1. Oppression, Jessica Therrien -- I'm participating in the launch party on February 28. On March 8, I'll post my interview with Jessica and my review. *squeal*

2. Listening In and Other Stories, Shauna Kelley -- I loved her first novel, Max and Menna.

3. Red, Kait Nolan -- from A Round of Words in 80 Days' fearless leader.

And many, many more. Now I just need to start going to bed earlier so I can have more reading time!

What books are next to your bed (or wherever you pile books)?

11 Questions: Campaign Fun!

I was tagged to answer eleven questions by Jennifer Fischetto, a fellow participant in Rachael Harrie's Writers' Platform-Building Campaign. Thanks, Jennifer!

I am supposed to answer the questions below and then create eleven of my own to pass on to other campaigners. However, I've noticed most everyone has been tagged, so I'm doing something a bit different. More details after my questions.

Without further ado...



1. What is the one thing you wish you knew how to do but don't?

I'm sure my answer is skewed thanks to fighting with my blog today, but I wish I knew more HTML code!

2. If you could instantly know a foreign language (one you don't already know), which would it be?

French. There's something lyrical about it.

3. What is your first birthday memory?

It's a blur of moving boxes. We moved every 2-3 years, and almost always in the summers (my birthday is August 4). I remember some friends throwing me a going-away/birthday party in middle school.

4. If you could go back to age 21 (assuming you're legal, lol), knowing what you know now, would you?

No. If I went back to 21, which does sound alluring some days, I'd want to still live with the spirit and idealism I had back then. No reason to know what you know until you know it.

5. If you went to your prom, was it everything you hoped? And if you didn't, do you regret it?

I moved to a new city the summer before my senior year of high school. I had little to no expectations, so prom was a non-event. I went, checked if off the must-do teenage events, and had a good time with girlfriends. To me, it was the last thing standing in my way before college.

6. Would you rather: perfect health, complete wealth, or never aging?

Above all, I would want happiness, but I don't want to not answer the question. Blame the fact that I'll be 40 in August, but today I'd take never aging. Ask me tomorrow, and who knows.

7. What is your favorite TV show from childhood?
Moonlighting. I had such a crush on Bruce Willis (pretty much still do) and even named my daughter, Maddie (I loved Cybil Shepherd as Maddie Hayes).

8. Which is the best book you've read in the past year?
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. I was never a nonfiction reader before, and this book opened me up to it. Also, Hunger Games, because my daughter and I enjoyed it together.

9. Which is your favorite book of all time?
Tough one. Ursula Hegi's Stones from the River. I also loved I Know This Much is True by Wally Lamb.

10. Which kitchen appliance could you not live without (not including the basics, fridge, stove, and sink)?
My crock pot. I love to come home to the smell of dinner almost done.

11. If you had to choose, would you rather use an outhouse or have no electricity, forever?

My kids love the "would you rather" game. I'll have to ask them this one. I'd say use the outhouse and keep my electricity. But I'm paying someone else to clean the outhouse, that's for sure.

*****

I have one question for people visiting my blog to keep the fun going.

I love to read a good book, but more than anything, I like a book that surprises me in some way. What's the last book that surprised you?

A Confession: ROW80 Check In

I need to put some real energy into tackling my manuscript. I'm excited about writing it, but I can't seem to find that energy. It's a weak excuse, I'm fully aware. Yet the problem remains. I sit down to write and can't focus.

This was part of my original blog post, and it went on and on about why I couldn't focus lately or find time to devote to writing. I've erased it all, because the truth is I have a confession. I'm afraid.

I knew those words were true the minute I typed them. Tears started forming, my throat felt three times too big, and my hands were trembling. I wanted to retract those two words, pretend they didn't come out. But I can't. It's the truth.

My father had a favorite saying, one he repeated to me often growing up.

You have the audacity

to doubt my veracity

to insinuate

that I might prevaricate.

Thanks to my father, and for a lot more reasons than this saying, I don't look kindly on liars--it's the easy way out. There's nothing about easy that I want to be. And I'd never want something that took dishonesty to achieve.

But back to fear. I'm afraid of failing. I love to do something for the first time, because it's new. Nobody expects you to knock it out of the ballpark on your first try. There's little to lose. When I first met my husband, I told him I'd try anything once. Then I immediately asked him to remove the smirk off his face.

Thanks to moving to new places all my life, I was conditioned to do firsts well. What I don't do well, what I have no practice doing, is repeating successes. I even married my first love, the man I met at eighteen. No complaining here, it worked out really well. Maybe I'm just lucky. Or is it beginner's luck?

The crazy thing... I had no fear about putting my first novel out there. Seems silly now. I really should have been more afraid. Now, after a few awards and good reviews for Depression Cookies, I am absolutely terrified to write something else. The fear is keeping me from it. Am I a one-trick pony? Did all the writing in me come out in one piece?

I'm my own worst critic, and I'm afraid to put out a sophomore effort that doesn't live up to my first novel. What if I found the one four-leaf clover in a massive field?

I guess it's good that I've never been the give up sort of gal. I just need to figure out how to let my love of writing push down the fear that keeps rearing its ugly head.

Any other suggestions for conquering fear would be greatly appreciated.

My ROW80 Update

Writing: Fear sidelined me. I need to beat it back. Wordsprints really help me, I get lost in the energy and focus of them and forget to be afraid.

Blogging: Daily here, and I posted a new review on Mom in Love with Fiction on Friday. I have two more in the works, both quite overdue from when I intended to post them. Sometimes it's so much easier to gear up to write a post than to sit down with my manuscript. I know that's wrong, but there's something so rewarding about blog posts and flash fiction. They are complete. Anyone else feel that way?

Social Media: Thanks to Kait Nolan, I'm now exploring Triberr. Jenny Hansen, a true ROW80 cheerleader over at Cowbell, wrote a great post about it. I'm still wading my way through the learning curve! I just wish there were more hours in the day, because it's so easy to get sucked into social media outlets. Especially now, because I just rejoined Rachael Harrie's Writers' Platform-Building Campaign. There's still time if you want to join! The Linky closes February 15.

Reading: I started and finished a book yesterday. I haven't done that in a long time, so I'm really looking forward to posting about it! It was a nice reminder why I write... because I love a good book. But sometimes the really good ones are also a fear enhancer. There are some amazing writers out there. Several of which I've now had the opportunity to get to know through the writing community. I feel honored and a bit of a fish out of water at times.

Diet and Exercise: As far as exercise, I did well. Unfortunately, I had a week of horrific eating. I think this picture from my daughter's 10th birthday slumber party says it all.

I don't know what I'd do without the writers I've met since publishing. Writing in seclusion may have been a bit less daunting, but it was never as rewarding.

Join the Campaign--Build Your Platform

Don't be scared off by the title. It has nothing to do with politics! Rachael Harrie holds a Writers' Platform-Building Campaign twice a year. I participated for the first time last fall. I learned so much from the participants and Rachael's challenges and couldn't wait for the next one. Now it's here!

Some information about the Campaign from Rach Writes: Basically, the Campaign is a way to link those of us in the writing community together with the aim of helping to build our online platforms. The Campaigners are all bloggers in a similar position, who genuinely want to pay it forward, make connections and friends within the writing community, and help build each others' online platforms while at the same time building theirs.

As the Campaign kicks off, you'll have the names and blog addresses of the Campaigners on my List of Campaigners page, so you can keep in touch with the other Campaigners. That way you’ll have a list of bloggers in the same position as you, who genuinely want to help you succeed. And you'll be able to meet those who have the most in common with you. You can visit their blogs and other places they haunt, follow along, leave comments galore, and share your highs and lows as you journey through the blogosphere and build your online platform. And they'll be doing the same for you.

Key Dates

* This Fourth Campaign will be a mini-Campaign, and will run from today until Saturday, March 17, 2012.
* The List of Campaigners will close on Wednesday, February 15th, so make sure you sign up before then.
* The First Campaigner Challenge will begin on Monday, February 20th and end on Saturday, February 25th.
* The Second Campaigner Challenge will begin on Monday, March 5th and end on Saturday, March 10th.

Organized Campaign Events

* I'll be running the two Campaigner Challenges I mentioned above.
* Each Friday I'll post a Campaigner Notice-Board, where you can announce blogfests, book launches, things you'd like to share with your other Campaigners, etc etc. You'll need to send me the information in advance, and I've made up a form to make things easier. If you want me to include your details in this Friday's post (February 10th), please fill out this form.
* There will be lots of Twitter-talk at #writecampaign, so make sure you jump in and take part to meet, get to know, and encourage your fellow Campaigners.

Let me know in the comments if you'll be joining the Campaign this year.

Random Thoughts from an Overtaxed Brain

My brain is still fogged up from my complete inability to avoid overcommitting. A combined issue with FOMO and FLSD (Fear of Letting Someone Down - love this contribution from Natalie Hartford to the FOMO discussion) caused me to overextend the last few weeks.

So today I offer some random thoughts, all I'm capable of until Saturday when I can purge several events from my brain.

* NY Times Article, "Barnes and Noble Won't Sell Books from Amazon Publishing." - I'm sure I'm missing something here, but I  rarely (pretty much never) find small press and/or independently published books in the retail bookstores. At least from this article, I did not gather that B&N would not sell Amazon-published books at its online site.

I don't like censorship of any kind, for any reason. Let the readers decide what books they want to buy. But I must say this seems much ado about nothing. But, I've only read this article. Others' thoughts?

* Punxsutawney Phil - Really, we listen to a rodent for our weather. What's worse, I read somewhere that he's only 39% accurate. As another service to my lovely readers, I'm happy to flip a coin early every February. Heads, we have winter for six more weeks. Tails, it's almost springtime. I'll have a 50% chance my way.

* Oppression - I am SO excited about this book by Jessica Therrien! I met Jessica during Rachael Harrie's Writers' Platform-Building Campaign. The book will be released February 28, 2012 by Zova Books, and I will be participating in the Virtual Launch Party as well as reviewing it (I just received my E-ARC!).

For more information, please check out Jessica's blog, From Imagination to Publication.

* Writers' Platform Building Campaign - Since I mentioned it above, Rachael Harrie is hosting a mini-campaign (only one month long). The announcement will be featured on her blog on Monday, February 6. Please join us for some great flash fiction challenges and to meet some wonderful writers!

Any random thoughts you'd like to share with me?

Best of 2011: People's Choice Awards

The people have spoken through page views, and the blog post winners have been chosen. Let me start by thanking all the people who take the time to read my posts and a special thank you to those who comment.

I started this blog early this year, but didn't commit to it fully until May's WordCount Blogathon. Another tip of the hat to Michelle Rafter for planting the seed and giving me the confidence to soar. After that I found more wonderful writing communities who helped me with ideas and confidence: Kait Nolan's A Round of Words in 80 Days, Rachael Harrie's Writers' Platform-Building Campaign, BlogHer's NaBloPoMo, Melissa Foster's WoMen's Literary Cafe, and SheWrites.

I also want to thank the lovely bloggers who have guest posted this year: Carrie Green, Lisa Pollard, Lisa Carter, Morgan Bailey, Nicky LaMarco, Eden Sterlington, and Liz Sheffield. Plus, I can't forget to thank my mom, dad, two sisters, and my daughters for their blog posts and contributions.

The flashing light is blinking and music is starting. My thank you time is coming to an end. But lastly I do want to thank all the authors who've shared their knowledge with me and on this blog. I've learned so much!

Reader's Favorite Posts of 2011

Knock on Wood: 11/11/11 and Break Your Mother's Back: Superstitions Part Two: Both posts talk about the idea of superstitions.

Feathers and Stone: Balance: Trying to find balance, something I know most of us struggle with.

Drifting Away: Third Campaigner Challenge: Before Rachael Harrie's campaign, I really had never attempted flash fiction much less put it out there for people to read.

Why I Blog: These reasons still hold true.

What Makes me Swoon: From Husband to Vampires to Volleyball Players: A fun post outlining my crushes through the years.

What Most Southern Women Love About the F Word: Mom has written some wonderful posts this year, but this was the most viewed. I think the tantalizing title grabbed people.

I look forward to many wonderful interactions in 2012.

Please share your favorite 2011 post from your blog in the comments below. I'd love to see them!

Showing Gratitude As 2011 Draws to a Close

2011 has been an amazing year for me. Thanks to the wonderful writing and reading community, I have learned so much about the craft.

I wanted to express my gratitude in a fun way. Writers are:

Generous: It never fails to amaze me how giving authors and readers are. They are generous with their knowledge and their support.

Resilient: A true writer writes. They don’t let a less than stellar review or any other obstacle keep them from the craft.

“It is impossible to discourage the real writers—they don't give a damn what you say, they're going to write.”  Sinclair Lewis

They give a damn and process input, but you can’t stop the truly passionate writer.

Aware: Every moment in life adds to a writer’s story bank. Living life is invaluable.

Teachers: When they find out new information, they pass it on. They don’t covet knowledge, instead they use blogs to pass on what they are learning in this ever-changing industry.

Inspirational: The support from my writer friends keeps me going. When I have a bad writing week or stumble through parts of my story, they are there to encourage and give me that much-needed push in the right direction.

Thankful: The writing community loves readers. We know without fellow book lovers, our jobs would be less rewarding.

Unbridled: Writers access their heart and passionately release it through words.

“Words are the voice of the heart.” Confucius

Dedicated:  The writing spirit is contagious, especially when you see people who write through all life's obstacles.

Efficacious: Writers “have the power to produce a desired effect.” Words are the power.

“The role of a writer is not to say what we all can say, but what we are unable to say.” Anaïs Nin

As 2011 comes to a close, I want to thank all my newfound writer friends for their support. You know who you are. And a special thank you to readers, especially those who have read Depression Cookies.

I am particularly grateful for the following writing communities I found this year: Kait Nolan's A Round of Words in 80 Days, Rachael Harrie’s Writers' Platform-Building Campaign, Michelle Rafter’s Blogathon, the SheWrites community, and Melissa Foster’s WoMen’s Literary Cafe.

Campaign Novel Hits the Presses

I hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving. If you don't celebrate Thanksgiving where you live, I hope you had a day full of blessings and gratitude.

This fall, I participated in Rachael Harrie's Writer's Platform-Building Campaign. From her website: "My Writers' Platform-Building Campaigns are a way to link writers, aspiring authors, beginner bloggers, industry people, and published authors together with the aim of helping to build our online platforms.

The Campaigners are all people in a similar position, who genuinely want to pay it forward, make connections and friends within the writing community, and help build each others' online platforms while at the same time building theirs."

Such an amazing experience. I learned so much from all the writers, but especially my genre groups: young adult fiction and women's fiction. The writing community has become a lifeline much the same way the parenting community has. We need each other, and we learn more by spreading knowledge than we could ever learn by keeping it to ourselves.

During the campaign, Rachael challenged the group with three writing prompts. At the end, fellow campaigner, Katharina Gerlach, offered to gather our answers (everything from flash fiction to poetry to essays) into an eBook. The result, Campaigner Challenges 2011, is available at Amazon and Smashwords. All proceeds go to charity. For more information, please visit the Amazon or Smashwords links.

I have three pieces included, but I wanted to reprint my favorite here. This was a show-don't-tell exercise with prompts. To see the exact rules, visit the original posting.

Drifting Away

The sun began to creep from its hiding place, warming the sand beneath her toes. She spread her fingers through the grains, moving past her bare legs to begin shifting sand over one foot and then another. Creamy vanilla and caramel colors swirled with the teals, greens, and blues of the waves moving just ahead of her.

Such synbatec beauty couldn’t stop the yawn from escaping her dry lips. Full shopping bags awaited her in the room, the credit card he gave her maxed out. She reached for her water, the cool liquid easing down her throat. A deep sigh followed.

Paul motioned for the waiter just before the cell phone went off again. “It’s Miss Raphine. I have to take this,” he whispered and walked away.

Why had she come? He said they’d get away, focus on each other. With each tacise lie, pieces of the relationship broke away.

She closed her eyes and melted into the cocoon of the expensive towel. A wave of nausea rose as the scent of bacon and wastopaneer drifted toward her. He knew she hated both, they argued about it last week before boarding the airplane.

Her head fell to the side, her eyes drifting open. She saw children she’d never have running down the beach, a man and woman trying to keep up. An old couple sat in chairs under an umbrella watching the fun.

The shutdown began, like the spin cycle of a washing machine… slowing, slowing. The orange bottle was empty beside her. The small pills once inside it were working their magic, easing her load. Her breathing began to slow, and peace came.

The Results Are In: ROW 80 Check In

I posted my first poll this past Friday. I asked people to tell me what they wanted from author blogs, and the choices were: giveaways, excerpts/sample chapters, writing challenges and rewards, information on the author's future books, and intimate reflections from the author.

I had almost 20 responders (including my Facebook numbers). The results:

Note: Giveaways were 0%, so not included on the graph

I found the 0% for giveaways particularly surprising. As a reader, I love giveaways. I read so much, and buying book after book gets expensive. Intimate reflections from the author won by a landslide (84.6%). This made me happy, because that's the focus of our blog.

I should have been clearer about "writing challenges and rewards." I meant the challenges writers face and the rewards of a completed project. I'm wondering now if people thought I meant challenges and rewards for writers. I've loved the writing challenges posed by Rachael Harrie's Platform-Building Campaign, so I can see how people might have read it that way. Just goes to prove... poll results are only as good as the question and answers.

What's your theory as to why giveaways scored 0%? I'm scratching my head over it!

*****

My A Round of Words in 80 Days update:

First of all, is it check in day again really? Why does time always seem to speed up as the year-end approaches?

Writing
Writing with my mom does not lend itself to NaNoWriMo, so I'm sitting out this round. I'm so excited for those who are participating.

In that spirit, my new writing goal will be 750 words a day (I may raise this depending on how I'm doing) on one of my works in progress. Plus, I plan to be a NaNo cheerleader. Wishing all of you luck.

Depression Cookies & Mom in Love with Fiction blogs
Both progressing smoothly. I celebrated 200 posts this week on the DC blog. *woot*

Miscellaneous
I'm adding a new goal here as well... exercise. I've seen so many people incorporating this into their goals. I like accountability, so here goes... a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise 4-5 times per week.

Now, I'm off to check on my fellow ROW80ers. You can check out some great writers here.