Writers' Ally aka ➔ sa larsenッ

Princess & Fairy Godmothers???

2012-01-27T06:30:00.000-05:00

According to my new blogging lineup, this is the day I'll explore world issues & headlines, humor, and all that encompasses Sheri--yup, that's what the 'S' in SA Larsen stands for.

For those of you who are unaware, I'm a contestant vying for the Mrs. Maine America 2012 title, which will be passed to the winner on February 5th. Eek!! That's just around the corner. I've been lax in sharing my pageant experience with you, but I'm about to change that.

Last weekend, I took part in what we called a Princess Ice Cream & Teas Social. The reigning Mrs. Maine was conducting a fundraiser to support a Habitat Humanity site. She invited this year's contestants to join her.

It was amazing!! Children from all over arrived to meet, and share ice cream and tea with their favorite princess. We even had story time. I played the role of Princess Ariel from The Little Mermaid. To my shock, Ariel was a huge hit. I must have taken 600+ photos with the sweetest little ones and signed autographs. Boy, do I have a new appreciation for celebrities. Stand up. Bend down. Up. Down. (Little kids are short, eh.) But taking those photos with them and making them smile was worth it! Plus, my thighs got a heck of a workout.

There weren't just little girls in attendance, either. Some of the little boys came to see their favorite girl--I mean princess. A few times the mothers would mouth to me, "He has such a crush on Ariel." It was the cutest thing ever!! (I feel a picture book story coming on...)

I'll let these photos tell the rest of the story.

Sleeping Beauty's Fairy Godmothers
Jasmine (my niece), Kate (my daugther), & Maddy (Kate's Bff)

2012 Contestants, Mrs. Maine 2011 in pink in the middle, & the Fairy Godmothers.

Princess Ariel - ME

Fairy Godmothers, Princess Ariel, & two beautiful princesses!

A little princess(one of my friend's daugthers) & my daugther.

Fairy Godmothers, Princess Ariel &
Princess Rapunzel

One of Princess Ariel's crushers.
He's so cute!!

Princess Ariel
with a little Cinderella

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!! Ooh, I'll be blogging a bit later today. I have another TV interview for the pageant. ALERT UPDATED! Bummer, it's 4:30 a.m. and I'm staring out my bedroom window, while watching the weather channel. Looks like I won't be able to make the one hour and a half trek to the Television studio. The roads are too icy and it's still snowing. Kiddos probably won't have school, either. Boo....

Young Adult Teen Tuesday & Giveaway!

2012-01-24T06:30:00.000-05:00

Today is our first official Young Adult Teen Tuesday post. To honor our guidelines and chat about anything YA, I'm giving my thoughts and the opportunity to WIN a copy of a novella I recently read!

Title: Love's Long Shadow
Author: Ciara Knight
Genre: Young Adult/Novella
Publisher: Turquoise Morning Press
Release Date: October 2011
Pages: 35

I'd like to thank the author for an e-copy of this book to read for review.

Favorite Line/Passage:

Description: Sammy Lorre was cast from Heaven for conduct unbecoming an angel. Living in a demon-infested small town with no memory of her previous life, she faces never-ending purgatory until Boon saunters into her life with a promise of angelic love. But is he an angel from Heaven or a minion from the underworld preying on her human emotions? To discover his true identity, she must risk eternal damnation and her heart.

NIGHTSTAND WORTHY

Although I was given an e-copy of this story to read on my Nook, the first image that gripped me was the cover. I think what I like most is the color pallet they chose. It really says something about the mood of the story. The blurb written for the story is also attractive--soft and alluring.

The story is fast paced, which one would probably expect for a novella, but also even enough to keep a teasing pace. The plot is quick to engage the reader into a seemingly ordinary mystery--angels lost, trying to fight evil, etc.... But then it switches. The AH-HA. At times, I thought the writer was going in one direction with the story, and then the story changed gears. That made me want to know more. (Great technique.)

The doubt the writer plants in the reader's head about Boon is a great tease, intriguing in itself. There's plenty of questioning as the plot moves forward and the story drops crumbs from each character's past. And then the reveal is genuine, leaving the reader cheering for a positive outcome--which, of course, I won't reveal here.

Written in a structure that flows and threaded with the growing emotions of each character, I really enjoyed this quick read. If you're looking for a little romance and a little action wrapped up in a short read, this story is for you.

Visit Ciara's Website, or places to purchase the story: Amazon Kindle, Smashwords, Bookstrand, All Romance Ebooks/OmniLit, TMP bookstore.

To ENTER for a chance win an e-copy, leave a comment below. Of course, spreading the word gives you extra entries. Just tell me what you did. Good luck!!

For more YA, go visit these YATT Supporters:
Margo Berendsen
The Write Game
Julie Musil (not every wk)
Rosewood Pencil Box
Misha Gericke (not every wk)
Fairbetty's World

If you want to join our team of YATT supporters, blog on Tuesdays (some are posting on Wednesdays, which is fine) about anything Young Adult from interviews, book spotlights, teen issues, crafting teen literature, YA books, giveaways or whatever. EMAIL ME the link to your blog, and I'll add you to my list.

Rebel Writer's Pledge for 2012

2012-01-23T06:30:00.000-05:00

The Rebel Writer's Pledge is all about reflecting on successes and failures of last year, and then forging ahead and recommitting to life and writing goals with a new verve.

Today, each participant is posting their goals for the year 2012 and highlighting at least one general goal to add to our pledge. I'll compile each highlighted goal into a list, linking back to this post. We'll leave the badge on our sites throughout 2012, reminding and encouraging us about our pledge.

Devising goals, whether out-right action goals or ones to develop a new mindset, will bring success.

Be easier on myself
Take healthy writing breaks for family and pleasure
Finalize edits on YA novel and sub
Finish a different YA novel, my MG series already started, & work on more picture books.
Continue to market myself and build my platform/more hands-on work, raising awareness for Apraxia of Speech, and the importance of reading, with an emphasis on writing in children
Publish more community interest stories, short fiction stories, and seek out more anthologies
Improve my craft by reading, studying, and taking at least two classes or workshops

There are my goals for 2012. I've highlighted the one I'm going to add to the official Rebel Writer's Pledge 2012.

Visit the other participants and see what inspiration they have for you!!
Samantha Verant
Kris Yankee
April Plummer
Carolyn V
Heather McCorkle
Shannon O'Donnell
Susan Oloier
Sharon Mayhew
Leigh Moore
Melissa Sugar
Sophia Chang
DL Hammons
Rebekah
Kelly Hashway
Margay
Stephen Tremp
PK Hrezo
Yelena Casale

RENEGADE Scavenger Hunt Cover REVEAL!

2012-01-20T09:00:00.000-05:00

In my opinion, Fridays are all featherbrained and are for chatting about life, love, friendship, motherhood and my sometimes failed attempts to keep my sanity. So today, I have a special treat for you! I'm giving major props to a special friend, who happens to be an amazing writer.

I am so excited!!! One of my Oasis for YA sisters, the fabulous Jessica Souders, is releasing the cover for her YA novel! It is beautiful, my friends.

Jessica Souders
w/a J.A. Souders
Website | Blog | Twitter | Goodreads | Facebook

J.A. Souders was born in the heartland with an overactive imagination and an over abundance of curiosity that was always getting her into trouble. She first began writing at the age of 13, when she moved to Florida and not only befriended the monsters under the bed, but created worlds for them to play together.

Because she never grew up, she decided she’d put her imaginary friends to work and started writing. She still lives in the land of sunshine and palm trees with her husband and their two children and is an active member of the RWA, CFRW, YARWA and SCBWI.

She is represented by Natalie Lakosil of the Bradford Literary Agency. Her debut book, RENEGADE, surfaces Fall 2012 from Tor Teen.

So, you want to see the cover now? You really didn't think we'd make it that easy, did you? No worries. You don't have to do much at all. In her brilliance, Jessica has broken the cover into six equal parts, real scavenger hunt style. Simply visit the following blogs and collect a word along with the puzzle pieces and head over to the three blogs hosting the giveaway on Monday. Your STARTING POINT is Jess's blog, Angels and Demons and Portals, Oh My!

7 AM: Woven Strands (http://wovenstrands.wordpress.com/)
9 AM: Writer's Ally (http://writersally.blogspot.com/)
10 am: The Oasis (http://oasisforya.blogspot.com/)
11 am: Fire and Ice (http://fireandicephoto.blogspot.com/)
1 pm: Confessions of a Bookaholic (http://www.totalbookaholic.com/)
3 pm: Jessie Harrell-The Daily Harrell (http://jessie-harrell.blogspot.com/)

For the final cover, on Monday visit one or all of the following blogs:

Reading Teen (http://www.readingteen.net/)
Boo ks Complete Me (http://www.bookscompleteme.com/)

Mundie Moms (http://mundiemoms.blogspot.com/)

Simple Love of Reading (http://simpleloveofreading.blogspot.com/)

Stuck in Books (http://www.stuckinbooks.com/)

Here's your word: LIFE

Here's your puzzle piece. Pretty, isn't it???

Celery Tree: on-line bookstore 4 Indies!!

2012-01-17T06:30:00.000-05:00

I'd like to welcome Nicki Elson, author of THREE DAVES, and member of Celery Tree. She grew up during the '80s--'nuf said--and has always known she loves to write. She shares herself through her Blog, Facebook Page, and Twitter. And today, she's here to guest blog for me. Welcome, Nicki!!

So...have ya heard of Celery Tree yet? I'm excited to be a part of this brand new on-line book store & community for independent authors, and one of the elements I'm eager to take advantage of are the forums. I see the forums as a great opportunity to take Writing and Publishing Topics that come up here at the blogs and turn them into true back-and-forth discussions. I also think it might be fun to host on-line Book Club Meetings and interactive Author Interviews.

Karen Gowen, a founder of Celery Tree, said the forums have the potential to be whatever the authors/readers want them to be. She will be available at karen@celerytree.com to answer your questions about Celerytree.com during the Big Blog Tour. Feel free to email Karen about any questions you may have at this time on joining, registering, buying books, submitting books or any other issues.

What I want to know is---what would you like them to be? What kinds of discussion threads would make you want to stop by and participate? What discussions would you like to start?

Thanks, Nicki!!

You can visit Nicki and the other authors on the Celery Tree Blog, Facebook Page, Twitter, and Website.

Now Alleywalkers, could you help Nicki with her questions? Give her something to work with. We writers ALWAYS have something to chat about.

Here is a list of events for Celery Tree: The list of events go as follows:

Mon, Jan. 9: Kick Off Coming Down the Mountain and Celery Tree blog

Tues, Jan. 10: Promo post Melissa Sarno

Wed, Jan. 11: Interview with L.A. DeVaul Melissa Goodwin

Thurs, Jan. 12: Jessica Bell guest posts on Coming Down the Mountain

Fri, Jan. 13: Nicki Elson guest posts Theresa Milstein

Mon, Jan. 16: Karen Walker guest posts Tossing It Out

Tues, Jan. 17: Nicki Elson guest posts SA Larsen - YOU ARE HERE!!

Wed, Jan. 18: L.A. DeVaul guest posts Unedited

Thurs, Jan. 19: Promo Post Clarissa Draper

Fri, Jan. 20: Ann Best guest posts Thoughts in Progress

Mon, Jan. 23: Promo Post Ann Carbine Best

Tues, Jan. 24: Promo Post Karen Walker

Wed, Jan. 25: Promo Post Nicki Elson

Thurs, Jan. 26: Promo post The Alliterative Allomorph

Fri, Jan. 27: Wrap Up Coming Down the Mountain and Celery Tree blog

YATT: Celebrating YA

2012-01-16T06:30:00.000-05:00

As I stated on Friday (short POST), I've decided to expand my blogging and include more from my life and the wisdom I've gained from 20 years of marriage and just over 18 years of motherhood.

Here's my new blogging regiment and, as promised, a BRAND SPANKING NEW MEM to spread around the blogosphere!

MONDAYS will be for my Munching on prompts promo, quotes-inspirational, MG & picture books, and Light Bulb moments.

TUESDAYS will be to highlight all that's Young Adult. See our new mem YATT Badge? Do you like it? For those wanting to participate, you can post on anything YA: about writing, book reviews, author interviews, giveaways, young adult lit, high school, CPs, all literary, craft/techniques, personal experiences from your youth you used in your writing, or your WS4U! progress update. I'll also personally include Q&A with a YA and any subject I post on a Tuesday from Oasis for YA. DON'T BLOG ON TUESDAYS? No Biggy. Just post on Wednesdays instead. I'll still link you to the list, stating that your a Wednesday poster!! DON'T WANT TO BLOG EACH WEEK ON YA? That's okay, too! I'll still leave you linked to my list.

Just email me (click little envelope in my right sidebar) and I'll add you to the list, which will be included in every YOUNG ADULT TEEN TUESDAY post. Please use our YATT badge. THX! <3

FRIDAYS will be for my Featherbrained Friday promo, life, TV shows, celebrities, kids, family, writer mom series, any subject, and/or the other.

There you have it. Hope you like the schedule I've finally come up with. I'm looking forward to celebrating all that's YA with our new YATT badge. I can't wait to see what you all come up with!

~Happy Writing Week~

Dear New Mom

2012-01-13T06:30:00.000-05:00

Recently, I've been involved in discussions about blogging, the how to's and reasons.

When I began blogging, my full, God-honest intention was to put myself out there. My motivation was my decision to become a serious writer, published and beyond. I figured meeting other writers and learning more about our craft was the way to forge ahead.

credit for image

Over the last two years (come February, the two-year blogging birthday for Writers' Ally), I've grown as a writer. I've also grown as a blogger, a person. Writers' Ally was created for my publishing aspirations, but also to share my life and experiences through my 20 year marriage and motherhood of just over 18 years.

I'm finally making the leap to do both.

Writers' Ally will always be for writers, promotion, and such. But I'm also expanding to share the wisdom I've gained through the other aspects of my life. More details on this decision next Monday. So don't miss it! I'll be announcing a new Mem that I hope all you YA lovers will participate it.

And to get a jumpstart on my expanded outlook, I've become a contributor to a fantastic new website for new mothers called Dear New Mom. It's the brain child of my fellow Oasis for YA sister, Nikki Katz. If you don't know Nikki, go HERE now! You won't regret it. And please follow Dear New Mom on Twitter and Facebook!

My first article is up on the site. Let me know what you think!! Dear New Mom

Book Spotlight & Giveaway: IF I TELL

2012-01-10T06:30:00.000-05:00

Title: IF I TELL
Author: Janet Gurtler
Genre: Young Adult
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Release Date: October 2011
Pages:

I'd like to thank the publisher for supplying me with a copy of this book for review.

Favorite Line/Passage: Tina didn't even flinch. "Now here's a match made in crack heaven," she spit out. "The druggie and the not-quite-black girl."

My heart tripped over itself, but Jackson didn't even glance her way. He leaned down and whispered in my ear. "Remember what I said about gossip and judging?" (sounds pretty teen, huh?)

Description: It was like watching a train wreck. I wanted to look away but couldn't take my eyes off them.

Her best friend and her mom's boyfriend. Locking lips. This is the secret Jasmine Evans has to keep at all costs. Because her mom is pregnant, and Jaz doesn't want to ruin her life-again (just being born did it the first time). But the harder Jaz tries to pretend everything is okay, the faster her life spins out of control. Until Jackson. He doesn't care about the popularity of her friends or the color of her skin. But can she really trust a guy who just transferred in from reform school? She might be willing to chance the heartbreak, but telling him everything and risking the truth getting out is a whole other level of scary.

NIGHTSTAND WORTHY +1

My Splats: IF I TELL explores the age-old struggle of discovering information that could hurt someone if revealed and what to do with that information. And being a teen takes it to a new level.

Jasmine is very easy to like, probably because she's like some teens who keep appearances outside but their insides tell a different story. She's never felt worthy of her life. Her birth put a damper on her mother's life, so she was raised by her grandparents. She and her mom have a good relationship, though, which was an interesting sway from what I expected.

Compounding matters, Jasmine's mother and grandparents are Caucasian, where her birth father was black. She ends up with dark skin and lives in an area that doesn't let her forget it. EVERYONE seems to know that she's a mixture of black and white, which bothers her. She doesn't feel black or white or that she belongs with either.Being a product of inter-racial parents as well as an absent parent (her birth father) is at the heart of so many emotions for this girl, and I'm sure many teens will relate to it.

The inner conflicts of this character from her racial attitude to her fear of water and not being accepted are deep and well distributed throughout the story. The reader discovers more about Jasmine just as Jasmine discovers more about herself. The writing is fluent, stringing one scene to the next.

The slow unfolding of a hidden lie moves the story along and intertwines other characters and emotions. Using a boy with a shady past added conflict for Jasmine and tension, even a bit of mystery to the story.

In the end, the story and characters grow and the reader is satisfied. I would recommend this book to any teen or contemporary reader.

To ENTER the giveaway for a chance to win a free copy, fill out the form below. GOOD LUCK!!

&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Loading...&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

I also need to announce the winner of a copy of HOOKED, by Les Edgerton, which I offered during the Season's of Reading Blog Hop. I'm also giving away a copy of Janet's book I'M NOT HER to my local high school library.

The WINNER is:

KELLY HASHWAY!!

Kelly has already joined me in donating a book to her local library!

Congrats!!

Author Spotlight: Janet Gurtler

2012-01-09T06:30:00.000-05:00

It is my pleasure to introduce you to a wife, mother, and fabulous author of young adult fiction. She also would rather write then chat on the phone. :)

Janet Gurtler, YA Author of I'M NOT HER & IF I TELL

Haveyou always known you want to write?

I think thewriting bug for me was always there, but it really hit me that I wanted towrite when I was in Grade 6. I had an encouraging teacher who really made mefeel great about my creative writing skills and he made me feel it wassomething I should keep doing. Allthrough school I LOVED English the most and then when I graduated high school Iwent to college and took a Communications diploma. I was a copywriter for ashort time before I went back to school and into sales. The writing bug kind ofhibernated but returned after I had my son. That’s when I started writing books and knew I wanted to try to getnovels published!

Whatdrew you to write YA?

Ohmy Gosh! I just love the voice and the hope and the emotional depth in YA. I started out writing adult romance, but myvoice never felt authentic. I moved on to Chick Lit and then when I started myfirst YA, I KNEW I had found what Iloved to write. And read. I love reading YA more than anything.

So true about the voice and emotion in young adult literature.

What’sthe best writing advice you’ve been given?

Forme I think the best advice I’ve been given was to write every day. I have toadmit that I don’t always do it, but when I am in a writing groove, it is whatworks best for me.

Signature Graffiti Wall questions: Yogurt or ice cream? Hot tube orswimming pool?

Okay.I want to say Yogurt, but that would be my responsible adult self who should beconcerned about healthy choices talking. What I really LOVE is Ice Cream.Chocolate Mint. Yum.

Iam not really big on hot tubs. I do love to swim though. As long as the wateris warm. I do not do cold swimming pools very well. J

Whatis the hardest part of the writing process for you? What skills do youimplement to work through it?

Thehardest part of writing for me is getting the first draft down. And this variesin difficulty with different books. I really love the revision process which isprobably because I am more of a seat of my pants writer, so most of my finetuning and character development takes place in the revisions. The skill I useto get through it is plain old perseverance, which kind of ties back to thebest writing advice, write every day. Even when it’s hard and I don’t want to,for first drafts for me -it’s the best way.

Ifyou could choose another genre to write in, which would it be and why?

Ilove the chick lit voice, but that genre kind of got killed off. Let’s pretend it’s revived and I’ll choosethat, okay? I love first person and snarky twenty year olds are kind of fun(and a wee bit naughty) to write.

You’veworked as a DJ and in media advertising; you’re a mother, sister, wife and aspectrum of titles. How have those aspects of your life influenced yourwriting?

Ithink that my past experiences have helped me with character development,because I’ve worked in a lot of jobs where you really have to watch people ortry to understand what they really want, versus what they say or think theywant. i.e.- sales, motherhood and wife. J I’ve met some interesting people over theyears and seen some interesting things. That’s helpful when creating stories. Ithink overall with my experiences I’ve learned that I really genuinely like people or at least Ifind them incredibly interesting tryingto understand them and that serves me as a writer? I’ve kind of grown up with titles and jobsthat make me ask why?

I totally agree. Living each and every day, while paying attention, definitely helps develop those fantastic characters.

Your first YA book, I’M NOT HER, was released in May of 2011. I was honored to review it HERE. What inspired the story? (fabulous premise, by the way)

Thankyou! My inspiration for I’m Not Her really came with a vision of two sisterswho had specific roles in their lives. I wanted to see what would happen whenthose roles were suddenly and drastically changed. I wanted to write from the POV of the sisterwho was always in the shadows, and kind of comfortable there, and how thingschanged when she had to come out in the open (in more ways than one).

Youragent is the amazing Jill Corcoran of the Herman Agency. What was the biggestdifference for you from writing unagented to becoming agented?

Jillis awesome. I think the biggest difference for me having an agent is that Idon’t feel so alone in the writing process. Oh. That kind of makes me want tohug my lonely self. But honestly, it’s true. It’s hard to write stories whenyou don’t have an agent and you don’t know if the stories are going to sell, oreven if they’re any good. An agent like Jill gives me feedback and reassurance,or a kick in the pants if I need that. And after the sale she takes care of allthe yucky details of a contract J. Having anagent doesn’t mean everything I write will sell, but having someone on my sidewho believes in my writing is a huge confidence booster. And most writers needthat boost. I know I do!

Your second book, IF I TELL, was released in October of 2011. Tell the readers a bit about it.
IF I TELL is a different book than I’M NOT HERin many ways, but it also has similarities. I hope that like I’M NOT HER, it’san emotional journey about growth in the face of adversity. It’s the story of ateen girl who feels very alone in her world and is forced to keep secrets fromher mom and other people around her. It makes her angry and isolates her andshe has to learn who she can trust and when mistakes should be forgiven. I hopepeople like IF I TELL, it’s special to me in many ways!

Well, I've read it and it's fabulous! I'll be releasing the review soon. Thank you for sharing yourself with us, Janet.

Visit Janet on her Website, Blog, & HERE to find out where to purchase her books.

New Literary Journal Released!!

2012-01-06T06:30:00.001-05:00

Haven't heard of Vine Leaves Literary Journal?

Well, today is the day the creators of VLLJ released their first collection of vignette pieces.

What's a vignette, you ask?

By definition, a vignette is something that can be written on a vine leaf--a snapshot of a story. A vignette focuses on one element setting or mood, character or object, not on structure or plot. Now, this is not a form of writing that is often recognized by most in the literary world; however, there are those who view it as an art form and want to give it the limelight it deserves.

The journal is the brain child of Authors Jessica Bell and Dawn Ius. Both are experienced in the field of publishing, editing, and of course, writing. These woman are passionate about what they do and seek to find the best writing out there. THIS is Issue #1, Vine Leaves Literary Journal, and I'm sure there will be more to come. Click above or HERE to read the journal.

You'll also find a list of their Contributors. If you look closely, you might even find my name there. Haha...yes you will! Granted, this was my first stab at writing a vignette. But with a little editing, my submission was accepted! Writing in this form made me think out of my traditional box and view writing in an altered way. It made me more sensitive, which is a plus in my book.

Please visit their Blog, and follow them on Facebook and Twitter (@VineLeavesLJ) for all upcoming news, submissions, and releases.

Ooh, and have you signed up for my Rebel Writer's Blogfest, yet?? I'd love to have you. SIGN UP HERE!!

Rebel Writer's Pledge 2012

2012-01-03T06:30:00.001-05:00

In the spirit of ringing in a new year, most folks contemplate successes and failures of the past year and formulate new goals in hopes of new successes. New says it all. Hope is in the word. I also hear growth, promise, and outlook. We all do. Or, at least, we all should.

That's what the Rebel Writer's Pledge is all about: rebel against our views from last year that hindered us from reaching our goals, and give us new insight and a fresh start. I started it last year, and figured it was a good way to join us as writers, committing goals and support to each other. Only this year, I'm making it a BLOG HOP.

Whatever your life encompasses, at some point, you had to have a plan, an outline of some sort. You knew what you wanted and decided to take a road, path, or bridge to take you closer to achieving your goal. We're only going to concern ourselves with what we can control.

Here's your official invitation to the Rebel Writer's Pledge 2012!!

To sign up, leave a comment and fill out the form below. Then, on January 23rd, post your writing and/or life goals for the year 2012, highlight at least one to add to our pledge. Please include my pledge badge in your post and link it back to here, where I'll have a list of all participants and their links. Leave the badge on your site throughout 2012, reminding us all about our pledge. Slapping my badge in your side bar and spreading the word would also be great!!

Here's to a fantastic New Year!!

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Participants:
Sheri Larsen
Samantha Verant
Kris Yankee
April Plummer
Carolyn V
Heather McCorkle
Shannon O'Donnell
Susan Oloier
Sharon Mayhew
Leigh Moore
Melissa Sugar
Sophia Chang
Stina Lindenblatt
DL Hammons
Rebekah
Kelly Hashway
Margay
Stephen Tremp
PK Hrezo
Yelena Casale

We Got WINNERS!!

2011-12-28T13:55:00.001-05:00

I'm still on my holiday break, spending wonderful time catching up with family, friends, and of course, attending numerous ice hockey games. That's what a hockey family does during Christmas break. :)

But I do have something for you. Yup, I'm here to announce the winners of my Mid-Winters Eve Blog Hop. So with no more blabber from me, the winners are:

Chandra Haun

wins a copy of LEVIATHAN!

Angela

wins a copy of LINGER!

CONGRATS!! I'll email you both.

I want to thank everyone for participating. I had over 109 entries accumulating over 310 chances to win! WAY TO GO, Alleywalkers! To my new followers, I'm so thankful that you are here and I hope to chat with you often. Stay tuned, coming in January: review of Janet Gurlter's NOT TO TELL-plus her interview, a new Rebel Writer's Pledge for 2012, answers to Q&A with a YA, CeleryTree Promo, & more pageant updates!

Enjoy your various New Year's celebrations and stay safe!!

Hearts,

A Holiday Break...

2011-12-22T06:01:00.000-05:00

Firstly, for entry into my blog hop, running until Dec. 27th, CLICK on the photo.

Thanks for entering!!

My gift of inspiration to you over this holiday break: a few wintry photos from my home.

I make Christmas wreaths.

I HEART snowman.

I've decided to leave you with a few surprises and reminders. I can't believe I've forgotten to post about the release of the anthology my short story is in. DUH. Here it is, and you'll see it and where to purchase it in my right side bar.

Don't forget to ENTER my giveaway and donation blog hop HERE, until Dec. 31st, and my team blog's Mid-Winters-Eve Blog Hop. SEE ABOVE.

***Also, to the right, just beneath my picture and brief profile, you'll see a link to my youngest son's website for Apraxia of Speech. I plan on blogging more about his site and this neurological disorder in the coming months. My platform for the Mrs. Maine 2012 pageant, where I'd like to make the most difference, is spreading the word about the importance of children, not only reading but writing about what they've read. OR simply writing to exercise those priceless brain muscles. Through my message, I also want to raise awareness for Apraxia of Speech, a disorder which is often misunderstood.

Although I will miss you, it's time for me to take a blogging break to spend time with my family. I wish each of you many blessings and much laughter during this holiday season, and I'll see you when I return on Jan. 3rd. I will, however, post the winners of my Mid-Winters-Eve Blog Hop on the 28th, so stay tuned...

Mid-Winters-Eve Blog Hop!!

2011-12-20T06:01:00.000-05:00

Quick SPLAT: The winner of Rick Daley's fabulous book, The Man in the Cinder Clouds, is Matt MacNish!!
And the winner of I'm Not Her by Janet Gurtler is Shannon O'Donnell!
CONGRATS to you both!!

Today is the day my team blog, Oasis for YA, teams up with I Am A Reader, Not A Writer, and The Daily Harrell to host yet another giveaway! (This is my fourth giveaway this month. It's been fun.)

Are you in need of some last minute Christmas gifts? Well, look no further. There are over 250 bloggers joining this giveaway geared especially for you last minute shoppers. Or maybe you'll just need a pick-me-up after the holiday hoopla has passed. Please visit the other generous participants HERE.

The hop technically runs from the 21st until the 27th, but I don't post on Wednesdays so I've released my post a little early. Curious as to what you're entering to win? Two books, both hardcovers:

The first book in the Leviathan series, by Scott Westerfeld

Linger, by Maggie Stiefvater

To ENTER, simply fill out the form below! TWO WINNERS will be announced on Dec. 28th!

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I'm On TV!!

2011-12-19T06:01:00.000-05:00

There are many ways I could intro this piece, but I'm going to leave it simple. As I mentioned on Friday, there was a reason I wasn't around to blog during Cruising Altitudes fabulous Deja Vu Blogfest.

Most of you know that I entered the Meegenuis Picture Book contest. I'm not a big fan of writing contests via public vote, because they feel more like popularity contests than writing ones; however, when I discovered that one of the main prizes would be the entire Meegenuis Library donated to my local elementary school I just had to enter. Though the contest is over and I didn't make it into the top five, I ended up in the 32nd slot out of 300 other writers. Not bad for a little girl from a small northern town.

What this contest has brought me is just as valuable. The outpouring of support for me and my teeny picture book manuscript has been amazing. I am confident, now, that this story will find a published home. I want to thank all of YOU who voted and have shared encouraging comments with me. Participating in this contest has also enriched my pageant experience. I was interviewed about the pageant and my book via internet TV in between periods at one of my two oldest sons' hockey games. I've also been asked to speak about writing at three different schools in Maine.

This all led me to Friday and the reason I wasn't able to blog. I had to travel an hour and a half from my home to one of Maine's television stations - a FOX station. There, I was interviewed live-on air about my picture book, the contest, and my candidacy for Mrs. Maine 2012. The experience was surreal yet amazing. I guess I'll let you be the judge of that, though. Feel free to pass on watching my clip. I've yet to watch it. *shivers*

So much for simple.

Deja Vu Blogfest: Inspiration

2011-12-16T06:30:00.000-05:00

Do-over.
Repeat.
Second chance.

Three terms which can mean the same.

Today is a cool day. Bloggers all over the blogosphere are posting past posts that either were loved by their readers, or they felt didn't get the attention deserved. Thanks for this brain child goes out to Cruising Altitude, Katie Mills, Lydia Kang, Nicole Ducleroir.

I could have chosen many posts, but I thought this one could double as a Christmas message of being thankful and recognizing our blessings, hopefully putting a smile on your faces. I heart you all.

Originally posted December 8, 2010, R U an Inspiration?

Have you ever noticed how much we writers discuss what inspires us? I read post after post, as I'm sure you do. Inspiration can be found anywhere ~ while at a stop light or in the grocery store, in music and nature, or in the genuine smile of a child.

But are you an inspiration? Do you inspire others? I want to share a personal experience I recently had with my newly-turned seven-year-old son, CJ.

(Yeah, that was him this past Halloween. He was originally supposed to be a zombie, but everywhere he went people kept calling him Edward. Hah... He was like, "Ma, who's Edward?" Oh my little Cullen boy.)

The hubs and I went to CJ's parent/teacher's conference. Granted, we were LATE...Uh-hum...a week late. Yup, I completely spaced out the Wednesday we were originally scheduled. His teacher is wonderful, and let us reschedule. For the sake of this little story, let's call her Mrs. P.

When we first arrived for the conference, Mrs. P. looks at me and says, "Man, is he a reader! And wow, we have quite the little writer on our hands."

I acted a bit surprised, but not fully. He'd recently been using more paper in our house than usually, and had been asking me how to spell this word and that word. Of course, he seemed to always ask while I was writing, so I'd answer him but never inquired what he was doing.

Mrs. P. proceeded to tell us about a conversation she recently had with CJ.

Mrs. P. said, "CJ, I just found out something about your mom."

"What?" CJ asked.

"Your mom's a writer."

A bright smile broke through his blush. He said, "Yup."

"Is that why you like to write so much during class?" Mrs. P. asked.

He nodded his little head, and said, "Ah-huh, want to see?"

CJ then rushed to his cubby and pulled out his backpack. He ambled back to Mrs. P's desk with a handful of papers, which he laid out for her to see. He'd been writing little stories and lots of them. One or two sentences, but to him they were the world.

Here's a few:

Giraffes - by CJ Giraffes have long necks. They eat leaves off the trees.

The Monkey - by CJ The monkey likes bananas because they are yummy.

The Cat - by CJ The cat was licking his paws because his paws were dirty.

Seals - by CJ The seals go to get food. It takes over 3 months.

The Cows - by CJ The cow helps people survive because they produce milk.

The Fox - by CJ Where is the Fox? He is in the cave. (Illustration)

Now by reading those, you can tell he's a reader. (I typed them just how he wrote them.) I have no idea how he's such a good reader. I used to sit with my older three kids and read every night. I'm lucky to get two times a week to read with CJ, and one of those times is probably off the cereal box.

BUT...this one did me in. Mrs. P. displayed this story on the wall of his classroom. It made me cry.

Yeah, Mom writes about werewolves.

I hadn't even noticed how my time, energy, and hard work had been noticed by my seven year old. I only new my older three kids noticed my work when it interfered with taking them to a practice or running around for project supplies - (or when I forgot to buy more school snacks - Bad Mom).

I surely didn't realize how deeply I was influencing my youngest guy. (Yeah, I'm crying right now.)

It's all good. I am so blessed. AND a quick 'SHOUT-OUT' to my new followers!! Thank you!

Have you paid attention to how your writing might inspire others around you? Share with me, so I'm not the only sap out here. ";-D

December 16, 2011
PS: I won't be blogging much today. I, well...I'll tell you on Monday. Just wish me luck. THX!

Book Spotlight & Giveaway: I'M NOT HER

2011-12-13T06:01:00.000-05:00

Title: I'm Not Her
Author: Janet Gurtler
Genre: Young Adult
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Release Date: May 2011
Pages: 304

I'd like to thank the publisher for supplying me with a copy of this book for review.

Favorite Line/Passage: I hold my breath and have a tiny out-of-body experience.

Description: "For the first time in my life, I didn't feel envy..."

Tess is the exact opposite of her beautiful, athletic sister. And that's okay. Kristina is the sporty one, Tess is the smart one, and they each have their place. Until Kristina is diagnosed with cancer. Suddenly Tess is the center of the popular crowd, everyone eager for updates. There are senior boys flirting with her. Yet the smiles of her picture-perfect family are cracking and her sister could be dying. Now Tess has to fill a new role: the strong one. Because if she doesn't hold it together, who will?

COVETED!!

My Splats: Firstly, I LOVE the cover! Some might think it's simple, but it fits. There's something about the image of broken petals on the grass that speaks to me. The color palette is also very inviting.

I'M NOT HER gives the reader a real glimpse into the realities of cancer. The story is sincere and delicate at times, but deals with the harshness and fear a serious disease or illness can reek on a family. And utilizing the point of view from the youngest in this family was a thing of beauty.

Gurtler opens with a scene far away from any sickness. Well, that's as long as you don't categorize the ails of sibling differences as an infection. Tess is the younger of the sibling pair portrayed in this story. To her, her older sister, Kristina, is a beauty queen with the popularity, pose, and even athletic ability to match. Catching a ball let alone following in her footsteps is not even in Tess' realm of possibilities.

But when cancer hits her untouchable older sister, Tess finds more inside herself than she thought was there. She is strong, like an athlete, and can carry on conversations with the so-called populars. Slowly, she finds her own identity.

It's a story about exploring what's inside each of us; for teens, that is paramount, but also very difficult at times. Conflicts and different views between family characters heightens the tension and moves the plot along nicely. The pace was very good, and frankly, I was surprised at how quickly Gurtler introduced the issue of cancer. That was a great choice, though.

I'm more of a paranormal junkie, but Gurtler has converted me into a contemporary reader. (I've just finished her second book, which I'll share with you shortly.) Any teen or adult who's dealt with illness of any kind will appreciate this book. Any teen or adult, who's had to grow up in a not-so-perfect world with a seemingly perfect sibling, relative, or friend shadowing their light, will enjoy this read.

To WIN copy of I'M NOT HER just leave a comment below. If you share via social media or blogging, let me know that too! Each will be worth an extra entry. The winner will be announced during my interview with Janet on the 19th!

Best of luck!!

Christmas Giveaway & Author Spotlight: Rick Daley

2011-12-12T06:01:00.000-05:00

The Graffiti Wall is pleased to welcome a wonderful MG writer, who's taken the story of Santa Claus and turned it up on its head. This is a fantastic Christmas read and a MUST purchase for any reader, lover of the holidays, and family peep! Truly. I'll release my review soon, but I've included a review below from another reader on Amazon. Also, Rick's been gracious enough to offer up a copy of his book! You can enter below.

Meet Rick Daley, writer with over 15 years experience, husband, and father.

Author of The Man in the Cinder Clouds

Today, we're going to chat with Jason, Rick's main character. He's really excited to be here, so let's give Jason a warm Alleyway welcome.

Hi Jason!

Alleywalkers cheer and wave frantically.

I know you had quite the adventure when you went to the North Pole with your scientist dad. It didn't start out that way, though. It was boring. And cold.

What did you first think when your dad found that very oldbook?

When Rebecca first came into my dad’s office and told him they found abook in an ice core, my first thought was, “Great, now he’ll disappear backinto the lab and I won’t see him until we leave to go home.” But then he actually let me go into thelab to see the book. I knew it would be something special.

When we started reading the book, itwas so cool! The words can changelanguages automatically, so when Juan read it, the words were Spanish, and whenProfesssor Nara read the same page, it was in Japanese…and all I saw wasEnglish. It turns out it was written byan Elf, and it tells how Kris Kringle became Santa Claus. It wasn’t easy, I cantell you that!

On the outset, you and your brother had different views ofSanta and the possibility of his existence. Can you tell your readerswhat it felt like when you decided to give up hope that Santa really did exist?

My brother Justin had told me therewas no Santa Claus, and I knew he was wrong. He lies about everything. Justin’salways trying to tease me, like the time he got me to drink a big gulp ofTabasco sauce by telling me it’s what they use to make Cherry Coke.

Haha!

I thought the North Pole would belike the movies…Santa would have a big city, with trees everywhere and lightsand bells. I brought a camera to takepictures to prove Justin was wrong, but when I got there, it was just snow andice. No Christmas village, no fields ofreindeer games…not even a single Christmas tree! I thought it would be impossible for anyoneto live there. Boy was I wrong!

I don’t know what was worse,thinking there was no Santa, or thinking Justin was telling the truthfor once.

Could you briefly explain Elf Rules, and then tell us whyyou were so concerned about anyone violating those rules? Where you afraid toget Kris in trouble?

The Elfs are really old. I don’t know how old, but they’ve been arounda lot longer than humans, that’s for sure. They have all sorts of laws, and one of the most important ones saysElfs can’t make contact with humans.

When Kris Kringle got the HighCouncil to agree to let him deliver presents to people, they were afraid hewould lead the humans back to the Elf’s Glens, so they made a list of thousandsof Rules he had to follow, and the first one was that he had to leave his homeand could never come back. But there wasa loophole in the Rules: if Kris could prove that humans were not all wickedand evil, and that true virtue could be found in the human heart, then he couldreturn.

My dad’s research team all wanted touse the book to get rich, and they wanted to use it to track down Santa andfind the Great Northern Glen (that’s what the Elfs call Christmas Village). No human’s ever been there. I thought that the Great Northern Glen hadstayed hidden for so long, it must be hidden for a reason.

Kris has an amazing story. As you, your dad, and the other crew members read the story, what did it feel like to begin to understand it?

It was frustrating, because none ofthe grown-ups were getting it! All theycould think about was getting rich, selling the book to a museum and makingpeople pay to see it. They didn’tunderstand that the real treasure was what the story said.

How did you feel about meeting the Reindeer? I thought theywere fascinating.

I know, right?! Before Kris met the reindeer, I thought itwas hopeless. The kids he found in Oldenton were both in danger and Kris wasthe only one who could save them. I alwayswondered how Santa met up with a bunch of flying reindeer, now I know! That was one of the coolest parts of thestory.

What did you see about the old book that theadults missed, at least on the onset? You seemed to see something much deeperright off.

The adults always thought the bookwas theirs, you know, finders keepers. But I knew it belonged to Kris Kringle, and we needed to find a way toget it back to him. The adults couldn’tstop thinking about being rich, but there’s more to life than money isn’tthere? My dad got all wrapped up in thedetails, and his research team kept trying to find out where the entrance toGreat Northern Glen is, but I came up with a way to return the book to itsrightful owner.

What is the greatest lesson you learned from Kris' story?

IfI had to pick the most important thing it’s something Thomas learned: sometimesgiving something away feels just as good as getting a present. What was really cool was how Thomas learnedthat lesson. I really want to tell youmore about that, but I think you’re better off just reading the book andfinding out about Thomas for yourself!

Awesome, right?

To ENTER for a chance to WIN a copy of The Man in the Cinder clouds, leave a comment and a way to get in touch with you when you win! Share a favorite Christmas memory, please!! Winner will be announced Dec. 19th.

Check the other MMGM posts, highlighting MG books today! Shannon Whitney Messenger, Shannon O'Donnell.

TheMan in the Cinder Clouds

By Rick Daley

A young boy and his scientist father made an incrediblediscovery at the North Pole—an ancient book embedded deep within an ice core. Even more incredible is the story the booktells: the long-lost history of SantaClaus you never knew…and will never forget.

This origins-of-Santastory is a great holiday read for the whole family. Its mix of action, humor, and Christmasspirit keeps younger readers turning the pages, but The Man in the Cinder Clouds is not just a kids’ book.

As one Amazon.comreviewer puts it, “THE MAN IN THE CINDER CLOUDS is one of those middlegrade books that the grown-ups get sucked into along with their kids. You thinkyou bought if for your young reader but after you browse chapter one you justsort of... can't stop.”

This story-within-a-story reveals the origins of our mostfamiliar Christmas traditions: from Christmas trees, stockings, and lumps ofcoal to jingle bells, the North Pole, and flying reindeer. Highly original and thoroughly entertaining, The Man in the Cinder Clouds will showyou how Kris Kringle came to be known as Santa Claus. It wasn’t easy.

Visit Rick at his Blog or the official Cinder Clouds Website.

PiBoIdMo Results & Four WINNERS!!

2011-12-09T06:01:00.000-05:00

Participating in Tara Lazar's PiBoIdMo was a blast, which was no surprise to me. I participated last year and was totally reeled in as a PB writer. I knew I just had to devote some time to crafting these books for the youngest of our readers. But one might think taking Tara's oath to focus intently on PB ideas for the riggers of an entire month sounds tough. To be honest, I thought the same thing last year when I considered signing up. But the total opposite happens.

Prodding my brain to constantly brew new ideas is stimulating! It this case, it not only gave me a ton of new picture book ideas, but my creative flow tightened in the other arenas where I write, too. What I needed to change within my YA novel to make it unique suddenly appeared. The art of writing two new query letters seemed clearer. And the bio and personal page I needed to write for the Mrs. Maine America pageant finally came together.

To top it off, I got to read amazing posts by amazing PB authors and illustrators all month long! And Tara even served icing on the cake: a handy-dandy new WINNERS badge.

Isn't it cute??

Last year, I shared all 33 of my new PB ideas with you. I won't do that here. I went back and read that post and it felt a bit tedious. Instead, I'll share five of those ideas.

But before I do I must announce the four WINNERS of my Book LOVERS Holiday Hop.

White Cat goes to

BECCA!

The Lovely Bones goes to

THERESA JANKE!

Fade goes to

LATISHA DEPOORTERE!

Across the Universe goes to

NATALIE AGUIRRE!

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE WINNERS!

Thank you for participating.

Now, for those ideas.

The Lonely Shrimp (a story about bullying)
Webbie and The Fly (a story about differences and how important it is to be yourself)
Sam & Cam, the Baseball Hams (a story about the life of two baseballs in Little League)
Socks Came From Outer Space (a fun mystery about exploration and where socks really disappear to.)
Mingy and Onk - The Tale of the Disappearing Blob (I'm leaving the plot of this story a mystery to you. But I will tell you that it's based on humor and it's my favorite one!)

I want to thank Tara for once again hosting such an amazing event, as well as all the participants. I've met some amazing picture book authors and even joined a group on rhyming!

If you haven't read my picture book story that was entered in the Meegenuis Publisher's Contest, head over HERE to read it and help me win books for my local elementary school! I have until the 18th to raise my votes, putting me in the top five. Thank you for all your help!

Want FREE Books?

2011-12-06T06:01:00.000-05:00

Well, here's your opportunity to scratch off a few of those 'need to buys' from your Christmas shopping list.

Hop over to my team blog, OASIS FOR YA, and add your name to the list of over 200+ bloggers!!

Oasis for YA is teaming up with I Am A Reader, Not A Writer, and The Daily Harrell (Jessie's blog) to host the second annual Mid-Winters Eve Blog Hop. The dates for the hop are December 21st through December 27th. What better way to keep your blog occupied while you celebrate the holidays with your family than to have an opportunity to win books posted on your blog?

Each participating blog can give away whatever they'd like and there's no minimum requirements. You do whatever you'd like and link to all the other participating bloggers!! Easy as that! We'd be very grateful if you'd spread the word. TY!!

BTW - I designed that logo. Do you like it??

Click HERE to ENTER.

Splatter: Today's the last day to ENTER my Holiday Book Giveaway!! And if you need an instructional writing book, I'm giving away one HERE!

Season for Reading GIVEAWAY!!

2011-12-04T06:00:00.000-05:00

Ever received a book that made you go ooh? What about a book on writing that gave you that 'ah-ha!' moment?

I'm sure if we got together we could put one heck of a list together. We probably should at some point, but that's for another time.

Today, I'm highlighting a book that impacted me, sent my head spinning, and for me, a book that pushed me over the ledge, convincing me to get serious about my writing.

As a young child, I loved picture books. I'd read the words but use the illustrations to take myself on my own journey. I should have known I'd write them someday. Then during my awkward junior high days, I basically read what was assigned during class, spending the rest of my precious 'kid' time learning how to socialize. (I was horrible at that for some time, let me tell you.)

Moving forward to high school, I did learn how to 'be one with the crowd.' So, yeah, independent reading for pleasure basically disappeared. During my turbulent college years, I mostly took refuge in Stephen King's books or any story on dance. It wasn't until I began having children and read favorites like I Love You with All My Heart that I started really reading. And when I did, some of the stories I'd been forced to read during my school years came to life.

Blood and Chocolate had been an old favorite of mine, yet I'd forgotten that. Then there's the major classics of Pride & Prejudice, Wuthering Heights, and Emma. Soon I moved to reads like the Vampire Kisses series, Vampire Diary series, Heather Brewer and her fabulous MC Vlad, and then Melissa Marr's series, Wicked Lovely. And yes, I read every word of Harry Potter as well as the Twilight series.

Little did I know, all of the was slowly forging my road to writing and publication.

Then I found more gems. And not just books with stories in them, but books on instruction.

So today, I'm giving away to my followers Hooked, by Les Edgerton, and donating I'm Not Here, by Janet Gurtler, to my local high school library. To ENTER, simply leave me a comment telling me that you're a follower. You can receive extra entries for sharing via social media, voting for my picture book HERE, or donating your choice of book to a library near you. Each will receive an extra entry as long as you let me know what you did.

Thank you for participating and spreading the word. Click on the icon above to visit the other participating authors. Don't forget to enter my Book Lover's Holiday Giveaway HERE!!
(This post will stay up tomorrow, so I'll see you again on Tuesday. I will blog on Monday, though.)

Book LOVERS Holiday Giveaway!!

2011-12-02T00:00:00.000-05:00

Sparkling lights.
Warm coco.
Music with might.
Family, friends, with all the hype.
And the infamous departure of our dough because of a little ho-ho.

I totally HEART the Holiday Season. For me, it's the Christmas Season. And this past year has brought me many blessings, one being all of YOU. To show my gratitude, I'm giving away books!!!! Books that you can either keep for yourself or give as a gift to someone you care about.

Thanks to I Am A Reader, Not A Writer & Kid Lit Frenzy, I've found the perfect avenue to give the books away.

The Book Lover's Holiday Giveaway Hop will run from Dec. 2nd to 6th.

Along with over 270 other writers/bloggers, I've linked up with over 270 other writers/bloggers, allowing you an easy way to hop through the blogosphere and enter as many giveaways as you'd like. What a great way to do some holiday shopping!

And just think. You might find a few new blogs to follow. If you are new to Writers' Ally, I'd love to know it!

Nice to meet you. *nods head and smiles*

My only requirements are that you leave a comment and fill out the form below. I made the form simple. (This giveaway is US only.)

I'm giving away one copy of the following:

The four WINNERS will be announced on Friday, December 9th.

Don't forget to CLICK HERE to hop over to my other friends who are hosting their own giveaways!! If you look real closely, I'm number 217.

WELL, I Never....

2011-12-01T06:30:00.000-05:00

Normally, I don't blog on Thursdays, but I could not resist playing this little game. And with Vicki Rocho, no doubt. My measly brain is supposed to come up with a few lines about something I'd never do, never think of doing, and/or do not understand. Now, I could chatter on about some of the ideas the crept into my mind like sky diving, using mousse instead of hair gel, or becoming a contestant on X-Factor--the one where the players eat really gross stuff.

But I won't. To scary, and I haven't had breakfast yet.

But there is one thing, and it's a beauty aid mind you, that I simply DO NOT understand, would never do or think of doing.

Body Piercing.

I'm not talking about your average ear, navel, or wherever (slamming eyelids shut) piercing. I'm referring to those native traditions we've all seen on the Discovery or the History Channel. Use your imagination. You know what I'm talking about:

a plate in the bottom lip
a rock or some cylindrical object in the earlobe
a stick you-know-where with twine folding the little sucker up toward the torso.

Yeah. I'm shivering, too.

There have it. My WELL, I NEVER.... For more, check out the other participants HERE!!

Support 4 Authors & SNAG $125!!

2011-11-29T06:01:00.000-05:00

Here on the Graffiti Wall, I'm all about promoting authors. I'm a firm believer in the more you give, the more you receive. I created Writers' Ally to record my journey as author, short story writer, and mother with the hope to help, influence, and encourage others. But the Graffiti Wall is all about YOU.

Today is not your average Graffiti Wall spotlight. I have four authors sharing their splatters with us and leaving their signatures on the WALL. Even better, they are offering up a giveaway!

More holiday swag!! YES!

Four books

Two Days

Great Prizes

With thiscontest, there is something for everyone and it’s SO simple to be in on the winning!

OnNovember 28 and/or 29, purchase 1 or all 4 of the debut author’s books listed below. Then forward proof of purchase (the receipt Amazon sends you will do justfine) to : motionsrider@yahoo.ca and getup to 4 entries into a draw for a$100 Amazon gift card!

It’s thateasy, no reviews, no hoops to jump through. Just a great .99 book or two. Orthree or four. AND, if the person who wins the $100 Amazon Gift Card haspurchased all 4 books, an additional$25 Amazon Gift Card will be awarded to the winner!

On top ofthat, 2 random commenter’s pickedfrom 2 of our participating blogs will receive $5 gift Amazon gift cards . So, be sure to leave a commentand let us know what you think of the promo, the books, or the authors.

Winnerswill be chosen randomly, one entry per person, per book. Allwinners will be announced on December 7^th on Wringing Out Words.

“Between” by Cyndi Tefft

It just figures thatthe love of Lindsey Water's life isn't alive at all, but the grim reaper,complete with a dimpled smile, and Scottish accent.

After transporting souls to heaven for the last 300 years, Aiden MacRae has allbut given up on finding the one whose love will redeem him and allow him entrythrough the pearly gates.

Torn between her growing attraction to Aiden and heaven's siren song, Lindseymust learn the hard way whether love really can transcend all boundaries. LINK to purchase.

“Until Dawn: Last Light” byJennifer Simas

When darkness falls, whose side will you be on?

For the past six years, Zoë has been anything but “normal.” Struggling toaccept her immortality and thrown into a war that’s been waging in the shadowsfor over a thousand years, Zoë must now become who she was meant to be, joiningthe other Chosen to save what’s left of humanity. When the endless night fallsover the Earth, will she be able to save the one man who reminds her of what itis to be human, or will it be too late?

Until Dawn: Last Light is a story of death and despair, love and longing, hopeand hopelessness, and the ability to survive and keep going even when it seemsimpossible – when you want nothing more than to give up. LINK to purchase.

“TheKayson Cycle” by Jonathan D. Allen

A stranger enters a dying town and makes a desperate plea…

The Kayson Cycle introduces the Kayson Brothers, a pair of faith healers whoonce wowed crowds in a traveling show but went their separate ways after anight in which a healing took a dark turn. Jeffrey Kayson disappeared into thewilderness and William Kayson, wracked by guilt, moved to the failing miningtown of Calico Hills to build a nice, quiet life – one that has lasted for overten years.

His quiet, predictable life crumbles when a mysterious stranger walks into histavern bearing a proposal to find his long-lost brother and do the one thingthat William has sworn to never do again - have his brother heal a woman.William soon learns that he can’t escape his family – or his destiny.

Includes an exclusive sample chapter of The Corridors of the Dead. Please notethat this is a Kindle Single, and around 6,000 words in length. LINK to purchase.

“Sundered” by Shannon Mayer

A miracle drug, Nevermore, spreads like wildfire throughout theworld allowing people to eat what they want, and still lose weight. It iseverything the human population has ever dreamed of and Mara is no different.Only a simple twist of fate stops her from taking Nevermore.

As the weeks roll by, it becomes apparent that Nevermore is not the miracle itclaimed. A true to life nightmare, the drug steals the very essence that makesup humanity and unleashes a new and deadly species on the world that is bent onfilling its belly. Locked down within their small farm home, Mara and herhusband Sebastian struggle against increasingly bad odds, fighting offmarauders and monsters alike.

But Sebastian carries a dark secret, one that more than threatens to tear themapart, it threatens to destroy them both and the love they have for each other.

Now Mara must make the ultimate choice. Will she live for love, or will shelive to survive? LINK to purchase.

QUICK ALLEYWAY SPLATTER: Please support Shelli Johannes Wells, today! She's launching her book!! And if you would be so kind to support me, head over and VOTE for my picture book!! (Thank you!!)

For those of you who are Indie published, what do you think of this way of self-promotion?

Here are the other sites helping these authors promote themselves:

The Immortal words of Doctor Fab www.shayfabbro.com

The Beauty Brat http://www.thebeautybrat.com/

A Novel’s Journey http://anovelsjourney.blogspot.com/

Haley Whitehall http://haleywhitehall.com/blog/

Call Sign: Wrecking Crew on the Run http://callsignwreckingcrew.blogspot.com

Romance by Catherine http://catherinebybee.blogspot.com/

Believe http://mimibarbour.blogspot.com/

Carmen Desousa http://carmendesousa.blogspot.com/

AE Marling http://aemarling.com/

RS Guthrie http://www.rsguthrie.com/

Ev Bishop http://evbishop.wordpress.com/

Labotomy of a Writer http://labotomyofawriter.com/

Must Inkshttp://museinks.blogspot.com/

The Romanceaholic http://romanceaholic.com/

Care Caffrey www.carycaffrey.com/

Chicklets Lit http://chickletslit.wordpress.com/

Nathan Everett http://www.gutenbergrubric.com/

Rants of a Wolf http://aetas-lupus.livejournal.com/

Letters inside Out http://www.lettersinsideout.net

Can’t Put it Down book Reviews http://readitreviewit.wordpress.com/category/home/

Unabridged Bookshelf http://unabridgedbookshelf.blogspot.com

Indiscriminate Writes http://indiscriminatewrites.blogspot.com/

Illusions http://lorhainneeckhart.blogspot.com

Angie West http://angiewest.wordpress.com/tag/angie-west/

Micheal Young: The Canticle http://www.writermike.com.

Brianna Soloski http://www.girlseeksplace.com/

Wendy Carmell http://www.wendycartmell.webs.com

Heather McCorkle http://heathermccorkle.blogspot.com/

Sheri Larsen http://writersally.blogspot.com

Vanessa Barger Writes http://vanessabargerwrites.wordpress.com/

J Keller Ford: Dreamweaver’s Cottage http://jennykellerford.wordpress.com/

Doc Dave’s Voice http://www.docdavesvoice.com

Kim Cormack http://www.kimcormack.com

Twin Dragon’s Knowledge http://twindragonsknowledge.blogspot.com/

What’s Beyond Forks? http://whatsbeyondforks.blogspot.com/

Scott Bury: Jambalian http://jambalian.blogspot.com/

Raven Corinn Carluk http://raven.youareannoying.us/

Madeline Rex http://madeleinerex.com

What the Cat Read Http://whatthecatread.wordpress.com

Chazz Writes www.chazzwrites.wordpress.com

Venture Galleries http://venturegalleries.com

Far Manor http://farmanor.blogspot.com/

Blame it on the Full Moon www.blameitonthefullmoon.blogspot.com

Kelly Hitchcock http://kellyhitchcock.com/blog/

My Imaginary Beings http://my-imaginary-beings.blogspot.com/

Louise Wise http://louisewise.blogspot.com

My Eclectic Bookshelf http://myeclecticbookshelf.blogspot.com/

Benjamin Jones Writes http://benjaminjoneswrites.weebly.com/index.html

Alchemy of Scrawl alchemyofscrawl.wordpress.com

Reena Jacobs www.reenajacobs.com/blog

Sleepless in Samoa http://sleeplessinsamoa.blogspot.com

Bluebells Trilogy http://bluebellstrilogy.blogspot.com

Nyx Book Reviews http://nyxbookreviews.blogspot.com/

Wicked Readings by Tawania http://www.wickedreadingsbytawania.blogspot.com

Live to Read http://livetoread-krystal.blogspot.com/

Cici’s Theories www.cicistheories.com

Hannah Downing www.hannahdowning.com

My Inner Muse http://www.kishazworld.com/innermuse/

Book Flame http://www.bookflame.blogspot.com/

DreamingDreams no Mortal ever Dared http://Dreamingdreamsnomortaleverdared.blogspot.com

ColdfireWriter http://coldfirewriter.wordpress.com/

Passingthe Open Windows http://www.passingtheopenwindows.co.za/

Books 4Juliet http://books4juliet.blogspot.com/

Ren’sBlogging About http://renthewriter.com/

TibbyArmstrong http://tibbyarmstrong.com/

A Diary of a Book Addict http://adiaryofabookaddict.blogspot.com/

AndrewCarlson http://andrewcarlson.com/bloggy/

SSBook Fanatics http://ssbookfanatics.blogspot.com

LadyTechies Book Musings Http://ladytechiesbookmusings.blogspot.com

JillianBrookes-Ward www.writers-unlimited.blogspot.com

Horror. Punk. Buddhism. http://mepurfield.livejournal.com

Writers Alley http://writersally.blogspot.com.

Lost inBelieving http://lostinbelieving.wordpress.com/

Melissa Bunnell http://psptutstagsbyq.blogspot.com

Books Make me Happy http://palmcoasttwilightbookclubreviews.wordpress.com/

Between the Pages Reviews http://www.betweenthepagesreviews.com/

Word Spelunking http://www.wordspelunking.blogspot.com/

The Violet Hour http://www.violethourbr.com/

New England Muse http://Newenglandmuse.wordpress.com

Live by the Pen, Die by the Pen http://blog.daphnejriordan.com/

Glowy Mushrooms www.glowymushrooms.tumblr.com

Fictional Distraction Book Reviews www.fictional-distraction.com

Breila McValan http://taiyouryu.insanejournal.com/375.html

Lakisha Spletzer http://indieauthor-howto.blogspot.com

NEWS and Q & A with a YA

2011-11-28T06:01:00.000-05:00

I do have NEWS. But first, read this:

It's been a while since the Alleyway has heard from our teen board. They've been busy with high school, studying, reading, and doing what teens do. But the time has come to welcome their return.

For those of you who write YA, just leave a question (or more) in the comments below for our young adults to answer. It can be about what they'd like to read, about the publishing industry, or maybe ebooks. Libraries. Their studies. Even a question about a character or scene you're currently writing: how would you (the teen) react or is this believable to you?

Ask them anything.

They are awesome.

In the coming weeks, I'll compile your questions and post the answers.

'K, for the news. About three weeks ago, I decided to submit one of my picture books to a publisher's contest. There are approximately 300 entries. *Shiver* Yes, I know. But someone has to win. And if I'm one of the top five, my book gets itself a shiny illustrator and a hardcover!! Hee...

It all starts out with reader votes. I've NEVER asked you to do anything like this for me before, so if you feel awkward about it I will not hold it against you. But if you don't mind, I'd LOVE for you to head over HERE and read my story. If you feel it's worthy of your vote, PLEASE VOTE for my story. (If you click on Author at the top of the page, I should be on page 10. Thank you~!!)

Thank you!! I'm forever grateful for your support!!

DESTINED Released!! Book Tour

2011-11-22T06:30:00.005-05:00

I could not be more happy for today!!

Jessie Harrell, author of DESTINED

Approximately a year and a half ago, I met the Graffiti Wall's next featured author. We were both members and moderators of YAlitchat--our fabulous online writing community. She took on the duties of a MOD before I did. But when I decided to lend my volunteering gene to YAlitchat's wonderful mission of guiding writers on their road to publication, she welcomed me with open arms--as did the others. *waves at MODS*

Jessie and I began to blog together. Then chat, sharing ideas. Before I knew it, we were launching a team blog, Oasis for YA, with three (now four) other YA writers. It's been a fabulous experience, not to mention getting to know Jessie even better. I've watched her grow during her personal journey to publication, and I could not be more happy for her. She has worked very hard.

Without further chatter from moi, here's Jessie answering my questions in her own words.

Isn't she just fabulous!!!

And check out this gorgeous cover! So beautiful.

Please feel free to visit Jessie on her Blog, Website, Goodreads, and Facebook.

Have the itch to purchase the book now?? You may do so in paperback form: Book Depository & Amazon; ebook form: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, & Smashwords.

Even better, want to win an ebook copy?? Jessie is graciously giving one away, right here on Writers' Ally. Click HERE to enter and read my review of DESTINED.

I'll be taking the rest of the week to finish some edits and spend with my family, giving thanks.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Book Spotlight: DESTINED & GIVEAWAY!!

2011-11-21T06:01:00.000-05:00

Title: DESTINED
Author: Jessie Harrell
Genre: Young Adult, Romance
Publisher: Mae Day Publishing
Release Date: November 17, 2011
Pages: 260

I'd like to thank the author for providing me an e-copy of this book to review.

Favorite Passage/Line: Father handed off his knife to one of the other mourners and turned to me. He cupped my face in both his hands. The tears he had worked so hard to hold back two days ago spilled freely down his face. His pain broke my numbness and hot tears of my own bubbled up and slipped down my cheeks.

Description: When Psyche receives a prophecy gone horribly wrong, she learns that even the most beautiful girl in Greece can have a hideous future. Her fate? Fall in love with the one creature even the gods fear.

As she feels herself slipping closer into the arms of the prophecy, Psyche must choose between the terrifyingly tender touch she feels almost powerless to resist and the one constant she's come to expect out of life: you cannot escape what is destined.

Destined is a fresh and heartachingly romantic retelling of the Cupid & Psyche myth from debut novelist, Jessie Harrell.

COVETED!! A Must Have!

My Splats: Yes, I really did like it that much.

Destined is a legendary tale, told in a modern voice and spiced with Harrell's gentle nature and charm. Her rendition breaths new life into this timeless story of honor, love, and betrayal, introducing Psyche and Eros to a new generation.

True to it's mythological roots, Destined follows Psyche as she struggles with the her fate of being chosen 'a daughter of Aphrodite.' One of my favorite aspects of this retelling was Harrell's utilization of two POVs. I find it interesting to see a story from more than one vantage point. But Harrell goes even farther by giving the reader an intimate view of Psyche through a first person voice, all while teasing the reader by leaving Eros in third person. This method gives Eros' manliness a boost and makes for a faster paced story.

And speaking of Eros, could he get any hotter? If Harrell's physical description of him doesn't get you, the words she gives him will. His bad-boy attitude only makes him more attractive as does Harrell's decision to write his voice in third person. But slowly, as the story progresses, his cockiness softens and he grows emotions, changing the momentum of the story. I quickly found myself wanting more and more of him, unable to wait for the flip of the page.

Psyche is a strong protagonist, which young adults can relate to and admire. Harrell's usage of some of Greek Mythology's characters such as Persephone and Charon really give the tale vigor, and leave a thirst for more Mythology on the tongue. What better influence could a writer have then to intrigue a younger generation to seek out the classics.

Isn't this the most beautiful banner you've ever seen!

(Go to give my fellow Oasis Sister a little extra...*wink*)
BUY FROM AMAZON & BARNES AND NOBLE.

ENTER to win an e-copy of DESTINED!! AND make sure you return tomorrow for Jessie's interview via VLOG!!

"If you leave your e-mail address in your comment, you'll be automatically entered to win an e-copy of Destined. The contest will stay open for 48 hours after the post goes live, and then Jessie will use random.org to select a winner. Available formats include .mobu, .epub and .pdf.

And please be sure to visit the other stops on Destined's official blog tour for chances to win copies of Destined and other goodies."

1-Nov Once Upon A Twilght - Book Trailer +Interview Ebook giveaway
2-Nov Books With Bite - Interview Ebook giveaway
3-Nov Living in Literary La La Land Guest Post Ebook giveaway
4-Nov I am a Reader, Not a Writer Guest Post Ebook giveaway
5-Nov Paper Hangover Interview Ebook giveaway
6-Nov Nikki Katz Interview Ebook giveaway
6-Nov Fictional Distraction Review Ebook Giveaway
7-Nov Daisy Chain Book Review Interview Ebook giveaway
8-Nov MundieMoms Review + Short Story Ebook giveaway
9-Nov Safari Poet Guest Post Ebook giveaway
10-Nov Good Choice Reading WOW CONTEST + Review Ebook giveaway
11-Nov LM Preston Guest Post VLOG - Read a Scene Ebook giveaway
12-Nov An Avid Readers Musings Interview VLOG Ebook giveaway
13-Nov Skyla11377 Review Ebook giveaway
14-Nov Dark Readers Interview Ebook giveaway
15-Nov Shortie Says... Character GUEST POST Ebook giveaway
16-Nov A Cozy Reader's Corner Reviews Guest post - Sneak Peek Ebook giveaway
17-Nov Stuck In Books Character Interview Ebook giveaway
18-Nov From A to Z Review Ebook giveaway
19-Nov Turning Pages Interview Ebook giveaway
20-Nov A Tale of Many Reviews Guest Post Ebook giveaway
21-Nov Read My Mind - AliseonLife Interview Vlog Ebook giveaway
22-Nov S.A.Larson Review Ebook giveaway
23-Nov Starry Sky Books Prize pack giveaway + Guest Post Ebook giveaway
23-Nov Angels and Demons and Portals. Oh My! Prize pack giveaway Ebook giveaway

Book Spotlight: STRING BRIDGE

2011-11-15T06:01:00.000-05:00

Title: String Bridge
Author: Jessica Bell
Genre: Woman's Contemporary
Publisher: Lucky Press, LLC
Release Date: November 2011
Pages: 288

I would like to thank the author/publisher for providing me with a copy of this book to review.

Favorite Line/Passage: Imagine standing in the middle of a field. Imagine red dirt. Distance and more beyond it. Imagine searching for the end of this distance, where the stars join to it like pins to a tent in loam. Imagine looking up to a cluster of approving eyes. Lying naked beneath them with the man you want to spend the rest of your life with. Imagine a silence that echos the touch of your hand to his cheek. Imagine existence being loud and small, the way the Sun lights up the Earth. Imagine you are the Earth and he is the Sun, that silence is tangible, and the stars are the souls of your previous lives. Imagine distance is the place you'll find life and death, where soil is your skin, and the dry fields your bones. Imagine love is the desert.

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

COVETED. A MUST READ!

My Splats: A poignantly written tale of family, marriage, love, betrayal, and the inner strength of one woman's human spirit to find her true place in her world.

I primarily read young adult and middle grade fiction, because of my love for the raw innocence within that age group. Saying that, I found String Bridge to have a similar pureness I look for when reading children's literature. The characters are well developed with meaningful and realistic inner struggles that a reader can easily relate to.

Melody is a woman with a beautiful daughter and wonderful husband. She has a fantastic job doing something she loves to do--write and edit. But despite the coverall of a perfect, domestic life, she longs for the life she left behind--her music. Through reading Melody's thoughts and past experiences, the reader discovers that Melody left behind more than just her music when she decided to marry and start a family. She abandoned a part of her soul, the part that music freed up inside her.

The author's portrayal of Melody's search for inner self, purpose, and meaning, is at times gut-wrenching almost pithy, but always honest and true. The stormy pieces of her relationship with her mom add to the emotional depth and show how some childhood wounds simply never heal.

There's an elegance in Melody's pain over her mother's selfish ways. Melody's longing to find peace with her mother foreshadows her need for personal acceptance in who she is as a mom, wife, daughter, and musician. Along with this and trying to balance motherhood and work, tensions escalate within her marriage, making her question every decision she's ever made. And when tragedy strikes where she lest expects it, Melody realizes that life is a string of never-ending bridges in one's life and crossing each bridge is choosing to live.

You can support Jessica Bell by visiting her Blog, Website, Facebook, & Twitter. STRING BRIDGE can be found in e-book form at Amazon, Amazon (UK); Paperback - Barnes & Noble. Goodreads. A soundtrack is also being released with the book. How cool is that!! It's available at Amazon, Amazon UK, & iTunes. Read my INTERVIEW yesterday with her for even more links and details.

Graffiti Wall Spotlight: Author Jessica Bell

2011-11-14T06:01:00.000-05:00

It seems like only yesterday that I met my next featured author. We were both cyber surfers and found a few similar blogs to hang out at, chat. Eventually that turned into private emails of tossing ideas and projects around. Before long, we were sharing our hopes and dreams for both our personal and writing lives.

Then there was the massive excitement when she email-chatted me about catching the eye of Janice of Lucky Press--now her publisher. There was even a bit of interaction between myself and Janice about my novel, which I credit to Jess's speedy help in preparing a query letter.

I consider her a dear friend.

Jessica Bell, Author of STRING BRIDGE

Please give a warm, Alleyway welcome to her main character, Melody.

Hi Melody! It's a pleasure to have you here. Where didyour love for music come from?

Well, originally, before being influenced by myparents’ love of music, and Joni Mitchell, it was my grandmother, (my mother’smother) who encouraged me to sing when I was as young as three or four. Mygrandmother, Bertha Shea, who was born in Washington, USA, wasgreatly influenced by MildredBailey, a popular American jazz singer during the 1930s. My grandmother wouldsing her hit Rockin’Chair with me so many times. She died when I was ten in a freak roadaccident. And don’t remember much more than the cosy nights by the piano. Inever spoke about her in this story because it would have created tangents tocompletely different aspects of my life that just weren’t relevant. Not tomention, Betty’s (my mother) childhood too, and the influence my grandmotherhad on her being an American married to an Australian, etc. The story wouldhave just gone out of control. I guess you can say there’s a history ofmarrying into different cultures!

Oh. I'm so sorry for your loss, but I think the relationship you and your grandmother shared is beautiful.

Many times, asJessica told your story, I felt you sink into your past, your music. How hardwas that for you? How deep did the regret of giving up your music for a timego?

I’m not sure I can explain that any better than how Ido in the book. Your followers will just have to read it. J

There were partsof your childhood that you obviously wanted to forget, parts of yourrelationship with your mum. How do you think that inner struggle to forgive, toforget, to not be like your mum, yet still love her, affected the choices youmade?

I think I analysed everything too much and forgot tolive the moment. My choices were therefore made for the wrong reasons; theywere made based on what I romanticized my life to be, rather than looking at whatit already was square in the face and doing the math.

Throughout yourstory, you question yourself--self examine yourself, your marriage,motherhood... Did you find any answers?

Yes. But not by examining myself. I found answers bychance. To be honest, I think they were already there, but I wasn’t looking inthe right direction.

I think that's a common thread in life.

Do you believe infate?

Totally and utterly. Everything happens for a reason.

Without givingaway your whole story, what life-advice would you like to share with myreaders?

Firstly, don’t mistake depression with unhappiness. They are completely different things. Depression makes you feel unhappy without reason, don’t try to find excuses for the feeling, they are just excuses, they are not real. Unhappiness is brought on yourself and you can change it. It doesn’t come in waves like depression. It is constant. Try to determine which one you are suffering from before trying to treat it.
Don’t over-analyse yourself or those around you. Life is more often than not, simple and uncomplicated.
Don’t take your friends and family for granted.
Acknowledge your regrets, and then move forward before you waste your life living in your past.
Take a moment out of every day to savour and enjoy. Otherwise it’s just another date to tick off your calendar.

Thank you, Melody, for being a part of our day, and thank you, Jessica, for sharing Melody's story with us. Looking forward to releasing my book review tomorrow!!

Jessica can be found on her Blog, Website, Facebook, & Twitter. STRING BRIDGE can be found in e-book form at Amazon, Amazon (UK); Paperback - Barnes and Noble, Amazon (US), Amazon (UK), Goodreads. A soundtrack is also being released with the book. How cool is that!! It's available at Amazon, Amazon UK, & iTunes.

Jessica Bell is a literary women's fiction author, poet and singer/songwriter who grew up in Melbourne, Australia, to two gothic rock musicians who had successful independent careers during the '80s and early '90s.

She spent much of her childhood travelling to and from Australia to Europe, experiencing two entirely different worlds, yet feeling equally at home in both environments. She currently lives in Athens, Greece and works as a freelance writer/editor for English Language Teaching publishers worldwide, such as HarperCollins, Pearson Education and Macmillan Education.

In addition to String Bridge, Jessica has published a book of poetry called Twisted Velvet Chains. A full list of poems and short stories published in various anthologies and literary magazines can be found under Published Works & Awards, on her website.

From September 2012 Jessica will be hosting the Homeric Writers' Retreat & Workshop on the Greek island of Ithaca, home of Odysseus.

Picture Book Elements

2011-11-11T06:01:00.000-05:00

I've been having a blast writing my picture books ideas. Even purchased myself a brightly-colored notebook, which I entitled - PBs Beyond the Stars. Thanks to Author Tara Lazar and her brilliant PiBoIdMo, I was able to formulate over 40 new PB ideas last year and I'm well into the game this year at 15 new ideas in 9 days.

Now I know some of you are not PB writers. But give what I write next some thought. Writing a picture book forces the author to plot, develop characters, and structure a story in probably the most concise way he/she ever has. Even if you've never given thought to writing a PB, it can be great practice in teaching your brain to filter out the details of your short story, chapter book, or full-length novel, to develop sharp and intense scenes, and maintain a steady pace. Not to mention, borrowing the mindset of a PB author just might help in writing your pitch, query, and synopsis for your longer works.

During this part of my writing adventure, I've had amazing guidance from some pubbed-up and/or highly-talented picture book authors. (Hi!! Jo Hart, Catherine Johnson, Sharon Mayhew, Laura Chesterson, & Kelly Hashway.) For the most part, there seems to be collective thoughts among PB authors--essentials in writing picture books.

1. - Repetition. Children learn by simple repeats. And eventually, as the book is read over and over to them, they'll be able to read/sing along.

2. - The Rule of Three. Adding to #1, repetitions in threes flow best and tend to stick with the reader. Children like patterns, and patterns are a simple way to reinforce an idea or concept.

3. - Symmetric in Rhyming. Beats are important. If you do rhyme, which is not my strong point, you probably already know if 9 beats are used in one line and 10 in the next, you want to keep the pattern going. As long as there is continuity in thoughts and rhythm, you're probably okay.

4. - Cause & Effect. Just as in full length novels, something must happen and a result must be shown.

5. - Simple use of language. Choose words wisely and don't be afraid to revise and edit them to find the exact word to communicate your message. In PBs, the words aren't elaborate. Just effective.

6. - Plots down to two characters. More are okay. Just make sure they're not distracting. If their presence isn't necessary, you might want to think about axing them.

7. - Leave most description in the hands of the eventual illustrator. In other words, don't over describe or even use description as you would do in a YA or MG novel. Pictures have a major purpose in playing out and showing the development of a picture book story as well as a little person's mind.

8. - Create a mental picture while writing each line. Ask yourself questions. What could this look like, and who's eyes is it seen through? That last part is so important. Which character (or narrator) sees this story and how will that bee seen from the eyes of the child reading the book?

PLEASE add to my list and/or elaborate on any subject. I'm looking to write up a log and have it permanently linked to the blog to help other writers.

Small side splat: I'll be away next week with the hubs. We'll be celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary alone, without the 4 kiddos. Weird. I'll miss you all!! But could you do me one favor? On Monday & Tuesday I'm highlighting Jessica Bell's amazing STRING BRIDGE book. Could you stop by to support her? Maybe tweet for her too? TY!!

~Hearts~

Sinister Surprise Got My Progress

2011-11-08T06:01:00.000-05:00

I've been thinking a lot lately, about how crazy life gets sometimes. Just when you think you've got it all covered, a surprise is waiting for you around the next corner. Sinister Surprise is a pesky little bugger, peering at you from the shadows, waiting and anticipating the worse time to strike.

Take this past weekend, for instance.

Friday, the daughter and I did the whole sleuthing for a gown thing, going about our day, never suspecting anything array. We returned home after fourteen hours of being on the road, where we giggled a ton but also expended a ton of energy.

So I'm thinking Saturday would be for resting, catching up on my picture book ideas, and writing the next few chapters of my newest YA novel.

Nope.

Sinister Surprise had other things in mind. FLEAS.

Our little itty-bitty doggie had fleas!! Now, fleas do not affect me the way Sp_ _ _ _ s do. (Fill in the blanks, please.) But fleas are a totally pain in the butt.

Have your animals ever been hit by Sinister Surprise??? What did you do? And even better, have you ever used something so pesky to irritate one of your characters?

****SPLAT ALERT****
I do have two cool things to report.

1.) A few of you already know this, but I haven't mentioned it here yet. One of my short stories is coming out in a book this month!! A REAL BOOK! Too cool. The book is all about love, of all topics, and is being published by Pill Hill Press. As soon as I get the date, cover, and other info, I'll let you know!!

2.) I did find a gown. I didn't purchase it yet because I wanted the hubby to see it first. And for those of you who asked for a picture - do you know that these specialty gown shops/boutiques don't allow picture taking?? I learned something new on Friday.

Lastly, I want to give a HUGE HAPPY BIRTHDAY
to my 4th kiddo, CJ, who turns the big 8 years old today!

Mommy HEARTS you more than words. :)

Shopping For A Pageant Dress Is Like A Writer's Diction

2011-11-07T06:01:00.000-05:00

Back by popular demand, I'm bringing you another Edition of Monday Munchies ~ 5 thought provoking tabs you can ponder throughout the week and use to inspire your writing. Or you can use them to just make you laugh.

1) Participating in PiBoIdMo has really fueled my creative juices, only not always in the most appropriate way. Man, has my mind taken left turns and muscled in the backseat all week. Try using an 'inappropriate' idea at the most inopportune time for one of your characters. (Of course, keep it tasteful, please.) This sort of ingredient could also add spice during a scene, which would otherwise have been run-of-the-mill.

2) Yesterday, the hubs and I took the four chicklets to our local park for family pictures. And yes, we took dah' pooch. Tell me what image first came to your mind when I mentioned that we'd brought the dog. Go with it. Add it to one of your scenes. BE DARING.

3) For those of you who are history buffs, said park above is actually a historical park. Yup, can you believe it even in Maine. Fort Halifax Park is a small, quaint grassy area outlining the Kennebec River. It houses the only piece of the original Fort Halifax left for visitors to see. But it has a HUGE history attached to it. Try deepening the backstory of some element in your current story.

4) Friday, my daughter and I ventured through two states on a journey to find me the perfect pageant dress. Well, the pageant dress that was perfect for me. We found two, and came home with none. Search your current story and add a disappointment to a scene or character. See where it takes you.

I could tell you what's going on with the dress, but that's for a progress report day, which I'll be doing tomorrow!! And I'll also explain the connection between 'diction' and shopping. Hope you find these munchies useful. Until tomorrow....

The Writer's Head Goes Snap, Crackle, Pop!

2011-11-04T06:01:00.000-04:00

image credit

Silly title, I know. But isn't it accurate?

An idea Pops into a writer's head. He/she Snaps to it, scribbling down the idea in the best writer shorthand. Then the fun really begins. The idea Crackles as the writer stews on it, begins to taste it, feel it.

For me, that sums up the month of November, where writing goals are being set and pursued all over the world. Of course, we all know the most famous goal-setting arena among writers - NaNoWriMo. But there are other legitimate NaNo-based battlegrounds created to support, encourage, and drive all kinds of writers to write more. I've opted out of NaNoWriMo, this year, and wish all of you who are participating the best of luck!! Are you?

Instead, I've decided to be a part of two other writing drives, PiBoIdMo and NaNoWriWs4u.

PiBoIdMo is for picture book authors. It's all about letting yourself go and giving into your creative edge. We must come up with one new picture book idea each day. We don't have to develop the idea, although that would be total icing on the cupcake! I'm ahead of myself this year. I've come up with seven ideas and have mapped out two skeletal outlines.

NaNoWriWs4u follows the original NaNo plan closely, except each writer sets his/her personal goals as they see fit. We all have something we've been meaning to write or finish or edit, but life just keeps getting in the way. Or maybe we simply lost our momentum. This arena is to set those goals and report our progress at the end of each day. Accountability yet gently.

Here are my goals:

formulate a new picture book idea each day and finish drafting two ideas.
write at least half of the YA dystopian paranormal novel I've been mapping out forever.
possibly tweak the beginning of MB and the query, yet again.

Feel free to join the group even if you're signed up for NaNoWriMo. Everyone can use a little more support and encouragement.

I won't be around to blog much today, but I will catch up with you this weekend. Heading out of state in search of an evening gown for the pageant. Speaking of which, I've been a horrible pageant guide. I haven't given you any peeks into my journey yet. To be honest, it's been really stressful, but I'm finally finding my center again. I'll share all that with you next Tuesday as well as some writing news and progress. :)

One of my queries is over on the QQQE, today. I'd be great if you could take a gander over and give me your insight into my query letter. I have already used this letter and it has gained me five requests, but I've heard nothing from the other seven that I sent out. So I'd like to tweak it a bit.

Thanks for all your help, and have a fantastic weekend!

Virtual Launch Party!!! OPEN MINDS!

2011-11-01T06:30:00.000-04:00

Author Susan Kaye Quinn's concept for her new YA novel, OPEN MINDS, is fantastic. I read her initial query/blurb months ago over on YAlitchat and was totally blown away. I'm ecstatic to finally get my hands on it! Being a part of her Launch Party is icing on the cake!

I'm blessed to be Chapter 3 of her guest posting segment. She's doing a series, taking you on a journey of how Open Minds came to be. For the whole story, visit the other guest posts listed below.

Now, here's Susan!

I’m finished! Oh wait. Maybe not.

by Susan Kaye Quinn

Mynew paranormal/SF novel OpenMinds (Book One of the Mindjack Trilogy)started as a NaNo novel (National Novel Writing Month). Actually it startedas a paragraph, then turned into a voice tutorial, but at the end of NaNo, Ihad 53,829 words and had typed the words THE END.

I was finished!

Um, no.

I had a great setting (a mind-reading world), afantastic character (a girl who couldn’t read thoughts, but could mindjack intoother people’s heads) and a conflict (keeping her ability hidden while tryingto pass for a mindreader). Somewhere half-way through pantsing those 50+thousand words, I had discovered my theme: intolerance. I was all set,right?

Sure I could pad those 53k words a bit and come upwith a decent wordcount for my YA novel (80-90k). After all, it was just afirst draft, and a hastily crafted NaNo one at that.

About three weeks later, one day in the shower, Irealized I had only written about half the novel.

This was partly due to my tragic inability to writea decent ending the first time around. Every novel I’ve pantsed my way throughhas required multiple (like 7) drafts before I could get the ending right.Apparently I was so wide of the mark on Open Minds that I’d completelyforgotten to write the second half of the novel.

Sigh.

I erased “THE END” and spent another month writingan additional 30k words.

This was actually the turning point that changed mefrom a pantser to the hyper-plotter that I am today. You would think that beingan engineer-type-person,my Logic Brain would want to plot everything out and know exactly where mystory was headed before I opened the Word document. But for me, writing wasCreative Brain at the wheel, driving madly over the landscape, shouting,"Check this out! How cool is this?? We are WRITING!!"

Which is fabulous fun, but also lands us all in theditch eventually, bruised and wondering who exactly put Creative Brain incharge.

Properly chastened, my Creative Brain allowed ashow, perhaps, maybe, there might be something to this plotting thing, andpossibly we could spend some time checking it out.

I know many writers who very successfully writenovels via pantsing and many others who swear by their plotting techniques. Inthe end, what matters is that the story is compelling. I had a fantastic startto Open Minds, but I was nowhere near done. And I think it’s importantfor any writer to realize that THE END is really just the beginning.

*********************

Wheneveryone reads minds, a secret is a dangerous thing to keep.

Sixteen-year-old Kira Moore isa zero, someone who can’t read thoughts or be read by others. Zeros areoutcasts who can’t be trusted, leaving her no chance with Raf, a regularmindreader and the best friend she secretly loves. When she accidentallycontrols Raf’s mind and nearly kills him, Kira tries to hide her frighteningnew ability from her family and an increasingly suspicious Raf. But lies tanglearound her, and she’s dragged deep into a hidden world of mindjackers, wherehaving to mind control everyone she loves is just the beginning of the deadlychoices before her.

Open Minds (BookOne of the Mindjack Trilogy) by Susan Kaye Quinn is available for $2.99 ine-book (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords) and $9.99 in print (Amazon,Createspace).

The Story of OpenMinds (linked posts)

Ch 1: WhereIdeas Come From: A Mind Reading World

Ch 2: A Study in Voice, or Silencing Your Inner Critic

Ch 3: I'mfinished! Oh wait. Maybe not.

Ch 4: WriteFirst, Then Outline - Wait, That's Backwards?

Ch 5: Why MyCritique Partners Are Smarter Than Me

Ch 6: Facing Revisions When It Feels Like Being on the Rack

Ch 7: How to Know When to Query

Ch 8: A Writer’s Journey - Deciding to Self-Publish Open Minds (Part One)

Ch 9: Owning the Writerly Path - Deciding to Self-Publish Open Minds (Part Two)

Epilogue: Finding Time to Write the Sequel

*********************

PRIZES!

Susan Kaye Quinn is givingaway an Open Books/Open Minds t-shirt, mug, and some fun wristbands tocelebrate the VirtualLaunch Party of Open Minds (BookOne of the Mindjack Trilogy)! (Check out the prizes here.)

Three ways to enter (you can have multiple entries):

1) Leave a commenthere or at the Virtual Launch Party post

2) Tweet (with tag#keepingOPENMINDS)

Example: When everyone reads minds, a secret is a dangerous thing tokeep. #keepingOPENMINDS @susankayequinn #SF #YA avail NOW http://bit.ly/psX1Hh

Example: Celebrate the launch of OPEN MINDS by @susankayequinn#keepingOPENMINDS #SciFi #paranormal #YA avail NOW http://bit.ly/SKQOpenMinds

3) Facebook (tag @AuthorSusanKayeQuinn)

Example: Celebrate thelaunch of paranormal/SF novel OPEN MINDS by @AuthorSusanKayeQuinn for a chanceto win Open Books/Open Minds prizes!

Spookfest!!

2011-10-31T06:30:00.000-04:00

Happy Halloween!!!

I HEART Halloween with all my might. It's my favorite holiday. Granted, I adore Christmas and Easter for very personal reasons. And Thanksgiving is just yummy. But I am a creepy, gory, spooky--and sometimes a bit witchy--girl at my core. I'm all about the goth look, minus too many piercings. A few I can do.

Today I'm excited to be a part of a fab book blog tour, celebrating the release of DARKSPELL: Elizabeth Mueller's debut novel.

Winter Sky believes she is everything ordinary . . .until she is kissed by Alex Stormhold.
As seer of Stormhold Coven, Alex is sworn to be Winter’s protector against the darkness that hunts her. Violently thrust into a magical realm she always thought impossible, she stumbles upon a disturbing secret of her own.

Will love prove thicker than magic?

A question was posed to each participant: If I had all the magic in the world, I'd...

As I pondered what I would do, obvious world cures came to mind: peace on Earth, end famine, eliminate discrimination, and obliterate bullying. But I've decided to keep my answer true to a book release, true to our literary world.

If I had all the magic in the world, I'd make enough room for all books--makes, shapes, colors, ideas, and ideals. I'd devise a formula, where the querying system was less hectic/stressful for both writer and agent. Creating a system where publishers could take one glance at a manuscript or pitch idea and magically pull from it what works for them and why, leaving the writer with solid reasons for editing and a stronger published book in the end. With the blink of my eye, libraries would be available to each child. AND I mean real, tangible libraries that one can touch and be consumed by the scent of old books. The thoughts and stories of every author would permeate in the air, slowly drifting into our subconscious.

So there you have it. My literary magic.

For more on DARKSPELL, head over to Amazon, Elizabeth's Blog, & her Website - where you can order your very own SIGNED copy of DARKSPELL!

Dressin' Up Halloween Style

2011-10-28T06:01:00.000-04:00

Being Friday, I felt a little silly was in order and decided to follow in the footsteps of some pretty special sisters - Lisa and Laura Roecker. Can anyone else say TGIF?? I've loved what Matt over on QQQE has been doing with exploring all that goes creepy and slimy, bullish and ornery in the night. So I figured why not take a peek at playing dress-up with some of our favorite Halloween creatures. Or even better. Why not highlight a few costume ideas?

I found most of these on the internet so credit goes to those brave souls who uploaded their ideas to a few different websites.

First off, I'm going with Jail-Bait Lindsey Lohan - all you need is an orange jumpsuit which can be made out of a sheet, a long blond wig, lots of cheap spray tan, massive freckles, eyeliner from HELL, and browliner gone wrong. Feel free to carry a ziplock baggie with aspirin and a half-empty bottle of JD.

You could be Charlie Sheen - khaki shorts, a two-toned bowling shirt from your local salvage mart, high socks (just because), and loafers. Grooming is the key, here. A shaggy head of hair and bushy eyebrows - don't forget to glue some fake fur to your chest and have it creeping up your neck. Carry a half-full glass of gin and yell "Winning" all night long.

Then there's Lorena Bobbitt. *sniggers* Picture this: white nightie dripping in fake blood and streaks of blood coating both hands and face, hair all disheveled. In one hand, you carry a clear glass jar with...you figure out what to use inside. Hee.... and label the jar: "Bobbitt, John."

It's All Hollow's Eve, right??

Have a fab weekend, Alleywalkers. Hope this helped you better prepare yourself for the Halloween parties this weekend and Halloween itself on Monday!!

Maawwhhhhhahhaaaaaaaaaa!!!

Things That Go BUMP in the Night...

2011-10-25T06:01:00.000-04:00

Halloween is upon us, which is the perfect time to explore creatures that give us the willies. My least favorite creature is revealed at the end of this post. It's totally lame. But I'm me. :) So what about the other creatures, the one's writers have used through the ages to make us pull the covers over our heads or squeeze the death out of a pillow?

Matt over on the QQQE highlighted a few of my favs the other day. Go Vampires! Go Zombies! Go Werewolves! (although I prefer the term Lycan and have made mine glow like smoldering copper with eyes swirling in colors. There. Take that sparkling vamps!) I won't revisit any of these, but feel free to hop over HERE to read his take on them.

I figured I'd start out soft and spotlight an Angel. Angels can appear as flesh and spirit--clouds of mist and lights. It's said they are heavenly messengers, sent from Above, to guide and protect the mortal world. But don't think that makes Angels all fluffy and feather-coated. No way. Angels are fierce in whatever mission they are given or undertake. They are warriors, bent on winning.

Makes you wonder what the real difference is between Angels and Demons, huh?

If you're a paranormal/sci fi/urban fantasy writer, why not try creating a different take on an Angel?

Next up is a mythical being not so angelic: the Banshee. Gaining a visit from a banshee could likely be the Death of you, forecasting Death or the coming of Death. Their most common disguises are a young woman, an old lady, or a matron, but some believe they can appear as animals, too, primarily in witchcraft. It's also been written that they can be seen in human form, which is probably the reason us MOMs might have heard the phrase, 'My mom is screaming like a banshee.' Banshees are known for their wailing, but also for their low-pitch, which can be as harsh on the ears.

What about a Leprechaun? A leprechaun is said to have all or some of the following: smaller stature, likes green (really??), drinks heavily and is a tad ornery, enjoys thievery but is a totally tool if caught. He'll hand over his treasure and pretty much kiss your feet.

FYI: I've been doing some research on the whole leprechaun subject. The second of the two YA novels I'm currently working on is a take off that old children's story - Rumpelstiltskin. Shh...don't say it, just like Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice... *slaps hand over mouth*

'K, time for me to fess up, right? Drumroll and the crowd leans forward in their uncomfortable opera house seats...

Spiders.

Yuck! There is not much in this world that will freak me out, but seriously, I will totally wig if I see a big one. Ugh...like a wolf spider. I had one of those on the back of my leg when I was pregnant with my second child. Want to see a pregnant chick do Kung Fu and leap in a single bound??

Yup. I did it.

Book Spotlight: AWAKEN

2011-10-24T06:01:00.000-04:00

Title: AWAKEN
Author: Katie Kacvinsky
Genre: Young Adult
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Released: May 2011
Pages: 320

I'd like to thank the author for providing me with a signed copy of this book.

Favorite Line/Passage: I followed him outside to his car parked down the block. We were both silent while we drove down the desolate streets, and I concentrated on the soft sprinkle of rain hitting the windshield. My thoughts were shooting and firing in my mind so quickly it felt like there was a war going on in my head. I watched the windshield wipers swipe the glass clean and for a moment the world was clear again, but in the next second it muddled in a blur, like eyes brimming with tears. We pulled up to the side of an apartment building. The bottom floor had three large windows and they were all showered with light. There were no signs outside to advertise what the spade was, but Justin pulled the front door open and we were greeted with a chime.

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

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

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

NIGHTSTAND WORTHY

My Splats: A thought-provoking glimpse into our digitally-connected world and what might happen if we allow it to go too far.

Touch is absent from most peoples' lives. No need to gather or chat with neighbors--or even leave your room. No intimacy. No need for other senses. Just fingertips tapping keys, keeping the world connected.

Kacvinsky creates a possible (and thought-provoking) future world through the authentic voice of the main character, Maddie, and eventually her counterpart, Alex--the rebel. Initially, Maddie conforms to her world, although it's obvious that she's at quiet odds with the way things are. Then, as you can image, the rebel comes into play, giving Maddie pause and making her question.

I really enjoyed how Kacvinsky mixed up the romantic angle, not having Maddie solely involved with the lone rebel. Instead, she's taken in by a group, who are desperately trying to remind people that living is about physical connections with people and nature. The digital age is to enhance humanity, not take it over. Teens will relate to Maddie's struggle to give herself permission to accept change, especially when that change goes against the grain of what she's been taught or lead to believe.

My only pause, while reading, was the vague descriptions of the futuristic technology. Personally, it didn't keep me from reading on. I was able to overlook those questions popping up in my mind and found more interest in the overall story and characters' growth.

I'd recommend this book to any young adult/adult interested in pondering our current world with a possible takeover by the digital age.

Featherbrained Friday: Character Props

2011-10-21T06:01:00.000-04:00

On Wednesday over on Oasis for YA, I wrote a post about conflict within a story. Lots of that post focused on character conflict. Recently, I found this photo on Facebook. I'm sure you might have seen it. Did you do it? What were your results?

I thought it'd be fun to use this as a tool to develop our characters all while adding conflict. It's also something you can chew on over the weekend.

When I first took this little quiz, Happy/Patient/Outgoing/Sweet were the words that caught my eye. Accurate?? Sometimes, I suppose. So what if I built a character using these adjectives.

If the character was female, she might be the girl in high school, who hovers just beneath the general population's radar. Not very interesting. But what if I took these adjectives and added fear of large crowds with a stuttering issue? Then I made the character male and voted him in as the surprise new class president?

You can play with this. I'm sure you understand what I mean.

So using the face above, I gave my eyes a second chance to see something different. This time I came up with: Insecure, Thoughtful, Naive, Restless. Um...Accurate?? Totally different then my first attempt but nonetheless probably dead-on at times.

Once again, I could throw a wrench into that even foursome and have a female character, whose dad is some high-powered attorney, and have her framed for stealing cars. But she is naive. Did she do it? She's also insecure. Would she be strong enough to claim her innocence anyway?

Who knows? But that would be for the writer to decide.

This weekend, take a moment and use this silly tool. Think about your characters and what you'd like to accomplish with them and through them. I know it's fueled a new facet to one of my characters.

Happy weekend, Alleywalkers!

Hearts,
S~

Wading, Waiting, or Wisdom in the Sand

2011-10-18T06:01:00.000-04:00

Which is it?

Here's my answer...

image credit

I've had a ton going on lately. In my opinion, way too much for one person to manage. But each time I let it all get to me, You're not given more than you can handle, whispers softly in my head and then bleeds to my heart. Yes, for me the phrase comes from my faith, but I know most people have heard it or something similiar.

What do you believe?

We've all known people or families whose lives seem to be taken over by challenge after challenge, struggle after struggle. We can't help but think Why them? or How do they do it? Do they have some inner strength the Forces that Be feel like testing? Or maybe they have a magnetic imbalance that draws negative energy. Could it be simply bad luck?

For me, our purpose here on Earth is to be, learn, grow, and share from our experiences. Wouldn't it be great if we could be spoon-fed wisdom? How much easier would that be? But it doesn't work that way. There must be a cost if we expect to receive. We must put ...one foot in front of the other... and experience life, in all its wonders, glories, and even gut-wrenching sorrows. And our payment, our reward is the precious gift of wisdom.

Book Spotlight: MERCY

2011-10-17T06:01:00.000-04:00

Title: MERCY
Author: Rebecca Lim
Genre: Young Adult
Publisher: Hyperion
Released: October, 2010
Pages: 288

I'd like to thank Disney Publishing Worldwide for supplying me with this copy to review.

Favorite Line/Passage: Tiffany is furious. Her face is lit up like a Christmas tree with ill will and irritation as she tries to outsing me, but fails. A lark striving to catch a burning phoenix arcing skyward. The whole room is listening so hard that the entire chorus, almost two hundred people, fails to come in after Figure 10, and I sing on alone for what feels like an eternity, and I wonder how much of this glorious sound is Carmen and how much of it, if any of it, is me.

Description: A fallen angel haunted by her past. Yearning for her immortal beloved. Forever searching for answers.Who will show her Mercy?

Mercy has lost herself. She can’t count how many times she’s “woken up” in a new body, and assumed a new life, only to move on again and again. During the day she survives in the human world on instinct and at night her dreams are haunted by him. Mercy’s heart would know him anywhere. But her memory refuses to cooperate.

But this time is different. When Mercy wakes up she meets Ryan, an eighteen year old reeling from the loss of his twin sister who was kidnapped two years ago. Everyone else has given up hope, but Ryan believes his sister is still alive. Using a power she doesn't fully comprehend, Mercy realizes that Ryan is right. His sister is alive and together they can find her. For the first time since she can remember, Mercy has a purpose; she can help. So she doesn’t understand why the man in her dreams cautions her not to interfere. But as Ryan and Mercy come closer to solving the dark mystery of his sister’s disappearance, danger looms just one step behind.

Will Mercy be able to harness her true self and extraordinary power in time?

BRING ALONG

My Splats: Although this is a twisted tale of finding oneself, which is found in many YA stories, the difference here is the one searching for her true self has been lost for many years....Not your typical teen story.

This isn't the average teen searching her inner catacombs in search of 'herself', but an angel--real & true--living the experiences of many lives, yearning to find her means, her reason for existing. And through the eyes and heart of a teen, Mercy slowly discovers the purpose of her plight--her punishment of borrowing one mortal life after another. Evidence of Mercy's true self unravel as information about a missing girl come to light. And with the disappearance of a new girl, Mercy knows she must act, only not sure why.

Initially, I found the opening pages confusing and even a bit distant. But somewhere between the end of chapter one and chapter two, I became intrigue enough to see a plot being born. The writing is elegant yet with a standoffish flare, almost as if the main character wants to avoid emotions. Word choices are crisp, yet not overdone.

The Angel angle of this tale is just unique enough, spliced with the mystery of Mercy's unveiling, the disappearance of the girls, and townsfolk who are close-minded and harsh at times. Not a huge fan of open endings, I enjoyed the conclusion and look forward to see where the author takes Mercy next, primarily because vital questions were answered in this first book. I'm definitely hungry for the sequel.

Paying It Forward Oct 14th

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Pay It Forward is the master idea of Matt, better known as MacNash- QQQE, and linked with his good buddy and fellow blogger/writer Alex Cavanaugh! Here are the deets:

Spotlight three bloggers I follow
Make'em shine & tell you why I enjoy said blogger's company
Visit others' recommendations

Easy as pie!!

For my first spotlight, I have to bow, curtsy, and smile. Sharon Mayhew of Random Thoughts is one of the nicest bloggers I know.

All writers are aware of the method of voice while writing:

Put voice into that paragraph.
That character needs more voice.

Sharon puts the softest, kindest voice into the messages on her blog. She's a marvelous children's book writer. I admire her a ton. :)

Next would have to be Christina Lee @ Write-Brained. Christina is a freelance and young adult writer with the amazing ability to get her message across in the most concise manner. Within the first few moments of visiting her site, I learn something new or am made to feel good about myself. Now mind you, she never knows who will read her post. But each person feels like she's speaking solely to them. (*waves, Christina*)

For my last highlight, I decided to go all tech on you. K.M.Weiland's Wordplay: Helping writers become authors is a fabulous resource for writers of any genres. Her posts are concise and pinpoint skills each writer needs. The site is a must for every writer, IMHO! You can find her on Facebook, too.

Happy Weekend, Alleywalkers!!

Hearts,

Kick A** 2011 Debut Author Spotlight

2011-10-10T07:30:00.000-04:00

When Christina Lee first mentioned her idea to spotlight this year's debut authors, I knew I had to participate. Author Promotion was the main reason I created the Alleyway.

YAY!! 2011 DEBUT AUTHORS!

So I've chosen THE IRON WITCH, by Karen Mahoney--a fellow YAlitchat member.

Book Blurb: Freak. That's what her classmates call seventeen-year-old Donna Underwood. When she was seven, a horrific fey attack killed her father and drove her mother mad. Donna's own nearly fatal injuries from the assault were fixed by magic—the iron tattoos branding her hands and arms. The child of alchemists, Donna feels cursed by the magical heritage that destroyed her parents and any chance she had for a normal life. The only thing that keeps her sane and grounded is her relationship with her best friend, Navin Sharma.

When the darkest outcasts of Faerie—the vicious wood elves—abduct Navin, Donna finally has to accept her role in the centuries old war between the humans and the fey. Assisted by Xan, a gorgeous half-fey dropout with secrets of his own, Donna races to save her friend—even if it means betraying everything her parents and the alchemist community fought to the death to protect.

Order your copy from Amazon or Barnes & Noble or directly from Flux. And visit Karen on her WEBSITE & BLOG.

Here's a list of other bloggers who are also participating:

Rachele raves about IMAGINARY GIRLS
Susan is featuring RIP TIDE
Robyn spotlights ACROSS THE UNIVERSE and WITH A NAME LIKE LOVE
Matt loves SOLSTICE
Nicole wants to tell you about POSSESSION
Janet tells why she loves LIAR SOCIETY
Kate talks about MISS PEREGRINE'S HOME FOR PECULIAR CHILDREN
Jen would like to tell you about WITHER
Shannon celebrates DARK PARTIES
Jon loves MY VERY UNFAIRY TALE LIFE
Michelle tells you about SHIFTING
Susan admires WITH A NAME LIKE LOVE
Natalie gives a shout out to AUDITION, THE FAERIE RING, and MY VERY UNFAIRY TALE LIFE
Katie loves THE UNBECOMING OF MARA DYER
Stina gives you a taste of BAD TASTE IN BOYS
Jessie spotlights SPELLBOUND and BIRTHRIGHT
Willow admires DESTINED
Christine raves about POSSESS
Kristin really really likes CLARITY
Anne features READY PLAYER ONE
Meredith wants to shout about DAUGHTER OF SMOKE AND BONE

Amy Rose loves THE NEAR WITCH
Theresa talks about DIVERGENT
Kelly focuses in on EARTHLING HERO and A SCARY GOOD BOOK
Christine gears you up for THE LIPSTICK LAWS
Laura is wild about GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS
Patti tells you about HEREAFTER
Portia admires THE SECRET OF SPRUCE KNOLL
Ali has plenty to say about POSSESSION

What a fabulous list of bloggers!!

**Personal SPLATTER: I might be late blogging, today. Went to the Patriots/Jets game last night and we're traveling back home today!! <3

A Character Interview

2011-10-07T06:01:00.000-04:00

Most of you know me as Ana, one of Sheri's master creations. *adjusting the suede satchel at my hip that Sheri insists I wear.

Don't get me wrong. Being a fictitious character isn't all about the ball-n-chain of my creator making me submit to scenes I'd rather not go through or dialog I'd rather not say. Trust me ~ I've had my fun with my so-called 'In -charge' master. *I'm laughing way to easily, right now. My bad, Sheri. It also has it's perks, like meeting other fictitious characters and comparing notes.

As in Sammy, my friend from Ciara Knight's newly published novella Loves Long Shadows. Sammy's pretty cool, for a fallen angel suffering from amnesia.

So Sammy, what gives with the whole amnesia thing?

I so wish I could remember Heaven and why I fell,but it isn’t meant to be. Every time I try to remember something I’moverwhelmed by human emotion. I hope to remember what my angelic gifts are sothat I can help my brother fight demons, or figure out my purpose here onEarth.

Wow! That's pretty rough. And I thought I had it bad, being abandoned by my mom when I was six--well, not really abandoned, although that's the way I've chosen to see it. My amnesia is selective. I'd rather see things my way...but that was before I met Viktor.

You live a pretty normal life with your Earthbound mother, Grace,right? Did you just 'wakeup' and realize you were more than human, or did you always know?

I fell from Heaven only a few months ago. *shivers*The only memory I have of the fall is flashes of lights and feeling like I’mbeing suffocated by my own skin. Then, I’m waking in a cold grass field nearAlex, my brother, in Montanta. It was rough until Grace found us. She’s great,been a caregiver to fallen angels for decades I believe.

Lucky Grace found you. She sounds amazing! I live with my dad, whose idea of care-giving is a sooty fireman's hug, and a hotdog and a beer while watching a baseball game. He does love me, though. Just misses my mom, which is totally lame in my opinion. I mean, she's been gone for ten years. And they say girls are dramatic.

What do you long for the most?

To return to Heaven. Even thoughI don’t have my memory, flutters of emotion stir each time I try to think of mylife before I fell.

Sounds like something more than no memory of Heaven and a reason for your Fall is keeping you from Heaven? Maybe a threat?

*Nods head. Forras, a local head demon. He’spowerful and full of evil. I’m still not that great at spotting demons but Ican smell his sulfuric odor from down the beach.

It feels like there's more - a secret?

*Sighs, but answers anyway. I have feelings for someone whohangs out with demons. Alex warned me to stay away, that demons could easilymanipulate me because of my new human emotions.

Oh. I guess Sheri and Ciara were right. We do have something in common: you have feelings for a dude, who hangs out with demons, which messes with your human emotions. So not in your best interests. And I have feelings for a guy who manipulates my empathic ability, making me feel, which is not the healthiest thing for me either.

Let's lighten this up a bit. SignatureGraffiti Wall question: Smoking hot demon trying to do good, yet you know he'sbad; Do-gooder, always-follows-the-rules angel and wears a sweet expression. Orthe scraggly haired human boy with amazing blue eyes, who has the averageteenage problems. You remember Heaven and can take one of them with you. Whichdo you choose?

Wow, that’s a tough question.*Deep breath* I might be in love with a demon, but I know there is good in him.I guess I’d have to say a Smoking hot demon trying to do good. Whatever you do,PLEASE don’t tell Alex. He’s already on a rampage; he’d kill Boon if he knew.

Your secret is safe with me.

Thanks so much for having me heretoday. Ciara and Sheri were right. We should Skype or FB. I just learned aboutthem a week ago. Maybe you could help me figure out what SMH and JK mean. J

Haha...sounds great!! Maybe a blogfest, too!

Seriously folks, check out Sammy's story on Turquoise Morning Press | Amazon Kindle | Smashwords | Bookstrand | All Romance Ebooks/OmniLit, and her creator, Ciara on Facebook, Twitter, & Goodreads.

The Author & a Pageant

2011-10-04T06:01:00.000-04:00

So, I've got some news.

When I made the decision three years ago to write seriously I had no idea where that would lead me. And just like most of you, I learned quickly that writing is a journey of confidence and great joy, but also potholes and blindsiding twists.

To learn the craft, one of my many methods was to surround myself with like-minded folks--people who work hard and give of themselves on a daily basis, and yes, writers: some of the most selfless and supportive individuals I've ever known.

Back in May, I was contacted by a consultant for the Mrs. Maine America 2012 Pageant and asked to compete for this year's title. I'll admit, initially I blew the idea off, needing to completely rewrite Marked Beauty and to spend time with my four kids throughout the summer. However, after seeking the advice of others and chatting with Christie--the consultant who's fabulous, BTW--I've recently decided to compete. And I could use your help.

Your support would mean the world to me. Of course, a friendly Go get'em girl will warm my heart. I will so appreciate and need those. But the pageant is also quite costly. As you can see, I've added a widget to my right sidebar. If you'd like to help sponsor me that would be amazing!! Any donation would help.

But that's not all. Recently, a beloved teacher in my area passed away. He was diagnosed with esophageal cancer late this summer. I had him as a teacher in school, and he was also the father to one of my friends and classmates. In his honor, our local high school and a group of students have created a scholarship fund to be awarded to a senior, pursuing an education in chemistry or field of science. I've written a newspaper article free of charge in support of this effort, which was release yesterday in one newspaper and will be reprinted in others. I've decided that any monies I raise above and beyond my pageant expenses will be donated to this scholarship fund, helping to support the scholarship and also raise awareness of esophageal cancer.

I've linked the article to my paypal widget as well as above. I hope you'll read it. Not so much for me, but for this amazing teacher the world lost a few weeks ago. He had a 43-year career doing what he loved to do. My hope is that we all can learn to live our lives that way.

Pageants carry a stigma. Don't deny it; you know it's true. By participating in this pageant, I'm hoping to shed new light on pageantry and all the lessons it can teach and opportunities it can lend. (Just as former Miss Maine Ashley Underwood did when she took the challenge of being a cast member of the hit show Survivor last season.) The Mrs. America Organization has been running for 35 years. Over those years, its title holders have done countless works of charity. Their focus is on a woman's accomplishments--what she's done with her life and how she's lived it. I believe that's an important element of life, and in today's society, it's a priceless example.

My other goals are easy:

to share the experience and wisdom I've gained through my almost 20-year marriage and the joys and angst of raising four children--yeah, kind of like writing, isn't my friends?
to share my passion for writing, and the importance of regular reading and writing for children and young adults. They don't have to aspire to be professional writers when they grow up. But reading and writing can be therapeutic and teach the vital skill of dreaming. Think Big - Be Big. We never know where we can go unless we dream it first. Reading and writing can develop other skills such as confidence and the ability to formulate ideas and answers, not to mention the ability to communicate in an articulate manner.

The pageant will be held sometimes at the end of January or beginning of February. I plan on writing posts, recording my experiences to share with you. I've already had a few--as you can see from the photo shoot photos I've added to this post--so I'll have to backtrack. I've also started a separate Facebook page. Would you please head over and Like it for me?

Thank you in advance for your support!!

Hearts,
S~