Middle Grade Holiday Reads, IWSG, & Giveaways!

I've decided to end Writer's Alley's 2016 sharing an amazing list of potential middle grade reads for your holiday list and also summing up my fears and insecurities for this year, so please bare with this long post. TY! 

First things first: debut middle grade books from my fellow @TheSweet16s authors. Seriously, this was a huge year for MG readers. Such talent in this group. Even better? They are amazing people and they want to chat with you! Visit their sites and leave them a message. Better yet - check out their next book signing. And ooh, a few are even offering up a goodie or two for you to enter to win! 

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Goodreads Link   Goodreads Link  Goodreads Link  Goodreads Link  Goodreads Link

My Review | Purchase          My Review | Purchase          My Review | Purchase

My Review | Purchase       My Review | Purchase       My Review | Purchase

My Review | Purchase        My Review | Purchase       My Review | Purchase

My Review | Purchase        My Review | Purchase 

Read on for my next contribution to Shannon Messenger's MMGM genius plan  to give middle grade reads their just due! Click HERE for the other participants.

~And now my giveaways~

My Review | Purchase

FROM THE GRAVE by Cynthia Reeg
Description: Monster is as monster does, but Frankenstein Frightface Gordon is totally the wrong shade of ghastly green—pale, baby blue, in fact—and he's more concerned with keeping his pants neat and tidy than scaring the pants off his victims. But when a new law is passed to rid Uggarland of misfits such as Frank, he must decide if he will become the monster his parents can be proud of or be the monster he can be proud of. Trusting the monsterliest monster he knows, Frank looks to the grave and his dead grandmother to make his choice, entering into an adventure that will either seal his doom or prove he is truly monster enough. 

Goodreads | Purchase

THE HAUNTED HOUSE PROJECT by Tricia Clasen
Description: Since her mom died, Andie’s family has crumbled. Instead of working, her dad gambles away insurance money, while her sister, Paige, has put her future on hold in order to pick up extra waitressing shifts. Andie’s afraid of what will happen if people find out just how bad things are. She’s not sure how long she can hide the fact that there’s no food or money in the house...or adults, for that matter.
When her science partner suggests they study paranormal activity, Andie gets an idea. She wants a sign from her mom—anything to tell her it’s going to be okay. Maybe the rest of her family does too. So she starts a project of her own. Pretending to be her mother’s ghost, Andie sprays perfume, changes TV channels, and moves pictures. Haunting her house is Andie’s last hope to bring her family back into the land of the living.   For anyone who loved Counting by 7s, The Haunted House Project is a journey through loss and grief, but ultimately a story of hope and self-reliance. As much as Andie has been changed by her mother’s death, the changes she makes herself are the ones that are most important. 

Review | Purchase

TREASURE AT LURE LAKE by Shari Schwarz
Description: An epic adventure—that’s all Bryce wants this summer. So when he stumbles upon a treasure map connected to an old family secret, Bryce is determined to follow the clues to unearth both, even it means hiking in the wilderness in the middle of nowhere. Bryce must work with his bickering brother, Jack, or they may never see the light of day again!

Goodreads | Purchase

THE VOYAGE TO MAGICAL NORTH by Claire Fayers
Description: Twelve-year-old Brine Seaborne is a girl with a past--if only she could remember what it is. Found alone in a rowboat as a child, clutching a shard of the rare starshell needed for spell-casting, she's spent the past years keeping house for an irritable magician and his obnoxious apprentice, Peter.
When Brine and Peter get themselves into a load of trouble and flee, they blunder into the path of the legendary pirate ship the Onion. Before you can say "pieces of eight," they're up to their necks in the pirates' quest to find Magical North, a place so shrouded in secrets and myth that most people don't even think it exists. If Brine is lucky, she may find out who her parents are. And if she's unlucky, everyone on the ship will be eaten by sea monsters. It could really go either way. 
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Goodreads | Purchase

I also hope you'll keep my middle grade debut, 

MOTLEY EDUCATION, on your holiday reading list! 

And as an added incentive here's a separate giveaway that ends on the same date: December 25!  

Keep watch on Twitter between December 19 & 24 to Enter for your chance to WIN one of two Motley Education prize packages!  Both prizes contain: a signed bookmark, ghostly pencil, Motley Mulisha customized notebook, stickers, a beautifully printed map of Yggdrasil showcasing Ebony & Fleishman's travels in Yggdrasil so far, and some ghoulish hot chocolate encased in a coffin! Get it - the Boneyard. *wink, wink*  Look for the hashtags @TheSweet16s & @SA_Larsen. 

My newsletter subscribers get to earn extra entries. If you'd like to earn extra entries as well just sign up HERE and I'll send you off the newsletter with all the deets!
So how does all of this play into a final fear or insecurity for 2016? Easy, just look at all the work so many talented writers accomplished. Yes, I was blessed to be part of it. But, honestly, can I keep it up? Do I have what it takes? Will life constantly keep getting in the way? My debut young adult novel is releasing in March, and I'm so far behind with all my other writing I wonder if I'll be able to pull it all off.
I could go on and on with those sorts of questions, but I won't. Instead I'll give you my answer to these questions, anymore like them clogging up the highway to my creativity, and to give you a little inspiration for the upcoming year. My answer is simply one word: YES. And you have what it takes, too. 
Note: Speaking of the new YA, if you'd like to help out either revealing the cover or being part of my blog tour feel free to leave a comment below or enter your name HERE. I'll get in touch when I know more.💖
(The purpose of the IWSG is to share and encourage, posting on the first Wednesday of each month. You'll find writer doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Support and a common understanding spread throughout the group as many fellow writers can relate. Feel free to JOIN in anytime.)
Have a safe & enjoyable holiday season.  I wish you all much success in 2017! Looking forward to all we'll do together.  XOXO...

A RARE NATIVITY by Sam Besson

It's almost that time of the year. The sound of wrapping paper tearing, families gathering, and all that puffy white stuff floating gingerly from the sky. Unless you live where I do and it comes down bolder-size served on a torrential wind.

It's the holiday season. Yes, I know if you're an American you're already thinking "Geez, it's not even Thanksgiving yet." And I agree.

Normally.

Because from the moment I first read this book I knew I had to share it with you.

Amazon * Deseret Book

A Rare Nativity (32 pages) 

by Sam Besson 

Publisher: Ensign Peak
Released: September 8, 2015
Format: Hardcover

Description: We have all heard the song The Twelve Days of Christmas, and we have all seen the traditional Christmas crèche. Now, author Sam Beeson and photographers Nina and Terral Cochran combine these two classic Christmas icons to create A Rare Nativity. Upon reading the first lines of the book, it is clear the narrator holds a bitter grudge as he sends his enemy crude and discarded gifts: On the first night of Christmas I gave my enemy a briar from a tanglewood tree. On the second night of Christmas I gave my enemy two rotten eggs. Night after night the gifts pile up shards of glass, rusty nails, gnarled twigs, and more. What the narrator s enemy decides to do with each of these odious gifts is nothing less than a Christmas miracle. The photographic creation of the rare nativity at the end of the book is both a work of art and a wonder to behold.

COVETED! MUST HAVE!

My Splats: Internally Moving & Powerfully Self-Reflecting!

Most people are familiar, at least on some level, with the song The Twelve Days of Christmas. It could be surmised as a playful countdown of gifts given in successive order until Christmas morning. But in reality, the true meaning of the song are hidden beliefs of the Catholic faith to help young children during a time when it was illegal to practice or teach the faith. A Rare Nativity takes the latter even farther.

The story is written in a similar rhyme and rhythm, yet it's really worlds apart. At the onset, it's easy to see the narrator of the story has ill feelings toward another person. He is hurt, angry, and cold. Vengeance has infected his heart, and by the sound of it, it's probably just due. But whose duty is it to exact vengeance?

The reader is taken on a journey of self-reflection and put into the shoes of this narrator. A dark place has taken of his mind ... and his heart. Unspoken words flow from the text - What would you do? There's concentration on the offense and the pain it's caused the narrator, but then ... a moment, one that gives the narrator pause and shifts his gears - the offender asks for forgiveness.

Well, this throws the narrator into a tailspin of which I'm not going to share for fear of giving too much away. Just know that despite this being a short read (I think it took me five minutes, if that.), it is extremely powerful. The images are simplistic, yet move the soul, and the words give the reader a chance to reflect on pain caused by another. How did we choose to receive that pain and in what vain - with an open or closed heart? And if it's with a closed heart, who does that really damage?

One final note: the ending is brilliantly poetic and stirs the heart. Every home should have a copy for the holiday season.

TOUR SCHEDULE

About the Author Sam Beeson gives himself annual writing assignments. In 2005, he wrote a poem a day. In 2007, he wrote about his wife every day. In 2015, each day he wrote a handwritten letter to someone new. Sam teaches high school English and loves reading the journals of his ancestors.

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com eGift Card or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from <a href="http://iamareader.com" target="_blank">I Am A Reader</a> and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Time to Reflect

Another season of holiday festivities is upon us. Despite all the hustle and bustle, all the shopping lines and gift wrapping, all the cooking and baking, we just remember what a gift this time of the year truly is - 

It's the time to reflect on all we've been given and accomplished.

I'M EVEN THANKFUL FOR ALL OF THIS.
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We are creatures of habit. Whether we like to admit it or not, we crave order and structure. Stepping out of our boxes is fun, exciting, and necessary at times. But, a society must keep some sort of order or chaos will destroy all future growth. That same philosophy applies to family, work, and other parts of life. So, this time to reflect is also something we've been given, something to be thankful for, and to not take for granted. This season, handle it with care.

  Thanksgiving, after all, is a word of action. ~W.J. Cameron

We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures. ~Thornton Wilder
A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all the other virtues. ~Cicero
I'm thankful for each one of you. Have a wonderful week! 
Lastly, I'll be putting together another Writer's Pledge for 2015, and this year I'll be incorporating a Twitter list of participants with a hashtag to support each other throughout 2015. What are your thoughts on that? (Feel free to share the idea and invite others to leave their suggestions/comments below.)

The Halloween King & A Few Halloween Fun Facts

Life is in constant motion. Sometimes it pushes us forward, and we're filled with encouragement. Other times it assaults us, forcing us backwards and stripping us of our confidence. Either way, there is growth to be had. 
One lesson I've learned over and over again through both the above types of life elements is that humor and letting go can be therapeutic. Here's some Halloween therapy to lighten your day and feed you a bit of useless knowledge - you know, in case you end up on Family Feud or something.

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Did you know that the turnip can claim victory as the first official Jack-O-Lantern?      - Yup. Weird, and I bet it stunk, too.
In the olden days (apply phrase to self as it applies), owls were thought to be witches. Guess what it meant when they hooted?       - Someone was going to die. Mmwwhaaaa...
Any idea what Souling means?       - Poor people would visit homes and instead of receiving treats they offered prayers for the household's dead in exchange for a soul cake.
Yeah. So what's a soul cake?      - Soul cakes are small round cakes that kind of     look like biscuits. 
What's the deal with all the orange and black for the Halloween season?       - Orange was always thought to represent the harvest during the Fall season, where the gruesome side to the holiday is felt through the color black representing death. 
Other titles for Halloween have been...?      - Witches Night, All Hallows Eve, Samhain Eve, Summer's End, All Saints Eve, Snap Apple Night, to name a few.

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Have you ever heard of Samhain Eve? (I've heard of Samhain, but not with the eve.) Want to know why the eve is added here?       - Samhain is the Irish word for November, so technically adding Eve makes the phrase say October 31st. 
And why Snap Apple Night? Kind of a weird way to refer to Halloween, right?       - Snap Apple Night is the title of a painting (1833) by Daniel Maclise depicting a Halloween party. No, really. It is. Google it. 
Now, for my personal fun fact....
We live in a fairly large neighborhood of cul-du-secs and horseshoe streets. It would be safe to say that this area is one of the busiest on Halloween night. Families come by the van-full and park their vehicles along the streets. Kids pile out and are allowed to roam freely, usually in groups or bunches. Most adults walk the streets, too, carrying flashlights. And yes, we as the adults who resided in the neighborhood would have fun too.
When my four children where younger, they'd come home at the night's end with enough candy to literally fill a kitchen garbage bag if not half another one, too. It was crazy. Of course, my mother's radar would go off, thinking their teeth would be rotten within a few weeks if I let them eat all that. 
This is where the Halloween King came into existence, at least in our home anyway. I'd collect all my kids' candy, allowing them each to choose a few favorite pieces to set aside. They'd stack their individual stashes of Halloween pride near the fireplace and head off to bed. Once they were asleep, I'd collect all the candy and replace it with a wrapped present for each child. And just like Christmas morning, the kids would rush downstairs to see what special new gadget, toy, book, or whatever they'd received. Not once did they rush downstairs in the morning and complain about having to give up their candy. 
But the REAL winner was my husband. He got to take all the candy to work with him and become the hero to all his employees - The REAL Halloween King. 
It worked for our family. Maybe it could work for yours. AND btw - this is one of the picture books I'm writing. 
Do you have any Halloween traditions in your family?

What Attitude Do You Want To Exercise?

“God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say “thank you?”  — William A. Ward
Dang. Now doesn't that put things into perspective?
So often I get caught up in my lists and sticky note reminders of To-Dos that I forget the Why in the reason I wake up each morning. The Why in sending my kids off to school. The Why in making dinner or doing laundry or banging my head against my desk to get the next sentence out in the novel I'm working on. 
When the internet goes out, my frustration is immediate. Instead, I should remember what it was like to exist with no internet at all. Before the world was instantly connected at the click of a key or two. Before computers the size of small houses went the way of laptops and tablets that process word docs but also music.
When my car won't start or I'm almost out of gas, my frustration is immediate. Instead, I need to think back to that first car I owned - a 1987 Renault. It wasn't pretty. And frankly, it probably wasn't even safe. But guess what? It was mine and the only maintenance it required was to spit in the gas tank and it would go.
Then there's my biggest accomplishment of my life. And there are four of them. My kids. I can't even tell you the utter chaos, irritation, vexation, and genuine befuddlement these breathing mongrels have brought into my life. Trust me, with my oldest being twenty, I've had plenty of those emotions and more that could probably stuff a freight train. And like my other examples, I often find myself focusing on all the struggle instead of the miracle of being entrusted with four other human beings. 
If I let that thought simmer, just for a moment, I'm overcome with tears. Then the images of their births reel across my inner screen. And though there were four, each birth was individual and different. Memories shift to older times, battles with bedtime or prayers or brushing teeth. All of which bring a quirky smile to my face now. 
How is it that we lose ourselves in the mist of turmoil to look back in hindsight and chuckle? What prompts us to be so in the negative that we lose sight of the bigger picture? 
This Thanksgiving, I'm making myself a promise: to focus on the good and positive in my life, letting the rest slide into the ditch. The times when my kids argue, I'll be thankful that I even have them. The times I'll be stuck in traffic, I'll be thankful that I have a care and the money to fill it with gas. The next time it rains or snows or the winds blow strongly that it ruins a day at the beach or camp, I'll be thankful for at least being alive.
So, I have to ask. What attitude do you want to exercise?
During this post of being so thankful, I must give a big birthday shout-out to one of my kids. Kate is our third child and she turns 15 today! 
THEN ...

NOW ...

Happy Birthday, Katelynn!

To my American brothers and sisters - have a safe, wonderful, and grateful Thanksgiving holiday. See you next week. This question is for everyone: What's your favorite holiday treat?

I'm Grateful 4 U!

Because of you...                           Cyberspace is much nicer. Because of you...                           I have a reason to return each day. Because of you...                           My heart often feels warmer. Because of you...                           I've grown in confidence, purpose, and intellect. Because of you...                           I feel like I belong to a very special family of writers and readers.  ((Group HUGS!))    And because of all that, I'm participating in a cyber GIVEAWAY HOP in honor of all of you! From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for following Writer's Alley, for visiting and commenting, and for sharing in my journey as an author, a mother, and a friend. You are very special. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway  Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the participating authors & bloggers. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
BELOW, I've included the list of all participants. This is all about YOU, so make sure to visit some of them.

Just A Few SPOOK~tacular Vibes

This is my third year celebrating Halloween with all of you through the Alleyway. I've done the post about fun and quirky Halloween facts, as well as the spooky post. I think I even did a funny one, last year. I've decided to change it up, yet again, by sharing one Spook-tacular read, one useless piece of knowledge, and one piece of ME!

My first choice of book is an MG spill on a fantasy classic.

AMAZON | B&N | BOOKS-A-MILLION | GOODREADS

Cinderskella (Scarely Ever After #1) by Amie Borst; Bethanie Borst
Genre: Paranormal
Released: October 26, 2013
Publisher: Jolly Fish Press
Pages: 255

Description: Cindy is just a normal 11¾-year-old. At least until she wakes up one night and finds out she’s dead. Well, she isn’t technically dead—she just doesn’t have any hair . . . or a nose . . . or skin. Yep—all bones, no body. 

Human by day and skeleton by night, Cindy is definitely cursed. And because her mother recently died, Cindy has no one to turn to except a father who’s now scared of her and an evil stepmother who makes her do the housecleaning with a toothbrush. To make matters worse, the Spring Fling dance is approaching, and Ethan, the cutest boy in sixth grade, doesn’t seem to know Cindy exists. Of course, Cindy doesn’t think letting Ethan find out she’s part skeleton is the best way to introduce herself.

While facing such perils as pickled pig’s feet, a wacky fortune teller, and a few quick trips to the Underworld, Cindy’s determined to break the curse—even for a single night.

Both on Facebook  | Amie Twitter | Blog | Pinterest 

     Amie Borst still believes in unicorns, uses glitter whenever possible and accessorizes in pink. She enjoys eating chocolate while writing and keeps a well-stocked stash hidden away from her family. A native New Yorker she currently resides in Northern Virginia with her husband, three children and a cute dog named Lily. She wishes she had a hot-pink elevator with carnival lights to travel the world. But for now, her minivan will have to do.      

     Bethanie Borst is a spunky 13-year-old who is an avid archer with Olympic dreams, enjoys the outdoors, loves reading and is quick to make lasting friendships. When she is not writing, she swings on a star.

Although I have yet to read this book, I believe it's a great read for this season. I can't wait to read it myself. And hey, how cool is it that Mom & Daughter wrote it together? LUV that!

Ooh, & one more thing: the fab duo of Borst & Borst are hosting a giveaway! Spread the word for them!
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☠Useless Knowledge☠

As some of you may already know, Halloween gets its roots from the Celtic festival of Samhain and the Christian holiday of All Saint's Day. In Old English 'All Hallows' means 'the feast of the saints'.

See the connection? Yeah. But check this out: Halloween in the 16th century is a derivative of All Hallows-Even--even meaning evening. Eventually, the 'v' was left out, leaving the 'een' or at the time spelled Hallowe'en. Weird, huh? Someone dropped the ('), which gave us Halloween by the 20th century.

I told you it was useless knowledge. 

And for the ONE PIECE OF ME....

...a way spook-licious tree and skull dudes for my desk!

Do you have any useless Halloween holiday info to share? Do you like my tree???

Pinterest Reflection

Yesterday I was up over on Oasis for YA. Mind taking a gander over there and sharing your thoughts about the latest, greatest social media time-sucker??

No. Serious. I think I made a few good points on how a writer can use Pinterest to reflect and find inspiration.

AND for all of you who are or know a woman like this ... 

... raise your hand and leave a comment, sharing something silly, funny, or downright weird about motherhood that you've experienced. 

~Happy Mother's Day!!~

Rebel Writer's Pledge 2012

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!!





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

A Holiday Break...

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...

Spookfest!!

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!