My First...

2014 was riddled with firsts for this girl! I feel like the learning curve was pretty steep. There were times when I felt like the proverbial cartoon character who runs headlong into a wall and slides to the floor with a screeeeeeee! 

Of course, there were also the times when I felt like the Queen of Everything. Little Miss Oh-So-Popular. Let's be honest, those were the best!

Since it was also my first year with a bonafide website, all of the ups and downs are nicely documented. And since it's an anniversary of sorts, I'm sharing them with you!  Enjoy!

My Year of Firsts:

• The first time I called myself a writer. In public. Out loud. (And yes, people were quite surprised.)
• The first time I became a dot.com. Seriously, I had no idea what I was doing. (Most days I still don't. I just do my best to be genuine and positive--or at least funny--in my online interactions.)
• My first writing conference. I was so scared. And everyone was so lovely. I can't wait to go back this year.
• The first time I worked with professional editors. That was interesting. You never know what will happen when you pass your work onto someone else. In my case, I couldn't have been more happy. They caught a multitude of rookie mistakes, helped define my characters, and basically made me look good! Thanks Cedar Fort!
• My first Geek Fest at Salt Lake Comic Con! Let's just say I found my Mecca... And yes, I discovered that I can rock Geek Chic! (And I'm going back! Doctor Who Panel--what?!)
• The first time I saw Becoming Beauty's cover. Can you say gorgeous? The moment was swoon worthy. I've never enjoyed looking at any boy as much as I have loved looking at my cover. (Okay, maybe Stephen Amell. Or Tom Hiddleston.)
• The first time I could call myself an author because my book had been picked up! Of course, I had to establish an online presence. Inside, I was still freaking out and feeling like an impostor. Outside, I was pasting on a big smile and pretending like I'd done it all before.
• The first time I held my book in my hands. And took my first #BookSelfie. That was surreal, wonderful, and terrible all at once.
• Running my first Blog Tour. Again, so scary. Who knows what people will really say when you ask them what they really think. But they were all so kind, patient, honest, and for the most part complimentary. (And yes, they do it for free! Amazing, amazing people! I'm so happy to have connected with them)
• My first Book Launch Extravaganza. My family and friends basically took over Barnes & Noble. The staff members were so kind! I loved working with them. It was absolutely awesome. And each author event I've done since then has been a reward in itself.

Yes, it's been an amazing year. More than anything, it has been a journey worth taking. While I can't say I've loved every minute, I wouldn't trade the experience for anything. After all, a girl only has so many firsts. 

Thanks, my dears, for all you kindness, support, and love. I wouldn't have made it without you! xoxoxo

The Versatile Blogger Award

Such an honor just to be nominated! Because, let't be honest, the only thing I've ever won is a big white Christmas bear (I think we called him Chris...awww, the originality of the tween years).

All joking aside, I really am honored to be nominated for the Versatile Blogger Award, mostly because I get to share the love with other exemplary bloggers.  Oh, and I get to tell you a little more about myself at the end.

First off, let me recognize the lovely and talented Claudia Y. Burgoa who nominating me for the award. Thanks, dear!  Follow the link to learn more about her.

Here are a bunch of phenomenal writers, bloggers, authors and artists you might enjoy meeting (links are embedded):

• Prairie Wife  Fashion, recipes, & darn good stories
• Cindy Iverson Artist, photographer, & web designer, as well as a born inspiration
• Eve Jacob Talented writer and all-round funny girl
• Fiona Quinn Author inspiring other writers with cool tips like surviving the zombie apocalypse with only the items in your heroine's handbag
• BeYouDesignsUt Fashionista with a penchant for thrifting, bargains, and journaling
• Jo Ann Schneider Author, kung-fu fighter, & weaver of awesome tales
• StuckInScared Writer sharing the hope she's found in the midst of hardship
• Karen Soutar Driving instructor by day & gifted writer by night
• Gina Stoneheart Writer with a passion for fostering youth education & creativity

And Seven Things About Me:

(Don't worry, I'll make 'em good!)

1. I love rollerskating! That's right, I'm thirty-something and nothing makes me feel more free than buzzing about in my fabulous white and baby blue, old-school, boot skates.  I keep them in the trunk of my car, because you just never know when you might need them.
2. Chocolate and I have an unhealthy relationship.  It taunts me from afar and not-so-afar with it's creamy goodness.  But I usually come out on top of the situation!
3. Hobbity feet run in the family, so I keep my toenails painted to distract from the squareness of my feeties. At present, my toesies are sporting neon pink with bejeweled flowers. So fancy!
4. As a young girl, I wanted to be a singer. Okay, originally I wanted to be Dolly Parton, but that dream died with my early affinity for country music.  The dream transformed to performing solos in a slinky, sequined dress...which I never actually did either.  However, I always maintain a presence in some sort of vocal group, even if it's just the church choir.
5. I have always loved books.  My aunt introduced me to Anne Shirley as a tender age and I have never looked back!  
6. During my girlhood, I relied greatly on the enchanting power of my three dimples and smiled instead of talking to people.  No one believes it now, but I truly was the shy girl who'd rather be reading books.
7. Until a couple of years ago, I had never shared my writing with anyone.  So in December, when I received the email from Cedar Fort saying they wanted to publish Becoming Beauty, I was ecstatic, to say the least.  All the pounding on the floor and shouting probably put the downstairs neighbor's dog into a hissy fit.  

Thanks, for stopping in!