Blog Touring: Golden Gown

Every novel deserves a chance to shine and my newest fairy tale retelling Golden Gown is no different! What does that mean? It's time for another blog tour!

Golden Gown's Blog Tour is going to be unique. In addition to a giveaway, my social media specialist, writer Amy Hubbard, will host several games that will run during the duration of the tour, May 28-June 14. Also, Becoming Beauty and Midnight Sisters on eBook will be on sale for 99 cents!

On several of the blog stops. you'll get to learn something new about the cast of Golden Gown, from mischievous Rumpelstiltskin (Gilberto De la Vega) to nosy neighbors. It promises to be fun! Check back in over the next couple of weeks to take advantage of all the exciting things that are going on!

May 28 Inkings and Notions (Gilberto De la Vega)

May 29 Tressa's Wishful Endings

May 30 Cindy C Bennett (Elyse Morley)

June 2 Half Agony Half Hope (Lady Lydia & Clara Demmings)

June 3 Blooming with Books 

June 4 Literary Timeout 

June 5 Katie’s Clean Book Collection 

June 12 Jo Ann Schneider (Royal Family)

June 13 A Backwards Story 

Follow the Online Launch Party for games and giveaways during the blog tour. Also, you're invited to the Launch Party at Endless Indulgence to pick up a signed copy of Golden Gown!

Check my Events page for updates, then come gab with me and my author friends in person, participate in giveaways, contests, and whatnot!

Let's play!

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A Little Romance

Life has been busy lately. My summer life is transforming into my fall life. Writing full-time is making way for working full-time and listening for the call of my characters will make way for learning the needs of my students. My summer story is nearly written and with the opening of the school year, a new chapter unfolds. 

This summer, my journey has been marked with morning walks, morning talks, and so many stories. My heart is swayed by romance and as I roam around my school instead of my neighborhood and fall in love with adorable five-year-olds instead of my own characters, I'll continue searching for a little romance.

Perhaps you too are trying to reconcile a summer life with a regular life and you could use an extra smile and a giggle. If so, maybe you could benefit from a little escape nestled between the pages.

Ross Poldark: A Novel of Cornwall, Winston Graham. I first met Ross Poldark in the PBS Masterpiece series Poldark. Because Aidan Turner, my friends. Since I discovered that it's based on a series of novels, I've been dying to get my hands on them. And guess what? They're fantastic. Ross's courage and inborn romance will win anyone's heart. 

I Am The Messenger, Markus Zusak. Zusak's style is both masterful and delightful. In this tale, he weaves the story of good-for-nothing Ed Kennedy who is given another chance to connect with humanity. Or Ed will be punished by the unknown master calling the shots. 

Vanessa and Her Sister, Priya Parmar. Parmar weaves a tale around the life and times of Vanessa Bell, artist and sister of Virginia Woolf. Historical Fiction will always be one of my favorite genres. It always sends me scurrying to the internet and library for more information on the events and historical figures portrayed in the novels. Vanessa and Her Sister is captivating, inspiring, beautiful, and heartbreaking.

Remembrandt, Robin King. Alex Stewart has a eidetic memory. She recalls everything she has ever seen with prefect clarity. When she's recruited by a secret organization, she finds her skills put to the test as a secret operative and her heart pulled in another direction by a handsome stranger. King's first novel in the series is both intriguing and youthful.

This Lullaby, Sarah Dessen. Dessen's novels paint a world of heartbreak and joy, youth and folly. And regardless of the fact that they are Young Adult novels, they always reveal a ribbon of truth running through the middle. This Lullaby follows the carefully plotted out last summer of Remy. She's leaving her eccentric author mother and newly-in-love brother for Stanford in a few short months. The only thing that's missing from her life is one short-term summer romance. She doesn't expect Dexter, a messy, quirky musician to claim more of her life or more of her heart than she's willing to give.

A Little Bit in Love, Susan E. Fletcher. Novels that give new life and breadth to a character we thought we knew always intrigue me. Eponine, from Les Miserables, is reimagined in this gorgeously woven tale of grit, romance, and heartbreak. It follows the path that led Eponine to Paris and Marius and love. We may know how her story ends, but now we can know her heart.

* * *

As for me, I'm only a few scenes away from finishing my third novel, beginning the task of editing and polishing and pruning, collaborating to create cover art, and starting a new novel. Oh yes, and educating another group of adorable five-year-olds! Stay tuned for news on both! Thanks for reading!

Note: The above novels, with the exception of Remembrant, may feature language, strong themes, sex, or other elements you may not appreciate. Please read responsibly.

Featured: Take Two

Setting up a blog tour is a tricky business.

In doing so, a few things might happen.

• Some bloggers are so popular that they won't fit into your blog tour schedule.
• The format of your tour might not mesh with the style of some authors' websites or blogs. 
• People you hadn't contacted previously will invite you to guest post for them as well.

If busy bloggers or stylistically different authors love you enough, they'll offer to feature you at a later date. Unless you're on your deathbed, agree to guest post with a BIG smile. If they suggest content that doesn't mesh with your style, do your research and find a way to make it your own.

That's where I've been since January. I've been a-guest posting! I've covered a number of different topics from humorous to serious, as well as earning a few more book reviews.

Winter through Spring I was hosted by:

PrairieWifeInHeels: 
Midnight Sisters, wherein PrairieWife invites me back to share Midnight Sisters with her readers as part of We Love Our Readers Month of Giveaways. (Don't worry, it's an annual event! They'll do giveaway month again next year!)

Sacha Black: 
5 Obnoxious Questions People Ask Writers, because non-writerly folks just don't get it. But we won't get offended, will we, my darlings? Nope. We'll get even.

Carol J. Hedges: 
10 Ways I'm Crazy Enough to be an Indie Author, where I reveal just how crazy I am and how it works in my favor in the indie publishing world. Certifiable and proud, my dears!

Getting Your Read On: 
Midnight Sisters, a lovely review of Midnight Sisters from book blogger Aimee. She was initially unsure about reading another version of Twelve Dancing Princesses, until she sank her teeth into this one! Here's to romance and quirky plots!

OTV Magazine: 
A Call to Arms. A Call to Love, explores the power of women, kindness and love in the battle for equality. Having a loud voice and a list of grievances isn't enough, we must work together effectively instead of assigning of blame.

* * *

During my blog tour, Midnight Sisters was accepted for review by Rosie Amber's Review Team. 

Barb Taub: Barb discusses the history of and universal appeal of fairy tales. Then she shares her thoughts about Midnight Sisters in a beautiful and thoughtful out review.

Shelley Wilson: Shelley, who is a fellow Young Adult author, discusses the ins and out of the characters and twists in Midnight Sisters and how much she enjoyed this original version of Twelve Dancing Sisters.

* * *

During spring and early summer I was hosted by:

Denise Derrico: Explore my deepest author secrets (and a whole lot of nerdiness) along with author Denise Derrico.

Lisette's Writers' Chateau: Published authors have been lying to you for years. Want to know the Dirty Dark Secrets of publishing no one talks about? I'm spilling the beans!

On Writing & Wellness, I share my battle with carpal tunnel syndrome, severe allergies, and traditional publishing and how I came out the other side with improved health and another published book.

Reviews: Give 'em to me!

My background is in academic writing rather than creative writing, so I have a different perspective on constructive criticism than the run-of-the-mill author.

Basically, I get really excited when people review my books. And I don't despise three-star reviews.

Let me say that again: I don't despise three star reviews.

Why not?

Having a variety of reviews legitimizes books and authors. Even those one- and two-star reviews that make writers wonder if readers actually finished the book. In fact, books with all five star reviews make my eye twitch. I think, Really? There was nothing wrong with it? There wasn't a time when you wished the author had gone in a different direction? Or a character you fell in love with who didn't get enough screen time?

Success in the literary world is a numbers game. Reaching new readers is the name of the game. And when you share your book with the world, you have to be prepared for honesty, even from your friends and family. For instance, at my launch party for Becoming Beauty, my dad sat down with me and outlined some of the issues with my first novel. The novel I was at that moment launching. I think I blinked at him. A lot. But I listened and made notes for my subsequent novels.

That's what we do.

The second we decide we know everything about our craft, we may as well retire. Because apparently we have nothing new to offer the literary world. Keep learning from your mistakes, my friends, and move forward. Swallow that ego and open your ears.

So, how do you get reviews?

Well, it helps when you have a publishing house behind you. Cedar Fort sent my books to libraries and librarians and reviewers. Using their database, I made personal contact with Becoming Beauty's blog tour participants. They're the ones who started the ball rolling. I've done the same with Midnight Sisters. A blog tour is a lot of work, especially if you'd like something more than cookie cutter posts, but it's well worth it to reach new readers and reviewers.

And feel free to beg. Writers can't be afraid to ask for reviews. They just need to be ready for a few iffy reviews. Learn from each book you publish and grow with each project.

So here it comes! Are you ready? If you've read my books, hop on Amazon or Goodreads and leave me a review. Good. Bad. Meh. I'll take them all! Just give your honest impressions and click the submit button! It's like sharing your favorite brand of Girl Scout Cookies, people will take your opinion into consideration.

Peanut butter & chocolate. Mmmmm...

By the way, the correct answer is Tagalongs, my friends. Yes, Tagalongs.

If you're a writer (or in any other review-driven field) wondering how to deal with negative reviews, I'm there for you too! We all have a few stinkers in the bunch. We grin and bear it and remember that exposure is always good.

Ladybug's Garden {Book Review}

The fact that I teach kindergarten and have done so for the past decade means everyone assumes I write children's books. 

It does make sense. I'm sort of an expert. But it takes a certain something to write an appealing children's book and I am far too obsessed with big words to attempt it.

However, I still follow a number of children's authors and illustrators on Twitter because I fully appreciate what they do. So, when I was invited to participate in Ladybug's Garden Blog Tour, I came right on board! Ladybug's Garden is a sweet story that touches on the importance of attending to the needs of others. Since we've been discussing community helpers in my classroom lately, I introduced Ladybug's Garden to my kindergartners.

Kindergartners' Response to Ladybug's Garden:
Out of the fifteen children, twelve enjoyed the story and three were unsure if they liked it. (BTW all three were boys. All the girls present liked Ladybug's Garden.) After reading the book, we discussed what they liked or did not like about the story and how they felt about the illustrations.

Me: What did you like about the story?
Boy: Well, ladybug helped bee and snail. It made me feel happy.
Boy: They made it up the hill. That made me happy.
Girl: She made everyone help. I like that they made her a party.

Me: What did you not like about the story?
Boy: The snail was going slow. He couldn't deliver so much.

Me: What did you think about the illustrations?
Girl: I liked all of them.

Overall, it was a very positive response from the Schofields' intended audience. Ladybug's Garden is especially appealing to girls. They appreciated both the story, the illustration, and the fact that it was written and illustrated by younger authors. I believe that when I add it to our classroom library, students will choose to reread it. 

My Response:
Initially, I didn't fall in love with Ladybug's Garden. but when I shared it with children, I enjoyed the rhythmic flow and bright illustrations much more. I think this would be a wonderful story to share with the youngsters in your life. As an adult, I would probably rate it as 3.5 stars.

Ladybug's Garden Coverart

About the Book:

When Ladybug receives an invitation to a picnic, she prepares a basket of treats to share and sets off into the garden. On her way, Ladybug notices several bugs in need. She happily stops to help them, but worries she won’t make it in time. When Ladybug finally reaches the picnic, she discovers a sweet surprise! Watch the trailer for Ladybug's Garden for more details!

Annabella & Sofia Schofield

About the Authors:

Anabella and Sofia Schofield are sixteen-year-old twin sisters and best friends. When asked in preschool what they wanted to be when they grew up, both responded, “A ladybug!” Their goals have changed, but they’re happy to be writing about a ladybug now! Ladybug’s Garden began as a project the authors wrote and illustrated at age thirteen. In their spare time, Anabella and Sofia enjoy reading, writing, watching movies, photography, music, and art.

Ladybug's Garden is available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

See what everyone is saying about Ladybug's Garden! 

Ladybug’s Garden Blog Tour Schedule:

February 8: Mom Read It

February 9: Beach Bound Books

February 10: Book Review Mama

February 11: I Heart Reading {Pre-launch Party}

February 12: TheReader’s Salon

Books Direct {Review & Giveaway}

Pop’s Blog {Author Interview}

February 13: Little Fox Reads {Author Interview}

February 14: Life with A

SolaFide Publishing Blog

February 15: Katie’s Clean Book Collection

February 16: Cranial Hiccups

Two Heartbeats

February 17: Sarah Boucher

February 18: The Resistance

Calling All {Book} Bloggers!

I'm pleased to announce the Blog Tour for my second Young Adult novel, Midnight Sisters. a twist on the fairytale classic The Twelve Dancing Princesses.

The blog tour will run from January 9th through the 20th, and will feature each of the main characters. That means all twelve troublesome noblewomen and two rather smitten gardeners will have their moment in the limelight. The blog tour will culminate in the Midnight Sisters book launch at Endless Indulgence of Ogden on January 21st.

In conjunction with the blog tour, Midnight Sisters will be released in paperback and eBook, Becoming Beauty in eBook will be on sale for 99 cents, and I'll hold various giveaways and run other special promotions for both books.

Here's the line up for the Midnight Sisters blog tour:

January 9: R.K. Grow
January 10: Blooming with Books
January 11: Eclectic Alli (Passionate Geek Feature)
January 11: Mel's Shelves
January 12: Adrienne Quintana
January 12: A Backwards Story
January 13: Bookworm Lisa
January 13: Perfect Beginnings
January 14: Cindy C. Bennett
January 15: Inkings and Notions
January 16: Wishful Endings
January 16: Corinne's Garden
January 17: Katie's Clean Book Collection
January 18: Literary Timeout
January 19: The Phantom Paragrapher
January 20: Let It Be & Celebrate

All the amazing bloggers, authors, book reviewers, and writers who participated in Becoming Beauty's blog tour in 2014 have been invited to take part in The Midnight Sisters Blog Tour, but anyone who is interested is encouraged to participate too. If you'd like to claim a date for the blog tour, contact me via email using the buttons on the sidebar, on my Facebook Author Page, via Twitter, or by leaving a comment below.

Also, feel free to peruse the websites and blogs of the tour participants listed above. Who knows? You may find your next favorite read! A huge thanks to all of them for so eagerly coming on board. Also, thanks once again to Cindy Iverson for her gorgeous blog tour banner design.

The Best Friend Love Story

Back when we dreamed of tiaras, betrothals, and overused italics, my friends and I imagined the boys who'd court us. My friends fancied broody, romantic types. I vowed to marry my best friend. 

Courtesy of unsplash.com

In literature and on the big screen, the Best Friend Love Story skips the awkward getting-to-know-you season (really, who wants that?) and drops the reader into the best friend relationship. It allows for witty dialogue, inside jokes, and shared experiences that wouldn't be plausible otherwise. It's the Monica and Chandler of relationships, where conversation is more like a tennis match.

Awwww...the Bings!

For me, the hook is the transformation of that friendship into a bonafide romance. Maybe the female sees his manly physique and brilliant mind in a new light. Maybe our hero realizes that date after date ends with him going home to her. As they recognize their true feelings and face the questions, “Will I lose him?” or “Will she hate me?”every hint of closeness, every thrown away word, and every casual caress is brought under inspection.

I love that! 

It's the push and pull between Anne Shirley and Gilbert Blythe. It's the tie binding Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester that threatens to snap with too much distance. It's the reason movies like Made of Honor and My Best Friend's Wedding are so much fun. And it's why Always Will is my new favorite book.

This calls for a #BookSelfie!

Author Melanie Jacobson has a flair for creating relatable female leads. Until now, sassy Pepper Spicer was my favorite, with girl next door Lia Carswell as a close second. But conniving Hannah Becker takes the cake! She has all the sass of Pepper Spicer and depth not unlike Lia Carswell. Despite Hannah's attempts to squelch it, her attraction to her brother's best friend Will Hallerman has only grown. But he refuses to see her as the woman she has become. And he keeps giving her noogies. Blech.

Will Hallerman has finally had enough of the dating world. He's ready to find a wife and settle down. This announcement is catastrophic in Hannah Becker's world. After knowing Will her entire life and adoring him from afar since junior high school, she realizes her chance at love with him is in grave danger. 

Hannah's problem? To Will, she will never be more than his best friend's little sister. Determined to open his eyes to her charms, Hannah sets out to sabotage Will's wife hunt by placing nightmare dates in his path and taking his search on a wild goose chase. Her plan is risky, but she's willing to take a chance to catch the eye of her soul mate. (Source: Amazon)

See what I mean? Compelling stuff! I swayed between wanting to a) punch Will in the face or b) pin him to the wall and smooch him to pieces. Now if only I can find someone worth playing dirty for...

Never fear, dear readers, I'm on it!

If you'd like to learn more about Melanie Jacobson or any or her books, visit her on Amazon or Facebook, or click on any of the links embedded above to read my reviews and/or purchase her novels. Happy reading!

Need another book recommendation?
The Masculine Mystique 
A Proper Romance 
Confessions of an Austen Addict 
Book Hangover 
Author, Ninja, Fangirl 
Persuaded 
Tragically Flawed or Not

Thanks for dropping by! Feel free to share your favorite Best Friend Romances below. I love to pick up something new! 

A Proper Romance

There's something magical about a premiere novel, through it a writer's voice and style is introduced to the world. 

Along with her premiere novel, Julianne Donaldson created a new genre, the Proper Romance. Donaldson is apparently a girl like me, who enjoys a clean read without all the religious mumbo jumbo. Don't get me wrong, religion and romance have their place in life, but reading about them can become preachy and, well icky.

A Proper Romance strikes the happy medium between Christian Romance and Adult Romance. Donaldson's first book, Edenbrooke, is a perfect example. It's chock full of exuberance, humor, and first love. 

Marianne Daventry isn't your run-of-the-mill debutante. She's fond of twirling, meandering through the great outdoors, and singing ridiculous songs about cows. (Seriously.) How can she ever hope to become the type of lady worthy of a great fortune and marrying well? However, when the situation arises, Marianne must rise to the occasion, and with her sparkling sense of humor, wonderful heart, and innate clumsiness, hilarity and heartbreak are sure to be in ample supply.  

Edenbrooke is the favorite of my niece, Amy, who probably identifies a little too well with nutty/adorable/genuine Marianne. Amy's real-life romance, riddled with many a ridiculous moment, rivals Marianne's. If you enjoy a healthy dose of awkward giggle with your romance, Edenbrooke is the Proper Romance for you.

Just as the premiere novel tells a lot about a new writer, the sophomore novel reveals even more. Sophomore novels show how much the writer has grown and what storytelling skills they have refined. More than anything, seeing the direction an author takes after the first novel is fascinating. 

The entire tenor of Blackmoore is darker, more serious, and more suspenseful than Edenbrooke. Kate Worthington (not Kitty as she has been called since girlhood) faces prejudice based on her less-than-proper family relations, her past, and her friendship with a titled young man. Unraveling the threads of Kate's past alongside Henry Delafield, her best friend, is an absolute delight. And untangling her growing feelings for Henry is both delicious and heartbreaking. 

The depth and romance of Blackmoore makes it my favorite of Donaldson's novels. It's like the friend who is more interesting and solid because of the hell they've been through. Don't get me wrong, those happy-go-lucky folks are lovely and they bring the laughter, but they may not be the ones you want at your side when the crap hits the fan. 

Discovering clean books that are clever, humorous, and full of heart is the best. I can recommend them to others with a clear conscience, which is my absolute favorite. I like to think of Becoming Beauty as a Proper Romance (even though Donaldson's publisher didn't pick it up). There's just enough flirty/snarky romance to keep things interesting, but not enough to reach the ick zone. 

Find Donaldson's books on Amazon: Edenbrooke, Blackmoore, and just arriving on the scene Heir to Edenbrooke, the prequel to Edenbrooke. Oh, it's gonna be good!

I'd love to hear about your Proper Romance favorites...for instance, anything Jane Austen will do! Leave me a comment!

Welcome to the Big Time

There's nothing more fun than when you connect with someone and they say to you, Hey, I'd love to feature you on my blog. Are you interested? (Just a thought, my answer will always be OH YES!) In the last few months, I've been honored to be featured on several websites. I had such a good time, I thought I'd share it with you. Here's a recap of each and a link to the posts themselves. Enjoy!

Geek Girl: So, maybe you're a big nerd. Maybe you love things others consider super weird. It's all good. Just own it. I'm sixty types of silly and geeky and I find it makes me more interesting, and let's be honest, happy!

Writing, Health, & Wellness: As a writer and teacher, I struggle with a number of health issues. I spell them out and share how I cope regularly with what comes up with Colleen Story. Discover how I deal with everything from Writer's Block to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Lisette's Writers' Chateau: Fairytales are my life. I chat with Lisette Brodey about my obsession with them and how they've shaped my career. Also, we discuss upcoming projects, my writing and editing process, and dealing with The Writer's Suckfest. Plus, doesn't the chateau make one feel posh?

And coming soon...

Terry Tyler: Even wondered how your star sign affects your life/writing/career? Terry asked me to ponder how much of a Cancer I really am. Hey, maybe if you read it you'll come into a large sum of cash or meet a tall dark stranger...or get eaten by wild dogs. Who knows? You'll just have to read and find out! (BTW the link connects you to Terry's Zodiac files, which are hysterical.)

In closing, if you'd like to feature a certain sassy semi-redheaded fairytale writer, just contact me! I'd love to oblige. Leave me a comment, or use the buttons on the sidebar or under the Contact tab to reach out to me. I promise I don't bite.

Often.

Confessions of an Austen Addict

I fell into Jane Austen's novels when I was completing my college education. My high school English teacher introduced me to several classics, but for whatever reason, Austen wasn't among them. I still remember the massive volume my roommate brought with her. Three inches of book in an archaic language should have been daunting, but my roomie's passion was catching. I devoured them. These days I have my own thick volume as well as a respectable collection of DVDs. 

When my friend Raylynn Sleight recommended Jane Austen Ruined My Life and continued to rave about the series, I had to pick it up. Not only was the writing superb and the research behind it impressive, but the theme rang true. Emma, a woman whose entire world has been upturned by a cheating husband and a blight on her professional career, takes to England to follow the steps of her favorite author Jane Austen and do her best to clear her name and reclaim her life.

These days I never expect novels to rattle me to the core. So many books are badly written or are based on themes I can't relate to. A woman's story of self-discovery with a side of romance is a breath of fresh air.

“...These years, snug in our cottage have taught me that had I home and husband of my own, I should not have birthed my novels...My writing box and my little table by the window have been the happiest of endings. You, dearest sister, will know the truth of it, but others who know me less may not comprehend the truth of it.”

Jane Austen Ruined My Life, p 232

My own life choices, Bella's journey in Becoming Beauty, and the life Austen herself led converged on me and tears coursed down my cheeks as I read this section. I didn't expect that, just as I didn't expect Bella's journey to result in tears when I wrote it. My life, like Austen's, has been very quiet. Little romance has entered it. I lamented the fact in private until I realized that because of my quiet life, I have had the time to teach and write and come to know myself. That knowledge is perfectly precious to me.

Someday romance will enter my life again and the days of teaching and writing will have to shift around to accommodate them. But for now, I am grateful for writers who take me on meaningful journeys. Like Beth Patillo. And a certain Miss Jane Austen.

I'd love to know what you're reading! Leave me a comment. And if you need anything else to read...
Book Hangover
Miranual for Life
Letters to My Future Husband
Author, Ninja, Fangirl
Anne-with-an-E
Where Life Takes You
Persuaded
Pass The Pepper
Tragically Flawed or Not
Okay, it's official. I'm addicted to books. And romance.

Jo Schneider: Author, Ninja, Fangirl

Jo Ann Schneider is an accomplished writer with three books on the market and a whole lot more in the works. She writes primarily SciFi/Fantasy, does Shaolin Kempo (a.k.a. martial arts), and is crazy about Star Wars, Psych, Doctor Who, and anything Marvel. (Basically, we get on beautifully!) 

Her third book Fractured Memories, was published in May 2015:

Sixteen year old Wendy never knew the world before the Starvation. She’s learned to put her trust in her knives, and her confidence in her fighting ability. When the Skinnies attack her compound, she's the lone survivor. Injured and near death, Wendy is rescued and nursed back to health by mysterious strangers. Her saviors offer her a place among them, but trust has never been one of Wendy's strengths, and suspicion soon leads to evidence that these people might be the group who killed her family. The decision to get her revenge, and take the settlement down from the inside out is easy. Keeping her distance from those she must befriend in order to make it happen proves to be much more difficult.

To help launch Fractured Memories, I conducted an interview with Jo. As usual, her answers were entertaining and thoughtful.

Inspiration or perspiration? What drives you to write the next book?

Uh, both?  I finish one book and perhaps launch it out into the world, and I’m immediately driven to write something else. Part of me is like, “I’m pretty sure I can do better than that.” And another part of me is like, “This book is bound to be an international best-seller with a fandom that will rival Twilight. I’d better get going on the next one.”

Maybe I’m more about delusions.

I think we're all a bit delusional, Jo. Comes with the territory! Moving on...

Okay, Ms. Traveler, it’s all in the name of research, right? So, what locale would you best enjoy exploring next?

I hate this question. There are so many!!! I have an idea for a book about a Shaolin Monk, so I’d love to go back to the Shaolin temple in China. But that’s a ways off. 

Pretty much anywhere in Europe would be awesome. Japan. You can’t take twenty steps in England without running into something interesting. What I really need to do is figure out where the finale of the New Sight series is going to be and take a trip there.

Yeah...that could be ANYWHERE. Those are some well-traveled magic users. I guess we'll have to wait and see where they end up and hope you get to do some recon beforehand!

Alright, don't lie! We all know you love torturing your characters. What’s the worst thing you’ve done to a character? (And seriously, why do you gotta be so mean?)

Well, I feel like killing Wendy’s family and leaving her alone in the world with the Skinnies is pretty mean. Then I give her PTSD about the attack, then I shove her in with the people she thinks is responsible for the death of her family. That’s pretty mean.

I did make Agent Bunnynose be nice to a very obnoxious woman once. Also very mean of me.

Oy! That had to hurt. Very mean indeed! On to a sweeter topic:

What snack/beverage/goodie keeps your fingers tapping at the keyboard? (If you say water, we can’t be friends.)

Uh…well…cold water? I love it so much.

Don’t hate me, if there are snacks I’m eating and not writing. They’re like my shiny objects. But I am currently going through a phase where a Soda Stream Cola on ice and some Pretzel Thins keep me going when I’m falling asleep in my chair about 3 pm almost every day.

What is it about the afternoon? If I wasn't teaching kindergarten the majority of the year, I'd fall asleep at 2 pm every day! Shall we declare it a Writer Siesta? Let's start a union! Anyway...

What’s your biggest pet peeve about publishing a book? (Be honest, it’s marketing, isn’t it!)

I do hate marketing. Mostly because there isn’t a formula for it.It’s a little different for each market/genre and each author. I haven’t found what really gets me excited yet.

I’ll be honest, my biggest pet peeve about publishing a book is that not everyone thinks by book is a brilliant as I do. 

Sounds familiar. 

Writers are always making stupid mistakes. Oh, Writer Extraordinaire, what’s your best advice for bonehead writers like me? (And don’t just pick on me and say blocking…rude.)

Write down what you learn. Make your own folder of writing tools: character development, plot points, story structure, how to show and not tell, blocking, subtext…all of the things that have helped you make your story good. Gather them from other people as well as books you read and shows you watch. Keep them in a place you can easily browse through them.

I’ve read a lot of books on writing, and I’m sure I only remember about 1/8 of what was in there. Just last night my Sensei was going on and on about how the beginning of a movie showed everything the audience needed to know about the main character through the other characters reactions to simply hearing his name. I know about that tool, but haven’t used it yet. However,  the story I’m working on could actually benefit from that. Which means I need to type it up and toss it in my folder for later.

When you think you’re stuck, just open your folder and start flipping through. You’ll find something that will spark your story forward. 

Wow. I always learn things from you, Jo. Thanks for being my personal writing guru. You're amazing! Best of luck in your writing ventures!

Isn't she amazing? She's a wonderful person and a fabulous writer. There's nothing else to say except go check out her books! 

Babes In Spyland 

(YA Fiction/Humor)

New Sight 

(YA SciFi/Fantasy)

Fractures Memories 

(YA Fiction/Distopian)

Book Hangover

Book Hangover 
book hang-o-ver noun
a severe headache or other after effects caused by reading an excessively good book into the wee hours of the morning.

“I have the worst book hangover! But it was so worth it!”

This summer has been a bit of a challenge, but it has given me the opportunity to read more. (We call that research in the writing world. And it's my favorite kind!) There have been some decent books, and then there have been some of those that resulted in a book hangover like none other. Do I regret it? Nope. It's all the name of art, my friends!

They're all clean reads and they feature at least a spark of romance. In case you're looking for something fabulous to read, here's what I'd had my nose in lately:

Painting Kisses by Melanie Jacobson (YA Romance)
Lia Carswell is good at what she does. The popular waitress works hard and with her witty personality and good looks, she's something of an enigma to the male customers who vie for her attention. Lia keeps her distance, with one exception. Aidan's clever teasing draws Lia's attention, though Lia would never let their relationship get serious, especially since he's not the only one trying to catch her eye. Then her old New York artist life comes knocking. It would ensure financial security for her family, but Lia doesn't know if she wants that life anymore. When she undertakes one final project, she reawakens her heart and soul. And as she finds herself falling in love and needing an outlet more and more, she realizes her paintings might be her saving grace.

My review: 5 stars! This is my top summer read! Melanie is gifted at creating strong yet fragile heroines. The romance that blossoms throughout the story is complex and beautiful and keeps a girl reading far into the night. I adored it! Possibly my favorite aspect of Painting Kisses was seeing the world through Lia's artist's eyes. It was beautiful and amazing.

Forbidden, Kimberley Griffiths Little (YA Fiction)
In the unforgiving Mesopotamian desert where Jayden's tribe lives, betrothal celebrations abound, and tonight it is Jayden's turn to be honored. But while this union with Horeb, the son of her tribe's leader, will bring a life of riches and restore her family's position within the tribe, it will come at the price of Jayden's heart. Then a shadowy boy from the Southern Lands appears. Handsome and mysterious, Kadesh fills Jayden's heart with a passion she never knew possible. But with Horeb's increasingly violent threats haunting Jayden's every move, she knows she must find a way to escape—or die trying.
My review: 5 stars! A truly wonderful read. It's clear that Kimberley has done some amazing research and weaves it together with an enchanting story of her own making. Intrigue, romance, and tradition draw the reader in and yes, keep you reading well into the night!

Ignite, Sara B. Larson (YA Fiction)
Alexa continues to harbor a secret love for the newly crowned King Damian, yet she remains by his side as his guard and ever committed to helping him rebuild Antion and reclaim the hope of Antion's people. However, when a new threat to Damian and his kingdom emerges, and blame is cast on the once friendly nation of Blevon, Alexa knows things are not what they seem. Once again the fate of her country hangs in the balance. Will Alexa be able to protect her king and uncover the true enemy -- before it's too late?

My review: 5 stars! I absolutely loved Defy, the first book in the series as well as Ignite. Action/adventure and romance surrounding a truly fantastic main character makes for a great story. For more, read my posts Ignite and Tragically Flawed Or Not.

Victoria's Promise, Julie Wright (Christian Fiction)

A luxurious mansion. Thirty stunning bachelorettes. One very eligible bachelor. All of the ingredients are in place for a successful reality dating show, and behind the scenes, Tori Winters is set to pull the strings as assistant director of Vows. Despite her distaste for public exhibitions of love, Tori intends to give the public exactly what they want: scintillating footage of a bevvy of beauties vying for the attention of Christopher Caine. But Chris, a consummate Southern gentleman and the star of Vows, seems almost too good to be true—and soon, even Tori finds herself falling under his spell. With the support of her friends in the Newport Ladies Book Club, Tori must decide if she is willing to jeopardize all she’s worked for in order to embrace her own fairy-tale ending.

My review: 4 stars. I appreciated Julie's skill as a writer. And a behind-the-scenes story of reality TV? Well, that's bound to be interesting. Definitely a quick, breezy, romantic read. However, I didn't jive as well with this story as I did with the others. But it is part of a series of books all about the Newport Ladies Book Club, which I'd enjoy reading.

Sophia, Paula Kremser (Historical Fiction)

Small-town Sophia Spencer can't believe her luck when an unexpected inheritance sweeps her up into the glittering London social scene. With more invitations to balls, parties, and country drives than she can keep up with, Sophia is soon lost in the swirl of dresses and dances, friendships and flirtations. But her happiness comes to an abrupt halt the moment she's caught napping in a gentleman's bedroom—and forced into an engagement to protect her reputation! 

My review: 3.5 stars. Honestly, I had a bit of a hard time getting into this one. It had a lovely cover and the storyline was compelling (seriously, hand me anything Regency Romance/Clean Read and I'm all over it!) but the beginning didn't grab me. Fifty pages in and I was hooked! Sophia is a fun character with a mind of her own in a time when reputation meant the difference between life and death. According to society anyway.

Anything sound interesting? I've linked all the titles to Amazon, so you can easily check them out or purchase them if you're interested. Any hey, Becoming Beauty is also a sassy summer romance that has been known to result in the occasional book hangover. I really am enjoying my summer of reading and if I get my act together, there may even be another collection of amazing books coming your way!

In case none of these float your boat, here are some other books that I've reviewed: Miranda Hart, Letters To My Future Husband, Where Life Takes You, Persuaded, The Rent Collector, and Not My Type.