30 Days of Gratitude - A Countdown to Thanksgiving!

Welcome to IWSG - the Insecure Writers Support Group - monthly meeting.

I cling to this monthly post. It reminds me that there are other struggling writers out there--and I'm very happy to have many of you as friends. Sometimes I doubt the effectiveness and purpose of my blog. I often wonder if I should give it up. There are days I lose faith in writing. As technology grows, it seems like less and less people in the world read books--video entertainment is so much easier to access and process. Am I wasting my time? Then I express my feelings at our monthly meetings and get encouragement from my writer friends. And it feels even better to encourage them right back. We're in this together! 

And to help encourage each other even more, I'm bringing back a blogging tradition!

Starting on Oct 27, I'm going to blog every day with something I'm thankful for. I haven't done a Blog Hop in quite a while, but I think it's time.

If you'd like to join me on this 30 Days of Gratitude Countdown to Thanksgiving, here's the sign up list... This way, we can encourage each other and spread the thankfulness and positivity -- something we definitely need more of these days!

I'm going to do my best to visit everyone who signs up each evening. The 30 days are: Oct 27-Nov 25. Using the prompts is optional, but could be helpful.

A special note: I have to share my inspiration for this. I didn't come up with it on my own--lots have done it in the past. But recently, I was inspired by my friend Patty who's doing a similar daily thanks on Twitter. And after I made this, I saw Tyrean is taking on an even bigger challenge - daily gratitude through the end of the year. I have awesome friends!

In other news:

If you need to rant, join our weekly #WedWrant Chat on Twitter: 7:30-8:30 PM est. We have fun complaining, supporting, and making each other laugh!

Thoughts and prayers to anyone struggling or affected by the Virus 

or any other tragedies from this crappy year...

Things have to get better soon!

Writerly #News and Starving for #Reviews

Wow, this is going to be BIG! When I only post twice a month, the news piles up! But first...

A HUGE THANK YOU!! I thoroughly enjoyed my Cradle Rock Release Party because it really got me back out to visit my friends and make new ones!

Thanks for the tremendous response and supportive comments, everyone!
I'll be tweeting my thanks with links to the posts all month!
And the winner of my CRADLE ROCK RELEASE PARTY VOLUNTEERS is:

M.J. Fifield!

She will receive a $25 GC! 

Plus a free taco and my love! (name that movie)

My reconnection with blog and writer friends leads me to my monthly Insecure Writers Support Group check in. Releases are few and far between, so the IWSG seems to be the biggest reason I keep blogging. And communicating with my writer friends is the main reason I keep writing (that and the stories crammed in my head needing to be told!) I worry all the time that my books aren't selling and I can't seem to build my base - and I worry more that it might be because I'm only a so-so writer, which is very believable.

Last month, I shared my big plans. I wasn't working full time then, so I was very ambitious! Today, I started my long-term assignment that goes thru the rest of the year - great for sending first son to college, terrible for writing and marketing... Especially when I'm not encouraged to keep writing at home. That's why I keep participating in IWSG - you guys keep me going! Thanks!

Enough feeling sorry for myself, many others have much bigger problems than me. On to the NEWS!

>>>If you haven't seen this cover - you're in for a TREAT! LOOK!

INCENSE AND PEPPERMINTS.
by Cathrina Constantine
Release Date: March 10, 2017
Genre: YA/Coming of Age

During the Vietnam War-torn Sixties, a time of peace demonstrations, sit-ins, flag-burnings, and flower power, sixteen-year-old Mary Monroe has to choose between staying an innocent good girl or letting herself enter the exciting world of sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll.

When her brother offers a solution to her dilemma in the form of a little pill, Mary ignores the rumba in her brain and takes a walk on the wild side. She plunges into popularity and a life she’s only imagined, and meets Michael Covington, the hot newcomer. She’s instantly drawn in by his less than flawless exterior and bad boy sex appeal. Drifting from party to party, underground fight clubs, and through a series of drug and alcohol fueled adventures, Mary follows her new crush into a world where young girls are never truly safe from the predators lurking in the shadows and young men hiding from the harsh reality of war.

Feeling buzzed and as if her life is spinning out of control, Mary is assaulted by an unknown man at a party, and she’s left questioning if the enigmatic Michael is truly her hero or if he's the face behind the terrible attack. With every piece of information Mary learns about Michael, her doubts grow deeper, but with every minute she spends in his presence, so does her love.

With the war and her fear threatening to separate Mary and Michael forever, only the death of a friend, a crushing confession, and her own sensibilities can carry her over the threshold between adolescence and adulthood.

Add to your TBR list on Goodreads!

Cathrina is also looking for volunteers to help with her Book Blitz!

>>>I'm also excited to introduce...


TIME & CIRCUMSTANCE
by Theresa Milstein
Release Date: March 21, 2017
by Vine Leaves Press

This is Theresa's moving poetry and prose collection, and some of it is autobiographical. It's been a long journey, and she's finally made it! Congratulations, Theresa!

Pre-Order here!

Theresa's Blog

>>>And here's a GIVEAWAY offer!
There's one big thing we can do to help each other is post reviews (I'm reading three books I plan to review soon!) And with second books needing more love, I want to give out some copies for review!

Here's my free offer - if you've read POP TRAVEL or BROKEN BRANCH FALLS, I would love to give you a free ecopy of either sequel for review. Just mention in the comments if you're interested.

LASTLY...
>>>Here are the results of January's Writerly Survey about Creativity!

I should've added an "All of the above" choice - that's what the purple really represents!

Here are some interesting characters from the respondants... plus some traits.

• Corten - mixed race, friendly but elusive about past
• Angela Mercy - editor of the fictional Persons Magazine.
• Raz - A drinking bad ass kangaroo. His name came off the top of my head.
• Gawain, Callan, Darrion
• Kálmán Ferdinánd Rein (later Shimron Amichai) - left angry, cynical, bitter, ranting, trigger-happy, wounded after surviving four concentration-camps. Plus his fiancée Klaudia and his best friend Móric
• Arthur Finley - mousey demeanor, high IQ, brown hair, pale skin with freckles; glasses work in accounting but is really a spy, not the action hero kind, but a numbers/information spy.
• D’Anar Gillin - He feels much, which often translates into action. He has a tendency to often make decisions for those he cares about or feels responsible, sometimes without asking permission. The irritating thing about him is that he is usually right.  He possesses a keen intuition and instincts, and he knows it. high intelligence, but has a blind spot for himself and those closest to him.  Honor is a natural - sometimes at high personal cost.
• Clarence - likes the water because he's a shark
• Hutch McQueen - The good guy in bad guy clothing. 

Only a few writers surveyed, have written in mixed genres...

• Contemporary verse
• Crime thriller/Romance
• Sci Fi/Fantasy

I hope you enjoyed this extra long post! More questions coming up on 2/13! This time I'll be asking about "one-liners"

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Sweetheart Month!

CRADLE ROCK a-BUY, Baby!

WELCOME BACK TO THE FOREST!

CRADLE ROCK is Here!

Gabe the goblin just saved his town Broken Branch Falls from splitting apart. He also revealed that humans--horrible creatures of myth and legend--may actually be part of their history! But seriously? Nah!

Now Ona, Gabe’s girlfriend, is headed thousands of miles away to Camp Cradle Rock for Spring Break seeking evidence of humans. Gabe knows better than to tell a stubborn ogress she’s crazy, so he’s letting her go and spending the break at the beach like a normal teenage beast. And he’s determined to have a good time without her, whether he likes it or not.

But when Ona goes missing, Gabe and his friends set out for the wilds of the west to find her, no matter what dangerous creatures get in his way. Not even humans.

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Goodreads

Check out the Book Trailer!

AAHH! I can't believe this is my fourth book release! I have to thank YOU ALL for it to be possible, because I wouldn't be here without your encouragement and advice! This community is so helpful and supportive. I'm very blessed to be a part of it. And here are my awesome volunteers letting me invade their blogs to spread the good news!

CRADLE ROCK RELEASE PARTY POST HOSTS:

	12/5	Patricia Lynne	Nerds Rule
	12/5	Heather R. Holden	Vampires
	12/7	Juneta Key	author spotlight interview
	12/9	Julie Flanders	Teenagers Now vs 80s
	12/9	Elizabeth Seckman	Beast-themed Recipe
	12/12	Lori L. MacLaughlin	Merfolk
	12/14	Sharon Bayliss	Ogres
	12/14	Tyrean Martinson	5 Reasons to use Chapter Titles
	12/16	Michael Di Gesu	Craziest Spring Break Trip
	12/17	Cathrina Constantine	Teen Dating
	12/19	Christine Rains	Hiking Faux Pas
	12/19	Alex J. Cavanaugh	Beast vs Monster - terminology
	12/21	Ann Noser	CR Quotes
	12/21	Heather M. Gardner	Discrimination - joking vs hurting
	1/4	Ken Rahmoeller	Dragons
	1/4	L. Diane Wolfe	Marketing Tips - Live & Online
	1/9	C Lee McKenzie	Grownup Stereotypes
	1/11	M. J. Fifield	Crazy Road Trip
	1/25	Crystal Collier	Poetry & Songs in Stories - Writerly Wed

I'm also giving away signed copies of Broken Branch Falls and Cradle Rock, some Beast World swag, and a $20 GC! I love giving stuff away =)

a Rafflecopter giveaway
And my cool publisher, Curiosity Quills has another giveaway on Goodreads!

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Cradle Rock

by Tara Tyler

Giveaway ends January 01, 2017.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

Happy Holidays!!

#Writerslife - When #Writers Write & A preview of MOTLEY EDUCATION

Thanks to everyone who responded to my Writing Time Survey! The data was very interesting, but not surprising. I was so happy with the feedback, I made some charts!

Numbers are fun to interpret in graphs - hope you enjoyed some statistics of writing!

And here's one awesome writer who's finished a mysterious MG paranormal book and is ready to share the very cool, creepy cover! SA LARSEN!

Motley Education (Book One: The URD Saga)
by S.A. Larsen
Release Date: October 10, 2016

Forget having a lively after school social life, Ebony Charmed is fighting to keep the entire Afterlife alive.

Ebony’s less-than-average spirit tracking abilities are ruining more than sixth grade at Motley Junior High: School for the Psychically & Celestially gifted. Her parents argue so much her dad moved out. And, even though he’s scared of his own shadow and insists on bringing his slimy, legless lizard everywhere they go, Ebony wouldn’t survive without her best friend, Fleishman. 

When Ebony’s Deadly Creatures & Relics’ project goes missing, she learns her missing project is one of the keys to saving the spirit world. Now Ebony and Fleishman must battle beasts from Norse Mythology to retrieve her project before spirits are lost, the Well of Urd dries up, and Ebony loses all hope of reuniting her family. But someone lies in wait, and he has other plans...including creating a new world of spirits without them in it.

ADD TO GOODREADS

Motley Education has been aligned with Core Standards for grades 4-7. A guide will be available on the author’s website to download for FREE after the book’s release date.

S.A. LARSEN is the author of Motley Education, the first book in a middle grade fantasy-adventure series. Her work has appeared in numerous local publications and young adult anthologies Gears of Brass and Under A Brass Moon by Curiosity Quills Press. Look for her debut young adult novel, Marked Beauty, set for release in 2017. Find her in the land of lobsters, snowy winters, and the occasional Eh’ya with her husband of over twenty years, four children, a playful pooch, and two kittens.

Follow her on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram and connect with her on her Website & Blog.

Enter her Rafflecopter Giveaway !

Five lucky winners will each receive a signed bookmark and assorted swag! Contest runs from 09/15/16 to 09/23/16. Winners will be chosen my random.com.

~~~~~~ * ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ * ~~~~~~
Lastly, a huge thank you to all my Cradle Rock cover helpers 

Here are the blog post hosts in cased you missed them:

Patricia Lynne - 9/2 - the End of the World as we Know it

Julie Flanders - 9/2 - Beast Bios: Goblins 

Heather R. Holden - 9/2 - Novellas: Pros and Cons

Cathrina Constantine - 9/5 - Trends in Fantasy
Christine Rains - 9/12 - What's Hot (and What's Next)

Coming up this week! Ken Rahmoeller (ChemistKen) - 9/21 - Fantasy Then and Now

I'm still planning my RELEASE BLOG TOUR - if you'd like to join us
 and enter yourself for the chance to win a $25 GC in the process.
I'll be open to volunteers until October! (Then I start writing the posts)
Here's the FORM.

I'm back baby! Last days for #giveaway and #GOTseason6 hmm

I've had an awakening! I finally came out of my long winter slumber and participated in a book event!

Ohioana was my first and favorite book event and I look forward to it every year. I always love hanging out with author friends and meeting new awesome people. I love doing panels - you know how I love to talk.

It also felt great to interact with readers. Some even told me how much they liked my books! And I was invited to a couple of other events while I was there.

me and my buddy Terri-Lynne Smiles

I had an awesome weekend and I'm looking forward to more, sooner! I encourage everyone of you to go do a book event, or if you aren't published yet, go visit one (I did and it's worth it for the experience to see what it's all about) I just need to take more pictures!

I'd also like to say a big THANK YOU to those visiting me. I know tons of folks are participating in the A to Z Challenge. Good luck! You're in the homestretch!

And one last mention for my Jolissa giveaway contest...
a Rafflecopter giveaway

PS - Did anyone watch Game of Thrones? Do you think it's still George RR Martin caliber? I'm not so sure... I feel like they're rushing it and making things happen. Hmm.

#Writing is Life

There is SO MUCH going on this week! Meme Blog Hop, Release Day, and IWSG!

First I want to thank all the participants in advance for joining our MEME BLOG HOP!

Here are a few I came up with...

(All you need to make a meme is a picture and a few words of lightness or encouragement - put them together in Paint or I used Powerpoint. There's also a meme app.)

Stop by my most awesome co-hostesses - Christine Rains, C. Lee McKenzie - and those on the list below for some further wonderful wittiness!


I also hope these memes are encouraging for IWSG day! Here's my contribution...

Some say "Life's not a sprint, it's a marathon."
I say, "Life's a never-ending obstacle course!"

Does anyone else feel pressure to show others that writing isn't just a hobby? Lately I've been submitting short stories, hoping to prove my writing is "worth" something and help pay bills... But these bits and pieces take time away from my novels, which I feel I need to continue to put out there, too!

I'm also scheduling more appearances to drum up business - marketing is an incredible time drain. I've got so many different projects going on at the same time, it's hard to prioritize and can get very stressful (and makes me grouchy) Sometimes I just feel lost.

I guess the key is to concentrate on one thing at a time. I hate to break it to you, but science has proven that multi-tasking is FICTION. Our brains can only truly concentrate on one thing at a time. Though it may seem like multi-tasking, it's just doing successive things quickly.

Another way I help myself is to make deadlines. I like deadlines, they're just more concrete goals. I prioritize my stuff and set soft dates to try and get them done by.
>>Try to work on WIP 1 hour a day (finish the dang thing so I can start editing!)
>>Blog posts have their own deadlines, so I do them. And try to visit!
>>Submissions have deadlines too - but if I don't finish those, there are plenty more, so I'm working on building up a file of ready-to-submit stories.

How do you keep your head above water??


And lastly -

JOLISSA IS AVAILABLE TODAY!!

JOLISSA - An Anti-Princess Story,

with ongoing video storybook

A trouble-making maiden, a clumsy out-of-work squire, a loyal puppy, and a talking goat go on a quest - What could go wrong?

I didn't plan a big launch day or tour or anything, but I want to say a huge THANKS to Susan Gourley-Kelley and MJ Fifield for volunteering to help spread the word! We'll see how this self-publishing goes. And the next story in my Unconventional Princesses series (of course it's a series), TWO PRINCESSES, is somewhere on my extensive TO DO LIST...

Have a positive and productive week!

What's with all the death? Embrace life!

We lost too many beloved celebrities and I know several who lost loved ones last month. And the deadly blizzard took a toll on millions. I'm glad January over. Lessons learned - embrace life and make the most of the time you have, especially with those you care about, and physical things don't last.

Which brings me to my  Insecure Writers Support Group post for February. Many thanks to Alex J. Cavanaugh for establishing this totally terrific institution each first Wed of the month. It's so huge, he recruits special guest hosts to make sure we all get taken care of. And there's always room for more!

I usually write encouraging posts - I'm in a happy place with my publishing situation. But January brought me some unhappy moments. Nothing as severe as losing a loved one or a job, but I've gotten several blows to my self-esteem.

• I've been querying agents - and we all know how depressing those rejections can be
• Reviews are lacking... People tell me they enjoyed SIMULATION, but not many are reviewing or rating it... If anyone wants a free e-copy of any of my books for a timely honest review - please let me know! I'm sharing the love in February! Reviews are lifeblood to an author.
• When POP TRAVEL was on sale, it did well. Then I got two 1 star reviews which I can handle, but upon further inspection, the readers posted a ton of ratings on the same day, so it didn't seem like they even read it.
• Lastly, I'm in substitute limbo again and not working much, when I really need to.

All these negatives pile up and with the extra, get-myself-motivated, "free time" on my hands, it can be hard not to dwell on the downside, like: Maybe I'm not that great of a writer. Maybe I'm too old to get a permanent job. Being home also reminds me what a terrible housekeeper I am. Some days I just want to get in my car and drive away from it all... But I won't. Running away is never the answer. I know I have to keep going. I won't give up.

Instead, I come up with ways to motivate myself.

• It's not me, it's them... I can't please everyone. I know I'm not a "literary" writer. I'm a lite, entertaining, action-packed fun storyteller. And many people seem to like my books. One of my neighbors got so excited when Simulation came out, and several of my students keep bugging me, asking for the next Broken Branch Falls book - those are the moments to live for and keep in mind.
• Be productive - I've been getting lots of writing done, but it's all WIPs - emphasis on in progress. To feel more productive, I need more immediate results. I've started looking into freelance writing jobs - writing to get paid, what a concept. I love Shannon Lawrence's posts advertising publications looking for submissions. I also get updates from sites that are like want ads for writers. I'm going to start a short story file and an article file.
• This means I need to actually submit my writing. Which means more rejections. But I also know that the more you submit and improve, the better your chances of acceptance. It's a depressing process, but it's the only way!
• Lastly, I tell myself that this time off (that I'm always asking for) is a gift. I have time to do necessary domestic things, time to work on my online classes for recertification, and time to finish my writing projects! Like I was able to put Jolissa, chapter 2 onto Youtube!

my latest muse

We have to make the most of what we have. Find the positive. And keep going. It's just hard sometimes. Thanks for listening!

But enough of my whining. I do want to encourage you guys and I know you like to encourage others. So why not join Christine Rains, C. Lee McKenzie, and me the week of Feb 29 - Mar 4 for A MEME Blog Hop! Make a funny, cute, or inspiring MEME! Use any picture, use an app, or do it yourself, and sign up below. It's easy!

And I leave you with a gorgeous parting image of MURDER (open with death, close with death...)

The amazing COVER REVEAL (and new covers) for Yolanda Renee's MURDER collection!

Flames burn between a hardboiled cop and a gifted artist, but soon extinguish as another man’s obsession ignites into an inferno of desire, driving him to destroy the object of his madness.

As wedding bells echo like the ring of toasting champagne glasses in the ice carved mountains of Anchorage Alaska, detective Steven Quaid rehabs his grandfather’s cabin into a honeymoon cottage for his new bride.

When he returns from a hunting trip, Steven’s faced with five police officers, who “Want to talk.” Plagued by two unsolved murders, the Department is searching for answers.

Steven’s jaw clenches and his heart races. Images of Sarah streak through his mind. The silence breaks as an explosion of accusations vibrate through every fiber of his being. Steven bolts…

This Steven Quaid mystery is both personal and heartbreaking.

Yolanda's first two MURDER novels:

MURDER, MADNESS & LOVE, Book One

MEMORIES OF MURDER, Book Two

MURDER & OBSESSION, Book Three 

to be released March 10.

Congrats, Yolanda!

Now let's have a lively February!

Pop Til You Drop

Yay!! Extra excited today, because I get to pop over the big pond to London and visit with my totally awesome crit partner, VIKKI! Hope you have a chance to stop by - I'll be talking about future technology.

Vikki writes innovative YA and adult thrillers. I know I will hear about a deal for her soon! Keep writing, my friend! Fridays are busy at Vikki's blog, as she hosts Celebrate the Small Things. Her particpation list has grown substantially! And she also contributes to the Writer Diaries - group of writers who give advice, share reviews, and support the writing community. You should check them out! And double me shivering timbers, here's Vikki's sparkling review of Pop Travel there! Thanks again, Vikki!!!

AND!

My supercalifragilisticexpialidocious publisher, Curiosity Quills, has put together a week long blog tour for me! My friend and fellow author, Jamie Ayres is putting a review up on her blog today! (I'm sure you all are sick of me and my Pop Travel... but the job requires us to be a squeaky wheel - squeak, squeak.) The week of scheduling is above.

On with other news, important bits, & shoutouts! (because I also get sick of talking about myself!):

It's September!! So I have winners for my August giveaway!! Congrats to:

Rhonda Albom
won a signed copy of Pop Travel

Gwen Gardner
won the Pop Travel goodie bag

Elizabeth Seckman
won a $25 GC to Barnes & Noble

I was also a winner recently! I won Cinder by Marissa Meyer in a giveaway at Nutschell's - thanks, Nutschell!

And Thursday, Robin dedicated a song to me - "Me Time." She's just awesome like that. I feel so special! She heard my plea and it struck a chord! ha! Thanks, Robin!!

Don't forget IWSG on Wednesday - It's the group's 2 YEAR ANNIVERSARY! Can you believe it? And Super Alex (because he's my blogging hero) said he had something special in store, so make sure you stop by his place. Exciting!

Lastly, I thought you all could use a chuckle. I'm sending a copy of my book, with cover letter and press release, to a Hollywood agency! Hey, it can't hurt!! I crack myself up =D (I think Kate Hudson would be a killer Geri Harper! Spunktastic!)

Happy Monday! Tell me some good news with you!

And did I mention to go stop by Vikki's and Jamie's? (hee hee)

Oh, yeah! Since it's Sept - time for my Sept giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

we thank you

It was such a pleasure to go around reading about how much support you all have for your writing! Thanks again to Vikki for suggesting the hop! And I want to shout a HUGE THANK YOU! To all who participated!!!

And now the moment you've been waiting for...the winners!!! In the creative category, there were lots of unique offerings. It was hard to pick just one. But I did! Drumroll please! The winner is,

Michelle @ Writer in Transit! 

The grand prize winner for most creative and most heartfelt is

David Powers King!

Honorable mention goes to Suzanne Furness, Tamara, and Carrie Butler!
Thanks again, everyone!

'Preesh!

WELCOME TO THE THANKFUL BLOG HOP!

My wonderful friend Vikki and I are so excited to see such a tremendous response to this Thankful Hop! Might have to make it an annual event! Really looking forward to seeing what you all come up with. First, here's a reminder of the guidelines and prizes:

1. Sign up on the Linky List below.
2. Post thanks to readers/supporters on your blog between Monday, November 5 and Wednesday, November 7 by 1700 UK/1200 noon EST US time.
3. If you're looking for a CP, go ahead and post a ‘personals’ ad.
4. Be CREATIVE. Write a letter, a piece of flash fiction, a haiku, a poem, or a vlog. It can take whatever form you like. We’d like it if you kept it under 300 words but won’t be counting. 
5. You can thank anyone you'd like, not just CPs! And naming/linking to your reader(s) is up to you. 
6. Hop around and comment on other people’s!

It made me smile to see the cute button on your blogs! Thanks!
Now for the PRIZES! (to be announced Thursday November 8)

• Vikki’s Winner: A Reader’s Report style full MS Critique, chosen for Most Heartfelt Post
• Tara’s Winner: A Banner for their blog (or other graphic), chosen for Most Creative Post
• Overall Winner: Both of the above prizes, for Best Overall Post!

And now for my presentation.

To: Vikki! She is my totally awesome crit partner! She has been so supportive! And she tells it like it is, gives it to me straight! And she is FAST! Whoever wins her prize is very lucky! Here is a new header, custom made for you, Vikki! Someday I hope to travel back to London and meet my friend in person!

I also recently made a banner for my very first beta reader, Angela Cothran and I want to say thanks again!

Thirdly, I'd like to thank Elizabeth Arroyo who also gave me a helpful full MS crit. She is launching her book, SECOND SIGN in February and I am doing something special for her then - it's a surprise!

But that's not all! In my venture to be published, I received many query & chapter crits along with tons of encouragement from so many friends, many of whom are participating in NANOWRIMO. To thank them, I am passing on my encouragement! As I browsed my Reader the last few days, I gathered the names of those announcing their intents and here is the list! Check out how many you know that are doing it too!

Now I will check out all you Thankful Blog Hoppers... Thanks again for joining in!
 

sweet pressure

I thrive working under pressure. I usually take on more than I should, thinking I can handle it. Sometimes it pays off and sometimes it blows up. The hardest part is the little bugs of trouble and mishap invading my perfect plans, pushing me over the edge - a new computer to get used to, traffic, kids fighting, prescription isn't ready, forgot the milk, it's raining! ah! Wouldn't have it any other way - do I have adult ADD? Probably, but I make it work! Bring it! (Friendship and praying help!)

And so, I give you this week's Sensational Haiku Wednesday, Pressure...

As I scurry by,
forgetting, losing, dropping,
I reach lofty goals.

Desire to do all.
More, more, more! Must stay busy!
Don't slow down, until...

Crash, loss of power,
steam, energy. Must slow down.
Smell roses sometimes.

Technology is
who I blame, the bane and crutch
of my existence.

Now to the sweet side! I have some thank yous and an award to hand out!!!

Thank you so much, Rachel S, for the pleasant package! I won a copy of "Foreign Affairs" - an anthology of romantic encounters of the exotic/european kind! Rachel's pen name is Georgia St. Mane and she signed the copy =) plus added tea and chocolate to make the experience even tastier!!!

I also can't believe I won a digital copy of Gwen Gardner's book, "Givin Up the Ghost!" Gwen and Angela's PIP tour is so creative! Hope you've seen their fabulous interviews and posts!

And finally, the Sweet Award! I need some chocolate after all this carrying on!!

Thank you so much, Livia! She gave me this a week or so ago just before I guest posted over there. Such a sensational suprise!

For this award, we get to answer salivatingly sweet questions. Beware, your hunger will be roused!

1. Cookies or cake? Cookies
2. Chocolate or vanilla? Depends on the item, but I have to say, Chocolate.
3. What is your favorite sweet treat? Brownies
4. When do you crave sweet things most? After a meal or salty snack
5. If you had a sweet nickname what would it be? Pumpkin

I’m passing on this award to…

Brinda

Rachel S

Lisa Ann

JA

Cassie

Erin

I told you this was a heck of a month! Talk about pressure to keep up! I just finished visiting everyone who congratulated me on Friday - I feel like I'm missing stuff! I will catch up today!

KSM - I'm Bewildered

It's been one heck of an October!!!
So many good things happening in the blogosphere! Here are a just a few...

First, I am astounded and overwhelmed by all the support from you guys! I am teary in happiness! Thanks for making me feel so special!

And I hate to keep talking about myself, but my short fantasy story The Guardian Tree is being published in this week's issue of Bewildering Stories! Total coincidence!

Now on to others with wonderful news!

Today, Kyra has invited us to a Goodreads event to celebrate the release of her New Adult novella, "If I Let You Go!" The ebook will be free on Amazon US and UK for 24 hours on October 22nd, coinciding with the "Letting Go" bloghop! Go check it all out!


Christine's cute Cowgirl story is out for y'all to read "Li'l Gal Al"

The feisty spirits and characters are still stirring up trouble at Partners in ParanormYA while Gwen & Angela continue their blog tour...stop by for a peek! And I'll have them here next week!


Also today, Dani and Jackie host a weekly Express Yourself MeMe, this week's topic is "List 5 favorite monsters throughout history."

Speaking of monsters! Two fun Halloween blogfests are coming up...Spooktoberfest (also hosted by Dani & Jackie!) and Halloween Hop hosted by Jeremy Bates! Share a story and seasonal fun!


Then soon after in November a bunch of you guys are doing NANOWRIMO!

May your mind ne'er block and your computer ne'er crash! 

Save often and good luck!

Since Thanksgiving rushes up as the sometimes overlooked holiday between Halloween and Xmas, Vikki and I are hosting the "I'm Thankful for..." blog hop. And don't forget Alex's monthly Insecure Writers Support Group meeting on Nov 7th!

I know there's more, but I can't remember it all! Are you doing NANO? Got something special coming up? I'd love to share it!

I'm late!

I got these two awards a couple of weeks ago and haven't properly thanked the givers. Shame on me! Well now I have made time.

Thank you, Carrie Anne Brownian for the Lovely Blog award!

       

And thank you, Laura at My Baffling Brain for the Reader Appreciation Award!

Each of these has the standard, name seven things about yourself and you know I can't just be normal like that, so I am listing seven Lovely and Appreciative things:

1. Lovely Tip: To avoid static electricity when brushing dry hair, give the brush a squirt of hair spray first.
2. Lovely Tip: If you use undereye concealer like me, let it sit on your skin for one minute before blending so it can sink in and last longer (it works! from Bobby Brown at Prevention mag)
3. Be Lovely: yoga pants are best worn to yoga (they're also comfy around the house!)
4. Lovely is - admirable, adorable, alluring, amiable, attractive, bewitching, captivating, dainty, delectable, delightful, enchanting, engaging, enjoyable, fair, gorgeous, graceful, handsome, knockout, nice, pleasant, pretty, pulchritudinous!, rare, scrumptious, stunning, sweet, winning
5. Appreciative Tip: Say thanks to an "invisible" hero, a garbage worker, janitor, stock person, event organizer, mail person, etc.
6. Appreciative Tip: the best gift is something you want but wouldn't get for yourself.
7. Appreciative is - beholden, content, grateful, gratified, indebted, obliged, overwhelmed, pleased, relieved, satisfied, thankful!

I would like to pass these awards on thusly:

        The Lovely Blog Award           The Reader Appreciation Award

   Laura - My Baffling Brain!                     Rena - Dr Faerie Godmother

Cynthia - Read is the New Black                     Dana - the Daily Dose

    Samantha May                                             MJ Fifield

Talynn - Ink in the Book                              Christine Rains

     Laura Marcella                                        Heather Gardner
Angela & Gwen @ Partners in Paranormya       Carrie Anne Brownian

And I would be lovingly appreciative if you joined us in our I'M THANKFUL FOR MY READERS blog hop!

I am rich!

Rich with friends! Thank you all so much for the kind words and support this week! I got several great CP offers! I'm very excited! Here, have some chocolate before it melts!

Now don't forget, Monday from 6 AM to 3 PM is the Christmas in July contest. To preview the wonderful agents who are the final judges, go peek at Michelle's or Ruth's. Polish those queries and tweak those opening pages. And for the top 30, these sweet ladies will be giving advice on how to improve even more before the final judging! Never hurts to enter a contest!


Have a great weekend! Stay cool!

kick start monday - thank you blog buddies!

I got the sweetie award again! Guess I need to put it up!
Thank you, Heather, the little red henry! She is a REAL sweetie and an awesome artist! you should check out her site! Since I just got this award (wow, can't believe it was 2 wks ago!), I'm going to spare you all a repeat =)

And thanks to Laura for the tag!
I've seen those questions circulate a bit so I think I will switch them up. (and add my little tag sticker)

1) What's the first thing you do in the morning? make coffee!

2) How old do you feel? Sometimes I feel my age, but mostly I think like I'm 25 and forget how old I really am (til I look in the mirror!)

3) What's your sign and does the description match your personality? Scorpio. Yup, don't hold anything back (which can be good & bad). Emotional, outgoing and intense. I've mellowed with age, but it's all still there...

4) How do you like your caffeine? I love coffee with a little sugar and flavored cream. Hot in the winter and iced in the summer, mmm frappuchino!

5) Favorite cartoon character? Pluto. That was a tougher decision than I thought it would be. (It was close with Snoopy and Spongebob on his tail =)

Now I'm tagging a few friends! You're it!

Catenabi Chronicles - crazy cat woman!
Forty Something & Counting - me too...
From My Classroom Window - fellow educator
Little Red Henry - pretty artist
Substitute Teacher's Saga - sub with a heart of gold
The Waiting is the Hardest Part - Heather G needs something to do =)

Lastly, a nice, big, chrome high five of thanks to Terrible Minds, Chuck Wendig! I was fast enough to win his book. yay! Check out the link to see all the entries if you have some time and like reading about robots =]

PS - I just added a blogfest for next wed 6/29 (see mrgin). join in!

Hyper-mega-super-thanks!

My situation has made a drastic turn for the better. I had found myself at a scary, treacherous path. I was stunned and awed that it turned out to be just a pothole followed by smooth pavement and sunny skies, brighter than I've seen in a while. There is still roadwork ahead, but I'm ready for it.

Thank you for all your positive vibes and well wishes! I hope to be back up and posting by Sunday =) I know your prayers helped me! Thank you all so much! I will go catch up on your blogs now.


(source)

 Don't give up, it's worth the effort!