How to stay POSITIVE! #mondaymotivation and #giveaway

How do you feel today?

A counselor once told me that there are 4 basic emotions: Happiness, Sadness, Anger, Fear. All of the rest of our emotions are basically just varying degrees or combinations of these four roots (think about it...) The downside of this is that Happiness seems to be the only positive - like Inside Out (which had 5, but it would've worked with 4) Fortunately, Happiness is also the goal for most people. I guess that's why life seems to be an uphill battle, but happy times are worth it, right?

Well, in keeping with my intent to send positive vibes, I came up with a list, (you know I love lists) a list of ways to lift your mood, which in the process will lift the spirits of those around you as well. Being positive is just as contagious as being negative.

1. smile - The easiest, yet most powerful thing you can do.
2. avoid negative - It's hard to stay positive when surrounded by negative. Walk away if you can, or change friends if necessary. 
3. take life less seriously - There is a time for seriousness, the rest is up to you. Will it matter in ten years? Will it matter tomorrow?
4. laugh at yourself - Gotta start somewhere. Don't waste time, energy, and emotion on getting embarrassed, that's a you only emotion. Others react the same whether you like it or not.
5. sing - Who can sing when they're sad or mad? I dare you to try!
6. get off the internet - I always sneak this in, even though it's a wonderful tool, we have become addicted and desensitized. And even the funny stuff is usually sarcastic or laughing at others' misfortunes. I wonder how I will preach this lesson to my grandchildren... maybe in a haunted hologram so they will listen. (light bulb - story idea!!) Take a break from it!
7. help others - The ultimate way to lift others and yourself
8. find the positive - In a dire situation, this is a difficult task. Challenge yourself!
9. don't go it alone - You are not the only one who has gone through a tough time. We are here for each other, let others in to help
10. pray - The last resort for some that should be the first. The cool breeze on a sunny day, and shelter in a storm.

I ask again - How do you feel today?

And what are you gonna do about it?

And now, here's some news...

I'm surprise highlighting Lexa Cain this week!

She and her publisher are hosting a super fun giveaway! You can win a BLOODWALKER card deck! I love this swag idea! Way to go girl!





Lexa also promotes others by listing free stuff and giveaways weekly in Foxy's Freebies - a wonderful supporter is she!!

Lastly...
A NOTE OF THANKS:
I took a chance with my prayer this past weekend - and I really appreciate all the positive feedback. Thank you! I hope it spreads!

I also appreciate all the support and retweets and shoutouts about my ebook sales the last couple of weeks - Thanks Heaps and Bushels!! Broken Branch Falls and especially Pop Travel soared to the tops of Amazon's Free charts. Gotta love those sub-categories!

I'd also like to thank those who volunteered to help me with reading, reviewing, reveals and releases coming up. Once I devise a new and improved plan of attack for my latest release of CRADLE ROCK, I'll recruit more with a form. It's time to reach more readers than just my supportive writer friends! Take my hand and join me in the bold adventure of marketing!!

And I'm still celebrating my books' bdays by giving away signed copies and swag! Whoever wins has their choice of signed book or swag! And it goes through the end of the month.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Have a PoSiTiVeLY PeRKY week!

How to manage your time - 5 easy steps! #MotivationMonday

Typical summer - There's so much I need/want to do, when I find spurts of free time, I get overwhelmed and end up squandering it, frittering it away with meaningless nonsense. I really need to have a go-to list for that precious time that slips away faster and faster these days. So here's what I'm gonna do...

1. Prioritize - I know what I need to do, but what needs done soonest? I also need a long list and a short list => How much time is each item going to take? I hate to get going on something only to leave it half done!
2. Get off the internet - we are addicted, admit it!! Admitting we have a problem is the beginning of the solution. Set a time limit, use the timer on your phone! SELF-DISCIPLINE! DO IT!
3. Just say NO - can you add another scrumptuous helping to your already overflowing plate of food you know you aren't going to finish? Stop it! It's okay to say no. But if you really need to say yes, SEE STEP ONE! Add it to the queue (love that word!)
4. Just do it - yes, I'm stealing some catch phrases, but they work and will help us remember. So stop hassling me about it and get back to your list!
5. Make sure relaxation is part of the plan - being productive can only happen if the mind is healthy and rested - a burned out brain is not a functional brain, hence the term brain dead. Don't let your brain die (and playing on your phone is not relaxation, it actually ADDS stress to your life - it's a fact, go look it up, UNPLUG!)

So that's my bit of advice for today. Now for the news...

THE THING THAT TURNED ME

comes out THIS Thursday, June 30! Yay!!

Prompted by the lovely producers of this conquest, Randi Lee and Imani Antoinette, I put together a youtube promo (btw, if any co-authors would like me to edit theirs similarly, let me know taratylertalks at the gmail email)

I'm also considering participation in these upcoming events:

The Write. Edit. Publish. challenge...

with your hostesses:

Denise Covey & Yolanda Renée

The Storytime Blog Hop - for stretching your writerly wings in speculative fiction!

NEXT HOP JULY 27, 2016.

This is the 3rd StoryTime Blog Hop of 2016

Juneta Key has more info on her website side-bar, feel free to contact her if you're interested

What are you trying to accomplish this summer?

Happy Monday, y'all!

Things NOT to do at an interview

Sometimes I don't know when to shut up - just ask my hub (ba dump bump)

Lately, I've been trying to find ways to make a better living (sons approaching college age = need more $$$!) And we writers know the best kept secret about writing is there's not much money in it. For some strange reason, the general public thinks if you're published, you must be rich AND famous! It really cracks me up when someone introduces me as a "famous author" - ha ha ha!

Anyway, as I said, I'm trying to earn more money. I've been on a few job interviews, sent countless query letters, submitted a few pieces, and begged for book gigs. So far it's all gotten me bupkis! And upon further examination, I seem to be sabotaging myself. I'll tell you what I mean...

Here are Things NOT to do when looking for work:
DON'T tell them you'll understand if they don't want to hire you.
DON'T act like you could care less.
DON'T tell them their workplace is cute.
DON'T bring up sore spots about their financial situation.
DON'T compare them to a better workplace.
DON'T assume you aren't right for the job.
DON'T force a smile.
DON'T oversell yourself.
DON'T show them you're smarter than they are, know-it-all.

I was in an anti-full-time teacher funk when I went on that interview. Yes, I actually did a few of those things. How could I be so dumb? People know when you aren't genuinely interested. They also know when you're trying too hard out of desperation. We must be confident but not cocky. Self-assured but not assuming. And humble not humiliating.

I was disappointed I didn't get a job offer, but not surprised. Then a long-term job was handed to me - things worked out. Not getting the book events was actually better for me. And more changes are on the horizon that would make getting a permanent job not the best situation right now. I believe God has a plan for me. After having things work out so many times, and mostly not how I plan, it's easier to accept and leave things to Him.

Prayer brings results, worry brings wrinkles.

AND IN THE NEWS:
Don't forget to stop by and vote at the WRiTE CLUB!

Many folks are Revealing their A to Z Challenge THEMES today - including the Really Real Housewives where we'll be joining in the challenge. You'll never guess our theme!

And if anyone would like to volunteer to read JOLISSA for an honest review, let me know. Thanks!

Anyone else notice how things work out for the best in ways least expected?

Hope things are working out for you!

Happy Spring!

Monday Already?

I thought making a promotional video would be fun. And I did have a few laughs. But the editing was a big pain! I used several different apps and they all did different things but none of them turned out quite right... so I gave up. Now I'm cranky! I really could use an extra hour.

Oh, right. Stupid daylight savings STOLE my extra hour this morning!

Okay, I've griped enough. I know I can't be the only one struggling with making a promotional video, though I tend to be a perfectionist about publications... There's a ton of brilliant authors joining me for The Thing That Turned Me anthology, and we're all making videos. I'm sure everything will work out...

Now for some great news and views! I saw Annalisa Crawford's new cover and wanted to share it!

In You. I. Us., Annalisa Crawford captures everyday people during poignant defining moments in their lives: An artist puts his heart into his latest sketch, an elderly couple endures scrutiny by a fellow diner, an ex-student attempts to make amends with a girl she bullied at school, a teenager holds vigil at his friend’s hospital bedside, long distance lovers promise complete devotion, a broken-hearted widow stares into the sea from the edge of a cliff where her husband died, a grieving son contacts the only person he can rely on in a moment of crisis, a group of middle-aged friends inspire each other to live remarkable lives.

Day after day, we make the same choices. But after reading You. I. Us., you’ll ask yourself, “What if we didn’t?”

YOU. I. US. will be available June 10, 2016
Add it to your reading list on Goodreads
Annalisa's Website

Congrats, Annalisa!


I hope your Monday is going better than mine!

PS - I'm over at the Really Real Housewives this week, too - today I'm talking about teenagers!

Cramming a Ton of Awesome into Today!

Another exciting Monday...

But seriously, it IS!
The super splendicular Christine Rains is hosting me at her place today AND she's also the specialissimo guest over at the Really Real Housewives this week!

AND I'm super excited to announce the winners of our MEME BLOG HOP!

First, a HUGE SPECIAL THANKS to my co-hostesses, C. Lee McKenzie and Christine Rains. We had a very hard time picking our faves, so there are lots of winners:

2 Grand Prize Winners of $20 Gift Cards

M Pepper Langlinais

and

Yvonne Ventresca

J. Lenni's

We also chose J Lenni Dorner (Broken Branch Falls by Tara Tyler & Double Negative by C. Lee McKenzie) and Juneta Key (Sudden Secrets by C. Lee McKenzie & Of Blood and Sorrow by Christine Rains) as 2nd runners up, winning two ebooks each!

Juneta's

And here's the rest of our winners, each receiving an ebook:
Michelle Wallace - Jolissa by Tara Tyler
Tamara Narayan - Pop Travel by Tara Tyler
Jess Haight/Fairday Morrow - (still deciding)


Thanks to all who played with us! I wish we could give stuff to everyone. But the fun continues all month, maybe longer, as I will be tweeting ALL the entrants' fun and encouraging meme's for everyone to see and enjoy.


And LBNL...

Today is also the first day of WRiTE CLUB 2016!

It's an awesome contest helping writers refine their craft in a blind competition. 

Stop by and VOTE for your favorites!

Have a wonderful week!

No time for #love

That's just silly. There's always time for love! But I'm going to an Anti-Valentine's party with my latest Muse for Sarah Foster's Musiversary!

So here's the how the party goes...

I brought Grumpy Writer Cat, or GW. He just looks at me and I shut my social sites, feeling guilty for not writing... and he's my anti-valentine because he's a no nonsense kitty. I mean cat. He hates when I call him kitty. (But he's so cute!)

Neither of us is very romantic, but I'm definitely the silly, sentimental one. I gave him a bow tie. He hates it. But we brought chocolate and low fat milk so he's amicable.

For tunes, I'm sure Sarah's going to play "Love Stinks," so I'll say "You Give Love a Bad Name" by Bon Jovi.

Here's a great anti-Valentine party game, Pin the Zit on the Ex.

I will eat too much, drink too much, and have an awesome time!
GW will drive us home. He keeps me from going over the edge!

And of course we brought the hostess a gift - a free ebook! Congrats, Sarah & Jordan! (Sarah, email me which ebook you would like!)

A maiden with a bad attitude

To see more party goers, find the list here!
Happy Anti-Valentine's Day, y'all!

Plus I have special MONDAY NEWS!
I've taken the plunge into self-publishing... JOLISSA - An Anti-Princess Story, the novella that goes with my video storybook, is available available February 29th (can pre-order now!), the same day as...

Did you see those dunks this wknd? Sick!

...Christine Rains, C. Lee McKenzie's and my Winter Blahs Buster Meme Blog Hop! It's only 2 weeks away. Post a MEME Feb 29 - Mar 4. And I love how our great group of goers has grown. Don't forget, we've got prizes! Including TWO $20 gift cards!

The Decline of blogging and Ways to perk it up!

Short is the new long. Quip or quit! Has the blogging ship sailed?

Nick Wilford talked about the Future of Blogging earlier this month and inspired me to write a long comment, and then even more - to write this post!

After blogging for six years, I have definitely noticed the disappearance of many blogger friends. Have you? Well, I have a theory or two why...

They got a book deal! - Like many writers, I started my blog to learn about writing, post my thoughts on the process, and get feedback - while giving the same in return. I met tons of blog friends and am continuing to meet more - some even in real life. But once you get published, the time you didn't have before completely disappears. Marketing and promoting invade your life besides trying to write the next one to keep yourself alive with your readers who are hungry for more. I cut back substantially - from almost every day to once a week. And I will keep with it until I don't feel it's productive anymore. But with many of my blog friends still active, it's still worth it. And as my title suggests, I always have something to say!

They ran out of time - Life will do that. Things change. And many times, blogging is the first thing to go. I know how thin we can stretch ourselves, and sometimes we have to make a choice, and blogging can be a luxury of time we can't afford.

They ran our of things to say - It's just not a priority anymore. When people post about not knowing what to post about, it's a good sign they're on their way to other things. And that's okay!

If you have to let it go, or just slow down or take a break from it - know that this blogging community will still be here. There are rocks that seem immovable (Like Alex J the Rockstar Ninja Warrior and L Diane the photographer and marketing genius, and so many more).

I have to make time for it because I want to keep in touch with my writer friends - we know what each other is going through. I'm so glad I started when I did - I've gotten so much from it and am still learning. And I hope others might still get something out of my articles, too.

In fact, here are some suggestions for a new blogging strategy to keep blogs alive and relevant:

• Catchy, quippy titles - if you want to reach more people, you have to grab them with an enticing title. Give them lists, make them laugh, inform! Then,
• Promote it on the quickie sites - Any social media will do. Use a cute blurb and/or picture... cute enough to make people click on it to read further! Make it easier by connecting your blog to Twitter or Facebook. It's amazing how many people are vying for each other's attention and the ways we can do it!
• Be interesting - Blogging is only as good as what you put into it. If you want more, you must expand and reach out, padawan!

NAMASTE! (It felt right)

June, already?

Well, I made it through my first round of edits. I'm that much closer to it being ready to go!
BTW - Do you all know how to view all the bits of a piece of writing? Every tab, return, and space! Well, I didn't and now I do. And when I did, I saw little hidden bubbles (like degrees?) here and there throughout my MS. So weird! I have no idea where they came from! You might want to see what's hidden in your MS.

Now, In Blog News!
I wanted to tell you all about Rachel Morgan's new media adventure - she is hooking authors up! Book covers, book trailers and more. I am most impressed with the animated book covers! They catch attention - wow! Check it out and like it on facebook!

Find Morgan Media in the following places online:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | DeviantArt | YouTube

DL Hammons' WRiTE CLUB 2013 kicks off tomorrow! You want to submit to it!

Wednesday is the first Wednesday of the month - and you know what that means! Insecure Writers Support Group! Hosted by our Insecurest leader, Alex! Wait, I meant Alex the Supporter Extraordinaire!

Don't forget to sign up for Heather's & my THE THRILL OF IT ALL blogfest! On June 24, share a thrill - whether from your writings or from real life! The biggest thrills win prizes!

the good, the bad, and the groovy movie news!

First, we get the bad news out of the way.

• Many of you might have heard, but Google Reader is going bye-bye! I do not like how fast things change these days. Technology seems to be on drugs - faster, faster, faster!!! more, more, more!!! Well, at least there are alternatives, here are some articles with recommendations - one, two, three  ... what a pain in the behind!
• And in other bad news... Jane Friedman, had this post on her site about when we should quit blogging! At first, I was like, "Quit blogging? Never!" But after thinking about it, I admit that I can see myself easing back as I turn the corner to dedicate time to marketing and more writing. Newer bloggers have so much to gain, while seasoned bloggers may start to see repetitive posts and feel like, been there done that. I think you just have to evaluate what you want from blogging. Julie got a discussion going about this on Friday. I don't feel ready to give it up any time soon, but I also don't see me doing it forever. When it becomes more of a chore than a joy, then it might be time to move on... but my bloggy friends will stay friends if I can help it!

Now the good news!

• DL Hammond has come up with another way to pass on encouragement! The Blog Blitz! Everyone who particpates will gang up and surprise one blogger with positive comments all day. Go sign up or at least check it out. It's easy and fun!
• Angela Brown is hosting a Reader Appreciation event on Goodreads - lots of prizes! go see!

And now the groovy movie news!

Here are my top ten movies for Alex's Movie Blogfest! (in no particular order)

1. Star Wars (4, 5, 6)
2. the Avengers
3. the Incredibles
4. Pirates of the Caribbean (1, 2, 3)
5. Matrix (1, 2, 3)
6. Indiana Jones (1, 2, 3)
7. Sherlock Holmes (1, 2, +)
8. Despicable Me
9. Disney - Cinderella, Little Mermaid, Hercules
10. How to Train Your Dragon

I am all over those animated movies - apparently action/adventure and comedy are essential, plus a little heartstrings. And as a bonus, here are some other movie favorites...

Favorite B&W stars: Cary Grant, Ginger Rogers

Favorite Musicals: Sound of Music, My Fair Lady, Wizard of Oz

Favorite Rom Coms: Housesitter, French Kiss, The Holiday

There are so many fantastic movies and I know I'm going to see some of yours and want to add them to my list, but these are the ones I watch over and over again.

So heard the bad news? Got some good news? And I will be checking out your groovy movie news!!

rooooaaaarrrr!

In like a lion, right?
Welcome to Kick Start March!
Here are just a few happenings this month.

• TODAY IS THE DAY! Nick Wilford's OVERCOMING ADVERSITY ANTHOLOGY for ANDREW releases today!

A collection of seventy moving and uplifting original pieces - real life, flash fiction, and poetry - about battling against the odds and the ultimate triumph of the human spirit. The contributors include Amazon bestselling authors Alex J. Cavanaugh and Kyra Lennon, and the cream of upcoming talent.

The anthology is part of a fundraising effort to send the editor's stepson, Andrew McNaughton, to a specialist college in England. Andrew has cerebral palsy, and is a remarkable young man with a promising future. However, the free further education options offered in his own country of Scotland will not challenge him and allow him to progress. In order to access the education he deserves, Andrew will have to pay exorbitant fees, thus creating a situation of discrimination.

Help us get Andrew to college by buying a book that runs the full gamut of human emotions, ultimately leaving you inspired and glad to be alive. Whatever struggles you are going through, our sincere hope is that this book will help.

Purchase links: Amazon UK |  Amazon US | Smashwords | Goodreads

• Don't forget the Insecure Writers Support Group is Wednesday! See you there, right? 
• March 15, your favorite Irish Hawaiian, Mark Koopmans is hosting his annual green celebration
• And March 18 we will share our top ten movies for Alex's Countdown blogfest!

• On March 21, Mina Lobo and David Macaulay are hosting a bloghop to get us hyped up for the A to Z called THE BIG REVEAL - got a theme? Share it!

• The ladies at Falling for Fiction are playing matchmakers again! If you're looking for a CP or beta reader, head over there and fill out their form and they will help you find a match March 25-29

So are you ready for A to Z? Got a theme? Later this month I will offer some tips for maximizing this wonderful opportunity! Hope everyone is ready for some March Madness - even if it doesn't involve college hoops!

winter is on the outs

Hope my friends in the Northeast made it through the big blizzard! I remember camping out in our basement by the pot belly stove for a blizzard in the 70s! I was born in Plymouth, MA and loved all that snow as a kid.

Well, Winter is almost over and usually I say good riddance, bring on the Spring! But today I am seeing the bright side of Winter...

Top 10 Winter Cheers!

10.  Sweater weather - I like cardigans. I wish could wear a pretty pullover sweater, but I tend to overheat, so I dress in layers. And I can't stand static!
9.   Watching snowball fights
8.   Basketball, baby! (my boys and college)
7.   Fun socks and cozy slippers
6.   Seeing your breath
5.   Icicles!
4.   Warm beverages =P
3.   Bunny and other critter tracks
2.   Snowflakes!
And the number 1 reason I like winter,
1.   Not shaving =)

Too much information?

Since it's Monday, I will leave you with just a few notes and notices...

You might have heard that Alex is revealing his CassaStorm cover on Feb 22 AND announced his blogfest details - March 18th we will share our top ten favorite movies. This will be tough with so many great ones!

I've seen a bunch of mushy, gushy, romancy blog hops I'm sure some of you sweethearts are participating in, but those aren't for me. I'll sit back and enjoy some chocolate <3

Next week - Don't forget Mish & Elise's Blog-o-versary

And Jamie & Allison's Level Up Blogfest

Some great college basketball moments this weekend - incredible buzzer beater, quintuplet overtime, and upsets! Our home courts were pretty intense too. Only a few games left...hope I can take it!

Do you keep up with basketball? What's your favorite part of winter? And are you doing anything special for Valentine's this year? Whatever your plans, have a lovey-dovey week!

a whole new world!

Welcome to the Build a World Workshop! I mean blog hop. It's going on all week! For details, see Sharon Bayliss - instigator!

Today we are talking about Geography and Climate.

BROKEN BRANCH FALLS is a nice little town in the Southeast Sector of Land Mass Four (which is Earth in five hundred years or so, minus humans). The climate is similar to Tennessee's Blue Ridge Mountains, with October being the best time of year to visit as it is warm, but mild. The foliage and creatures have mutated and adapted due to the legend of a cataclysmic war centuries ago that used chemical and biological warfare, leaving enormous trees, dangerous birds, magical creatures, with brilliant colors usually signifying caution. A visit through this Sector is worth the trek! I have highlighted points of interest and spots to steer clear of below.

The first place you must put on your itinerary to see while visiting the Southeast Sector is The Sea of Notion, with lovely condos on the beach, many aquatic activities, and plenty of museums and a planetarium in the nearby City of Learning. If you like to hike, the most scenic range is the Iridescent Mountains with hot spring pools for relaxing in on your way up, but you must schedule a dragon fly by to really see how the range earned its name. For a white water rafting adventure, put your boat in at Broken Branch Falls on the Steddy Rolling River. Just be sure to pull out by Trickle Stream so you don't take the unfathomable drop off at Make a Wish Falls. Echo Cliffs is a hot spot for youngsters, but if the ground trembles, take cover. The giants kids like to throw their voices too. On your journeys through the Southeast Sector, you might want to avoid The Nest, Blood Lake, the Perch, Black Dog Forest, and Treasure Trees, as their inhabitants do not take kindly to strangers. But if you study up on their cultures, you might be able to survive. 

I hope you enjoyed that quick geographic summary of BROKEN BRANCH FALLS. Now for some brief news!

I hope you have your calendars marked for the Back from the Future Fest! Coming March 1, M Pax, Nicki Elson, and Suze are hosting a hop to see what we put in a time capsule sent back from the future!

Have I told you about the online book club I joined? I usually shy away from book clubs because, A) I'm a slow reader - no time to read, B) if I don't like a book, I can't finish it, and C) I don't know of any in my area... These could be lame excuses, but I couldn't think of any NOT to join THE PROGRESSIVE BOOKCLUB! This genius creation of M L Swift is for craft books - books on writing! And it's all here online, so even if you don't have time to join, you can read what we have to say about the books. I can't wait for the first "meeting" on February 20th where we discuss BIRD BY BIRD by Anne Lamott. So far, she's a hoot!

I hope you've written your submission for the Overcoming Adversity hop! That's next Monday and Tuesday! I have to get moving on it myself!

Did you get some writing done this weekend? What is the World like in your story? (and it doesn't have to be fantasy! Every setting needs building up!) Are you in a book club? Why or why not?

HaPPy MoNDaY!

what a great weekend!

Though we didn't win a whole lot of basketball ourselves, (only 3 out of 6, yes 6 games) my hub's college fave, MSU, won an upset and so did some friends we watched in between our games...March Madness has nothing on us!

In the midst of all that, I made myself go out to a Bookfest. In the middle of an Icefest! I thought I'd see ice skating and such, but it was ice sculptors! Buildings, a throne, symbols, scenes, all carved out of ice up and down the main street. It was COOL! And the Bookfest was adorable! In the upstairs of an Irish pub, tables for two dozen authors and their books to sell.

When I came to Duffy Brown, who writes cozy mysteries, I remembered meeting her last year, at my first writer's conference - Lori Foster's Reader/Writer Get Together. Duffy was the main organizer! It was so great to see a familiar face! And she told me I should come back to the Reader/Writer conference with an Author table this time - it's free and tons of people go, more each year, though it's mostly romance...it was a great feeling.

Does anyone else have trouble getting out there, all by yourself? It is worth it!

Now for the news:
Speaking of putting yourself out there, don't be shy! Join this fun fest for new friends and old, reintroducing ourselves! Hosted by Elise, Stephen, Carolyn, and Mark on Jan 28.

Stina, the wonder woman of writing news, has found another prize - a way to lend your ebook to a friend!

Here's a writing prompt blogfest encouraging us to share our world building skills in our WIPs - because world building isn't just for fantasy! It runs Jan 28-Feb 1, and you don't have to write every day to win! Hosted by Sharon Bayliss.

Okay, you have to check this out. The PAPfest - ew gross, right? Yeah, read on, it's just to grab your attention. It's a pitchfest THIS WEEK, hosted by these talented girls! And the twist is, you pitch for your partner's WIP! Great idea and love the pic!

Mindy,  RC, and Marcy Kate

Here is a series I think you will enjoy. Suzi, the literary engineer poses a writerly question each week and gives us the answers from several writerly folks. She calls it The Big Reveal.

Congrats to Michelle and Elise who both struck milestones at 2 yrs and 1 yr of blogging, respectively. Yay! To celebrate they are creating a comic strip for us to fill in the blanks and crack each other up. Feb 18-20

Participating contests and blogfests is fantastic because not only do you meet new people, but you can win stuff! Like I just won a copy of WE ARE NOW from Neil Vogler with flash pieces by him, Sean Craven, and PT Dilloway. Goodreads Blurb: Many of its stories are set in the future with a sci fi feel yet WE ARE NOW covers many genres and has at its heart, humanity. In total the 69 pieces show that we are all human regardless of technology, time or place. Looking forward to reading and rating it!

And I had to save the best for last,

Julie Flanders has a COOL cover for POLAR NIGHT!

Detective Danny Fitzpatrick moves to Fairbanks, Alaska to escape the violence and heartbreak that left his life in pieces. Numbed by alcohol and freezing temperatures, Danny takes solace in a dead-end job investigating Fairbanks' cold cases. But when a pretty blond woman goes missing on the winter solstice, Danny stumbles upon some surprising connections between her disappearance and that of another Fairbanks woman three years earlier. Danny must find the missing woman to help him solve his own cold case.

The investigation points Danny towards Aleksei Nechayev, the handsome and charming proprietor of an old asylum turned haunted tourist attraction. Suspicious of Nechayev, who is hiding a horrifying secret, Danny's obsession to find the missing women grows, putting his own life in danger. When the truth is finally revealed, the world as he knows it will never be the same.

Polar Night is a suspense thriller with a supernatural twist, to be published by Ink Smith Publishing on February 7, 2013. Find Julie online at her blog, on Twitter, and on Facebook. 

Whew, congratulations if you made it to the end! Hope you had a nice weekend! Reading anything good? I'd love to hear! Happy MLK Day and have a great week!

momentum is building!

Now that this year has gotten started, it's really picking up speed! I have so much to tell you!

Dani & Jackie are continuing their weekly Express Yourself Meme - quick prompts for helping us get to know each other every MONDAY. This week - what Craft or pure enjoyment books would you recommend to readers?

Writer friend, Nick Wofford, has a special stepson, Andrew, who wants to go to a real college. His government is protesting their petitions. To raise money for their cause, Nick is putting together an anthology and asking us to contribute a piece for it, Feb 4-5 with his Overcoming Adversity bloghop. I am so on board with this! See his site for the details of how you can help!

April is just around the corner! Not really, but the folks at the Blogging  from A to Z site are geared up and writing away. And they have some cute new badges! (see side bar) Get yours today! I am working on a theme... And if you are on the fence about taking the challenge, let me just say it's where I got my first boost of followers and I meet lots of great bloggers every year.

Some of you have seen this awesome Writer's Creed by S.A. Larsen - I love it! And Sherri promises it is the first of many Sherriisms!

In March, I heard Mark Koopmans, your favorite Irish Hawaiian, will continue his Green Hop tradition on St Patrick's Day. Mark your calendar!

"Celebrate the small things" with Vikki on Fridays! No accomplishment is too small. Vikki has started a link for us to pat each other on the back for meeting our goals, or just for trying.


I think that's enough, for now! Take your pick and welcome to blogging in 2013! Where would we be without it?!

Kick Start 2013!

First Monday of the new year! Thank you all so much for the support and congrats. You always make me feel loved! I will try to stay on top of my goals and keep track here on the blog - as I hope you will update us on your progress too!

Even though I won't be doing all the hops, I can still tell you about them! Or the ones I hear about anyway...

Coming up Wednesday is LG Keltner's Beginnings Blogfest where we share our awkward (or not) first moments in writing. The sign up list has jumped into the hundreds.(correction, 50s - my bad, must have been looking at the wrong fest!) Should be some fun stories! (and LG won David P King's Build a Blog banner, by yours truly - it's all from her creative mind!)


Sharon Bayliss is doing a great job at The Blog Tour Exchange! Right now they are promoting three sci fi books in a Curiosity Quills Sci Fi Tour





Also this month My Favorite Martian blog hop - fun from space! Jan 14


Have a wonderful, complete manuscript? Looking for an agent? Here is a fun event you should try - Cupid's Blind Speed Dating! Starts next week! Click for details!

I have to say how surprised I am that no one is bringing the love in Feb yet! I am hosting three stops on blog tours in Feb, so that is quite all right! I'm sure someone will bring some love.

Skipping to March, Captain Ninja Alex is hosting another surprise blogfest! March 18th - mark your calendars!

That's all for now...Have a great week!

only a week til Xmas!

Are you ready? Shopping done? Everything all wrapped up with a bow on top?
I'm close. Picking up a couple more things today and waiting on packages...hope they get here in time!

Plus I have to get my Secret Santa Writer a gift with the Help the Elf project brought to you by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi over at the Bookshelf Muse We reveal our recipients on 12/19!

There are so many generous writers out there giving stuff away and encouraging us to do the same...

If you are looking for a gift to give or get, make sure you check out Angela & Gwen's Holiday Indie Giveaway

Brinda Berry is giving away a book trailer! If you don't have a book ready for that, it would be a great gift for one of your friends who might need one!

And don't forget, David P King is giving away a blog makeover to celebrate his 800+ followers on 12/20!

And lastly, if you're struggling with what to get your writer friends, Chuck Wendig has a nifty, or is that naughty? list of 25 gifts to get a writer for Xmas.