No Foolin Around - Serious #Awards & Announcements!

So much is going on!!
First, my IWSG post in conjunction with the culmination of my Beast World campaign.

The writing/blogging community is the best group of people out there! I've said it before, but they are so supportive! Today, I'm handing out some awards to recognize my helpers who gave me their most valuable asset--their TIME!

Based on the number, here are the top awards:

And here are the stats of all my wonderful volunteers and how much they helped!

I made new connections, found volunteers to review the Beast World series, was blessed with a wonderful new piece of art, and received offers to guest post at other blogs. And I re-pubbed the ebooks!

Never be afraid to ask the writing community for help--they come through!

* * * * *

I'm also more than happy to return the favor!

Today I'm very happy to share my time and blog space with one of my awesome writer friends to celebrate the release of her incredible book, which I absolutely adored!

DANCING WITH DEMENTIA
Recognizing and Coping with the Early Stages of Dementia
by Jemi Fraser

Let's take a little more in-depth look into Jemi's life and her book. Her mom is the star, and with the recent restrictions at nursing homes, Jemi had to find a new way to see her--online!

Jemi: Thanks so much for doing this :) Mom is doing great despite the lockdown. Seeing her and chatting, with the help of the staff, makes everything so much easier for us. So thankful for those great people!

TT: Your book was so real. Though dementia is no laughing matter, it was pretty funny at times. Do you ever insert comedy in your fiction?

Jemi: Thanks!! I’m glad our crazy reality comes across. A strong sense of humour really gets us through!

My upcoming romantic-suspense series definitely has humour in it. My characters often have a sarcastic edge to them and that’s so much fun to write! I also think our family’s gallows humour comes through in several of my characters and the situations they get themselves into!

TT: I had to look up gallows humor--thanks for the new word!

I think you and your sister are saints the way you take care of your “mum” through so many trials and still kept working! Do you think you might write a book about her? or your own life someday?

Jemi: Wow - thank you! Definitely not saints, but we do love our mum! I don’t know if my heart is up to another true-to-life book at this point, but you never know. Mom’s had a fascinating life and I’ve thought about a YA historical romance set in the post WWII era based on it. Maybe one day!

TT: A YA historical in that era sounds fantastic!

The way your mother treated people, especially her second husband, reminded me of my grandmother, bossing folks around and doing as she pleased. It made me wonder if I’ll be that way when I’m older (have a lot of that in me now!) Do you ever wonder or worry how you will be later in life?

Jemi: Love it! Mom definitely enjoys being in charge and she believes she is ALWAYS the most qualified person in the room for any task or opinion. I have a wide and strong independent streak in me but I’ve always been quieter and more private than Mom. However, I suspect more of “Mom” will show up in me as I get older! My kids have been warned!

TT: Now for a couple of easy ones...

How do you like living in Canada?

Jemi: I wouldn’t live anywhere else!! Northern Ontario is beautiful and the people are awesome. Our fall leaves are spectacular. Our biggest con is probably how long the snow sticks around. While it is melting, we still have 2 to 3 foot snowbanks. In late March/early April that’s a definite con!

TT: Yes, you kept saying how wonderful the staff of most places was--I had to remind myself you were in Canada. I was jealous until I kept reading about the snow! haha

And lastly, What writing are you working on now?

Jemi: I’m planning to publish my Bloo Moose small-town romantic suspense series in the fall. Book 1 is ready to go, Book 2 is on the spit-and-polish round, Book 3 is in the final revision round. Book 5’s first draft is done, and Book 4 is still wandering around in my head (it’s the stubborn one). Ideas for Books 6-8 are there but need to be fleshed out. I’m hoping to publish at least 3 of them at the same time. Lots of fun ahead!

Holy Bullwinkle! That's a ton of stories! Congrats! I'll be around to read and help.

DANCING WITH DEMENTIA,

Recognizing and Coping with the Early Stages of Dementia

by Jemi Fraser

◊ Genre: Nonfiction, Memoir
◊ Publisher: Just Jemi Books
◊ eBooks
◊ ISBN-13: 978-1-9991258-1-3

Dementia and Alzheimer’s touch the lives of millions around the world, but so much is still unknown.

As first-generation Canadians, we didn’t recognize the early warning signs. We didn’t know the differences between regular aging and the early stages of dementia. We’ve made mistakes but we’ve learned a lot.

DANCING WITH DEMENTIA will help you:
•Identify those early warning signs
•Use visuals to improve communication
•Choose your words wisely
•Redirect and reassure
•Stay calm and cope with your own emotions
•Consider nursing home options
•Improve caregiver self-care

We’ve learned to dance the early steps of the disease with our love and laughter intact. If you are looking for help recognizing early signposts along with practical ways to cope with early Dementia and Alzheimer’s, this book is for you.

DANCING WITH DEMENTIA buy links:

Amazon.com              Amazon.ca          Apple Books       Barnes & Noble          Kobo

Add DANCING WITH DEMENTIA to your Goodreads shelf

About the Author

Jemi Fraser writes both fiction and nonfiction. Her nonfiction work focuses on the ways that dementia has impacted her family. Her fiction work varies from contemporary romance to suspense and flash fiction. Years as a teacher have taught Jemi that life is short and that happy endings are a must.

She lives in Northern Ontario, Canada where snow is always a topic of conversation and the autumn leaves make everything better.

For more on Jemi and her writing, visit her following sites:

Website          Just Jemi Blog       Dancing With Dementia blog 

Amazon Page        BookBub      Goodreads       Facebook       Twitter

Finally, Enter this giveaway is for a $20 Amazon Gift Card. (open internationally)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour through MC Book Tours.

The Writers' Congregation - #WritersLife Survey 10

This month's #WritersLife Survey is about how writers communicate. Long ago (ten years or so), we were once told to start a blog or website - is this still a rule? I've cut way back on blogging, but I will keep at it as long as I can. It's awesome to talk about our woes and accomplishments with other writers. And this community always has positive, encouraging words to share.




I also wanted to thank fellow substitute warrior, Victoria Marie for the Liebster Award! I haven't done an award in quite a while, so this should be fun. Thanks, Victoria!

Liebster Award Rules and Nominees:
Rule 1: Thank the person who nominated you for the award.
Rule 2: Answer the 11 questions the person asked you.
Rule 3: Nominate 11 people (comment on their blog to let them know)
Rule 4: Ask the people you have nominated 11 questions (My questions are at the bottom of this post.)

Here are my answers to Victoria's questions:
1.     You are thrown into a favorite story. [Not your own.] Which story and who would you be?
I always wanted to live in the world of Xanth by Piers Anthony - then I'd get a magic power!
2.     What is the hardest part of writing for you? Why?
Marketing & Promotion, bragging and being pushy like a salesperson isn't what I signed up for!
3.     When and where do you write? How did you discover that was best for you?
Mornings are best, at my desk or on my treadmill!
4.     If you could be anybody or anything, who or what would you be and why?
I would be a dragon. Do I really need a reason?
5.     How do you push forward when the inner critic won’t shut up?
I read or watch movie trailers which make me think, if this person is famous, I could be too!
6.     Do you need to write inside a bubble or library [like me] or do like to listen to music or other inspiring background sounds or “white” noise to write?
QUIET! Before the herd wakes up.
7.     How do you keep the wolves…ahem…I mean convince your children or other people to leave you alone to write? Does it work? Provide tips—please!
I write while they're sleeping or out of the house - sorry, no tips. Kick them out for a while?
8.     Who was your favorite author as a child? Who is your favorite author now?
From Piers Anthony and Michael Crichton to Janet Evanovich and Harlan Coben - and Christine Rains!
9.     If you could have a superpower, what would it be? Why that?
Flying - I hate traffic
10.  How do you find inspiration?
It's everywhere, on a walk, shopping, walking my dog, traveling, reading, even watching TV
11.  What book or movie or writing workshop or blog post has affected your work the most? Why?
Can't think of a specific one, but I do love to read and watch lots of media to keep up with it and be inspired.

Now, here are my nominees (participation is optional, but I recommend you all visit these fabulous people!) My questions are in my survey above, open to all... (yes, I took the easy way out with that one!)
Doctor Faerie Godmother - Rena Rocford writes witty scifi and fantasy, and blogs about it
Tyrean Martinson - Christian writer and blogger and friend
The Faux Fountain Pen - Sarah Foster shares her struggles as a writer, giving us a good relatable laugh!
Defending the Pen - Yolanda Renee isn't just another pen blog, she encourages other writers and helps host a regular writing prompt - WEP

Positive Letters...inspirational stories... - Hilary Melton-Butcher is one of the most interesting people I virtually know. Her stories are rich with history and fascinating facts!
Kidbits - Tonja Drecker is an amazing mom and her video book reviews are stupendous!!
S.A. Larsen - talking about teen and tween tales

And new friends from Twitter...
Christa Conklin - she discusses writing issues, supporting writers, and the path of her book
M.B. Tosi - A fellow Ohioan, but originally from South Dakota, she writes about Lakota life in the Old West
Amy Eyrie - her blog is full of enlightening sci fi and stranger worlds posts
J.A. Allen - hosts guest posters with great stories, as well as her own

Thanks again, Victoria!
And thank you all for playing!! Results of the survey will be posted Sept 6 for IWSG day - and I get to be a host next month!

science, love, and a flop hop

She blinded me with...

A fool for...

Authors are coming up with some fun and creative ways to spread the news about their releases! Check it out!

Stephen Tremp's ESCALATION blog tour started this week. This is the third installment in his Breakthrough series. Stephen is inviting everyone to promote the education of Science, and Science Fiction. My contribution to the Puntastic Pot Luck Mixture is:

 

Milky Way Microchip Cookies!

 

I love the concept of Stephen's wormhole books and his positive blog tour! Way to go!


Krista McLaughlin is having a Romance Flop Blog Hop to celebrate the release of BREATHLESS. April 1-3.

Awkward romantic moments. We’ve all had them. In the beginning of Krista's novella, Lainey has a delightful awkward first meeting with her love interest, Jon. This blog hop gives everyone a chance to share an awkward moment they’ve had with someone they had a crush on, whether you eventually married the person or never saw them again. (Or you can get creative and make one up!) And there's PRIZES!

And lastly, spreading more love - Thank you, Caffe Maggieato for the Leibster Award! I answer her questions, then pass it on and pass on questions for them to answer (recipients should be newer bloggers... but there's always exceptions!) Here are the questions she gave me:

1. Which fictional character do you most identify with and why?
Cinderella - all the cleaning and wanting to go to the ball (but I'm already married to the king and have three princes!)

2. In another life, what would you be doing, if not writing?
In a fantasy life, I'd be singing.

3. Would you rather have a slow painful death by terminal disease or a quick death by accident?
I'd like to die in my sleep after a full long life.

4. Your books are a big hit. Would you rather see it as a: (pick one only) movie, TV series, computer game, or a Broadway show? Why?
POP TRAVEL = movie, Broken Branch Falls = animated movie; I write like a movie because that's how I picture them

5. Admit it, you already have a dream cast in mind. Who are they? I just did a blog hop for this here - I'll just say Bradley Cooper in PT

6. Any part(s) in your manuscript(s) you’ve been embarrassed to let your family/friends read?
nope!

7. Was there ever a book you just couldn’t finish? Why not? (Yup, stole #7 from my nominator. Shame on me.)
My first one got finished, but needs to be rewritten... someday =)

8. What is the one thing you would never, ever let your characters do?
cruelty to animals or children, I won't go there

9. What do you think is the most underrated book/movie?
Many of my fellow authors' self-pub/small pub books, like Heather M. Gardner's MAGUIRE'S CORNER

10. Do you prefer happy endings or tragic ones? Why?
happy - escape from reality

Here are my nominees (stop by and show them some love):

Krista!  ~~~ VeeDC  ~~~  Nicole  ~~~  Kimberly  ~~~  Emilyann  ~~~  Robin

and 10 questions for them to answer (but everyone is welcome to answer in the comments, too!)
1) What was your favorite subject in school?
2) Do you believe in love at first sight? (do your characters?)
3) What genre do you write and why?
4) What advice would you give new writers?
5) How long have you been blogging and what made you start?
6) Morning, afternoon, or evening writer?
7) What's the hardest part about writing for you?
8) What movie would you like to be an extra in?
9) If you could go anywhere or any when for research, where/when would you go?
10) Did you always want to be a writer?

Happy Tuesday, you guys! Spread the love!

Pop, pop, fizz, fizz

Do you all remember the commercial I borrowed this from? Ha!

Happy Celebrations Friday - join the fun with Vikki!
Here's what I'm celebrating:
My friend, Heather's book is now available in paperback!
I made it through my first day as a long term sub and already got a compliment from a student =)
My shopping party and book signing is only a week away!

On Monday, I mentioned football - I have 2 sons that play (4th grader and 8th grader) plus, to help out I work at the Varsity home games, so that's several games a week I'm watching. But in the comments, several mentioned pro teams and I was asked which was my fave - Patriots! I also like the Steelers and Dolphins. All representing my roots! But I like watching college better. College is where it's at - Go Gators!

And to round out this lovely Fall Friday - An Award
A while back Bev gave me a Sunshine Award - I just went back through my emails and discovered I hadn't taken care of this. No time like a Friday! So here goes:

Here are the rules:
1.Include the award’s logo in a post or on your blog. (CHECK)
2.Link to the person who nominated you. (CHECK)
3.Answer 10 questions about yourself. (CHECK)
4.Nominate 10 bloggers. (CHECK)
5.Link your nominees to the post and comment on their blogs, letting them know they have been nominated. (CHECK)

Thank you for thinking of me, Bev! It's been a while since I did an award =)

Here are the 10 questions:
Fave color: purple (used to have a purple pen collection in HS)
Fave animal: doggie
Fave number: 2
Fave non-alcoholic drink: Coke!
Fave alcoholic drink: Cosmo =P
Facebook or Twitter: Facebook. Does that make me old? Twitter is too random, unless you plan to meet for a conversation...
Passions: Family, Church, Writing, Teaching
Prefer giving or getting presents? Neither, I stress about giving and would rather just get stuff for myself - that definitely makes me old and set in my ways... but I do like a good surprise or party
Fave city? Atlanta
Fave TV Shows: Amazing Race, Big Bang Theory, Regular Show... I don't watch much TV, I'd rather write or read!

And here are ten nominees... but if you'd like to do this meme for fun, by all means, have a go!

SK Anthony          Christine Rains          Emily Ann Girdner

Yolanda Renee          Sheena Kay          Nicole Singer
Kelly Polark          Cathrina Constantine           Lexa Cain
Rhonda Albom

HAPPY FRIDAY!!

Pop, pop and away!

Winners! Winners! Winners!

For the July Pop Travel Giveaway:

Milo James Fowler won $25 Amazon GC

Donna B. McNicol won a copy of Pop Travel

Brooke R. Busse won a replica QV bracelet

Congratulations!! The August raffle starts today!

The pictures from my book launch party are here. This is my favorite!

me and my sis!

And this is me and Sherry Ellis! So excited to meet a blog friend IRL!

Since I've been slacking, I'm also going to catch up on a couple of awards.

I love this Sisterhood Award! I got it from Carole Kilgore and Sheena Graham - Sweet Sistas!

Now I just pass it on to seven more blog sisters!

• Vikki - caring, giving sister
• Heather G. - fun loving, dedicated sister
• MJ - persistent, haiku sister
• Diane - knowledgeable, sharing sister
• Rena - smart, sci fi sister
• Elizabeth S. - sweet, romantic sister
• Gina Gao - little sister who could use a boost

Pass it on, if you like! I would have named many more, but you don't have all day! (Sorry, guys, I'm sure a brotherly award will turn up soon!)

Plus I was tagged by Charity, author of The Magic Wakes. So I have a few questions to answer:

1. What are you working on right now? I am working on Simulation the next book in the Pop Travel series - I can name books easily, but the name of a Series... hmm.
2. How does your writing process work? I come up with ideas all the time. If I can make a solid outline of scenes/events then I get out a fresh notebook and start writing a rough draft before typing it up on the computer - adding more details with each step in the process
3. What is the hardest part about writing? Finding the time. But editing is my hardest thing - very time consuming, but I love my CPs who help me see the reader's perspective!
4. What scares you? Rollercoasters, air travel (turbulence), and the future for my kids! What is this world coming to? Ah!

In turn, I tagged:

Christine Rains, Gwen Gardner, Angela Brown, and Mary Pax

Whew! Thanks again for all the comments and support! And here's my August giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Yay! Awards! Part 2

Where on earth have I been! This is the longest I've been away from my blog. I know you missed me. Ha ha. You're so busy, you probably didn't even notice! Well before I take care of awards, here's a quick update of why I've been such a blogging slacker.

First, I appreciate all the IWSG bad review advice & comments. With all your support, how could I worry! Second, Pop Travel is just about ready for publication, preparations for my book launch party are coming along nicely, and I am working on blog tour posts! Third, I have rough drafted 15 chapters for Pop Travel's sequel, Simulation, while waiting to edit PT! And lastly, baseball season is, dare I say, in full swing, lots of games all over the place. Exciting times!



Today I am continuing my award reception and bestowments!
Barbara and J.M. Filipowicz awarded me the Leibster - complicated, full of elevens, and fun! This award deserved its own special day... it's a lengthy process!

Barbara's questions:
1.  What’s your favorite ice cream flavor? chocolate chip cookie dough
2.  What type of book do you like best? well-written - ha ha! fantasy =)
3.  If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? Atlanta (closer to family)
4.  What would you do with the money if you’d won a million dollars? build a house in Atlanta, pay off debts & support missionaries
5.  Which actor would play you in the next blockbuster film? ME? My life isn't film worthy, but in POP TRAVEL, my male lead would be either Leonardo DiCaprio or Chris Hemsworth
6.  What’s your favorite book from childhood? the Xanth series by Piers Anthony
7.  Would you like to read about a cowboy or a CEO hero? Cowboy!
8.  What do you want your grandchildren (or friends, if you have no grandkids) to remember about you? I want my future grandchildren to remember I was a fun and happy Christian - and those things can go together!
9.  What’s your favorite quote? Mark Twain is my favorite person to read the quotes of, here are two, "It is easier to stay out than get out." and "If you tell the truth you don't have to remember anything." (source)
10.  What do you like best about yourself? my determination...
11.  What’s the most important item in your bucket list? to see my future grandchildren!

J.M.'s questions:

1. What drew you to write in your chosen genre? I write all over the place, because I read all over the place! My chosen genre is whatever I imagine =)

2. Planner or pantser? Planner, else I'd never get anything done!

3. Is there something you have written/published/done that you wish to shamelessly promote? (Use this question to do so). Of course. POP TRAVEL, comes out July 7 or July 13... the date fluctuates.

4. What book should I absolutely read? the Bible

5. When you aren’t writing/blogging, what are you doing? chauffeuring, doing housework, or procrastinating doing housework 

6. The new Mars colony needs writers, do you sign up to go or stay on Earth? It depends, will I have all the comforts of home? Or will I have servants?

7. What is it like where you live? Messy

8. Describe your writing space. See above.

9. What is your main goal for the future? To see my kids be successful in life (and hope they will want me around!)

10. Any advice for those who’ve read this far? Way to go! Thank you for your attention! Only one more!

11. Quick! Compose a Haiku! 

May it never be

said I didn't try my best

before moving on

Okay. Whew. I now pass this onerous task on to these sweethearts... up to them if they are up to the challenge!

Carol K -- Sheena -- Carrie Anne -- Trisha -- Yolanda -- Samantha

Christine -- Michelle -- Mark -- MJ -- Sydney

And here are my questions...

1. What's your nickname? (make one up if you don't have one)

2. What genre do you read most?
3. What celebrity would you love to meet?
4. What is your favorite age?
5. Facebook or Twitter?
6. What awesome thing will you do when your book is published?
7. What book would you like to see turned into a movie?
8. Where were you born?
9. Name a place you'd like to visit some day.
10. Are you a Summer, Winter, Fall, or Spring?
11. Any regrets?

Thanks for playing! What have you been up to?

Eww! Awards! Part 1

I mean, Yay! Awards!
During the A to Z challenge last month, I received some fun awards. I am finally getting around to thanking the bestowers and passing them on... (This post got to be too long so I only got half of the awards done and will continue the award ceremony in another post. Good grief, there were a lot of questions!)

=======================================

But first, let me pause. It's Memorial Day. Please remember that freedom is not free. Many have sacrificed for us to have what we have. Thank you, Military!

=====================================

And now, on with the show!
Eww was my reaction to this first award from Mark and Heather - the Zombie Rabbit... It's cool and hip, but Eww! Thanks, guys!

For this award, we are supposed to list our top ten blogs from the A to Z challenge (or now that it's over, I'm resurrecting the award and pronouncing that you can promote any ten or so favorites!)

I met some great new bloggers during A to Z and this is the perfect time to highlight those I clicked with most (and was able to find again, some disappeared or didn't link back to their blogs...)

Carol Z          Connie B Dowell          Ayjay

Barbara White Daille       Hannah Brooker       Rob-Bear
Lady Jai        Clarissa Draper - daily puzzles

(and these last two are long time friends that had great themes, hard to pick just 2!)

J.A. Bennett - blogging tips           Elizabeth Seckman - easy, fun trivia!

     

The Next Big Thing was passed on to me by Brinda. Thanks, lady! I am going to answer questions about my next big WIP!

1. what is the working title? SIMULATION
2. where did the idea come from? An offshoot of POP TRAVEL
3. what genre is it? techno thriller
4. what actors would you pick for a movie rendition? I think I'm changing from Leonardo DiCaprio to Chris Hemsworth...
5. what's a one sentence synopsis? Cooper must stop an infamous, crazed campaign manager and his clone android candidate from taking over with their army of droids.
6. how long did it take to write the first draft? TBD, outline is done, hopefully will write first draft during camp nano...
7. will it be self-published or represented? hoping Curiosity Quills will keep me going!
8. what other books would you compare it to in your genre? I don't compare in quality, but in genre, with I, Robot and in this case, the movie Trading Places

And I'm tagging Julie Flanders, Cassie Mae, Donna Weaver, David P King, and Candilynn Fite - I'm curious what they are working on next!

Lastly today, thanks to sweet Jenn for giving me the Happy Tag. I am to list 5 things that make me happy (other than the given family & friends):
1) It didn't have a button to go with it. Making one made me happy!
2) Having so many friends volunteer to help me with my blog tour - Ecstatic!
3) My little guy's team won some games this weekend after a long losing streak - Incredible!
4) Finishing my edits! Wahoo!
5) School is out in a week. Happy, for the most part =)

I am tagging five bloggers who always make me happy (there are so many, it was hard to pick!)

Dana          Rhonda          Madeline          Laura M          LD Masterson

So one more award post coming soon...
And don't forget to sign up for Heather's & my
The Thrill of It All blogfest!
It's good practice to write a thrilling hook or capture a thrilling scene
or tell us about a thrilling adventure you've been on so we can live vicariously through you!

consider me quenched

Quench is such a silly word. But that is our prompt for Sensational Haiku Wednesday this week...

My throat's a desert                                My heart is thirsty

I need water to survive                           Drying up, yearning for love

I'm not a camel                                       Quench my fiery soul

I also wanted to pass on the Inspirational Blogger award I received from Elizabeth Zguta. Thanks, Elizabeth!

Here are the Rules of the Award Blog:

• Display the award logo on your blog post. 
• Link back to the person who nominated you. 
• State 7 things about yourself. 
• Nominate 15 bloggers to the award. 
• Notify those bloggers of the nomination by linking to one of their specific posts so that they get notified by ping back.

Being a veteran of this award, I bent the rules a little. This time I want to be inspiring. I give you
7 encouraging tips I have learned while writing...

1. The only way to have a beautiful garden is to keep tending it. Keep writing!
2. If you get stuck on one thing, work on something else. It's like crop rotation for your brain - sometimes the soil needs a break from all that work to rebuild the nurturing nutrients and be fertile again!
3. Read books on the craft.
4. Read books in your genre.
5. Write your query like you are writing the back of your book blurb - you want to grab attention and sell your book! The tastiest pie at the fair wins the prize, but a sweet aroma will bring the judges to your table!
6. Submit! Submit! Submit!
7. Don't let rejection get you down. Curse at it, settle down, and move on. It's fertilizer - it will make you grow!

Pardon my farming references, feeling down homey today, I guess!

I'm passing this award on to bloggers with less than 250 followers - up and coming friends who inspire me to keep going by sticking with writing and blogging and to give them a boost of inspiration too! Visit them!

Kate O'Mara      Tracey Joseph      Kim Gabriel

M.L. Swift      M.J. Joachim      Krista McLaughlin

Emily Moir      Shelly Flower      Russo-Challenging the Gnome
Millie Burns      Jackie Felger     Tracy Jo

And I saved the best for last. Many of you already saw or promoted Mr. Captain Ninja Rockstar Alex's cover for the final book in his Cassa Trilogy, CassaStorm... This is how it will look on my desk...

And this is how it will look when someone reads it...

Have an inspirational Wednesday!

a glimpse

Final day of Sharon's Build a World fest - the Excerpt...
But first I have to tell you, way back in November I entered Sharon's Title Rating Contest - and Broken Branch Falls was a winner! The holidays were so busy, I never realized it until just now! Thanks again, Sharon!! And now, a scene from BROKEN BRANCH FALLS - where beasts rule!

       After school, I join my fellow goblins for the obligatory extracurricular activity. Marching band. 
       All the fields surge with activity. In anticipation of the Ginkgos’ first home football game, the team is going through some plays. Next to them, the elves are stacking themselves, practicing cheer routines. On another field, the ogresses are having a lacrosse scrimmage. I still think I’d like to try playing a sport. I'm somewhat coordinated and good at strategy. But I’m not very big or muscular. I’d probably get pummeled. Maybe I could invent a nonviolent sport. 
       Finding my place with the other flugelhorn players, I shake my head. I never practice so I’m not very good, even though I come from a long line of flugellers. I only march in the band to please my parents. They say it’s my duty as a goblin and a Thorntry. I think that tradition will end with me.
       As the drum major spouts instructions, my eyes roam back to the other activities. Above the bleachers, puffs of blue smoke drift into the air through the seats. The shadows moving around underneath are no doubt a group of pixies. Nothing unusual. 
       At the lacrosse game, I spot the new ogress. Being smaller and not as hideous as the others, she stands out. Compared to them she’s almost pretty. But she’s also clumsier. As she goes for the ball, she trips her teammate with her stick and then topples over her. I have to snicker.
       The leadoff beat brings me back to my own practice. It’s time to march. I stay in formation and follow my line as I play. But out of the corner of my eye I see the new ogress get creamed. She hits the ground hard and is sent to the bench. 
       In my distraction, I crash into three other marchers. Before they can stop themselves, several more band members trip and stumble over us, causing a noisy pile up. All the other fields halt their practices to check out the debacle and break into laughter, including the new ogress. She holds a hand over her mouth and giggles. I’ve never seen an ogre giggle.
       Completely mortified, I feel purple heat rise on my cheeks and bury my face in the dirt. I don’t bother to get up until everyone else quits laughing and resumes their activities. I wish I could crawl inside a tuba.

Hope that wasn't too long. If you're still with me, I'd like to share one more thing!

And here is my celebration for Vikki's weekly brownie points!

The lovely Chandara (aka Elizabeth Arroyo) awarded me the Liebster Award. Fun! And here’s how Liebster works:

• paste the award badge to your blog, 
• give us 11 random facts about yourself, 
• answer the 11 questions, 
• and choose your nominees

In the interest of space, I am combining my random facts with the answers to the questions...

1. What made you want to be a writer? my love of reading & my many adventures * Ever use a fake ID? I did, once. Then when I was actually 21, a mini mart clerk didn't believe it was me!
2. Where do you find the inspiration for your writing? watching & listening to life, plus songs & dreams! * I was inspired by a song to write a story about a zombie super hero...
3. What are your goals for 2013? To finish editing BBF, do a PT book tour, and finish first draft of the next in the series, Simulation * Wasn't going to write a sequel but my nephew said I had to!
4. What’s your favourite quote? I'm going rogue with this one. I replaced song & listener with book & reader in this quote from my fave radio station, The Project, "This may not be your favorite book, but maybe you aren't my favorite reader, smart a$$!" * I love alternative rock =)
5. Where in the world would you most like to visit? Australia * been to Greece & Scotland
6. What five things would you take to a desert island? solar powered generator, satellite dish, laptop, unlimited tp, "How to Live on a Deserted Island For Dummies." That should do it =) Let's go! * never been on a cruise, someday...
7. What is your biggest strength and your biggest weakness? strength, follow through, dependability; weakness, impatience, rushing around too much * I was a geeky little speed walker in junior high squeezing thru the crowds to get to class, it was actually a good skill to have in a crowded club!
8. If you could meet one author, who would you choose? Michael Crichton, but since that's impossible =( Janet Evanovich, she seems fun! =) * I'd also like to meet all my author friends from blogging!!
9. What’s your favourite film? Avengers & Incredibles * I think I have a thing for super heroes!
10. If you went into The Hunger Games, what would be your most useful skill? brown nosing - got an "award" for it during pledge week in college
11. Which fictional male would you most like to marry? I'm already married, thanks, but I'd love to have lunch with any character played by Colin Firth (ie, Colin Firth!) * I am the only girl in a house full of boys - hub, 3 sons, and even the dog!

Here are the 11 nominations - I leave it up to you if you want to take on this 11 fold challenge and feel free to offer your own set of 11 new questions, but I like these so that's what I am passing on...

Bethany, Elizabeth S, Tyrean, Heather G, Rena, Julie,

Dana, Nicki, Vikki, Elise, Nicole

Whew! If you're still reading - thanks a heap! So have you been around the world? Sign up for A to Z yet? It's really exploding this year! I might get a team together to help ME visit everyone! Have a great weekend!

It's been a happy birthday month!

What's your favorite birthday song? If you're singing, thank you!
I looked up some alternative birthday songs and picked this one from the 80s! Love the 80s!

I have had a truly wonderful birthday month so far!

• Started with a successful Thankful hop with my buddy, Vikki who also helped me by critting my current WIP and I'm over halfway thru another round of editing. 
• Cassie and you all helped make our 500 followersary (ha ha) celebration an outstanding party!
• and I was flabbergasted at the response to the Miss You fest - so much love here in the blogosphere!
• finally, I patiently (somewhat) waited for the next phase of my publishing process and happily got instructions this weekend. I am excited to be working on that now!

I also received some tags and awards that I have collected to post on my birthday =) They are gifts, after all!

Thanks Darling Nicki (sorry, hee)! And Lovely Laura! They both passed me "U Got the Look" (no button, so I made one, of course!)

This is how it works - take your current manuscript, search for the word “look,” and post the surrounding paragraphs. Then tag 5 blogging authors. So here's a quick section from Broken Branch Falls, MG Fantasy:

A lame attempt at a bird call makes us laugh.

“Ca-caw, woot, woot.”

“Come on up, Jordy,” Argus yells to him.

“What kind of bird is that?” I ask. We each extend a hand to him.

“You’re a melonhead,” Argus teases.

“What? We don’t have a secret code anymore?”

Argus looks at me. We shake our heads and laugh some more.

“Not since third grade.”

Tamara probably thought I forgot, but she gave me the icing on the cake with the Sweet Award - thanks, girl! I answered those questions a few weeks ago, here are my answers again, just for fun...

Cookies, Chocolate, Brownies, After a meal or salty snack, Pumpkin
If you'd like to snatch a sweet award, be my guest! You can see the original post for the questions =P

And Elizabeth tagged me with the Next Big Thing meme. I have done this with Pop Travel and Broken Branch Falls so I don't want to bore everyone doing it again, but I appreciate the tag! I would still like to pass it on too. So I'm naming five bloggers who can choose which award or meme they would like, if any...

Tagging - Tamara, Annalisa, Julie L, Mary P, and Ellie G!

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!

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!

a little about meme...

Thanks for the tag, Candilynn!

I've seen lots of you guys doing this MEME. I love reading about what you are writing! I was going to talk about my current WIP, but Candilynn suggested I use POP TRAVEL. I have been so focused on my new story, it will be nice to talk about the one I'm querying.

What is the working title of your book?
Pop Travel

Where did the idea come from?
All the intensified airport security – the exposing, humiliating procedures. Pop Travel doesn’t eliminate them, but I use a less invasive method and dogs, not frisking.

What genre does your book fall under?
It really doesn’t seem to have a main genre. I say sci fi thriller, but I’ve had writing professionals tell me different things. It’s an action adventure, near future, noir thriller…any help there would be great. In queries I just call it a thriller and add that it's an action/adventure, comparing it to a mixture of Romancing the Stone and I, Robot.

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie?
I love this question and did a blog hop on it. Leonardo di Caprio, Reese Witherspoon, and Aziz Ansari

What is the one sentence synopsis of your book? 
While millions of people pop travel to teleport every day, ignorant that abusers disintegrate, J.L. Cooper must elude the cunning executives at Pop Travel International to expose the flaw or his brother could be next.

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency? 
Hoping for representation. Got first request for full and waiting on that. Self-publication takes too much time and money that I don’t have!

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript? 
A few months? I’ve been editing so long, I forget!

Who or what inspired you to write this book?
I love Michael Crichton. I originally wrote this idea to send to him. After he passed, I was sorely sad, but thought why not write it myself.

What else about your book would pique the reader's interest? 
Besides the action, the technology is plausible – we writers write the future of technology! And the characters are funny and quirky, very likable.

I pass this on to these extraordinary people to tell us about their WIPs!

Vikki     Morgan     Tyrean     Jessie     Kim

And my lovely friend, Chandara (Elizabeth Arroyo) gave me the adorable Daisy Award. Thanks, girl!

I'm supposed to list 7 weird things about myself. I'm not weird! Well, I guess I am...

1. I love dragonflies. When I was a kid I dreamt of being their queen. Worship me, dragonflies =)
2. Dogs and kids are drawn to me. I think I relate to them better than other adults, we're so judgy.
3. I have vitiligo. White patches where my skin pigment dies. I hate it, but there's not much to be done about it...could be worse.
4. I showercize - a Lazy Housewife thing to do. More on that later.
5. I never have all the ingredients when I cook. I'm terrible at taking inventory - phooey! I thought I had more of that! So I improvise. The results are usually good and I don't tell until I get reviewed.
6. I can't stand being the same as everyone else. I have to be different, give things my own twist. I cut up t-shirts, add a splash of color, come up with my own hairstyles, etc. Nothing crazy, but enough to identify me as an individual.
7. Besides singing my heart out in the car, I mouth the words listening to my ipod when I'm grocery shopping. I like to make people smile with my weirdness =)

I am giving the Crazy Daisy to...

Dana     Gwen     Emily S.     Sherry     Livia

Thanks again and wear a smile today!

A blog by any other name...

Do you know the origin of the word blog? I have shared this information before, but let's see who remembers. (I'll tell the answer tomorrow) It's such an ugly word for our menagerie of words and sharing (menagerie is a pretty word!) Well, I came up with some alternatives that sound much nicer...

e-diary, ipost, hotspot, sharepage, posties
Do you have any ideas? Anything is better than, blechy blog?

Now as for lovely blogs, I must thank Sabrina and Sheena Kay! They are newer friends who gave me this award. Take a peek at their blogs!
and
Hope bestowed me the B&W Kreativ award. Thank you! Check out her co-hosted blog Falling for Fiction - they are announcing a new blogfest WEDNESDAY!

Uh oh. I feel a poem coming on. Must be creative and lovely to accept and pass on awards!

What makes a lovely blog?

It starts with a B
So start with Jessie!
If you love romance
Christine will enhance.
Emily's lace
Puts a smile on your face.
Looking for spunk?
Jenn brings the funk!
Positive vibes
Morgan provides.
And humor is best
Just ask Huntress!


If you want to follow the rules, see Sabrina or Sheena or Hope's blogs, it's up to you how you choose to pass on the lovely. Have a lovely day! Go Kreate!

KSM - scary!

Have you been Shellified?
Now you have! Thanks for the scary good award, Shelly. You're too funny. Go visit her and Chad to get one. It's worth it!

And I'm afraid I have a couple more awards to thank people for. I'm running out of things to say! I'm just glad these are pretty easy...

Thanks, Tyrean, for the Great Commentor award. She's so sweet! Anyone who comments today can take one with them, cause you're great commentors!





And thanks, Julie for the Lucky 7 award.

Here are the rules:

1. Go to page 77 of your current manuscript

2. Go down to line 7.

3. Copy down the next 7 lines.

4. Tag 7 others. (as the awards get around, this becomes optional)

I like the surprise excerpts that come out of this. I pulled this from the most recent version of my old chick lit, "Jacks and Jills and Jezebels" just for kicks. Ack!

“Me too,” added Jamie. “That does sound like fun. I’ve never been to a bicycle race before.” She helped Brenda turn around so she wouldn’t stumble, and got a “whatd’ja do that for?” look.

“We’ll see,” said Holly. She wasn’t excited about perspiring in the sun for hours, then going to a party as a stinky mess with a bunch of younger guys. Maybe I could just meet them at the party, or not go at all, she thought. She was tired of all the partying.

Now, I'd like to see the Lucky 7 MeMe's of...Deana Barnhart, Neil, L.G. Smith, L.D. Masterson, and Jemi Fraser

In other news...
Elana Johnson's book Surrender came out last week and her blogfest of Never Surrender stories is today - inspirational!

Don't forget to sign up for  Jaycee and Victoria 's "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Blog Hop" next week, June 22nd!

Keep writing you Nano-ers! Rooting you on as I finish my edits to be completely unencumbered in August!

Oh, and in August, Deana is bringing back her "Gearing up to get an agent" blogfest! Keep your eyes open for the announcement.