Julie Wright's Blog, page 5
June 8, 2012
All Kinds of Awesome!!
Kimberley Griffiths Little is an incredible human being. She writes books that make me so happy I can barely stand it (that’s a lot of happy). Scholastic has just given her permission to share her new cover with the world, and because I love her and her books I wanted to share in that awesome with her.
PLUS she is offering entries for nine chances to win one of her three books of awesome. That’s right, NINE people will win. Because I love all of you out there in blogger land I would love for you to go on over to her blog–look at her awesome new cover, leave a comment gushing about how cool she is and enter her raffle for one of her books. You won’t be sorry. I have truly loved both The Healing Spell and Circle of Secrets. So well written and filled with beautiful language, imagery, and lovable characters.
How many times can I say the words awesome and love in one post?
So go look and enter to win. and if you don’t win, then it doesn’t matter because you can still go and buy her books 
Check it out here: http://kimberleygriffithslittle.blogspot.com/2012/05/cover-reveal-time-and-ton-of-easy.html
Synopsis Cover Copy:
Everybody thinks Tara Doucet has the perfect life. But in reality, Tara’s life is anything but perfect: Her dear Grammy Claire has just passed away, her mother is depressed and distant, and she and her sister Riley can’t seem to agree on anything. But when mysterious and dazzling butterflies begin to follow her around after Grammy Claire’s funeral, Tara just knows in her heart that her grandmother has left her one final mystery to solve.
A strange butler shows up to take Tara and Riley to Grammy Claire’s house, where Tara finds a stack of keys and detailed letters from Grammy Claire herself. Note by note, Tara learns unexpected truths about her grandmother’s life. As the letters grow more ominous and the keys more difficult to decipher, Tara realizes that the secrets she must uncover could lead to mortal danger. And when Tara and Riley are swept away to the beautiful island of Chuuk to hear their grandmother’s will, Tara discovers the most shocking truth of all — one that will change her life forever.
From Kimberley Griffiths Little comes a magical, breathtaking mystery full of loss and love, family and faith.
February 24, 2012
What a Wonderful World
I recently came back from a family cruise to the Mexican Riviera with my entire family. My dad, mom, brothers, sister, all the in laws and the all the grandchildren. It was so many shades of fabulous that i could gush for several pages, but I will spare you all that gushing by simply saying, "Wow!"
It was fun. Yes, of course it was fun, but more than that it was wonderful to reconnect with my family that way. We had no distractions of our regular lives to take us away from each other. We ate meals together, went on walks on the track that overlooked the pacific ocean and watched the sun sink into its watery bed, and simply *enjoyed* the world around us.
I'm home now and though I hated the laundry mountain that had to be tackled at the end of the trip–I regret absolutely nothing (except not being able to finish that last chocolate melting cake on the last night of the cruise)
My boys have the Klondike Derby today for scouts where they will be sleeping out in the snow capped mountains over night. They left me the stuff they wanted to take in huge piles on the living room floor so I could organize the stuff into something manageable–no one packs like I do. I was in the midst of writing little Mom-Loves-You notes and tucking them into various pockets of their rucksacks when I was thinking about all the really beautiful things I'd seen on the cruise and on shore.
The rain forests, the sunsets, the pod of dolphins, the whales, the caves by the sea, the way the waves would swell before crashing on the shore and as each wave crested, it revealed schools of colorful fish that I hadn't noticed before. Beaches of sand so light, you almost felt you were sinking into it, the simple joy of feeding an orange to a parrot.
Each little bit of uncovered beauty felt like a note carefully hidden in one of the pockets of my life for me to find at some unexpected moment saying that God loves me. I don't what your religious affiliations are and don't know that you don't think I am intensely corny for feeling this way, but regardless of your beliefs, you have to admit, we live in a truly wonderful world.
It's nice to get little reminders that the world is good and there are great people in it. Family is awesome.
February 3, 2012
Launch Party for Olivia!
I don't know how much I've shared about my experience with writing the novel Olivia, but I am so excited to announce its release! Olivia,-the first book in the Newport Ladies Book Club series was shipped to stores today! This means that in the next week-ish this beautiful cover will be looking at you from book store shelves:
Olivia
How it all started was Josi and I went on a booktour in 2009.
Josi and Julie Booktour
I'm really glad we put the date in the picture because I'm a little flaky when it comes to remembering stuff like that. And don't you love our toes. Josi treated me to my first ever pedicure. I tell you people–she is the friend to have! It was a great experience (the whole thing, not just the pedicure). Josi is the sort of person I can talk to all day and all night and never get tired of it. She is an amazing woman. Even when she's feeling evil . . .
Josi grinning in evil joy
Josi likes to keep a strict time schedule. This is a good thing, since I tend to be flaky about schedules too. I wanted to stop every few minutes while on the road because there were lots of cool things to see. We'd basically planned the tour right down to the minute which means had Josi given in to me, we would have been late to everything. So I had to settle for to settle for drive-by Photography:
Drive by Photo
While we were driving, we talked about everything. We talked about books. We talked about books we really liked. We talked about authors who wrote books we really liked. Then Josi had an idea. A brilliant, magnificent, WONDERFUL idea.
I'd like to claim it as my own, but really I was just in the passenger seat listening to her tell me her brilliant, magnificent, WONDERFUL idea. The important thing to remember here is that *I* was in the car when it happened, and therefore my contribution of being present was vital.
The idea was to get with two other authors, ones of the awesome book-writing variety, and two who we really loved and wanted with us, and write a series with them. Not just any series, but a series where the stories interconnect and weave together.
Four Women.
Four Books.
Four lives changed through friendship.
See! I told you it was brilliant!
We met with Annette Lyon and Heather Moore for breakfast when we got home and pitched the idea to them. We were all on board. And that was the birthplace of the Newport Ladies Book Club. We each wrote from the viewpoint of a different character so in each of the books, you'll get some of that character's story, but only by reading all four books will you get the full picture or find out the endings to the other character's stories. It was great fun to write the books–to get together and discuss the characters. We'd be typing away and then one of us would look up and say, "Oh, by the way, your character is going to do this in the second meeting." or "Hey, what color is your character's hair again?" And wow. Reading the finished products? WOW. Each story is so unique and interesting and beautiful.
And Olivia has been shipped to stores today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (insert freakish girl scream here).
We are celebrating the release of the Newport Ladies Book Club:
Saturday February 18th 1-3 PM
Deseret Book 1110 FORT UNION BLVD MIDVALE, UT 84047
There will be food and prizes and fun and BOOKS!
Please come join me in the celebration!
February 2, 2012
And the Winner is . . .
The YA giveaway hop is now over. But wow was that fun while it was going!! Sadly, there can be only one winner. You were all so great I wish I could send everybody something, but maybe next time . . .
I am celebrating for the winner, see . . .
I'm a dork, I know. It's okay.
Tiffany Drew @enterthedrew is the winner! Yay Tiffany!
Have a great day everyone!
January 26, 2012
Young Adult Book Giveaway
Link list of great young adult book giveaways
I am participating in a blog hop sponsored by: I am a Reader Not a Writer and Down the Rabbit Hole. I'm participating because this particular blog hop giveaway is about YOUNG ADULT BOOKS!!!!!!! Is there anything on the planet I love as much as young adult books?
Only the family, but besides THEM . . . nothing.
I am giving away a brand new copy of NYT bestselling author James Dashner's Scorch Trials, hardback first edition. This is a YA filled with danger, action, and humanity at its best and worst. Super fun read!
And if you go to the link list, you can see ALL the others who are giving away awesome YA books.
The rules are simple:
1. Follow me on Twitter: @scatteredjules
2. Leave a comment here letting me know you followed me.
The giveaway ends on February 1st at 12:01 AM
As a bonus, I will throw in another YA book of my choice (I have tons of awesome books). I promise it will be a book of high quality and good content because I don't read things that aren't.
January 23, 2012
The Magician’s Last Words
I finished editing the galleys for Hazzardous Universe: The Magician’s Last Words at 2:30 am the other night night (or is that the other morning?).
While reading the galley’s I got my first look at the interior artwork, and I love it! Kevin really is awesome and talented. I’m still creeping out over the image of the alien doll floating past the space ship window. This is definitely not the kind of toy parents will be rushing out to buy for Christmas.
We’re filling up our schedules with school visits and book signings so if you are interested in having Kevin, or I, or both of us, come to your school, get booked now because space is filling up fast (could that then be described as the expanding universe? Since space is filling up . . . oh, nevermind). Also . . . Kevin and I are in the process of creature creation for book HU3 The Corridors of Eternity. This is your chance to get your artwork in a book! Draw us a picture of an alien creature. It can be as wacky or cool as you’d like. Give us a paragraph of background description on what your creature eats, where it lives, and what its life is like. The contest will run through February 14th of 2012. Why February 14th, you ask? Well, because it’s Valentine’s Day, and I LOVE aliens, of course! The winner of the contest will get a totally out of this universe T-shirt featuring Hap Hazzard and his cohorts, free copies of HU1, HU2 and HU3 when they all available, and your creature featured in HU3. If you are the winner, you will be giving us permission to utilize your work in HU3. We reserve the right to edit, or add modifications to your drawing so that it is stylistically similar to the drawings in the rest of the book. You will retain ownership of your work, but will also be allowing us to use your work in any marketing or display in regards to Hazzardous Universe. So let’s recap the rules so everyone knows what is up:
Creature Creation Rules and Regulations
Artwork must be the artist’s own original creation. Copying someone else’s work will not be tolerated.
Art design may not contain any profanity or vulgarity.
Art design will be judged on originality and creativity.
A person may enter as many times as they would like.
Winner will receive T-Shirt, 3 Books and publication in the third book in the Hazzardous Universe series. They will also be formally thanked in the acknowledgement’s page.
Entry format accepted: *Copy* of original artwork needs to be submitted by the traditionalists in a format no smaller than an 8×10. Digital art needs to be 300dpi in jpg format. Please do *not* send originals because we cannot guarantee we will be able to return it to you.
Each entry must be labeled with contestant’s full name, age, phone number, e-mail, and school’s name if the entrant is under the age of 18.
Entry deadline is February 14, 2012.
Winners will be announced by March 15, 2012.
Winners may be required to provide proof of identification to claim their award.
There will be three winners from three different categories Adult 18-218 (if you’re older than that, email us and we’ll see what we can do
), Young Adult: 13-17, and Children: 5-12All entries/submissions become the property of Hap Hazzard and his crazy friends. Again . . . PLEASE DO NOT SEND ORIGINALS. Waiver/ Disclaimer Any and all Entries in the Hazzardous Universe Creature Creation Contest (collectively the “Entries”) shall be deemed, and shall remain, the property of Hap Hazzard and his crazy friends. Hap Hazzard and his crazy friends shall not be subject to any obligation(s) of confidentiality with respect to any Entries, nor is Hap Hazzard and his crazy friends liable for any use or disclosure of any Entries. Without limitations of the foregoing, the entrant hereby grants Hap Hazzard and his crazy friends a worldwide, perpetual, non-exclusive license of every kind and nature throughout the universe, and Hap Hazzard and his crazy friends shall be entitled to unrestricted use of the Entries for any purpose whatsoever, commercial or otherwise. The Entrant shall also have unrestricted use of his/her entry for any purpose whatsoever because Hap Hazzard and his crazy friends are just sharing like that. Send entries to info (at) hazzardousuniverse.com OR mail them to PO Box 130 Oak City, Utah 84649
We’ve already received some really amazing creatures. if you haven’t submitted yet–hurry and get to it because Valentine’s Day is only three weeks (ish) away.
The Magician's Last Words
I finished editing the galleys for Hazzardous Universe: The Magician's Last Words at 2:30 am the other night night (or is that the other morning?).
While reading the galley's I got my first look at the interior artwork, and I love it! Kevin really is awesome and talented. I'm still creeping out over the image of the alien doll floating past the space ship window. This is definitely not the kind of toy parents will be rushing out to buy for Christmas.
We're filling up our schedules with school visits and book signings so if you are interested in having Kevin, or I, or both of us, come to your school, get booked now because space is filling up fast (could that then be described as the expanding universe? Since space is filling up . . . oh, nevermind). Also . . . Kevin and I are in the process of creature creation for book HU3 The Corridors of Eternity. This is your chance to get your artwork in a book! Draw us a picture of an alien creature. It can be as wacky or cool as you'd like. Give us a paragraph of background description on what your creature eats, where it lives, and what its life is like. The contest will run through February 14th of 2012. Why February 14th, you ask? Well, because it's Valentine's Day, and I LOVE aliens, of course! The winner of the contest will get a totally out of this universe T-shirt featuring Hap Hazzard and his cohorts, free copies of HU1, HU2 and HU3 when they all available, and your creature featured in HU3. If you are the winner, you will be giving us permission to utilize your work in HU3. We reserve the right to edit, or add modifications to your drawing so that it is stylistically similar to the drawings in the rest of the book. You will retain ownership of your work, but will also be allowing us to use your work in any marketing or display in regards to Hazzardous Universe. So let's recap the rules so everyone knows what is up:
Creature Creation Rules and Regulations
Artwork must be the artist's own original creation. Copying someone else's work will not be tolerated.
Art design may not contain any profanity or vulgarity.
Art design will be judged on originality and creativity.
A person may enter as many times as they would like.
Winner will receive T-Shirt, 3 Books and publication in the third book in the Hazzardous Universe series. They will also be formally thanked in the acknowledgement's page.
Entry format accepted: *Copy* of original artwork needs to be submitted by the traditionalists in a format no smaller than an 8×10. Digital art needs to be 300dpi in jpg format. Please do *not* send originals because we cannot guarantee we will be able to return it to you.
Each entry must be labeled with contestant's full name, age, phone number, e-mail, and school's name if the entrant is under the age of 18.
Entry deadline is February 14, 2012.
Winners will be announced by March 15, 2012.
Winners may be required to provide proof of identification to claim their award.
There will be three winners from three different categories Adult 18-218 (if you're older than that, email us and we'll see what we can do
), Young Adult: 13-17, and Children: 5-12All entries/submissions become the property of Hap Hazzard and his crazy friends. Again . . . PLEASE DO NOT SEND ORIGINALS. Waiver/ Disclaimer Any and all Entries in the Hazzardous Universe Creature Creation Contest (collectively the "Entries") shall be deemed, and shall remain, the property of Hap Hazzard and his crazy friends. Hap Hazzard and his crazy friends shall not be subject to any obligation(s) of confidentiality with respect to any Entries, nor is Hap Hazzard and his crazy friends liable for any use or disclosure of any Entries. Without limitations of the foregoing, the entrant hereby grants Hap Hazzard and his crazy friends a worldwide, perpetual, non-exclusive license of every kind and nature throughout the universe, and Hap Hazzard and his crazy friends shall be entitled to unrestricted use of the Entries for any purpose whatsoever, commercial or otherwise. The Entrant shall also have unrestricted use of his/her entry for any purpose whatsoever because Hap Hazzard and his crazy friends are just sharing like that. Send entries to info (at) hazzardousuniverse.com OR mail them to PO Box 130 Oak City, Utah 84649
We've already received some really amazing creatures. if you haven't submitted yet–hurry and get to it because Valentine's Day is only three weeks (ish) away.
January 5, 2012
Ring Out Wild Bells
I decided to start the year with a january Blog Hop giveaway. So read to the bottom if you want to participate.
I love the poem by Tennyson: Ring Out Wild Bells. Love it. It's been put to music in the LDS hymn book, and it's haunting and beautiful and feels full of promise all at the same time. The song gives me chills. I was disappointed we didn't sing it on new Year's Day in Sacrament meeting, but maybe next year.
With two books coming out within the next three months, I have been insanely busy. This means I haven't blogged very much, which is probably a relief to everyone because then they don't have to hear me whining over edits, over the fact that every time I think I've uncovered the secrets of the comma I realize I haven't uncovered anything at all, over the fact that my kitchen counters are never clear, over the fact that Mother Nature is a real slacker with the whole winter thing.
I'm really glad I spared you all of that whining. Lucky you guys!
But since it is tradition that I start the year by looking back at the previous year, I'd decided I'd better write *something*. I had things I wanted to do last year, and things that actually were achieved.
Writing. I had tons of writing goals. Long term . . . short term. I wanted to write three books. I wrote two and three quarters. I would have made this goal except the year ended with all kinds of stuff getting piled on me at once and honestly . . . I have three kids who need to know they're loved. I had to put something aside, and the work in progress was that something. It's mostly done . . . which feels quite the same as mostly dead. I will pick that up again in another week or two. The two books that did find their way to completion are also the two coming out in the next few months. Olivia (which is part of the series written with Josi Kilpack, Heather Moore, and Annette Lyon) is coming out in February. And Hazzardous Universe: The Magician's Last Words (Loving that title!) is coming out in March. The book that is mostly done is called Capes and Curls. It's a fairytale retelling featuring Little Red Riding Hood and Goldilocks. It's been a fun write, and I cannot wait to go back to it.
I wanted to read 70 books and I read 78. One of these days maybe I will be as well read as Jessica Day George. But probably not. That girl is a machine! I fell in love with Jim Butcher's writing over the year and ended the year with James Dashner's Death Cure. It was an epic ending to the series. It was fitting and believably human. I genuinely loved it. if you haven't read it–then a pox upon your head. Dashner did a great job and Death Cure was a great book to end my reading year. Thanks James.
I wanted to get into shape. But one ACL snap and torn meniscus later, I am just grateful to be walking. I've come to the point that I can walk without a limp most of the time. I still struggle on stairs. I can do them, but sometimes if my knee is really hurting, it's slow going. A rather severe depression overcame me at the time I injured my knee. It's strange how a physical ailment can have such an emotional impact. I'm clawing my way out of it. Some days are great and there's no pain at all. Others are less than great. It is the way of things.
I wanted my kids to be safe and happy. They are that for certain. I'm so grateful for the joy those three kids give me. I love listening to them laugh and hearing their ideas. I love the way they see the world and the fact that they aren't afraid to share their thoughts with Mr. Wright and me. I love their jokes and hard work, and the way they care about others. Families are important things. And not every day is perfect in any family, but every day is worth experiencing because they are there: parents, siblings, in laws, nieces, nephews, children, spouses. I'm glad for the people in my life.
It was a good year. I was able to do some cool things and spend time with cool people. I'm glad to have another year at my disposal. Maybe I'll get three books written this year . . .
I wish all of you a great New Year. May you accomplish your goals and be happy. As a way to kick off the year, I'm joining
I Am A Reader, Not A Writer in a blog hop giveaway for a young adult novel. I have in my possession a hardback copy of James Dasher's Scorch Trials. To qualify for the giveaway, either follow my blog *or* follow me on Twitter http://twitter.com/scatteredjules and leave a comment on this post. That's it. If you already follow both, then just leave a comment and tell me you're awesome. And make sure to go to the blog hop link to view all the other blogs giving away YA books so you can have chances to win other way cool books by way cool authors. The giveaway runs from January 27th to 31st US only entries please.
November 15, 2011
Dave Farland’s New Series
Nightingale launches a marvelous contemporary fantasy for young adults, a grand adventure overflowing with wonders. Alternately laugh-out-loud funny and terrifying, there’s a sweetness and passion to this novel that keeps readers up long into the night. This looks like something entirely new. It’s an enhanced novel which takes a bold step into the future of pulishing. I’m a fan of Dave’s works and am excited to read his new novel. I have a reluctant early teen reader in my house that this particular book is sure to be a hit with. Go check it out!
“A thrilling ride, with plenty of twists, action, and amazing characters. I ripped through it. Highly recommended.”
- James Dashner
New York Times Bestseller
“A beautifully crafted experience: stunning art, haunting music and delightfully subtle animated accents all accompany a riveting and deeply human story. There is (quite literally) nothing
else like it.”
- Editionals
“Farland is simply one of the best sci-fi and fantasy writers alive.”
- Orson Scott Card
Hugo, Nebula, and World
Fantasy Award Winner
Dave Farland's New Series
Nightingale launches a marvelous contemporary fantasy for young adults, a grand adventure overflowing with wonders. Alternately laugh-out-loud funny and terrifying, there's a sweetness and passion to this novel that keeps readers up long into the night. This looks like something entirely new. It's an enhanced novel which takes a bold step into the future of pulishing. I'm a fan of Dave's works and am excited to read his new novel. I have a reluctant early teen reader in my house that this particular book is sure to be a hit with. Go check it out!
"A thrilling ride, with plenty of twists, action, and amazing characters. I ripped through it. Highly recommended."
- James Dashner
New York Times Bestseller
"A beautifully crafted experience: stunning art, haunting music and delightfully subtle animated accents all accompany a riveting and deeply human story. There is (quite literally) nothing
else like it."
- Editionals
"Farland is simply one of the best sci-fi and fantasy writers alive."
- Orson Scott Card
Hugo, Nebula, and World
Fantasy Award Winner
