Abra Ebner's Blog
November 7, 2011
Books, Babies, and Bad Health...
Books . . .
So, I've commissioned a short run of my children's book in hardcover for a special early proofing. I wasn't going to sell them originally, but a lot of people wanted a copy, so now I am! If you want to get your signed hardcover, head on over to www.crimsonoaksports.com to buy yours! I only have so many copies available and I'm not sure how long it will be until more are printed, so if you want it, act fast!! I will sign it and ship it to you personally!
Babies and Bad Health . . .
Well, Halloween came and went and already I've seen the first snow. I feel time whizzing by this year and it's all because of one little girl. Parenthood changes everything for the better, and in my case maybe brings out some unknown health problems as well. All my life I was an easy bruiser buy never thought anything of it till I started getting CBCs during pregnancy. Apparently I have low platelets which plummeted pretty bad after birth (they make your blood clot) It got to a dangerous level but luckily there are drugs to try and fix it but it will never go away. Having that second child will be a miracle. But, I cannot be more in love with what I do have. Little E is the most entertaining, spirited baby whose endless humor and smiles gets me through the most fatiguing days.
So, I've commissioned a short run of my children's book in hardcover for a special early proofing. I wasn't going to sell them originally, but a lot of people wanted a copy, so now I am! If you want to get your signed hardcover, head on over to www.crimsonoaksports.com to buy yours! I only have so many copies available and I'm not sure how long it will be until more are printed, so if you want it, act fast!! I will sign it and ship it to you personally!
Babies and Bad Health . . .
Well, Halloween came and went and already I've seen the first snow. I feel time whizzing by this year and it's all because of one little girl. Parenthood changes everything for the better, and in my case maybe brings out some unknown health problems as well. All my life I was an easy bruiser buy never thought anything of it till I started getting CBCs during pregnancy. Apparently I have low platelets which plummeted pretty bad after birth (they make your blood clot) It got to a dangerous level but luckily there are drugs to try and fix it but it will never go away. Having that second child will be a miracle. But, I cannot be more in love with what I do have. Little E is the most entertaining, spirited baby whose endless humor and smiles gets me through the most fatiguing days.
September 10, 2011
My newest little storyteller...
Amidst my book release for Ladybird, Ladybird I get my own little story in the making. Erinn Ember J.
Also be sure to check out my new book, website, and book trailer @ Www.ladybirdbook.com
August 1, 2011
Long Time, No Post . . . I Know! But Baby Is Due This Month!
I've been busy busy trying to finish the third Knight Angels book amongst dealing with pre-term labor and false labor and working with my publisher to publish Ladybird, Ladybird (Which was due to release in July but got pushed back because of my pregnancy issues.) Anyway. So, this month I will become a mommy, and that's one of the best things EVER!
So, let's play a game. I've made this poll for you to guess what day you think my little peanut will arrive. My official Due date is August 28th. The facts are that she's measuring two weeks big, and I have Gestational Diabetes in case that sways your opinion on date. So, take a stab at it and have fun!
What Day Will My Baby Come?
So, let's play a game. I've made this poll for you to guess what day you think my little peanut will arrive. My official Due date is August 28th. The facts are that she's measuring two weeks big, and I have Gestational Diabetes in case that sways your opinion on date. So, take a stab at it and have fun!
What Day Will My Baby Come?
June 7, 2011
Darkness too visible? It's not our fault... #YAsaves !
The Wall Street Journal came out with an article yesterday titled, "Darkness Too Visible: Contemporary fiction for teens is rife with explicit abuse, violence and depravity. Why is this considered a good idea?"
LINK
Basically, if you read the article, it attacks the Young Adult culture written into the popular teen books of today. It's no doubting that the YA Paranormal Romance section has exploded with books since the popularity of Twilight, but what they should really be asking themselves is why?
In my opinion, it's not the fault of the teen or the writer, but the fault of the economy and world. In down times, adults are faced with more stress and unfortunately they bring that home with them, ripening the already volatile and uncertain lives of our teens. If struggling to fit into High School isn't enough, there's the ugly truth of what to expect of their futures. Adults with degrees from top universities are having a hard time finding jobs, how does our youth expect to find their niche when it comes time? Then there's the reality of the forclosure market. Many American families are dealing with this and teens simply refuse to adapt to the change.
In my opinion, Contemporary Young Adult Fiction is actually trying to help by relating. Sure, there is a lot of violence, abuse, and horrifying overtones in our books these days, but that's because we are reaching out to a youth inundated with the real horrors of it in their everyday life. What The Wall Street Journal forgot to address was the heroes and heroins of the story that teach us how to overcome this adversity, how to deal with the pain and despair.
I personally can reflect on the fact that the novel Go Ask Alice changed my life as a teen. I wish there had been more dark novels like it. In High School I dealt with the loss of a boyfriend, but in a world where death wasn't dealt with at all, I was left in utter darkness. Books like the ones I write today are finally helping me to face these fears and struggles and realize that life is worth living--ten years too late.
I've had a number of fans write telling me how my books have changed their lives. One recently, a boy from the Philippines, wrote to tell me how Feather changed everything for him. In a country where he simply could not afford to read, I was able to send him a copy of my book. The story was one of triumph over the end of the world, rising to the occasion and being the hero while maintaining a moral life of truth and power.
Another fan of mine, in her mid-twenties, also read my Feather Book Series only to realize that she was in a bad, loveless marriage. As a fan of mine on Facebook, I can say with confidence that she took the leap to get away and is happier than ever and in the deepest love of her life with a new man, "Her Edgar," she tells me. Her story touched me so deeply, I published her poem in my latest book, Knight Angels: Book One:
Killing TruthBy Tessa Rei
Your face blinds me from the truth that fallowsThat wretched, annoying, nagging truth that swallowsSwallows me whole in its dark mouth as I fighting for airSearching everywhere for the way out but finding it nowhere,Blind in this colorless monster of guilt I see your facePulling myself closer to you as I pick up this shameful paceI'm in this lonely pit with or without you, and there is no soundOnly this shit in my blasted head spinning all aroundI call out to you; oh please can you hear me?Echoes in this darkness are all I hear, nothing is what I see …Placing my hands in front of me to brace my fallCalling out to you again but hearing nothing at allI scream as long as these lungs will hold this breathFeeling something beneath me break, I'm falling closer to deathI will remain here dying until I find youThis truth is killing me, why? What will I—or can I do?As my last breath escapes me there is a comforting voiceHello … it's you … now you have left me with no choiceI cry out quietly for you once moreOpening my eyes I can see you more colorful than before …
It's not that teens are darker than they were before, it's just that they're finally lashing out about it. Teens have learned to deal with their depression in a healthier way than bottling it up. If reading a dark YA novel is their way of doing that, then I say that's far better than turning to drugs, alcohol, or self-mutilation. Reading about it helps them to see and live the pain of the character, ultimately encouraging them not to do it as the character almost always learns to overcome. Many of us, like the 46 year old mother-of-three in the The Wall Street Journal article have forgotten what it's like to be a teen.
It's hard!
The problem here is that parents are just looking for another thing to blame for a lack of parenting. It shouldn't matter what your child reads, watches on TV, or is exposed to. No matter how hard we try, we aren't going to be able to protect them from everything--they will always find a way to watch it or do it behind your back. Trust me. I know I did. The best approach in this case is to address the child and their problems directly. Take time out of your day to make sure they feel secure and loved. Take time to notice if they're slipping into depression, using drugs, or sneaking alcohol. We live in an entitled world where it's easier to blame than accept blame onto yourself.
Get over it! Be the parent!
These books do nothing but teach our youth how to overcome pain, depression, and evil. It's the state of the economy and the mindset of the adult culture that is to blame--just switch on Glenn Beck on CNBC for a few minutes and tell me that's not depressing--and until it gets better, darkness and our personal demons are going to be something we all deal with as we always have, just not so outwardly.
YA hopes to help that. YA hopes to give teens a light in the darkness and relate to them in a time when they need our support and understanding more than ever.
If you support YA reads, yell it out on Twitter using the topic #YAsaves
LINK
Basically, if you read the article, it attacks the Young Adult culture written into the popular teen books of today. It's no doubting that the YA Paranormal Romance section has exploded with books since the popularity of Twilight, but what they should really be asking themselves is why?
In my opinion, it's not the fault of the teen or the writer, but the fault of the economy and world. In down times, adults are faced with more stress and unfortunately they bring that home with them, ripening the already volatile and uncertain lives of our teens. If struggling to fit into High School isn't enough, there's the ugly truth of what to expect of their futures. Adults with degrees from top universities are having a hard time finding jobs, how does our youth expect to find their niche when it comes time? Then there's the reality of the forclosure market. Many American families are dealing with this and teens simply refuse to adapt to the change.
In my opinion, Contemporary Young Adult Fiction is actually trying to help by relating. Sure, there is a lot of violence, abuse, and horrifying overtones in our books these days, but that's because we are reaching out to a youth inundated with the real horrors of it in their everyday life. What The Wall Street Journal forgot to address was the heroes and heroins of the story that teach us how to overcome this adversity, how to deal with the pain and despair.
I personally can reflect on the fact that the novel Go Ask Alice changed my life as a teen. I wish there had been more dark novels like it. In High School I dealt with the loss of a boyfriend, but in a world where death wasn't dealt with at all, I was left in utter darkness. Books like the ones I write today are finally helping me to face these fears and struggles and realize that life is worth living--ten years too late.
I've had a number of fans write telling me how my books have changed their lives. One recently, a boy from the Philippines, wrote to tell me how Feather changed everything for him. In a country where he simply could not afford to read, I was able to send him a copy of my book. The story was one of triumph over the end of the world, rising to the occasion and being the hero while maintaining a moral life of truth and power.Another fan of mine, in her mid-twenties, also read my Feather Book Series only to realize that she was in a bad, loveless marriage. As a fan of mine on Facebook, I can say with confidence that she took the leap to get away and is happier than ever and in the deepest love of her life with a new man, "Her Edgar," she tells me. Her story touched me so deeply, I published her poem in my latest book, Knight Angels: Book One:
Killing TruthBy Tessa Rei
Your face blinds me from the truth that fallowsThat wretched, annoying, nagging truth that swallowsSwallows me whole in its dark mouth as I fighting for airSearching everywhere for the way out but finding it nowhere,Blind in this colorless monster of guilt I see your facePulling myself closer to you as I pick up this shameful paceI'm in this lonely pit with or without you, and there is no soundOnly this shit in my blasted head spinning all aroundI call out to you; oh please can you hear me?Echoes in this darkness are all I hear, nothing is what I see …Placing my hands in front of me to brace my fallCalling out to you again but hearing nothing at allI scream as long as these lungs will hold this breathFeeling something beneath me break, I'm falling closer to deathI will remain here dying until I find youThis truth is killing me, why? What will I—or can I do?As my last breath escapes me there is a comforting voiceHello … it's you … now you have left me with no choiceI cry out quietly for you once moreOpening my eyes I can see you more colorful than before …
It's not that teens are darker than they were before, it's just that they're finally lashing out about it. Teens have learned to deal with their depression in a healthier way than bottling it up. If reading a dark YA novel is their way of doing that, then I say that's far better than turning to drugs, alcohol, or self-mutilation. Reading about it helps them to see and live the pain of the character, ultimately encouraging them not to do it as the character almost always learns to overcome. Many of us, like the 46 year old mother-of-three in the The Wall Street Journal article have forgotten what it's like to be a teen.
It's hard!
The problem here is that parents are just looking for another thing to blame for a lack of parenting. It shouldn't matter what your child reads, watches on TV, or is exposed to. No matter how hard we try, we aren't going to be able to protect them from everything--they will always find a way to watch it or do it behind your back. Trust me. I know I did. The best approach in this case is to address the child and their problems directly. Take time out of your day to make sure they feel secure and loved. Take time to notice if they're slipping into depression, using drugs, or sneaking alcohol. We live in an entitled world where it's easier to blame than accept blame onto yourself.
Get over it! Be the parent!
These books do nothing but teach our youth how to overcome pain, depression, and evil. It's the state of the economy and the mindset of the adult culture that is to blame--just switch on Glenn Beck on CNBC for a few minutes and tell me that's not depressing--and until it gets better, darkness and our personal demons are going to be something we all deal with as we always have, just not so outwardly.
YA hopes to help that. YA hopes to give teens a light in the darkness and relate to them in a time when they need our support and understanding more than ever.
If you support YA reads, yell it out on Twitter using the topic #YAsaves
June 3, 2011
Ladybird Ladybird Book Trailer: Long Theatrical Cut
The Book Trailer process is an ongoing thing but this cut is a good one and I want to share! Thank you Brad and Kolbi and everyone else for amazing shots! Makes me wish I could spend time in Georgia because it's still not as green here as it is in the video!
. . .
. . .
May 25, 2011
Pics From The Ladybird Ladybird Book Trailer Shoot...
Thought I'd share some more of the fun that went on this week in Cumming, Georgia. Our team was even allowed access at a high school there where the drama group was happy to join in the fun (I don't have pics from that just yet)! As a drama geek myself (once upon a time) I thought this was great! After all, it is their last week of school and what the heck else do they have to do!? So thank you all that participated, I can't wait to see your work on screen!
If I weren't seven months pregnant, I would have been there!
STEVE! Our Operations Manager.
...
Brad in the river!
My horse would have never gotten that close to the water...
...
Leith and Sam the main characters.
...
If I weren't seven months pregnant, I would have been there!
STEVE! Our Operations Manager.
...
Brad in the river!
My horse would have never gotten that close to the water...
...
Leith and Sam the main characters.
...
May 23, 2011
Book Reviewers! Come here...
Okay, so we are finally (finally...(finally...)) getting ready to begin releasing info for Ladybird Ladybird as well as send out the many many ARC (review copy) requests we received a few months back. As we do this, however, we are also going to be sending out release info, trailers, and other fun things for your blog.
To make our list keeping easier, we'd like to collect you all in one place as the marketing, editing, and me side of things all have different lists going (very unorganized! But we're trying!!).
So, even if you've emailed us in the past SIGN UP (because we love you all to death!).SIGN UP IN THE RIGHT BAR OR IN THIS POST BELOW
Some fun promos we are planning to do:
Giveaways: Money! Not just books but gift certificates, music CD's, and more, all having to do with Ladybird Ladybird (and you as a blogger are entered in a freebie contest, too! Just for being a part of it!). We are also offering a free prelude download of The Key: A Short Prelude to Ladybird Ladybird for free and we'd love to send you the info for your fans!
Exclusive Book Trailer Releases: The book trailer is almost done and we are planning on three different versions. A teaser (longer than the one I posted last week), a 30 second version, and an extended version (2+ minutes). You want to be a part of the club and get this exclusive content for your blog before YouTube does, trust me!
Actress Trial Shoot: http://youtu.be/QwaL_hOZAk0
Pre-Made Blogger Posts: We are making this easy and fast for you, pre-making the HTML for you to copy/paste and customize for your blog! Instead of minutes spent pleasing your followers, think SECONDS.
Other Announcements: Along with this we are going to send out other announcements on books from Crimson Oak Publishing that meet your blogs interest and criteria (but we're not spamming you! You are our most valuable asset and we don't want to piss you off!)
No Spamming: As I said above, you are our most valuable asset and we will never sell your address or hit you with emails that are irrelevant to books and the utter love of them. All you'll receive is useful content for your blog. If you decide you hate us, unsubscribing is a breeze with a link in each email.
So, at last. If this all sounds good to you then sign up!
* indicates requiredEmail Address *
Blog Address *
Twitter Handle (@_______)
First Name
Last Name
Close '+msg+'
To make our list keeping easier, we'd like to collect you all in one place as the marketing, editing, and me side of things all have different lists going (very unorganized! But we're trying!!).
So, even if you've emailed us in the past SIGN UP (because we love you all to death!).SIGN UP IN THE RIGHT BAR OR IN THIS POST BELOW
Some fun promos we are planning to do:
Giveaways: Money! Not just books but gift certificates, music CD's, and more, all having to do with Ladybird Ladybird (and you as a blogger are entered in a freebie contest, too! Just for being a part of it!). We are also offering a free prelude download of The Key: A Short Prelude to Ladybird Ladybird for free and we'd love to send you the info for your fans!
Exclusive Book Trailer Releases: The book trailer is almost done and we are planning on three different versions. A teaser (longer than the one I posted last week), a 30 second version, and an extended version (2+ minutes). You want to be a part of the club and get this exclusive content for your blog before YouTube does, trust me!
Actress Trial Shoot: http://youtu.be/QwaL_hOZAk0
Pre-Made Blogger Posts: We are making this easy and fast for you, pre-making the HTML for you to copy/paste and customize for your blog! Instead of minutes spent pleasing your followers, think SECONDS.
Other Announcements: Along with this we are going to send out other announcements on books from Crimson Oak Publishing that meet your blogs interest and criteria (but we're not spamming you! You are our most valuable asset and we don't want to piss you off!)
No Spamming: As I said above, you are our most valuable asset and we will never sell your address or hit you with emails that are irrelevant to books and the utter love of them. All you'll receive is useful content for your blog. If you decide you hate us, unsubscribing is a breeze with a link in each email.
So, at last. If this all sounds good to you then sign up!
* indicates requiredEmail Address *
Blog Address *
Twitter Handle (@_______)
First Name
Last Name
Close '+msg+'
May 17, 2011
Ladybird Ladybird Teaser Trailer: Shooting Full Length Trailer This Weekend.
Here is a sneak into the Ladybird Ladybird book trailer by my video guy Brad (such a video guy name, right??). The full length video will be shot this weekend. More to come!!
April 20, 2011
Sneak Peek Wednesday!
Here is a sneak peek into Knight Angels: Book of Life (Book 3!)
JANE:
Ariel and I had walked quite a ways down the river. She urged me to leave the bank, but I was afraid that if I did, I'd miss Max if he were to appear in the In-between. Ariel had tried to convince me that leaving the water's edge was alright, that I wouldn't miss anything, but how did she know?
"I'm a Seer, but also a bit of a prophet. Just like the prophets of Winter Wood." She reminded. "Not all Seers are prophets, but only Seers can be prophets. Part of my struggle in my last life was escaping the Black Angels. I was a very rare breed as a prophet, and as such they wanted me for their side. They hunted me like game. Finally, I just couldn't deal with it anymore. I took my own life."
I stopped walking, not able to picture how such a young girl could ever feel so lost, so tormented that she would take her own life. Girls her age were supposed to worry about simple things and not chased down like a fugitive. "How could you kill yourself? How did you do it?"
Ariel plucked a flower and spun it in her hand. "I poisoned myself. It was a painful way to go. If I were to do it again—"
"Don't do it again." I shuttered. For whatever reason, it reminded me of Emily and how I used to fear the direction she was headed in. I wondered how she was doing now, without me there for her. Despite the fact that we'd never really gotten along, I felt a loss of control toward the fact that at least I had been there to keep an eye on her. I had to take refuge in the fact that Wes would never let anything happen to her. She was so new to the moral lifestyle she had transformed into before my death that I feared a relapse back to her old ways. I grew irritated with the subject and changed it. "So, as a prophet can you still see what's going on in the world?"
. . .
JANE:
Ariel and I had walked quite a ways down the river. She urged me to leave the bank, but I was afraid that if I did, I'd miss Max if he were to appear in the In-between. Ariel had tried to convince me that leaving the water's edge was alright, that I wouldn't miss anything, but how did she know?
"I'm a Seer, but also a bit of a prophet. Just like the prophets of Winter Wood." She reminded. "Not all Seers are prophets, but only Seers can be prophets. Part of my struggle in my last life was escaping the Black Angels. I was a very rare breed as a prophet, and as such they wanted me for their side. They hunted me like game. Finally, I just couldn't deal with it anymore. I took my own life."
I stopped walking, not able to picture how such a young girl could ever feel so lost, so tormented that she would take her own life. Girls her age were supposed to worry about simple things and not chased down like a fugitive. "How could you kill yourself? How did you do it?"
Ariel plucked a flower and spun it in her hand. "I poisoned myself. It was a painful way to go. If I were to do it again—"
"Don't do it again." I shuttered. For whatever reason, it reminded me of Emily and how I used to fear the direction she was headed in. I wondered how she was doing now, without me there for her. Despite the fact that we'd never really gotten along, I felt a loss of control toward the fact that at least I had been there to keep an eye on her. I had to take refuge in the fact that Wes would never let anything happen to her. She was so new to the moral lifestyle she had transformed into before my death that I feared a relapse back to her old ways. I grew irritated with the subject and changed it. "So, as a prophet can you still see what's going on in the world?"
. . .
Sneek Peak Wednesday!
Here is a sneak peek into Knight Angels: Book of Life (Book 3!)
JANE:
Ariel and I had walked quite a ways down the river. She urged me to leave the bank, but I was afraid that if I did, I'd miss Max if he were to appear in the In-between. Ariel had tried to convince me that leaving the water's edge was alright, that I wouldn't miss anything, but how did she know?
"I'm a Seer, but also a bit of a prophet. Just like the prophets of Winter Wood." She reminded. "Not all Seers are prophets, but only Seers can be prophets. Part of my struggle in my last life was escaping the Black Angels. I was a very rare breed as a prophet, and as such they wanted me for their side. They hunted me like game. Finally, I just couldn't deal with it anymore. I took my own life."
I stopped walking, not able to picture how such a young girl could ever feel so lost, so tormented that she would take her own life. Girls her age were supposed to worry about simple things and not chased down like a fugitive. "How could you kill yourself? How did you do it?"
Ariel plucked a flower and spun it in her hand. "I poisoned myself. It was a painful way to go. If I were to do it again—"
"Don't do it again." I shuttered. For whatever reason, it reminded me of Emily and how I used to fear the direction she was headed in. I wondered how she was doing now, without me there for her. Despite the fact that we'd never really gotten along, I felt a loss of control toward the fact that at least I had been there to keep an eye on her. I had to take refuge in the fact that Wes would never let anything happen to her. She was so new to the moral lifestyle she had transformed into before my death that I feared a relapse back to her old ways. I grew irritated with the subject and changed it. "So, as a prophet can you still see what's going on in the world?"
. . .
JANE:
Ariel and I had walked quite a ways down the river. She urged me to leave the bank, but I was afraid that if I did, I'd miss Max if he were to appear in the In-between. Ariel had tried to convince me that leaving the water's edge was alright, that I wouldn't miss anything, but how did she know?
"I'm a Seer, but also a bit of a prophet. Just like the prophets of Winter Wood." She reminded. "Not all Seers are prophets, but only Seers can be prophets. Part of my struggle in my last life was escaping the Black Angels. I was a very rare breed as a prophet, and as such they wanted me for their side. They hunted me like game. Finally, I just couldn't deal with it anymore. I took my own life."
I stopped walking, not able to picture how such a young girl could ever feel so lost, so tormented that she would take her own life. Girls her age were supposed to worry about simple things and not chased down like a fugitive. "How could you kill yourself? How did you do it?"
Ariel plucked a flower and spun it in her hand. "I poisoned myself. It was a painful way to go. If I were to do it again—"
"Don't do it again." I shuttered. For whatever reason, it reminded me of Emily and how I used to fear the direction she was headed in. I wondered how she was doing now, without me there for her. Despite the fact that we'd never really gotten along, I felt a loss of control toward the fact that at least I had been there to keep an eye on her. I had to take refuge in the fact that Wes would never let anything happen to her. She was so new to the moral lifestyle she had transformed into before my death that I feared a relapse back to her old ways. I grew irritated with the subject and changed it. "So, as a prophet can you still see what's going on in the world?"
. . .
