Jennifer Shirk's Blog, page 22
November 5, 2012
I'm Alive (post Hurricane Sandy)
Happy Monday, all!
(Truly a happy Monday for me)
As some of you know by now, I live at the Jersey shore. In fact, not far from Atlantic City, where the eye of Hurricane Sandy hit landfall. Our house is still here. Yay!
We got about 2 feet of water in our garage and surrounding yard. So some damage there. Lost a freezer chest and fridge and lots of clean up, but NO water got in the house! Apparently we never lost electricity and we have heat and food and Internet and working toilets and clean water to drink.
So I was THRILLED! (things north of us look a lot worse) Actually, I'm STILL amazed. If you look around our little barrier island, there are a lot of people having problems with their houses being flooded and some still do not have cable or power. Sand blasted through a lot of garages and some streets are still under water.But people are really pulling together through this which is really awesome to see.
My hubby's office downtown did not do well either. Serve Pro was in and the office is now gutted. They are looking for temporary office arrangements now until they can rebuild.
~~~
On another note, we were supposed to celebrate my mom's birthday this weekend. But I told her too much was going on and we were going to have to postpone. So she asks me, "Did you get me a birthday gift?"
I said, "No. The week I was going to go shopping I had to hurricane prep instead. So I think we better wait unless you want bottled water, SPAM, peanut butter and bread as your gift." LOL!!
~~
On another another note, life still apparently goes on because I'm still in the middle of edits for my upcoming release from Entangled Publishing. So no breather for me!!!
School starts up again this week, which is helpful. :)
And in case you wanted before and afters of our garage, here they are:
MAN CAVE/garage and workout room
We obviously rolled up carpets and and brought our trashcans in. I guess when the water went out, it moved them and dumped them over and dumped our freezer chest on its side. Sea water is in the bins of the fridge. The futon is done too. Water reached the mattress.
Again, a mess. But if this is the worst, I'll gladly take it!
How about you?
Any effects from Hurricane Sandy in your neck of the woods? Know anybody affected?
.
(Truly a happy Monday for me)
As some of you know by now, I live at the Jersey shore. In fact, not far from Atlantic City, where the eye of Hurricane Sandy hit landfall. Our house is still here. Yay!
We got about 2 feet of water in our garage and surrounding yard. So some damage there. Lost a freezer chest and fridge and lots of clean up, but NO water got in the house! Apparently we never lost electricity and we have heat and food and Internet and working toilets and clean water to drink.
So I was THRILLED! (things north of us look a lot worse) Actually, I'm STILL amazed. If you look around our little barrier island, there are a lot of people having problems with their houses being flooded and some still do not have cable or power. Sand blasted through a lot of garages and some streets are still under water.But people are really pulling together through this which is really awesome to see.
My hubby's office downtown did not do well either. Serve Pro was in and the office is now gutted. They are looking for temporary office arrangements now until they can rebuild.
~~~
On another note, we were supposed to celebrate my mom's birthday this weekend. But I told her too much was going on and we were going to have to postpone. So she asks me, "Did you get me a birthday gift?"
I said, "No. The week I was going to go shopping I had to hurricane prep instead. So I think we better wait unless you want bottled water, SPAM, peanut butter and bread as your gift." LOL!!
~~
On another another note, life still apparently goes on because I'm still in the middle of edits for my upcoming release from Entangled Publishing. So no breather for me!!!
School starts up again this week, which is helpful. :)
And in case you wanted before and afters of our garage, here they are:
MAN CAVE/garage and workout room
We obviously rolled up carpets and and brought our trashcans in. I guess when the water went out, it moved them and dumped them over and dumped our freezer chest on its side. Sea water is in the bins of the fridge. The futon is done too. Water reached the mattress.
Again, a mess. But if this is the worst, I'll gladly take it!
How about you?
Any effects from Hurricane Sandy in your neck of the woods? Know anybody affected?
.
October 29, 2012
Hurricane Sandy
Well, it's mandatory evacuation for us again.
Twice in thirteen months now. Last time we had to get out was with Irene. But it's the not the wind and debris we're worried about this time. It's the flooding.
Something to do with the high tide that will be happening when the storm hits, combined with it moving so slowly, combined with the full moon, combined with...
Well, you get the picture.
The perfect storm.
The good news is I managed to finish my edits early. Nothing like the threat of flash flooding to light a candle under you!
We've moved almost everything we could off of the first floor. Hopefully, I won't have water in my house when I get back.
And I'll have electricity.
So if you don't hear from me in a while, you'll know. :-)
Take care and stay safe!!
Twice in thirteen months now. Last time we had to get out was with Irene. But it's the not the wind and debris we're worried about this time. It's the flooding.
Something to do with the high tide that will be happening when the storm hits, combined with it moving so slowly, combined with the full moon, combined with...
Well, you get the picture.
The perfect storm.
The good news is I managed to finish my edits early. Nothing like the threat of flash flooding to light a candle under you!
We've moved almost everything we could off of the first floor. Hopefully, I won't have water in my house when I get back.
And I'll have electricity.
So if you don't hear from me in a while, you'll know. :-)
Take care and stay safe!!
October 26, 2012
Book Fuss Friday
Happy Friday!
Now, let's cut to the chase and FUSS. :-)
I first noticed this Book Fuss book over a year ago on the Kindleboards (the cover was cool) and saw that it was selling like hotcakes!
I think at the time it was 99 cents. Really cheap, but I didn't have my Kindle yet so I didn't buy it (but it was always on my radar!)
Plus, the author seemed so nice. :-)
I learned this book was her very first published (self-published) book and sold over 147,000 copies. She eventually hit the New York Times bestseller's list with it back in March of 2011.
Impressive, huh?
I decided to bring this book up because it created quite a fuss back then AND because I recently won this author's new book on Goodreads called How to Find Success Selling Ebooks .
What's her fuss-worthy book?
It's called Not What She Seems.
Book description:
A New York Times bestseller!
Steven Ashton, a billionaire from New York, and Emily Grant, on the run from the law...and when they meet he can’t help falling for her. What he doesn’t know is that interfering in her life will put his own life in danger.
When billionaire Steven Ashton couldn’t stand his high society social life anymore, he left the stress of New York on a vacation for his soul. The need to meet real down to earth people led him to a small Nebraska town. He didn’t want to lie about who he was, but he couldn’t exactly tell them the truth.
Emily could have easily fallen in love with Steven, under different circumstances, but her past was catching up with her and she needed a new life. If the authorities found out about her, she could lose the one thing that meant everything, her four year old son.
It's available on Amazon for $2.99 now, but I downloaded when it went free a few months ago.
I haven't read it yet, but I'm looking forward to it!
What about you? Had you seen the fuss on this book?
Have you read it? Can you imagine having your first self-published book hit that big?
Now, let's cut to the chase and FUSS. :-)
I first noticed this Book Fuss book over a year ago on the Kindleboards (the cover was cool) and saw that it was selling like hotcakes!
I think at the time it was 99 cents. Really cheap, but I didn't have my Kindle yet so I didn't buy it (but it was always on my radar!)
Plus, the author seemed so nice. :-)
I learned this book was her very first published (self-published) book and sold over 147,000 copies. She eventually hit the New York Times bestseller's list with it back in March of 2011.
Impressive, huh?
I decided to bring this book up because it created quite a fuss back then AND because I recently won this author's new book on Goodreads called How to Find Success Selling Ebooks .
What's her fuss-worthy book?
It's called Not What She Seems.
Book description:A New York Times bestseller!
Steven Ashton, a billionaire from New York, and Emily Grant, on the run from the law...and when they meet he can’t help falling for her. What he doesn’t know is that interfering in her life will put his own life in danger.
When billionaire Steven Ashton couldn’t stand his high society social life anymore, he left the stress of New York on a vacation for his soul. The need to meet real down to earth people led him to a small Nebraska town. He didn’t want to lie about who he was, but he couldn’t exactly tell them the truth.
Emily could have easily fallen in love with Steven, under different circumstances, but her past was catching up with her and she needed a new life. If the authorities found out about her, she could lose the one thing that meant everything, her four year old son.
It's available on Amazon for $2.99 now, but I downloaded when it went free a few months ago.
I haven't read it yet, but I'm looking forward to it!
What about you? Had you seen the fuss on this book?
Have you read it? Can you imagine having your first self-published book hit that big?
October 22, 2012
3 Things I Learned from my Library's Author Lunch
Happy Monday, all!
My local library sponsors an "Author's Lunch" every year and this year they happened to get Harlan Coben (last year was Lisa Scottoline).
I definitely had heard of him, but hadn't read any of his books. But I wanted to go anyway. (Plus, I'm on the Library Board, so it kind of makes sense that I'd go)
Anyway, when my mother-in-law (she was my guest) and I walk in, I noticed that we had a great table. Right in front of the podium. Bonus.
I'm thinking I can take a great picture!
I Googled him so I knew what he looked like, so when he came in, I said to my mother-in-law, "Hey, there he is! Take my picture with him!"
So we rush up to him and he was kind enough to throw his arm around me and pose.
(Picture is on Facebook if you need proof)
We went back to our table all proud of ourselves for getting such a great shot. Then 10 seconds later he comes over and sits down...AT OUR TABLE. (I had no idea he would be sitting with us!)
To be honest, I didn't think even think they would feed him. LOL)
I can honestly say he is one of the FUNNIEST men I've ever met. He could do stand-up comedy. He was so entertaining. We had a great time!
So I have to share one funny story he told us when the floor was opened up to questions:
One time he had an author friend whose book he really liked and it wasn't getting any press. So he talked about it on one of his TV appearances.
The book was Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code .
Well, after that it obviously shot up the bestseller list. Then it overtook Harlan's book and his became #2.
Then when Harlan had his next book come out his agent called him up and said, "Sales are awesome. The book is doing great."
So Harlan says, "So it's #1?"
His agent says, "No. It's #4."
Why was that?
Dan Brown had three books out at the time and his were #1, #2, and #3.
So Harlan said," I WILL NEVER TALK ANYONE ELSE'S BOOK UP AGAIN."
(He was kidding. Sort of) LOL!
Then someone at the luncheon told me they have been looking at authors for next year, but they had to rule one author out already.
Why? The author wanted $25,000, plus hotel, plus round trip airplane tickets for her, her children and her children's nanny.
My library obviously passed.
So...what are The Three Things I Learned from this Luncheon?
1) Harlan Coben is awesome
2) Word of mouth is obviously THE best form of book promotion
3) When you become a big name author, don't be a Diva
I know. I'm so wise. :-)
What about you? Have you read any Harlan Coben books?
My local library sponsors an "Author's Lunch" every year and this year they happened to get Harlan Coben (last year was Lisa Scottoline).
I definitely had heard of him, but hadn't read any of his books. But I wanted to go anyway. (Plus, I'm on the Library Board, so it kind of makes sense that I'd go)Anyway, when my mother-in-law (she was my guest) and I walk in, I noticed that we had a great table. Right in front of the podium. Bonus.
I'm thinking I can take a great picture!
I Googled him so I knew what he looked like, so when he came in, I said to my mother-in-law, "Hey, there he is! Take my picture with him!"
So we rush up to him and he was kind enough to throw his arm around me and pose.
(Picture is on Facebook if you need proof)
We went back to our table all proud of ourselves for getting such a great shot. Then 10 seconds later he comes over and sits down...AT OUR TABLE. (I had no idea he would be sitting with us!)
To be honest, I didn't think even think they would feed him. LOL)
I can honestly say he is one of the FUNNIEST men I've ever met. He could do stand-up comedy. He was so entertaining. We had a great time!
So I have to share one funny story he told us when the floor was opened up to questions:One time he had an author friend whose book he really liked and it wasn't getting any press. So he talked about it on one of his TV appearances.
The book was Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code .
Well, after that it obviously shot up the bestseller list. Then it overtook Harlan's book and his became #2.
Then when Harlan had his next book come out his agent called him up and said, "Sales are awesome. The book is doing great."
So Harlan says, "So it's #1?"
His agent says, "No. It's #4."
Why was that?
Dan Brown had three books out at the time and his were #1, #2, and #3.
So Harlan said," I WILL NEVER TALK ANYONE ELSE'S BOOK UP AGAIN."
(He was kidding. Sort of) LOL!
Then someone at the luncheon told me they have been looking at authors for next year, but they had to rule one author out already.
Why? The author wanted $25,000, plus hotel, plus round trip airplane tickets for her, her children and her children's nanny.
My library obviously passed.
So...what are The Three Things I Learned from this Luncheon?
1) Harlan Coben is awesome
2) Word of mouth is obviously THE best form of book promotion
3) When you become a big name author, don't be a Diva
I know. I'm so wise. :-)
What about you? Have you read any Harlan Coben books?
October 16, 2012
Late Conference Recap
Oh, hello.
Yes, I know I normally post on Mondays, but it took me a day to get my act together, so...voila. :)
First off, my hats off to all my fellow chaptermates who did such a wonderful job putting the NJRW Conference all together and making it look so easy. I know it was a lot of hard, thankless work.
Secondly, I know you all are dying to know what happened at the conference, so I'll make this recap short and sweet for all you people with short attention spans like myself.
In a nutshell,
I had a FABULOUS time at the conference.
*And not just because...I had Debora Dennis as a roommate.
*And not just because...I actually sold books at the Literacy Book Fair.
*And not just because...authors were coming up to me and saying they know me from online networking. (this crazy Internet stuff actually works!)
*And not just because...we got to hear some awesome advice from Bob Mayer and Jennifer Talty
*And not just because...Marie Force befriended my CP and I and shared with us her success story and what worked for her.
*And not just because...my highlighters were grabbed so fast in the goody room that I didn't know they had even been put out. ( See blog post on highlighters HERE)
*And not just because...I was able to buy Jennifer Probst's new book and have her sign it (and totally crack up with her too!)
*And not just because...my CP and I hardly spent any money the entire time we were there.
*And definitely not just because...Angela James wanted one of my highlighters that I was giving out at the book signing and thought it was great promo item and wanted to use it in one of her workshops.
Yeah. There are so many other reasons than all those. :-)
And now for the gratuitous photos that make me seem more important than I am...
From left to right: Janet Lane Walters, ME, Jennifer Probst, Wendy S. Marcus
ME at the Literacy Book Fair & Author Signing
And that's about it. whew! (Still trying to get the house and myself together)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Oh, and in case you haven't heard the news...
SUNNY DAYS FOR SAM is now available on Kindle for $2.99!
WOOT! FINALLY.
So tell a friend.
Preferably a friend who can read.
Yes, I know I normally post on Mondays, but it took me a day to get my act together, so...voila. :)
First off, my hats off to all my fellow chaptermates who did such a wonderful job putting the NJRW Conference all together and making it look so easy. I know it was a lot of hard, thankless work.
Secondly, I know you all are dying to know what happened at the conference, so I'll make this recap short and sweet for all you people with short attention spans like myself.
In a nutshell,
I had a FABULOUS time at the conference.
*And not just because...I had Debora Dennis as a roommate.
*And not just because...I actually sold books at the Literacy Book Fair.
*And not just because...authors were coming up to me and saying they know me from online networking. (this crazy Internet stuff actually works!)
*And not just because...we got to hear some awesome advice from Bob Mayer and Jennifer Talty
*And not just because...Marie Force befriended my CP and I and shared with us her success story and what worked for her.
*And not just because...my highlighters were grabbed so fast in the goody room that I didn't know they had even been put out. ( See blog post on highlighters HERE)
*And not just because...I was able to buy Jennifer Probst's new book and have her sign it (and totally crack up with her too!)
*And not just because...my CP and I hardly spent any money the entire time we were there.
*And definitely not just because...Angela James wanted one of my highlighters that I was giving out at the book signing and thought it was great promo item and wanted to use it in one of her workshops.
Yeah. There are so many other reasons than all those. :-)
And now for the gratuitous photos that make me seem more important than I am...
From left to right: Janet Lane Walters, ME, Jennifer Probst, Wendy S. Marcus
ME at the Literacy Book Fair & Author SigningAnd that's about it. whew! (Still trying to get the house and myself together)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Oh, and in case you haven't heard the news...
SUNNY DAYS FOR SAM is now available on Kindle for $2.99!
WOOT! FINALLY.
So tell a friend.
Preferably a friend who can read.
October 8, 2012
The list that every conference goer MUST HAVE!
Happy Monday!I'm cheating a little here talking about conferences.
I actually won't be leaving for the NJRW "Put Your Heart in a Book" Conference until Friday morning, but since I won't be around then, I figured I'd post some pre-conference talk now.
Oh, and in case you're wondering who will be at the conference, here is a list of some of the attendees:
Keynote speaker — Sabrina Jeffries
Luncheon speaker — Heather Graham
Angela James, Bob Mayer, Mary Jo Putney, Jen Talty, Susan Wiggs, Lisa Verge-Higgins, Julia London, Marie Force, Judi Fennell, Elaine English, Lisa Dale, and tons more!
Anyhew, one of my chaptermates, Ruth Casie, posted an awesome must-bring list for us conference goers, which I thought I'd share with you all now.
Things to Bring to a Conference Handy Dandy Check-list:
Clothes (casual business most of the time, dressier business for
pitches or editor/agent meetings, dressy for Awards Ceremony)
Comfortable shoes & gel inserts
Snacks for between workshops when you can�t stop for lunch
Medications (no hangovers allowed) & prescriptions
Your schedule
Laptop/cellphone/camera (& chargers/power cords)
Paper/pen/highlighter
Business cards
Small toiletry case for purse or bag
Some way to ship back or carry your goodies
Some way to personalize your RWA tote bag to make it easier to find
among the 2000 identical bags
Small sewing kit for wardrobe malfunctions
Bandaids for blisters
Mints/candies to suck on for energy and fresh breath
Swimsuit/cover-up/workout clothes
Cardigan for chilly conference rooms
Dress purse for Awards Reception
Earplugs, white noise app on phone
Cash for tips, Literacy Book signing, dining with friends, vending
machines
Extension cord for hotel room (2-4 women, 1 sink�do the math)
Extra hangers for hanging all your nice clothes in the closet
Pins for lanyard (PRO, chapter, etc.)
Sharpie marker, tape
Hand sanitizer, wet wipes, stain stick or wipes, moisturizer
Other things to prepare and do:
Print out of hotel reservation, and email all important documents to
yourself to ensure you have copies
Attach business card to phone/camera in case it gets misplaced
Make sure you drink plenty of water
And lastly, bring your enthusiasm!
I have to admit, I'm not new to conferences, but some of these things I wished I had brought to some of them! And now, I won't forget.
Oh, and you're welcome. :-)
Have a great week!
October 5, 2012
Book Fuss Friday
Wow, it's Friday already!
The kiddo is off from school today AND Monday AND had a half a day yesterday. Um...
What's up with that???
It's just Columbus Day, right? When I went to school, you had Monday off. That was it.
Oops. Sorry to make a fuss on the wrong subject matter. But really!!!
All right. I'm done now. :-)
Anyway, I figured today I'd get this Book Fuss out of the way and talk about the dreaded but ever popular...
FIFTY SHADES OF GRAY.
**Dun-dun-duuuuuunnnnnnnnn**
Yes, even after all this time it's still dominating the Amazon and Barnes and Noble charts--and supermarket check-out lanes. (That's a whole other issue, by the way) So let me say firstly that I have not read the book (books) and I don't plan to read it (them).
WHY?
Well, besides the subject matter not being my "cuppa", there is the whole I-hate-following-trends thing. Yes, I know. I've broken that rule a few times, but I really don't like to do it.
It kind of goes with the Mark Twain quote I like:
“Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.” LOL
But I figured I'd talk about this book anyway.
Recently, I was over my neighbor's house and there was a bunch of women there (other neighbors mostly) and they were talking about this book. Mind you, NOT ONE word was flattering about it. And also mind you, I have a lot to say about the book in a general way because of what I've read from agents' blogs and other writers so I felt as if I could contribute to the conversation well.
Nevertheless, they told me I should read the book.
And when I asked, "Why?" the answer I got was "So that you can contribute to the conversation and we can know what you think."
Wasn't I just doing that with them?
I don't need cocktail party fodder. And when I told them that, one of the neighbors asked, "Well, you should read it anyway. What are you afraid of?"
I said, "I don't know, bad writing?"
Then they all laughed and went on and on about how terrible the writing was.
OK, so they just picked apart this book to DEATH using descriptions like predictable, bad writing, unrealistic etc.. but still insisted I read it. Um, that kind of defense doesn't make me want to rush out and read it.
So, again I ask, WHY? Why do they insist I read it?
Shock value? But it's not the first nor the last written in that genre, so I'm not entirely convinced that's the reason.
But I'll tell you as I explained to them that I don't have the time to read books I WANT to read and I know ARE written well, let alone books I DON'T want to read that apparently AREN'T written well.
So tell me...if you've read it, what's the fuss?
What do you think makes it stand out from other BDSM books that have been written?
Do you think it says anything about our culture that this book has taken off and stayed at the top of the book charts for so long?
I'd love to know what you think!
The kiddo is off from school today AND Monday AND had a half a day yesterday. Um...
What's up with that???
It's just Columbus Day, right? When I went to school, you had Monday off. That was it.
Oops. Sorry to make a fuss on the wrong subject matter. But really!!!
All right. I'm done now. :-)
Anyway, I figured today I'd get this Book Fuss out of the way and talk about the dreaded but ever popular...
FIFTY SHADES OF GRAY.
**Dun-dun-duuuuuunnnnnnnnn**
Yes, even after all this time it's still dominating the Amazon and Barnes and Noble charts--and supermarket check-out lanes. (That's a whole other issue, by the way) So let me say firstly that I have not read the book (books) and I don't plan to read it (them).
WHY?
Well, besides the subject matter not being my "cuppa", there is the whole I-hate-following-trends thing. Yes, I know. I've broken that rule a few times, but I really don't like to do it.
It kind of goes with the Mark Twain quote I like:
“Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.” LOL
But I figured I'd talk about this book anyway.
Recently, I was over my neighbor's house and there was a bunch of women there (other neighbors mostly) and they were talking about this book. Mind you, NOT ONE word was flattering about it. And also mind you, I have a lot to say about the book in a general way because of what I've read from agents' blogs and other writers so I felt as if I could contribute to the conversation well.
Nevertheless, they told me I should read the book.
And when I asked, "Why?" the answer I got was "So that you can contribute to the conversation and we can know what you think."
Wasn't I just doing that with them?
I don't need cocktail party fodder. And when I told them that, one of the neighbors asked, "Well, you should read it anyway. What are you afraid of?"
I said, "I don't know, bad writing?"
Then they all laughed and went on and on about how terrible the writing was.
OK, so they just picked apart this book to DEATH using descriptions like predictable, bad writing, unrealistic etc.. but still insisted I read it. Um, that kind of defense doesn't make me want to rush out and read it.
So, again I ask, WHY? Why do they insist I read it?
Shock value? But it's not the first nor the last written in that genre, so I'm not entirely convinced that's the reason.
But I'll tell you as I explained to them that I don't have the time to read books I WANT to read and I know ARE written well, let alone books I DON'T want to read that apparently AREN'T written well.
So tell me...if you've read it, what's the fuss?
What do you think makes it stand out from other BDSM books that have been written?
Do you think it says anything about our culture that this book has taken off and stayed at the top of the book charts for so long?
I'd love to know what you think!
October 1, 2012
SWAG, baby! (5 Reasons Why I Chose Mine)
Happy Monday, all!Well, after much stress, my edits are about to be finally sent off to my editor! Whew!!
I will have more good news to share that I'm pretty excited (but also slightly stressed) about.
Can't say what yet, but very soon...
Anyhew...for me, October is conference time. My NJ chapter of RWA has their annual conference in about two weeks and I'm so excited to go!
As you know, at every conference there's usually a "goodie" room for...well, goodies, AKA promo items or swag.
I was going to do a bookmark--and I still might do one--but I was looking for something different. So I decided to go with a highlighter with my name/website on it.WHY?
Because I personally like useful swag.
Swag that won't be eaten (although I love chocolate) or thrown away and forgotten.
Something that people will most likely pick up and put in their tote bag.
Something that will stay on someone's desk.
Something that is for brand/name recognition purposes.
Will swag help sell my books? I don't think so. Or at least, not right away.
Do I run out and buy a donut at Dunkin' Donuts when I'm watching baseball because that company hung a sign on the field? No. But if I'm in the mood for a donut the next time I'm out, I might stop there since it's a name I recognize.
For me, it's just about getting my name in front of a new crowd of people.
There are a ton of places that will do cheap quality promo items, but I recently found a new one called Discount Mugs.
Don't let the name fool you! They do more than just mugs and the prices are pretty good. Check them out. It's a fun site.
I'll be signing books at the conference's Literacy Fair and will also be giving out those highlighters with my books!
What about you? What's your favorite kind of swag/promo item to give out or get?
Do you think promo items serve a purpose or is it a waste of money?
*****************************************************************
Also,
I wanted to mention Justine Dell and Sarah Fine's charity auction/fundraiser going on:
Do you want get some AWESOME books? Cool swag?
AND help raise money for Suicide Prevention?
BLOGGERS, WRITERS, AGENTS & AUTHORS are...
UNITING FOR A CAUSE
Please visit Justine's blog for more details!
Some great books are being offered up (including one of mine) :)
September 24, 2012
A Break--and a winner
Happy Monday, all!
Thanks so much to Justine Dell for offering up a giveaway for her new book RECAPTURED DREAMS!
The winner of Justine's new book is...
Connie Keller!!
Congrats, Connie! Email Justine at dell DOT justine AT gmail DOT com and claim your prize!
Now...I need to take a bloggy break this week.
Why?
1) I'm knee-deep in edits for my "Cupid" book. They're, um, a bit extensive (to me) and due next week. I need to start them!
2) I'm in the middle of a writer challenge with my author pal, Julie Stone. Of course, when I agreed to this challenge, I hadn't received my edits yet. Talk about BAD timing.
3) I need to decorate for fall and take care of a few things around the house.
All this means my Internet time will be limited.
I'll try to make my way around here and there. I can't promise anything but that I'll try to try. :-)
Have a GREAT week!!!
Thanks so much to Justine Dell for offering up a giveaway for her new book RECAPTURED DREAMS!The winner of Justine's new book is...
Connie Keller!!
Congrats, Connie! Email Justine at dell DOT justine AT gmail DOT com and claim your prize!
Now...I need to take a bloggy break this week.
Why?
1) I'm knee-deep in edits for my "Cupid" book. They're, um, a bit extensive (to me) and due next week. I need to start them!
2) I'm in the middle of a writer challenge with my author pal, Julie Stone. Of course, when I agreed to this challenge, I hadn't received my edits yet. Talk about BAD timing.
3) I need to decorate for fall and take care of a few things around the house.
All this means my Internet time will be limited.
I'll try to make my way around here and there. I can't promise anything but that I'll try to try. :-)
Have a GREAT week!!!
September 21, 2012
Cast of Characters with Justine Dell!
Hey, all! Happy Friday!
We're taking a short break from Book Fuss Friday so I can bring you my blogger friend,
Justine Dell!
In case you don't know Justine, here's a little bit about her:
Author Bio: Justine lives in the Midwest, happily catering to her family, which consists of a horse-obsessed teenage daughter and four crazy dogs. She’s never moved from her hometown, but hopes to grow old in a much warmer climate.
During the day she works a normal job with college students who try their best to keep her young. They’ve done a good job thus far. At night, said teenage daughter and her horse require mounds of love and attention. The weekends belong solely to her and her writing. That’s when she morphs into a sticky bug, unable to leave the confines of her computer chair.
She started writing three years ago after seeing a movie that set off a chain reaction she couldn’t have stopped if she’d wanted. It’s not a hobby for her; it’s an obsession. One she loves and one she loves to share.
You can check out her blog HERE.
Find her on Twitter.
Find Recaptured Dreams on Goodreads
And don't forget to check out Omnific Publishing. Romance ... without the rules.
Justine is on blog tour right now with her new romance out: RECAPTURED DREAMS.
Ten years, the Atlantic Ocean, and several rungs in society have kept Xavier Cain from having Sophia Montel. Now twenty-seven, he’s spent his entire adult life building a fashion empire that could finally prove his worth to her family. When fate reunites him with Sophia at London’s premiere fashion show, one problem lodges in Xavier’s path: Sophia doesn’t remember him.
The only obstacle that has kept Sophia from Xavier is a horrific car crash that erased her memory at seventeen. She’s spent the last ten years fighting to reclaim a sliver of her past that her mother refuses to help her remember. When Sophia meets Xavier at the London show, however, all her fantasies come to life in one night of passion. Discovering he is the missing link, she is determined to find all the pieces to their love story and her memory.
Xavier wants forever. Sophia wants her memory. If they take this chance, they’ll have to start over. How far are they willing to go get what they want? And when the past catches up to them, can they handle the truths it has hidden?
She and I thought it would be fun to SEE her characters, so I asked her to put some pictures up of how she saw her characters if her book was made into a movie. Sound fun?
Well it is.
And away we go!
Liam Hemsworth as Xavier Cain (hero)
He’s got the look and I think he could definitely pull off the brooding but determined hero. He’s tall, lean (but with some muscle)
Emma Watson as Sophia Montel (heroine)Her innocence would be perfect this role. Yet she can be strong, determined. And she’s beautiful!
Zoey Deschanel as Anne Marie (Sophia’s best friend)
Sophia’s best friend is a little quirky and fun and pushes Sophia like she needs to be pushed. Zoey is perfect for that. Plus, I think she would look wonderful as a red head. J
Ian Somerhalder as Bryant Montel (Xavier’s brother)
Bryant (who will evidently have his own spot as an MC in a book) is cocky and doesn’t let things just slide. Just as determined as Xavier, but more alpha, he keeps his big brother in check as Xavier pines for Sophia. **Oooh, can't wait for HIS book
Meryl Streep as Katherine Montel (Sophia’s Countess Mum)
Sophia’s mum is kind of a pain in the rump. Enter Meryl. Picture her calm and detached and thinking she knows what is best for everyone—especially her daughter, Sophia.
GREAT choices!! That WAS fun!!
As one more fun thing, here's Justine's favorite line from her book:
Xavier had thought he was in paradise before. He’d been wrong. Sophia was more than paradise. She was the very reason he breathed.
SIGH
Recaptured Dreams is available at these fine retailers: Amazon, B&N, and Omnific.
Congrats, Justine!!
We're taking a short break from Book Fuss Friday so I can bring you my blogger friend,
Justine Dell!
In case you don't know Justine, here's a little bit about her:
Author Bio: Justine lives in the Midwest, happily catering to her family, which consists of a horse-obsessed teenage daughter and four crazy dogs. She’s never moved from her hometown, but hopes to grow old in a much warmer climate.
During the day she works a normal job with college students who try their best to keep her young. They’ve done a good job thus far. At night, said teenage daughter and her horse require mounds of love and attention. The weekends belong solely to her and her writing. That’s when she morphs into a sticky bug, unable to leave the confines of her computer chair.
She started writing three years ago after seeing a movie that set off a chain reaction she couldn’t have stopped if she’d wanted. It’s not a hobby for her; it’s an obsession. One she loves and one she loves to share.
You can check out her blog HERE.
Find her on Twitter.
Find Recaptured Dreams on Goodreads
And don't forget to check out Omnific Publishing. Romance ... without the rules.
Justine is on blog tour right now with her new romance out: RECAPTURED DREAMS.
Ten years, the Atlantic Ocean, and several rungs in society have kept Xavier Cain from having Sophia Montel. Now twenty-seven, he’s spent his entire adult life building a fashion empire that could finally prove his worth to her family. When fate reunites him with Sophia at London’s premiere fashion show, one problem lodges in Xavier’s path: Sophia doesn’t remember him.The only obstacle that has kept Sophia from Xavier is a horrific car crash that erased her memory at seventeen. She’s spent the last ten years fighting to reclaim a sliver of her past that her mother refuses to help her remember. When Sophia meets Xavier at the London show, however, all her fantasies come to life in one night of passion. Discovering he is the missing link, she is determined to find all the pieces to their love story and her memory.
Xavier wants forever. Sophia wants her memory. If they take this chance, they’ll have to start over. How far are they willing to go get what they want? And when the past catches up to them, can they handle the truths it has hidden?
She and I thought it would be fun to SEE her characters, so I asked her to put some pictures up of how she saw her characters if her book was made into a movie. Sound fun?
Well it is.
And away we go!
Liam Hemsworth as Xavier Cain (hero)
He’s got the look and I think he could definitely pull off the brooding but determined hero. He’s tall, lean (but with some muscle) 
Emma Watson as Sophia Montel (heroine)Her innocence would be perfect this role. Yet she can be strong, determined. And she’s beautiful! 
Zoey Deschanel as Anne Marie (Sophia’s best friend)Sophia’s best friend is a little quirky and fun and pushes Sophia like she needs to be pushed. Zoey is perfect for that. Plus, I think she would look wonderful as a red head. J
Ian Somerhalder as Bryant Montel (Xavier’s brother)Bryant (who will evidently have his own spot as an MC in a book) is cocky and doesn’t let things just slide. Just as determined as Xavier, but more alpha, he keeps his big brother in check as Xavier pines for Sophia. **Oooh, can't wait for HIS book
Meryl Streep as Katherine Montel (Sophia’s Countess Mum)Sophia’s mum is kind of a pain in the rump. Enter Meryl. Picture her calm and detached and thinking she knows what is best for everyone—especially her daughter, Sophia.
GREAT choices!! That WAS fun!!
As one more fun thing, here's Justine's favorite line from her book:
Xavier had thought he was in paradise before. He’d been wrong. Sophia was more than paradise. She was the very reason he breathed.
SIGH
Recaptured Dreams is available at these fine retailers: Amazon, B&N, and Omnific.
Congrats, Justine!!
