Nichole Giles's Blog, page 12
May 24, 2013
If You’re Going to Do Something, Do it Right
We’re moving this week. I know, I know, we just did this, right? But that's life. I was hoping to be moved in by now, or at least mostly moved in. But the renovations weren’t quite done in time to make our first, or second closing date, so we pushed forward with a third, and have still had to hang out while the last details were finished (minus cleaning, which will probably fall to us now).
*crosses fingers everything is really finished for real*
The problem we continue to run into is that some of the subcontractors have dragged their feet on making deadlines, and then been lazy about the finish work. And, these poor guys because they now have to deal with an annoyed and irritated me, who is very intolerant of lazy/messy finish work.
It’s not that I’m mean or unable to be pleased. It’s just that I have this very firm belief that if you’re going to do something, and if that thing is going to have a deadline, you should do it right and within the time allotted. And if you are not going to finish in time, communicate about why and STILL do it right from start to finish.
Writers, artists, professionals of every variety and choice—we all have projects. Our projects have deadlines, and specifications, and each of us has someone who will hold us accountable (or we should, anyway) for finishing our projects, and finishing them the right way.
I expect this of myself, though I don’t generally get paid for my work immediately after turning it in (or finishing or whatever), so it’s difficult for me to expect less of people who are immediately getting paid. Because really, I believe we should always, always, always strive to do our BEST WORK, in everything, regardless of circumstances.
So tell me. When is the last time you pushed a deadline, and what did it take to make sure you turned in your best possible work?
*crosses fingers everything is really finished for real*
The problem we continue to run into is that some of the subcontractors have dragged their feet on making deadlines, and then been lazy about the finish work. And, these poor guys because they now have to deal with an annoyed and irritated me, who is very intolerant of lazy/messy finish work.
It’s not that I’m mean or unable to be pleased. It’s just that I have this very firm belief that if you’re going to do something, and if that thing is going to have a deadline, you should do it right and within the time allotted. And if you are not going to finish in time, communicate about why and STILL do it right from start to finish.
Writers, artists, professionals of every variety and choice—we all have projects. Our projects have deadlines, and specifications, and each of us has someone who will hold us accountable (or we should, anyway) for finishing our projects, and finishing them the right way.
I expect this of myself, though I don’t generally get paid for my work immediately after turning it in (or finishing or whatever), so it’s difficult for me to expect less of people who are immediately getting paid. Because really, I believe we should always, always, always strive to do our BEST WORK, in everything, regardless of circumstances.
So tell me. When is the last time you pushed a deadline, and what did it take to make sure you turned in your best possible work?
May 22, 2013
Last Weekend at Barnes and Noble
Okay, I know I’ve been talking a lot about conferences and events and stuff, and sorry if you’re sick of hearing about them all. I promise, this is the last event I’ll talk about for a while. Because, well, it’s the last in-person event I have scheduled for now.
(Although, the DESCENDANT blog tour is still happening for a few more days, so if you haven’t entered to win yet—you still have lots of chances.)
I’ve never done a signing in Texas before. In fact, I’ve never done a signing outside of Utah. So you can imagine my trepidation and nerves upon showing up at the Barnes and Noble in Corpus Christi, Texas—which is roughly 1500 miles away from all my strongest, most dedicated supporters and fans. And my biggest worry was that I wouldn’t sell enough books. Or that I wouldn’t sell any books, and would spend the whole afternoon twiddling my thumbs and looking like a loser.
It’s true. Authors worry about this. Every time we go to sign somewhere.
Anyway, there was traffic on the way there. And I ran into the store with like, five minutes to spare, and found a line had already formed for my signing partner, Marcia Mickelson, who lives in Corpus Christi. Believe it or not, we had a fairly steady flow of people for most of the afternoon, several of which bought both books. I saw a number of my new friends from church, and met a bunch of new fans. Marcia and I both sold quite a few books. All told, I think Barnes and Noble was happy with us. I had a great time, and there was no time for thumb-twiddling.
*sighs in relief*
Unfortunately, though we took a lot of pictures, a lot of them ended up fuzzy. Just how it goes. Sadness!
So yeah, that’s the end of my signing schedule for the time being. And now my focus will shift to moving, packing/unpacking, and decorating. And then…
SUMMER!!!
So. What scary things have you done lately and what are your plans for summer?
(Although, the DESCENDANT blog tour is still happening for a few more days, so if you haven’t entered to win yet—you still have lots of chances.)
I’ve never done a signing in Texas before. In fact, I’ve never done a signing outside of Utah. So you can imagine my trepidation and nerves upon showing up at the Barnes and Noble in Corpus Christi, Texas—which is roughly 1500 miles away from all my strongest, most dedicated supporters and fans. And my biggest worry was that I wouldn’t sell enough books. Or that I wouldn’t sell any books, and would spend the whole afternoon twiddling my thumbs and looking like a loser.
It’s true. Authors worry about this. Every time we go to sign somewhere.
Anyway, there was traffic on the way there. And I ran into the store with like, five minutes to spare, and found a line had already formed for my signing partner, Marcia Mickelson, who lives in Corpus Christi. Believe it or not, we had a fairly steady flow of people for most of the afternoon, several of which bought both books. I saw a number of my new friends from church, and met a bunch of new fans. Marcia and I both sold quite a few books. All told, I think Barnes and Noble was happy with us. I had a great time, and there was no time for thumb-twiddling.
*sighs in relief*
Unfortunately, though we took a lot of pictures, a lot of them ended up fuzzy. Just how it goes. Sadness!
So yeah, that’s the end of my signing schedule for the time being. And now my focus will shift to moving, packing/unpacking, and decorating. And then…
SUMMER!!!
So. What scary things have you done lately and what are your plans for summer?
May 17, 2013
Little Things That Make a Big Difference
Last week during my travels, I was able to experience both kindness and it’s jaded opposite in a single day.
The very nice man from the hotel staff—who not only brought me a cart, but hauled my copious amount of luggage (6 pieces total) to the garage and loaded it in my car—refused any tip, insisting that it was Mother’s Day and his pleasure. (Though, I assure you—those bags were freakishly heavy. Just ask Delta airlines.) Because of him, and other kind and helpful hotel staff, I will stay at the Marriott whenever I can in my travels. The people there are incredibly respectful.
On the other hand, a rental car employee stood and watched me unload this same luggage, without assistance (and sporting the slightest smirk) as I wrestled all six ridiculously heavy bags onto the ground and went in search of a cart—AND THEN informed me that he was charging me yet one more astronomical fee. Another rental employee also watched, amused, as I wrestled my cart toward the BROKEN automatic door, then stood aside, waiting for ME TO OPEN IT FOR HIM. There was more, but I won’t bore you with the details. Needless to say, I will never rent from Hertz again. (They may have a policy against helping customers with luggage—I don’t know. But the door thing? Yeah, I can think of nothing to justify that.)
The thing is, it’s not always about company policy. Sometimes it’s about human beings treating each other with value and respect. Sometimes it’s about helping each other when it’s obvious that we need help. Much like the hotel gentleman--by the way, he was not a bell boy—who jumped to assist me because he could tell I was struggling. Unfortunately, that type of behavior is becoming more and more rare.
This is what is wrong with our society. Somewhere along the way, we’ve lost sight of the basic important things, the little things that very often make a big difference. I think it’s up to each of us to be that person who makes a change, regardless of where we work or what we do for a living. Some things are about being human, and WE—not our jobs or companies or any other outside force—are the ones who choose how we act, and how we react, and what we stand for.
Will you be the person eager to jump in and help or the one who stands on the curb and smirks? It’s your call. But remember—one day you may also be the one struggling with the baggage. Which one would you want to encounter?
That is all.
*end rant*
The very nice man from the hotel staff—who not only brought me a cart, but hauled my copious amount of luggage (6 pieces total) to the garage and loaded it in my car—refused any tip, insisting that it was Mother’s Day and his pleasure. (Though, I assure you—those bags were freakishly heavy. Just ask Delta airlines.) Because of him, and other kind and helpful hotel staff, I will stay at the Marriott whenever I can in my travels. The people there are incredibly respectful.
On the other hand, a rental car employee stood and watched me unload this same luggage, without assistance (and sporting the slightest smirk) as I wrestled all six ridiculously heavy bags onto the ground and went in search of a cart—AND THEN informed me that he was charging me yet one more astronomical fee. Another rental employee also watched, amused, as I wrestled my cart toward the BROKEN automatic door, then stood aside, waiting for ME TO OPEN IT FOR HIM. There was more, but I won’t bore you with the details. Needless to say, I will never rent from Hertz again. (They may have a policy against helping customers with luggage—I don’t know. But the door thing? Yeah, I can think of nothing to justify that.)
The thing is, it’s not always about company policy. Sometimes it’s about human beings treating each other with value and respect. Sometimes it’s about helping each other when it’s obvious that we need help. Much like the hotel gentleman--by the way, he was not a bell boy—who jumped to assist me because he could tell I was struggling. Unfortunately, that type of behavior is becoming more and more rare.
This is what is wrong with our society. Somewhere along the way, we’ve lost sight of the basic important things, the little things that very often make a big difference. I think it’s up to each of us to be that person who makes a change, regardless of where we work or what we do for a living. Some things are about being human, and WE—not our jobs or companies or any other outside force—are the ones who choose how we act, and how we react, and what we stand for.
Will you be the person eager to jump in and help or the one who stands on the curb and smirks? It’s your call. But remember—one day you may also be the one struggling with the baggage. Which one would you want to encounter?
That is all.
*end rant*
May 15, 2013
All the Things About Last Week
Holy wow, you will not believe how much crazy fun I’ve had since DESCENDANT was released on May 1st.
First, a flight to Utah for the release party here.
The King's English Book ShopLots of people came—the chairs filled and…
the line went out the door.
My publishers, Rhett and Emmaline Hoffmeister came.
And also my publishing sisters Donna K. Weaver and Michelle Davidson Argyle.
Next, a beautiful few days spent networking and a little bit of family visiting,
Cooking lessons with my oldest.
Dinner with these FABulous ladies! (Minus Raylene.)
Launch party pics still--I'm horrible about remembering to snap pics sometimes. But I spent time with all these people!
And these people too.
And my good friend Windy.
and then this fabulous conference, where I presented.
Lots of catching up with my writing family.
A little visiting with each of these ladies.
Partying with Authors Incognito.
Photo courtesy of Heather Zahn Gardner
Reunion with my Utah critique group.
Photographer Heather Zahn Gardner and me,courtesy of well, Heather.
Some eating on the job.
Fantastic looking group, yes?
Breakfast and lucky pie with Elana J.
Some silliness and book signing.
Some more catching up.
Debbie Davis and me.
Shopping and late nights with FAB #3. (Yes, this is an old pic too.)
And then Mother’s Day with my oldest son and both my mothers (bio and step) before heading back to Texas to the rest of my family, where I was greeted with these.
Lots of stuff in one week, yes? But so much amazing, my brain is still spinning. And now to get back to writing!
Don’t forget to stop by the Descendant blog tour stops for exclusive information, interviews, playlists, and excerpts—also for multiple chances to enter the MASSIVE contest. Don’t miss out!
First, a flight to Utah for the release party here.
The King's English Book ShopLots of people came—the chairs filled and… 
the line went out the door.
My publishers, Rhett and Emmaline Hoffmeister came.And also my publishing sisters Donna K. Weaver and Michelle Davidson Argyle.
Next, a beautiful few days spent networking and a little bit of family visiting,
Cooking lessons with my oldest.
Dinner with these FABulous ladies! (Minus Raylene.)
Launch party pics still--I'm horrible about remembering to snap pics sometimes. But I spent time with all these people! 
And these people too.
And my good friend Windy.and then this fabulous conference, where I presented.
Lots of catching up with my writing family.
A little visiting with each of these ladies.
Partying with Authors Incognito.
Photo courtesy of Heather Zahn GardnerReunion with my Utah critique group.
Photographer Heather Zahn Gardner and me,courtesy of well, Heather. Some eating on the job.
Fantastic looking group, yes?
Breakfast and lucky pie with Elana J.Some silliness and book signing.
Some more catching up.
Debbie Davis and me.
Shopping and late nights with FAB #3. (Yes, this is an old pic too.)And then Mother’s Day with my oldest son and both my mothers (bio and step) before heading back to Texas to the rest of my family, where I was greeted with these.
Lots of stuff in one week, yes? But so much amazing, my brain is still spinning. And now to get back to writing!
Don’t forget to stop by the Descendant blog tour stops for exclusive information, interviews, playlists, and excerpts—also for multiple chances to enter the MASSIVE contest. Don’t miss out!
May 8, 2013
Small Successes that Make All the Difference
The other day, I was watching my daughter play basketball. Her team was losing—badly—but even though the score was so uneven everyone knew there was no way they could come back and win, the girls played hard anyway.
They made some beautiful plays, scored a few three point shots, and came away smiling because they knew they’d played a good game. Even though they hadn’t won, they’d succeeded in something much more fundamental, and were able to celebrate their accomplishments. For them, it wasn’t just about winning.
It made me think of my career as a writer. My journey has been every bit as rough as one of my daughter’s games. I’ve had lots of ups and downs, and even managed to score a few three pointers. Sometimes I feel like I’m ahead, and others I know I’m way behind. This game has not gone the way I envisioned it when I started out.
But regardless of all that, I have always been happy to celebrate the small successes that have led to bigger, more meaningful ones.
I’m still working, moving forward, reaching and striving for goals. I’m not yet where I intend to someday be. But weeks like this? Yeah, they remind me that this journey is sure a beautiful ride.
Don’t forget to check out today’s blog tour stops and enter to win.
They made some beautiful plays, scored a few three point shots, and came away smiling because they knew they’d played a good game. Even though they hadn’t won, they’d succeeded in something much more fundamental, and were able to celebrate their accomplishments. For them, it wasn’t just about winning.
It made me think of my career as a writer. My journey has been every bit as rough as one of my daughter’s games. I’ve had lots of ups and downs, and even managed to score a few three pointers. Sometimes I feel like I’m ahead, and others I know I’m way behind. This game has not gone the way I envisioned it when I started out.
But regardless of all that, I have always been happy to celebrate the small successes that have led to bigger, more meaningful ones.
I’m still working, moving forward, reaching and striving for goals. I’m not yet where I intend to someday be. But weeks like this? Yeah, they remind me that this journey is sure a beautiful ride.
Don’t forget to check out today’s blog tour stops and enter to win.
May 6, 2013
Celebrate Good Times, Come On! (A massive DESCENDANT giveaway)
Yahoo. Dun dun dun dun dun dun…
*dances around the house where I’m staying* *sees you looking* *sheepishly blushing*
Oh, uh, yeah. Hi! So today is the beginning of the Descendant Blog tour, and that means PARTY! Also, FREE STUFF! Yep, that’s right. You are invited to visit any of the participating blogs, where you will have the opportunity to enter to win.
But, um, what do you win? Well.
Do you know what a galley is? It’s basically a printed, unbound copy of the book. Sometimes they have author notes and other doodles in them. Sounds cool, right? (Or lame—I don’t know. You tell me!) I will be giving away one complete doodled galley copy of DESCENDANT. IF we make the review goals, this will include the three bonus scenes I promised (but if we don’t make it, I can’t reveal them. Sorry!).
Also, because there are healing crystals involved in this story, I have a few of these beautiful healing crystals, which have been put into necklaces by my good friend Gail. I will give away Four of these.
But that’s not all! Oh no. My amazing friend Tova, has created some lovely, and oh-so-amazing healing body spray. And yes, it really does HEAL things. She also created these gorgeous DESCENDANT lip balms. (Tell me those aren’t the cutest things ever!) So I’m going to give away one bottle of healing spray and a lip balm as a package prize.
And also, I love the idea of packaging all these things together, so I will offer one more prize that includes a body spray, a lip balm, a healing crystal a signed poster, a wrist band, some bookmarks, AND… a doodled, signed galley segment that includes at least two chapters of DESCENDANT.
Sound good? Cool. Okay then. Go forth and enter, my friends! Good luck to you.
*Bloggers may enter as long as the entry doesn’t come from their own blog.
**Sadly, I need to restrict this giveaway to USA mailing addresses only.
***Contest runs from today, May 6, 2013-June 5th, 2013.
****You may enter once on each participating blog, but please be kind and leave the bloggers a comment. Thanks!
May 6 A Dream Within A Dream No Thought 2 Small May 7 Coffee, Books,and Me May 8 Cari's Book Blog May 9 My Passion for Books Fire and Ice May 10 Krista's Dust Jacket Basia's Bookshelf May 13 Manga Maniac Cafe May 14 Romancing the Dark Side May 15 Cari's Book Blog My Reading Room May 16 Views from Hobbit Hole Me, My Shelf, and I May 17 Books and Coffee An Avid Reader's Musing Bookworm's Multiverse May 20 Late Bloomer Online May 21 Books of Love May 22 Min's Read and Reviews What's Beyond Forks? May 23 Tarheel Bibilobabe Kathleen Brebes May 24 Lily Pond Reads May 27 Books and Coffee May 28 Read-A-Holicz Reading Lark May 29 Reader Girls My Bookish Fairytales May 30 Girls in the Stacks May 31 Rex Robot Review Loading...
*dances around the house where I’m staying* *sees you looking* *sheepishly blushing*
Oh, uh, yeah. Hi! So today is the beginning of the Descendant Blog tour, and that means PARTY! Also, FREE STUFF! Yep, that’s right. You are invited to visit any of the participating blogs, where you will have the opportunity to enter to win.
But, um, what do you win? Well.
Do you know what a galley is? It’s basically a printed, unbound copy of the book. Sometimes they have author notes and other doodles in them. Sounds cool, right? (Or lame—I don’t know. You tell me!) I will be giving away one complete doodled galley copy of DESCENDANT. IF we make the review goals, this will include the three bonus scenes I promised (but if we don’t make it, I can’t reveal them. Sorry!).
Also, because there are healing crystals involved in this story, I have a few of these beautiful healing crystals, which have been put into necklaces by my good friend Gail. I will give away Four of these.
But that’s not all! Oh no. My amazing friend Tova, has created some lovely, and oh-so-amazing healing body spray. And yes, it really does HEAL things. She also created these gorgeous DESCENDANT lip balms. (Tell me those aren’t the cutest things ever!) So I’m going to give away one bottle of healing spray and a lip balm as a package prize.
And also, I love the idea of packaging all these things together, so I will offer one more prize that includes a body spray, a lip balm, a healing crystal a signed poster, a wrist band, some bookmarks, AND… a doodled, signed galley segment that includes at least two chapters of DESCENDANT.
Sound good? Cool. Okay then. Go forth and enter, my friends! Good luck to you.
*Bloggers may enter as long as the entry doesn’t come from their own blog.
**Sadly, I need to restrict this giveaway to USA mailing addresses only.
***Contest runs from today, May 6, 2013-June 5th, 2013.
****You may enter once on each participating blog, but please be kind and leave the bloggers a comment. Thanks!
May 6 A Dream Within A Dream No Thought 2 Small May 7 Coffee, Books,and Me May 8 Cari's Book Blog May 9 My Passion for Books Fire and Ice May 10 Krista's Dust Jacket Basia's Bookshelf May 13 Manga Maniac Cafe May 14 Romancing the Dark Side May 15 Cari's Book Blog My Reading Room May 16 Views from Hobbit Hole Me, My Shelf, and I May 17 Books and Coffee An Avid Reader's Musing Bookworm's Multiverse May 20 Late Bloomer Online May 21 Books of Love May 22 Min's Read and Reviews What's Beyond Forks? May 23 Tarheel Bibilobabe Kathleen Brebes May 24 Lily Pond Reads May 27 Books and Coffee May 28 Read-A-Holicz Reading Lark May 29 Reader Girls My Bookish Fairytales May 30 Girls in the Stacks May 31 Rex Robot Review Loading...
Celebrate Good Times, Come On! (A massive DESCENDANT give...
Celebrate Good Times, Come On! (A massive DESCENDANT giveaway)
Yahoo. Dun dun dun dun dun dun…
*dances around the house where I’m staying* *sees you looking* *sheepishly blushing*
Oh, uh, yeah. Hi! So today is the beginning of the Descendant Blog tour, and that means PARTY! Also, FREE STUFF! Yep, that’s right. You are invited to visit any of the participating blogs, where you will have the opportunity to enter to win.
But, um, what do you win? Well.
Do you know what a galley is? It’s basically a printed, unbound copy of the book. Sometimes they have author notes and other doodles in them. Sounds cool, right? (Or lame—I don’t know. You tell me!) I will be giving away one complete doodled galley copy of DESCENDANT. IF we make the review goals, this will include the three bonus scenes I promised (but if we don’t make it, I can’t reveal them. Sorry!).
Also, because there are healing crystals involved in this story, I have a few of these beautiful healing crystals, which have been put into necklaces by my good friend Gail. I will give away Four of these.
But that’s not all! Oh no. My amazing friend Tova, has created some lovely, and oh-so-amazing healing body spray. And yes, it really does HEAL things. She also created these gorgeous DESCENDANT lip balms. (Tell me those aren’t the cutest things ever!) So I’m going to give away one bottle of healing spray and a lip balm as a package prize.
And also, I love the idea of packaging all these things together, so I will offer one more prize that includes a body spray, a lip balm, a healing crystal a signed poster, a wrist band, some bookmarks, AND… a doodled, signed galley segment that includes at least two chapters of DESCENDANT.
Sound good? Cool. Okay then. Go forth and enter, my friends! Good luck to you.
*Bloggers may enter as long as the entry doesn’t come from their own blog.
**Sadly, I need to restrict this giveaway to USA mailing addresses only.
***Contest runs from today, May 6, 2013-June 5th, 2013.
****You may enter once on each participating blog, but please be kind and leave the bloggers a comment. Thanks!
May 6 A Dream Within A Dream No Thought 2 Small Out of the Bags May 7 Coffee, Books,and Me May 8 Cari's Book Blog May 9 My Passion for Books Fire and Ice May 10 Krista's Dust Jacket Basia's Bookshelf May 13 Manga Maniac Cafe May 14 Romancing the Dark Side May 15 Cari's Book Blog My Reading Room May 16 Views from Hobbit Hole Me, My Shelf, and I May 17 Books and Coffee An Avid Reader's Musing Bookworm's Multiverse May 20 Late Bloomer Online May 21 Books of Love May 22 Min's Read and Reviews What's Beyond Forks? May 23 Tarheel Bibilobabe Kathleen Brebes May 24 Lily Pond Reads May 27 Books and Coffee May 28 Read-A-Holicz Reading Lark May 29 Reader Girls My Bookish Fairytales May 30 Girls in the Stacks May 31 Rex Robot Review Loading...
May 3, 2013
Worth the Work
I’m not going to lie. The next month is going to be crazy busy for me. Yes, the fact that my book is officially “released” into the world is part of it. I’m currently in Utah to celebrate that, and also to attend and present at my all-time favorite writing conference. Those things, along with a little visiting and socializing, will take up the first half of my May. And THEN…
Moving. Again.
Yes, yes. We did just move. Uh huh. It has only been six months. Here it is: from crappy rental house—into nice home-we-will-own.
It’s a lot of work, and a lot of stress. And a lot of brainpower. But in the end, we believe all the work and stress will be worth it. Kind of like it’s worth all the work and stress it has taken for me to see this book through the publication process. And worth what it's going to take to find time to write the next one.
I believe that all the best things require sacrifice and hard work.
So what about you? What hard thing do you believe is worth working for this spring/summer?
Moving. Again.
Yes, yes. We did just move. Uh huh. It has only been six months. Here it is: from crappy rental house—into nice home-we-will-own.
It’s a lot of work, and a lot of stress. And a lot of brainpower. But in the end, we believe all the work and stress will be worth it. Kind of like it’s worth all the work and stress it has taken for me to see this book through the publication process. And worth what it's going to take to find time to write the next one.
I believe that all the best things require sacrifice and hard work.
So what about you? What hard thing do you believe is worth working for this spring/summer?
May 1, 2013
TodayTodayToday TODAY!
It’s officially official. My book comes out today!
The sun will come out, tomorrow. Bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow…I mean today, today TODAY…there’ll be sun…
Yeah, I’m singing. And now maybe you are too. I’d apologize, but…NAH! If you have a song stuck in your head, maybe you’ll remember who put it there in the first place, and maybe then you’ll remember why.
That person is obviously me. And the reason? MY BOOK IS OFFICIALLY BORN! Release day is here, and this is reason to celebrate. To throw confetti and dance around and eat nummy treats and all that. And that is what I will be doing today.
Also, packing like crazy. Because tomorrow I leave for Utah. So while I’m not doing a huge “MY BOOK IS OUT LET’S CELEBRATE” online party YET, I am still planning an online celebration in conjunction with the blog tour. There are prizes involved. And teasers. And playlists. And other fun things you won’t want to miss. This awesome celebration starts May 6thand goes through the 31st, so there will be lots of chances to win, and lots of things to see.
But also, also, ALSO…there’s this:
As soon as DESCENDANT reaches 50 reviews on AMAZON, I will post a deleted scene that is not in the book or on any website anywhere. At 75 reviews, I’ll post another one, and at 100 reviews, one more. If by some amazing chance, we pass 100 reviews and make it to 150, um, I might be forced to give away some really, really special stuff. Like doodled galleys, and swag, and maybe something else. Something big. Maybe I could spring for a Kindle? Maybe.
(Also, I’d love to make that many reviews on Barnes and Noble and Goodreads, and if we reach 50, 75, and 100 there as well, I will be forced--FORCED, I say--to offer other fun prizes. Tip: your one review can be pasted into all three sites.)
Now, just to clarify, these aren’t just random scenes. They’re ones that are relevant to the story, original scenes that were ultimately cut from the book for various reasons, but that matter. I want to share them with readers, and I am not a patient person, so I’m going to make that offer now. The catch? All this has to happen by May 30th. *gulps* Yep, a time limit. Can we do it? I believe it can be done.
So go forth and purchase, and be sure to REVIEW! (But please read the book first! One star reviews from people who haven’t read books are just plain mean.) You can buy it on Amazon or Barnes and Noble. (And psst! It's on sale!)
Huge hugs! Thanks for celebrating with me today.
The sun will come out, tomorrow. Bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow…I mean today, today TODAY…there’ll be sun…
Yeah, I’m singing. And now maybe you are too. I’d apologize, but…NAH! If you have a song stuck in your head, maybe you’ll remember who put it there in the first place, and maybe then you’ll remember why.
That person is obviously me. And the reason? MY BOOK IS OFFICIALLY BORN! Release day is here, and this is reason to celebrate. To throw confetti and dance around and eat nummy treats and all that. And that is what I will be doing today.
Also, packing like crazy. Because tomorrow I leave for Utah. So while I’m not doing a huge “MY BOOK IS OUT LET’S CELEBRATE” online party YET, I am still planning an online celebration in conjunction with the blog tour. There are prizes involved. And teasers. And playlists. And other fun things you won’t want to miss. This awesome celebration starts May 6thand goes through the 31st, so there will be lots of chances to win, and lots of things to see.
But also, also, ALSO…there’s this:
As soon as DESCENDANT reaches 50 reviews on AMAZON, I will post a deleted scene that is not in the book or on any website anywhere. At 75 reviews, I’ll post another one, and at 100 reviews, one more. If by some amazing chance, we pass 100 reviews and make it to 150, um, I might be forced to give away some really, really special stuff. Like doodled galleys, and swag, and maybe something else. Something big. Maybe I could spring for a Kindle? Maybe.
(Also, I’d love to make that many reviews on Barnes and Noble and Goodreads, and if we reach 50, 75, and 100 there as well, I will be forced--FORCED, I say--to offer other fun prizes. Tip: your one review can be pasted into all three sites.)
Now, just to clarify, these aren’t just random scenes. They’re ones that are relevant to the story, original scenes that were ultimately cut from the book for various reasons, but that matter. I want to share them with readers, and I am not a patient person, so I’m going to make that offer now. The catch? All this has to happen by May 30th. *gulps* Yep, a time limit. Can we do it? I believe it can be done.
So go forth and purchase, and be sure to REVIEW! (But please read the book first! One star reviews from people who haven’t read books are just plain mean.) You can buy it on Amazon or Barnes and Noble. (And psst! It's on sale!)
Huge hugs! Thanks for celebrating with me today.
April 26, 2013
Something Everyone Can Be
The final address at the Teen BookCon was given by author Sharon Draper. This was the speech I most needed to hear that day. I’ve never met Sharon, nor heard her speak, and the awesome thing is that she was speaking to teenagers, about teenagers—teens who write, and teens who don’t. And I just happened to be pretending to be a teen, so it worked out.
Author problem #347: I have zero experience in talking to teens. (This is one of the reasons I crashed Teen Book Con.)
Besides being an author, Sharon has taught school for 30 years, and her vocal skills show that experience. She was engaging and funny. She read out loud several pages from her books—segments that absolutely hooked the audience. But more importantly, she was profound.
She said something like (I’m totally paraphrasing): Some people are born with a natural talent for writing. Others work very, very hard to learn how to write because they love it and it’s what they want to do. But not everyone is meant to be a writer, and that’s okay. Everyone has something they are either good at, or something they love enough to work hard on, and that is a good place to focus. Not everyone needs to be a writer.
But everyone, EVERYONE can be a reader. Besides novels, there is nonfiction, and magazines and short stories and biographies, and a million other types of books to choose from. Those people who don’t think they’re readers just simply haven’t found the right books or the right materials.
Shannon’s words made me think of my fifteen-year-old daughter. For years, she has insisted that she is not a reader. That she doesn’t like reading at all. But, um, right before The Hunger Games movie came out, she read through the entire series in ONE WEEK. (Not a reader? WHATEVER!) Yeah. I agree with Sharon. Everyone can be a reader.
Isn’t everyone in the world just looking for a good story? What do you think?
