Megan Bostic's Blog, page 40

MonkeyMadness Monday: On Submission

So, after submitting three works to my agent, she's decided to pass on representing any of them. This basically means I have no representation for my option book, which is fine I suppose, because HMH has right of first refusal anyway, on my next work.

I pitched my three completed YA's to my editor at HMH and she liked the concept of all of them. Then she asked me which one I thought was the strongest. Uh...I definitely pulled Lockdown (school shooting book) off the table.

Then things got scary. Instead of submitting my freshest piece of work, Dissection, I submitted something I'd written in 2009 titled An Unbalanced Line (the book previously knows as Cheesy for those of you having followed me for a time).

Now, this is scary, not because I don't have faith in that book, I do, I think it's awesome, but I haven't even opened up that manuscript for about a year. My editor liked the concept though, thought it was a unique idea, and so that's the one we went with.

I feel like I need some kind of "thing" until I hear back like never changing my socks, or someone suggested rubbing the belly of a sock monkey every day (I may just do that).

So, if you'd cross everything possible in good luck for me, I'd sure appreciate it.  And for your viewing pleasure, a pitch for An Unbalanced Line, so you know what the heck it's about.


AN UNBALANCED LINE is the story of fourteen-year-old Chelsea “Cheesy” Reed, a total girly girl until her mother's tragic death leaves her struggling to gain the attention of a man she barely knows: her father. 
Frank Reed lives and breathes football and has always been too busy with his job as the local university’s football coach to give Cheesy much notice.  Despite doubt, ridicule and bullying, Cheesy decides to play football herself as a way to connect with her father. But, it seems the world is against her in her efforts, except for Tommy, the weird boy from math class. 
Undeterred by adversity and opposition, Cheesy pushes forward to prove to the cynics that she can do it, but most of all, to find worth in her father’s eyes.

Rock the Drop

Yesterday was Rock the Drop through ReaderGirlz and Figment. ReaderGirlz started Rock the Drop to honor Support Teen Literature Day.

What's Support Teen Literature Day you ask?  It's when librarians all across the country host events in their library or through their web site to raise awareness among the general public that young adult literature is a vibrant, growing genre with much to offer today's teens. Support Teen Literature Day also seeks to showcase some award-winning authors and books in the genre as well as highlight librarians' expertise in connecting teens with books and other reading materials.

So yesterday I Rocked the Drop.

I dropped my book at my local Safeway store:

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And I dropped John Green's The Fault in Our Stars at my local Starbucks:

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The Safeway is located near a middle school, the Starbucks near a high school. I hope they found good homes.

Consider Rocking the Drop or doing something else to honor Support Teen Literature Day next year.

For more info, visit the wiki site.

Now for the Friday Scribbles:

Random Pandora Song from the Young the Giant Channel: Yellow by Coldplay

Book of the Week: Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai. My first book in verse. It's about a girls move (true story) from wartime Vietnam to America. I'm really liking it.

Redbox of the Week: 50/50 with Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Seth Rogen. Nothing short of awesome.
Quote of the Week: "The non reading children are the greatest problem in American education." ~ Glenn Doman

Happy birthday to me!

So, today is my birthday. I'mold(er) I decided to look up and see what is said about my sign, Aries, here iswhat I found, the shortened, pertinent points.
All will hear my views and voice
Trial and error is my school of choice
Like a dragon, dashing and daring I appears
Fighting for those that I hold dear
I am ARIES, child of Mars (I haveno idea where that came from)

Bornleader Impatient (leastpatient sign of the zodiac)Strong desireto succeed Motivated Must learnsteadiness, organization and most of all, diplomacyWhenconfronted, grace and charm does not really belong to youHurtssensitive souls Has an explosivetemper Fearsrejection Suffers inferioritycomplexImmensecreativity and energy CompetitivespiritPrefers tobe where the action isBoreseasily OptimisticIndependentImpulsiveCourageousCombativeAdventurousLeapsbefore lookingTakesrisks that shock more cautious types Emotionallycourageous to the point of recklessness Willchange their entire lives on a whim in order to follow some dream or romanticinclinationAccident-prone,not because they are clumsy but because they move quickly and impulsivelyDrivesfastCravesadrenalineWilling togo to new places, try new things and start new projectsOften havetrouble with authority and do better as their own bossesGood atself-promotionNot suitedfor detail work and prefer to implement big plans and have others fill in thedetailsGood atcoming up with creative ideas on the spot but may have trouble sustaining theeffort to follow through with their plansEnjoyswatching sports Likes to be around others most of the time and tend to seekout novel and exciting situations Preferspeople who challenge them intellectually and compete with them in some wayThinksfast, moves fast and talks fast and too muchForcefuland even aggressive when pursuing what they wantWilling tocharge head first into conflictPrefers todeal with problems immediately, head on, and will rarely avoid confrontationHas littlerespect for those who can't put up a good fightHonest andforthright, almost to a fault at times Notsubtle, and they have terrible tempers that are easily set off, though they arealso quick to forgiveOften saysand does things rashly that cause strife in their interpersonal relationships Ariesparadox is a strange combination of selfishness and generosityUsuallyquick to help those in need, even at great personal cost and risk Fun,lively, playful, and youthfulLooksyounger than their chronological ages Retainssome childlike qualities throughout adulthood, both physically andpsychologicallySurprisinglysensitive and eager to please Pushy anddomineering or controlling Idealistic,trusting, and in great need of reassuranceAnythingthey choose to do, they do fully and completelyStubbornand generally refuse to accept defeat Rarelystays down for long Have a wayof coming out on top in most situations  I suppose I would agree with most of that. Except maybe the optimism thing. I don't see myself as a very optimistic person, though I am trying to be better.
Okay, here's some people I share my birthday with. I am not exactly the same age as any of them, but I'm closest to Joss Stone. *cough* What?



Joss Stone
11-Apr-1987 (24)
British pop star recorded "Mind, Body & Soul" (2004) Vincent Gallo
11-Apr-1961 (50)
Actor and director of "Buffalo '66'" also starred in "Tetro" Meshach Taylor
11-Apr-1947 (64)
His character went from "Designing Women" driver to partner Louise Lasser
11-Apr-1939 (72)
Star of satirical soap opera "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman" Joel Grey
11-Apr-1932 (79)
Master of Ceremonies in "Cabaret" on stage and screen Ethel Kennedy
11-Apr-1928 (83)
Widow of Robert F. Kennedy saw much tragedy in her life Howard W Koch
11-Apr-1916 (95)
He produced the Academy Awards show on 8 times, and served as President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts Oleg Cassini
11-Apr-1913 (98)
High-fashion designer, couturier to Jacqueline Kennedy

Getting serious

Okay, I keep telling myself I need to get back in shape and it's just not happening.  We've started another biggest loser contest at work, my class reunion is coming up this summer, and I'm going to NY in June, and I'd really like to drop some extra weight I've packed on since my divorce.

I think I've pinpointed some things I need to do to help myself out. I mean, I eat pretty well, Greek yogurt for breakfast, salads for lunch, I don't eat fried foods, I stay away from red meat most the time, I don't eat fast food. I eat good carbs, good fats. I've been exercising. I've started a 5k training class and have stuck with my exercise schedule, so here are the things I think I'll have to sacrifice to make this happen.

Starbucks. Okay, I will probably not give this up entirely, but I think I'll make it a treat once a week. I'll just have to decide which day.

Eating out. I've been doing this way too much, especially since I starting the online dating stuff. I have been eating salads mostly when I've been going out, but I know even those aren't that great for you. So, no more. Plus, I need to save money too, this will help my waistline and my bank account.

*cough* wine *cough* So I like some wine sometimes. sigh. whatever.

Admittedly, none of this will happen until Thursday though, as tomorrow is my birthday and I will be celebrating. :)

That's all the stuff I can think of. Do you have any ideas?

Monkey Madness Monday: I've Turned Biker Chick

Okay, I've not really turned biker chick, but I did have a ride on my first Harley over the weekend. I never thought I would EVER EVER set my ass on a motorcycle before. This comes from being the daughter of a personal injury attorney and seeing all the accidents that happen to people on motorcycles.

And it's not usually the fault of the people riding the motorcycles, it's the other people, or the design of the highway, or the road conditions.

[image error] the Harley I rode onBut, it was a beautiful day, I wore a very expensive full head helmet that is designed to cause the least amount of brain injury possible, armored jacket, gloves...you get the picture. This is me not taking any chances.

So, was I terrified. Yes. Did I love it. Yes. It felt so good to be on the back of that bike. And though I was all geared up and had a giant helmet on my head that made me feel like Darth Vader, I could actually still feel the breeze through it. It's actually very freeing to ride on the back of a motorcycle.

I can't wait to do it again. Don't tell my dad.

F³A: A bunch of crap

Back from vacation. I came from sun to partially sunny with a chance of rain and gray, so it's hasn't been all bad. It's supposed to be nice this weekend, and when I say nice, I don't mean AZ 80 and sunny nice, I mean PNW 60 and sunny nice. So there's that.

It's kind of nice getting back to work on a Thursday. Then you only have two days left in the work week before the weekend, so I got that going for me too.

AZ was a blast, we went on a day trip, sat in the sun, went shopping and to the Phoenix zoo. I got to meet fellow writer Amy Fellner Dominy who is adorable and amazing. My other writer friend, Taylor McCleve came down with a horrid sinus infection, so we didn't get to meet, but I'm planning on getting back there soon, so he's doesn't get off that easy.

Another great thing about the vacation, I'm nearly done with my revisions on Dissection. I can't wait to get that thing off to my agent. I think it's pretty good. Pray with me that she likes it. Pretty please with sugar on top. Here's me playing with photoshop.

I've been doing this 5k training class, and while I'm getting better, it's hard. I've never been a runner. My lungs have adjusted, but sometimes I still try too hard. I was determined to run this hill yesterday and messed up my calves. And I had to stop a couple times and stretch them out. And I was mad at myself. And I got frustrated. And I wanted to give up. But I didn't. I took off my sweatshirt, adjusted my hat, found the right song to get me going again and pushed forward. The quote of the week below, is very apropos to that moment. It can also be applied to anything we try to achieve in life though. Gail Devers is one smart cookie.

I'm pretty sure I had some other crap to write about, but now I can't remember, so I guess I'll just leave you with the Scribbles.

Random iPod shuffle song: The District Sleeps Tonight by the Postal Service





Book of the Week: Okay for Now by Gary D. Schmidt. Seriously, I'm almost done with this book and it is awesome.

Redbox of the week: Ides of March, just watched it last night. Ryan Gosling, George Clooney, the eye candy alone is almost worth it, but the storyline is good too.

Quote of the Week: "Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe." ~Gail Devers

F³A: Here Comes the Sun

I live in the Pacific Northwest. I'm sure you all know that by now. This is what it has looked liked the past couple weeks. My mom just heard (or read, I don't remember) that people born in spring are more susceptible to vitamin D deficiency and depression. How do you like them apples, huh? My birthday is next month, so you know what that means!

Tonight, with Thing One and Thing Two, I head to where the sun almost always shines. Scottsdale, AZ. I've had short timers disease at work all week thinking about absorbing the Vitamin D, sitting by the pool, drinking margaritas. Two friends are already there, and will be picking us up at the airport tonight.

On top of THAT, I'm going to meet two writer friends! Amy Fellner Dominy and Taylor McCleve. I met Amy through the Class of 2k11 (before I got booted to 2012). I met Taylor through the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Contest.

That is all except for the Friday Scribbles:

Random Pandora Song (Nirvana Station): Would? by Alice in Chains. Love!!



Redbox of the Week: Moneyball. Loved this movie. Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill, how can you go wrong? Plus, I love me some sports movies!!

Book of the Week: I'm reading two books at the same time, Velveteen by my buddy Danny Marks, and Okay for Now by Gary Schmidt. Both very different books, both amazing in their own right.

Quote of the Week: "In the sun I feel as one." ~ Kurt Cobain

Wardrobe issues and other irritations

So, this week Thing Two had not one, but not wardrobe issues at school. The first was a wardrobe malfunction. She got a tear in her jeans in a not good spot. I had to leave work, run to my house, grab a pair of jeans, run them up to her school, and go back to work. Today, a very rainy day, she slipped and fell and got all muddy. Once again I had to leave work, run home, find jeans, run them to school, before heading back to work.

I swear that kid is going to be the death of me. I would also swear that she has probably caused 97.8% of my gray hairs. She is lucky she is a wonderful kid and I love her so much, or I might give her up for adoption.

Another irritation. I went for a walk on the waterfront yesterday and I find an obstacle of sidewalk dog poop. I mean, really. Can you not tell your dog is taking a shit on the sidewalk? Yeah, I bet you can, but if you act like you don't see him doing it, you don't have to pick it up, right? Inconsiderate not only to the people walking down the path, but to your dog. You should be ashamed of yourself. If you don't want to tend to your pet's basic needs, you should not have a pet. Bad pet owner.

More irritation: lack of sleep. I can't get past it. I'm taking Melatonin now. It seems to help me fall asleep, but I still wake up early and sometimes (most the time) can't get back to sleep.

Also, having a brilliant book idea while I'm struggling through revisions. sigh. I NEED TO FINISH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's driving me nuts. I've given myself a deadline of the end of this month, and I honestly am not sure if I'm going to make it.

More ir ritation, sore legs. I started a running training class. Why you ask? Because I've always hated running, but I've always wanted to like it. It makes my lungs burn, my legs hurt, and makes me cough for hours. SO, I want to learn. My friend Alexa has been trying to talk my into starting her class, so I did. I had my first lesson on Tuesday. My legs hurt. Don't get me wrong, I know it will be worth it in the long run, but right now I'm in pain.

Now here's a bit of luck, I was about a centimeter and a second away from being crapped on by a crow.

Happy Thursday everyone. I'm treating myself to a pedicure and a night out with friends. Tomorrow, vacation!!!!

Um, little behind on posting this week.

Okay, here. Here's a cute monkey. There. That makes up for Monday.

Let's see, yesterday I was going to write about playlists for books. Songs usually pop into my head when I'm writing. As I've been writing Dissection (formerly Sliced, which was formerly Sad) I've had a few songs come into my mind. The first was Hurt. Now, I'm hedging toward the Nine Inch Nails version, but one cannot discount the oh so awesome Johnny Cash version either.

The other song I have so far is Lights by Ellie Goulding, about depression and about how the lights are calling her back home. Likey.

Also kind of thinking Somebody That I Used to Know by Gotya. Not sold yet.

That brings us to Wednesday. I stupidly started another book, well, a series to be exact. I say stupidly because I still have to finish my revisions on Dissection, which have been like pulling the teeth from a lion. And I gave myself a deadline of *cough* the end of this month to finish. Um, that gives me four days to get through 160 pages. sigh. I'm not going to say I'm not going to do it. I'm really going to try like hell.

But I am really excited about this series. I kind of took a book I'd already written and twisted it all up, and then through in this storyline about the integration of church and state along with a dystopian setting and BAM! Book series. not going to say any more than that for now, or give away the name. Maybe when I get further along I'll share some of the writing. :D

Happy Hump Day ya'll!

F³A: I Will Not Be Seeing Hunger Games

At least more than likely in the theater. You see, I hate seeing the movie before I read the book. Hate, hate hate. And I don't really have the time to read the book right now. I'm reading my friend and co 2k12er,Danny Marks ARC, Velveteen right now, then I have two books I have to read for an intensive workshop on voice for conference next month.

And work, revising, kids, and everything else I've got my fingers in lately makes for a very slow reader. veeerrrryyyy sllllooooowwwww.

So unless Hunger Games is still in the theaters say, 2014, I don't see it happening. :(

I remember when I had the time to devour books.

I'm jealous because like 9 posts out of 10 today on Facebook are about people either going to see, or having gone to see the movie and apparently it's made of awesome.

Maybe I'll have to step up my reading game.

Friday Scribbles:

Random iPod Shuffle Song: Breakeven by the Script


Book of the Week: Hell, let's go with the Hunger Games

Netflix of the Week: Back to watching Scrubs

Quote of the Week: "No matter how busy you may think you are, you must find time for reading, or surrender yourself to self-chosen ignorance." ~Confucius