Tess Hilmo's Blog, page 8
November 17, 2011
bellyaching
First of all, is anyone else freaked out by the new blogger settings? I am a creature of habit and I hate it when I sign into a program I've used for years only to find everything about it has changed overnight.
.
*sigh*
.
and,
.
I hate dental work. I've had serious problems lately with a certain tooth that is making my life miserable. I found out yesterday that this will go on for at least six more months (that's how long it'll take before the bone graft heals and they can try to fix it again.)
.
okay, I'm finished for today. Don't tell my kids I complained in a public forum. I always get on them for bellyaching in the restaraunt or library or grocery store ... you know -- whining in public. I tell them it solves nothing and just makes them look bad.
.
but sometiemes it just feels good to say it.
.
so I did.
.
anything you want to bellyache about today?
.
*sigh*
.
and,
.
I hate dental work. I've had serious problems lately with a certain tooth that is making my life miserable. I found out yesterday that this will go on for at least six more months (that's how long it'll take before the bone graft heals and they can try to fix it again.)
.
okay, I'm finished for today. Don't tell my kids I complained in a public forum. I always get on them for bellyaching in the restaraunt or library or grocery store ... you know -- whining in public. I tell them it solves nothing and just makes them look bad.
.
but sometiemes it just feels good to say it.
.
so I did.
.
anything you want to bellyache about today?
November 13, 2011
I'd Love to Come to Your Bookclub
I have had the incredible priviledge of attending some bookclubs since the launch of LOVE and it has been so fun!
. In case you didn't know, and to celebrate this debut, I am offering free book club visits. I will come (if you are anywhere along the Wasatch front) or Skype (if you are not...don't be scared it is easy and free with only the requirement of a simple laptop). I talk about the research and inspiration behind the novel, a little bit about my journey and answer some questions. I then politely scoot out, allowing members to discuss the novel more freely. I even provide (by mailing or bringing) some fun swag.. It is just one tiny effort to give this more quiet novel a push. .Please feel free to spread the word! If you'd like to contact me about it, I'm available at tess(at)tesshilmo(dot)com.
. In case you didn't know, and to celebrate this debut, I am offering free book club visits. I will come (if you are anywhere along the Wasatch front) or Skype (if you are not...don't be scared it is easy and free with only the requirement of a simple laptop). I talk about the research and inspiration behind the novel, a little bit about my journey and answer some questions. I then politely scoot out, allowing members to discuss the novel more freely. I even provide (by mailing or bringing) some fun swag.. It is just one tiny effort to give this more quiet novel a push. .Please feel free to spread the word! If you'd like to contact me about it, I'm available at tess(at)tesshilmo(dot)com.
November 1, 2011
Believe!
Over this past month since LOVE has launched I have been asked the question
what bit of advice would you offer to aspiring writers?
well, being how I still consider myself in that category (we are always aspiring, aren't we?) I'd say it is this one word:
believe
believe that you can actually write the book (or whatever it is your goal may be)
believe your voice is important and unique
believe you can listen to the critique and improve (and you must)
believe you can endure (nine years folks! nine years!)
believe people want to read your story
believe it matters
because it does matter. what you have to share with the world may not be for everyone, but it is important and it is worth working at.
yes, believe.
do you?
what bit of advice would you offer to aspiring writers?
well, being how I still consider myself in that category (we are always aspiring, aren't we?) I'd say it is this one word:
believe
believe that you can actually write the book (or whatever it is your goal may be)
believe your voice is important and unique
believe you can listen to the critique and improve (and you must)
believe you can endure (nine years folks! nine years!)
believe people want to read your story
believe it matters
because it does matter. what you have to share with the world may not be for everyone, but it is important and it is worth working at.
yes, believe.
do you?
October 29, 2011
Get Your Halloween Jokes Here
Am I the only one who likes to tell their kiddos corny Halloween jokes?
Or even to friends or co workers or random strangers waiting in post office lines (sorry lady, I thought it was funny)?
Well, in honor of All Hallows Eve, I'm sharing my most corny ones with you... leave yours in the comments (PG ONLY pretty please)
Why did dracula take cold medicine? because of his COFFIN!
Why didn't the skeleton go to the dance? because he didn't have any BODY to go with!
What kind of witch lives at the beach? A sandwitch!
What is a ghosts favorite breakfast? Scream of Wheat with fresh BOO berries!
What does a sea monster eat for lunch? fish and SHIPS.
hahaha...get it? fish and SHIPS?
okay, now it's your turn.....
Or even to friends or co workers or random strangers waiting in post office lines (sorry lady, I thought it was funny)?
Well, in honor of All Hallows Eve, I'm sharing my most corny ones with you... leave yours in the comments (PG ONLY pretty please)
Why did dracula take cold medicine? because of his COFFIN!
Why didn't the skeleton go to the dance? because he didn't have any BODY to go with!
What kind of witch lives at the beach? A sandwitch!
What is a ghosts favorite breakfast? Scream of Wheat with fresh BOO berries!
What does a sea monster eat for lunch? fish and SHIPS.
hahaha...get it? fish and SHIPS?
okay, now it's your turn.....
October 22, 2011
Wrapped up in Stars
I've been wrapped up in the constellations lately...
it has to do with my current writing project.
Stars and their stories.....greek mythology.....broad, deep skies and the hope they inspire...
the things they whisper.
Tell me, what have you been wrapped up in lately?
it has to do with my current writing project.
Stars and their stories.....greek mythology.....broad, deep skies and the hope they inspire...
the things they whisper.
Tell me, what have you been wrapped up in lately?
October 21, 2011
Win a Free Copy of With a Name Like Love
There are three giveaways going on for With a Name Like Love across the bloggosphere
Click on these links and enter to win! Most have pretty good odds going on.
lisa is a bookworm: http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/
Im a reader not a writer: http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com/2011/10/author-interview-book-giveaway-with.html
Random Thoughts with my pal Sharon Mayhew:
And guess what? Booklist just gave the novel a starred review! I swear I'm in complete shock. Happy, giddy, over the moon shock, but SHOCK!
Click on these links and enter to win! Most have pretty good odds going on.
lisa is a bookworm: http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/
Im a reader not a writer: http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com/2011/10/author-interview-book-giveaway-with.html
Random Thoughts with my pal Sharon Mayhew:
And guess what? Booklist just gave the novel a starred review! I swear I'm in complete shock. Happy, giddy, over the moon shock, but SHOCK!
October 19, 2011
Tell Me the Truth
Ever have those moments when you're plugging along, feeling like you are holding it together and then BAM something happens that makes you ask:
Seriously? Does everyone do that?
A few days ago, my oldest (she's a senior) had her pals over. She asked what was for dinner and I told her I wasn't cooking that night. The conversation led to me learning her friends have mothers who cook a new meal every single night!
I cook four times a week, max. The other nights are left overs or going out or what we affectionately call "fix-your-owni" (it rhymes with macaroni).
Now, know this: my kiddos are a bit older. They CAN cook and are pretty good at it.
But the whole thing left me wondering....
How many times a week do you cook for your families?
Seriously? Does everyone do that?
A few days ago, my oldest (she's a senior) had her pals over. She asked what was for dinner and I told her I wasn't cooking that night. The conversation led to me learning her friends have mothers who cook a new meal every single night!
I cook four times a week, max. The other nights are left overs or going out or what we affectionately call "fix-your-owni" (it rhymes with macaroni).
Now, know this: my kiddos are a bit older. They CAN cook and are pretty good at it.
But the whole thing left me wondering....
How many times a week do you cook for your families?
October 13, 2011
Launch Party Pictorial
Here I am with the American Fork Children's Chamber Choir and their director, M. Ryan Taylor. They sang some beautiful old Southern gospel music and also sang my original song, Lead Me On that inspired the novel. If you're interested...click on my trailer link on the side bar. It is the song in the background.
The Intergenerational Ukelele Band played a rousing rendition of Swing Low Sweet Chariot and even had the audience join in the song!
Me and my sweetie (who was dressed in a bow tie to run the old fashioned candy counter)...with my oldest in the background. We have no idea how she got so cute. She could have quite possibly been switched at birth :o
old fashioned candy counter in full swing - that's my sweetie and son busy handing out treats.
I smiled like this ALL day. Couldn't stop.
People came .... hooray! I had horrible dreams the week before that no one would show. What a relief!!!
We had a prize wheel that really made the event fun!
Here is my dear friend and her daughter who I shamelessly begged to run the prize table. They did a great job!
The Kings English, our local indie, came down as the bookseller.
It was a magnificent day and I am ever grateful for a community that reached out and shared it with me. Once in a lifetime experience!
October 10, 2011
More to Come
I had such an amazing time at the launch for With a Name Like Love on Saturday ... as soon as I get the pictures (a great pal took them), I'll compile a post.
Thanks to all who came out to support the novel and to those of you out in blogger land who sent your good wishes and positive energy my way - it was a spectacular day!!!
Thanks to all who came out to support the novel and to those of you out in blogger land who sent your good wishes and positive energy my way - it was a spectacular day!!!
October 2, 2011
Double Winner!
This week has been AWESOME!
I was worried about fitting fun in with regular life stuff but you guys had some great suggestions. I signed personalized books to my kiddos, danced in the kitchen, giggled in the grocery line and celebrated in a million little ways.
that totally counts!
now...on to our winners.
I used random.org and counted down the comments (eliminating my comments and not counting any double comments) and the winners are:
Wendy Paine Miller (#4) won our blogging pal prize pack which includes a signed copy of With a Name Like Love, some Life is Good swag and a $50 Amazon gift card - congrats Wendy!
and
Janet Johnson (#19) won our librarian/teacher prize pack which includes a signed copy of With a Name Like Love, bookmarks as well as some other super debut middle grade novels: The Year We Were Famous by Carole Estby Dagg, Vanished by Sheela Chari and Sparrow Road by Sheila O'Connor!
If both you you ladies will please contact me at tess(at)tesshilmo(dot)com I can get those prize pack to you pronto.
HEY: The leaves are starting to turn, the sky is blue and there is a nip in the air ... fall is a beautiful time where I am. What is your fall like?
I was worried about fitting fun in with regular life stuff but you guys had some great suggestions. I signed personalized books to my kiddos, danced in the kitchen, giggled in the grocery line and celebrated in a million little ways.
that totally counts!
now...on to our winners.
I used random.org and counted down the comments (eliminating my comments and not counting any double comments) and the winners are:
Wendy Paine Miller (#4) won our blogging pal prize pack which includes a signed copy of With a Name Like Love, some Life is Good swag and a $50 Amazon gift card - congrats Wendy!
and
Janet Johnson (#19) won our librarian/teacher prize pack which includes a signed copy of With a Name Like Love, bookmarks as well as some other super debut middle grade novels: The Year We Were Famous by Carole Estby Dagg, Vanished by Sheela Chari and Sparrow Road by Sheila O'Connor!
If both you you ladies will please contact me at tess(at)tesshilmo(dot)com I can get those prize pack to you pronto.
HEY: The leaves are starting to turn, the sky is blue and there is a nip in the air ... fall is a beautiful time where I am. What is your fall like?
