Brodi Ashton's Blog, page 9
February 9, 2012
Housekeeping notes from the man
Brodi is at the LTUE conference today. I believe that she will doing a post either later today or tomorrow, so please check back.
A couple of quick notes:
As mentioned, the LTUE conference is going on right now. I believe that you can still sign up. Its cheap and there are some fabulous authors going to be there. So go there or be square (wait, that didn't rhyme). Go to the conference, there is great ambiance (wait, still didn't rhyme...and thus my career as a poet was over before I realized it- yep, still can't rhyme).
If you are looking for great book deals. If you want to buy another copy of Everneath to proudly display on the mantle of your fireplace, head on over to Kings English where they are having a 30% off hardcover books...and if you buy more than 3 books, you will get 40% off. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? You should buy 4 copies of Everneath and think of all of the money you will save! Your husband or your wife or your boyfriend or your girlfriend or your friends, pets, neighbors and acquaintances will all be impressed by your thriftiness.
If you live in Utah, but you live out South like in Sandy or Utah County...head on over to the Sandy Barnes and Noble...you can get already autographed copies of Everneath. Yay for you!
I wish I had interesting stories to tell you all today. We do have a clog in our drain line at our house. Thats pretty exciting. I would take pictures, but I know that NOT one of you cares about that (due to popular demand, I am posting one picture of the drain cleanout...sorry, no gross out pictures) I could talk about the Bachelor, but Brodi already covered it last week. So, with that, I bid adieu...check back later today or tomorrow for Brodi's return.
A couple of quick notes:
As mentioned, the LTUE conference is going on right now. I believe that you can still sign up. Its cheap and there are some fabulous authors going to be there. So go there or be square (wait, that didn't rhyme). Go to the conference, there is great ambiance (wait, still didn't rhyme...and thus my career as a poet was over before I realized it- yep, still can't rhyme).
If you are looking for great book deals. If you want to buy another copy of Everneath to proudly display on the mantle of your fireplace, head on over to Kings English where they are having a 30% off hardcover books...and if you buy more than 3 books, you will get 40% off. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? You should buy 4 copies of Everneath and think of all of the money you will save! Your husband or your wife or your boyfriend or your girlfriend or your friends, pets, neighbors and acquaintances will all be impressed by your thriftiness.
If you live in Utah, but you live out South like in Sandy or Utah County...head on over to the Sandy Barnes and Noble...you can get already autographed copies of Everneath. Yay for you!
I wish I had interesting stories to tell you all today. We do have a clog in our drain line at our house. Thats pretty exciting. I would take pictures, but I know that NOT one of you cares about that (due to popular demand, I am posting one picture of the drain cleanout...sorry, no gross out pictures) I could talk about the Bachelor, but Brodi already covered it last week. So, with that, I bid adieu...check back later today or tomorrow for Brodi's return.
February 7, 2012
Do you want to be a Writer? Two Conferences that are the best Bangs for your Buck
It's time for Thing #1 and Thing #1
Thing #1
LTUE CONFERENCE
So, I was talking with a neighbor the other day, and he showered EVERNEATH with compliments, like, "It wasn't as cheesy as I was expecting it to me," and "It didn't make me puke." (Okay, the second one is how I interpreted his comments.
Anywho, he said he wants to write a book to. He proceeded to tell me about his plot, which involved words like "nanobots" and "alternate world" and "other beings" and "cows" then he asked me if I could take a look when it was finished.
me: "I'm not sure I'd be the best person to judge it."
him: "Why?"
me: "Because it's sci-fi, and I'm no expert on sci-fi stuff."
him: "It's not sci-fi!"
me (with one eyebrow raised, if I could raise just one eyebrow): "I distinctly heard the word 'nanobot' and if you have the prefix of nano-anything, it's sci-fi."
But then I realized there is something so absolutely perfect for him coming up this weekend. It's the LTUE Conference, and it is widely known throughout the writing circles of Utah that this conference is the best bang for your buck.
If you are a writer who is short on money (which is every writer) this conference is the place to be. They have sci-fi panels, magical realism panels, first novelists panels, how to break out into the market panels, they talk about plotting, writing, publishing, everything you need. It's not just for geeks either.
I'll be speaking on three of their panels, and I'll be signing on Friday night. And generally hanging out there. So if you want to catch up, or get your copy of EVERNEATH, join me! There will be big name authors there, like Brandon Mull and James Dashner and Brandon Sanderson and many others.
You can read about it here. You can see the schedule here. You can register here.
LTUE conference
Dates: Feb 9-11
Place: Utah Valley University
Fun Factor: 10
Thing #1
WRITING FOR CHARITY
And... another can't-miss writing event in Utah in March. It's the Writing for Charity annual event. For a list of the authors attending, click here. It's a one-day conference, with amazing workshops, that are interactive and unique, and you can get your work critiqued by a published author! And the proceeds go to charity.
The really fun part is the silent auction. Bid on getting a character named after you in EVERNEATH 3, or you can bid to go to lunch with me, Bree Despain, Emily Wing Smith, Matthew Kirby, and Ally Condie.
To register, click here.
WRITING FOR CHARITY
Date: March 17
Place: Provo Library
Fun Factor: 10
So, will I see any of you there?
Thing #1
LTUE CONFERENCE
So, I was talking with a neighbor the other day, and he showered EVERNEATH with compliments, like, "It wasn't as cheesy as I was expecting it to me," and "It didn't make me puke." (Okay, the second one is how I interpreted his comments.
Anywho, he said he wants to write a book to. He proceeded to tell me about his plot, which involved words like "nanobots" and "alternate world" and "other beings" and "cows" then he asked me if I could take a look when it was finished.
me: "I'm not sure I'd be the best person to judge it."
him: "Why?"
me: "Because it's sci-fi, and I'm no expert on sci-fi stuff."
him: "It's not sci-fi!"
me (with one eyebrow raised, if I could raise just one eyebrow): "I distinctly heard the word 'nanobot' and if you have the prefix of nano-anything, it's sci-fi."
But then I realized there is something so absolutely perfect for him coming up this weekend. It's the LTUE Conference, and it is widely known throughout the writing circles of Utah that this conference is the best bang for your buck.
If you are a writer who is short on money (which is every writer) this conference is the place to be. They have sci-fi panels, magical realism panels, first novelists panels, how to break out into the market panels, they talk about plotting, writing, publishing, everything you need. It's not just for geeks either.
I'll be speaking on three of their panels, and I'll be signing on Friday night. And generally hanging out there. So if you want to catch up, or get your copy of EVERNEATH, join me! There will be big name authors there, like Brandon Mull and James Dashner and Brandon Sanderson and many others.
You can read about it here. You can see the schedule here. You can register here.
LTUE conference
Dates: Feb 9-11
Place: Utah Valley University
Fun Factor: 10
Thing #1
WRITING FOR CHARITY
And... another can't-miss writing event in Utah in March. It's the Writing for Charity annual event. For a list of the authors attending, click here. It's a one-day conference, with amazing workshops, that are interactive and unique, and you can get your work critiqued by a published author! And the proceeds go to charity.
The really fun part is the silent auction. Bid on getting a character named after you in EVERNEATH 3, or you can bid to go to lunch with me, Bree Despain, Emily Wing Smith, Matthew Kirby, and Ally Condie.
To register, click here.
WRITING FOR CHARITY
Date: March 17
Place: Provo Library
Fun Factor: 10
So, will I see any of you there?
February 2, 2012
Updated Appearances... and Kid B Discusses Life with the Guy Upstairs
Hey y'all!
A couple of notes:
1. I will be signing books at the Authorpalooza event at the Sandy Barnes&Noble this Saturday from 1-3 pm. So, if you didn't get a chance to get your copy of EVERNEATH signed, here's your opportunity!
2. I will be on several panels at the upcoming LTUE Conference. If you are a writer, or other creative type, there really isn't a better value than this conference, because it's only $30, and it lasts for three days!
The conference takes place Feb 9-11 at the UVU campus in Orem.
3. I know today is Thursday, and I usually blog on Wednesday. And the last blog was Tuesday, and I usually blog on Monday.
The reason for this is simple: There is a crack in the universe that has been following me around ever since I was a little girl, and sometimes it shifts my life one day to the right.
Or... that might've been an episode of Dr. Who. And the real (and boring) reason is... I'm swamped. I have a deadline on Monday. And this is the first time I've been revising while simultaneously trying to launch a book. I'm flailing a little bit.
Today, I thought it would be fun to share with you some of the things Kid B has been praying about lately. Many of you know Kid B has some delays, especially when it comes to language. But at night, he has been saying his own prayers.
Kid C and Kid B
The prayers always start out with:
"Heavenly father, thank you for this day."
And in the past week, that sentence has been followed by:
"... The babies are sleeping... so please be quiet..." (Yes, Heavenly Father, please keep it down)
"... I play Cut the Rope... Experience... I went next level..." (The big man will be so impressed)
"... I go to school today... Tuesday... January... 31st... two thousand twelve..." (because it's good to be specific)
"... please bless me to talk..." (I used to say this when I said the prayers) "... Is it time for snack? Yes, you can have snack. I can have a snack? Yes! ..." (Sometimes he practices conversations he's heard that day)
I just imagine the guy on the receiving end of that prayer. I like to think he sets aside whatever amazing thing he is creating, sits back, and has a good chuckle.
A couple of notes:
1. I will be signing books at the Authorpalooza event at the Sandy Barnes&Noble this Saturday from 1-3 pm. So, if you didn't get a chance to get your copy of EVERNEATH signed, here's your opportunity!
2. I will be on several panels at the upcoming LTUE Conference. If you are a writer, or other creative type, there really isn't a better value than this conference, because it's only $30, and it lasts for three days!
The conference takes place Feb 9-11 at the UVU campus in Orem.
3. I know today is Thursday, and I usually blog on Wednesday. And the last blog was Tuesday, and I usually blog on Monday.
The reason for this is simple: There is a crack in the universe that has been following me around ever since I was a little girl, and sometimes it shifts my life one day to the right.
Or... that might've been an episode of Dr. Who. And the real (and boring) reason is... I'm swamped. I have a deadline on Monday. And this is the first time I've been revising while simultaneously trying to launch a book. I'm flailing a little bit.
Today, I thought it would be fun to share with you some of the things Kid B has been praying about lately. Many of you know Kid B has some delays, especially when it comes to language. But at night, he has been saying his own prayers.
Kid C and Kid B
The prayers always start out with:
"Heavenly father, thank you for this day."
And in the past week, that sentence has been followed by:
"... The babies are sleeping... so please be quiet..." (Yes, Heavenly Father, please keep it down)
"... I play Cut the Rope... Experience... I went next level..." (The big man will be so impressed)
"... I go to school today... Tuesday... January... 31st... two thousand twelve..." (because it's good to be specific)
"... please bless me to talk..." (I used to say this when I said the prayers) "... Is it time for snack? Yes, you can have snack. I can have a snack? Yes! ..." (Sometimes he practices conversations he's heard that day)
I just imagine the guy on the receiving end of that prayer. I like to think he sets aside whatever amazing thing he is creating, sits back, and has a good chuckle.
January 31, 2012
TOP FIVE things I learned from The Bachelor
#5 If ten girls tell you that one specific girl is bat-shiz crazy, you should believe instead that it's the ten girls who are crazy.
#4 If you can overcome your fear of heights, and bungee jump off the bay bridge, that means you are ready to overcome your fear of relationships, and jump into love. If you can't, this means you are emotionally stunted, and you are there for the wrong reasons.
#3 Kissing in water is always sexy, unless your feet can't touch the bottom and you're arms and legs are flailing about when you go to plant one on her, and then there's that awkward moment when you realize you can't smooch and stay afloat.
#2 If you are in doubt of your feelings, strip. This will prove that you are ready to expose your innermost layers, because you are ready to expose your skin. If you can't, this means you are emotionally frigid, and there for the wrong reasons. (Side note: The worst indictment on someone is to say they are "there for the wrong reasons".)
#1 When the couple next door to me was sharing an intimate moment, I sneaked up and said, "Can I steal him for a moment? You've already had one-on-one time." ... This is not okay.
#4 If you can overcome your fear of heights, and bungee jump off the bay bridge, that means you are ready to overcome your fear of relationships, and jump into love. If you can't, this means you are emotionally stunted, and you are there for the wrong reasons.
#3 Kissing in water is always sexy, unless your feet can't touch the bottom and you're arms and legs are flailing about when you go to plant one on her, and then there's that awkward moment when you realize you can't smooch and stay afloat.
#2 If you are in doubt of your feelings, strip. This will prove that you are ready to expose your innermost layers, because you are ready to expose your skin. If you can't, this means you are emotionally frigid, and there for the wrong reasons. (Side note: The worst indictment on someone is to say they are "there for the wrong reasons".)
#1 When the couple next door to me was sharing an intimate moment, I sneaked up and said, "Can I steal him for a moment? You've already had one-on-one time." ... This is not okay.
January 27, 2012
Launch Party by the Numbers: because it's a tradition
Firstly: The winner of the Everneath Prize Pack is: Tara Turner
Please email me your mailing address: brodiashton at gmail dot com
On to the post!
Hey y'all. Since it's become a defining feature on the blog, I thought I'd share a rundown of the Everneath Launch Party by the Numbers:
Number of people in attendance at the launch party- 220
Number of hours I signed for: 2.5
Number of essential items I forgot: 2
1- my own copy of the book to read from 2- my special red pens to sign with (I shopped for them all day. I ended up signing with a purple pen.)
Number of times I called someone "Rachel" who's name was in fact not "Rachel": 2 (King's English has a lot of Rachel's!)
Here's one of the Rachel's introducing me. I love her.
Number of typos in my power point presentation: 2
Number of times I said the word "nipple" in my presentation: 4
Number of times my mom hoped I would say the word "nipple" in my presentation: 0
Number of bad pictures in a row my hubby took of me: 9
Open those eyes, Brodi.
No wait, try again.
This one's my favorite. I'm so bored, I'm sleeping.
Could I BE any happier?
I'm scared. The woman in the front row has a gun.
Constipated? Yes, please.
Remember that part where I tried to eat the microphone?
I'm thinking of a funny joke inside my head.
A little to the left, raise your chin more... yep. Now I can see straight up your nostrils.
Number of times I messed up on signing my own name: 2 (What is it that makes me forget the "r" in Brodi?)
Number of times I ripped the title page of the book when I was trying to remove the post-it note: 1
Number of times I've typed the words "thank you" in the past 48 hours: 548
Number of people I have left to thank: countless
Thank you again, everyone.
Please email me your mailing address: brodiashton at gmail dot com
On to the post!
Hey y'all. Since it's become a defining feature on the blog, I thought I'd share a rundown of the Everneath Launch Party by the Numbers:
Number of people in attendance at the launch party- 220
Number of hours I signed for: 2.5
Number of essential items I forgot: 2
1- my own copy of the book to read from 2- my special red pens to sign with (I shopped for them all day. I ended up signing with a purple pen.)
Number of times I called someone "Rachel" who's name was in fact not "Rachel": 2 (King's English has a lot of Rachel's!)
Here's one of the Rachel's introducing me. I love her.
Number of typos in my power point presentation: 2
Number of times I said the word "nipple" in my presentation: 4
Number of times my mom hoped I would say the word "nipple" in my presentation: 0
Number of bad pictures in a row my hubby took of me: 9
Open those eyes, Brodi.
No wait, try again.
This one's my favorite. I'm so bored, I'm sleeping.
Could I BE any happier?
I'm scared. The woman in the front row has a gun.
Constipated? Yes, please.
Remember that part where I tried to eat the microphone?
I'm thinking of a funny joke inside my head.
A little to the left, raise your chin more... yep. Now I can see straight up your nostrils.
Number of times I messed up on signing my own name: 2 (What is it that makes me forget the "r" in Brodi?)
Number of times I ripped the title page of the book when I was trying to remove the post-it note: 1
Number of times I've typed the words "thank you" in the past 48 hours: 548
Number of people I have left to thank: countless
Thank you again, everyone.
January 26, 2012
EVERNEATH Launch Party: An Initial Recap
Hey y'all. I'm finally starting to unwind from the big launch party. I can't believe how many people showed up, and packed the art gallery next door to my local indie bookstore, the awesome King's English.
I thought I'd just show you some wonderful pictures, taken by my friend Michelle Sallay. (Also, she is giving away a signed copy of Everneath on her blog).
First off, here are pics of the crowd from several angles. I was so overwhelmed by the support from the community, friends and family! The staffers counted over 200 in attendance.
I did my first ever power point presentation. We were only into the second slide when I came across my first typo.
It read:
THIS IS MY FIRST POWER POINT PRESENTATION.I all grown up now.
Yep. I all grown up now.
I signed books for over two hours straight. The King's English sold out of books early in the evening. Thank you so much to everyone who braved the crowds and stood in line!
My awesome family (who considers it their divine mission in life to feed the masses) made the best treats which helped make the wait more pleasant.
photo taken by Eden Ellingson
And King's English got this awesome cake:
photo taken by Eden Ellingson
I almost hated that they had to cut into the pretty!
Here are some more pics of the event, again taken by Michelle Sallay:
This is my critique group, THE SIX minus me. They are wearing DEAD ELVISES t-shirts. From l-r: Sara Bolton, Valynne Nagamatsu, Kim Reid, Bree Despain and Emily Wing Smith.
My sweet parents, holding my book. Doesn't my dad look great?!
Me signing.
Thank you to everyone for all of your support. People ask me how I'm handling everything, and I tell them I'm handling everything fine, until I think about all the people I have to thank. Then I become overwhelmed.
If you were at the party, what did you think?
And if you weren't, did you know you can order signed copies of EVERNEATH from The King's English?
Also, I will announce the winner of the Pre-order contest tomorrow. :)
I thought I'd just show you some wonderful pictures, taken by my friend Michelle Sallay. (Also, she is giving away a signed copy of Everneath on her blog).
First off, here are pics of the crowd from several angles. I was so overwhelmed by the support from the community, friends and family! The staffers counted over 200 in attendance.
I did my first ever power point presentation. We were only into the second slide when I came across my first typo.
It read:
THIS IS MY FIRST POWER POINT PRESENTATION.I all grown up now.
Yep. I all grown up now.
I signed books for over two hours straight. The King's English sold out of books early in the evening. Thank you so much to everyone who braved the crowds and stood in line!
My awesome family (who considers it their divine mission in life to feed the masses) made the best treats which helped make the wait more pleasant.
photo taken by Eden Ellingson
And King's English got this awesome cake:
photo taken by Eden Ellingson
I almost hated that they had to cut into the pretty!
Here are some more pics of the event, again taken by Michelle Sallay:
This is my critique group, THE SIX minus me. They are wearing DEAD ELVISES t-shirts. From l-r: Sara Bolton, Valynne Nagamatsu, Kim Reid, Bree Despain and Emily Wing Smith.
My sweet parents, holding my book. Doesn't my dad look great?!
Me signing.
Thank you to everyone for all of your support. People ask me how I'm handling everything, and I tell them I'm handling everything fine, until I think about all the people I have to thank. Then I become overwhelmed.
If you were at the party, what did you think?
And if you weren't, did you know you can order signed copies of EVERNEATH from The King's English?
Also, I will announce the winner of the Pre-order contest tomorrow. :)
January 23, 2012
On EVERNEATH Eve, I am feeling Reflective
First things first: Check out this contest that Waterstone's in the U.K. is doing. Anyone can enter, no purchase or hoop-jumping necessary, and you could win the dress from the cover of EVERNEATH! Isn't that cool?
Second things second: My main character Nikki gave an interview over here. That playful little minx! I didn't know she could do these things without my knowledge!
Thirdly, EVERNEATH comes out tomorrow. Tomorrow!! I know some of you have already seen it in stores (and if you have, tweet me a picture!) but it's out officially tomorrow.
This is causing me to do something I rarely do: Reflect. I can't help it. I print up all of my rejection letters in preparation for the launch party tomorrow, and the next thing I know, I'm reflecting.
All those people who thought my book wouldn't sell. And trust me, there is a stack of them.
I check out the dedication in the book:
To: my dad.
A quiet man.
A fierce warrior.
And I can't help but remember there were many people in the past four years who told me he wouldn't live to see my book on shelves.
*HIGH FIVES, DAD*
I read over the acknowledgements page, which I'll share with you now, because there are so many people besides me who are behind this book:
Brace yourselves: this is going to be long. It takes a village to raise a novel, and this book owes its existence to one giant, crazy village.
First off, a big sloppy kiss on the cheek to the folks at DGLM, especially my agent Michael Bourret who is one half advocate, one half shrink, and the other third kindred soul. Thank you for seeing the beauty in the beastly draft that I sent you, and for talking me down from the ledge on a regular basis. And for loving tennis just as much as I do. Added kisses for Lauren Abramo and her stellar work abroad on behalf of Everneath.
Next, high fives all around to the entire team at Balzer+Bray and HarperCollins. Special thanks to Sara Sargent and my editor Kristin Daly Rens, who fell in love with the story of Everneath months before it was even submitted. You taught me to never stop asking questions and digging deeper. The Everneath came to vivid life because of you. Also thanks to the many people behind the scenes, including even more editors, copy editors, and the enthusiastic sales, design and marketing teams.
Slaps on the bums (football-team style) for my writing group The SIX (aptly named because we are all six feet tall) Bree Despain, Emily Wing Smith, Kimberly Webb Reid, Valynne Maetani Nagamatsu, and Sara Bolton. Without your brilliant critiques, endless readings of crappy drafts, and emergency runs to In-n-Out, this book would be a flaming pile of goo.
Hugs all around for friends who have helped me through the madness of trying to get a book published, either by reading early drafts or providing emotional support and chocolate: Amy Jefferies, Diane Adair, Anne Petty, Matthew J. Kirby, Alissa Owen, Raina Williams, Debbie Lambson, Jenni Elyse, Robin Weeks, Karin Brown, Amy Weech, and especially Dorien Nielson, who read the earliest version, when it was only twenty pages long and I was getting it ready to be critiqued at a conference.
Thank you to Martine Leavitt and the rest of my WIFYR 2009 workshop group for their insights. Thank you to many more blog friends, Twitter friends, real-life friends, and book bloggers who have watched my journey from the beginning, and have thrown their enthusiastic support behind this book. You know who you are!
Chest bumps to my extended families, including Frank and Kathleen, the Johnsons, the Otts, the Jacksons, the Ellingsons, and the other Johnsons, and endless nieces and nephews who also were subjected to early drafts. Special thanks to Eden Ellingson, who gave me the idea to write a book in the first place.
A noogie on the head for my sister Erin, who shouted the praises of crappy first drafts, and was ready with a pair of brass knuckles for anyone who thought differently. I'd want you on my side of any battle! Extra noogies for her husband, Dave.
A kiss on the forehead for my mom and dad, who raised me to believe I could do anything, and celebrated every step of the journey, from false starts and rejections to that magical day when I got THE CALL.
A pinch on the cheek for my boys, Carter and Beckham, for reminding me there is life outside of my books.
Most of all, a smack on the kisser for Sam. You never let me give up. You believed in me when I didn't believe in myself. You are the best man I know. It's you and me against the world. Love you.
Lastly, I want to thank all of you blog readers - lurkers and frequent commenters - for accompanying me on this journey. Today, I'm just filled with love and gratitude and I don't know how to repay everyone. I'm always searching for words, but right now there are none.
Except THANK YOU.
Second things second: My main character Nikki gave an interview over here. That playful little minx! I didn't know she could do these things without my knowledge!
Thirdly, EVERNEATH comes out tomorrow. Tomorrow!! I know some of you have already seen it in stores (and if you have, tweet me a picture!) but it's out officially tomorrow.
This is causing me to do something I rarely do: Reflect. I can't help it. I print up all of my rejection letters in preparation for the launch party tomorrow, and the next thing I know, I'm reflecting.
All those people who thought my book wouldn't sell. And trust me, there is a stack of them.
I check out the dedication in the book:
To: my dad.
A quiet man.
A fierce warrior.
And I can't help but remember there were many people in the past four years who told me he wouldn't live to see my book on shelves.
*HIGH FIVES, DAD*
I read over the acknowledgements page, which I'll share with you now, because there are so many people besides me who are behind this book:
Brace yourselves: this is going to be long. It takes a village to raise a novel, and this book owes its existence to one giant, crazy village.
First off, a big sloppy kiss on the cheek to the folks at DGLM, especially my agent Michael Bourret who is one half advocate, one half shrink, and the other third kindred soul. Thank you for seeing the beauty in the beastly draft that I sent you, and for talking me down from the ledge on a regular basis. And for loving tennis just as much as I do. Added kisses for Lauren Abramo and her stellar work abroad on behalf of Everneath.
Next, high fives all around to the entire team at Balzer+Bray and HarperCollins. Special thanks to Sara Sargent and my editor Kristin Daly Rens, who fell in love with the story of Everneath months before it was even submitted. You taught me to never stop asking questions and digging deeper. The Everneath came to vivid life because of you. Also thanks to the many people behind the scenes, including even more editors, copy editors, and the enthusiastic sales, design and marketing teams.
Slaps on the bums (football-team style) for my writing group The SIX (aptly named because we are all six feet tall) Bree Despain, Emily Wing Smith, Kimberly Webb Reid, Valynne Maetani Nagamatsu, and Sara Bolton. Without your brilliant critiques, endless readings of crappy drafts, and emergency runs to In-n-Out, this book would be a flaming pile of goo.
Hugs all around for friends who have helped me through the madness of trying to get a book published, either by reading early drafts or providing emotional support and chocolate: Amy Jefferies, Diane Adair, Anne Petty, Matthew J. Kirby, Alissa Owen, Raina Williams, Debbie Lambson, Jenni Elyse, Robin Weeks, Karin Brown, Amy Weech, and especially Dorien Nielson, who read the earliest version, when it was only twenty pages long and I was getting it ready to be critiqued at a conference.
Thank you to Martine Leavitt and the rest of my WIFYR 2009 workshop group for their insights. Thank you to many more blog friends, Twitter friends, real-life friends, and book bloggers who have watched my journey from the beginning, and have thrown their enthusiastic support behind this book. You know who you are!
Chest bumps to my extended families, including Frank and Kathleen, the Johnsons, the Otts, the Jacksons, the Ellingsons, and the other Johnsons, and endless nieces and nephews who also were subjected to early drafts. Special thanks to Eden Ellingson, who gave me the idea to write a book in the first place.
A noogie on the head for my sister Erin, who shouted the praises of crappy first drafts, and was ready with a pair of brass knuckles for anyone who thought differently. I'd want you on my side of any battle! Extra noogies for her husband, Dave.
A kiss on the forehead for my mom and dad, who raised me to believe I could do anything, and celebrated every step of the journey, from false starts and rejections to that magical day when I got THE CALL.
A pinch on the cheek for my boys, Carter and Beckham, for reminding me there is life outside of my books.
Most of all, a smack on the kisser for Sam. You never let me give up. You believed in me when I didn't believe in myself. You are the best man I know. It's you and me against the world. Love you.
Lastly, I want to thank all of you blog readers - lurkers and frequent commenters - for accompanying me on this journey. Today, I'm just filled with love and gratitude and I don't know how to repay everyone. I'm always searching for words, but right now there are none.
Except THANK YOU.
January 20, 2012
Kid B Packs his Essentials, and Your Chance to Win an EVERNEATH Prize Pack
Hey, yo.
Things are about to get EVER-FREAKY around here, mostly because my book comes out in 4 DAYS!!
I am EVER-excited, and to prove this, I'm going to put "EVER" in front of every single adjective!
Okay, just kidding.
Sorry for the sporadic blog posting this week and last, but I've been on a cruise. Sam didn't want me to mention it until after we were back, because he was nervous that burglars religiously follow my blog, just waiting for the moment I mention that we're going out of town.
So, for all of you religious burglars out there: BAZINGA! You've just been EVER-BAMBOOZLED. Ha HA!
When we told Kid B that he was going on a cruise, he promptly found a suitcase and packed everything his 6-year-old mind thought he would need. Here's what it looked like:
I case you can't tell from the picture, that there is a suitcase full of:
1 standard issue pencil box, filled with crayons
4 multi-colored Yoshi's
1 very angry bird (whose talents include destroying wood. Perfect for a cruise.)
1 paper punch in the shape of a tiger
1 industrial sized tape dispenser
1 roll of heavy duty packing tape (I assume for if the ship springs a leak)
The bottom is just made up of stacks of paper. Because that's the one thing you can't get everywhere.
He zipped it all up and headed for the door. Sam had to break it to him that we weren't leaving for another 24 hours. The Yoshi's were not impressed.
I'll tell you all about my trip later, but first I had to show you what was on my doorstep when we got home:
And I want to celebrate. Would you like to win a personalized copy, complete with autograph, from my own personal stash? Along with some EVERNEATH swag like temporary tattoos, a guitar pick necklace, and signed bookmarks?
That, my friends, is what the people-in-the-know call a PRIZE PACK!
Here's your chance to win it. All you have to do is pre-order my book, and you're entered to win! Now, I know some of you are thinking, "But if I pre-order her book, and then I win... won't the space-time continuum implode?"
Wait, that wasn't what you were thinking? Oh. Then maybe you were thinking you'd end up with two books.
And I say... what's the problem? Double the fun! Do you have a friend who has a birthday ever? This would be perfect! How about a holiday that shows up once a year? Excellent.
So, pre-order my book from places like Books A Million or Barnes and Noble or Indiebound or anywhere else, and then leave me a comment telling me you pre-ordered the book, and you're entered! Just make sure you include where you ordered it from, your confirmation number, your credit card number and your social security number, along with your mother's maiden name.
Again, I jest. There's no real way for me to tell if you're lying. So, we are making a gentlemen's agreement. But just for fun's sake, tell me where you ordered it from. :) And if you already pre-ordered, EVER-thank you! And yes, that counts too.
Okay! That's it! And again, don't forget that everyone's invited to the launch party at The King's English on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m.
*I should've mentioned that this contest will end on Tuesday, January 24th at midnight.*
Things are about to get EVER-FREAKY around here, mostly because my book comes out in 4 DAYS!!
I am EVER-excited, and to prove this, I'm going to put "EVER" in front of every single adjective!
Okay, just kidding.
Sorry for the sporadic blog posting this week and last, but I've been on a cruise. Sam didn't want me to mention it until after we were back, because he was nervous that burglars religiously follow my blog, just waiting for the moment I mention that we're going out of town.
So, for all of you religious burglars out there: BAZINGA! You've just been EVER-BAMBOOZLED. Ha HA!
When we told Kid B that he was going on a cruise, he promptly found a suitcase and packed everything his 6-year-old mind thought he would need. Here's what it looked like:
I case you can't tell from the picture, that there is a suitcase full of:
1 standard issue pencil box, filled with crayons
4 multi-colored Yoshi's
1 very angry bird (whose talents include destroying wood. Perfect for a cruise.)
1 paper punch in the shape of a tiger
1 industrial sized tape dispenser
1 roll of heavy duty packing tape (I assume for if the ship springs a leak)
The bottom is just made up of stacks of paper. Because that's the one thing you can't get everywhere.
He zipped it all up and headed for the door. Sam had to break it to him that we weren't leaving for another 24 hours. The Yoshi's were not impressed.
I'll tell you all about my trip later, but first I had to show you what was on my doorstep when we got home:
And I want to celebrate. Would you like to win a personalized copy, complete with autograph, from my own personal stash? Along with some EVERNEATH swag like temporary tattoos, a guitar pick necklace, and signed bookmarks?
That, my friends, is what the people-in-the-know call a PRIZE PACK!
Here's your chance to win it. All you have to do is pre-order my book, and you're entered to win! Now, I know some of you are thinking, "But if I pre-order her book, and then I win... won't the space-time continuum implode?"
Wait, that wasn't what you were thinking? Oh. Then maybe you were thinking you'd end up with two books.
And I say... what's the problem? Double the fun! Do you have a friend who has a birthday ever? This would be perfect! How about a holiday that shows up once a year? Excellent.
So, pre-order my book from places like Books A Million or Barnes and Noble or Indiebound or anywhere else, and then leave me a comment telling me you pre-ordered the book, and you're entered! Just make sure you include where you ordered it from, your confirmation number, your credit card number and your social security number, along with your mother's maiden name.
Again, I jest. There's no real way for me to tell if you're lying. So, we are making a gentlemen's agreement. But just for fun's sake, tell me where you ordered it from. :) And if you already pre-ordered, EVER-thank you! And yes, that counts too.
Okay! That's it! And again, don't forget that everyone's invited to the launch party at The King's English on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m.
*I should've mentioned that this contest will end on Tuesday, January 24th at midnight.*
January 16, 2012
German book trailer for EVERNEATH (Fixed)
I'll tell you right now, blogging will be a little sporadic this week. I'm a bit in recovery mode after my revisions and resting up for the big book release, which is in nine days, which is so crazy!
But while I'm here, I thought I'd share the German book trailer for EVERNEATH. I think it has a very romantic and cool feel to it. Let me know what you think! And again, I wish I spoke German.
Okay, Okay. I get it. There's no link! Here's a link. Or better yet, here's the video. I think.
But while I'm here, I thought I'd share the German book trailer for EVERNEATH. I think it has a very romantic and cool feel to it. Let me know what you think! And again, I wish I spoke German.
Okay, Okay. I get it. There's no link! Here's a link. Or better yet, here's the video. I think.
January 11, 2012
How I Tought Kid C the Similarities between a Cruise Ship and a Naked Woman
Hey ya'll!
So, we're going on a cruise in the distant future. I've never been on one. I'm so excited because this combines my fear of enclosed spaces with my fear of the open water for an exciting cocktail of crazy.
Sam is very excited to see what wonderful sides of my personality this experience will bring out.
I was trying to explain to Kid C what a cruise ship will be like.
me: "We're going to stay on a boat with like hundreds of other people!"
him: "That sounds crowded."
me: "But the boat is huge!"
him: "Where will we sleep?"
me: "In our own room. Like a hotel room. But it floats!"
him: "That doesn't sound very safe."
I glanced at the television guide, which happened to be showing TITANIC. Now before you think this can't turn out well, I also noted that the movie had just started, so there was no way it could be to the scary sinking part yet.
So I'm all, "Kid C! Get over her. You are going to see what a cruise ship loos like."
I flip the channel, and front and center on the screen is this:
Only it didn't cut off. It panned from left to right, showing the whole enchilada, if you know what I mean. Do you know what I mean? (boobs.)
So to poor kid C, I was all, "Watch the big screen, son. This is what a cruise is!!!" Cue naked woman! "There. Does that clear the whole 'hotel... but on the water' confusion?"
I immediately shut the tv off, which was probably worse, because it resembled one of those flashes that become ingrained in your brain.
Kid C: "Was that a naked woman?"
me: "No! It was a... boat. You saw a naked woman? That's weird."
Yes, I like to take the coward's way out.
So, we're going on a cruise in the distant future. I've never been on one. I'm so excited because this combines my fear of enclosed spaces with my fear of the open water for an exciting cocktail of crazy.
Sam is very excited to see what wonderful sides of my personality this experience will bring out.
I was trying to explain to Kid C what a cruise ship will be like.
me: "We're going to stay on a boat with like hundreds of other people!"
him: "That sounds crowded."
me: "But the boat is huge!"
him: "Where will we sleep?"
me: "In our own room. Like a hotel room. But it floats!"
him: "That doesn't sound very safe."
I glanced at the television guide, which happened to be showing TITANIC. Now before you think this can't turn out well, I also noted that the movie had just started, so there was no way it could be to the scary sinking part yet.
So I'm all, "Kid C! Get over her. You are going to see what a cruise ship loos like."
I flip the channel, and front and center on the screen is this:
Only it didn't cut off. It panned from left to right, showing the whole enchilada, if you know what I mean. Do you know what I mean? (boobs.)
So to poor kid C, I was all, "Watch the big screen, son. This is what a cruise is!!!" Cue naked woman! "There. Does that clear the whole 'hotel... but on the water' confusion?"
I immediately shut the tv off, which was probably worse, because it resembled one of those flashes that become ingrained in your brain.
Kid C: "Was that a naked woman?"
me: "No! It was a... boat. You saw a naked woman? That's weird."
Yes, I like to take the coward's way out.
