Mandi Slack's Blog, page 2

The Breakup Artist...

A novel by Shannen C. Camp

Publisher's Note: Breaking up with someone is a major pain—-unless you can hire someone else to do it for you! And Amelia demands top dollar for her professional break-up services. Everything's business as usual until David, one of the boys she's been hired to dump, throws her for a loop. Now she must decide if David's intentions are genuine, or if there's something sinister behind his flirting.

My Review: The Breakup Artist by Shannen C. Camp is just the sort of book that will leave you laughing until the very end. The plot is a fun, witty, and it's just the sort of book I love to read. Amelia, a high school teen, has created a very profitable business as a "breakup artist". You can pay her fifty bucks, and she'll dump your current boyfriend, leaving you free of guilt and free to pursue another crush. Amelia runs a professional business, and her busy schedule leaves her no time for relationships of her own, but she'd like to keep it that way. However, when she meets David, a boy she's been hired to dump, her carefully organized world begins to fall apart. Amelia is definitely a character to love. I loved her "professional" manner and her quirky personality. As the story progresses, you begin to realize the "whys" behind Amelia's choice of "profession", and you watch her grow and change until the very end. Author Shannen C. Camp does a wonderful job of building characters and plot. I highly recommend The Breakup Artist and congratulate the author on a job well done!

I have also had a chance to interview Shannen Camp and I hope you enjoy getting to know her better!

Meet Author Shannen C. Camp...



Tell us about yourself?    

I was going to copy and paste my little author bio here but who needs that when I can give you an 'off the top of my head and slightly inaccurate due to long hours at work' description? I like to write. A lot. I'm sure that's an obvious thing to say but it had to be said. I love to create in any way shape or form. Some days I'll come home and think "I need to create something" whether it's music, paintings, or stories. Is that odd? I can't help it. It's one of those little habits you just can't kick.
I guess I should also tell you the basics, like the fact that I was born and raised in California and I'm trying to cut my bad habit of writing all of my stories in California. I'm starting to know Utah better than CA now so maybe I'll set some stories here! I majored in Film at Brigham Young University and my emphasis was production design and makeup. Although I'm complete rubbish at 'pretty' makeup. I can only do special effects makeup. So if you're bored around Halloween time, come and see me!
I'm married to my high school lab partner and we have 489320842 names for children but no actual children yet... so I use all of the names on my characters :)


When did you first start writing? 

I started writing in the fourth grade. It was terrible. I tried so hard to write a Goosebumps type book but I made the mistake of abbreviating the title "Scared to Death" to STD, which I'm sure worried my fourth grade teacher just a little. I should publish that book one day, just so people can get a good laugh at all the horrible ways I accidentally used those three letters. Oops! I continued writing all through elementary school, junior high, and high school and finally finished a YA fantasy book in College. It's poorly written so I'll have to go back and fix it but literally right after I finished that one I wrote "The Breakup Artist". So I just haven't really stopped writing since the fourth grade.


How did you discover the idea for The Breakup Artist? 

I remember the exact moment I thought of this book. It was in 2008 and my brother was about to get married. I was sleeping on the floor in the office because of all of the family members who had come into town for the wedding and everyone was talking about love and marriage and relationships and I started wondering if there was some sort of job focused just on relationships. Somehow that led me to the idea of a professional breakup artist and a month later I had finished my book. So thanks, Jared for getting married!


How did you develop Amelia's character? 

I feel like Amelia's character kind of developed herself. Initially she starts off kind of unlikable and snotty. She's got a big superiority complex and at times I found it difficult to balance showing her less-than-flattering side, while still trying to make the reader like her for how confused she was about her life. I feel like she kind of talks through growing up with the reader. She does it without realizing what's happening. I wanted people to see her as someone who didn't want to be awful, she just wasn't quite sure what else to be and she figures it out through slowly letting people in.

What other hobbies do you have besides writing?

I love to paint. I'm terrible at it really but I just love it. I'm a lot like Amelia actually in that I couldn't draw to save my life but I paint all the time. I also love video games, which is very nerdy of me :) My marriage is anti-stereotypical since my husband doesn't play video games at all and I'm a huge gamer. I also love to play music. Back when I had a piano I'd play all the time (apartments don't fit pianos very well) but now I mostly play guitar and flute because they're small and portable, though if you brought me a drum set I wouldn't be mad about it!

Thanks, Shannen!
To purchase your very own copy of The Breakup Artist visit AmazonTo learn more about Shannen visit her Blog at Shannencbooks.blogspot.com

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Follower Love Giveaway Hop

Welcome to the Follower Love Giveaway Hop hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and Author Rachael Reene Anderson. Today on my blog I am giving away a signed copy of my book THE ALIAS!

Publisher's Note: After a long and difficult divorce, Jacey is sure the worst is over. But when the FBI reveals some disturbing information about her ex-husband, she is forced into hiding to protect herself and her son. In the process, she risks losing her identity, her future, and her heart. Thrilling and suspenseful, this novel is an edge-of-your-seat read.


THE ALIAS is also available on Amazon Kindle for only $3.99!!




To enter this giveaway please follow the rules listed below.


1) Follow this blog (Mandatory)
2) Follow me on Face Book (+1)
3) Add The Alias on GoodReads (+2)
4) Leave a comment below letting me know which steps you have completed. And don't forget to add your email address so I can contact you when you win!

Thanks a bunch and have a very Happy Valentine's Day!! Now go and visit all the other amazing blogs for more awesome giveaways....(see link below)

A spoonful of vinegar...

Last year around this time, I was dealing with a mess of health problems. I had been diagnosed with everything from pre-diabetes to early menopause. The symptoms of these sudden on-set problems made life difficult to say the least, and the medications to treat said symptoms came with its own set of issues. This was very depressing for me. I had recently lost 80 lbs. I was running 1/2 marathons, and I was in the middle of training for my first full marathon. I felt as though I should have been at my peak health, but I suddenly found myself nearly bedridden. Needless to say, I was in terrible shape. My low level of hormones (early menopause) caused severe hair-loss, adult acne, and debilitating fatigue, and I felt all-around icky. My training came to a grinding halt and I packed on pounds at an alarming rate. Through out the year, I have struggled with a way to overcome these new  issues in my life and rise above them. I have turned to a mostly holistic approach, and in doing so...I discovered Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey. I know...I know...this sounds terrible, but hear me out! **Now I am no doctor and I definitely don't believe ACV and honey is for everybody. I also believe that just like any other supplement, you should be informed about the risks associated with taking anything into your body**, but after a lot of research, I decided to give honey and organic Apple Cider Vinegar with "the mother" a try. I added 2 tsp. of vinegar and 2 tsp. of honey to a glass of juice or water 3 times a day before every meal. Right away, I recognized a change in my energy levels. After months of fatigue, I felt some reprieve. I continued this regimen, and after a week, I noticed a significant change in my complexion. My acne, which I have never had to deal with, even in my youth, began to diminish. After a month, my hair loss slowed to a near halt. Now instead of losing giant clumps, I lose the standard ball of fuzz with each washing. My energy has returned in full. I am running again, my digestion has improved, my arthritis is under control, I don't retain the water I once did, and I have even avoided colds and the flu so far this year. Also, when my husband was diagnosed with strep a few months ago, I convinced him to give ACV and honey a try. To his amazement, the pain in his throat diminished overnight and he was able to beat the infection in half the time. He now uses ACV to help his indigestion and has been amazed with the results. I realize this is not a miracle cure, but I have benefited by taking ACV and I had to share my story. For more information on Apple Cider Vinegar check out Earth Clinic. Again, this is my *personal* experience with ACV.

For The Birds...

Bird Seed Bars:

In an attempt to use up some old food storage I decided to try my hand at making my very own energy bars. They turned out nice and chewy and they definitely give you a boost for that extra workout or hike. They store well and last forever.

Ingredients:

6 cups of Muesli cereal (oats, raisins, sunflower seeds, flax seeds)
2 cups of puffed wheat or rice cereal
1/8 cup of shelled pumpkin seeds (you can use any sort of nut)
2 TBS sesame seeds
1 cup of sugar
1/2 cup of corn syrup
1/2 cup of honey
3/4 cup of peanut or almond butter
1/2 tsp of vanilla

Directions:

Grease a large baking sheet with Pam or non- fat cooking spray. Add sugar, corn syrup, honey, vanilla and peanut butter in a large pot. Place over medium heat. Bring to boil, stirring constantly. Boil mixture for 1 minute. Remove from heat and add in Muesli, puffed cereal, sesame seeds and nuts. Stir until mixture is well blended. Dump onto baking sheet and using fingers, press mixture across pan. (mixture will be hot...so I grease my fingers with a little Pam and pat into pan) Spread evenly across baking sheet. Cool and cut into bars. Wrap bars in plastic wrap or baggies. Will keep in cupboard for several weeks. Makes approximately 20 bars.

My kids love these and they will be perfect for taking on long hikes in the summer!

On The Rebound...

Last week as I was scrounging around my local thrift store, I happened upon a fold-up trampoline for $8. I normally wouldn't have given something like this a second glance, but as it happened to be in pristine condition and just the sort of colors that appeal to me (bright orange and silver), I paused and admired the cute little contraption. Then on a whim I placed it in my cart. After I returned home it sat in the box for a few more days before I finally put it together for my children to bounce on. The boys bounced for a few minutes before growing bored and Dakota gave it a try before she plopped off and returned to the toy room. Curious, I decided to give it a go. I bounced around clumsily for a while. Trying to get my nearly 6-foot-frame coordinated and balanced was quite a trick, but after several minutes I finally managed to get the hang of it. I jumped for about 5 minutes before I was utterly and completely winded, but I was laughing so hard I nearly cried. My kids came to see what all the commotion was about, gave me a disgruntled look, and then went about their business once again. Giggling, I jumped back on and bounced for several more moments. I loved it. I felt just like a kid again, and it suddenly dawned on me... I was sweating, I was winded and I was having FUN. The little trampoline is just the sort of thing I need to get my body in shape again after several months of terrible eating habits. I even Goggled "rebounding" and was surprised to discover a ton of benefits from this simple exercise. So this morning, I donned my tennis shoes, shut the blinds to hide my new obsession from the neighbors, cranked my music, and boUnCed and BoUncEd and bOuNceD. I am still laughing. I think I've just found my new best friend.
Benefits of Rebounding:

1. Rebounding provides an increased G-force (gravitational load), which benefits the body by strengthening the musculoskeletal systems.2. Rebounding protects the joints from the chronic fatigue and impact delivered by exercising on hard surfaces.3. Rebounding helps manage body composition and improves muscle-to-fat ratio. Rebound Exercise benefits you by giving you more control over these.4. Rebounding benefits lymphatic circulation by stimulating the millions of one-way valves in the lymphatic system. This benefits the body's immune capacity for fighting current disease, destroying cancer cells, eliminating antigens and preventing future illness.5. Rebounding circulates more oxygen to the tissues.6. Rebounding establishes a better equilibrium between the oxygen required by the tissues and the oxygen made available.7. Rebounding increases capacity for respiration.8. Rebounding tends to reduce the height to which the arterial pressures rise during exertion.9. Rebounding lessens the time during which blood pressure remains abnormal after severe activity.10. Rebounding assists in the rehabilitation of existing heart problems. Rebound Exercise also benefits recovery from heart procedures, providing gentle, low impact circulation. (Case:Cardiac Rehabilitation Using A ReboundAIR)11. Rebounding increases the functional activity of the red bone marrow in the production of red blood cells.12. Rebounding gradually improves resting metabolic rate so that more calories are burned for hours after exercise. Related, Rebound Exercise benefits the post-exercise "Glycogen Replenishment" process.13. Rebounding causes core muscles and large muscle groups to contract, resulting in the rhythmic compression of the veins and arteries, which more effectively moves fluids, both blood and lymphatic, through the body and back to the heart, lowering peripheral blood pressure and lightening the heart's load.14. Rebounding decreases the volume of blood pooling in the veins of the cardiovascular system preventing chronic edema.16. Rebounding strengthens the heart and other muscles in the body so that they work more efficiently.15. Rebounding encourages collateral circulation by increasing the capillary count in the muscles and decreasing the distance between the capillaries and the target cells.17. Rebounding gradually allows the resting heart to beat less often. Regular Rebound Exercise has been shown to benefit the heart rate, resulting in favorable decreases in resting heart rate.18. Rebounding lowers circulating cholesterol and triglyceride levels.19. Rebounding lowers low-density lipoprotein (bad) in the blood and increases high-density lipoprotein (good) holding off the incidence of coronary artery disease.20. Rebounding promotes tissue repair.21. Rebounding for longer than 20 minutes at a moderate intensity at least 3x per week increases the mitochondria count within the muscle cells, benefiting in total endurance. Perhaps you will easily skip those naps.22. Rebounding benefits the alkaline reserve of the body, which may be of significance in an emergency requiring prolonged effort.23. Rebounding improves coordination between the propreoceptors in the joints, the transmission of nerve impulses to and from the brain, transmission of nerve impulses and responsiveness of the muscle fibers.24. Rebounding improves the brain's responsiveness to the vestibular apparatus within the inner ear, thus improving balance.25. Rebounding offers relief from neck and back pains, headaches, and other pain caused by lack of exercise. Rebound Exercise has been shown to benefit body alignment and posture.26. Rebounding enhances digestion and elimination processes.27. Rebounding allows for deeper and easier relaxation and sleep.28. Rebounding results in better mental performance, with keener learning processes.29. Rebounding curtails fatigue and menstrual discomfort for women.30. Rebounding minimizes the number of colds, allergies, digestive disturbances, and abdominal problems.31. Rebounding tends to slow down atrophy in the aging process.32. Rebounding is an effective modality by which the user gains a sense of control and an improved self image.33. Rebounding is enjoyable!
http://www.reboundair.com/33ways.htm http://www.healingdaily.com/exercise/rebounding-for-detoxification-and-health.htm

January Fun....

I can hardly believe we are in the heart of winter and our state has been covered in sunshine and warmth. Today it was nearly 50 degrees and so sunny we just had to take advantage of the fantastic weather. The kids and I spent the afternoon playing at the park and swinging in the sun. We've also been privileged to spend a few days ghost town hunting. The warm weather is perfect for just such an adventure. Sunny, cool enough to avoid snakes, and warm enough to spend hours outdoors, we wandered through old foundations searching for lost relics. We had a fantastic time as a family. Here are just a few of our finds from Silver City near Eureka, Utah. I hope everyone is having a great New Year and enjoying a unique winter.

MidWinter's Eve Hop

Welcome to the MidWinter's Eve Giveaway Hop hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer. For this giveaway I am offering a chance to win a $10 gift card. I am also offering a chance to win a free kindle version of my book The Alias. To enter simply follow the rules posted below.


1) Follow this blog (mandatory)
2) Follow me on Face Book (+1)
3) Add The Alias on Good Reads (+2)
4) Leave a comment telling me the steps you've completed and don't forget your email address so I can contact you if you win!

5) HavE a MerRy ChrIsTMaS


Don't forget to check out all the other amazing blogs listed below for your chance to win more awesome prizes!!

Fractured Light

A novel by Rachel McClellen

Publisher's Note: I'm dying, I thought. This was unexpected and not at all how I envisioned my death. I was supposed to die gardening in a flowerbed as a hundred-year-old woman, not as a seventeen-year-old trapped in a lake beneath inches of ice.

Llona Reese is used to living on the run. After the Vykens killed her parents, she knew they would eventually come for her too. She can't take any chances. But when she starts to make friends for the first time in her life, she gets careless and lets her guard down. Big mistake.

As an Aura, Llona can manipulate light and harness its energy. But if she wants to survive, Llona will have to defy the Auran Council and learn to use her power as a weapon against the Vyken whose sole desire is to take her light. Now she's caught in something even bigger than she can understand, with a power she can't wield, and no one she can trust, except, just maybe, a mysterious stranger.

In this breathtaking and romantic adventure, Rachel McClellan delivers a truly mesmerizing story that will keep you guessing to the very end.

My Review: Llona Reese is a young teenage girl who has been given an extraordinary gift. Able to manipulate light, Llona is an Aura and must learn to harness the light's energy if she is to survive. The Vyken are determined to take her light and because of this, she is forced to move with her Uncle every couple of years, upsetting her life. But when she and her Uncle Jake settle in Bountiful, Utah, her life is turned upside down and she is forced to face the Vyken and use her gift as a weapon with the help of her new friends and family. I liked this book. The author did a wonderful job keeping readers engaged. The twists and turns leave you guessing until the very end. Llona is a very well-developed character and you will cheer her on throughout the story. May, Llona's best friend who has a secret of her own, is a fantastic character as well. Filled with romance and suspense, this paranormal YA is a definite must read for anyone who loves a great book. I give Fractured Light 5 stars and congratulate the author on a job well done.

To Pre-Order your copy of Fractured Light visit Amazon today!
To learn more about Author Rachel McClellan visit her website today... www.rachelmcclellan.com

MidWinter's Eve Hop

Welcome to the Mid Winter's Eve hop hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer And Oasis for YA. Today on my blog you can win a $10 Amazon gift card. Just follow the simple rules below for your chance to win.

1) Follow this blog (Mandatory)
2) Follow me on Face Book (+1)
3) Add my new book The Alias to your Goodreads List (+2)
4) Leave a comment letting me know what steps you have completed and don't forget your email address so I can contact you if you win!

That's it! Now go and visit all the other amazing blogs below for more chances at awesome prizes!! And have a  very.......

MeRrY ChRiStmAs!!