Kelley York's Blog, page 2
December 8, 2013
12 Days of Kickass Christmas: Tiffany Truitt!
Happy Holidays!
Welcome to Entangled Teen’s 12 Days of Kickass Event! We are joining together to share some exclusive content with you all! There will be 2 teams: The Smartass Team, who will post a good or swoon worthy deleted scene or an excerpt, and The Badass Team who will post a villainous deleted scene or excerpt. And the cool part is we’ll be posting on each other’s blogs! The party starts on December 2nd and goes all the way to December 13th! We will wrap up the event with our monthly twitter party on December 13th 9 PM EST/6 PM PST as well. Each day will have 2 posts from us along with an EPIC giveaway!
So how do I join in, you ask? It’s easy; follow along with the tour and find the hidden word (it will be highlighted) in each post and fill out the Rafflecopter form! You can win one of 2 Kindles and we’re giving away 5 sets of 5 Entangled Teen Print Books (US only), and 10 Entangled Teen eBooks (international)! Also we will be giving away more books and Amazon and Barnes & Noble Gift Cards during the twitter party. That means 2 people will win a kindle, 5 people will win 5 of our amazing print titles, and 10 people will win eBooks!
I'm particularly honored and excited to get to host Tiffany Truitt's Team Smart Ass post today, with a never-before-seen peek at her upcoming book, which is pretty kickass all on its own. So...take it away, Tiffany!
***
I am so excited to be part of Entangled Teen’s 12 Days of Kiss Ass Posts ! Today, I am thrilled to share with you a sneak peek from book three of The Lost Souls Trilogy , The Creators. In this scene, we find Tess and James, the star-crossed lovers of the series, sharing some sweet, sassy, and highly-charged moments together in the woods. On the run from the council, a government bent on tearing the two apart, the two hold onto their wit and good humor despite the dark forces that try to tear them away from each other. Haven’t read book one or two yet? Don’t worry, there’s still time. Chosen Ones and The Naturalsare both available for order in print and ebook! A perfect present from the smart ass or bad ass in your life.
James reached down and pulled me off the ground. He wore a satisfied grin on his face. “Someone is mighty proud of one’s self,” I teased. He laughed. It bounced through the forest, calling it awake. Readying it for the day. “I’m just insanely happy.” I stood on the tips of my toes and kissed him gently on his scar. “I’m insanely happy too,” I whispered. James looked down at me, and I was lost all over again. I would never tire of looking into those mismatched eyes. They didn’t make him different. They made him, him. He chuckled as he reached over and pulled a leaf from my tangled hair. “They’ll know just by looking at you that we’ve been up to no good.” “No good?” I purred. “I thought it was very, very good.” James growled and lifted me up into the air. I wrapped my legs around his waist. He pressed his lips hungrilyagainst mine. I moved my hands to his hair, curling my fingers into it, attaching myself to him. I never wanted to let go. Every part of me ached to be touched by him, and every part of me ached to touch him right back. “Do you know how much I love you?” he breathed into the base of my neck. His lips fluttered against my skin. I nodded, kissing the top of his head. “As much as I love you.” James slowly put my feet back down on the ground. On the way down, I pressed my body against his. Slipping blissfully to the ground. He cradled my face in his hands. “That will never change. No matter what.” I looked deep into his eyes. “I know.” Because I did. It was one of life’s few assurances. I would always love James. I pressed my lips once again to his scar. “I adore this scar,” I whispered, unable to hide the smile that seemed etched on my face all morning. “Only you would love a man’s fault,” he chuckled. “I love every part of you,” I replied, running my fingers down his chest. “You’re enough to drive a man crazy,” he said The tremble of his voice caused my toes to curl. I wanted him again. And again. And again. My fingers traced the waist of his pants. “Tonight?” I promised, knowing full well it was a promise that I probably wouldn’t be able to keep. James grabbed my hand and brought it to his lips. “Tonight,” he echoed. As the sun climb higher into the sky, I knew our moment was coming to an end. James reached down and placed his hand over my heart. “Thank you,” he said. “Thank you for what?” I asked, my voice choked with emotion. “For everything.”
Tiffany Truitt ASSETSCreator's Blurb: Heartbroken but more determined than ever after a tense showdown in the woods, sixteen-year-old Tess once again returns to the safety of her community of Isolationists. Bolstered by new alliances and desperate to protect those she loves, this time she knows she can return stronger and more powerful than ever to take back what is hers. As she trains in combat and grows more confident, Tess receives beautiful letters penned by her forbidden love, the chosen one James, from his prison in Templeton. He is now serving as a bodyguard to the creators—the team of scientists who created artificial life in the first place. And what he has discovered about the true origin of the illness that halted natural life could change everything. Enemy will become ally and death will bring new hope in this stunning conclusion to Tiffany Truitt’s epic Lost Souls trilogy.
Goodreads/Amazon/Barnes & Noble/The Book Depository
About Tiffany:Tiffany Truitt was born in Peoria, Illinois. A self-proclaimed Navy brat, Tiffany spent most of her childhood living in Virginia, but don’t call her a Southerner. She also spent a few years living in Cuba. Since her time on the island of one McDonalds and Banana Rats (don’t ask), she has been obsessed with traveling. Tiffany recently added China to her list of travels (hello inspiration for a new book).Besides traveling, Tiffany has always been an avid reader. The earliest books she remembers reading belong to The Little House on the Prairie Series. First book she read in one day? Little Woman(5th grade). First author she fell in love with? Jane Austen in middle school. Tiffany spent most of her high school and college career as a literary snob. She refused to read anything considered “low brow” or outside the “classics.”Tiffany began teaching middle school in 2006. Her students introduced her to the wide, wonderful world of Young Adult literature. Today, Tiffany embraces popular Young Adult literature and uses it in her classroom. She currently teaches the following novels: The Outsiders, Speak, Night, Dystopian Literature Circles: The Hunger Games, The Giver, The Uglies, and Matched.Tiffany is proud to call herself an educator and Young Adult author. Her first book will be published by Entangled Publishing.Where you can find Tiffany:Haven’t read today’s other post? Stop by Tiffany's blog and check out my deleted scene.
Giveaway Details:2 Kindles (valued at $69) US ONLY5 sets of 5 Entangled Teen Print Books US Only10 Entangled Teen eBooks International!(no purchase necessary) Rafflecopter Code:a Rafflecopter giveaway
And here’s the post schedule so you can follow along each day!12/2/2013 Kendra Highley will host Rachel Harris with a Smartass post.12/2/2013 Rachel Harris will host Kendra Highley with a Smartass post.
12/3/2013 Christine O’Neil will host Vivi Barnes with a Badass post.12/3/2013 Vivi Barnes will host Christine O’Neil with a Badass post.
12/4/2013 Karri Thompson will host Danielle Ellison with a Smartass post.12/4/2013 Danielle Ellison will host Karri Thompson with a Smartass post.
12/5/2013 Princess Sophie will host Cecily White with a Badass post.12/5/2013 Cecily White will host Princess Sophie with a Badass post.
12/6/2013 Jolene Perry will host Lea Nolan with a Smartass post.12/6/2013 Lea Nolan will host Jolene Perry with a Smartass post.
12/7/2013 Victoria Scott will host Sara Hantz with a Badass post.12/7/2013 Sara Hantz will host Victoria Scott with a Badass post.
12/8/2013 Kelley York will host Tiffany Truitt with a Smartass post.12/8/2013 Tiffany Truitt will host Kelley York with a Smartass post.
12/9/2013 Melissa West will host Cindi Madsen with a Badass post.12/9/2013 Cindi Madsen will host Melissa West with a Badass post.
12/10/2013 Rebekah Purdy will host Shea Berkley with a Smartass post.12/10/2013 Shea Berkley will host Rebekah Purdy with a Smartass post.
12/11/2013 Lisa Burstein will host Jus Accardo with a Badass post.12/11/2013 Jus Accardo will host Lisa Burstein with a Badass post.
12/12/2013 Renee Collins will host Tracy Clark with a Smartass post.12/12/2013 Tracy Clark will host Renee Collins with a Smartass post.
12/13/2013 Chloe Jacobs will host Brooklyn Skye with a Badass post.12/13/2013 Brooklyn Skye will host Chloe Jacobs with a Badass post.
We’re super excited to share all of these awesome posts with you and make sure to follow along on twitter and Facebook using the hashtag #12DaysOfKickass!
Welcome to Entangled Teen’s 12 Days of Kickass Event! We are joining together to share some exclusive content with you all! There will be 2 teams: The Smartass Team, who will post a good or swoon worthy deleted scene or an excerpt, and The Badass Team who will post a villainous deleted scene or excerpt. And the cool part is we’ll be posting on each other’s blogs! The party starts on December 2nd and goes all the way to December 13th! We will wrap up the event with our monthly twitter party on December 13th 9 PM EST/6 PM PST as well. Each day will have 2 posts from us along with an EPIC giveaway!
So how do I join in, you ask? It’s easy; follow along with the tour and find the hidden word (it will be highlighted) in each post and fill out the Rafflecopter form! You can win one of 2 Kindles and we’re giving away 5 sets of 5 Entangled Teen Print Books (US only), and 10 Entangled Teen eBooks (international)! Also we will be giving away more books and Amazon and Barnes & Noble Gift Cards during the twitter party. That means 2 people will win a kindle, 5 people will win 5 of our amazing print titles, and 10 people will win eBooks!
I'm particularly honored and excited to get to host Tiffany Truitt's Team Smart Ass post today, with a never-before-seen peek at her upcoming book, which is pretty kickass all on its own. So...take it away, Tiffany!
***
I am so excited to be part of Entangled Teen’s 12 Days of Kiss Ass Posts ! Today, I am thrilled to share with you a sneak peek from book three of The Lost Souls Trilogy , The Creators. In this scene, we find Tess and James, the star-crossed lovers of the series, sharing some sweet, sassy, and highly-charged moments together in the woods. On the run from the council, a government bent on tearing the two apart, the two hold onto their wit and good humor despite the dark forces that try to tear them away from each other. Haven’t read book one or two yet? Don’t worry, there’s still time. Chosen Ones and The Naturalsare both available for order in print and ebook! A perfect present from the smart ass or bad ass in your life.
James reached down and pulled me off the ground. He wore a satisfied grin on his face. “Someone is mighty proud of one’s self,” I teased. He laughed. It bounced through the forest, calling it awake. Readying it for the day. “I’m just insanely happy.” I stood on the tips of my toes and kissed him gently on his scar. “I’m insanely happy too,” I whispered. James looked down at me, and I was lost all over again. I would never tire of looking into those mismatched eyes. They didn’t make him different. They made him, him. He chuckled as he reached over and pulled a leaf from my tangled hair. “They’ll know just by looking at you that we’ve been up to no good.” “No good?” I purred. “I thought it was very, very good.” James growled and lifted me up into the air. I wrapped my legs around his waist. He pressed his lips hungrilyagainst mine. I moved my hands to his hair, curling my fingers into it, attaching myself to him. I never wanted to let go. Every part of me ached to be touched by him, and every part of me ached to touch him right back. “Do you know how much I love you?” he breathed into the base of my neck. His lips fluttered against my skin. I nodded, kissing the top of his head. “As much as I love you.” James slowly put my feet back down on the ground. On the way down, I pressed my body against his. Slipping blissfully to the ground. He cradled my face in his hands. “That will never change. No matter what.” I looked deep into his eyes. “I know.” Because I did. It was one of life’s few assurances. I would always love James. I pressed my lips once again to his scar. “I adore this scar,” I whispered, unable to hide the smile that seemed etched on my face all morning. “Only you would love a man’s fault,” he chuckled. “I love every part of you,” I replied, running my fingers down his chest. “You’re enough to drive a man crazy,” he said The tremble of his voice caused my toes to curl. I wanted him again. And again. And again. My fingers traced the waist of his pants. “Tonight?” I promised, knowing full well it was a promise that I probably wouldn’t be able to keep. James grabbed my hand and brought it to his lips. “Tonight,” he echoed. As the sun climb higher into the sky, I knew our moment was coming to an end. James reached down and placed his hand over my heart. “Thank you,” he said. “Thank you for what?” I asked, my voice choked with emotion. “For everything.”
Tiffany Truitt ASSETSCreator's Blurb: Heartbroken but more determined than ever after a tense showdown in the woods, sixteen-year-old Tess once again returns to the safety of her community of Isolationists. Bolstered by new alliances and desperate to protect those she loves, this time she knows she can return stronger and more powerful than ever to take back what is hers. As she trains in combat and grows more confident, Tess receives beautiful letters penned by her forbidden love, the chosen one James, from his prison in Templeton. He is now serving as a bodyguard to the creators—the team of scientists who created artificial life in the first place. And what he has discovered about the true origin of the illness that halted natural life could change everything. Enemy will become ally and death will bring new hope in this stunning conclusion to Tiffany Truitt’s epic Lost Souls trilogy.
Goodreads/Amazon/Barnes & Noble/The Book Depository
About Tiffany:Tiffany Truitt was born in Peoria, Illinois. A self-proclaimed Navy brat, Tiffany spent most of her childhood living in Virginia, but don’t call her a Southerner. She also spent a few years living in Cuba. Since her time on the island of one McDonalds and Banana Rats (don’t ask), she has been obsessed with traveling. Tiffany recently added China to her list of travels (hello inspiration for a new book).Besides traveling, Tiffany has always been an avid reader. The earliest books she remembers reading belong to The Little House on the Prairie Series. First book she read in one day? Little Woman(5th grade). First author she fell in love with? Jane Austen in middle school. Tiffany spent most of her high school and college career as a literary snob. She refused to read anything considered “low brow” or outside the “classics.”Tiffany began teaching middle school in 2006. Her students introduced her to the wide, wonderful world of Young Adult literature. Today, Tiffany embraces popular Young Adult literature and uses it in her classroom. She currently teaches the following novels: The Outsiders, Speak, Night, Dystopian Literature Circles: The Hunger Games, The Giver, The Uglies, and Matched.Tiffany is proud to call herself an educator and Young Adult author. Her first book will be published by Entangled Publishing.Where you can find Tiffany:Haven’t read today’s other post? Stop by Tiffany's blog and check out my deleted scene.
Giveaway Details:2 Kindles (valued at $69) US ONLY5 sets of 5 Entangled Teen Print Books US Only10 Entangled Teen eBooks International!(no purchase necessary) Rafflecopter Code:a Rafflecopter giveaway
And here’s the post schedule so you can follow along each day!12/2/2013 Kendra Highley will host Rachel Harris with a Smartass post.12/2/2013 Rachel Harris will host Kendra Highley with a Smartass post.
12/3/2013 Christine O’Neil will host Vivi Barnes with a Badass post.12/3/2013 Vivi Barnes will host Christine O’Neil with a Badass post.
12/4/2013 Karri Thompson will host Danielle Ellison with a Smartass post.12/4/2013 Danielle Ellison will host Karri Thompson with a Smartass post.
12/5/2013 Princess Sophie will host Cecily White with a Badass post.12/5/2013 Cecily White will host Princess Sophie with a Badass post.
12/6/2013 Jolene Perry will host Lea Nolan with a Smartass post.12/6/2013 Lea Nolan will host Jolene Perry with a Smartass post.
12/7/2013 Victoria Scott will host Sara Hantz with a Badass post.12/7/2013 Sara Hantz will host Victoria Scott with a Badass post.
12/8/2013 Kelley York will host Tiffany Truitt with a Smartass post.12/8/2013 Tiffany Truitt will host Kelley York with a Smartass post.
12/9/2013 Melissa West will host Cindi Madsen with a Badass post.12/9/2013 Cindi Madsen will host Melissa West with a Badass post.
12/10/2013 Rebekah Purdy will host Shea Berkley with a Smartass post.12/10/2013 Shea Berkley will host Rebekah Purdy with a Smartass post.
12/11/2013 Lisa Burstein will host Jus Accardo with a Badass post.12/11/2013 Jus Accardo will host Lisa Burstein with a Badass post.
12/12/2013 Renee Collins will host Tracy Clark with a Smartass post.12/12/2013 Tracy Clark will host Renee Collins with a Smartass post.
12/13/2013 Chloe Jacobs will host Brooklyn Skye with a Badass post.12/13/2013 Brooklyn Skye will host Chloe Jacobs with a Badass post.
We’re super excited to share all of these awesome posts with you and make sure to follow along on twitter and Facebook using the hashtag #12DaysOfKickass!
December 2, 2013
Cover Reveal: DIRTY LONDON by Kelley York
It's about time, isn't it? I've been talking about this book for awhile and I figured I ought to share the cover. ;)
BlurbAll London Noble wanted out of her senior year of high school was anonymity. The complete opposite of Jasmine, her emotionally unstable baby sister, London has worked hard to stay out of the spotlight.
Then she discovers that Wade, one of the most popular guys in school, is gay like her and their new-found closeness based around their shared secret has half the student body convinced they're hooking up...and a lot of girls aren't happy about it. Rumors are flying about "Dirty London" and her inability to keep her clothes on, and London is pretty sure she's developing a crush on the only girl who sees through it all.
If she could admit whystealing boyfriends is the last thing on her mind—not to mention find out what's going on with Jasmine and her rapidly disappearing psych medications—her life would be a much brighter place. But if her and Wade's truth gets out, and if she doesn't find a way to help her sister, London faces losing a lot more than her obscurity.
Release date: February 2014 (tentatively)
twitter | facebook| goodreads
BlurbAll London Noble wanted out of her senior year of high school was anonymity. The complete opposite of Jasmine, her emotionally unstable baby sister, London has worked hard to stay out of the spotlight.
Then she discovers that Wade, one of the most popular guys in school, is gay like her and their new-found closeness based around their shared secret has half the student body convinced they're hooking up...and a lot of girls aren't happy about it. Rumors are flying about "Dirty London" and her inability to keep her clothes on, and London is pretty sure she's developing a crush on the only girl who sees through it all.
If she could admit whystealing boyfriends is the last thing on her mind—not to mention find out what's going on with Jasmine and her rapidly disappearing psych medications—her life would be a much brighter place. But if her and Wade's truth gets out, and if she doesn't find a way to help her sister, London faces losing a lot more than her obscurity.
Release date: February 2014 (tentatively)
twitter | facebook| goodreads
November 17, 2013
Sign ups for the cover reveal of DIRTY LONDON
If you're interested, I'll be doing the cover reveal for DIRTY LONDON in December. Just add your info below, and you'll be on the list to get all the info to participate!
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October 31, 2013
Hard Goodbyes
About a month ago, I made a post about a dog I used to have and how close I was to her, and how since she died, my cat, Cecil, was the first pet I've connected with in the same way.
Today, I had to say goodbye to Cecil.
He began sneezing shortly after I made that post. It isn't uncommon for cats to get colds, especially when stressed, and with getting ready to move and the house in chaos, and rehoming two of my other kitties--one of which was his good buddy--I suspected him to be anxious and unsure of what was going on. When the sneezing didn't subside and he rapidly began losing weight, I brought him to the vet who gave him a round of antibiotics and said if they didn't help to return for a full blood panel. The antibiotics cleared up his breathing and sneezing, but everything else steadily worsened. He stopped eating. He showed interest, but would sniff at his food and then ignore it. He was drinking water at first, but that stopped, too.
My wife took Cecil back to the vet on the last day of his antibiotics and we had them run the blood panel. That night, Cecil began wetting himself because he was becoming too wobbly and weak to make it to the litter box. We let him sleep with us anyway, wanting him to be comfortable rather than isolated in the bathroom. We cleaned him up when he needed it. We gave him an IV from the vet twice a day in order to keep him hydrated. We gave him constant love and reassurance. My wife too him onto the balcony at one point (picture below), letting him relax in the sun while watching the world go by. He was vaguely alert, but not mobile. All he wanted was to sleep next to me.
Yesterday was my 5 year wedding anniversary, but my wife had to call me at work to deliver bad news from the vet. All of Cecil's tests came back horrible. Very little on the blood panel fell into normal ranges, he was extremely anemic, and although the vet ruled out leukemia (my primary concern), he now suspected Cecil had a tumor. More tests could confirm or deny this, but the vet admitted that he didn't think Cecil would survive any kind of surgery. His muscles, kidneys, and liver were shutting down. His breathing was getting worse.
This morning, we took his lab results and him to another veterinary clinic. It was stupid to hope they would tell me something different, but even as the new vet was looking over his results I could tell from the look on her face it wasn't good. Her suspected diagnosis was FIP, something I hadn't heard of before, but something fatal that has no known cure. She said we could try hospitalizing him, inserting a feeding tube, doing an ultrasound, etc. All treatments ranging in the thousands of dollars that I certainly do not have. She also said even with that treatment, she couldn't promise he'd live, especially if FIP was the culprit. This last bit, I'm not entirely sure if she meant it or was trying to console me.
I held Cecil while they put him to sleep. He is not the first pet I've had to do this with, and yet for some reason, it was the hardest and I'm trying to figure out why that is. I wonder if it's because he was so young--a year and a few months old--or maybe it was because it happened so suddenly and so out of the blue, and blindsided me during an already chaotic time when I really needed him. I had just rehomed two of my other cats because we had to move after my landlady passed away. Cecil was the one I chose to keep, because he was my darling, my best friend. I am not used to being home without him near me, in my lap, near my feet, on my shoulder, somewhere within sight.
Tomorrow, I'll be getting his ashes back. Something that is only possible because of the kindness of a friend who reached out, wanting to pay for it because she knew how devastated I was. I can't thank her enough.
Cecil was a mellow cat. He would crawl up your leg when he wanted attention. He couldn't meow properly, just opened his mouth and made a weird little noise. He loved children and was endlessly patient with them, even as they carted him around upside down or under their arms like a football. He liked having his paws played with and would stretch out his toes. He liked to sleep under the blankets, or between my and my wife's pillows. He wasn't a huge fan of people food, and he liked to sit at the back door and listen to the birds. Before I had to give up Lestrade, the two of them would curl up together, or sleep in boxes with one another. Cecil was incredibly well behaved. Even during his first vet trip, he was patient, friendly, and everyone loved him.
The pic in the bottom right corner was taken last night, when I knew it was likely to be the last photo I had with him. Before this, it was my author photo used in the back of MADE OF STARS. My roommate's cat has Cecil's coloring. I keep catching sight her out of the corner of my eye, and for a second, thinking this entire thing has been some mistake. I don't understand why it's hitting me so hard, and I doubt many will understand the way this is making me feel.
I just want my little guy back. I hope I made his short life worth it.
Miss you, baby boy.
Today, I had to say goodbye to Cecil.
He began sneezing shortly after I made that post. It isn't uncommon for cats to get colds, especially when stressed, and with getting ready to move and the house in chaos, and rehoming two of my other kitties--one of which was his good buddy--I suspected him to be anxious and unsure of what was going on. When the sneezing didn't subside and he rapidly began losing weight, I brought him to the vet who gave him a round of antibiotics and said if they didn't help to return for a full blood panel. The antibiotics cleared up his breathing and sneezing, but everything else steadily worsened. He stopped eating. He showed interest, but would sniff at his food and then ignore it. He was drinking water at first, but that stopped, too.
My wife took Cecil back to the vet on the last day of his antibiotics and we had them run the blood panel. That night, Cecil began wetting himself because he was becoming too wobbly and weak to make it to the litter box. We let him sleep with us anyway, wanting him to be comfortable rather than isolated in the bathroom. We cleaned him up when he needed it. We gave him an IV from the vet twice a day in order to keep him hydrated. We gave him constant love and reassurance. My wife too him onto the balcony at one point (picture below), letting him relax in the sun while watching the world go by. He was vaguely alert, but not mobile. All he wanted was to sleep next to me.
Yesterday was my 5 year wedding anniversary, but my wife had to call me at work to deliver bad news from the vet. All of Cecil's tests came back horrible. Very little on the blood panel fell into normal ranges, he was extremely anemic, and although the vet ruled out leukemia (my primary concern), he now suspected Cecil had a tumor. More tests could confirm or deny this, but the vet admitted that he didn't think Cecil would survive any kind of surgery. His muscles, kidneys, and liver were shutting down. His breathing was getting worse.
This morning, we took his lab results and him to another veterinary clinic. It was stupid to hope they would tell me something different, but even as the new vet was looking over his results I could tell from the look on her face it wasn't good. Her suspected diagnosis was FIP, something I hadn't heard of before, but something fatal that has no known cure. She said we could try hospitalizing him, inserting a feeding tube, doing an ultrasound, etc. All treatments ranging in the thousands of dollars that I certainly do not have. She also said even with that treatment, she couldn't promise he'd live, especially if FIP was the culprit. This last bit, I'm not entirely sure if she meant it or was trying to console me.
I held Cecil while they put him to sleep. He is not the first pet I've had to do this with, and yet for some reason, it was the hardest and I'm trying to figure out why that is. I wonder if it's because he was so young--a year and a few months old--or maybe it was because it happened so suddenly and so out of the blue, and blindsided me during an already chaotic time when I really needed him. I had just rehomed two of my other cats because we had to move after my landlady passed away. Cecil was the one I chose to keep, because he was my darling, my best friend. I am not used to being home without him near me, in my lap, near my feet, on my shoulder, somewhere within sight.
Tomorrow, I'll be getting his ashes back. Something that is only possible because of the kindness of a friend who reached out, wanting to pay for it because she knew how devastated I was. I can't thank her enough.
Cecil was a mellow cat. He would crawl up your leg when he wanted attention. He couldn't meow properly, just opened his mouth and made a weird little noise. He loved children and was endlessly patient with them, even as they carted him around upside down or under their arms like a football. He liked having his paws played with and would stretch out his toes. He liked to sleep under the blankets, or between my and my wife's pillows. He wasn't a huge fan of people food, and he liked to sit at the back door and listen to the birds. Before I had to give up Lestrade, the two of them would curl up together, or sleep in boxes with one another. Cecil was incredibly well behaved. Even during his first vet trip, he was patient, friendly, and everyone loved him.
The pic in the bottom right corner was taken last night, when I knew it was likely to be the last photo I had with him. Before this, it was my author photo used in the back of MADE OF STARS. My roommate's cat has Cecil's coloring. I keep catching sight her out of the corner of my eye, and for a second, thinking this entire thing has been some mistake. I don't understand why it's hitting me so hard, and I doubt many will understand the way this is making me feel.
I just want my little guy back. I hope I made his short life worth it.
Miss you, baby boy.
October 22, 2013
Rest in Peace, Kelsi.
The other night, a Tumblr blogger killed herself.
I won't say she did it only because of the anonymous hate she received, because it takes more than that. It takes someone who feels trapped, helpless, and hopeless. Someone who feels there is nothing left and the only way for the pain to end is to die. They often feel like a burden to those around them, and any offerings of kindness are usually brushed aside because the person feels undeserving.
I know this, because I've felt like this. I sometimes still do. Depression is a horrible, miserable thing, and it's very very real. It's why I write books about it--because sometimes knowing you aren't alone and others are going through what you are can help.
Sometimes. Not always.
I didn't know Kelsi, though her blog was one of my wife's favorites and the few times they spoke, she said Kelsi was incredibly kind and sweet. Looking through the link above, it's obvious she had many, many people who loved her and are torn apart by her death.
She was in her early twenties. She had a husband and a child. Some people have the audacity to say, "She was a selfish bitch to leave her kid like that," and while I do feel horrible for the family and broken pieces she left behind, please don't ever think what she did was out of anything other than desperation. Most people who commit suicide feel they're doing their family a favor by leaving. It goes right back to that 'feeling undeserving' factor.
I wish she had turned off anonymous messages. I wish I had known the day she did it so I could have reached out. So I could have asked everyone I know in my circles and communities to reach out. Maybe it would not have helped, but I would hope if I were in that situation someone would have it in them to say my name and remind me that bad things don't last forever.
To my friends, to my readers, to anyone and everyone: I will always talk to you about your feelings if you need me. And if I see you hurting, I will try to reach out.
To Kelsi's family and friends: All I can say is that I'm sorry. She was a beautiful girl with a beautiful family, and the pain of what has happened will linger forever. I hope the good memories shine through the grief.
To the anons who were sending her hate and coaxing her into killing herself: I hope you're satisfied. And because I don't want to wish ill on anyone, I hope the one time you need help most in all your entire sad, hate-filled little lives, someone reaches out to you...and you realize it's what you should have done for Kelsi. I hope it stays with you forever that you had a part in her death.
When someone is on a ledge, you don't push them, you hold out a hand.
Rest in peace, Kelsi.
I won't say she did it only because of the anonymous hate she received, because it takes more than that. It takes someone who feels trapped, helpless, and hopeless. Someone who feels there is nothing left and the only way for the pain to end is to die. They often feel like a burden to those around them, and any offerings of kindness are usually brushed aside because the person feels undeserving.
I know this, because I've felt like this. I sometimes still do. Depression is a horrible, miserable thing, and it's very very real. It's why I write books about it--because sometimes knowing you aren't alone and others are going through what you are can help.
Sometimes. Not always.
I didn't know Kelsi, though her blog was one of my wife's favorites and the few times they spoke, she said Kelsi was incredibly kind and sweet. Looking through the link above, it's obvious she had many, many people who loved her and are torn apart by her death.
She was in her early twenties. She had a husband and a child. Some people have the audacity to say, "She was a selfish bitch to leave her kid like that," and while I do feel horrible for the family and broken pieces she left behind, please don't ever think what she did was out of anything other than desperation. Most people who commit suicide feel they're doing their family a favor by leaving. It goes right back to that 'feeling undeserving' factor.
I wish she had turned off anonymous messages. I wish I had known the day she did it so I could have reached out. So I could have asked everyone I know in my circles and communities to reach out. Maybe it would not have helped, but I would hope if I were in that situation someone would have it in them to say my name and remind me that bad things don't last forever.
To my friends, to my readers, to anyone and everyone: I will always talk to you about your feelings if you need me. And if I see you hurting, I will try to reach out.
To Kelsi's family and friends: All I can say is that I'm sorry. She was a beautiful girl with a beautiful family, and the pain of what has happened will linger forever. I hope the good memories shine through the grief.
To the anons who were sending her hate and coaxing her into killing herself: I hope you're satisfied. And because I don't want to wish ill on anyone, I hope the one time you need help most in all your entire sad, hate-filled little lives, someone reaches out to you...and you realize it's what you should have done for Kelsi. I hope it stays with you forever that you had a part in her death.
When someone is on a ledge, you don't push them, you hold out a hand.
Rest in peace, Kelsi.
October 20, 2013
All this silence...
Just wanted to apologize for how quiet I've been across all social media, and how horrible I've been about responding to email. These last few weeks have been a whirlwind, both good and bad.
There was the release for Made of Stars that was exciting and fun, but equally tiring because it requires a lot of plugging reviews, blog tour posts, interview questions, etc. I received my Junior Library Guild certificate and lapel pin in the mail the other day! And that was awesome. I'll probably frame that little certificate and put that pin on my purse like a dork.
On a good note, I got to see my best friend from high school for the first time in about 13 years, along with his children and wife. It was emotional and exciting, and he's now living fairly close by (compared to the 8 hour distance before, anyway) so I'll hopefully get to see him every month or so now.
Another good note--my and Wife's 5 year wedding anniversary is October 30th! Right after the move, ha. We're still trying to decide how we want to spend it.
We've also been preparing to move. Our living arrangement is going to be cramped and stressful while all of us adapt (including the person we're moving in with). The move was fairly sudden because our landlady passed away (she lived next door for the last 7 years and she was amazing and one of the kindest people I've ever met). Her son put the house up for sale and it was snatched up by the first person who came to look at it. Meaning we're scrambling to get out as soon as we can.
The hardest thing, though, was that we had to rehome two of our cats, and I'm still reeling from the heartbreak of that. Quinn went to a nice woman and she has texted to inform me Quinn is adjusting well and made friends with her other cat. Lestrade is the one I'm still devastated over, though. Don't get me wrong, he went to this great guy who drove all the way out from Carson City, Nevada, just to get him. He writes me several times a week and often sends photos, so I'm thrilled my big orange boy found a best friend and a home.
The remaining three, thankfully, are able to come with us. Of course...it would figure as we're tight on money and preparing to move, Cecil would get sick. Sneezing, lethargic... I'm hoping it's only allergies and not, like, a respiratory infection, but we'll see when I get him into the vet this week.
A plethora of other things are happening. Including packing, a massive garage sale, keeping up with article writing, book writing, work at the salon, and cover designing, getting daughter registered for another school for when we move, etc. Overall Wife and I are just burned out and dead on our feet, but we're managing. We move next weekend, and hopefully life will quiet down after that.
There was the release for Made of Stars that was exciting and fun, but equally tiring because it requires a lot of plugging reviews, blog tour posts, interview questions, etc. I received my Junior Library Guild certificate and lapel pin in the mail the other day! And that was awesome. I'll probably frame that little certificate and put that pin on my purse like a dork.
On a good note, I got to see my best friend from high school for the first time in about 13 years, along with his children and wife. It was emotional and exciting, and he's now living fairly close by (compared to the 8 hour distance before, anyway) so I'll hopefully get to see him every month or so now.
Another good note--my and Wife's 5 year wedding anniversary is October 30th! Right after the move, ha. We're still trying to decide how we want to spend it.
We've also been preparing to move. Our living arrangement is going to be cramped and stressful while all of us adapt (including the person we're moving in with). The move was fairly sudden because our landlady passed away (she lived next door for the last 7 years and she was amazing and one of the kindest people I've ever met). Her son put the house up for sale and it was snatched up by the first person who came to look at it. Meaning we're scrambling to get out as soon as we can.
The hardest thing, though, was that we had to rehome two of our cats, and I'm still reeling from the heartbreak of that. Quinn went to a nice woman and she has texted to inform me Quinn is adjusting well and made friends with her other cat. Lestrade is the one I'm still devastated over, though. Don't get me wrong, he went to this great guy who drove all the way out from Carson City, Nevada, just to get him. He writes me several times a week and often sends photos, so I'm thrilled my big orange boy found a best friend and a home.
The remaining three, thankfully, are able to come with us. Of course...it would figure as we're tight on money and preparing to move, Cecil would get sick. Sneezing, lethargic... I'm hoping it's only allergies and not, like, a respiratory infection, but we'll see when I get him into the vet this week.
A plethora of other things are happening. Including packing, a massive garage sale, keeping up with article writing, book writing, work at the salon, and cover designing, getting daughter registered for another school for when we move, etc. Overall Wife and I are just burned out and dead on our feet, but we're managing. We move next weekend, and hopefully life will quiet down after that.
October 15, 2013
Cover Reveal: IN THE BLOOD and WILL THE REAL ABI SAUNDERS PLEASE STAND UP? by Sara Hantz!
Oh my gosh. I'm late on this, but I really, really wanted to do it anyway.
So awhile back, I was asked to read and blurb this Entangled book, IN THE BLOOD, since it's very much in my genre. It was AWESOME. And that was even before edits so I can't wait to see how much more awesome Sara made it! It was a huge honor for someone to ask me to blurb their book.
To top it off--if you don't already know, I'm also a cover designer and I've been making covers for Entangled Publishing. (Re-release of HUSHED, and OLIVIA TWISTED.) I had the joy of making both of these covers. IN THE BLOOD in particular is probably one of my favorite covers I've ever gotten to make. So without further ado...
Today we’re revealing not one, but two covers for upcoming books by Sara Hantz. In the Blood releases November 5 and Will the Real Abi Saunders Please Stand Up? releases May 6, 2014.
In the Blood
For seventeen years Jed Franklin’s life was normal. Then his father was charged with the abuse and murder of four young boys and normal became a nightmare.
His mom’s practically a walking zombie, he’s lost most of his friends, and the press camps out on his lawn. The only things that keep him sane are his little sis; his best friend and dream girl, Summer; and the alcohol he stashes in his room. But after Jed wakes up from a total blackout to discover a local kid has gone missing—a kid he was last seen talking to—he’s forced to face his greatest fear: that he could somehow be responsible.
In a life that’s spiraled out of control, Jed must decide if he chooses his own destiny with Summer by his side or if the violent urges that plagued his father are truly in the blood…
Excerpt
Chapter One
Pedophile: Noun
An adult who is sexually attracted to children.
Scum.
Sleazeball.
Creep.
Loser.
Lowlife.
Asswipe.
Dad.
Chapter Two
Benjamin Franklin. My Dad.
Not that Benjamin Franklin.
That Benjamin Franklin.
Pedophile and murderer.
Freaked out?
Did you even know a bastard like that could lead a regular life?
With a wife and two children. A son and a daughter. No, nor did we. Until it was too late.
Too fucking late.
The numbing shock when he was arrested. The disbelief. The conviction that the police had gotten it wrong. Way wrong. Even in the face of damning evidence, we knew that the truth would come out. That the evidence got switched. That there was a cover up, or something.
Something.
Then the police found locks of hair belonging to each of those dead boys, so well hidden in the little trinket box my dad’s mom gave him on her deathbed.
Then we knew. Really knew.
And that’s when our lives changed.
Forever.
Add In the Blood to your Goodreads shelf.
Will the Real Abi Saunders Please Stand Up?
Abi Saunders might be a kickboxing champion, but when it comes to being the center of attention, she’d rather take a roundhouse kick to the solar plexus any day. So when her trainer convinces her to audition to be the stunt double for hot teen starlet Tilly Watson, Abi is shocked—and a little freaked out—when she gets the job.
Being a stunt double is overwhelming, but once the wig and makeup are on, Abi feels like a different person. Tilly Watson, to be exact. And when Tilly’s gorgeous boyfriend, Jon, mistakes Abi for the real star, Abi's completely smitten. In fact, she’s so in love with her new life, it isn’t long before she doesn’t have time for her old one.
But when the cameras are turned off, will she discover running with the Hollywood A-list isn’t quite the glamorous existence she thought it was?
Excerpt
“Abi, for God’s sake, concentrate,” Zak shouts. “Fairies don’t look like elephants when they fly. Legs together, arms graceful, and glide. Please.”
My cheeks are crimson and I want to die. I know he’s the director and has the right to holler, but doesn’t he understand that the louder he is the worse I am? We must have gone over this move fifty times and I still can’t get it. And I know, without even looking, the other guys have lost it with me. It’s easy for them but I’m a kick-boxer, not a freakin’ acrobat.
And now Zak’s saying something to one of the crew. Let’s all guess what it is: get rid of the silly girl. We couldn’t get anyone more incompetent if we tried. In fact a monkey could do better.
Well, he’s right, a monkey could do better. Then again, a monkey wouldn’t need to wear a harness that cuts badly into its thighs so it can fly across the room. We’re doing wire work, the one thing I was looking forward to. Ha. What a laugh that is.
At least we’re not filming yet. This is just the rehearsal or, as they say, ‘prepping’. We’re in one of the studios that’s full of equipment with pulleys and wires. I’ve no idea how it all works, except that it keeps me up in the air. I thought we’d be doing this outside but it seems they film wire work stuff indoors against a big screen, and then edit to make it look like it’s outside by dropping in a background. As Mom would say: “the wonders of modern science”.
What I’m doing is really basic stuff, nothing like the things they did on the Matrix. Which it wouldn’t be, obviously. I remember reading that those actors had months and months of kung fu training even though most of the stunts were done by stunt men.
Right. This is it. I’m going to really concentrate. I will not be beaten. I can do this. It’s not hard.
I’m a graceful fairy,
I’m a graceful fairy,
I’m a graceful fairy.
“Ready,” I call, for the first time feeling confident of success.
The technician holds up his thumb so I know we’re about to go. I take a deep breath, point my toes, bring my legs together and hold out my arms at a forty-five degree angle. So far, so good. I swallow hard as I begin to move.
Yay, I’m doing it. I’m actually doing it. Please let Zak say it’s ok.
“Hu-fucking-ray,” booms Zak’s voice. “At last, she’s got it.”
I’ve done it. I’ve actually done it. I can do wirework. And even Zak’s sarcastic tone can’t spoil it.
A loud crash, sounding like someone slamming the door, gives me a start and I jerk backwards. My legs splay and I lose all control of my body, until suddenly I’m hanging upside down.
This so isn’t happening to me. My hair flops into my eyes and my arms dangle in mid-air. And let’s not even think about how shallow my breathing is.
Crap.
After what seems like an eternity (which is probably only a few seconds) someone starts a slow handclap. And here’s me thinking it couldn’t get any worse.
I figure it’s Zak and wait for everyone to join in. Except they don’t.
The silence is deafening. Until…
“Look at that crazy bitch. You’re surely not expecting her to be my double.”
Tilly Winters in the flesh. And none too happy to see me!
Add Will the Real Abi Saunders Please Stand Up to your Goodreads shelf.
Amazon | B&N
About Sara
Sara Hantz originally comes from the UK and is one of four children, having three younger brothers. Although she was an avid reader from a very early age, she didn’t get the writing bug until much later in life, though English was always one of her stronger subjects. She’s an avid sun chaser and now lives on the beautiful Sunshine Coast in Australia (via 10 years in New Zealand). She writes young adult fiction and her debut book The Second Virginity of Suzy Green was published by Flux Books and made the prestigious list ‘New York Public Library Books for the Teen Age’. Sara has a PhD in Education and lectured for many years before deciding to devote more time to her writing and working in the family hospitality business. She has two grown-up children and w hen not writing, working or online with her friends, she spends more time than most people she knows watching TV - in fact if TV watching was an Olympic sport she'd win gold.
Website | Twitter | Facebook
Giveaway
In celebration of the reveals, Sara is giving away a $50 Amazon giftcard! Use the rafflecopter below to enter.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
So awhile back, I was asked to read and blurb this Entangled book, IN THE BLOOD, since it's very much in my genre. It was AWESOME. And that was even before edits so I can't wait to see how much more awesome Sara made it! It was a huge honor for someone to ask me to blurb their book.
To top it off--if you don't already know, I'm also a cover designer and I've been making covers for Entangled Publishing. (Re-release of HUSHED, and OLIVIA TWISTED.) I had the joy of making both of these covers. IN THE BLOOD in particular is probably one of my favorite covers I've ever gotten to make. So without further ado...
Today we’re revealing not one, but two covers for upcoming books by Sara Hantz. In the Blood releases November 5 and Will the Real Abi Saunders Please Stand Up? releases May 6, 2014.
In the Blood
For seventeen years Jed Franklin’s life was normal. Then his father was charged with the abuse and murder of four young boys and normal became a nightmare.
His mom’s practically a walking zombie, he’s lost most of his friends, and the press camps out on his lawn. The only things that keep him sane are his little sis; his best friend and dream girl, Summer; and the alcohol he stashes in his room. But after Jed wakes up from a total blackout to discover a local kid has gone missing—a kid he was last seen talking to—he’s forced to face his greatest fear: that he could somehow be responsible.
In a life that’s spiraled out of control, Jed must decide if he chooses his own destiny with Summer by his side or if the violent urges that plagued his father are truly in the blood…
Excerpt
Chapter One
Pedophile: Noun
An adult who is sexually attracted to children.
Scum.
Sleazeball.
Creep.
Loser.
Lowlife.
Asswipe.
Dad.
Chapter Two
Benjamin Franklin. My Dad.
Not that Benjamin Franklin.
That Benjamin Franklin.
Pedophile and murderer.
Freaked out?
Did you even know a bastard like that could lead a regular life?
With a wife and two children. A son and a daughter. No, nor did we. Until it was too late.
Too fucking late.
The numbing shock when he was arrested. The disbelief. The conviction that the police had gotten it wrong. Way wrong. Even in the face of damning evidence, we knew that the truth would come out. That the evidence got switched. That there was a cover up, or something.
Something.
Then the police found locks of hair belonging to each of those dead boys, so well hidden in the little trinket box my dad’s mom gave him on her deathbed.
Then we knew. Really knew.
And that’s when our lives changed.
Forever.
Add In the Blood to your Goodreads shelf.
Will the Real Abi Saunders Please Stand Up?
Abi Saunders might be a kickboxing champion, but when it comes to being the center of attention, she’d rather take a roundhouse kick to the solar plexus any day. So when her trainer convinces her to audition to be the stunt double for hot teen starlet Tilly Watson, Abi is shocked—and a little freaked out—when she gets the job.
Being a stunt double is overwhelming, but once the wig and makeup are on, Abi feels like a different person. Tilly Watson, to be exact. And when Tilly’s gorgeous boyfriend, Jon, mistakes Abi for the real star, Abi's completely smitten. In fact, she’s so in love with her new life, it isn’t long before she doesn’t have time for her old one.
But when the cameras are turned off, will she discover running with the Hollywood A-list isn’t quite the glamorous existence she thought it was?
Excerpt
“Abi, for God’s sake, concentrate,” Zak shouts. “Fairies don’t look like elephants when they fly. Legs together, arms graceful, and glide. Please.”
My cheeks are crimson and I want to die. I know he’s the director and has the right to holler, but doesn’t he understand that the louder he is the worse I am? We must have gone over this move fifty times and I still can’t get it. And I know, without even looking, the other guys have lost it with me. It’s easy for them but I’m a kick-boxer, not a freakin’ acrobat.
And now Zak’s saying something to one of the crew. Let’s all guess what it is: get rid of the silly girl. We couldn’t get anyone more incompetent if we tried. In fact a monkey could do better.
Well, he’s right, a monkey could do better. Then again, a monkey wouldn’t need to wear a harness that cuts badly into its thighs so it can fly across the room. We’re doing wire work, the one thing I was looking forward to. Ha. What a laugh that is.
At least we’re not filming yet. This is just the rehearsal or, as they say, ‘prepping’. We’re in one of the studios that’s full of equipment with pulleys and wires. I’ve no idea how it all works, except that it keeps me up in the air. I thought we’d be doing this outside but it seems they film wire work stuff indoors against a big screen, and then edit to make it look like it’s outside by dropping in a background. As Mom would say: “the wonders of modern science”.
What I’m doing is really basic stuff, nothing like the things they did on the Matrix. Which it wouldn’t be, obviously. I remember reading that those actors had months and months of kung fu training even though most of the stunts were done by stunt men.
Right. This is it. I’m going to really concentrate. I will not be beaten. I can do this. It’s not hard.
I’m a graceful fairy,
I’m a graceful fairy,
I’m a graceful fairy.
“Ready,” I call, for the first time feeling confident of success.
The technician holds up his thumb so I know we’re about to go. I take a deep breath, point my toes, bring my legs together and hold out my arms at a forty-five degree angle. So far, so good. I swallow hard as I begin to move.
Yay, I’m doing it. I’m actually doing it. Please let Zak say it’s ok.
“Hu-fucking-ray,” booms Zak’s voice. “At last, she’s got it.”
I’ve done it. I’ve actually done it. I can do wirework. And even Zak’s sarcastic tone can’t spoil it.
A loud crash, sounding like someone slamming the door, gives me a start and I jerk backwards. My legs splay and I lose all control of my body, until suddenly I’m hanging upside down.
This so isn’t happening to me. My hair flops into my eyes and my arms dangle in mid-air. And let’s not even think about how shallow my breathing is.
Crap.
After what seems like an eternity (which is probably only a few seconds) someone starts a slow handclap. And here’s me thinking it couldn’t get any worse.
I figure it’s Zak and wait for everyone to join in. Except they don’t.
The silence is deafening. Until…
“Look at that crazy bitch. You’re surely not expecting her to be my double.”
Tilly Winters in the flesh. And none too happy to see me!
Add Will the Real Abi Saunders Please Stand Up to your Goodreads shelf.
Amazon | B&N
About Sara
Sara Hantz originally comes from the UK and is one of four children, having three younger brothers. Although she was an avid reader from a very early age, she didn’t get the writing bug until much later in life, though English was always one of her stronger subjects. She’s an avid sun chaser and now lives on the beautiful Sunshine Coast in Australia (via 10 years in New Zealand). She writes young adult fiction and her debut book The Second Virginity of Suzy Green was published by Flux Books and made the prestigious list ‘New York Public Library Books for the Teen Age’. Sara has a PhD in Education and lectured for many years before deciding to devote more time to her writing and working in the family hospitality business. She has two grown-up children and w hen not writing, working or online with her friends, she spends more time than most people she knows watching TV - in fact if TV watching was an Olympic sport she'd win gold.
Website | Twitter | Facebook
Giveaway
In celebration of the reveals, Sara is giving away a $50 Amazon giftcard! Use the rafflecopter below to enter.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
October 5, 2013
Cover Reveal: HUSHED by Kelley York @elixing (re-release)
November is just around the corner, and come November will be the launch of Entangled's new Embrace line. HUSHED will be re-released digitally on this fancy new line...and that also means I got to design a new cover for it! I've been whining at one of my poor publicists for awhile now to get to show it off. ;)
What do you think? I'm totally digging it. I love the cold colors and the stalker-ish feel of it. Plus, I'm in love with the blurb Nyrae Dawn was so wonderful as to give me!
What do you think? I'm totally digging it. I love the cold colors and the stalker-ish feel of it. Plus, I'm in love with the blurb Nyrae Dawn was so wonderful as to give me!
September 29, 2013
MADE OF STARS blog tour schedule!
Hey, everyone! Tomorrow begins the Made of Stars blog tour. The tour runs for two weeks, September 30th through October 11th. There will be some reviews, guests posts, and interviews, not to mention some awesome giveaways.
Rockstar Book Tours has the schedule list up, so check it out. :)
Rockstar Book Tours has the schedule list up, so check it out. :)
September 25, 2013
Bits of news and a story
First off...only a few days left for the .99 cent sale on Suicide Watch, so get over to Amazon and buy it half price while you can! October 1st, it'll be returning to its usual $1.99.
Second...the Made of Stars blog tour starts September 30th! I've been filling out interviews and writing up guest posts. As soon as I have the full list of stops and dates, I'll be posting it. Keep an eye out for prizes, too!
Third...I'm going to tell you a story.
When I was a wee lass of only 12 (I've always wanted to say that), my family and I were driving from Sacramento down to Fresno to visit my aunt and cousins. We were in two cars. If memory serves, I was in the car with my sister's boyfriend (later to be her husband).
Many parts of the freeway from here to Fresno are pretty barren, and it was around 8:00pm and fairly dark. So it was a lot of luck that Jeremy--sister's boyfriend--saw the small dog darting across the freeway and had time to slam on the brakes to avoid hitting her. The dog darted off to our right, into a gas station parking lot. This gas station and the Burger King beside it were the only things around for miles.
Both of our cars pulled over. My family headed inside Burger King, while I took a seat outside and watched this scrawny, weird little dog running around the parking lot and checking me out. After about 15 minutes, she finally ventured close enough that I could see she obviously had not been eating, and had likely been out here in the middle of nowhere for awhile. She had a seat about two feet from me. I threw my jacket over her and gathered her up, not sure if she had plans on biting me or whatever. (She didn't. She just sat in my arms and shivered.) My mom's boyfriend brought out a cheeseburger, which the dog ate in three bites. The employees as both businesses said she'd been there about two weeks and no one had come to claim her. We left our number and took her with us. No one ever called.
I named her Kaffi. (Dude, don't look at me like that. I was twelve.) For the next 14 years, Kaffi was my best friend. She moved to Indiana with me. She moved back with me. She was neurotic and nervous and extremely high-strung, but she was my friend. For a long while, when I was going through a rough patch, Kaffi was the reason I got out of bed because I knew she needed me to take care of her. Other pets came and went, but Kaffi was the constant in my life.
As it happens, Kaffi got old. The vets suspected she was around 4 when we found her. So that would make her 18 when I finally had to put her down. She was losing weight, had a hard time getting up and moving around, was losing her sight, and was overall not seeming happy. A vet friend came to the house and euthanised her right there in the living room while I held her. I was just happy I didn't have to stress her out taking her to the clinic, because she hated cars.
I still miss her. I miss the companionship of having an animal I loved so much. Don't get me wrong--I've loved all my pets since her, but I haven't had the same connection to any animal. I was happy to have them, devastated when I lost them, but there was still something missing.
Then this guy came along:
Cecil isn't a new pet; we've had him for over a year now, but as he was sleeping in my lap this morning it dawned on me that I think I finally have a pet I share that connection with again.
Second...the Made of Stars blog tour starts September 30th! I've been filling out interviews and writing up guest posts. As soon as I have the full list of stops and dates, I'll be posting it. Keep an eye out for prizes, too!
Third...I'm going to tell you a story.
When I was a wee lass of only 12 (I've always wanted to say that), my family and I were driving from Sacramento down to Fresno to visit my aunt and cousins. We were in two cars. If memory serves, I was in the car with my sister's boyfriend (later to be her husband).
Many parts of the freeway from here to Fresno are pretty barren, and it was around 8:00pm and fairly dark. So it was a lot of luck that Jeremy--sister's boyfriend--saw the small dog darting across the freeway and had time to slam on the brakes to avoid hitting her. The dog darted off to our right, into a gas station parking lot. This gas station and the Burger King beside it were the only things around for miles.
Both of our cars pulled over. My family headed inside Burger King, while I took a seat outside and watched this scrawny, weird little dog running around the parking lot and checking me out. After about 15 minutes, she finally ventured close enough that I could see she obviously had not been eating, and had likely been out here in the middle of nowhere for awhile. She had a seat about two feet from me. I threw my jacket over her and gathered her up, not sure if she had plans on biting me or whatever. (She didn't. She just sat in my arms and shivered.) My mom's boyfriend brought out a cheeseburger, which the dog ate in three bites. The employees as both businesses said she'd been there about two weeks and no one had come to claim her. We left our number and took her with us. No one ever called.
I named her Kaffi. (Dude, don't look at me like that. I was twelve.) For the next 14 years, Kaffi was my best friend. She moved to Indiana with me. She moved back with me. She was neurotic and nervous and extremely high-strung, but she was my friend. For a long while, when I was going through a rough patch, Kaffi was the reason I got out of bed because I knew she needed me to take care of her. Other pets came and went, but Kaffi was the constant in my life.
As it happens, Kaffi got old. The vets suspected she was around 4 when we found her. So that would make her 18 when I finally had to put her down. She was losing weight, had a hard time getting up and moving around, was losing her sight, and was overall not seeming happy. A vet friend came to the house and euthanised her right there in the living room while I held her. I was just happy I didn't have to stress her out taking her to the clinic, because she hated cars.
I still miss her. I miss the companionship of having an animal I loved so much. Don't get me wrong--I've loved all my pets since her, but I haven't had the same connection to any animal. I was happy to have them, devastated when I lost them, but there was still something missing.
Then this guy came along:
Cecil isn't a new pet; we've had him for over a year now, but as he was sleeping in my lap this morning it dawned on me that I think I finally have a pet I share that connection with again.
