Jessica Scott's Blog, page 23
October 19, 2012
Wicked Romances Hop
Time to embrace your wicked side! I’m giving away copies of UNTIL THERE WAS YOU, BECAUSE OF YOU and Shawntelle Madison’s COVETED all in ebook!
Sharing My Favorite Read Giveaway Hop was organized by Reading Romances!
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October 15, 2012
A Tale of Two Boys
What’s Happening To Us
I’ve been a little quiet on the blog lately. Usually that’s a sign of trouble but in this case, it’s a sign of me being troubled. Two little kids have haunted me for the last two weeks and I want to tell you about them.
Last week, I went on the ride along program with the local police department. The first call of the night was to a roller rink where a 12 year old boy was being detained by the owners. Why would a little kid be in trouble enough to call the police? He’d been following a little girl around all night, groping her. What makes it worse is that when we showed up with the police, he was violent, angry and obnoxious.
His defiance continued as the police officer tried to get him to give us his mother’s phone number. He wouldn’t give it up and kept swearing up a storm. As the time moved on, my first sergeant was able to break him down. He started crying like the child he was. When asked again where his mom was, he said she was hooking in an apartment somewhere in Killeen. Why does a child even know that? And when his grandmother showed up why was the first response out of her mouth when told of her grandson’s actions “did she say you could touch her?”
What started out as a defiant little kid who I wanted to turn over my knee ended with my heart breaking in my chest. He’s 12. He’s already on probation. He’s failing at school. He’s already attempted suicide. He’s 12! Grandmom doesn’t know how to deal with him and believes the system is ready to lock him up forever. But my first sergeant and her husband decided to get involved. They decided to take that young man under their wing. To find him a mentor. To try and save another troubled young man from a life of being labeled a failure before he’s even a teenager.
The other little boy is in my daughter’s class. He’s nine. We had a birthday party for her this weekend. He makes me want to cry just thinking about him. He smaller than the other kids, with shadows in his eyes. I don’t know where his parents are. He gave my daughter a card. It was all he had. And when she made it a point to play with him on the trampoline, his whole face lit up. She told me she’s the only person who is nice to him because he’s always in trouble. Even the teachers struggle with him. He told me his grandmom gets mad at him when he “gets wound up”. All I could do was hug him. Because he looks like he needed a hug.
Both of these young men are failing. We can ask where their parents are. We can point the finger and say they’re bad kids, we should throw them out of the school so they don’t drag everyone else down with them. But how many more of them are out there? I think a lot of us take for granted the fact that there’s food on the table, that we had parents who loved us and did their best. For whatever reason, their parents aren’t there. Regardless the reason, the impact is still the same.
This sounds like it’s about our society but at the end of the day, it’s not. It’s about two little boys. Both who badly need someone to hug them.
October 8, 2012
Self Publishing for a Cause
I’m deeply honored today to have Natalie Baum as a guest here on the blog. I first heard about Natalie and why she was self publishing The Secret Underground at RWA this year when her agent Sara Megibow mentioned it.
I wanted to post her book on release day for me because I’m hoping it will drive lots of traffic for her. If you have to decide between my book and hers, buy hers. Just wait til you read the reason why she self published. So without further ado, Natalie is here to tell you a little bit about why she’s self publishing this fantastic story!
I’m a writer. I also have four rowdy little kids. Ninety percent of every day revolves around them. I fit writing in during naps or early in the morning before they get up.
I’m a writer, but the truth is writing is a pretty small part of my life. Mostly, I’m a mom. I think that’s why I was so touched when I heard about the struggles of a sweet baby boy named Jayden.
Two years ago I had my youngest child. I’d had some complications with my pregnancy and my baby was born a little premature. He spent a few weeks in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Those weeks were hard, but it wasn’t long before he came home, healthy and happy.
A few months after the birth of my son, Jayden was born. Just like my little guy, he went straight to the NICU. Only, he didn’t come home for SIX MONTHS. His parents were at the hospital constantly, never knowing if their baby would make it one more day. He finally came home but, because of some major health issues, he’s been in and out of the hospital ever since.
After a year and half of mounting bills his parents were struggling financially too.
When I heard about their heartbreaking situation, I knew I needed to do something to help.
I called up my agent, Sara Megibow, and asked if we could do a book for him. She thought it was wonderful idea, so with the support of Nelson Literary Agency, we published The Secret Underground.
It’s a middle grade adventure (perfect for 8-12-year-olds) about a group of kids who dig a tunnel to an abandoned steel mill. There’s danger and fun and friendship and a few scary bank robbers (think Goonies).
I hope you’ll consider buying a copy for a child in your life. All of the profits will go to help Jayden and his family. And I know every single book sold will make a difference to them.
You can read more about the project and Jayden here. The paperback version of The Secret Underground is available on Amazon. The eBook can be purchased just about anywhere eBooks are sold. The audiobook is available on Audible and iTunes. The paperback will be in more online bookstores soon.
Thanks so much for letting me visit, Jessica! I hope Until There Was You sells like hotcakes! ☺
Want to help? Purchase the paperback at Amazon or purchase the ebook at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iTunes.
It’s for a great cause. What are you waiting for?
October 5, 2012
Happy Friday, Reviews & Free Books!
So I woke up this morning to find that UNTIL THERE WAS YOU had hit 7200 on Amazon. That felt pretty freaking awesome, let me tell you (yes, I know this does not directly correlate to numbers but climbing ranking feels great anyway)!
Today is a hugely busy day. I’m all over the place so stop by and check out some of the fun places I’m hanging out. Heck, I’m being roasted, which ought to be fun as all get out. Here’s some of the places I’m hanging today.
Thank you so so much for the amazing support for Evan & Claire’s story! Please stop by and check out some of the fabulous early reviews.
And if you haven’t done so, remember to enter the preorder sweepstakes! Contest closes Sunday night to win a new Kindle Fire or Nook HD! Makes a great holiday gift so make sure you check it out!!
And finally, I’m giving away FIVE paperback copies of UNTIL THERE WAS YOU. Make sure you enter the goodreads contest!
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Goodreads Book Giveaway
Until There Was You
by Jessica Scott
Giveaway ends October 16, 2012.
See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.
October 3, 2012
Reviews I Didn’t Pay For
UNTIL THERE WAS YOU is out in only 4 days. I cannot believe how SLOW this week is going. It’s like getting ready to come home from Iraq. The first 11 months of your deployment will fly by but that last month is like dog years.
I am so touched by all the wonderful support for my 2nd book from bloggers, readers and reviewers. Thank you all so much! Please make sure to step by and check out just a few of these awesome sites!
If you haven’t checked out the reviews on Goodreads, you should. Because I totally did not pay for any of them.
I’m also giving away 3 hard copies of UNTIL THERE WAS YOU on GOODREADS.
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Goodreads Book Giveaway
Until There Was You
by Jessica Scott
Giveaway ends October 16, 2012.
See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.
October 2, 2012
Exciting News & More Early Reviews
We’re well under the wire for UNTIL THERE WAS YOU. Less than 5 days until it’s available!
I’m so grateful to everyone who has helped support the Coming Home series by spreading the word and for these wonderful early reviews. Please check these fantastic sites out!
What Every Betty Said:http://www.whateverybettysaid.com/blo...
The Jeep Diva: http://www.thejeepdiva.com/2012/10/ar...
Books of Love: http://livredeamour-booksoflove.blogs...
Amy’s Book World: http://amysbookworld.blogspot.com/201...
Naomi’s Paranormal Palace: http://nomisparanormalpalace.blogspot...
Manic Readers: http://www.manicreaders.com/index.cfm...
I’m also thrilled to share the Official Trailer for UNTIL THERE WAS YOU. I used pictures from my OIF 09-11 tour. I hope you like it!
Remember to enter the giveaway contest, too! Entries close Sunday Night! http://www.jessicascott.net/blog/2012...
And if you haven’t preordered UNTIL THERE WAS YOU, you can get it at any of these fine ebook retailers!
September 30, 2012
LOVESWEPT Halloween Scavenger Hunt
UNTIL THERE WAS YOU comes out in less than a week. I’d be lying to you if I said I wasn’t freaking out. It’s my second book and I’m not going to try to play it cool like it’s no big deal.
I think it’s appropriate that it would come out around Halloween, seeing how Captain America makes an appearance in this book multiple times.
Halloween is that time of year where we get to put on our costumes and become something else, even if it’s only for one night. But Halloween is more often at my house if I get to get lost in a good book. And lately, I’ve been on a book drought. So in keeping with Halloween, recommend me a good book. Something out of this world, with characters that I’ll bleed for.
While I’m waiting for that book, check out an excerpt from UNTIL THERE WAS YOU. And remember to enter the contest before Oct 7th!
Chapter One
Late 2008
Colorado Springs, Colorado
“So this is hell? Very scenic.” Claire shivered and slouched over a steaming
mug of coffee, wishing it were a bathtub she could crawl into. The lobby of the
Evergreen Lodge was polished ski-lodge elegance and pretty much guaranteed to
give the budget overlords coronaries. A huge stone fireplace in the middle radiated
a welcoming heat from all four sides. Overstuffed chairs were intermixed with
coffee tables and potted plants. Tiny white lights decorated the rafters and looked
like diminutive stars against the dark oak. The dining room took up half the
lobby, and dozens of windows let the wild mountain view in while keeping the cold
out.
Across the white tablecloth, Claire’s oldest friend and fellow army captain
Sarah Anders laughed and stirred her hot cocoa. “You know, if you stopped
complaining for a second, you’d realize that it’s called the Garden of the Gods for a
reason.”
“There is not enough cold-weather gear in the entire army inventory to make
me stop complaining. I’ve never been so cold in my life,” Claire grumbled. “I can’t
believe I’m saying this but I’d rather be in Iraq right now. At least I’d be warm.”
“It doesn’t help that you get to stay in this beautiful ski lodge because the
budget people screwed up?”
“Not a bit. They could have us at the swankiest place in Colorado Springs and
I’d still complain about the cold.”
“But you love me, which is why you’re here.” Sarah’s flip remark belied the
serious edge to her words. Claire had been friends with Sarah far too long to miss
the fact that she was, in fact, deeply worried.
“I’m here because my brigade commander ordered me here,” Claire said as she
cradled her coffee mug. “The only good thing about it is being stuck with you. Why
did you have to be the one tapped for this mission?”
Sarah shrugged and sipped her hot chocolate. “I’m the only company
commander who hasn’t deployed recently. It’s my turn.”
A shadow fell across her friend’s face and Claire reached across the table to
squeeze her friend’s hand. “We’ll get your team ready, Sarah.”
In truth, nothing they did in training could prepare Sarah for the mission she
was about to command. She was leading a logistics company into the tail end of
the Surge, the buildup of American forces designed to stabilize Iraq. As someone
who had recently returned from Iraq, Claire knew Sarah’s mission intimately.
Nothing was going to help take a company of combat-inexperienced soldiers
and turn them into steely-eyed killers inside of a month. But Claire said none of
that. It was the dead last thing that Sarah needed to hear right now.
Sarah tucked a stray lock of hair behind one ear and slid her water to one side
of the table to make room for a briefing folder. “Okay, so let’s talk about the
mission, because I’m in way over my head and I could use your expertise.”
Claire mirrored Sarah’s movement and leaned forward to look at the timeline
of events Sarah had slid in front of her. “Inspections, mission briefings, ranges,”
Claire read. She glanced over at Sarah. “What’s the problem?”
“Look at the first three days.” Sarah flipped the page over. “We’re shipping our
equipment in exactly five weeks. We have a sixteen-day training exercise to get
our crap together because at the end of this exercise, we are shipping out our
equipment, then we’re going on leave. All told, five weeks start to finish. And the
brigade commander . . . Claire, he doesn’t understand our mission.”
“Wow.” Claire let out a low whistle. The training timeline was packed full of
events that no one who’d deployed would waste time with. “Equal opportunity
training? The only thing equal opportunity about this war is the roadside bombs
that don’t care who they kill. Whose good-idea fairy was this training plan?”
“Someone who’s not paying attention to the fact that we are in no way ready
for this mission. My company is full of supply clerks and the commander has us
training mostly on shoot houses and hand-to-hand combat instead of convoy
training. We don’t do convoy training until the last two days of the exercise . . .
But that decision is way over my head. My focus right now is getting my team
ready for running the roads in Iraq.”
“Then I’m your gal. I’ve got more than thirty thousand miles under my belt on
the roads in combat.” Three tours to Iraq, one as a young enlisted soldier, two as
an officer. She was all too familiar with the threat that was buried beneath Iraq’s
roads. Sarah hadn’t deployed in almost four years. She should be nervous. The
war had changed a lot since the first troops went in back in ’03. It changed every
time Claire went back.
Sarah glanced over Claire’s shoulder and perked up. Claire twisted in the
plush leather chair and groaned.
“Who is that?” Sarah murmured.
Claire sighed. “You’re just like every other female on the planet,” Claire said,
ignoring the flip of her stomach. Evan Loehr was giving her an ulcer. Lovely. One
kiss and it would freaking haunt her forever. She regretted ever touching him.
“Sarah Anders, get ready to meet Captain America himself.”
You can order UNTIL THERE WAS YOU at these ebookstores or wherever ebooks are sold!
September 28, 2012
UNTIL THERE WAS YOU early reviews
UNTIL THERE WAS YOU is officially 9 days away (how the heck did that happen??) and while I’m trying keep myself distracted to work on edits for the next book, I have to say I’m excited about some of these early reviews. Check out some of the highlights below (more coming soon!) (may contain spoilers).
You can read more reviews at Goodreads:
Remember to enter the Until There Was You contest, too!
September 25, 2012
Do The Generals Know: Thoughts on Suicide Prevention
The army has a problem and we know it. Soldiers are dying by their own hand more than they are dying at the enemy’s hand. The Red Book, the Gold Book, and every commander from platoon leader up to the chief of staff are searching for answers.
But I wonder if the generals truly know what the sergeants and staff sergeants are facing at their level. We say this is a problem that can be fixed by leader involvement and I will not argue that point: there are far too many sergeants and not nearly enough NCOs as we used to say. But there are also far too many officers concerned with their next block check than actually caring for our troops. But for those leaders who are engaged, who are doing their very best, is the system working for them.
We had a train the trainer on suicide prevention yesterday. We had a platoon sergeant talk about taking a soldier who was hallucinating to the emergency room and being told he was fine. Why? Because he wasn’t a threat to himself or others. I’ve personally taken a soldier to the emergency room and tried to have him admitted because we found him in his apartment, using a cocktail of drugs that would have killed him had we not found him first. What did the hospital say? He says he’s not trying to kill himself: put him on CQ watch. Which is fine except that when you have less than 20% of the NCOs you’re authorized, who is going to watch this soldier? Do we stop training to do this?
The point of this piece is not to say the hospital is screwed up: the medical folks are overwhelmed. There simply are not enough resources for the soldiers who really need help to get it. Troops are coming into the army with PTSD and we’re breaking the back of our force in trying to do a thousand and one taskings, making sure our soldiers are home at 1700 with a family that may no longer be there because of more than a decade at war. Oh by the way, we’re still at war in a little by the way place called Afghanistan.
Do the generals know what the sergeants and staff sergeants are facing? We say back to basics but does that really mean inspecting your soldier’s room for lint on the fan? Or checking to make sure all soldiers are wearing their road guard belt? Or maybe it just means know where you soldiers live. Accountability by text message is not acceptable: when is the last time you saw a leader get fired for this? Or maybe that’s not the right question. Maybe the question should be: what else was that NCO doing that he or she simply did not have time or the personnel to personally check on someone?
We point to the garrison army of the 90s and say they did it. What was so different then? Well for starters, we had a larger force. Significantly larger. We had a different force, then, too. Suck it up and drive on was the mentality of the day but I distinctly remember my NCOs talking to me, knowing where I lived and being there. I can’t say what’s happening today because I am no longer a member of that time honored corps. As an officer, it would be too easy to say the NCOs are screwing up. I don’t believe that. What can we, the officer corps, do to make their jobs better? What can we take off the calendar so the NCOs and first line leaders have time to do that oak tree counseling that everyone seems to memorialize but no one can find the time to do. And if they are doing it, what are they not getting done? Because something has to give.
Everything cannot be a priority. If suicide prevention is truly a priority, then maybe, just maybe, we need to devote more time to it. But it must be a trade off, not merely another thing piled on. Because our force is breaking under the strain of trying to accomplish every mission. And there are some missions we simply must not fail.
September 24, 2012
Thoughts On Author Branding
One of the things that I worried obsessed about before my first book went on sale was what being “published” would change about me. I for one saw a huge difference in my own actions on line after my first book went on sale. I was conscientious about alienating readers. About offending people. About marring my author brand.
Bear with me as I take you on a small but related (I promise) tangent. In every army leadership school you go to, almost always they are “student” lead. Which means that students rotate through the leadership positions and are evaluated by their peers. Inevitably, there is one class clown who, when put in the leadership position, turns serious and hard core. And ultimately, they fail because their peers, who he/she refused to listen to and support, refused to support them. They tried to change who they were.
I learned a long time ago that you can’t change who you are once you’re in charge of a formation. If you’re a smart ass, eventually, your smart assedness (I don’t think that’s really a word) is going to infiltrate your daily work flow. People can’t maintain a façade indefinitely.
So once the newness of my book being published wore off, so to did this façade I found myself perpetrating. This “author” persona of Jess. Dude, being a writer is something I am. I can’t change that. But I’m also a smart ass who tends to have a hard time shutting her mouth, who says what’s on her mind without thinking about it, who cusses too much (I’m working on it, I swear). I can pretend to be some glossy shiny so called professional but all that means is that the personality that has infected this blog, my twitter feed and everything else that people come to my site to read about will become boring.
Maybe I should be boring and more professional. Maybe I should tiptoe around and worry about whether or not this f-bomb is going to offend someone in east bum fuck. Or maybe, I should stop trying so hard to keep from offending people and just be myself. It’s worked well for me so far.
I don’t have a brand. At least, I don’t think I do. Maybe I’m wrong. Who knows. But just because I’m published doesn’t mean that I have to let that change me. Just like being a company commander doesn’t mean I’m not a smart ass. I can try to restrain said smart ass a little bit but ultimately, she’s going to slip out. Probably in front of a general officer or at some other inappropriate time as has been known to happen.
But that’s half the fun of being around me. You never know what’s going to come out of my mouth next.
