Jennifer Anderson's Blog, page 4
December 24, 2014
Introvert-itis!
I'm an introvert.
I know. People who have known me for a long time might not agree, but I ask you, think about when we first met. Was I standoffish? Shy? Would you characterize me as bitchy?
I've heard them all and even from close friends. And I don't mind. This is something I struggle with everyday. Because as an author, I need to put myself out there and....*gasps*...socialize. I tend to avoid events because of fear of being left out or standing against the wall drinking all alone, which is just sad.
What makes this really hard is my husband, is not. He's Mr. Social. Mr. Knows-Everybody. Mr. Hey I-Won't-Forget-Your-Name. Always with a handshake and a smile.
And he is constantly asking me if I said hello to someone when I mention seeing them at a store. Usually, I say no. I can't help it. My fear of being rejected is enough to force me to look away and pretend I don't see them. I don't mean to be rude and have on many occasions overcame my fear and put myself out there and will always get a friendly hello.
So this morning, Christmas Eve, I went to my least favorite store to grab a few last minute food items for the next morning. And like usual I see someone I know. I've actually spoken to this person and I know he recognizes me because he does that double look thing. I build up courage and think I can at least offer a smile and hello and step out of my shell. For the holidays.
As our carts get closer to each other, we share a few more glances in each others' way and I'm going to do it. I am strong. I am brave. And just as our carts are close enough to tough each other, I say, "Hello" and smile.
And he looks down, obviously avoiding me!
Well, I came home and gave my husband an earful. The one time, I put myself out there and WHAM the door is slammed in my face.
Merry Christmas!
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I know. People who have known me for a long time might not agree, but I ask you, think about when we first met. Was I standoffish? Shy? Would you characterize me as bitchy?I've heard them all and even from close friends. And I don't mind. This is something I struggle with everyday. Because as an author, I need to put myself out there and....*gasps*...socialize. I tend to avoid events because of fear of being left out or standing against the wall drinking all alone, which is just sad.
What makes this really hard is my husband, is not. He's Mr. Social. Mr. Knows-Everybody. Mr. Hey I-Won't-Forget-Your-Name. Always with a handshake and a smile.
And he is constantly asking me if I said hello to someone when I mention seeing them at a store. Usually, I say no. I can't help it. My fear of being rejected is enough to force me to look away and pretend I don't see them. I don't mean to be rude and have on many occasions overcame my fear and put myself out there and will always get a friendly hello.
So this morning, Christmas Eve, I went to my least favorite store to grab a few last minute food items for the next morning. And like usual I see someone I know. I've actually spoken to this person and I know he recognizes me because he does that double look thing. I build up courage and think I can at least offer a smile and hello and step out of my shell. For the holidays.
As our carts get closer to each other, we share a few more glances in each others' way and I'm going to do it. I am strong. I am brave. And just as our carts are close enough to tough each other, I say, "Hello" and smile.
And he looks down, obviously avoiding me!
Well, I came home and gave my husband an earful. The one time, I put myself out there and WHAM the door is slammed in my face.
Merry Christmas!
December 19, 2014
Holiday Giveaway!
Yesterday, a local radio station asked their listeners to share their most cherished holiday gift. For me, I have two. One, my husband proposed on Christmas Eve, ultimately leading to the best family ever! And two, 3 years ago he had made for me and my oldest daughter (my only at the time) a three stone necklace. Each stone represented the birthstones of my daughter, mine and my grandmother, who I lost earlier that year. On both occasions, I cried because not only did he give me jewelry, but he gave me something I can have and wear forever. I can keep the women of my life close to my heart! (Luckily my newest daughter has the same birthstone as my oldest daughter!!)
So, now for the giveaway. I will pick two winners. One on my blog and one on Facebook. Share with me your most cherished gift by Monday, 12 noon CST, and I'll draw one name, randomly, from each and you can either have an e-book or print copy of My Brother's Wedding.
Okay, now open those hears, grab some tissue and start sharing!
So, now for the giveaway. I will pick two winners. One on my blog and one on Facebook. Share with me your most cherished gift by Monday, 12 noon CST, and I'll draw one name, randomly, from each and you can either have an e-book or print copy of My Brother's Wedding.
Okay, now open those hears, grab some tissue and start sharing!
December 12, 2014
Time to Get Deep
Call it the holiday spirit or call it the crazy ramblings of a sleep deprived mom. But lately, I can't help but be extra thankful for my family...especially what my youngest has brought to my life in the past 2 years.
My husband and I dated a bit in high school and reconnected before I went off to college...where he attended. And our lives became one instantly. It was like we balanced each other' 'quirks and we shared something deeper than a relationship...we were friends.
So like most stories, we married a year after graduating college and started our family that same year. Sure, we were young, but it all was a natural progression. Three years later, kid number two came and life was complete. My husband provided for us, allowing me to work part-time and be a mom to our kids.
Kids grow and our family was doing okay but I have to admit, something I haven't to anyone, I always wondered what our life would be like with a third kid. I joked that if I wanted to stay home full time I should get pregnant. Ha! Ha! You have to understand, that I never even planned on one kid before we were married. I had a bad childhood and didn't think I could provide for another based on my own experience. And even after kid one, who I love more than anything, I was done. Then two and my son is my precious baby boy who will always hold his mother's heart.
At 34, I wondered what else I needed in my life. My kids were older and we fell into a routine of not having to monitor them but provide and love them. Except, I felt I needed more.
I didn't plan it. Hell, I didn't even think it was medically possible to have another kid but shortly after the first of the year in 2012, I was in fact pregnant.
It was a long, tough pregnancy but this sweet baby girl is my world. I think she saved me from feeling incomplete. I don't want you to think that I was bored and needed a playmate. That couldn't be farther from the truth. My writing career was just getting off the ground, I worked part-time for my publisher learning the biz and I was still dealing with the grief of losing the most important woman in my life, my grandmother. And my full-time job was causing me grief.
And still, my life is a runaway train barreling through each day only to fall into bed and catch a few winks before the morning. There are days when I want to hide from my little girl because she's driving me insane.
But her unconditional love for me burns the back of my eyes and sticks in my throat.
Maybe one day, when she's a temperamental teenager who thinks everybody hates her, she'll read this and know just how much mommy loves her.
Grab someone you love today and give them a little extra love. It is the season!
My husband and I dated a bit in high school and reconnected before I went off to college...where he attended. And our lives became one instantly. It was like we balanced each other' 'quirks and we shared something deeper than a relationship...we were friends.
So like most stories, we married a year after graduating college and started our family that same year. Sure, we were young, but it all was a natural progression. Three years later, kid number two came and life was complete. My husband provided for us, allowing me to work part-time and be a mom to our kids.
Kids grow and our family was doing okay but I have to admit, something I haven't to anyone, I always wondered what our life would be like with a third kid. I joked that if I wanted to stay home full time I should get pregnant. Ha! Ha! You have to understand, that I never even planned on one kid before we were married. I had a bad childhood and didn't think I could provide for another based on my own experience. And even after kid one, who I love more than anything, I was done. Then two and my son is my precious baby boy who will always hold his mother's heart.
At 34, I wondered what else I needed in my life. My kids were older and we fell into a routine of not having to monitor them but provide and love them. Except, I felt I needed more.
I didn't plan it. Hell, I didn't even think it was medically possible to have another kid but shortly after the first of the year in 2012, I was in fact pregnant.
It was a long, tough pregnancy but this sweet baby girl is my world. I think she saved me from feeling incomplete. I don't want you to think that I was bored and needed a playmate. That couldn't be farther from the truth. My writing career was just getting off the ground, I worked part-time for my publisher learning the biz and I was still dealing with the grief of losing the most important woman in my life, my grandmother. And my full-time job was causing me grief.
And still, my life is a runaway train barreling through each day only to fall into bed and catch a few winks before the morning. There are days when I want to hide from my little girl because she's driving me insane.
But her unconditional love for me burns the back of my eyes and sticks in my throat.
Maybe one day, when she's a temperamental teenager who thinks everybody hates her, she'll read this and know just how much mommy loves her.
Grab someone you love today and give them a little extra love. It is the season!
December 8, 2014
My Fav Reads of 2014
Can you believe the year is almost over? Tim flew but I made sure to have fun and hunker down with several good books. With e-readers, I burn right through books. Instant gratification!
I didn't read very many new releases because those reads are saved for my fave authors in various genres but I will sum up my year:
NA
I love the entire Ruin series by Rachel Van Dyken. Her writing is great and not like many NA, there is sexy but not so descriptive that I need a shower after reading. And the first book hooks you!
Who doesn't love rock stars? This series was great and I'm eagerly awaiting the next book.
YA
I could gush all day about my love of this author and this book! I need more from her!
Clever, funny and super cute!
Love this author and would read her grocery list if she'd let me! This series is wonderful. Engaging, beautiful and so full of love. Must read!
These are just a few of my favorites from 2014. What were yours? Any recommendations?
I didn't read very many new releases because those reads are saved for my fave authors in various genres but I will sum up my year:
NA
I love the entire Ruin series by Rachel Van Dyken. Her writing is great and not like many NA, there is sexy but not so descriptive that I need a shower after reading. And the first book hooks you!
Who doesn't love rock stars? This series was great and I'm eagerly awaiting the next book.YA
I could gush all day about my love of this author and this book! I need more from her!
Clever, funny and super cute!
Love this author and would read her grocery list if she'd let me! This series is wonderful. Engaging, beautiful and so full of love. Must read!These are just a few of my favorites from 2014. What were yours? Any recommendations?
December 4, 2014
Holiday Gifts 2014: Ideas and Suggestions
I love this time of year. Sure, I probably gain like 10 pounds from all the cookies and ridge the edge of credit card debt (I kid!) but I love presents and the closeness this time of year can bring.
But the love can get hidden behind the stress of finding the perfect gifts. And I strive to be a gift perfectionist. So I'm always on the look-out for some great ideas and my friend Beth Merrell shared a great group of products with me that will delight that make-up loving lady (or man) in your life.
I present you with Younique:
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. How about these:
Now, I haven't had the pleasure of trying these wonderful items, but as a woman, who is getting older and finding her lashes are not as full as they once were (I don't seem to have that problem with my stomach), I like these results.
If you're a user, I'd love to hear what you think. But if you're in need of more information, check out Beth's website.
Have a gift idea to share? Do it! I'll have more as the weeks progress.
But the love can get hidden behind the stress of finding the perfect gifts. And I strive to be a gift perfectionist. So I'm always on the look-out for some great ideas and my friend Beth Merrell shared a great group of products with me that will delight that make-up loving lady (or man) in your life.
I present you with Younique:
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. How about these:
Now, I haven't had the pleasure of trying these wonderful items, but as a woman, who is getting older and finding her lashes are not as full as they once were (I don't seem to have that problem with my stomach), I like these results.If you're a user, I'd love to hear what you think. But if you're in need of more information, check out Beth's website.
Have a gift idea to share? Do it! I'll have more as the weeks progress.
November 26, 2014
50% off Black Friday TMP Bookstore sale!
Visit the TMP Bookstore today through December 1st to save 50% off you entire purchase. Enter code BLACK50 at checkout.
Might I made a few suggestions....
November 25, 2014
#1 Get Organized
I think as a mother of 3, this is constantly on my to-do list. Throw in editing part-time, marketing coordinator part-time and author, and my need to get my act together multiplies.
And I'm constantly asked how I do it all. And some how, it all gets done, but never with my sanity in tact!
My boss, who is also an author and runs a publishing company, shared her new schedule ideas and I felt like the light bulb finally clicked on.
She shared that she devotes 3 long days to her company, often working into the wee hours of the night and allowing a little overflow if needed. Then she uses the 4 other days to play catch-up to her author life. Whether that is promo or writing. And if you're a published writer, you know that social media, blogging and ads eat up a lot of your delegated author time. But also, as a writer, when you're creative juices are flowing, often when you've locked yourself in a room, you need to attack when you can and allotting 4 days to do so is brilliant. And have a life, too!
In sharing her wisdom, I've created a plan of my own. While I don't have a business to run, I do have a house to manage and 3 kids, with one still at home. For 3 days, I will work 4 hours each on my marketing responsibilities and leave the other 4 days to my personal author business and sprinkle in editing work among the 7 days.
And to help me keep and stay organized, I've purchased (an early Christmas gift!) a Life Planner. If you're interested, follow this link: https://www.erincondren.com/referral/invite/jenniferanderson0806
How do you manage your time? Inquiring minds are wondering!
And I'm constantly asked how I do it all. And some how, it all gets done, but never with my sanity in tact!
My boss, who is also an author and runs a publishing company, shared her new schedule ideas and I felt like the light bulb finally clicked on.
She shared that she devotes 3 long days to her company, often working into the wee hours of the night and allowing a little overflow if needed. Then she uses the 4 other days to play catch-up to her author life. Whether that is promo or writing. And if you're a published writer, you know that social media, blogging and ads eat up a lot of your delegated author time. But also, as a writer, when you're creative juices are flowing, often when you've locked yourself in a room, you need to attack when you can and allotting 4 days to do so is brilliant. And have a life, too!
In sharing her wisdom, I've created a plan of my own. While I don't have a business to run, I do have a house to manage and 3 kids, with one still at home. For 3 days, I will work 4 hours each on my marketing responsibilities and leave the other 4 days to my personal author business and sprinkle in editing work among the 7 days.
And to help me keep and stay organized, I've purchased (an early Christmas gift!) a Life Planner. If you're interested, follow this link: https://www.erincondren.com/referral/invite/jenniferanderson0806
How do you manage your time? Inquiring minds are wondering!
November 21, 2014
Ice Princess is on sale!
Just in time for the holidays, Ice Princess is only #99cents!
My pretty little baby, my first born, is all polished up and ready for your e-reader and for only #99cents, how can you pass that up!
Here are a few links for some of our favorite e-book retailers!
Barnes&Noble Amazon iBooks Smashwords
My pretty little baby, my first born, is all polished up and ready for your e-reader and for only #99cents, how can you pass that up!
Here are a few links for some of our favorite e-book retailers!
Barnes&Noble Amazon iBooks Smashwords
November 20, 2014
Just keep swimming...
2014 proved to be the year I would not participate in NaNoWrimo and I'm saddened. Kids, work and the fact the month of November is almost over did not provide the motivation. So instead of killing myself, because those late nights are not pretty, I gave in before it started.
But to my fellow writers and NaNoers, I raise my glass to you. You can do this. Sure, the word count seems unreasonable but there are others, many others, out there who have written in your shoes, or fingers, and have succeeded. You can do it!
And when the dust settles, you'll have a manuscript ready for edits!
Good luck!
October 27, 2014
Book Reviews: Subjection Lesson 2
One of my most least favorite words is reviews. In particular, book reviews! Oy! And I handle the review submissions for TMP and my reasoning isn't because I hate my job. I love it.
The reason for my disdain is because no matter what, book reviews are subjective. Plain and simple. Have you ever read the disclaimer about fair or impartial reviews. Great! I honestly believe that the reviewer follows this rule but their taste does not always match mine. And while they might love one aspect but they could hate another and I may feel the opposite.
If you are a new writer or have a book out or about to, please, please, please, remember that book reviews are subjective. The review is entitled to their opinion when it concerns your work. Never engage them. Some industry folks, including reviewers, say stay away. The review isn't for the author, its for the readers.
And the sad thing is many book sales or rankings are dependent on book reviews. But who actually pays attention to them. Do you make all your reading decisions based on reviews? Do you read them for every details or do you pay attention the over star rating? What sites do you refer to build up your TBR list?
Personally, I don't base my reading choices on reviews. I might scan the star rating and I occassionally will read one but I go on word-of-mouth or stick with my favorite authors. Heck, I've been known to do just a genre search and pick out a new author.
I read a wonderful blog post by Katie McGarry where she discusses reviews and the recent incident involving an author who stalked and contacted the reviewer. If you get a chance, click on the link and read her post. It is fantastic. Truthful. Honest.
And I completely agree.
Do you have a review story? As an author, did you thank the reviewer or stay away?
The reason for my disdain is because no matter what, book reviews are subjective. Plain and simple. Have you ever read the disclaimer about fair or impartial reviews. Great! I honestly believe that the reviewer follows this rule but their taste does not always match mine. And while they might love one aspect but they could hate another and I may feel the opposite.
If you are a new writer or have a book out or about to, please, please, please, remember that book reviews are subjective. The review is entitled to their opinion when it concerns your work. Never engage them. Some industry folks, including reviewers, say stay away. The review isn't for the author, its for the readers.
And the sad thing is many book sales or rankings are dependent on book reviews. But who actually pays attention to them. Do you make all your reading decisions based on reviews? Do you read them for every details or do you pay attention the over star rating? What sites do you refer to build up your TBR list?
Personally, I don't base my reading choices on reviews. I might scan the star rating and I occassionally will read one but I go on word-of-mouth or stick with my favorite authors. Heck, I've been known to do just a genre search and pick out a new author.
I read a wonderful blog post by Katie McGarry where she discusses reviews and the recent incident involving an author who stalked and contacted the reviewer. If you get a chance, click on the link and read her post. It is fantastic. Truthful. Honest.
And I completely agree.
Do you have a review story? As an author, did you thank the reviewer or stay away?
