Heather Ostler's Blog, page 5

Happy News

Our sweet baby girl joined our family last week! We are overjoyed and absolutely in love with this little one. 

The Secret of Darkwood Castle

This week I was lucky enough to have my sweet friend Mindy Holt review The Secret of Darkwood Castle. I loved her review, which you can read here.

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Also, The Secret of Darkwood Castle is now available through Barnes and Noble! You can click here to order it.


I can't believe The Shapeshifter's Secret trilogy is complete. It has been an incredible past three years writing and publishing these novels. Thank you so much for all your kind words and support!

Happy Friday!

Thank you!

Click play.

Release Day and Giveaways Galore

The Secret of Darkwood Castle is officially out!



Click here to find it on Amazon.com and don't forget to add it on Goodreads.com!

Join the Facebook launch party tonight and enter to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card. Here's the link: www.facebook.com/events.

Annnnnd today is also the last day to enter to win a signed copy of The Secret of Darkwood Castle, enter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Secret of Darkwood Castle Facebook Launch Party!

Come celebrate the launch of The Secret of Darkwood Castle, the last book in The Shapeshifter's Secret trilogy! You're invited to join in the fun on Facebook where you'll be entered to win a ton of great prizes!

When: Wednesday May 21st at 6 PM.

Where: Online via Facebook. Join the party here: facebook.com/TheSecretofDarkwoodCastle.

What: Fun, games, and a whole lot of giveaways.

See you there!

Cover Reveal for The Secret of Darkwood Castle!

It's here and it's beautiful! I am so excited to release the last book in The Shapeshifter's Secret Series. Jackie Hicken did an absolutely amazing job on this cover, and I can't wait for The Secret of Darkwood Castle to come out May 21st. Stay tuned for the blog tour schedule, online launch party details, and giveaways! 

The Yes Man Theory

A couple of years ago a movie came out called Yes Man starring Jim Carrey. In the beginning of the movie his character Carl shuts everyone out of his life. He doesn't like his job, his relationships, or really anything about himself. Then he sees an old friend who invites him to try a new theory. You say yes to EVERYTHING. No matter what anyone asks you, no matter what opportunity presents itself, you have to say yes.

Skeptically, Carl begins to practice this theory. At first it goes terrible and puts him in a lot of uncomfortable situations, including giving a ride to a homeless person who asks if he can have his wallet and use his cell phone. All of which he says yes to.

Very soon, however, Carl realizes that fantastic opportunities arise when he begins to say yes. He makes new friends, becomes successful at work, and starts finding talents and skills he never knew he had. His whole life turns around for the better.

Obviously it's not smart to say yes to everything, and sure enough Carl learns this as more sticky situations arise. By the end of the film he realizes that he doesn't necessarily have to say yes to everything. The inventor of the yes theory explains that by just being positive and open to new opportunities he can come out of his comfort zone and find new adventures and happiness in everyday life.

I love this idea, and I've tried to apply to my life. To clarify, I don't say yes to everything, that would be silly. But I've tried to to come out of my comfort zone and try to new things, even if it seems scary at first.

One opportunity may lead to ten more. Meeting new people may lead to lifelong friendships, relationships, and networking possibilities. You may even discover a new talent or skill by simply trying it out. (Carl learns to speak Korean, takes guitar lessons, and learns to fly).

Here are a few of the things I've said yes to in the past year:

Being interviewed on television.
Speaking at writing conventions, camps, and classes.
Traveling to the Middle East.
Setting up a book tour throughout California and Utah.
Signing at Authorpalooza and Comic Con.
Throwing a book launch party at Barnes and Noble.

I'm so glad that I said yes to these opportunities. Each one seemed terrifying at first, but they all lead to other amazing adventures.

It doesn't have to be something huge like traveling to a different country or skydiving. Everyday life is exciting and wonderful. Sometimes simple things like public speaking, being social, or reaching out to someone can get you out of your comfort zone and make a big difference in the future. By being positive and open to new experiences you can find great opportunities and adventures in life!


Visiting Petra, Jordan. 

Helping at the New Student Orientation at UVU. 

Talking about The Siren's Secret on ABC. 

Signing at Costco.  

Teaching at a BYU creative writing camp. 

Visiting Istanbul, Turkey. 

Speaking on a panel at Salt Lake Comic Con. 

Finding a hidden waterfall on Oahu. 

Stopping by Orlando, Florida. 

Salt Lake Comic Con FanX

Pictures from Comic Con Part 2! Please note that I am super pregnant and did my best to make it all the way around the whole expo. 

Even pregnant people can feel small next to Hagrid. This was one of my favorite costumes there. 

Iron Man. How do they make these costumes?!

Middle-earth battles happening mid expo. 

My view from the Disney panel where Cruella De Vil posed perfectly right before the panel started. 

I had to search everywhere, but I finally found the mermaids! Biggest compliment ever: they said I had mermaid hair. 

And red coat (Allison?) from Pretty Little Liars! She was absolutely terrifying and I had to keep checking over my shoulder after bumping into her. Beware of red coat!
Until next time Salt Lake Comic Con! 

Comic Con FanXperience

I can't even begin to explain the fun craziness that is Comic Con! There is just SO much going on in one place. It's like Disneyland for Salt Lake City. In no particular order, here is a little bit of my FanX experience so far. 

My sister Michelle and I making friends with Star Wars stormtroopers.

Getting ready to speak on another fun writing panel with Utah authors. Last night we spoke about villains, one of my favorite subjects.  

Signing at the Deseret Book booth. 

My mom fist bumping Jonathan Frakes. She's so cool. 

Oh, you know, Thor waiting in line for Pizza. Even superheros get hungry! 

David Bowie minus the terrifying puppets from Labyrinth. 

Oh, it's a jolly holiday with Mary...

Loki just being awesome (see, I like villains). 

A whole Star Wars family complete with an adorable ewok. I hope they took a family picture to use for their Christmas card! 

And Karl Urban from Star Trek and Lord of the Rings. One girl came up to ask him a question and erupted into a fit of giggles before she could even speak to him. It was a pretty great panel. 

Author Shannen Crane Camp and I trying to soak it all in with pink pants and pink hair. 
Stay tuned for Comic Con FanXperience part 2!