Jen Naumann's Blog, page 8
May 3, 2013
Celebrate the Small Things
Happy Friday! This blog hop set up by the fabulous Vikki over at VikLit has been a great way to remind myself how precious the little moments in life are and to reflect on what I should be thankful for rather than what I wish I had.
This has really been a humdinger of a week. We welcomed one member into the family and had to say goodbye to another. When we buried my spirited step sister-in-law who lost her battle with cancer well before her time (at the age of 48), I was reminded of how precious life is and just how many things there are to celebrate by just being alive. She was one of those who lived every second of her life to the fullest with bright smiles, kindness and laughter. I've always tried to stay positive about things, but she has inspired me to bump it up a notch. What the result of that will actually end up being, I have yet to find out, but I can feel that there are some things that will change over time.In that spirit, there really were a lot of small things to celebrate this week, but I'm just going to list off the top 10 highlights:
1. My step-grandson was born and he's healthy and beautiful!2. I broke through a major case of writer's block on my second zombie book!3. I started running and lived (also got to buy first running shoes and running gear)!4. After rescheduling my son's school concert three times because of weather, they finally had it and sang Phillip Phillips's song Home (one of my favs)!5. My daughter had three track meets (thankfully before the snow hit) and did awesome!6. With a six hour car ride we were able to spend time with all of our children on Saturday!7. We celebrated my hubby's birthday!8. I'm officially wearing one shirt size smaller than before!9. My hubby won a decent amount of cash playing lotto and I won $100 playing pull-tabs!10. I was reminded of how I'm surrounded by hordes of amazing people—family, friends and fans!
Of course there were the usual things to celebrate, like I don't have to report to a 9-5 job in an office somewhere, everyone in my family is pretty healthy, we have a nice home and food on the table, and I have the world's best friends. Although I don't plan to list them each Friday, I think from now on I will be noticing the really little things. Because in the end, it's all about the little things that make your life complete.
This has really been a humdinger of a week. We welcomed one member into the family and had to say goodbye to another. When we buried my spirited step sister-in-law who lost her battle with cancer well before her time (at the age of 48), I was reminded of how precious life is and just how many things there are to celebrate by just being alive. She was one of those who lived every second of her life to the fullest with bright smiles, kindness and laughter. I've always tried to stay positive about things, but she has inspired me to bump it up a notch. What the result of that will actually end up being, I have yet to find out, but I can feel that there are some things that will change over time.In that spirit, there really were a lot of small things to celebrate this week, but I'm just going to list off the top 10 highlights:
1. My step-grandson was born and he's healthy and beautiful!2. I broke through a major case of writer's block on my second zombie book!3. I started running and lived (also got to buy first running shoes and running gear)!4. After rescheduling my son's school concert three times because of weather, they finally had it and sang Phillip Phillips's song Home (one of my favs)!5. My daughter had three track meets (thankfully before the snow hit) and did awesome!6. With a six hour car ride we were able to spend time with all of our children on Saturday!7. We celebrated my hubby's birthday!8. I'm officially wearing one shirt size smaller than before!9. My hubby won a decent amount of cash playing lotto and I won $100 playing pull-tabs!10. I was reminded of how I'm surrounded by hordes of amazing people—family, friends and fans!Of course there were the usual things to celebrate, like I don't have to report to a 9-5 job in an office somewhere, everyone in my family is pretty healthy, we have a nice home and food on the table, and I have the world's best friends. Although I don't plan to list them each Friday, I think from now on I will be noticing the really little things. Because in the end, it's all about the little things that make your life complete.
April 29, 2013
Enter to Win New Version of What I've Done!
People—I'm so crazy excited about the upcoming re-release of What I've Done that I'm literally dancing!
And in my celebration mode, I've decided to host a giveaway. Enter to win one of three paperback copies every day between now and May 20th in the Rafflecopter widget below. Be sure to tell everyone you know about this giveaway...your friends, your family, your co-workers, your mailman and anyone else who can read and has an interest in paranormal romances.
Good luck!
Lily Rossow is used to taking care of her burnout mother and 6-year-old sister Rose. But when her mother’s attempt to move the family to California only months before graduation goes horribly wrong, Lily faces the challenges of making a life for her and her sister in a new town while hoping her complicated past doesn’t find her. Things take an unexpected turn when two beautiful and helpful strangers come into Lily and Rose’s life. But nothing is easy for Lily. And when she uncovers a dark secret about these two mysterious men, she must make a life-altering decision-one that threatens to break the balance in an ancient battle between good and evil.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
And in my celebration mode, I've decided to host a giveaway. Enter to win one of three paperback copies every day between now and May 20th in the Rafflecopter widget below. Be sure to tell everyone you know about this giveaway...your friends, your family, your co-workers, your mailman and anyone else who can read and has an interest in paranormal romances.Good luck!
Lily Rossow is used to taking care of her burnout mother and 6-year-old sister Rose. But when her mother’s attempt to move the family to California only months before graduation goes horribly wrong, Lily faces the challenges of making a life for her and her sister in a new town while hoping her complicated past doesn’t find her. Things take an unexpected turn when two beautiful and helpful strangers come into Lily and Rose’s life. But nothing is easy for Lily. And when she uncovers a dark secret about these two mysterious men, she must make a life-altering decision-one that threatens to break the balance in an ancient battle between good and evil.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
April 27, 2013
Celebrate the Small Things
I just had a total Pretty in Pink moment. Remember when Iona tells Andie about her friend who missed the prom?
"I have this girlfriend who didn't go to hers, and every once in a while, she gets this really terrible feeling—you know, like something is missing. She checks her purse, and then she checks her keys. She counts her kids, she goes crazy, and then she realizes that nothing is missing. She decided it was side effects from skipping the prom."
I knew I was forgetting something and realized it must be side effects from skipping Celebrate the Small Things blog hop! Since I'm already a day late, I'm going to keep it short and sweet. Things that had me jumping up and joy for this week:
1. I received the proof for the revised version of What I've Done with it's fabulous new cover!2. I started writing a totally new story that flowed out of me like lava. Last time that happened was when I wrote The Day Zombies Ruined My Perfectly Boring Life so I'm expecting big things!
3. I finally got to "meet" three of my good writer friends that I've communicated non-stop with on Twitter for the last year.
4. The first reviews for my newest release Cheating Death came out and they were great! It's always nerve-racking to get feedback when you release a story into the wild.
AND FINALLY, in personal news:
My step-daughter gave birth yesterday to a healthy baby boy! It's the first grandson in the family, so everyone is over-the-moon excited. We're in the car heading up to see him as I type this!
Hope everyone is enjoying beautiful weather and having a great weekend!
"I have this girlfriend who didn't go to hers, and every once in a while, she gets this really terrible feeling—you know, like something is missing. She checks her purse, and then she checks her keys. She counts her kids, she goes crazy, and then she realizes that nothing is missing. She decided it was side effects from skipping the prom."
I knew I was forgetting something and realized it must be side effects from skipping Celebrate the Small Things blog hop! Since I'm already a day late, I'm going to keep it short and sweet. Things that had me jumping up and joy for this week:1. I received the proof for the revised version of What I've Done with it's fabulous new cover!2. I started writing a totally new story that flowed out of me like lava. Last time that happened was when I wrote The Day Zombies Ruined My Perfectly Boring Life so I'm expecting big things!
3. I finally got to "meet" three of my good writer friends that I've communicated non-stop with on Twitter for the last year.
4. The first reviews for my newest release Cheating Death came out and they were great! It's always nerve-racking to get feedback when you release a story into the wild.
AND FINALLY, in personal news:My step-daughter gave birth yesterday to a healthy baby boy! It's the first grandson in the family, so everyone is over-the-moon excited. We're in the car heading up to see him as I type this!
Hope everyone is enjoying beautiful weather and having a great weekend!
April 23, 2013
Summer Reading Challenge
I just realized this morning how slack I've been online. No video blogs, no Friday "Celebrate the Small Things" posts, nothing.
But I have a good excuse. Despite the fact that we still have snow on the ground and it's nearly May, my children are crazy busy. We've been running non-stop with volleyball, track, dance, confirmation, tae kwon do and that little thing called life.
I know that really doesn't excuse my daytime hours, but those have been filled with a major overhaul on my first novel What I've Done as well as trying to tackle my second zombie book.
And although I obviously love reading just as much as I love writing, I've had very little time for that lately. To remedy this, I've decided to challenge myself to read one book each day this summer. I'm not talking digital books (because if you watch my vlogs you know how well that goes), but honest to goodness books that I can hold in my hands and turn each page.
So I've started hoarding books for this challenge. Most of them are of the paranormal persuasion, but I'll probably throw a few old fashioned romance stories in the mix to spice things up. Plus there are a couple of John Green's I have yet to read. If you have any recommendations for something that is sure to knock my socks off, leave them in the comment below.
So while I'm working from our lake home this summer, I plan to at least try to give you a video reviewing a book every week. We'll see how this goes.
I challenge you to set up your own reading goal for this summer. Even once a month would be an awesome goal for anyone who loves to read but can never seem to find enough time. Now if this freaking snow would just melt and it would warm up enough to wear a pair of capris for the first time in 2013, maybe I could actually believe that summer is really on its way...
But I have a good excuse. Despite the fact that we still have snow on the ground and it's nearly May, my children are crazy busy. We've been running non-stop with volleyball, track, dance, confirmation, tae kwon do and that little thing called life.
I know that really doesn't excuse my daytime hours, but those have been filled with a major overhaul on my first novel What I've Done as well as trying to tackle my second zombie book.
And although I obviously love reading just as much as I love writing, I've had very little time for that lately. To remedy this, I've decided to challenge myself to read one book each day this summer. I'm not talking digital books (because if you watch my vlogs you know how well that goes), but honest to goodness books that I can hold in my hands and turn each page.
So I've started hoarding books for this challenge. Most of them are of the paranormal persuasion, but I'll probably throw a few old fashioned romance stories in the mix to spice things up. Plus there are a couple of John Green's I have yet to read. If you have any recommendations for something that is sure to knock my socks off, leave them in the comment below.
So while I'm working from our lake home this summer, I plan to at least try to give you a video reviewing a book every week. We'll see how this goes.
I challenge you to set up your own reading goal for this summer. Even once a month would be an awesome goal for anyone who loves to read but can never seem to find enough time. Now if this freaking snow would just melt and it would warm up enough to wear a pair of capris for the first time in 2013, maybe I could actually believe that summer is really on its way...
April 22, 2013
Cover Reveal: What I've Done
I'm so excited to bring you this updated cover for my first novel What I've Done! Since the book itself is undergoing a rewrite, it seemed appropriate to update the cover as well. After a year of designing book covers, I felt there were some major improvements that could be made to make this cover more stunning.
The second edition of What I've Done will be available in both digital and paperback versions in May.
The second edition of What I've Done will be available in both digital and paperback versions in May.
April 9, 2013
Vlog Celebrating New Release and a Discussion on Horror Movies
I'm baaaaack. Today I celebrate the release of Cheating Death *throws confetti* and review a couple of horror movies, as well as discussing horror movies today in general. Oh, and I wear a really cool t-shirt that may quite frankly be my favorite.
Sorry for the funky lighting. It was a gloomy day here in Minnesota!Check out Cargo (the 7 minute zombie movie I mentioned)
Read my review of Hannibal
Listen to the fun crew at Zombiecast
Sorry for the funky lighting. It was a gloomy day here in Minnesota!Check out Cargo (the 7 minute zombie movie I mentioned)
Read my review of Hannibal
Listen to the fun crew at Zombiecast
April 5, 2013
Celebrate the Small Things Blog Hop
Happy Friday! I just realized I spaced this blog hop off last Friday—sorry Vik! I'm keeping things short and sweet today as I have to leave for my daughter's track meet early afternoon.Things that brought me joy the last two weeks:
1. I really haven't done a lot of writing related things in the past two weeks other than get Cheating Death ready for publication and What I've Done ready for a re-release, but I did receive a printed copy of Cheating Death in the mail, and there's no feeling like holding your hard work in your hands.
2. Season finale of The Walking Dead. It wasn't as grand as I was expecting, but at least most of our favorite characters survived.
3. Rihanna concert with my three daughters and some friends. That is one talented lady and it was fun to see her live.
4. Good times out with friends at the bar. Now that I've lost the pounds I was aiming for, I've been able to enjoy life again with some of my favorite things.
5. Brand-spanking new series, Hannibal. The movies based on the same character are some of my favorite, so I'm expecting big things. So far, so good. Check out my review on one of my other blogs: Two Chicks and a Blog.
6. This Walking Dead skit on Conan with Melissa McBride and Michael Rooker:
Hope everyone is starting to enjoy warmer weather! Have a great weekend!
April 2, 2013
The Day Zombies Ruined My Perfectly Boring Life: HOLLYWOOD STYLE!
A lot of people have been asking who I would cast in a Hollywood version of my books so the other day I started playing with The Day Zombies Ruined My Perfectly Boring Life. I just couldn't stop until I found someone to play nearly the entire cast. It was so dang fun!
Whenever I wrote books in my early teen years, I used to cut out pictures from catalogs and Vogue magazines to make a story board of my "characters". Seriously. I'm not even kidding. I still have some of the boards. And this felt like a backwards version of that.
I've been a huge fan of Joan Cusack and Annabeth Gish since their early days, so those two are really the biggest part of making this my "dream" cast. And I didn't realize until after I chose her that Zoey Deutsch is the daughter of 80's queen Leah Thompson, which totally solidifies my choice of her as the lead character. Just seeing all these characters "come to life" really makes me want to see them interact with each other.
This was all just in fun, so don't start spreading word that a movie is in the works. Unless you personally know of a rich Hollywood producer who's looking for something fun to invest in. In that case, go for it.
Whenever I wrote books in my early teen years, I used to cut out pictures from catalogs and Vogue magazines to make a story board of my "characters". Seriously. I'm not even kidding. I still have some of the boards. And this felt like a backwards version of that.
I've been a huge fan of Joan Cusack and Annabeth Gish since their early days, so those two are really the biggest part of making this my "dream" cast. And I didn't realize until after I chose her that Zoey Deutsch is the daughter of 80's queen Leah Thompson, which totally solidifies my choice of her as the lead character. Just seeing all these characters "come to life" really makes me want to see them interact with each other.
This was all just in fun, so don't start spreading word that a movie is in the works. Unless you personally know of a rich Hollywood producer who's looking for something fun to invest in. In that case, go for it.
April 1, 2013
COVER REVEAL: To My Hero by Danielle Sibarium
So I met my good friend/fellow author Danielle Sibarium maybe a year ago on Twitter. I love everything of hers that I've read so far, including the sneak peak I was given of her upcoming release, To My Hero. So when she recently asked if I wanted to participate in the cover reveal for this emotional tear-jerker coming April 21st, I jumped at the chance!
Without any further delay, I give you the stunning cover along with the book's summary!
It would’ve been different if I had courage, even an ounce of it. But I was a coward from the day I met you, Ryan Crowley. I still am. In the end it doesn’t matter. The bottom line is the same. It’s my fault.
When the unthinkable happens Carly Cavanough is left beaten, betrayed, and devastated. Her best friend doesn’t understand. Her parents won’t listen. Everyone in her life turns against her. She’s alone. Completely alone, except for Ryan Crowley, the boy she’s been crushing on for years. She won’t admit to him what she can’t admit to herself. But he understands without words. He knows more about what she’s going through than she can possibly imagine and he knows what it will take to start the healing.
With Ryan’s help Carly begins to piece together the fragments of her once perfect life and embarks on a journey of love and healing, just long enough for the rug to be pulled out from under her again. Can she find the strength and will to pull herself together to save Ryan and herself when their lives are on the line?
Ways to visit Danielle Sibarium onlineWebsiteGoodreadsTwitter
Without any further delay, I give you the stunning cover along with the book's summary!
It would’ve been different if I had courage, even an ounce of it. But I was a coward from the day I met you, Ryan Crowley. I still am. In the end it doesn’t matter. The bottom line is the same. It’s my fault.
When the unthinkable happens Carly Cavanough is left beaten, betrayed, and devastated. Her best friend doesn’t understand. Her parents won’t listen. Everyone in her life turns against her. She’s alone. Completely alone, except for Ryan Crowley, the boy she’s been crushing on for years. She won’t admit to him what she can’t admit to herself. But he understands without words. He knows more about what she’s going through than she can possibly imagine and he knows what it will take to start the healing.
With Ryan’s help Carly begins to piece together the fragments of her once perfect life and embarks on a journey of love and healing, just long enough for the rug to be pulled out from under her again. Can she find the strength and will to pull herself together to save Ryan and herself when their lives are on the line?
Ways to visit Danielle Sibarium onlineWebsiteGoodreadsTwitter
March 28, 2013
Vlog Review of 'Looking for Alaska' and BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!
I finally found time to record another vlog! Sorry for some of the lag...not sure why it keeps doing that. I tried rebooting my Mac and closing everything out, but it still didn't help. If you know the secret to getting rid of lag, PLEASE SHARE!
Anyway, here's my review of John Green's 'Looking for Alaska' and also a big announcement!
Anyway, here's my review of John Green's 'Looking for Alaska' and also a big announcement!
