Sutton Shields's Blog, page 12

Roping the Roundup, Part One

Clearly, I need to improve the whole blogging/Facebook/twitter thing. This is nothing new. Eventually I figure the power of super savvy will kick in and transform me into a social media guru (and this would be the definition of delusional…or wishful thinking…think I prefer the latter, yet realize the former is more accurate).

Roundup time (I chose 'roundup' over 'update' because it fits better with my Texas roots...and reminds me of cowboys):
* My parents : It’s been a twisty road up a steep hill with rough terrain, but my parents are doing better. I still worry about them…don’t think I’ll ever stop worrying. It’s a wonder I don’t manufacture worry.
* Cover for Book Two (Wave Two) : The book cover for Wave Two is ready!!! SO exciting!!! It’s absolutely beautiful! I’m so, so, so in love with it!!! Seriously, who needs a man when you can fall in love with a book cover, right?! (Um, ignore that one. What can I say? It’s my way of comforting my perpetually confused, single gal heart)
I can’t wait to share the cover with anyone out there who might be reading. I hope you’re out there somewhere. Hellooooooo out there. Ooh, I hear an echo. That can’t be good. :/
* Progress on Book Two : I honestly thought I’d have the second book published by now. Everything was cruising along SO smoothly and quickly that I just figured…well, wrong, apparently. :/ Between my OCD’ing and fruitless attempts at perfection, time tends to slip by me. Then there’s the little problem with my emotional involvement with my characters and their story—sometimes, I’ll just cry through scenes and end up with a headache and blurry vision. I know I’m ridiculous!!! Still, progress is moving at a steady pace and I anticipate releasing this summer (aiming for June or sooner).
And then there’s this…
* Think there’s a very good chance I was a hermit crab in my past life : Okay, Mom laughed to the point of snorts when I mentioned this random brainwave, but check out the evidence:
Exhibit #1 : Social Media Shy (Seriously, who's shy when sitting behind a computer?! I’m working on it. Literally. I’ve been researching my eyes out, trying to familiarize myself with everything and figure out a way to be less silly). Exhibit #2 : When using social media, I instantly take the Dolorean back to junior high school and once again enter the Island of Misfit Toys. Exhibit #3 : Birds, especially seagulls (creepy, right?!), have an unusual fondness for me, which is sort of disturbing ever since I saw The Birds.
Part Two of the roundup to come…

Elevator Eliminator

WOW. Okay, so I've been M.I.A. for a while, huh? It's been a pretty intense holiday season. My family has been going through so much lately. Some days, I've actually wondered if we didn't accidentally step into some alternate reality...but it just turns out we ran right through a big 'ole pile of BLEEP.  Life, right? Stay strong, have faith. That's what we do...well, I may add some crying...and worrying...and panicking...and all the good stuff that falls under the anxiety umbrella. Always an adventure when you combine worrywart and an emotional waterfall. 

Anyway, Book Two is underway!!! My characters are making me laugh HYSTERICALLY (yeah, I know that sounds slightly insane, but I guarantee anybody who has written anything with characters and dialogue will totally get it...I hope). I see every facial twitch, hear every elevation in their voices...they're REAL to me. I just love them so much! And, again, I illustrate my dorkdom. Sigh. 

I got to thinking about elevators the other day. No idea why. So, here's a little blip about elevators...and me: 


Confession: I like elevator music. There, I said it. There’s just one tiny catch…I hate elevators. Scare. The. Ever-loving. Snot. Out. Of. Me. No joke. Of course, this is probably because my trouble-causing dad chose a glass-enclosed elevator facing the outside of a seriously tall building to “bounce” with little me inside. Yeah. Haven’t been a fan since.


No one likes to admit they enjoy elevator music, right? I mean, it’s practically a universal rule that you make fun of people who like the stuff. *points finger at self and chuckles* The worst part (oh, there is one, believe me)? If I’m forced to ride within a death box on cables, I find my only solace is in the music…which means I start to hum (dead giveaway)…and that inevitably leads to whisper-singing or, worse yet, full-blown karaoke (just slap my forehead with a giant ‘L’ for loser because I have outed myself as an elevator-music-loving loser).


So. Yeah.  My brain is running on random today. I’ll probably regret admitting to this tomorrow.

*CLOSED* GIVEAWAY Time, Holly Hootenanny-style!

 UPDATE: This giveaway has now closed. The winner has been contacted and will have 48 hrs. to respond, otherwise a new winner will be selected. Please keep an eye out for more Holidaze Hammock giveaway events coming in the future!  *MANY HUGS to all who entered the giveaway--I wish I could send everything to ALL of you (not even joking). Happy Holidays to all of you sweethearts!* It’s time for Holidaze Hammock’s first giveaway! Since this whole idea is based on the classic Bing Crosby film, Holiday Inn, it seems only right that our first Holly Hootenanny Giveaway be chock full of good, old-fashioned holiday fun!
Nearly everything is handcrafted and all ready to bring a little extra cheer to your holiday celebrations!
OMG, I feel like Santa…I need cookies. But not milk…it does wicked stuff to my stomach.
Okay, so enough of me babbling (it’s a nervous habit). Let’s get to the STUFF, right?!
Here’s everything you’ll be getting!

Now to break it down like Santa’s Naughty & Nice list:
1. BELIEVE sign shelf-sitter. This is made out of wood and has been painted. My believing-self just couldn’t pass this one up! SO cute and pretty big, too!


2. TWO wooden angel snowflake ornaments. These are also made out of wood and hand painted with the little angels. Aren’t they so sweet?!


3. FOUR felt ornament coasters and FOUR wooden, painted, & glittered tree-shaped napkin holders. *My mama spotted these. Such a cute touch!*


4. TWO tiny, wooden, painted penguin picture frames. You can hang these on the tree or set them on a mantle or bookcase.


5. “Wish List” notebook!!! Need I say more?


6. Old-fashioned, primitive journal. SO in love with this—from the old look to the brown-ish paper inside! It can be used as a journal, photo album, or even for scrap-booking!


7. Charlie Brown MUSICAL plush by Ty! OMG. Okay, I LOVE Charlie Brown SO much. When I was little, I used to pick out the most misfit-like tree, a la Charlie. No joke. To this day, I’ll pick something that’s flawed over something that’s perfect. Anyhoo, little Charlie plays the iconic Peanuts Gang theme…and, um, he’s in serious danger of being played to death, here…so, please, enter to win quickly. ;)


9. Hanging Snowman display card holder plush! *SQUEAL* LOVE HIM! He can hold so many things—Christmas cards, candy, notes to Santa (like he’ll ‘magically’ send them to the big man in red for you *wink, wink*), etc.


10. And, finally, Jeff Lange’s Holiday Treat 2012 DVD! Oh my gosh, his DVD's are SO much fun. Mr. Lange literally takes you on a tour of Walt Disney World at Christmastime. You’ll see their holiday fireworks show, Once Upon a Christmastime parade, castle lighting, and lots more, all without having to leave your comfy chair!


Now, the un-fun part…the rules (Terms & Conditions) for our Holly Hootenanny Giveaway:
1. To enter, just leave a comment on this post. Please make sure you leave your e-mail, so I can contact you if you win.
2. One entry per person.
3. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.
4. The Holly Hootenanny Giveaway will run from December 10th until December 13th, 11:59 est.
5. The winner will be selected by random.org and will receive an e-mail immediately following the drawing.
6. Winner will have 48 hours to respond, otherwise another winner will be selected (this is such a 'bah, humbug' one).
7. Open to U.S. residents only at this time. (More bah-humbug-ness. I hate the bah-humbugs). :(
**My opinions are my own and were not influenced by any kind of compensation (duh, I’m totally channeling Santa with all of this and he doesn’t get paid).
***NOTE: NONE of the prizes are recommended for children. Nearly everything is made for display/decoration only. Although I’m thinking Mr. Lange’s Holiday at Disney DVD should provide some fun family viewing. ;)

GIVEAWAY Time, Holly Hootenanny-style!

It’s time for Holidaze Hammock’s first giveaway! Since this whole idea is based on the classic Bing Crosby film, Holiday Inn, it seems only right that our first Holly Hootenanny Giveaway be chock full of good, old-fashioned holiday fun!
Nearly everything is handcrafted and all ready to bring a little extra cheer to your holiday celebrations!
OMG, I feel like Santa…I need cookies. But not milk…it does wicked stuff to my stomach.
Okay, so enough of me babbling (it’s a nervous habit). Let’s get to the STUFF, right?!
Here’s everything you’ll be getting!

Now to break it down like Santa’s Naughty & Nice list:
1. BELIEVE sign shelf-sitter. This is made out of wood and has been painted. My believing-self just couldn’t pass this one up! SO cute and pretty big, too!


2. TWO wooden angel snowflake ornaments. These are also made out of wood and hand painted with the little angels. Aren’t they so sweet?!


3. FOUR felt ornament coasters and FOUR wooden, painted, & glittered tree-shaped napkin holders. *My mama spotted these. Such a cute touch!*


4. TWO tiny, wooden, painted penguin picture frames. You can hang these on the tree or set them on a mantle or bookcase.


5. “Wish List” notebook!!! Need I say more?


6. Old-fashioned, primitive journal. SO in love with this—from the old look to the brown-ish paper inside! It can be used as a journal, photo album, or even for scrap-booking!


7. Charlie Brown MUSICAL plush by Ty! OMG. Okay, I LOVE Charlie Brown SO much. When I was little, I used to pick out the most misfit-like tree, a la Charlie. No joke. To this day, I’ll pick something that’s flawed over something that’s perfect. Anyhoo, little Charlie plays the iconic Peanuts Gang theme…and, um, he’s in serious danger of being played to death, here…so, please, enter to win quickly. ;)


9. Hanging Snowman display card holder plush! *SQUEAL* LOVE HIM! He can hold so many things—Christmas cards, candy, notes to Santa (like he’ll ‘magically’ send them to the big man in red for you *wink, wink*), etc.


10. And, finally, Jeff Lange’s Holiday Treat 2012 DVD! Oh my gosh, his DVD's are SO much fun. Mr. Lange literally takes you on a tour of Walt Disney World at Christmastime. You’ll see their holiday fireworks show, Once Upon a Christmastime parade, castle lighting, and lots more, all without having to leave your comfy chair!


Now, the un-fun part…the rules (Terms & Conditions) for our Holly Hootenanny Giveaway:
1. To enter, just leave a comment on this post. Please make sure you leave your e-mail, so I can contact you if you win.
2. One entry per person.
3. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.
4. The Holly Hootenanny Giveaway will run from December 10th until December 13th, 11:59.
5. The winner will be selected by random.org and will receive an e-mail immediately following the drawing.
6. Winner will have 48 hours to respond, otherwise another winner will be selected (this is such a 'bah, humbug' one).
7. Open to U.S. residents only at this time. (More bah-humbug-ness. I hate the bah-humbugs). :(
**My opinions are my own and were not influenced by any kind of compensation (duh, I’m totally channeling Santa with all of this and he doesn’t get paid).
***NOTE: NONE of the prizes are recommended for children. Nearly everything is made for display/decoration only. Although I’m thinking Mr. Lange’s Holiday at Disney DVD should provide some fun family viewing. ;)

Holidaze Hammock Time!

Drawing by me.



Welcome to Holidaze Hammock!!!
I’ve been wandering around in the dark with social media for a while now. I really have been horribly awkward and uncomfortable with it all.
So, I sat back and said to myself, “Self, how can you make this experience as comfy and cuddly as your old recliner?” Yep, I have a Martin Crane-like recliner, and I’m not ashamed to admit it. I was listening to Christmas music at the time—it’s a year-round thing with me. While Bing sang White Christmas, I replied, “Well, if it could be like Christmas or Halloween, I’d totally be in the comfort zone.”
Like always, I had a talk with my mama, who simply said, “Baby girl, you need to feel the way you do when you write. You’re happiest when you write. Writing for you is like having that Christmassy feeling every single day.”
DING! DING! DING! (or jingle, jingle, jingle) The idea hit me like a giant candy cane.
I’m going to “open” my own version of Holiday Inn!
Holiday Inn is the classic Bing Crosby movie about a former big time crooner who just wanted a simple, yet fulfilling life. What does he do to accomplish exactly that? He opens Holiday Inn—a holiday-only retreat ready to welcome all those in need of the kind of magic only a holiday can conjure.
Just call me Santa…or the Great Pumpkin…or the Easter Bunny because I’m bringing y’all every bit of traditionalholiday goodness I can find!
Every month featuring a major holiday—and some surprise ones—I’ll be putting together as much fun as Santa’s sleigh can carry.
We’re talking :
*Fun holiday themed posts*And what would any holiday be without GIVEAWAYS?!
Down the road (Translation: when I become less clueless) :
*Guest posts (Note: I SO hope for guest posts! As I get to know authors and bloggers, I’ll somehow gather the courage to ask them if they’d like to participate—for now, I reckon I need to prove myself to them before I can really approach anyone).*LIVE online holiday parties, where it’s strictly BYOBB—Bring Your Own Blog & Book…meet, greet, and mingle.*And more…
So, drop your worries, kick stress to the curb, and come on over to Holidaze Hammock!
First event : The Holidaze Hammock Holly Hootenanny—A Traditionally Fun Giveaway! Details and pictures to come!!!

FINNED Now Available!!!

Oh. Holy. Mother. Of. Poseidon.

FINNED is now available on Kindle for people to read!!! And the paperback will be on its way soon!!!

Oh, Lord, I hope readers will have fun and laugh and smile and...well...just all those things!  

There are literally no words to describe how it feels seeing my book sitting there for people to read. Reckon I'm not the only author--nor will I be the last--to be completely overwhelmed and on the brink of emotional overload (and, admittedly, a little more than a little teary eyed).

My mom always said that hugging me goodbye on my first day of school was one of the toughest, yet most rewarding days of her life. Today, I fully get that range of emotions. My characters are my ink-and-paper babies--I love them SO much that part of me didn't want to let them go out in the world...even though they have been as eager as a mob of honey badgers to get on out there.

So, I'm going to go stare at my book on Amazon...and maybe shed some tears that, for the record, will be strictly sinus related (off the record, it's waterworks central).

If you'd like to GET FINNED--head on over to Amazon for The Merworld Water Wars Series, FINNED.

Lights & Surprises

Hello, quiet little blog! Reckon I’ve been seriously M.I.W. (missing in worry…and work) pre-book launch. Oh, it’s been the usual stress, worry, slightly hurl-ish nervousness, blah, blah, blah.
Well, I’m here to say I’m over it. No more stress (translation: way less stress anyway), no more worry (translation: turning down the worry volume), and no more nervousness (translation: oh, who am I kidding? The nerves-ies won’t give up).
Sometimes, I think being nervous isn’t such a bad thing, or at least that’s what I tell myself to sort of justify feeling like a Nervous Nelly. One of my very best friends says being crazy nervous, “ …shows just how much you care about your characters.” So, hurray for being nervous…unless it’s to the point of rocking back and forth on the edge of your seat—that would fall under the label of “LOST IT.” And, no, I’m not to that point…yet…unless it’s during an LSU game.
In just days, my baby, FINNED, will be available. The old me would be 100% panicky; the new me, however, is actually 50% giddy, 25% Eee-ergh-GAG, and 25% Oh Holy Mother of Santa!
I guess what I’m trying to say is this: I’ve found the light switch, flipped it on, and now have a flickering light in need of a new bulb. Hey, it’s better than no light at all, right?
AND…I have some MAJOR surprises coming up this holiday season for anyone who pops by or reads my brain barf! I hope you will stop by for some fun…and, psst…there may be presents. Stay tuned…

Lost & Not-So-Found

I wonder if feeling lost is par for the course during this journey. Lately, I’ve been feeling like I’m wandering around a dark room, trying to find a light switch (I swear it doesn’t exist).
When you have to move past the writing and enter the realm of “Hello, World,” I kind of want to go all hermit crab. I’m not very good with all of the social media aspects. It’s fun, and I love meeting people, but most of the time I just feel like a colossal idiot.
It’s hard to explain. The only time I’m not lost these days is when I write. When I’m in my world with my characters, it’s like being home with family—I know where I am and where I’m going. I don’t know…maybe that’s the answer: Write, and let the rest fall into place, however that may be.
I really need to de-worrywart, huh? Have fun you say, enjoy, and for the love of all things Halloween, stop WORRYING! If you had known me in school, you wouldn't be surprised by my worry-warting. I was the quintessential Hermione meets Anne of Green Gables…only Texan…with a rabid passion for sports…and handbags.
Maybe I should give up on the light switch and try to find a candle…there’ll be a match to find, of course. Hmm, that could be tricky—if I can’t find a switch, how on earth will I find a match.
Oh, I’ll just stick with searching for the dang light switch. Hopefully, I’ll stumble upon it one of these days…probably in some Alice in Wonderland, upside down reality…which, come to think of it, would be really, really awesome.

My Book Cover & Summary for FINNED!!!

Even as I type this, it feels surreal. I'm elated to share my book cover and summary for FINNED!!! First, and foremost, I'd like to send a BIG thank you and HUG to both The Bookish Brunette and Claudia McKinney for making this dream a reality. Words literally cannot express how much I adore them, not just for their gorgeous work, but for their endless patience with a dorky worrywart, who has a massive inner idiot (uh, yeah, that would be me...really am trying to worry less...the dork part is here to stay, I'm afraid...as is the inner idiot).
So, here it is!!!!!
Cover Art: Claudia McKinney at Phatpuppy Art; Typography: Ashley, The Bookish Brunette

Sixteen-year-old Marina Valentine is a rule-stretcher in an uptight Texas seaside town. She’s hormonally challenged, curious to a fault, hates fish, and has a dating resume that makes the queen look like a slut. It’s not that guys don’t ask her out. They do. She just has an unfortunate reaction to dating—uncontrollable gags. It’s not exactly a turn on.
One by one, her oddball friends start disappearing—much to the joy of the snobby high school royals—and Marina fears she is a walking bull’s eye. Inquiries into their disappearances lead to startling, gag-worthy discoveries. Toss in an increasingly inconvenient attraction to one of the royals—who holds the key to solving the mystery…in his fin—and it’s an anti-fish girl’s worst nightmare come true. Soon, Marina finds herself at the center of a looming underwater war that’s really going to play games with her love life.
As time closes in—and the Merpeople officially come out of the ocean—Marina must choose between the lives of her friends, the future of an underwater utopia, and the life of her first love. There’s just one problem. Where does a love-shy, fish-phobic, non-mergirl even begin…especially when her enemy may be the one person she trusted above everyone else?

Coming Fall 2012! 

Formatting, My Foe

Formatting just sucks the creativity right out of me…or at least shoves it into a dark, cobweb-covered corner of my mind. It’s bad, too, because the stories are literally begging to be written.
I’m just SO out of my mind worried it won’t turn out right. Anything having to do with technology sends my brain straight to Charlie Brown’s world: “Wah-wah-wah-wah-wah.” Yep, reading all of these formatting instructions is like listening to the adults in Peanuts-land.
It’s at this point where my stress takes over any creative impulse I may have, and then it’s “Hello, hyper-perfectionist, anxiety-overload, never-going-be-good-enough, why-am-I-doing-this-to-myself” mode.
Ugh, I know I need to let go—I need to step, jump, leap, skip, or, better yet, dive headfirst into this adventure. Basically, I need to stop thinking so much…I need to stop dwelling.
I just don’t want to let anyone down—not my mama, my daddy, my characters, or anyone who may read my book. I guess that’s the thing about dreams—you have to face your fears and insecurities to give dreams (and yourself) a chance.
So, I’ll hyperventilate my way through the formatting (note to self: buy supply of paper bags), tiptoe into publishing (yeah, I just can’t jump, leap, skip, or, God forbid, dive), and dust off those cobwebs on my stories (although they seem to be doing a pretty good job of that on their own…while I’m trying to figure out formatting. Timing, stories, timing).