Jessica Roberts's Blog, page 4

Announcement!

I'm super excited! Tomorrow I'm going to be on "Good Things Utah", a Utah-based breakfast tv show on ABC, talking my new YA novel, REFLECTION!  Tune in, Tuesday, Apr. 3 at 10am!!  I'll post a link to the segment once it goes online.

Interview!!!

I’ve already established that I’m not so keen on this blog thing, and it must show in my posts since I keep getting “kind” blog advice from family and friends.

The most recent, this time, from my bf: I need to dumb-down my blog posts. 
I don’t know what’s wrong with me, but as soon as I have a pen (or keyboard in this case), I turn all Shakespeare/English Teacher – long words, flowery prose, etc.  It’s like when you answer the phone and your voice automatically goes two pitches higher.  Weird how that happens.
That's me getting ready to quote some Shakespeare
I guess I’ll try to be more myself.  So, here’s a sampling of the unfiltered chaos going on in my head, and perhaps the reason I do take the time to think before I write.  But she asked for it:
I should really go running right now.  But then I’d have to change into exercise clothes, getting naked and cold in the process.  And afterward I would have to shower, maybe even wash my hair if I get really sweaty, and that means I would have to straighten my hair again, which takes forever.  And I hate that feeling of my throat and lungs burning, which will happen the very first mile since I haven’t jogged in weeks—
Stop making excuses and get your lazy, jiggly butt outside!  Okay, I’ll do it!  Oh wait, I think it might be windy outside.  Yup, the trees in my front yard are swaying.  If it wasn’t so windy, I would definitely go.  Tomorrow’s supposed to be nicer, I’ll go then.  Promise.
This is a picture of the tree blowing in my backyard right now!
Yeah, I think there might be a reason why we can’t read each other’s thoughts.  Mine are pretty pathetic sometimes . . . 
So anyways, my book got a plug in an article by an online news site:
                                      It got so many hits that the editor called and asked if I would be interested in doing a featured interview on my novel, Reflection!  I’m super excited! 

Questions I hope they don’t ask me:1.     If I can cook (or how often I go to El Pollo Loco and buy their chicken chunks to use in my dinners – hehe)2.     If I like vegetables3.     What’s the most gummy bears I’ve ever eaten in one sitting
YUM!
4.     If I’ve ever had a burping contest with my brothers . . . and won!5.     How many times I wash my hair in a week (I know, I’m sort of a scum that way.  But seriously, my hair never turns greasy)6.     If I’ve ever stolen anything (Okay, it was in like 5thgrade and I really wanted a pair of Guess jeans – sorry Nordstrom!!!!)7.     If I've ever asked a friend to steal something for me (It’s just, I really wanted this tank top, and so I asked my bf [aren’t bf’s the best? haha] if she would steal it for me.  I couldn’t do it; I had already been busted by Nordstrom for trying to steal Guess jeans and, as a result, had to write a 2,000 word essay to the police on why I wouldn’t steal anymore.  Needless to say, I ended up writing my bf’s 2,000 word essay for her too.  Yes, I learned my lesson.)

hahaha
8.     If I’ve ever taken a mug shot (Think I might want to explain this one too.  Let’s just say it was a case of mistaken identity – sort of.)9.     How long it took to write Reflection (Because I would lie and say 2 years, when it really took more like 4, and I’m really trying not to white lie anymore, even when I’m running late for something and the person on the other end of the phone asks how far away I am.)

Questions I hope they do ask me:1.     If I’m a genuinely nice person2.     If I’ve learned, through experience, how to obey the law (Except that I have a lead foot when I drive, but I’m working on that too)3.     About my family (I love talking about them!)4.     If I played soccer for 10 years (left-wing forward!)
 This was the year I got stung by a bee during a game – ouch!
5.     If I’m a lefty!6.     If I’ve ever bungee jumped out of a hot air balloon (It was insane of me, but also insanely amazing!)

7.     If my husband’s a stud (yep)8.     About my book (It’s my favorite thing to talk about lately)

Questions I would like to ask:1.     If they think we’ve landed on the moon (I’m a skeptic)2.     Why Cinnabon’s cinnamon rolls can’t have the same nutritional value as a bowl of carrots                         
    which one would you reach for?
3.     Why multi-level marketing gives me the willies4.     Why no one has invented toothpicks with one end bent at an angle, so we could all get to the back of our teeth5.     If they’ve read my book!
Now that you know WAY too much about me, I guess I’ll give you a quick book update and then sign off.
BOOK UPDATE:

It’s been officially downloadable for 17 days now, and so far I’ve sold (hold on, let me check . . . [as if I don’t check every five minutes]).  Okay, I’m back, and I’ve sold exactly 472 copies.  I’m super excited about that, and thankful for all my supportive friends and family!
Grab a copy from Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, or Smashwords.com for $2.99.  And I would LOVE your feedback.  Remember to leave a review (but only if it’s positive – ha).
Okay, I think I’ll don my running shorts and venture into the wind! 

Miss Teen California

My little brother, Adam (who's 6’2, and apparently not so little anymore) said I needed to “juice up” my blog posts by adding pictures.  I disregarded the implication that my first post was dry, but leave it to brothers to tell it like it is.  However, since Adam was the first person to read Reflection, and the one person who continually motivated me to see the novel to its completion by constantly asking, “How’s Heather doing?” (Heather is the female love interest in Reflection), he gets a perpetual pass.

Furthermore, I’m taking his advice.  So, here’s my first pix:


This is the screensaver that has been on my computer for the past two years.  It’s Nick’s truck (Nick is the male love interest in Reflection).  Random how I got the pix:  We took the family to Wingers one night, and this blue, beater truck was in the parking lot.  It was the first time I’d seen a real-life replica of Nick’s truck.  I freaked out, snapped three pictures with my phone, and was convinced The Hat was eating wings 20 feet away from me!
Seriously though, characters can become that real-to-life!  I can’t tell you how many nights I had to tell them all to quit talking in my head so I could get some sleep!  No, I’m not crazy; I just have a very colorful and constant imagination.  And I don’t believe I’m alone in my madness.
But let’s back up a bit and, if I might, I’d like to share how this book business began for me.
I’ve always loved to write.  In third grade I wrote the following poem:
The breezes and the windGo smoothly and sliding inSometimes the wind is very quietSometimes it sounds like a herd of elephant’s riotOft’ the breeze is very moistBut that’s all Mother Nature’s choiceEven thought it isn’t showingI still know the wind is blowing(Courtesy of my childhood scrapbook)
Haha, not great, but not bad for a nine year old!
I took a long leave from formal writing, and resumed my senior year of high school, when a unique opportunity fell into my lap. 
From my previous post, you may have gathered that my family wasn’t the most affluent.  Though funds were low, college was still a hopeful ambition; and scholarships were the most effective road to that end.
Which ultimately lead me to applying for the “Miss Teen California Scholarship Pageant”, then the title “Miss Teen California”, then a full ride scholarship to my college of choice (Brigham Young University), and finally, a 1990 jam-packed with pretty incredible experiences.  Here’s a throw back picture (for you Addy-ha):

This picture definitely dates me.  But if you went to high school in the 90’s, you’ll appreciate the puffy bangs.  And your thoughts, like mine, might roam to movies like Back to the Future and Pretty in Pink, or styles like acid wash jeans and parachute pants, while all the while humming the tune to “and it ain’t no lie, baby bye, bye, bye”.  Good times!! 

But back to the Miss Teen thing.  With the title came a year of appearances, speaking engagements, a modeling contract, and introductions to lots of neat people.  The year went fast, and when it was over I wanted to share it.
So began my first book: an autobiographical account of spotlight moments during my yearlong reign as Miss Teen California.  I completed the book a few years later and put it on the shelf, only to pull it off for my daughter and a few other wanting readers.
My second book was a children’s picture book about a kind young princess whose beauty shined, not because her face was flawless, but because her heart was.  An artist friend drew the illustrations, and then we sent copies and queries to five different publishers.  The responses were all the same.  In a nutshell: authors must illustrate their own work, or send in words only and an illustrater is assigned by the publishing company.  Lame standard rule if you ask me, but whatever.  And that ended that.
Travel in time approx. ten years later.  I was in my bathroom one evening drying my hair in front of the mirror, and a scene popped into my head.  A spunky, unassuming girl locks herself out of her second floor apartment, and decides to scale the decks behind the building to get to her open back window.  Once there, she realizes she’s not strong enough to pull herself up and through the window, and finds herself dangling two stories high, utterly stuck.  The scene continues from there (excerpt taken from Reflection):
Right as I was about to consign myself to a bushy grave, a voice broke in, just loud enough to prick my ears, sending a pulse of shock waves underneath my skin.  “So, what’s the plan from there?”  Automatically my leg flung toward the railing again, but slipped right off, even more awkwardly than before.  He’d witnessed the entire circus act, of this I was certain.  My eyelids closed against the humiliation.  Wishing with all my wish-power to disappear, I continued to dangle from the ledge, more irritated with the faint snicker from below than my slipping hands.  I wrinkled my nose to protest my response.  “I . . . I’m not sure.” “That’s not like you.  You have a solution for everything.”Though as a rule his words sent my lips skyward, this time I grimaced with each one.  I could picture him, that irresistible smirk on his lips, steadying the emotion on his face, entertained with his front row seat to my silliness.  Without question he was massaging his chin and probably wondering why he bothered with such a senseless girl.  But Miss Senseless continued to hang, kissing the stucco and grasping the windowsill for dear life.   Then I grasped what was truly going on.  “You are in big trouble!” I yelled so there would be no question he heard.  And by his response, he definitely heard.  He burst out, apparently unable to hold it in any longer.  It wasn’t uncontrolled.  To most it probably sounded like a small chuckle.  But I’d spent enough time with him to gather that he was, first, considerably amused with me, and second, too considerate to say what he was really thinking, Wouldn’t that be you in trouble?“You have my keys!” I accused, answering his mild rebuke.  “And thanks to you, I locked my door this morning.”  I cleared my throat to indict him, but that only made me lose my grip even more, my arms burning and my hands at last numb.  And slipping rapidly.  Still, I resisted calling out for help as long as possible though clearly he would wait as long as it took.  Really, neither of my two options was more inviting—either fall to the ground and crash like an idiot or receive his help.  Very reluctantly, I elected for the latter.  “Okay,”  I finally gave in, “I’m stuck.”My comical comment thrust me into his eyes: watching a girl hanging two stories high, her head cocked back so the scrapes on her nose wouldn’t worsen, her legs flopping, lifeless.  My hilarity—though imperative at the moment to keep within certain bounds—came with more force than his.  And what was the use in trying to hold it in?  I knew me well enough for that.  So I just let it flow.   “Come help me!” I squealed, leaning my head back in a fit of giggles.  “I’m going to fall!”  But he was already on his way.  From the corner of my eye I watched the masculine grace of his movements as he climbed the balcony.  He was on the deck in a blink—a natural athlete.  Rather lax for the circumstance, I greeted, “Hi.”He smiled slightly and then scratched his head in such a way that I knew the “Miss Senseless” thing was right on.  “Hi,” he responded.   “Hi,” I repeated.  And then we both laughed.  His lips settled in a smile, not the half-grin, but bigger this time.  Even so, they were closed together in complete control.  But to see a genuine smile because of me—okay, at me, but still, it was worth it. 
And there began Heather and Nick’s love story.  Although if you’ve read the book you know that that particular scene falls in the middle of the book, not in the beginning.
Thanks for letting me share how this world of Reflection was born, literally coming to life for me.  It lives and breathes and holds a significant part of my heart.  The characters are as vital and valid as any treasured possession of mine; often times more.  
I guess that’s why I was a bit disappointed when my quick but thorough glance through Wingers restaurant that night, left me wanting. 
Be that as it may, if you ever find yourself on the campus of Washington University in St. Louis, and you come face to face with a tall, hot, rugged guy in a black and white baseball hat, don’t say I didn’t warn you! 

My very first blog . . .

Am I really doing this?  Writing a blog?  It’s so . . . so . . . conforming.  I’m not happy about this.  It  just doesn’t sit well.

I’ve always been the type that likes to beat to my own drum; I hate the groupie feel.  It took me forever to join Facebook, I refused to go see Twilight on opening night, and you’ll never see me use acronyms like LOL or LM** - but don’t get me wrong, it doesn’t bug me when others do.  In fact, my best friend, Jo is addicted to text jargon.
It’s true, I don’t swear, in my writing or in real life.  Okay, once when I was pregnant my husband made the colossal mistake of asking me how I felt, and I told him precisely what I felt like; there was only one word.  But generally there are other words, more telling words, and I’m inclined to use those instead.  For me, it’s a matter of intelligence. 
I know, I know, the world would call me a goody-two-shoes.  But in my world I think I’m sort of edgy.
On the subject of intelligence (sorry, my thoughts tend to skip around a lot; I hope it’s not too distracting), I’m psycho about editing.  I have a hard time reading anything with typos.  I’ve been known to take a red pen to the newspaper.  That said, I’m sure there are several mistakes in my book, so I’m already eating my words. 
My disclaimer: Did you know that the huamn barin wlil uednrsatnd txets eevn if all letetrs are wirtetn in the wrnog oderr (bukisa.com/how-you-can-read-over-typo...)  Kinda cool, huh?  By the way, is that how to reference boot-legged material?  Hope I don’t get busted for that!
The last two paragraphs serve one purpose only: to let you know that this blog will not be edited.  If I typo, no biggie.  This is like a journal to me, and if you read my journal you’d think I didn’t pass fifth grade English class. Depending on my mood, I might SCREEEEEEAM!!!!, I might ramble, i might not use caps, I will definitely make shout outs (love those!), and I’ll break the rules – just enough to have some fun.
My history in a nutshell:  Grew up in Foster City, Cali, my dad passed away when I was in high school, my mom bounced a lot of checks trying to care for 6 kids (She’s gonna kill me for saying that.  But she’s the best mom in the whole world.  Love ya, Mom!)  My family is all over the place; I have sisters, brothers, steps, half’s, we’re one very extended, big happy fam.
I feel inclined to mention here (in reference to the last line of the previous paragraph) that I’m LDS, you know, Mormon, Mitt Romney, Stephenie Meyer,  Steve Young, Donny and Marie, David Archuleta, Motab, Christian, The Church of Jesus Christ, LDS.  And if you’re not savvy to the 21st century or you’re one of those who believes that shows like Big Love are indicative of reality, I’m here to set the record straight.  I’m the most normal, earthy, laugh-out-loud type of person you’ll ever know.  I have one husband, and even if he wanted more wives, it’s against the law – duh.  And though I talk about it casually, what I believe is what defines me; it’s literally who I am.  I wouldn’t say I’m religious or spiritual, because doing so somehow seems to undermine the value of my beliefs in the world’s eyes.  I don’t talk faith, I talk life, and to my knowledge, they’re synonymous.
I guess a blog is about getting to know someone, so I hope it's okay that I share a few of my favorites so you can get to know me better:
Color:  Sunset peach, pear, periwinkle (Yeah, I know, the “p” theme – cheesy.  It was cool in 8th grade though, and my tastes in color haven’t really changed)
Movie:  The Sound of Music.  Very vanilla response, yet it's a comedy, a drama, a passionate romance, and a musical all in one (I do fast forward the “Climb Every Mountain” song).  But what more could you ask for in an escape?  I love movies!  I’m a dreamer.  I have to say, contrary to most of the human population, I hated The Dark Knight.  Oops, lost a bunch of followers there.  I left the theater feeling dark and depressed.  If I wanted that, I would stick with real life.  Movies, for me, are meant to take me to better places.  If it doesn’t do that, I don’t care how awesome the acting (LOVE Christian Bale, though) or the scenery or the story or the redeeming value, it will never be a favorite.
Food:  Definitely Mexican.  I grew up on a dish called chorizo – yum!  You should try it.  Make sure it’s served with eggs; it’s too strong and spicy without.
Music:  All types (I hate when people say that.)  I grew up listening to soul music, MJ, Atlantic Starr, Cool and the Gang, etc.  Then my tastes switched to artists like Cheryl Crow and Jewel.  I love uppity songs like That Thing You Do and Just the Girl I’m Looking For.  Most recently I’ve downloaded Owl City, Adele, and Miley Cyrus (I’m cracking up right now.  I haven't really downloaded her in a while, but seriously, she has the best songwriters in the world, right?)  Kalai is one of my all-time favorites (love the acoustic guitar sound).  And I love Daughtry’s voice – super saxi! (“sexy” but in Martin Short’s “Franck” voice on Father of the Bride.) 
Clothes:  Sort of random, but a lot of people ask me about the outfit referenced in the following banter in my novel where the female love interest, Heather, is getting ready for a date, and her good friend, Liz is helping her out.  The scene picks up with them beginning the primping process:


“So,” I questioned Liz in an uncertain voice an hour later, “how do I look?” She shook her head, her face wearing sincere concern.  “You look hot,” she replied in such a factual way she left no room to argue.  “The poor guy won’t be able to keep his eyes off you.”  Then she beamed like a proud parent.Hardly, I thought to myself.  I’m the afflicted one there.“And my outfit?”  I worried it was too much.  “What does it say?”Her fist went chin-ward.  “Like you care and like you don’t care.”I grinned.  “Perfect!” 

So, by way of followup and to humor all the people that have asked what Heather was wearing that night, I'll address this briefly: I’m a blue jeans kind of gal.  Sort of tomboy-ish.  I grew up playing soccer and climbing trees.  But I will say that my toenails are always painted.  I can easily tap in to the inner girly in me.  (Sorry, lost focus.)  Back to the clothes: Free People is my favorite (the casually cute style referenced in that particular scene).  But they’re kinda pricey so I go to Nordstrom Rack and buy there, for much less.  Hahaha, just keepin' it real.

Books: I used to read a lot of philosophy.  That was my college major for a quick second, and then I took an epistemology class, and that cured that.  But I still love C.S. Lewis.  I’m a historical romance lover; really, I’m an any-genre-of-romance lover.  Ironic, since I’m not really a romantic person; I don’t do sappy very well.  Recently, I loved The Hunger Games.  I guess you could say my favorite reads fall into the young adult category.  Maybe that’s why I chose my audience as such.  There’s something about “firsts” that make those years magical.  First looks, first kisses, those special, thrilling moments, I can’t get enough of that junk!  I also like fantasy and adventure.  And I’ve been known to rave about a few sci-fi books as well.
More random facts:*I love sports.  Recently I played in an indoor co-ed soccer league, I play in a women's volleyball league, I love to snow and water ski, I try to golf, if I were a guy I'd play football for sure, and I love to watch sports on TV almost as much as Kyle (husband).*I ask a lot of questions.  I love the following idea that relates: I might not know the answer to a question, but I only need the answer once, and I’ll remember it.  Isn’t that a liberating thought?*I love people who can carry on an intelligent conversation on any subject.  I believe it’s called being “well-rounded”.  *I also love a good sense of humor.  Being around funny people is the best, isn’t it?  Witt; it’s awesome! *I’ve been a city girl my whole life, but I’m a country girl by heart.
Okay, that was an extremely schizophrenic list. 
I’m, I’m, I’m.  This is all about me; it’s absurd really.  And uncomfortable.  Hmmm, still not sure about this blog thing.  The truth is, on the outside I’m an extrovert, but on the inside I’m an introvert (did that make any sense?).  Said simply, I wear my emotions on my sleeves, but I'm also a very private person.  So you can understand why this is quite foreign for me.  Also foreign to me is not writing a book necessarily, but sharing it with others.  It’s a very exposed feeling to have strangers literally reading my thoughts.
Perfect transition.  Okay, let’s talk novel (one more “me” thing before I sign off).  If you’re reading this blog, you’ve hopefully already read the teaser for my new novel, REFLECTION.  I hope you liked it, and I hope you like the book.  If I had to overview REFLECTION in a few words, I would say it’s a sweet, spicy college romance with a twist.  The book has been said to have personality and quippy dialogue – well, that’s what I’ve heard most, from all the reviews (toot, toot).
You can buy the ebook on Amazon and Barnes & Noble for $2.99. 
Three pages of casual writing all wrapped up.  And in less than an hour and with several kiddie interruptions – not bad!  I suppose that’s all for now! 
Phew.
Thanks for letting me share a little of me, with you!
That was actually really therapeutic.  Maybe I’ll like this blog-thing after all . . .