Laura Jackson's Blog, page 10
April 17, 2014
Blog Hop: My Writing Process
So, I was tagged by Elizabeth Maddrey as part of a blog hop, where authors answer questions about their writing. What are you working on right now?I'm working on Lindsey's story. I'm almost finished with the rough draft. Lindsey is the mean girl in Worth the Wait, and I wanted to find out why she's hateful. How does your work differ from others of its genre?I'm asked this fairly often, and I'm not exactly sure. I heard recently from My Book Therapy that it might take a few books to really figure that out. So, I'm just going to enjoy the ride. Why do you write what you do?I love YA books, and when I taught middle school, I prayed for more Christian YA authors. I had NO IDEA I would be one of the answers to my own prayer. How does your writing process work?Very slowly lately. Work has been busy and a little more stressful than usual. So, it's been hit or miss. I wish I was an author who could schedule writing time. I'm really looking forward to summer when I'll have time each day to write. I'm a pantser. I don't really plan other than knowing where my character starts and where she ends. The middle is a surprise. So, that's my writing process. What's yours? If you don't write, what's your reading process? How do you pick which book to read next? ' 
April 11, 2014
Confessional Friday
I'm linking up with Leslie over at http://www.blondeambitionblog.com/. It's my birthday! YAY!Why didn't I take off the day? I confess that I got really mad at work Thursday. As in so mad I had to walk away. I rarely get that mad, and it was surprising. Hopefully, I'll be over it by 7:30 tomorrow morning. :)
I confess that I LOVE with this sign my friend Wendy made for me for my birthday. She bought a magnetic chalkboard and had her husband draw this. He sprayed it with something so that the chalk will stay. Then, she got me a magnet and printed out several pictures of my family around a fire. I'm tearing up just looking at it now. I confess that I was mortified when I was chosen to be on the Jumbotron at the Astros' game Saturday night. It was for Sonic's 6th Inning Slam. If the Astros had gotten a grand slam during that inning, I would have won 25,000 dollars. Alas, they did not. But, I still won a 50 dollar gift card to Sonic, and that rocks.
I confess I'm a little sad to be 34 and still not married/kidless. Trusting God is hard when His plan doesn't line up with your vision for your life. I confess that I'm feeling restless. Not sure if God's preparing me for something new or if I'm in a season of learning to be content where God has me. '
I confess that I LOVE with this sign my friend Wendy made for me for my birthday. She bought a magnetic chalkboard and had her husband draw this. He sprayed it with something so that the chalk will stay. Then, she got me a magnet and printed out several pictures of my family around a fire. I'm tearing up just looking at it now. I confess that I was mortified when I was chosen to be on the Jumbotron at the Astros' game Saturday night. It was for Sonic's 6th Inning Slam. If the Astros had gotten a grand slam during that inning, I would have won 25,000 dollars. Alas, they did not. But, I still won a 50 dollar gift card to Sonic, and that rocks.
I confess I'm a little sad to be 34 and still not married/kidless. Trusting God is hard when His plan doesn't line up with your vision for your life. I confess that I'm feeling restless. Not sure if God's preparing me for something new or if I'm in a season of learning to be content where God has me. '
April 4, 2014
Confessional Friday
Linking up with Leslie at http://www.blondeambitionblog.com/, I confess that I throw a cardigan over a t-shirt and call that "professional" dress at work! Ha. This picture is from my nephew's flag football game this weekend. Those shoes are my "mud" shoes since the field is often wet.
(My niece, my aunt, my brother-in-law, my sister, my mom, me) I confess that I'm praying for my aunt in this picture (sporting my rain boots) to move to Texas or at least Louisiana. She's so funny, and I wish she lived closer. I confess I expected the Astros (affectionately called the Lastros) to lose Tuesday. I went to Opening Day for the first time ever. They were playing the Yankees. It was a lot of fun, and the Astros kicked the Yankees' butts. YAY!
I confess that I get goosebumps whenever I see the American flag or hear the national anthem. It doesn't matter if the person sounds great or just so-so, I love it. Isn't she beautiful? '
(My niece, my aunt, my brother-in-law, my sister, my mom, me) I confess that I'm praying for my aunt in this picture (sporting my rain boots) to move to Texas or at least Louisiana. She's so funny, and I wish she lived closer. I confess I expected the Astros (affectionately called the Lastros) to lose Tuesday. I went to Opening Day for the first time ever. They were playing the Yankees. It was a lot of fun, and the Astros kicked the Yankees' butts. YAY!
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I confess that I get goosebumps whenever I see the American flag or hear the national anthem. It doesn't matter if the person sounds great or just so-so, I love it. Isn't she beautiful? '
Shadows of the Past--A Review
I've been hearing how good this book is, so I had to check it out for myself. The standards for Christian romantic suspense are high--Dee Henderson and Irene Hannon to name a couple.
Patricia Bradley is on her way to joining those ranks with her novel Shadows of the Past. Criminal profiler Taylor Martin has one case she can't solve--her father's disappearance twenty years earlier. When someone begins stalking her, Taylor must go back to the day her dad disappeared to solve the case.
The suspense in this book is great--the author threw out different options, and while I knew who was involved, I wasn't sure how. The pace and action grew steadily to a fantastic finish.
The romantic part was sweet. I liked Nick, the author who is determined to defend his brother against Taylor's accusations.
But, what I liked best was the balance in the book. At times, it felt like a women's fiction book in character development, which was nice.
Shadows of the Past is a don't-miss book, and Patricia Bradley is an author to watch.
I received this book in exchange for my review. My thoughts are my own. '
March 28, 2014
Confessional Friday
Linking up with Leslie at http://www.blondeambitionblog.com/ It's been one of those weeks where I can't even remember what I did. Ha! 1. I confess that I wish I could be cutesy creative. Some moms in the PTA are made this tree for my library. They're making two more to hang up a science project a few classes made. I LOVE it.
2. I confess that I'm ready for Easter to be over. Not because I don't love the fact that Jesus was raised from the dead after paying for my sins. It's because I MUST stop eating the Reese's eggs. 3. I confess that I really have the urge to travel. Summer is soon (10 more weeks), and I don'treally have the money to go anywhere. :(
4. I confess I still haven't eaten any crawfish this season. I feel like a bad Cajun. I did have gumbo tonight with family to celebrate my aunt from DC coming to town.
5. I confess that I feel like the little engine that could with promoting my debut novel. Being published with a small press, I know that marketing takes more time than a big publisher that can do more advertising. So, I'm so thrilled Worth the Wait won Clash of the Titles. I pray often for the girls/women who are reading it. I pray they know Jesus and that His plan for their lives is always worth the wait.
By the way, to celebrate the win, the e-book is on sale for 1.99. Find it on Amazon or Barnes and Noble. '
2. I confess that I'm ready for Easter to be over. Not because I don't love the fact that Jesus was raised from the dead after paying for my sins. It's because I MUST stop eating the Reese's eggs. 3. I confess that I really have the urge to travel. Summer is soon (10 more weeks), and I don'treally have the money to go anywhere. :(
4. I confess I still haven't eaten any crawfish this season. I feel like a bad Cajun. I did have gumbo tonight with family to celebrate my aunt from DC coming to town.
5. I confess that I feel like the little engine that could with promoting my debut novel. Being published with a small press, I know that marketing takes more time than a big publisher that can do more advertising. So, I'm so thrilled Worth the Wait won Clash of the Titles. I pray often for the girls/women who are reading it. I pray they know Jesus and that His plan for their lives is always worth the wait.
By the way, to celebrate the win, the e-book is on sale for 1.99. Find it on Amazon or Barnes and Noble. '
March 27, 2014
Clash of the Titles Winner!
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I'm so excited Worth the Wait won February's Clash of the Titles, where books compete using their covers and a two-sentence summary.Check out the spotlight: http://www.clashofthetitles.com/2014/03/worth-wait-win-worth-waiting-for.html
Thanks to everyone who voted.
I'm so thankful for people who are willing to help spread the word about Worth the Wait.
In celebration of the win, Worth the Wait's e-book is on sale for 1.99! Worth the Wait on Amazon
'
I'm so excited Worth the Wait won February's Clash of the Titles, where books compete using their covers and a two-sentence summary.Check out the spotlight: http://www.clashofthetitles.com/2014/03/worth-wait-win-worth-waiting-for.html
Thanks to everyone who voted.
I'm so thankful for people who are willing to help spread the word about Worth the Wait.
In celebration of the win, Worth the Wait's e-book is on sale for 1.99! Worth the Wait on Amazon
'
March 21, 2014
Confessional Friday Night
Linking up with Leslie at http://www.blondeambitionblog.com/. I didn't get this done Thursday night to go live Friday, so I'm doing it now....wild Friday night for sure. I confess that after my family, this is my favorite kid! I've babysat her every Friday since she was a week old! Last Friday, we went to the Houston Rodeo to see Keith Urban.
I confess that while Keith Urban put on a good show, I was the one who suggested we leave early.I confess that's embarrassing as a country music fan. I confess that I love my job. This was on my desk on St. Patrick's day. Someone's mom was on Pinterest over spring break, and I love it.
I confess I'm so tired of this ear infection I have. I thought ear infections were for kids.
I confess I'm baffled at why ear drops and antibiotics cost 90 bucks. That's after insurance and a coupon the pharmacist gave me. I'm thankful for good health.
Have a great week! '
I confess that while Keith Urban put on a good show, I was the one who suggested we leave early.I confess that's embarrassing as a country music fan. I confess that I love my job. This was on my desk on St. Patrick's day. Someone's mom was on Pinterest over spring break, and I love it.
I confess I'm so tired of this ear infection I have. I thought ear infections were for kids.
I confess I'm baffled at why ear drops and antibiotics cost 90 bucks. That's after insurance and a coupon the pharmacist gave me. I'm thankful for good health.
Have a great week! '
March 19, 2014
Clash of the Titles!
Worth the Wait is one of the nominees for Clash of the Titles! Yay!If you have a minute, cast your vote for Ellie and Josh while checking out some other Christian novels that just released. http://www.clashofthetitles.com/2014/03/spring-has-sprung-at-clash-of-titles.html '
March 16, 2014
Distortion: A Review
Terri Blackstock is one of the few authors who rarely--if ever--disappoints. Distortion is a fast-paced ride with well-developed and likable characters. You don't have to read book one to enjoy this one, but it would give you background info on the characters. When Juliet Cole's husband is gunned down in front of her, the case unravels secrets her husband kept from everyone he knew--secrets that have put Juliet and their kids in the line of fire. Sometimes in a suspense novel, either the plot slows to allow the characters to grow or the plot is so fast, the character gets lost in the action. Neither happened here. This is a fantastic read, and I can't wait until the next book comes out because this one ends suddenly! I was given this book in exchange for my review. My thoughts are my own. '
March 14, 2014
Confessional Friday
Connecting with Leslie over at Blonde Ambition: http://www.blondeambitionblog.com/ 1. I confess that I didn't always up the resistance at spin class. I hadn't been in over a year to spin, so it kicked my butt. I even sometimes lowered the resistance when the instructor said to turn it up!
2. I confess that spent way too much money at Bath and Body Works this week. I love the Pink Chiffon smell so much, but why'd they get rid of the old favorites? 3. I confess that I'm going to the rodeo tomorrow with the girl I babysit and her friend. And I get paid to go. How'd I get so lucky? It'll be my first time seeing Keith Urban.
4. I confess that I didn't get my Spring Break To-Do List finished. Or even started. I've had a cold, so I'm not going to hold it against myself. I did make it to the gym twice and read several books. Success! 5. I confess that I didn't wear my Rockets' shirt Tuesday or Thursday this week. I blame myself for both losses. Don't tell the team!
6. I confess that I get a "little" into my nephew's flag football games. I'm sad there's not a game this Saturday. Go Broncos! I'm at every game...still waiting on my sister to get me that Aunt of the Year plaque. :)
Have a great week! '
2. I confess that spent way too much money at Bath and Body Works this week. I love the Pink Chiffon smell so much, but why'd they get rid of the old favorites? 3. I confess that I'm going to the rodeo tomorrow with the girl I babysit and her friend. And I get paid to go. How'd I get so lucky? It'll be my first time seeing Keith Urban.
4. I confess that I didn't get my Spring Break To-Do List finished. Or even started. I've had a cold, so I'm not going to hold it against myself. I did make it to the gym twice and read several books. Success! 5. I confess that I didn't wear my Rockets' shirt Tuesday or Thursday this week. I blame myself for both losses. Don't tell the team!
6. I confess that I get a "little" into my nephew's flag football games. I'm sad there's not a game this Saturday. Go Broncos! I'm at every game...still waiting on my sister to get me that Aunt of the Year plaque. :)
Have a great week! '
