Mandy M. Roth's Blog, page 79
October 23, 2012
Still want to be part of Authors Against Bullying?
My inbox has been filled with so many wonderful people, both authors and non-authors, wanting to share their stories and be part of the blog event. While the deadline for being included in the author hyperlinked section has passed as has the event date. Yasmine and I do still encourage all authors and NON authors wanting to share their stories to please do so and to please stop past our blogs and put links to your post in our comment sections (of our Authors Against Bullying posts so it is sure to be seen by people visiting the thread) and all other authors linked. Also, on twitter the hashtag is #AuthorsAgainstBullying. This is such a worthy cause and bullying is something that happens everyday. Thank you so much for the overwhelming response.
*Each authors’ opinions on bullying are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of all participating.
Mandy M. Roth
Yasmine Galenorn
Lauren Dane
Michelle M. Pillow
Kate Douglas
Shawntelle Madison
Leah Braemel
Aaron Crocco
NJ Walters
Jax Garren
Shelli Stevens
Melissa Schroeder
Jaycee Clark
Shawna Thomas
Ella Drake
E.J. Stevens
Ashley Shaw
Jeaniene Frost
Rachel Caine
Kate Rothwell
Jackie Morse Kessler
Jaye Wells
Kate Angell
Melissa Cutler
PT Michelle
Patrice Michelle
Julie Leto
Kaz Mahoney
Cynthia D’Alba
Jesse L. Cairns
TJ Michaels
Jess Haines
Phoebe Conn
Jessa Slade
Kate Davies
Lynne Silver
Taryn Blackthorne
Margaret Daley
Alyssa Day
Aaron Dries
Lisa Whitefern
Rhyannon Byrd
Carly Phillips
Leslie Kelly
Janelle Denison
Graylin Fox
Lee McKenzie
Barbara Winkes
Harmony Evans
Mary Eason
Ann Aguirre
Lucy Monroe
Nikki Duncan
Kerry Schafer
Ruth Frances Long
Julie Chicklitasaurus
Thank you Dear Author
October 18, 2012
Authors Against Bullying
Warning: Post contains language that may not be suitable for children.
The story of the Canadian teen who committed suicide because of bullying—but not before she told her story via a YouTube video— has hit me hard. What makes the matter even worse are the comments on the video by trolls. The comments and the fact a young girl was driven to suicide (and she is not the only one) because of bullies have all come together into something simmering so close to the surface that I felt more needed to be done. People being bullied need to see others pulling together and standing united against the behavior and they need to know they are not alone. Yasmine Galenorn, a fellow author and friend, felt the same way. Together we decided to gather our writing friends and peers and invite them to take a stand against bullying. They responded and together we are Authors Against Bullying.
Bullies suck.
Yeah, I said it.
They are mean, they are cruel, they project their insecurities onto others to try to take from their own problems or inflate their egos and they think this is okay—often society says it is and by society I mean the vocal few not the proud, human beings many.
I’m here to say it’s not okay, it’s not all right, it’s not acceptable. It’s not cute or funny or kids will be kids. Its kids being hate mongrels and adults allowing it. The internet has brought the world closer. It has done something else—it’s given a layer of anonymity to certain individuals who love to spew forth hate. The non-contributors to society. The ones who only have hurtful, horrible things to offer behind the wall of privacy the internet provides. These people aren’t out there making a difference. They’re home hitting refresh nonstop on their computer while trolling places like YouTube and tearing down a young girl who committed suicide because of bullying. I honestly have no idea how and when anyone in society thought it was okay to behave this way, or how more than one jumped on board, but it sickens me. And it makes me afraid for our youth. Not the bullies. Honestly, I don’t give a flying “fig” what happens to the bullies. I could give some suggestions but they’d be unkind. See, I don’t have to be PC or kind, or mind my words or manners. I was a victim of bullying. I get it. My youngest son is a victim of bullying.
Bullies suck. Period.
My concern is for those being bullied. They get it from bullies and then the net. The world seems to be full of people saying “kids will be kids”, “she had it coming” and so on. I’m here to say not all of us feel that way. I see no way to justify the suicide of a young girl being bullied. Period.
My heart broke while watching the girl’s video. It ached knowing that pack mentality is so vicious and relentless that it drove this young girl to feel she had no other way out. It made me think of all the girls and boys like her in this world who are suffering at the hands of bullies. Of how hopeless they feel their situation is. Of how they feel it will never end. That no one cares. That they are alone.
You are special.
You mean something.
You are more than what they try to make you out to be.
You have something to offer.
You are beautiful.
And you are NOT alone.
There is hope.
No, really, there is actually hope.
Had someone said all this to me when I was young and the target of kids and their ignorance and cruelty I wouldn’t have believed them. I would have assumed they couldn’t possibly relate. They couldn’t know what it was like to be me.
I wasn’t instantly smart. I didn’t come out of the womb reading and show up in school the class genius. I was the opposite. I struggled greatly with reading and school in the early years. I went to a crap-tacular public school that believed it best to push a student onto the next grade for the next level to deal with rather than actually teach—I mean, we were all low income anyways… why bother, right? (Please note the sarcasm dripping from my every word.)
To top off the fact I couldn’t wrap my mind around what was happening academically, which was such great fodder for the other kids who liked to point out how stupid I was, in the third grade I started suffering from an illness no one seemed to be able to pinpoint. It caused my white blood cell count to be through the roof, the lashes on my right eye to begin falling out and a strange discoloration of the skin on my right temple. Kids can be cruel, nasty little creatures. They were merciless with me. I was called Cyclops, they moved their chairs far from me afraid they would catch it too—whatever “it” was. A line that has stuck with me all these years later came at lunchtime. A boy looked at me and said “put your face down, looking at you while I’m trying to eat is gonna make me barf”.
As I type the words, remembered emotions are doing their best to resurface.
Hand drawn pictures appeared on my desk left by I’m guessing whoever was giggling the loudest. The pictures were of “me”. Of how they saw me. A one eyed monster. A head with one huge eye and one small eye (because without makeup the eye without lashes looks slightly bigger–it’s an optical illusion but try explaining that to a bunch of dimwitted jerks). One giant eye that had wire lashes on the edges but nothing in the center. Oh, the list went on and on. It seemed that leaders of this gained followers by the days. I didn’t want to go to school. I didn’t want to be looked at. While there I’d hide my “bad” side. I’d try to spend the entire day with my head bent and my hand covering it. I didn’t want to be there. I didn’t want to learn. How could I? I never once heard a teacher stopping them or their antics. No one did. No one ever spoke up for me and I couldn’t find my voice. I would just sit there, tears welling, head bent, believing each minute was stretching out to feel like hours and each hour felt like days. I saw no end in sight and hated myself. I hated my body for turning on me and making me such a “freak”. I hated that I wasn’t normal like them. That I wasn’t beautiful with big thick lashes and totally blemish free skin. I hated that I could so easily be turned into a joke–that clearly meant I was one, right? That could be the only answer. They must be right.
The kids acted like I was walking death and they were sure to catch it should they come in contact with me. I will never ever forget the sound of all their chairs moving in unison away from me. It is something that will forever be etched into my brain. Very few kids (I will say Jill’s name here because she was one who stepped up and wasn’t afraid to be my friend or have me over to her house, there were a small few as well but Jill by far stepped up to the plate the most and deserves a public thank you) were brave enough to buck the system and the pack to talk to me. To the few who did, I thank you. I also thank the one teacher who saw something in me and who made sure I learned to read, even though it was late in the game. To you teacher, you are the one who brought books into my life. You are who exposed me to a world of reading and escape. I was able to see the common theme in so much young adult literature–the misfit, the misunderstood, the underdog. That was me. Someone understood me. Someone was like me, if even just fictional. I was not alone. I had my fictional friends.
The more I read, the more I was able to lose myself in fiction. Slowly, a few more kids who weren’t influenced by the others came around. Not many, but enough that I no longer felt totally isolated. Seventh grade came and I was placed in a Catholic School. I foolishly walked through the doors believing “new school, new life, it will be different here, it will be better”. I had no way of knowing I was walking blindly into the gates of hell. I’m not going to go into detail about what happened there. Let’s just say pack mentality took hold. It wasn’t pretty and to avoid me finding rage I don’t want to still have, I’ll just let this be for now. I will say this, leaving St. Sucky left me a new outlook about the St. Sucky Bitch Brigade that traveled in a pack there.
I would rise above them. Like the characters in the books I loved so much I would blossom, I would create my own destiny.
Something profound changed in me. Almost instantly. When I returned to public schools I walked in the door with this strange knowing–kids can be a**holes. True fact. That the elite will always believe themselves untouchable and they will always try to prey upon the weak but guess what, I wasn’t weak anymore. I’d had enough. I would not stand for anymore. If someone wanted to open their ignorant mouth and spout off about me, my eye, my face, anything I wasn’t going to take it lying down. I was going to use the gift reading had given me–words and the ability to spin them. It didn’t take long for the behavior to start. The minute it did I verbally thrashed them. I tore into them with words that were so hurtful they were like corrosive poison that I’m sure to this day still ca
use them pain when thought upon too hard. Am I proud of what I’d turned into, someone with a sharp tongue that verbally lashed out, going for the lowest of weaknesses of others? No. I was what they’d made me. I was finally Monster Mandy.
(I don’t recommend this to anyone. I’m simply telling my story. The good, the bad and the ugly. It’s important you understand that there is no halo over my head. I am a real person with real flaws.)
I was what they’d spent so many years carefully crafting. It only took a few times for the ones who used to do it to realize I wasn’t going to take it anymore. Of course there were new kids as well, kids who didn’t know me from earlier years. They tried their hat at it as well. Why not? I looked like an easy target, right? Wrong.
I became bitter and angry and honestly, I didn’t like that about myself. I suffered from depression and had to start seeing a professional about it. I hid my insecurities, my anger and my rage behind humor, often self-deprecating. Somewhere along the lines others reached out to me. I made a circle of friends. Real friends. Not backstabbing McBitchys with agendas. I continued my “take no prisoners” approach to verbal lashings whenever someone would try to tear me down. It became second nature. So much that the insults and hurtful things spun my way were like water off a duck’s back. I’m not proud of the fact I got to this point emotionally or that I no doubt did cause the bullies distress as well. Okay, I’m actually disappointed in myself for stooping so low, not that I hurt their feelings. Honestly, they needed a reality check.
If you kick a dog long enough, it will bite back. 
Was I verbally harsher than need be with them? Probably. Should I apologize for it now? Probably. It would make me the bigger person. I’m kind of fine with not being the bigger person just yet. Did others suffer my wrath? No. Only the ones who attempted to start something with me. I never sought anyone out to be “mean” to. I never spotted the “weak” and went in for the social kill. That was NOT my style. If anything I found ways to befriend them. Friends finally came into the picture. I changed schools two more times (just because my parents decided to move, not school issues) and managed to have a network of friends at each. I did still struggle with depression and anger issues. Most of it I kept hidden from all of them. It wasn’t their business. Most didn’t know my past. I was fine with that. I made friends from all social levels. This is what makes me proud. I may not love the fact I have a quick tongue that will verbally cut someone to the quick as a defensive measure, but I am proud of my ability to be friends with just about anyone, misfit or no. But I’ll tell you I have a soft spot for misfits.
The anger has seeped away. I’m still no nonsense. I probably always will be.
I surround myself with people who are good and good for me. I don’t let the negative McBitchys have any power over me. More importantly I don’t let them fuel me with the same rage they once had. I could have easily turned into one of them. I’m so thankful I didn’t. I have friends that I do let under my armor now–Michelle Pillow needs a shout out here. I have a loving husband who has never once said “don’t look at me or I’m gonna barf”. He actually prefers it when I don’t wear makeup. Odd bird, that one. J I have three amazingly wonderful, smart, funny and quick witted boys. One is in college now, one is in junior high and the other in elementary school. I feel very blessed.
In addition, I have readers who stand alongside me, saying no to bullying, saying no to Queen B’s who think they can try to run schools or towns or whatever and readers who say YES to being somewhat of a misfit. Readers who accept me, flaws and tarnished halo and all.
I will also say that my youngest son is a victim of bullying. It’s not something I will go into detail about right now. Last year it became physical. Not a pretty thing by any means. I’m a Momma Bear now. A Momma Bear who had been a victim of bullying. If the bully, the bully’s parents, the school system or the district think for one second I won’t do everything to protect my son they’re fools. Plus, let’s be honest, my sword is my pen, I can wield mighty words and people listen.
I’ve come a long way from the little girl who wanted to hide her face and not be seen by the world. I didn’t end up in a bell tower hidden away. I am in the public’s eye. I am out there, being seen, meeting readers from all over the world. Also, for a girl who hated her face, I now have nearly weekly photo updates on different fun makeup looks that I share with my readers. See, there is hope.
Teens Against Bullying: Created by teens, for teens.(middle school and high school)
Kids Against Bullying: Site is interactive and set up to help kids understand if they are being bullied, if they are the bully they should stop, etc. Younger kids will appreciate this.
National Bullying Prevention Center: Founded in 2006 the site is full of useful information for getting kids involved in anti-bullying, helping kids who are being bullied and bringing awareness to the cause.
Stop Bullying.gov: Informative and has a “kids corner”.
Here is the list of other authors who are joining in posting about bullying today. I encourage you to visit their blogs, to read their posts and to comment, letting the world know that society is still full of good, decent, honest people who will not tolerate bullying. Special thank you to Yasmine Galenorn for helping launch this campaign, to Michelle M Pillow for all her behind the scenes help with it, to all the authors who are participating, to all the readers who are as well, to the countless number of people who have helped us spread the word and to those who took time out to hear out stories.
Thank you!
Mandy
*Each authors’ opinions on bullying are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of all participating.
Mandy M. Roth
Yasmine Galenorn
Lauren Dane
Michelle M. Pillow
Kate Douglas
Shawntelle Madison
Leah Braemel
Aaron Crocco
NJ Walters
Jax Garren
Shelli Stevens
Melissa Schroeder
Jaycee Clark
Shawna Thomas
Ella Drake
E.J. Stevens
Ashley Shaw
Jeaniene Frost
Rachel Caine
Kate Rothwell
Jackie Morse Kessler
Jaye Wells
Kate Angell
Melissa Cutler
PT Michelle
Patrice Michelle
Julie Leto
Kaz Mahoney
Cynthia D’Alba
Jesse L. Cairns
TJ Michaels
Jess Haines
Phoebe Conn
Jessa Slade
Kate Davies
Lynne Silver
Taryn Blackthorne
Margaret Daley
Alyssa Day
Aaron Dries
Lisa Whitefern
Rhyannon Byrd
Carly Phillips
Leslie Kelly
Janelle Denison
Graylin Fox
Lee McKenzie
Barbara Winkes
Harmony Evans
Mary Eason
Ann Aguirre
Lucy Monroe
Nikki Duncan
Kerry Schafer
Ruth Frances Long
Julie Chicklitasaurus
Thank you Dear Author
I invite you all to share your story. If you were bullied, are being bullied, or know someone who is or has been please comment and let others know they are not alone. If you are a troll who happened upon this blog and want to try to gain 15 mins of fame in my comment section you should know I’ll block you and delete your comment. This is a bully FREE zone.
I’ll be tweting about Bullying throughout the day using the hashtag #AuthorsAgainstBullying. My twitter can be found here.
I will also post to my facebook page about it. You are welcome to stop by there as well.
October 15, 2012
FREE The Raven Magazine!
Michelle M Pillow and I are excited to announce our newest endeavor THE RAVEN MAGAZINE! This is a FREE online publication. You can download/view the PDF here.
Join Authors Against Bullying on Friday Oct 19th
Join us, Authors Against Bullying, on Friday Oct 19th. We will be blogging and taking a stand against bullying.
Yasmine Galenorn
Lauren Dane
Kate Douglas
Mandy M. Roth
Shawntelle Madison
Leah Braemel
Michelle M. Pillow
Aaron Crocco
NJ Walters
Jax Garren
Shelli Stevens
Melissa Schroeder
Jaycee Clark
Shawna Thomas
Ella Drake
E.J. Stevens
Ashley Shaw
Jeaniene Frost
Rachel Caine
Kate Rothwell
Jackie Morse Kessler
Jaye Wells
Kate Angell
Melissa Cutler
PT Michelle
Patrice Michelle
Julie Leto
Kaz Mahoney
Cynthia D’Alba
Jesse L. Cairns
TJ Michaels
Jess Haines
Graylin Fox
Phoebe Conn
Jessa Slade
Kate Davies
Lynne Silver
Taryn Blackthorne
Margaret Daley
Alyssa Day
Aaron Dries
Lisa Whitefern
Rhyannon Byrd
Carly Phillips
Leslie Kelly
Janelle Denison
Lee McKenzie
*special thanks to Dear Author
October 8, 2012
Halloween Celebration Contest and Prizes (update closed)
I think you all know by know that I love Halloween. It truly is my favorite holiday of the year. I’ve been sharing various Halloween looks on my facebook personal page (you can find it here) and I’ve been doing a ton of Youtube videos dressed in costume (you can find them here). So many of you have commented on how much you’re enjoying the looks and how they’ve inspired you. I thought it would be fun to do some prizes that are inspired by the looks. (This contest is separate from any other contests I’m having this month.)
Eye Candy Prize Package
Eye Candy Prize Package
Eye Candy Prize Package Includes:
Signed PRINT book of Immortal Ops Collection I by Mandy M Roth
Revlon Photoready Eye Primer
Revlon Photoready 3D Mascara
Wet N Wild “Don’t Steal My Thunder” eyeshadow palette
E.L.F. Waterproof Eyeliner Pen (Black)
E.L.F. Dramatic Lash Kit (Set of false eyelashes with comfort adhesive gel)
E.L.F. Cream Eyeliner (Black)
E.L.F. makeup brush (as shown in picture)
WARNING and understanding: Contest open to people 18yrs and older only. I will ship anywhere (winner acknowledges I am not responsible for any issues with shipping–ie, probs with their country allowing items in, US mail blocking certain items from being mailed and etc). Prize package contains products which may cause an allergic reaction in some, anyone entering the contest and winner assumes all responsibility and acknowledges Mandy M Roth is not responsible. Damage can occur to products during shipping. Winner acknowledges this. Prizes MUST be claimed within 14 days of wining or prize package will be awarded to another.
Vamp Mandy Prize Package
Vamp Mandy Prize Package
Vamp Mandy Prize Package Includes:
Singed PRINT book of The Valkyrie by Mandy M Roth
Wet N Wild (Fantasy Makers) Cosmetic Kit-Vixen Femme Fatale (kit includes 1nail polish-unsure about mailing regulations on this, might NOT be included if mail says no–, 1 lipstick, 1 eyeshadow duo, 1 pair eye lashes)
White Cream Makeup
E.L.F. Waterproof Eyeliner Pen (Black)
E.L.F. Makeup Brush (as shown in picture)
WARNING and understanding: Contest open to people 18yrs and older only. I will ship anywhere (winner acknowledges I am not responsible for any issues with shipping–ie, probs with their country allowing items in, US mail blocking certain items from being mailed and etc). Prize package contains products which may cause an allergic reaction in some, anyone entering the contest and winner assumes all responsibility and acknowledges Mandy M Roth is not responsible. Damage can occur to products during shipping. Winner acknowledges this. Prizes MUST be claimed within 14 days of wining or prize package will be awarded to another.
Wicked the Witch Prize Package
Wicked the Witch Prize Package
Wicked the Witch Prize Package Includes:
Signed PRINT book of The Guardians by Mandy M Roth
Spirit Green Grease Makeup
White Cream Makeup
E.L.F. Pigment Eyeshadow Tropical Teal
E.L.F. Dramatic Lash Kit (1 pair of black lashes and comfort adhesive gel)
E.L.F. Waterproof Eyeliner Pen (Black)
E.L.F. Makeup brush (as shown in picture)
WARNING and understanding: Contest open to people 18yrs and older only. I will ship anywhere (winner acknowledges I am not responsible for any issues with shipping–ie, probs with their country allowing items in, US mail blocking certain items from being mailed and etc). Prize package contains products which may cause an allergic reaction in some, anyone entering the contest and winner assumes all responsibility and acknowledges Mandy M Roth is not responsible. Damage can occur to products during shipping. Winner acknowledges this. Prizes MUST be claimed within 14 days of wining or prize package will be awarded to another.
EBOOK PRIZE PACKAGE
Three lucky winners will win 2 ebooks of their choice from Mandy M Roth.
How to be entered for a chance to win one of the above three prize packages:
(There is more than one way to be entered for a chance to win. You may do one of the following or two of the following, three of the following or all four of the following. Its up to you.)
YOUTUBE
Subscribe to my YouTube channel and comment on one or more of my videos. (Commenter MUST be subscribed to my channel. Yes, the more you comment the more times you’re entered for a chance to win.)
my videos in order and listed by skit
Follow my personal and LIKE my author FB page. Comment there on one or more of my posts. Yes, the more you comment the more times you’re entered for a chance to win.
Personal FB (don’t worry, my personal FB is for readers too. Its my chit-chat page)
Author FB (pretty much announcements only)
Follow me on twitter and @mandymroth me so I see you there
MY BLOG
Comment on my blog during the month of October. The more you comment, the more you’re entered for a chance to win.
I use RANDOM.org to select my winners. Yes, contest open to all (I will ship overseas) but you MUST be 18yrs or older to enter.
WARNING and understanding: Contest open to people 18yrs and older only. I will ship anywhere (winner acknowledges I am not responsible for any issues with shipping–ie, probs with their country allowing items in, US mail blocking certain items from being mailed and etc). Prize package contains products which may cause an allergic reaction in some, anyone entering the contest and winner assumes all responsibility and acknowledges Mandy M Roth is not responsible. Damage can occur to products during shipping. Winner acknowledges this. Prizes MUST be claimed within 14 days of wining or prize package will be awarded to another.
Halloween Celebration Contest and Prizes
I think you all know by know that I love Halloween. It truly is my favorite holiday of the year. I’ve been sharing various Halloween looks on my facebook personal page (you can find it here) and I’ve been doing a ton of Youtube videos dressed in costume (you can find them here). So many of you have commented on how much you’re enjoying the looks and how they’ve inspired you. I thought it would be fun to do some prizes that are inspired by the looks. (This contest is separate from any other contests I’m having this month.)
Eye Candy Prize Package
Eye Candy Prize Package
Eye Candy Prize Package Includes:
Signed PRINT book of Immortal Ops Collection I by Mandy M Roth
Revlon Photoready Eye Primer
Revlon Photoready 3D Mascara
Wet N Wild “Don’t Steal My Thunder” eyeshadow palette
E.L.F. Waterproof Eyeliner Pen (Black)
E.L.F. Dramatic Lash Kit (Set of false eyelashes with comfort adhesive gel)
E.L.F. Cream Eyeliner (Black)
E.L.F. makeup brush (as shown in picture)
WARNING and understanding: Contest open to people 18yrs and older only. I will ship anywhere (winner acknowledges I am not responsible for any issues with shipping–ie, probs with their country allowing items in, US mail blocking certain items from being mailed and etc). Prize package contains products which may cause an allergic reaction in some, anyone entering the contest and winner assumes all responsibility and acknowledges Mandy M Roth is not responsible. Damage can occur to products during shipping. Winner acknowledges this. Prizes MUST be claimed within 14 days of wining or prize package will be awarded to another.
Vamp Mandy Prize Package
Vamp Mandy Prize Package
Vamp Mandy Prize Package Includes:
Singed PRINT book of The Valkyrie by Mandy M Roth
Wet N Wild (Fantasy Makers) Cosmetic Kit-Vixen Femme Fatale (kit includes 1nail polish-unsure about mailing regulations on this, might NOT be included if mail says no–, 1 lipstick, 1 eyeshadow duo, 1 pair eye lashes)
White Cream Makeup
E.L.F. Waterproof Eyeliner Pen (Black)
E.L.F. Makeup Brush (as shown in picture)
WARNING and understanding: Contest open to people 18yrs and older only. I will ship anywhere (winner acknowledges I am not responsible for any issues with shipping–ie, probs with their country allowing items in, US mail blocking certain items from being mailed and etc). Prize package contains products which may cause an allergic reaction in some, anyone entering the contest and winner assumes all responsibility and acknowledges Mandy M Roth is not responsible. Damage can occur to products during shipping. Winner acknowledges this. Prizes MUST be claimed within 14 days of wining or prize package will be awarded to another.
Wicked the Witch Prize Package
Wicked the Witch Prize Package
Wicked the Witch Prize Package Includes:
Signed PRINT book of The Guardians by Mandy M Roth
Spirit Green Grease Makeup
White Cream Makeup
E.L.F. Pigment Eyeshadow Tropical Teal
E.L.F. Dramatic Lash Kit (1 pair of black lashes and comfort adhesive gel)
E.L.F. Waterproof Eyeliner Pen (Black)
E.L.F. Makeup brush (as shown in picture)
WARNING and understanding: Contest open to people 18yrs and older only. I will ship anywhere (winner acknowledges I am not responsible for any issues with shipping–ie, probs with their country allowing items in, US mail blocking certain items from being mailed and etc). Prize package contains products which may cause an allergic reaction in some, anyone entering the contest and winner assumes all responsibility and acknowledges Mandy M Roth is not responsible. Damage can occur to products during shipping. Winner acknowledges this. Prizes MUST be claimed within 14 days of wining or prize package will be awarded to another.
EBOOK PRIZE PACKAGE
Three lucky winners will win 2 ebooks of their choice from Mandy M Roth.
How to be entered for a chance to win one of the above three prize packages:
(There is more than one way to be entered for a chance to win. You may do one of the following or two of the following, three of the following or all four of the following. Its up to you.)
YOUTUBE
Subscribe to my YouTube channel and comment on one or more of my videos. (Commenter MUST be subscribed to my channel. Yes, the more you comment the more times you’re entered for a chance to win.)
my videos in order and listed by skit
Follow my personal and LIKE my author FB page. Comment there on one or more of my posts. Yes, the more you comment the more times you’re entered for a chance to win.
Personal FB (don’t worry, my personal FB is for readers too. Its my chit-chat page)
Author FB (pretty much announcements only)
Follow me on twitter and @mandymroth me so I see you there
MY BLOG
Comment on my blog during the month of October. The more you comment, the more you’re entered for a chance to win.
I use RANDOM.org to select my winners. Yes, contest open to all (I will ship overseas) but you MUST be 18yrs or older to enter.
WARNING and understanding: Contest open to people 18yrs and older only. I will ship anywhere (winner acknowledges I am not responsible for any issues with shipping–ie, probs with their country allowing items in, US mail blocking certain items from being mailed and etc). Prize package contains products which may cause an allergic reaction in some, anyone entering the contest and winner assumes all responsibility and acknowledges Mandy M Roth is not responsible. Damage can occur to products during shipping. Winner acknowledges this. Prizes MUST be claimed within 14 days of wining or prize package will be awarded to another.
October 7, 2012
Inexpensive Halloween Wood Fairy
I was asked to come up with an inexpensive look for Halloween. This one cost me nothing. I owned everything. If you don’t own a white makeup eyeliner pencil you can get one for 99 cents at your local drug store. As for eyeshadows, use only what you have. Keep the colors narrowed down to what you own to save money. If you own no shadows or want some pop of color look at Wet N Wild eyeshadows. They retail for between 2-6 dollars (for a palette).
First step, gather some goodies from outdoors. I used willow branches/leaves and some flower heads from around my yard. Anything will work. Yes, you can use branches that are missing leaves. Anything at all. Be creative. I taped them in a circle that fit around my head and then taped on the flowers. You could hot glue them if you wanted.
Here I am taping it all into a wreath for my head.
Here is what it looked like done.
Next I grabbed some eyeshadow colors I already owned. You can use ANY colors you want or have.
I “painted” them onto my forehead, temples and contoured my cheeks with them.
Next up, I just used my everyday makeup look and decided to draw on some swirls with a white eyeliner pencil. (These retail for $.99 at drug stores.)
Here is the finished look. You could add body glitter (be SURE its made for face and body or it can do damage to your eyes, etc), more colors, stick on gems. Whatever you want.
I let my hair down, put on wreath and here is the look. If you wanted to be extra creative you could cut out fairy wings from cardboard and wear them.
October 2, 2012
Authors Behaving Like Total Dorks
Authors Michelle M. Pillow and Mandy M. Roth (look… I’m third person now) put together a bunch of FUN and DORKY youtube vid skits for readers to enjoy. We figured life is often too serious so why not let our inner dork out. We’ve put together a great video index page listing each skit and the rec viewing order. Also we have them arranged in playlists on youtube.
This is our thanks to all of you for being so awesome. We hope you enjoy them! Psst… we’ll be having contests ALL month long too. Be sure to subscribe to our youtube channels and follow us on FB for more details.
Video Index Page
http://mandyroth.com/vlog.htm
Youtube direct link to Playlists for each skit
Vamp Mandy and the Newbie Vamp
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvvoIywkropclQPzqSUrNDfVjfgUilm_b&feature=plcp
Evil Queen Mandy and Princess Michelle
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvvoIywkropcPdAu_7zXisNhjtrLBjefR&feature=plcp
Evil “Michelle” and Good “Mandy”
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvvoIywkropezJ–Df6XhwMff0jwK1i6S&feature=plcp
Witches: Wicked and Good
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvvoIywkropfFS3ltj1ScBmt1l7VMe2G6&feature=plcp
Somehow Mandy Ends up the Goblin King and Michelle gets a form rejection
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvvoIywkropc38bSMAYoTDuJbBwEQJLfC&feature=plcp
Medusa Mandy
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvvoIywkropdRqv9dP9fJRgYRlyqdBSdJ&feature=plcp
We hope you laugh! We hope you don’t run away in shock when you realize we’re big kids.
Michelle M Pillow
Youtube
http://www.youtube.com/user/michellepillow
Mandy M Roth
Youtube
http://www.youtube.com/user/mandyroth?feature=mhee
Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/mandymroth
Vamp Mandy and the Newbie Vamp
Check out the funny skits we put together for our readers on Youtube!
Vamp Mandy and the Newbie Vamp (with the help of Author Michelle M Pillow)
Vids in rec viewing order
Vamp Mandy Dating Werewolves
LINK
Newb: get off air crazy vamp lady
LINK
Vamp Mandy: Sunlight
LINK
Newb: Not feeling well
LINK
Vamp Mandy: Mandy Roth Vamp books
LINKS
Newb:Hey vamp BFF
LINK
Vamp Mandy: Fashion
LINK
Vamp Mandy: Online Dating
LINK
Newb: Mesmerize
LINK
Vamp Mandy: Hydrating
LINK
Vamp Mandy: Crucifixes
LINK
Newb: hurts when I do this
LINK
Vamp Mandy: Bring on the Tribes
LINK
Want to watch more of our silly? Visit my vid viewing order page.
September 26, 2012
Marketing with Mandy Author Spotlight: Serenity Woods
Marketing with Mandy Author Spotlight: Serenity Woods
Q: Tell us a little about your experience with (insert publisher name here or if self published put self-publishing here).
A: My experience with Samhain Publishing has been great all the way. My editor, Imogen Howson, is professional, polite and lovely, plus she’s a great writer herself, so she knows her stuff! She’s taught me so much along the way—I really owe her a lot.
Q: What tips/tricks do you use for marketing or promoting your own titles?
A: I’m relatively new to this game, so at the moment I’m trying to keep an up-to-date website, plus a presence on both Twitter and Facebook. I usually do a small blog tour around each release. I’d like to spend more time checking out blogs and sites, but my time is limited while I work full time, and the moments I do have to spare I must spend writing!
Q: What is one thing you’d want to tell a newer author, just coming into the game?
A: Firstly, never give up! It can be a long, hard road, but it’s worth it when you see your name on a cover. Getting a professional editor to read your work really helps – I did it the hard way and had to wait for a publisher to be kind enough to take me on before I learned all the places I was going wrong. It would be much easier if I’d found out beforehand!
Q: Could you tell us a bit about your latest release?
A: An Uncommon Sense was released with Samhain Publishing on April 3rd. Grace Fox is a secondary school science teacher with a talent for saying the first thing that comes into her head. Ash Rutherford is a doctor-turned-medium who falls hard for Grace and her silky underwear. But Grace doesn’t believe in the supernatural, and Ash has other ghosts to deal with before he can let Grace fully into his heart… It’s the first in the Sensual Healing series. The second, Making Sense, is due out at the end of the year.
Q: Can you tell us a little about your current WIP’s?
A: Seven Sexy Sins comes out with Samhain in August. It’s a fun, sexy, friends-to-lovers story. I also write under my own name, Faye Robertson, for Entangled Publishing, and I write for the Lori Wilde’s Indulgence line. My first book, Kiss and Make Up, came out on Valentine’s Day.
Q: How did you get into writing?
A: I’ve written since I was 15 (I’m now in my forties) and wrote seven (unpublished) books before I turned to writing romance. Best thing I ever did! I’ve learned so much since then, and had lots of stories published.
Q: How do you balance family and writing?
A: This is a difficult one! I write after tea before we sit down to watch TV for the evening, and whenever else I can find the time. But my family has to come first, or what’s the point? I’d like to do more social networking, but I only have a short amount of time to fit that in between the writing and real life!
LINKS:
