Come on, join the team!

Team Raving Pen needs your help! So all my friends out there in blogging land, if you haven't already joined a team, please join Team Raving Pen. We are up to about 30 team members and we are shooting for at least 50 to double the ARC love.

Team Goading The Pen and Ravelda have formed an alliance.  Here is what you get if you join our team Raving Pen!
Everybody on the new team is entered for a giveaway for an ARC of EYES LIKE STARS.

Everybody on the new team shares the ARC of SHIVER, determined by random number. (Starting with #1 the first person reads and then mails to the next person on the list and so on. Last person on the list will get to keep the ARC)

Everybody on the new team is entered to decide who gets one of 4 signed copies of Lament. (We are giving away all four.)

Come on, join the team!

Here are the details of Maggie's contest:

Maggie Stiefvater is having a contest here: A Better Way To Get a Shiver ARC

Winner gets:
- a signed ARC of SHIVER
- 4 signed copies of LAMENT
- and for each of the friends that you got to comment, a critique of the first 5 pages of any of their manuscripts.

And if any single person manages to get over 50 friends to comment, I'll make it 3 ARCs of SHIVER and 8 copies of LAMENT. (With your help we can do this! Just copy and paste this entire post into your blog and then go comment on Maggie's blog that you did it for Team Raving Pen!)
In Short the person who gets the most people to join there team by posting:
1. A picture of the Shiver Book Cover
2. A description of Shiver
3. A link to the pre-order page
4. Letting her know that they have posted and who they are posting for: HERE

Copy and Paste this post and post on your blog. Then go here:
http://m-stiefvater.livejournal.com/105279.html
And let Maggie know you posted for Team Raving Pen!

For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf—her wolf—is a chilling presence she can’t seem to live without. Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human…until the cold makes him shift back again.

Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away. It’s her wolf. It has to be. But as winter nears, Sam must fight to stay human—or risk losing himself, and Grace forever.

Pre-Order Shiver Here:

http://www.amazon.com/Shiver-Maggie-Stiefvater/dp/0545123267/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1241744679&sr=1-2

 

Post on, my friends!

Clarification and critique stuff

Yesterday I posted the winner of my Slushy contest . . . the contest in which I asked you to help spread the word about slushy_one's contest. This may have caused some confusion so I want to take a moment to let you know,  Slushy's contest is NOT over. You can enter that contest until May 18th.

Whew! I've been enjoying reading critiques on slushy's blog; some great insight  on the first 250 words. Though slushy's critiques carry a bit of bite, they are honest and this is the type of critique I love. Slushy pointed out a few things in my entry (I won't say which one is mine, but some of you may recognize it anyway) no one else noticed in all the years of critiques . . . of course that may have been because there were so many OTHER mistakes for those first poor crit-er's to comment on. =)

Anyway, it has been worth it to me and I'm glad I went for it. I hope slushy has more critiquing contests in the future . . .

So, if you want to go check out the entries on slushy's blog and maybe leave a comment or two, go for it! So far there are only four entries . . . not sure if slushy has more in the queue or not, but I hope so.

 

Write on.

My Slush Pile contest winner

Sorry I didn't get on here yesterday to make the announcement, but I'm here today!

 

The winner is:

 

Learningtoread!

 

PM me (or leave a comment here) to let me know if you want an Amazon.com or BN.com gift card.

Thanks so much for helping spread the word about the contest.

 

Write on.

Helping Slushy

Just a reminder about The Slush Pile "Mother May I?" contest. Here's info from my previous post about the contest:

 

The Slush Pile is a new blog, and to launch the blog, there is a contest. I know slushy_one from another blog, and have promised to keep his/her identity secret.

The contest sounds pretty cool so I entered (plus Slushy gives a great critique). You can get your first 250 words critiqued by Slushy and other posters on the site, and you have the chance to win a slushy_one critique of your first chapter . . . plus a $25 gift card to Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble.com.

I know how you all love contests so go to  The Slush Pile for details.

 

And don't forget that if you post about Slushy's contest on your blog and leave a comment on my previous post or even THIS post with a link to your post about Slushy's contest, you'll be entered in a drawing for a $25 gift card from Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble.com . . . but you have to hurry because my promotional contest ends on Monday, May 11th (as soon as I get home from work . . . which will be about 4:00 Arizona time . . . which is 7:00 EST . . . I think . . . darn time changes always mess me up)!

And while you're at it, enter Slushy's contest for your chance at a critique! And, believe me, Slushy's critiques are amazing!

So if you win Slushy's contest AND my contest, you'll end up with TWO $25 gift cards!! That could buy some fun stuff.

Write on.

Helping Goadingthepen

I'm not sure if I'm doing this right, but goadingthepen put a call for help on her blog. she entered Maggie's contest and needs help winning. You can check out her blog post for more information.

All you have to do is copy and paste everything from below here onto your blog! Then go to Maggie's blog and tell her you did it. Don't forget to mention goadingthepen sent you!

For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf—her wolf—is a chilling presence she can’t seem to live without. Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human…until the cold makes him shift back again.

Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away. It’s her wolf. It has to be. But as winter nears, Sam must fight to stay human—or risk losing himself, and Grace forever.

Pre-Order Shiver Here:

http://www.amazon.com/Shiver-Maggie-Stiefvater/dp/0545123267/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1241744679&sr=1-2

Posting because of

goadingthepen

The Slush Pile contest

The Slush Pile is a new blog, and to launch the blog, there is a contest. I know slushy_one from another blog, and have promised to keep his/her identity secret.

The contest sounds pretty cool so I entered (plus Slushy gives a great critique). You can get your first 250 words critiqued by Slushy and other posters on the site, and you have the chance to win a slushy_one critique of your first chapter . . . plus a $25 gift card to Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble.com.

I know how you all love contests so go to  The Slush Pile for details.

And to help launch the site and contest, I got permission from slushy_one to have a promotional contest of my own.

All you have to do is help spread the word by posting a link to Slushy's contest on your blog. Leave a comment below with a link to your post promoting the contest and your automatically entered!

I'll put all entries in a hat and draw the winner on May 11th. What can you win? I'm offering a $25 gift card to your choice of either Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble.com . . . 'cause I know you people love to buy books! I mean, who doesn't?

 

Write on!

Silver Phoenix Contest

What could be better than a contest? Well, how about a completely AWESOME contest? The wonderful Cindy Pon is having a contest to celebrate the upcoming release (May 1st) of her debut novel:

 

And what can you win? Oh, my friends, you DON'T want to miss this!

First of all, you could win one of Cindy's original framed brush paintings! If you have not seen Cindy's brush painting, go here. I am blessed enough to own one of her amazingly beautiful paintings (Peach Blossoms).

But that's not all! Though it's hard to top a painting, Cindy is also offering a signed copy of her novel along with the painting. That's right, you get them BOTH!

But she's not done yet . . . nope, there's even more! In case you win and are crazy enough not to want one of her paintings, she's offering a $100 gift card to a bookstore of your choice with a signed copy of her novel.

And she may give away more than one painting/gift card prize depending on number of entries!

So, what do you have to do? Well, she is fantastic enough to offer you SEVERAL opportunities to earn a "raffle" ticket. There are too many to list here so please don't hesitate to click on the link and visit Cindy's blog.

And while you're clicking around, why not go check out the book trailer Madison did for "Silver Phoenix" . . . go on, get clicking!

 

Write on!

Win a book!

Want a chance to win?

Of course you do! head on over to Marybeth Kelsey's blog to find out how to win! It's really easy to enter. What are you waiting for?

Write on.

Cheerios Stories Posted

If you want to read the first prize winning stories in the Cheerios contest, go here. I still can't believe they chose mine . . . and after you read it, you all may  not believe it either. ;-)

 

Write on.

Novel Novel Review

It's that time again. Here's a quick reminder of my rating system

A+--I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend this book. In most cases, I passed it on to my teen.

A--I enjoyed this book and I might pass it on to my teen.

B--I liked this book, but probably won't pass it on to my teen.

C--I thought it was okay, but I won't pass it on to my teen.

D--I didn't like this book, and won't allow my teen to read it.

F--I hope I never have to go here. =D

I will give reasons for my rating in my review, but if you have any questions, please feel free to ask. If you find your book here, don't panic if I rate it below an A. These are my personal preferences and I'm only one small person in a large market. =D

Okay, now here we go.

This is not my usual genre (you all know I'm more of a Fantasy reader/writer), but I have to tell you, I've very much enjoyed stepping outside my comfort zone. This novel is brilliant!

WINNIE'S WAR by Jenny Moss

Rating: A+

Category: Historical Fiction

Age Recommendation: 9+

During the Spanish Influenza epidemic of 1918, Winnie struggles to keep her family and friends safe. But how can she fight something she can't see?

In this time of illness, Winnie learns tough lessons about life, death, and a mother and grandmother she never fully understood.

WINNIE'S WAR kept me reading as I suffered with and cheered Winnie on. With such likeable and relatable characters, Moss pulled me effortlessly into Coward Creek Texas in the fall of 1918. I emotionally connected with Winnie and grew with her as she lived through a terrible time in history.

Through her beautiful prose, Moss brings this little known epidemic out of the past and shares the poignant story of Winnie's life. I will definitely recommend this book to others (including a few history teachers I know), and I look forward to reading future books by Jenny Moss.

 

If you haven't read WINNIE'S WAR, go . . . read . . . enjoy. I have a feeling this won't be the last time I pick up this novel.

Write on!

Critique Group openings

Hello all!
Works in Progress (WIP) critique group is accepting new member applications. We are a group of intermediate to advanced writers committed to helping each other reach our publication goals and improve our writing one critique at a time. We prefer MG, YA, but accept some PB authors.

Here's a bit about our set-up:

Two members per month submit one chapter or equivalent (no more than 5000 words) the first week of the month (assigned schedule) via email. Members are given two weeks to complete the month's critiques (remember, there are only two) and on the fourth week, the members have an open discussion about the month's critiques (so we can all learn). We do provide for emergency submissions (for agent/editor revisions, contest entries, etc.).

If you're interested in joining, please send a brief bio about yourself (including writing experience) and a sample of your writing (no more than 500 words) to worksinprogress at officeliveusers dot com.

Write on.

Oh, and one more picture

My youngest son caught the garter so he decided to be the clown he is with it . . . yes, he wore it like this and danced around the room for everyone to see. *sigh* This one is just like his father!! =D

Write on?

And yes, I know the date on my camera is WAY off . . . the batteries died and I forgot to reset the date before the pictures were taken . . . I'll get around to it one of these days. =)

Found, one camera

I misplaced my camera after the wedding on Friday. I've been searching for it, and I finally found it a few minutes ago! I won't tell you where it was since I searched there several times and I'm embarrassed I didn't see it the many times I looked. *blush*

Anyway, here are some pictures of the tunics I made for the little boys in the wedding.

You can't see them very well, but they have laces going down the front and everything. I also made a jacket for myself and another bride's maid since the dresses were sleeveless/strapless.

Here's a picture of the other bride's maid:

Here's what the dresses looked like without the jacket (this is the bride's daughter, Mari and my SIL, Jessica):

Here's a picture of my daughters (they were flower girls) and no, I did NOT make these dresses:

And here's a picture of my crazy kids and hubby with the wedding cake:

Oldest son was taking many of these pictures so he's not in any of them. =( And I took some so I'm not in any of them either. =) oh, I mean =(

They did have a professional photographer there so when Christi sends me some pictures that I'm in, I'll post them for you. =)

Here's a picture of the bride, Christi, and the groom, Aaron:

So, this was the wedding . . . it was nice. I got the sewing done in time, I sang my song during the wedding, and it's all over. WHEW!

I hope they have many years of happiness. =)

 

Write on.

Fairy Tale

Cyn2write is having a contest in which you could win an autographed copy of FAIRY TALE and a cool necklace. Don't miss your chance to enter and join in the countdown to release day!

 

Write on!

Loki

Just a quick post before I get back to sewing (I'm almost done YAY). Yesterday we added a new member to our family. Here're a few pictures:

 

He's a Harlequin Macaw (cross between a Blue and Gold Macaw and Green Wing Macaw). At eight months old, he is already learning to speak. He says "hello" and "hi" and we're looking forward to teaching him many more words and fun things.

And now I must get back to sewing. I'll take pictures of my sewing creations after I'm finished. =)

Write on . . . or Sew on (as the case may be).

Hiatus

Dear readers,

I am not abandoning you, for I shall return. But for a while, I shall be busy. A friend's wedding is on the 20th and I have lots of sewing to get finished before then.

Therefore, I shall be away from blogging for a while. I may still pop in on your blogs to comment now and then, but after today, I will try to unplug myself from the laptop and plug into the the sewing machine.

Since today is my last full day of computer usage, I shall be using my remaining hours wisely. These marvelous hours will be spent pouring through my WIP and finishing up some major revisions (based on some feedback from first beta readers). If all goes well, these revisions will be complete today and I will be able to mail a hard copy to a very patient friend of mine (on Blogger . . . she knows who she is) for a critique.

So, this activity means I shall be away from this blog for a while . . . but I will be back sometime next week when the wedding is over. In the meantime, I wish you all good times, good company, good health, good writing, and good news!

 

Write on.

Wherefore art thou Dora?

If I were a cursing woman, I would do so now . . . as if the original weren't annoying enough, Dora the Explorer is getting a makeover. I thought my kids were out of the Dora phase and now they are trying to suck them back in by making her "grow" with my children who have moved on from Dora adoration.

Though her new look has yet to be revealed, they do have a silhouette of her.

You can find an article about this travesty here: Dora article

I'm not sure I'm entirely happy about this . . . aren't our children exposed to enough subtle (and not so subtle) sexuality?

A rose by any other name is not as sweet!

Write on?

Novel Novel Review

It's that time again. Here's a quick reminder of my rating system

A+--I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend this book. In most cases, I passed it on to my teen.

A--I enjoyed this book and I might pass it on to my teen.

B--I liked this book, but probably won't pass it on to my teen.

C--I thought it was okay, but I won't pass it on to my teen.

D--I didn't like this book, and won't allow my teen to read it.

F--I hope I never have to go here. =D

I will give reasons for my rating in my review, but if you have any questions, please feel free to ask. If you find your book here, don't panic if I rate it below an A. These are my personal preferences and I'm only one small person in a large market. =D

Okay, now here we go.

I can't stop praising this book! Not only did I recommend it to my teen, but I also recommended it to the librarian at my kids' elementary school!

It was my great privilege to receive an ARC of:

THE FARWALKER'S QUEST by Joni Sensel

Rating: A+ (and if I could add a few more plusses, I would =D)

Age level: 9+

When Ariel and her best friend Zeke find a magical artifact, their lives are changed forever. Soon they are on a dangerous journey to discover where the artifact originated. In the process they discover their true callings and forge an unlikely friendship.

Filled with adventure, surprises, and great characters, THE FARWALKER'S QUEST guides the reader one exciting step at a time into a fantastic trip through Ariel's world.

This book has common fantasy elements of a magical artifact and a heroic quest, but Sensel writes in such a refreshing, original way that this book is far from cliché.

I loved THE FARWALKER'S QUEST! From the very first line, I found myself striding into Ariel's story and loving every step. I couldn't stop walking (and sometimes running) until I reached the last page, and even then I wanted to go on.

This is a book I will enjoy stepping into again.

I am especially intrigued with the concept of the Blind War and would love Sensel to guide us back to this time in a new adventure (hint, hint).

 

This book was released February 17, 2009. Walk far, walk long . . . or better yet, run to buy this book.

 

Write on!

The Great Procrastination Meme

 
Here are the rules. If you comment on this entry I will reply with 5 subjects/things/people/whatever that I associate with you. You then have to take those five, create a new post, elaborate on them and keep it going.

I got caught up in the moment and commented on whitehousemom's before I realized what I was doing. ;-)

Here are the five things she associates with me, and my elaborations on them.

1. Writing: I guess Paula associates me with writing because . . . well, I'm a writer. =)

The kids finished up their four week after school program yesterday. They participated in different "classes" (art, Dragonology, fun with science, etc.). Last night at the dinner table, D1 and I had the following conversation:

D1: Mom, I told my art teacher that you were really creative and did drawings and crafts and stuff and that you wrote books.

Me: You did, huh?

D1: Yep.

Me: What did she say?

D1: She thinks it's cool that you write books.

Me: Do you think it's cool that I write books?

D1: Duh! I wouldn't have told her if it wasn't.

So there you have it. Writing books is cool. =) But my biggest reward is seeing D1 and my other kids making their own books. D1 has become especially good at it. She's in the process of creating her own graphic novel . . . she's nine and while the stories/artwork may not be "professional" I think it's great that she's flexing her writing and artistic muscles. I expect great things to come from these early attempts. =)

2. Kids: Yeah. I have four of the little beasties and they always manage to make my life a bit more difficult. ;-) But no matter how much I may complain about them, I do love them very much. My life wouldn't be the same without them . . . heck, if it weren't for them, I probably wouldn't be a writer. Not only are they a great source of inspiration, but I want to be something more for them . . . not just mom (or supermom), but a mom who follows her dreams, sets goals, and strives to better herself. And why not? If I want them to succeed, I have to set an example. Right?

3. Hating pregnancy: I had horrible pregnancies. I was sick nearly the entire nine months. And I'm not talking the usual morning sickness . . . no, my friends, it was to the point of having to have IV fluids every other week because I couldn't keep enough down to prevent dehydration. And after the constant vomiting ended, the pre-term labor began. And if you've ever had to be on terbutaline, you understand. But I do have four wonderful monkeys from my five pregnancies so I suppose it was worth it. ;-)

4. Puppies: I breed, raise, and show Toy Fox Terriers. I own a couple of AKC champions and am looking forward to raising up a few more. =) These dogs bring lots of fun (and trying) times! My dog, Jewel, had puppies a month ago. Here's a couple of pictures of puppy preciousness:

5. Arizona: I live in this totally hot state. =) The area in which I live is about the perfect climate. It's warm in summer, but not as blistering hot as some places in AZ. Once in a while, our temps reach over 100, but not too often. And it's cold enough in winter to still get some snow. We usually only get one good snowfall a year, but that's enough for me. =) I like to look on the beauty of snow, but I don't like the cold it brings with it . . . could we have warm snow for a change? ;-)

And there you have it folks. The five things Paula associates with me and my elaborations on them. Now feel free to leave a comment and I'll associate five things with you . . . and then you can procrastinate with this Meme too!

Write on.

Personality Test

On Jennifer Jabaley's blog today, she linked to a personality test. It looked like fun so I gave it a try. My results:

INFJ (Introverted Intuitive Feeling Judging)

Characteristics include:

Deep convictions, champion of the oppressed and downtrodden, not easily led, nonverbal sensitivity, empathetic, highly intuitive, etc.

Famous INFJ's:

Eleanor Roosevelt

Emily Bronte

Nathaniel Hawthorne

Chaucer

Jimmy Carter

Michael Landon

John Katz

Carrie fisher

And many more . . .

This is supposedly a "scarce" (according to D. Keirsey) personality type (little more than one percent of the population).

Careers for INFJ's:

Writing, counseling, public service, politics, etc.

 

My result is pretty accurate! Anyone else out there an INFJ? What's your personality? Take the personality test and share your results . . . I dare you . . . no, I double dog dare you. ;-)

 

Write on.