Liebster Award

It's happened... I think this is the second time I've been nominated for this award. The first time I've actually written the post- I suck. Got it. I really just get busy from time to time and then I forget things. This from the female that can remember pointless pieces of info about games, trivia, and movies. But I can't remember due dates for bills or to post up stuff on my own blog. Epic Fail.

I'll get better... one day (that's what I say every time I forget to exercise). Anyhoot or hoo, moving on. I got an award and by golly I'm gonna post about it.

A little history: The "Liebster Award" is for bloggers with under 300 folllowers. The rules of the award is that the nominee must link back to whoever awarded them, write 11 random facts about themselves, answer the 11 questions from the award giver, and then nominate another 11 bloggers and make up 11 questions for them to answer. It's a great way for new and undiscovered bloggers to meet new people, get more followers and find some blogs that they want to follow."- From fellow blogger Wayne who first gave the award to James. 

The Link Back: You need to check awesome follower and award nominator Wolfdreamer25- Jessica Samuels. She holds a special place in my heart because I love wolves. That fact alone means she's good people. See how easily you can snow me. ;)

11 Random Facts:

1. I was once a smoker. 

2. I've been a non-smoker for a year and 1 month. 

3. I have 2 perforated eardrums, meaning if I were to go swimming underwater for any length of time I would drown. 

4. I've gained 30 lbs. from quitting smoking. 

5. I'm getting married to the love of my life in August. 

6. Outside of writing I've been working in the same day job industry for the last 10 years. 

7. I've got 2 degrees (Associates and BS) 

8. I'm a mustard kind of gal! Spicy Brown, Honey, Original, Dijon... bring it on! 

9. I live in Arkansas (Deliverance anyone?) *strums banjo*

10. I can either make you hungry or make you think naughty thoughts. 

11. I'm too damn nice and honest for my own good. 

Side story: The 1st McDonald's window was empty today. I pulled forward to the 2nd window. The McD's associate was ready to hand me my food when I said, "I didn't pay for that yet." And I handed her my card. Yes, way too nice and honest. You'll thank me for it later. 

The questions I'll answer: 

1. What did you want to be besides a writer?

I wanted to be a Broadway actress and singer. That obviously didn't happen. :) 

2. What is your happiest memory as of right now? 

Being with my grandmother and great-grandmother at our cabin in Minnesota during the summertime. I was peaceful, loved, and ultimately give every attention. I learned a lot about being there for someone, and embracing/sharing another person's memories. 

3. What is your latest book or project about? 

It's a romance series focused on the unconventional hero. I want the guy that isn't a rich billionaire or business owner. Now, of course, I have a couple of those, but they don't own the typical business. *wink* It's definitely not suit and tie professions all the time. 

4. Do you have a favorite soda? 

I go back and forth between Pepsi and Dr. Pepper. Pepsi is typically my favorite because it goes well with rum. 

5. Do you have any pets or pets you want to have? 

I don't currently have pets, unless you count my human spawn. I would love to have a dog, but I'm allergic to dog dander. I make up for the loss by working as the Director of Marketing and Public Relations for a dog rescue. 

6. Where would you go to if you had a free day and unlimited money? 

There's a ton of options, but I would probably go out to eat with my family at the most expensive place possible near us. Followed by the movies and whatever else they wanted to do. 

7. How do you get rid of writers block? 

I read through the last couple scenes of the story. If that doesn't work I move to music that I associate with my characters. If I'm still stumped then I call a close friend or my crit partner and talk through the block.

8. What genre do you love to read? 

I like a lot of genre's, but my hook for the last couple of years has been Historical Romance with a vengeance.  I'm up for other romance genres, a smack-ling of YA, and Fantasy. 

9. What is your favorite food? 

That's like asking me what my favorite genre of music is. Too numerous to pin point. But if you had to pick one thing that I could eat all the time- Pork Dip. (I'll share the recipe at a later date)

10. Do you have a process you write to? 

I've tried pantsing, plotting and just random writing. I like plotting because it gives me a place to go. Plotting has also reduced the amount of writer's block moments. When I don't know what to write next I can look at the plot outline and get direction. Even if the draft sucks I'm at least getting the words down. 

11. How do you organize your novels and notes?

I separate things out into different word documents. I also have a never-ending notebook of ideas and stuff, stuff. Couple that with some interesting excel spreadsheets and you get a bunch of information everywhere. I'm a little crazy with my organization techniques anyway... at work I operate solely out of my inbox (5000 emails on average). I can find anything I need to the amazement of my co-workers.

My Award Nominees (honestly I couldn't locate 11, but I got as close as I could):

Amalie Berlin

Teri Anne Stanley's Temporary Sanity

Aj and Charli Read. Write. Ramble 

Fairy Hedge Hog

Amparo Ortiz

Cate Peace (awesome buddy and author)

The Pen Punks- For all things Punk :)

M. A. Dunham (awesome buddy and author)

My Questions For My Nominees: 

1. What keeps you writing? What motivates the muse?

2. Will ebooks take over the world? 

3. What genre do you think is on the rise or coming back?

4. Where do you get some of your best ideas? 

5. Are you a sweet, savory, or salty fan?

6. What are the essential things you need before starting a writing session?

7. Favorite Social Media site and why?

8. The best things about Social Media?

9. The worst thing about Social Media? 

10. If you were tasked with writing someones memoir (your pick) who would you write one on? 

11. Favorite book when you were 16 years-old? 

It's Really Works

When I first found my crit partner (I know I talk about this a lot) and we swapped pages I knew the feedback would be rough. I put on my big girl panties, strapped into my leather skin armor, and waited. The recommendations came and I wanted to cry, but I reminded myself that I wasn't perfect. No one is. This wonderful partner was here to help me grow, help me become a better writer.

I didn't think it would be possible. I didn't think I would get better. There were so many thinks to learn. Tell vs. Show, proper comma usage (I still suck at this), leaving the -ly words at home, making my dialogue read like actual people talking. Pretty bad, right? I'm still not perfect.

Side story: I used to be able to first draft an academic paper and nail it on the first try. A+ all around. This was the way it went in Elementary, Middle School, High School, and College. Hell, I wrote an essay on the state of Kansas in the 5th grade and my teachers wanted to know what books I used because they thought I plagiarized the descriptions. Poo on them for not believing in my flowery, flowing prose. So, to see how much my fiction writing sucked compared to my non-fiction writing was a blow to my very small ego. *smiles*

A year and a half later: My editing skills are better. I can write dialogue for real fictional people *oxymoron, I know* I can see the telling vs. showing. My commas aren't so misplaced. I've learned to write sentences without the typically-not-needed 'was' and 'that'. I'm still having a bit of trouble with passive writing, but if all the other things are becoming clearer I have hope for the future and my ability to clear out the passive for active.

I wouldn't be in this place without my critique partner. I wouldn't be so eager to let others rip up my work without finding someone I could trust to tear me apart. This readied my mind for the people I don't know very well to tear me apart.

Side story: The rip up, as I call the critique process, is something I desire greatly. I know now the importance of honest feedback. No matter how bad it is I want to know every little nit pick. Down to the possibility you hate my heroine's hair color. Recently, in a group crit session I got three critiques on the same pages. Two had barely any comments and some nice supporting remarks. I felt jipped because deep down I knew these pages contained errors. They had issues and I wanted a rip up. The last critique came in and when I opened the pages to red lines and comments everywhere the only thing I could do is smile. Aloud I said, "That's more like it."

The moral of the post is, even if you think critiquing and partners is a waste of time. It's not. It's essential. It changes you from the writer you were to the writer you will be. If we're not learning, if we're not getting better, then what the hell are we doing?

The Next Big Thing

I got tagged, virtually tagged, by the forever wonderful Lexcade over at Going from Nobody to Somebody. To re-hash, the dealio for those who don't know, which is probably no one since everyone knows (does that even make sense, I need sleep), The Next Big Thing is a lovely little tour/meme for selected authors to answer questions about their latest and greatest WIP, salute the author that tagged 'em, and tag 5 more lovelies to take part in the fun.

Let's get busy!

What is the working title of your next book? 

Bona Fide: Beauty 

Where did the idea come from for the book?
Coincidentally my day job. The people I work with same the damnedest, hilarious things and their lives spin like a soap opera. A few of my closest co-work pals seemed in need of happily ever afters; even if reality isn't all it's cracked up to be. I'm committed to delivering the HEA for each of them 1 book at time. Bona Fide: Beauty is just the first story.

What genre does your book fall under?
Contemporary Romance (a girl has to start somewhere)

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
I've only got the two main ones, but for a teaser bit I'll list out some secondaries. For main hero, Devlin, Ben Barnes. For main heroine, Kat, Marion Cotillard. Best buddies Christiana, Natalie, and Betty: Lynsey Bartilson, Sharon Stone, and Mena Survari

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book? 
Kat needs a promotion, for all the right reasons and some wrong ones, but she won't get it unless she can convince the delectable Dev, personal image consultant extraordinaire, that she's serious about changing her attitude and foul mouth for a chance at career success.

Will your book be self-published or agency? 
Hoping for the big agency win, but if it doesn't happen I'm open to any and all options.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript? 
It's still in progress. I'm fast drafting, but the holidays were a momentum killer. Here's to a new year. *cheers*

What other books would you compare the story to within your genre?
I would say it's a cross between Megan Mulry's mouthy feminine snark, and Shannon Stacey sweet with a touch of hot mess; add in some character growth and giggles a la Jennifer Crusie.

Who or what inspired you to write this book?
The who is some people I work with. They say the darnedest things and I can't help but incorporate some of the hilarity. The what is the unconventional hero. We read about the billionaire's, the celebrity playboys, and the self made businessmen. What about the guy you least expect? Those are the guys I'm writing about.

Now for the tagging:

Phoenix Sullivan, who desperately needs to write another book for me to read.
Amalie Berlin, she knits and does awesome things with her hands. I can only imagine her writings is just as awesome.
Chad Thomas Johnston - eclectic, music lover, and all around awesome guy. Creatively  he's one of the most inspirational people I know. Couldn't ever compare and wouldn't want to steal his thunder.
Lori Sizemore- My critique partner and woman of awesome!

I honestly couldn't think of anyone else to list because almost everyone else I would list has already taken part in this meme of awesome. So dear reader if you would like to take part feel free to say I tagged you too. If you leave a comment with a link to your blog I will happily come and read about you-the-next-big-thing. :)

Reading List: December 2012

My wrap up for the year post will be coming by the end of the week. In the mean time here's my list of reads for the month of December. I didn't get nearly as much read as I wanted to.

1. What an Earl Wants by Kasey Michaels*
2. Forever a Lord by Delilah Marvelle*
3. The Other Side of Us by Sarah Mayberry***
4. Death by Chocolate by Julie Lindsey **
5. The Duchess War by Courtney Milan
6. Fallen by Celeste Bradley***
7. Romancing the Holidays by Jaci Burton, et al.***
8. The Lady Most Willing by Connie Brockway, Eliosa James, and Julia Quinn***
9. A Kiss for Midwinter by Courtney Milan
10. Deck the Halls with Love by Lorraine Heath
11. Death's Angel by Heather Killough-Walden***

In the new year it's more indies, more romance, and more happy reading times. I don't have any definitive plans besides a wedding in August, and hopefully a finished book at some point. In the meantime, my new year's resolution of posting regularly... well, I won't hold  myself to any promises. My plan to continue to review as I can is still in affect, though I plan on backing off a little bit to focus on the gazillion other things I have going on.

*Review coming soon or available on this blog
**Review available on IndieBooksRUs
***Review available or coming soon on TheSeason

Quick 5: Christmas Novellas= Historical Bliss

If you follow this blog or read my monthly reading lists you will notice a trend: I love Historical Romance. I'm a sucker for it and my list of favorite authors is probably a mile long. Just about anything from Avon is an auto-buy, and if you're a historical author represented by Nelson Lit I'm probably auto-buying your books as well. Those Nelson Lit agents sure know how to pick Historical authors.

Anyhoo, this Christmas has been a release bonanza! Novella's out the wazoo, and wonderful Christmas goodness. You couldn't get me to spend my money faster unless you wrote a Historical at Christmas time. In general I love Christmas stories of just about any variety. Needless to say my checking account is emptying out with my presents for me :).  But I wanted to share the awareness with everyone else. Yes, I enable. This is my job. Here's a list of Christmas novellas you must, must get.

5.) The Winter Wife: A Christmas Novella by Anna Campbell
I love all her books and have own almost her entire backlist. You really can't go wrong with a Anna Campbell story and she writes the most delectable tortured heroes. For $1.99, this story is the right price at the right time.

4.) All I Want for Christmas is a Duke by Delilah Marvell and Maire Claremont
Two for the price of one. This is a double whammy with two hot historical shorts in one. $0.99 and I'll say this Delilah always brings things hot and unexpected. Both stories sound like a good treat to dig into while tucking yourself away from the chilly winter weather.

3.) A Kiss for Midwinter by Courtney Milan
I just finished The Duchess War (1st book of The Brothers Sinister) and I loved it. There's 1 female in the story, a Miss Charingford, who need a love of her own. Milan sees to that in this novella. For $0.99 it's quite a steal. Milan's work is worth twice that and I've enjoyed everything she's published thus far. If you haven't nipped into the Turner Series then you should definitely snatch those up too.

2.) Deck the Halls with Love: A Lost Lords of Pembrook Novella by Lorraine Heath
Heath's latest series, The Lost Lords of Pembrook, has been nothing short of wonderful. I've enjoyed the books thus far and await with baited breath the next release in 2013. Yet, at the end of the last book I found there was a male hero who was pretty thoroughly neglected. I hoped Heath would tell his story. I'm happy to say the Marquess of Chetwyn gets his well-deserved HEA. For a mere dollar, less then really, you can enjoyed this additional Christmas treat.

1.) The Christmas King by Lecia Cornwall
Originally as part of the Historical Christmas Eve  Blog Hop, Lecia began this short story there. Since then two additional installments have been posted at her blog (linked above). The story is not over yet, and the next portion will be available today. This is an opportunity of mega proportions. Not often does an established author give a story away for free. Lecia is a rare talent and her books thus far have always been enjoyable. She's got a way with dialogue and the Christmas King is not exception. Especially since she transports everyone to a snowed in castle. :) Check it out and enjoy.

So, for $5 dollars and a bit of internet viewing you can get 6 wonderful Christmas novellas for your reading pleasure. Who says we can't reward ourselves with a little gift that doesn't break the bank? No one. Be Merry and Read. Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas readers.

Reading List: Oct. & Nov. 2012

It's been while... *breakout in song* I should be a karoke singer, but until I launch my chops on the stage I should probably give loyal fans my reading list. It's all in my head. Secretly I think thousands of people read these posts and then go out and buy the books I'm reading just cause.

October
1. Too Dangerous to Desire by Cara Elliott***
2. Wicked Nights with a Proper Lady by Tiffany Clare***
3. The Importance of Being Wicked by Miranda Neville***
4. Secrets of a Wedding Night by Valerie Bowman***
5. Exposed To You by Beth Kery***
6. Rogue Rider by Larissa Ione***
7. How to Deceive a Duke by Lecia Cornwall***
8. Waltz with a Stranger by Pamela Sherwood***
9. His Mistletoe Bride by Vanessa Kelly***

November
1. Anything He Wants by Sara Fawkes***
2. Flat Spin Spin by David Freed **
3. Teach Me by Amy Lynn Steele***
4. Obsession Wears Opals by Renee Bernard***
5. The Prince by Tiffany Reisz*
6. Touch of Steel by Kate Cross***
7. The Trouble with Being Wicked by Emma Locke***
8. Suddenly You by Lisa Kleypas

*Review on my blog
**Review on IndieBooksRUs
***Review available or coming soon to TheSeason

Funday Monday: December 3, 2012

It's the first Monday of December and there's only 22 shopping days left until the big holiday of the year is here! Does that stress you out?

Not me because this year all my stress is reserved for a few other things, including that possibility, albeit small one, that the world is ending in a couple of weeks. Mayan calendar insanity and all that jazz. If we are going to die, then farewell friends. In the meantime check out some awesome things you can buy as Christmas presents. That's right I'm pimping books, and my delightful Dessert Islanders works are up for grabs. 

5.) College bound and scared witless? Look no further then Dr. Nancy Berk. She's popular, hilarious and not to mention a good does of intelligence. Her book, College Bound and Gagged, talks about how to come through the college years without going broke. Whether you're the parent or the student looking for financing it can't hurt to explore the options without falling asleep. Non-fiction doesn't do it for me most of the time, but I love Nancy and she makes a gal laugh. I learn more with humor. Check out her book here, and her website for more her here. 

4.) Ever feel like you were meant for more? Don't say no, just say yes! The women in Jennifer Harris Dault's latest compilation did. Jennifer is amazeballs and has assembled a non-fiction book, The Modern Magnificat,  chronicling the stories of 23 women who received the 'call' to minister. This surrounds Baptist women, and is a wonderful, moving read. Dault presents the stories from the women themselves versus editing content to fit her own personal opinions. Again a non-fiction piece, but worth the time if you're looking for some uplifting and inspirational. You can learn more about the book here and can purchase this work here. 

3.) I'm always looking for new friends... sometimes you can find them running. Or at least that's how readers feel about Jennifer Luitwieler. Her book, Run With Me: An Accidental Runner and the Power of Poo, released in 2011, is anything but a guide on who to become a runner. You would think it's some funny, anecdotal storytelling about marathon experiences. In fact it's the complete opposite. It's about getting older and finding out that you forgot who you were, and then finding your self once more. Sharing stories that remind you of how to find yourself and each person has a different story. It's an easy read and you'll find yourself getting involved from the first page. Check out the book here and you can visit Jen and see other stories about why people run on her blog here. 

2.) Marriage and Parenthood are scary business. No one knows this best then my buddy Chad. He's a regular crack-up, the funny guy of the Dessert Islanders. His short, and whimsical memoir, Night Marriage, is currently available for pre-order right now. He's also an awesome musician, and a creative artist! I like to refer to him as the creative-jack-of-all. Whether toting the latest in musical heaven or regaling us with humorous tales of his journey's through, Chad does everything with a smile. You can check out memoir excerpts on his blog here or pre-order the work here. 

1.) Finally, some fiction! My other Dessert Islander buddy Amanda Romaine Lynch is celebrating release day! YAY *Kermit Arm Jiggle* This book, Anabel Unraveled is definitely two parts thriller and one part political craziness. We've got a girl who is seventeen and definitely living a life of hell or, at least, it's hell in her mind. There's congressional hearings, spies, and top secret islands. I haven't had the moment to wrap my grubby paws on it since I'm working today, and it release this morning. But soon readers I will consume, and quite possible review. If you're interested in learning more about the book you can order and check out an excerpt here or learn more about Amanda and her adventures in Mommy Land here.