Milestones and the End of Summer

My youngest child turned 12 this week, and I think I've gone into a bit of denial. No more little kids. No, she's not "technically" a teenager, but she looks and acts like one in almost every respect. I know that's not necesarily true for all 12-year-olds, but with 2 older brothers, she's matured more quickly than some.

It's bittersweet in so many ways. Not that I miss diapers and crayon drawings on the walls, but... I miss all the other stuff that comes with little kids. And not that big kids aren't fun to hang out with too, but... it's all different now.

On the other hand, I think she's just frustrated that she's NOT officially a teenager yet. Not old enough (in our home) for her own cell phone. Not old enough for high school. Still "officially" a kid.

Sigh.

End of summer blues.

I told my daughter she could have anything she wanted on her birthday cake. It's her first store-bought cake in 12 years. I immediately had to take back my statement as I proceeded to reject her first few ideas.

We settled on a cake that sums up how we both feel about this milestone.

More Books for your Summer (or Fall) Reading List

Author Lynn Rush is celebrating her "book anniversary" - one year since being published!

She celebrating on her blog- check it out HERE to join the part ;-)

To celebrate, her first book WASTELAND is on sale for 99 cents at All Romance Ebooks
...and the sequel AWAITED (which I am currently reading!!) is on sale for $2.99, also at ARE.

She's also giving away a FREE ebook (it's a short story, "Prelude to Darkness") while supplies last! Visit her blog for that one at http://wp.me/p221Uz-3Be

 

Oh, and the sale goes through August 31st! Gotta love it when you can get good books for less than the price of a cuppa coffee. Mmmm, coffee. That's next on my list ;-)

 

Happy Reading!!! What's next on your list?

Not Your Average Fairy Tale

Just out this month from Crescent Moon Press, here's the next YA book on my TBR list...

 ISBN-13: 9781937254650

Armed with wings and a blue wand, being a fairy godmother should be easy ... unless your name is Ash, and you're a dude.

BLURB: 

Ash Summerland has it all–good looks, popularity, and the best grades at The Academy of Magical Beings. Ready to complete his last assignment in order to graduate, Ash is confident he will get the apprenticeship he wants. When he opens the letter from the Council, he is shocked to discover he has been assigned to apprentice Lady Shenelle, Keeper of Happy Endings. A.K.A. the head fairy godmother. Ash is forced to grant three wishes to a troubled human girl named Kendall, and ultimately give her a "happy ever after". But Kendall turns out to be more than he bargained for. Still grieving over her father's death, Kendall doesn't want anything to do with him. And worst of all, she doesn't believe in happy endings.

About the Author...

Chantele Sedgwick grew up playing the harp and singing. Little did anyone know, she always had stories floating around in her head. After she had her second baby, she finally realized she should probably write them down. Pursuing publication was something she only dreamed about, but now her dream is coming true.

The discovery of a first love, first kisses, and the many emotions teens go through, pushed Chantele to find her niche in writing teen fiction. Some of her stories share a few of her own experiences, but most of them are just fantasies she wished happened to her as a teen. She's a sucker for a great love story and always enjoys a happy ending. She tends to have a thing for the "bad boys" in books, unless they're total jerks. Then she'll root for the good guy.

When she's not writing, Chantele can be found spending time with her husband and three beautiful kids, or driving her sisters crazy with random story ideas. NOT YOUR AVERAGE FAIRY TALE is her first book.

To buy this book, visit the Crescent Moon Press website or go to Amazon

What do you have on your reading list?

Finding Wisdom in Unexpected Places

Sometimes you find a quote that speaks to you, and you say, "That's it! That's just how I feel and that's exactly how I would say it, too!" 

I came across this great post over the weekend over at the BOOK RIOT blog, entitled:

Sixteen Things Calvin and Hobbes Said Better Than Anyone Else

It was a brilliant piece of writing and, umm, diligent research, and reminded me of why I LOVE Calvin and Hobbes so so much... it also reminded me that I can go back and read them over and over, and keep finding new pearls of wisdom.

I'd forgotten this classic bit of dialogue:

Calvin: They say the world is a stage. But obviously the play is unrehearsed and everybody is ad-libbing his lines.

Hobbes: Maybe that’s why it’s hard to tell if we’re living in a tragedy or a farce.

Calvin: We need more special effects and dance numbers.

My life needs more special effects and dance numbers for sure.

But my all-time favorite Calvin and Hobbes quote I made into a painting years ago. It now hangs on my son's wall, reminding him to live each day to its fullest.

 I many need to do a companion painting now, with my new favorite Calvin quote. More special effects and dance numbers for everyone!

What's your favorite quote this summer?

Summer Reading

Looking for a good beach book?

CapeWomenOnline recommends THE BEST WORST YEAR, by Candace Hammond. It's currently available on Amazon for your Kindle for $3.99. The back-of-book blurb reads:

When we meet journalist Cassie Keaton, it’s the off-season on Cape Cod, when life is supposed to be quiet. But as “The Best Worst Year” begins, Cassie is attempting to not-so-gracefully navigate the gauntlet of losing her job, dealing with her newly remarried ex-husband, coping with bad boyfriends and waking up to a desolately empty nest as her children venture off into the world. Out of the wreckage of her life, Cassie learns to salvage meaning from every struggle. She discovers that, sometimes, our worst moments are just a prelude to our best.

Candace wrote and article about writing this book for the Summer Issue of CWO - read it online now at
http://www.capewomenonline.com/2012_Issues/Summer_2012/Summer2012Articles/NovelChange.html

What books are in your beach bag this summer?

Recharging Your Battery

I read an interesting post yesterday about things writers do when they aren't writing.

No, I'm not talking about laundry. Wait, was I supposed to be doing laundry? Oops, I forgot again. Oh well.

The point of the article was not laundry, or dusting or all the chores I'm ignoring at the moment, but rather that in order to keep writing, an author has to fill the creative well from time to time. (Clean houses are overrated anyway.)

The post is over at Adventures in YA & Children's Publishing, entitled "8 Ways to Write Without Ever Touching the Keyboard."

Julia Cameron talks about this at length in her wonderful book, The Artist's Way. How you need to schedule time for yourself, to make "artist dates" with yourself to go do things to recharge your battery and get your creative juices flowing anew.

My favorite thing to do wasn't listed (which of course I then had to post in the comment section, cuz I couldn't stop myself.)

Get outside. Go for a walk in the woods. Or on the beach. Or up the street. Or sit on the jetty and stare at the ocean. Or climb a tree if there's no ocean nearby to stare at.

Nature is full of inspiration just waiting to be soaked up by the likes of us writers.

Go soak some up.

Now, tell me. What's your favorite way to recharge your batteries?

Instant Songwriting For Everyone!

Have you ever seen Musical Improv on stage and wondered how in the world they do that? How do they come up with songs on the spot?

Here's the book to show you how!

In INSTANT SONGWRITING, Nancy Walker takes you on a fun, journey-at-your-own-pace trip through learning the basics of melody and music, and how to make up a song on the spot so that it sounds "real." Her breezy style is easy and fun to read, and makes you want to try out the exercises and sing right along.

Nancy has been performing improv comedy since the late 1980's when she took her first improv class with ImprovBoston and then later joined the troupe. She's traveled the world through comedy, teaching and performing in cities around the globe as well as on various cruise ships roaming the high seas! She's in Chicago now, as the director of Chicago Improv Associates.

After successfully creating the first completely improvised Broadway-style musical (to rave reviews, no less!), she started to teach others her methods. Now she's put her knowledge down on paper, in this book.

The book is a wonderful tool for those who perform improv comedy on stage, but also a good basic musical tool for anyone involved with musical theatre in any form. It's also a useful book for anyone interested in songwriting in general, as Nancy lays out the steps to creating a good song and the basic knowledge necessary to go from blah to beautiful.

Each section of the book gets progressively harder and more complex in the exercises and content of the lessons. Part I, or "Dunce Level," assumes you know nothing yet and just have the will to learn. By the last Part, or "Diva Level," Nancy explores and explains the phenomenom of Sondheim-style songs with her now-oh-so-advanced readers.

INSTANT SONGWRITING is appropriate for anyone, teen on up, who wants to learn more about creating their own songs, adn would even be great for those high school theatre programs or Destination Imagination teams who need new improv games to play to get their creative juices flowing.

Buy it on Amazon here: http://www.amazon.com/Instant-Songwriting-Musical-Improv-Dunce/dp/0985465247/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1344856795&sr=1-1&keywords=instant+songwriting

And start singing!

They Grow Up So Fast...

My daughter with her brothers on her first day of Kindergarten...

My daughter with her brother going to her fist formal dance last night...

The funny part is that my oldest looks the same - just taller. A lot taller ;-)

Enjoy every minute because they grow up so fast!

Happy Friday to all!

Are You Going to the Mermaid's Ball?

Do you have your ticket yet?

It's almost time for the 6th annual Mermaid's Ball, the fundraiser that benefits the National Marine Life Center (NMLC). Read the fantastic article by Devon Ellington in the Summer issue of CapeWomenOnline magazine.

The event takes place August 25th, from 6-10:30p.m. at the Willowbend Country Club in Mashpee. Tickets are on sale now for $125 - but hurry, as tickets are limited. Purchase tickets online here

And get ready for an undersea extravaganza that's simply out-of-this-world!

"A New Wrinkle" in the Game of Queries

I missed this original posting on Janet Reid's blog - and maybe you did too...

http://jetreidliterary.blogspot.com/2012/07/a-new-wrinkle-in-query-game-rules-of.html

She also did a post listing FAQs here:

http://jetreidliterary.blogspot.com/2012/08/chum-bucket-query-experiment-faq.html

Basically, she says if you send your query between 7pm and 8pm on Saturday night (New York time) she will send you a personal response with her thoughts. Don't forget to put "Chum Bucket" in your subject line... so be prepared if her response sounds a little like her Query Shark alter-ego...

She also says this offer is good through the end of August, which means there are 3 more Saturdays this offer will be valid.

You have to have a finished manuscript, ready to go out the door if she requests it.

Are you ready? Polish that query. You have 3 days to hit the next Saturday time slot.

Go.

What's the deal with PINTEREST?

Do you Pin?

Has your work been Pinned?

Do you know what I'm talking about?

I read last week that "Pinterest" is currently the fastest growing social media site and platform. Now, maybe that's just because Facebook and Twitter have already saturated the markets. But it was enough to make me want to check it out.

Oh. My. God.

NOT that I need one more addictive social media to suck the time out of my days, but it's a pretty cool place to chill out, look for ideas, and get totally inspired. Go take a look for yourself:

http://pinterest.com/

You need to either request an invitation (which might take up to a day) or be invited by someone already on Pinterest. And then you get started building your Boards. Where you put up your own content, or "repin" content from other pages. I just spent a very absorbing hour uploading content and getting my first few Boards started. You can find me and my stuff here:

http://pinterest.com/okatieo/

I found that my blog has already been pinned a few times by other people, for my photography, although interestingly enough not for pictures of Puppy! I also found that CapeWomenOnline magazine has been pinned a few times for artwork... and that's my next mission this week: to sit down with the publisher and create interactive Pinterest Boards for the magazine, to showcase our events as well as the talented women we feature.

In the meantime, I'm going back to "Pin" some more. If you've been there and done this, Please Share! Do you find it useful and fun, or just mindlessly addictive? Or somewhere in between? I'd love to hear from people who've already done this! Or from those of you who choose not to Pin - why?

PRACTICALLY DREAMING is out this week!

New release this week from Crescent Moon Press and my new author friend, Jennifer Wells:

Practically Dreaming

Great cover, right??? LOVE it!

Here's the blurb:

In a Zodiac-based world, finding a mate is easy. Falling in love is the hard part.

Astrology influences almost everything, from career choice to where people live. Even romantic matches are based solely on astrological compatibility and determined by the infallible Council of Venus.

Animal psychic Tierra has every reason to trust the Council—save one. Her match with fellow Virgo, Evander, works better on paper than in person. But she stubbornly hangs on, believing their relationship will grow and develop, all the while trying to rationalize her feelings for Lachlan.

Veterinarian and Reiki master, Lachlan, hides a secret, which has kept him single for more than two years. This Pisces dreams of a happily ever after with Tierra, but believes it's impossible for him.

Tierra and Lachlan must confront their doubts, differences, and society's belief in the Council. Will they defy the odds and choose each other? Does astrological certainty eclipse the chance to fall in love? 

I have my copy on my nook - so excited to read it! Jennifer will be back to visit later in the month, as she makes her way around the blogosphere... in the meantime, here's her pic and a little bit about her...

Jennifer has been writing since she was in middle school. When she discovered romance novels in junior high, she knew she wanted to write them someday. Her writing remained a hobby while she studied biology and forensic DNA science. She worked as a molecular biologist and published cancer research before finally leaving the lab and taking up her laptop full time.

She currently lives in Northern Virginia with John, her husband of sixteen years. John is a professional tarot card reader and astrologer. John and Jen have three children who happen to be cats: Josephine, Morgana Madison, and Luna. Jo is a beautiful black Siamese mix who rules the house. MoMo is a possessive Scottish Fold who loves to knead Jen's hair. Luna is the baby, an affectionate Scottish Fold who thinks her name is "Cute."

Jen's website, blog, and contact information can be found at www.jennifer-wells.com.

August 2nd CHART RUSH for STEALING BREATH

TOMORROW IS THE DAY!

August 2nd Chart Rush for STEALING BREATH by Joanne Brothwell!

My fellow Cresecent Moon Press author Joanne is celebrating the official launch of her paranormal Native American book series, beginning with STEALING BREATH, in a big, BIG way. And she’s giving away 

freebies for everyone!

She's set a crazy ambitious goal for herself and her book, STEALING BREATH. On the full moon, August 2^nd, she's hoping to reach the #1 Amazon.com Bestseller, and she needs your help. The idea is for as many people as possible to go to Amazon and BUY THE BOOK ON AUGUST 2nd.

In thanks for your efforts, Joanne will also be giving away the following freebies: 

* free e-book of the prequel novella, Vicarious (published by Crescent Moon Press)

* plus Skinwalker Lore (explanation of the Navajo legends)

* The Indigo Children (a guidebook to the New Age concept), and

* Malandanti Incantations from the Key of Solomon (a Malandanti spellbook).

These freebies will be immediately sent TO EVERYONE WHO BUYS STEALING BREATH, with proof of purchase through her website Contact Form: http://www.joannebrothwell.com/contact.html

You will get four free reads, plus you’ll be introduced to a great new book, which people are raving about, Joanne’s book goes to #1 on Amazon, and – a side benefit – an Indie author is put on the map for a change.

STEALING BREATH is perfect for anyone who loved Twilight, but with no sparkly vampires!

On August 2^nd, the New Moon, let’s help make Joanne’s dream come true, and blast an Indie author right to the top of Amazon’s charts. Remember, for this crazy goal to be reached, purchases must be all on the same day, August 2nd, otherwise, the book will not go Bestseller.

So click on the link below and grab yourself a copy of STEALING BREATH right now:

Kindle version ($7.99):

http://www.amazon.com/Stealing-Breath-ebook/dp/B007IUGMM0/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&m=AZC9TZ4UC9CFC&qid=1335006400&sr=1-1

Paperback version ($14.99):

http://www.amazon.com/Stealing-Breath-Joanne-Brothwell/dp/1937254313/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1335006400&sr=1-1

Thank you!

Here’s what people are saying about Stealing Breath:

“I particularly enjoyed the many scenes that held me entranced in their gothic eeriness. That creepiness was entwined masterfully within the descriptive passages.”

  -Night Owl Reviews

"STEALING BREATH stole mine! Compulsive, scary suspense balanced with

a tender love story."

 -Mary Balogh, New York Times Bestselling Author

“This is actually only the second story I've read that had Skinwalkers as the supernatural element, so it's a new and interesting element to use. I love the use of folklore in Stealing Breath. It gives a richness to the story and gives us some insight into the Native American and Italian cultures.”

-Zodiac Book Reviews

“I liked the character development, the fresh elements of the supernatural and Ms. Brothwell's easily read style. She has one of those voices that reads like someone is talking or even like a movie. Highly palatable and I'm curious if there will be more from this author.”

-HK Savage, author/publisher Staccato Publishing

“This was an amazing story! I loved every page. One thing that drew me in was how Ms. Brothwell was just so descriptive. She has a beautiful writing style, very impressive.”

-For the Love of Film and Novels

“I really enjoyed this book... I love how it pulls together old fairy tales and has a type of SyFy Lost Girl feel to it. The heroine is strong, and the hero is sexy. The story is solid, and it sucked me in, and I want the next book!”

-Reader

“Thanks for helping me find my way away from the vampire phase and into something fresh and new!”

-Reader