NaNoWriMo

As if I could be slacking on this blog even more...I am planning on doing NaNoWriMo!

I am really excited about this. You may not know this about me, but I dabble at writing. I've always wanted to write a novel.

When I was a little girl I was always making up stories. One of the ones I remember was about having a pet dolphin that I wrote in a weekend of church conference meetings that my family listened to. When I was about 11 I wanted to be the youngest author ever, then found out that I was already too old, and literally cried. In High School my hopes were crushed when I wrote this crazy creative story for our creative writing project...and got a C.

But I know I'm not a bad writer today. I just lack the consistency and the focus to edit as I should. I attempted to write my first novel a few years ago. A story that is very near and dear to my heart still, but needs a lot of editing. And I got caught up in the editing and frustrated with that process and never finished writing it.

So, my goal with NaNoWriMo is to write my new idea. Let it be the boss. And not share it or take any editing notes until it's done.

For those of you who are not familiar with NaNoWriMo. It is National Novel Writing Month, where authors, novice and professional all over the world spend a whole month focusing on writing a new project. The goal. JUST WRITE! And try to crank out 50,000 words to "win" (everyone who cranks out that many wins).

So you reader types, what do you think of this crazy idea? Want to join me? Check out the link to my NaNo profile (I'll post the button on the sidebar shortly) and link to me. We can keep dibs on each other's progress and send words of encouragement.

A Message from Author Neil Gaiman

I had to share this because it is my tradition to give my daughter a Halloween book each year, and read "Halloweeny" books each October. Enjoy!

Happy Release Day!

I have had quite the last few weeks! Having a new baby sure throws off ones schedule, body, energy, brain...

Anyway, I had to share this happy release day message because I am SO sad I can't go be part of the book launch party today (healing from surgery and all...).

So, happy release day to James Dashner and the third book in the Maze Runner trilogy THE DEATH CURE!!!



I have been a big fan of James' since I received and read my ARC of THE MAZE RUNNER and met him at a writing conference. He is an amazing guy. Tons of fun, inspiring and just all around great. Check out these books! I can't wait to get my hands on a copy of this book!

Update

Hey all! I have been trying to get some reading done, and I promise I will have stuff for you as soon as I can! I go in in just a few hours to have baby #2! So I will be very out of it the next few months, so bear with me.

I hope you all are having a great time reading! So many great books come out this month that I am dying that I will be incapacitated for many signings that are happening in my area. Support your authors, keep reading and don't forget about us while I am gone!

Ta ta for now!

AFTER OBSESSION Giveaway Winner!

I am such a big fat liar. Literally. When you are 38 weeks pregnant, that's all you can be, big!

Okay so here's our winner! Remember the book is coming from the publisher, so I have no control how fast it gets there (but right now with how scatterbrained I am you'll probably get it way faster than if I were in control!)

Shannon Warnick!

I will pass your info onto the publisher! Thanks everyone for entering!

Sorry

Sorry for the delay, a winner of our giveaway will be announced later today, promise!

Getting ready for this baby is taking all my time and brain power. I still love you all!

Blog Tour Review and Giveaway!: AFTER OBSESSION by Carrie Jones and Steven E Wedel

AFTER OBSESSION
by Carrie Jones and Seven E Wedel

Hardcover, 320 pages

Published September 13th 2011 by Bloomsbury USA Childrens

Placement in the Pile: Reaching New Heights

Summary:
Aimee and Alan have secrets. Both teens have unusual pasts and abilities they prefer to keep hidden. But when they meet each other, in a cold Maine town, they can't stop their secrets from spilling out. Strange things have been happening lately, and they both feel that something-or someone- is haunting them. They're wrong. Despite their unusual history and powers, it's neither Aimee nor Alan who is truly haunted. It's Alan's cousin Courtney who, in a desperate plea to find her missing father, has invited a demon into her life-and into her body. Only together can Aimee and Alan exorcise the ghost. And they have to move quickly, before it devours not just Courtney but everything around her.

Filled with heart-pounding romance, paranormal activity, and rich teen characters to love-and introducing an exciting new YA voice, Steven Wedel-this novel is exactly what Carrie Jones fans have been waiting for. Meet your next obsession.

Review:
I am a big fan of Carrie Jones' previous work and I was really excited for this new book. I have to be honest that I haven't read a novel written by two authors yet, and I didn't know how it would work out. But the seamlessness of the story telling between Carrie's writing of Aimee's voice and Steven's writing of Alan's character was perfect. I was never pulled out of the story and thought, oh this is a different author, or that didn't flow well.

AFTER OBSESSION tells a bone chilling story of good vs. evil, paranormal powers, coming of age and even a bit of romance. What's not to love?

I fell in love with the voices of both Aimee and Alan. I could relate to both of them. They were very complex and real. Aimee is strong, yet insecure in many ways. And was dealing with growing up and figuring out her inner strength. Alan was thrown into a new world where he was the outsider but the key to saving the whole town.

If you are a fan of paranormal stories this is worth reading. It sucessfully creeped me out to the point where I coudln't sleep, but that just kept me reading. I enjoyed everything about this book!

And lucky you the publisher is giving away one of our readers an ARC copy of this book! Just fill out your info below! Open until 11:59 pm Sunday Sept 18th. for US residents with street addresses only (no P.O. boxes).

Happy Release Day

Sorry I have been gone so much lately. Life has been busy! I am having DD #2 in just less than 3 weeks, and having a 3 yr old and being hugely pregnant my life has been torn apart!

But I had to remind everyone that today is the release day for Lisa Mantchev's SO SILVER BRIGHT, book 3 in the Theater Illuminata series!



If you recall we were lucky enough to give you a first peek at the cover, reveal the cover and review the book! (all linked)

Congrats Lisa! We love you and your books!

And readers be sure to come back tomorrow because I am actually reviewing another book that came out today too! ;)