March Book Signing

Hello book friends!

I'll be back down in San Diego on March 30th for a signing at the amazing Mysterious Galaxy bookstore! Both of my YA fantasy books THE SEVENTH BLESSING and THE HIDDEN BLESSING will be there. I will be signing with YA author Stacey Joy (author of JULIET IMMORTAL).
I have a feeling I will bring cupcakes. And possibly cookies. Maybe Rice Krispy treats. 'Cuz, you know, I like to make yummy stuff.
If you like YA books, fantasy books, non-prissy princess books (warrior princess!), come on down!

Mysterious Galaxy Event Page

Book Signing Poster!

So, if you're going to attend, will you let me know so I can look for you? :)
Facebook Events

Giveaway at Goodreads

Goodreads is hosting a giveaway for two paperback copies of THE HIDDEN BLESSING! You can enter to win a copy by going to the link: Goodreads Giveaway.

Books?! Happy dance time!

"Indie Spotlight" @ Reading Teen blog

Hey!

I'm over at the awesome Reading Teen book blog with my music playlist for Book 2, THE HIDDEN BLESSING. Come on by and see what I listened to while I wrote and what you can listen to while you read. :-)


Happy listening, friends!

Book Signing in Fullerton!

Hey book friends!

I have a book signing set up at the Barnes and Noble in Fullerton, CA on Saturday, February 16th @ 2 p.m. Book 1 THE SEVENTH BLESSING and Book 2 THE HIDDEN BLESSING will be available for purchase and I'll be there with my shiny pens to sign your books!

Will you come and read my book?

Book Review: SKINNY by Donna Cooner

SKINNY by Donna Cooner

Summary from Goodreads.com: 

Find your voice.

Hopeless. Freak. Elephant. Pitiful. These are the words of Skinny, the vicious voice that lives inside fifteen-year-old Ever Davies’s head. Skinny tells Ever all the dark thoughts her classmates have about her. Ever knows she weighs over three hundred pounds, knows she’ll probably never be loved, and Skinny makes sure she never forgets it. 

But there is another voice: Ever’s singing voice, which is beautiful but has been silenced by Skinny. Partly in the hopes of trying out for the school musical—and partly to try and save her own life—Ever decides to undergo a risky surgery that may help her lose weight and start over.

With the support of her best friend, Ever begins the uphill battle toward change. But demons, she finds, are not so easy to shake, not even as she sheds pounds. Because Skinny is still around. And Ever will have to confront that voice before she can truly find her own.

Melissa's Review:

This book was incredibly heartbreaking and wonderful. Wow. So many profound ideas but written in such a real way. Even if you've never had an eating disorder, you can learn something from this book. Ever's story is one that will resonate with many people. I found myself crying as Ever struggles with her size, her relationships, but, most importantly, how she feels about herself.

Warning: There is a little language in the book, so I wouldn't recommend this book for younger readers.

This book was given to me free by Scholastic for a fair review.

Year in Review: 2012

So, everyone is posting their "Year in Review" for 2012...so I thought I'd do the same.
(My goals for 2012 post)
And, as per my usual, I'll show you in pictures! :-)

In January, I received this:

My first children's book was accepted for publication! SO excited!

Finished writing Book 3 of my YA fantasy series, THE CURSED BLESSING.

Storyboarding Book 3

We went to the Reagan Library in April and had a great time.

Went to the Renaissance Faire in April for the second time.

I did the A-Z Blogging Challenge for the month of April! It was fun!

May

Went to the "Summer Lovin' Book Tour" and met Jessi Kirby, Jenny Han, and Morgan Matson.

I had a book signing at Blue Chair Children's Bookstore

June

I WENT TO NEW YORK CITY FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER! 

It was for Book Expo America (BEA). Such a wonderful couple of days! You can read my posts about being there for the full story. I was able to hang out with some fun book people, make new friends, and see the sights of NYC.

And I went to ALA in Anaheim! I met more bookish people and had even more bookish fun!

Went camping at the beach in July

Went to Legoland

Went to a book signing for Lisa Schroeder and Lindsey Leavitt

Traveled to Las Vegas for my grandpa's funeral in August

September

Went to the SCBWI Editor's Day and heard some great advice from editors and agents

My children's book SOMETIMES MY BROTHER BUGS ME was released!!

Went to Shannon's book signing for KEEPER OF THE LOST CITIES

November

My husband and I celebrated our 11th wedding anniversary!

My second book THE HIDDEN BLESSING was officially released...and then the printing was delayed. It was fixed and should now be out in the hands of readers! :-)

December

I had a book signing at Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore down in San Diego. What a great place! I had a fantastic time.

So, it's been a terrific year when I look back on it. I am still subbing, still writing, still crafting, still taking photos, still baking, still cooking...and taking care of my family, of course. Did I complete my goals for 2012?

I read 117 books. (I was aiming for 100, so yes!)

I finished Book 3 in the series. (Yes!)

Continued working on my YA contemporary story. (But didn't finish...so, no.)

House is more organized! My whole crafting closet still looks great! I'm able to finish projects more quickly now. (Yes!)

I attended BEA this year. (Yes!)

I attended several other conferences this year. (Yes!)

Didn't go to Yosemite this summer. (Couldn't get reservations!!)

Goals are good things to have. My goals for 2013 will be similar. Read, have fun with family and friends, write more, craft, attend writing conferences. And take photos. Lots and lots of photos. ;-)

Have a great 2013!