Friday Brain-Fried Five

I'm prepping for a long week next week. With the start of the Blogging A to Z Challenge, celebrating an amazing friend's book deal with a two-day extravaganza on Writers' Ally, posting four days next week because I committed to a blog tour, getting ready for Easter, and catching up on my own writing, I'm going to make today's post quick, easy, and hopefully fun for you.

~ I haven't done a personal progress report in some time. Here's a quick view-over:

• After working with a professional YA author/editor, I've applied her awesome suggestions to over half of my YA novel. GOAL: finish by April 13th and then start querying.
• My two MG stories are on hold, still brainstorming after writing over half of each.
• In the PB department, I'm still working on my two most promising stories.

~ Because of the 12x12x12 challenge I'm involved in, I've joined the most amazing PB critique group!! I've been looking for one for the longest time. The ladies are fabulous. So excited.

~ My eight-year-old son read STINK and the Midnight Zombie Walk, a lower MG book, in just over a day. So proud of him. Psst...he's going to give us his thoughts about the book in a few weeks. He is too cute about it!

~ I've been having trouble sleeping, lately. Every experience that? Any idea what it means? You know, like when your palm itches it supposedly means you're coming into money. :D

~ Lastly, I am a bonehead. I get my first story published in a real, live (yes, it's living to me) book, which was released in November, and I never take a photo of myself with it. So here it is. 

Happy Weekend All!! May The Force Be With You....

Let's Have a Cyber Drink!

Today I'm being interviewed over on The story of a girl.... Grace is wonderful, full of that writing and reading bug. She's dedicated to help writes promote themselves and their work. Let's see if we can get her more followers.

If you want to learn the funky way I mold characters, what it's like living with four guys, how death is involved when it comes to the person I'd most like to meet, and share a cyber drink--lemonade, soda, a more active beverage--of you choice, then head over HERE and tell me what we're drinking.

Hope to see you there. Thank you so much!!

Beauty in Chaos

I tend to think of myself as open-minded. I don't judge a book by its cover or a person by the clothes they wear. Strong visuals do attract my attention, but looking deeper to find the truth within is always my goal.

Finding gold was simple with this next Young Adult book I read, a no-brainer. I literally got wabbly at the knees when I found it in my mailbox.

Title: BEAUTIFUL CHAOS, book #3
Authors: Kami Garcia/Margaret Stohl
Genre: Fantasy
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Release Date: October 2011
Pages: 528

I'd like to thank the publisher for providing me with this gorgeous ARC for reveiw.

Intriguing Passage/Line: I was standing on the top of the white water tower, with my back to the sun. My headless shadow fell across the warm painted metal, disappearing off the edge and into the sky. I could see Summerville stretching out before me, all the way to the lake, from Route 9 to Gatlin. This had been our happy place, mine and Lena's. One of them, at least. But I wasn't feeling happy. I felt like I was going to throw up.

Description: Ethan Wate thought he was getting used to the strange, impossible events happening in Gatlin, his small Southern town. But now that Ethan and Lena have returned home, strange and impossible have taken on new meanings. Swarms of locusts, record-breaking heat, and devastating storms ravage Gatlin as Ethan and Lena struggle to understand the impact of Lena's Claiming. Even Lena's family of powerful Supernaturals is affected - and their abilities begin to dangerously misfire. As time passes, one question becomes clear: What - or who - will need to be sacrificed to save Gatlin?

For Ethan, the chaos is a frightening but welcome distraction. He's being haunted in his dreams again, but this time it isn't by Lena - and whatever is haunting him is following him out of his dreams and into his everyday life. Even worse, Ethan is gradually losing pieces of himself - forgetting names, phone numbers, even memories. He doesn't know why, and most days he's too afraid to ask. 

Sometimes there isn't just one answer or one choice. Sometimes there's no going back. And this time there won't be a happy ending.

COVETED!! A Must Read

My Splats: Stretches the bounds of the teen experience, while exercising the virtues of trust, hope, and true sacrifice.

Beautiful Chaos continues the journey of our magical couple, Ethan and Lena, as they strive to make sense of their blending worlds. It's obvious that both have important purposes, yet battle to accept their roles. They fluctuate from trust to forgiveness to pain and then joy--real life amid a make believe struggle. 

The end was a surprise to me, and surely inciting, giving me the hunger for more of the story. It captured a genius buildup, as the writers dropped snippets of information along the way. Seriously, I just had to keep reading. The writing is all kinds of awesomeness, filled with living descriptions and movement, which urge the reader to think.

From word one, I started pondering. Not just what could and would come in this story, but our world and how the inner working of the cast of characters is similar to life. I love books that do this. The story pushed me, prodded me, and stirred me. I had no idea where the story would take me, but I knew from the onset that I couldn't wait.

The world building was interesting and interactive, as it changed in reaction to the story's progression. The characterizations were brilliant, neat, and comfortable silhouettes of real people--people I'd love to sit with and play a game of cards with. 

My favorite part about this story was seeing it from Ethan's point of view. I am a huge fan of the ever-neglected male voice leading a tale. He's intelligent and sweet, yet also strong. The fact that he lives with a group of elderly woman made him that more interesting and desired as a character. For me, having him lead the story was a mark of wisdom.

(NOTE to writers: this is a great book to study character, plot, and inserting back story.)

Normally I post our YATT meme on Tuesdays, but I'm being interviewed tomorrow so I won't be posting on YATT. For more YA, visit these YATT Meme Supporters:

Margo Berendsen
The Write Game
Julie Musil (not every wk)
Rosewood Pencil Box
Misha Gericke (not every wk)
Fairbetty's World 
Concrete Pieces of Soul 
The B.L.O.G (The Bizzare Life of One Girl)  
A Day into the Writer
Want to take part in spotlighting young adult literature? Join our team. For more information, go HERE.

In Honor Of The Hunger Games

I'm a geek. Not surprising, huh?

Well, I'm about to show you a bit more of my geekdom, right now.

The other day, I heard about this site called Hunger Names. So like the precarious little thing I am, I scampered over for a visit. But I couldn't just visit once. I did it again and again and again...

In honor of The Hunger Games Movie fantabulastic release, I'm listing the top five names, my ranking, and supposed demise computed from that website.

1. Cray Biggentall - a District 4 tribute in the 43rd Hunger Games. DEMISE: decapitation. 
2. Trexler Nibblehatch - a District 7th tribute in the 9th Hunger Games. DEMISE: killed by thinking it was okay to drive water from the lake.
3. Billee Thistledeen - a District 6th tribute in the 45th Hunger Games. DEMISE: poison kiss.
4. Skitter Hugglewood - a District 10 tribute in the 24th Hunger Games. DEMISE: defenestration.
5. Jinstance Hogsbriar - a District 2 tribute in the 2nd Hunger Games. DEMISE: being so annoying that all the other tributes killed me right away.

I'm liking the name Cray, but not so much Hogsbriar. Why don't you take a traipse over and see what your name is. Come back and tell me your DEMISE. 

Here are some other Hunger Games images you might enjoy.

Doesn't her expression say it all?

I can't believe I'm excited for
another game, but I am.

Potter vs. The Games
Poster available HERE

Ooh, and I didn't tell you the best news!! My thirteen-year-old daughter and I are taking in the show!! The hubs and I are those people who usually wait for the DVD to be released. With four kids, we're assured to flip at lease $100. Going with my daugther will be such a treat. EEEK!!

Have a HUNGER weekend!!

A Chat with Sir Sassafras & A 3 Book Giveaway, Plus A four-book Series!!!

Whenever I do an Author spotlight, I try to get creative, look to that author's style and personality. With this author and her story, I had no trouble conjuring a unique alleyway of questions. You'll see why in a moment.

Patti Larsen, Author of FAMILY MAGIC. Patti is a middle grade, young adult and adult author with a passion for the paranormal. Her YA thriller series, The Hunted, is available now. The first four books of The Hayle Coven series, Family Magic, Witch Hunt, Demon Child and The Wild are also out now. Her YA paranormal novel, Best Friends Forever, and steampunk series, Blood and Gold, are due early in 2012. She is a full time writer and a part time teacher of her Get Your Book Done program. Patti lives on the East Coast of Canada with her very patient husband and four massive cats.

Plus, Pattis is offering up juicy giveaway: 3 e-copies of Family Magic with a grand prize of the first four books from Family Magic to a 4th winner!! Fill out the form below to ENTER; winners to be announced on March 30th.

This has to be one of my favorited interviews of all time.

Alleywalkers,

Meet Sassafras, the demon cat who plays a supporting role in Patti's magical story FAMILY MAGIC.

Tell us a bit about your past, Sassafras, and what lead up to your, um...current four-legged stature. 

You’re rather forward with your questions, aren’t you? Poking at my unusual circumstance right from the get go? An individual’s physical state is not a reflection of who they are, correct? Just because I used to enjoy life as a two-legged demon teenager, only to be trapped forever in this fur ball of a body… such a miserable punishment for a very small infraction. Now I’m stuck here on your plane, judged and ridiculed for my present incarnation. It’s atrocious. You humans should be ashamed.

Was Sassafras your demon name? 

As a matter of fact, yes. I am Sassafras, Demon Lordling of the Fifth Plane, thank you very much. Would have been Fourth. Should have been. Will be someday.

You've been with the Hayle coven for some time. What's it like seeing witches come and go, being born and then passing on?

I tell you, these Hayle witches only get worse as the centuries pass. One teen girl after another, falling into mess after world shattering mess… it’s a wonder I’m able to sleep at all. I do my best to steer them in the right direction, but do you think they listen to me? Hrumph. I’d say I told you so, but I’m tired of the cliché, frankly.

And they have the nerve to leave me, all of them. Though they always supply me with a fresh daughter or two to guide.

What's it like living with Sydlynn, a sixteen-year-old teenager who has a few more challenges than the average teen?

Sydlynn. (Shakes his head) Oh, Sydlynn. That girl. The worst of the lot. At least all of the other Hayle witches I’ve molded and shaped embraced their power. But not Syd, oh no. Contrary creature. Not only is she a trouble magnet, she’s spent her entire life fighting the very magic that makes her who she is. I’ve had my hands full with that one, let me tell you. Always fighting with her mother, causing disturbance in the family, flashing her magic to normals because she can’t seem to control herself. If she would only accept she is a witch and destined to lead this coven. But no, she’d rather be ordinary. Sniff. Ordinary. Really. How very quaint.

Don’t get me wrong--she has her good qualities. For example, she gives excellent scratches and full belly rubs. I just have difficulty seeing past her stubborn nature at times.

Can you name one positive about being a cat? And the worse part of it?

Most of the family do not take me seriously, which means I’m able to participate in discussions others might miss. On the other hand, most of the family do not take me seriously.

I hate that.

Do you still hope to be a demon again?

One day the council of Lords on Demonicon will relent and allow me my true form back. They will. And then I will finally return to my plane, my home and my family, and take my place as a ruling member of our society.

Any day now.

See why I just love him??

You can find more of Sassafras and Patti:

On her website, Facebook , blog , book blog, Twitter, Amazon.com and Goodreads.

BEYONDERS ~ Middle Grade New Release!!!

It's funny how I feel, finding an unexpected ARC in the mail. I morph into the six year old, who races for the presents under the tree on Christmas morning. As with presents, some ARCs elate me more than others, which is simply a reflection of my personal taste not of the author, book, or publishing house.


I must tell you that there was no doubt of my excitement upon receiving the middle grade book I have to share with you today. My shriek echoed through my neighborhood.

Title: BEYONDERS - Seeds of Rebellion
Author: Brandon Mull
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure; Middle Grade
Publisher: Aladdin
Release Date: March 20, 2012 - TOMORROW!!
Pages: 528


I would like to thank the publisher for supplying me with this ARC for review.


Favorite Passage/Line: A persistent breeze shredded the fog into tattered wisps of vapor. Starlight began to penetrate the murky sky as Aram and Jason journeyed south. Their flight took them across desolate terrain, following overgrown trails through woods and improvising paths over fields and low hills.


Description: After the cliffhanger ending of A World Without Heroes, Jason is back in the world he’s always known—yet for all his efforts to get home, he finds himself itching to return to Lyrian. Jason knows that the shocking truth he learned from Maldor is precious information that all of his friends in Lyrian, including Rachel, need if they have any hope of surviving and defeating the evil emperor.

Meanwhile, Rachel and the others have discovered new enemies—as well as new abilities that could turn the tide of the entire quest. And as soon as Jason succeeds in crossing over to Lyrian, he’s in more danger than ever. Once the group reunites, they strive to convince their most-needed ally to join the war and form a rebellion strong enough to triumph over Maldor. At the center of it all, Jason and Rachel realize what roles they’re meant to play—and the answers are as surprising as they are gripping. 

COVETED! MUST READ!!

My Splats: Adventure, intrigue, muscle, and poetically-threaded language carry this tale from great to extraordinary. 

The mere premise of a Beyonder draws interest. Enchantment abounds when average characters are called from their world to another. Couple that with a marvelously created world brimming with pitfalls, turmoil, fantastic characters, and some of the most intricately created creatures, and you have a winner.  

In Seed of Rebellion, book II in the Beyonder series, the reader finds Jason desperate to deliver important information he learned at the end of book II. Plus, he longs to find Rachel, the other Beyonder who was inadvertently left behind when he was sent home. 


Vivid imagery and concepts set this story apart, yet begin with familiar elements such as a living hand that uses sign language and a human-swallowing hippo that acts as a portal to Lyrian. Both work to connect this sequel to its beginnings. But the  subtle ingredient of a shadowy figure appearing and following Jason is what set this story into action--action that continues until the last word.

Although a new barrier blocks Jason's path at every turn, he does eventually locate Rachel and delivers his message, only to discover the evil Maldor has advanced in his quest to control Lyrian. Jason and Rachel join forces with old acquaintances and even a few enemies as they seek answers to defeating Maldor. But finding allies becomes trickier, as the hidden character of some and the underlying nature of this world slowly unravels. The intricate relationships and characteristics between some of the characters makes a great platform for the reader to see uniqueness in people and how to accept, or in a few cases, deal with others' differences. 


Along the way, Jason and Rachel are confronted with even more disturbing secrets about this strange world, which brings them front and center with fantastical creatures, even the walking dead. Here, their true roles in this world are exposed and each must decide whether to accept them or not. And when their only way to forge a true rebellion and preserve their freedom is to prove success against Maldor is even a possibility, they must seek the wisdom of an Oracle. 


As in every dangerous adventure, the wisdom they seek is more complicated than they'd expected, which might lead to a solution or to more trouble. Readers will have to stay tuned to discover that answer in book III.

I would definitely recommend this book (and the series) to middle graders who love to read, and any young adult or adult. NOTE: my recommendation for the middle grade age is a must, but I would simply caution those whose reading ability is limited. Although I absolutely love the poetic language, some younger children might find it difficult to comprehend. Making this a read-aloud as a group would be a fantastic idea.

For more Middle Grade features today, check out Shannon Whitney Messenger's list:

- The Mundie Moms. Click HERE.  

- Shannon O'Donnell. Click HERE. 

- Brennan and Meyrick Murphy. Click HERE.     

-  Karen Yingling. Click HERE.

- Gina Carey. Click HERE.

- Barbara Watson. Click HERE.  

- Andrea Mack. Click HERE.   

- Michelle Isenhoff. Click HERE. 

- Gabrielle Prendergast. Click HERE. 

- Charlotte Taylor. Click HERE. 

- Deb Marshall. Click HERE.

- Kim Aippersbach. Click HERE.  

- Michael Gettel Gilmarten. Click HERE to enter 

- C.S. Einfeld. Click HERE.  

BULLY FREE 2Day!

The light in his 5th grade classroom dulled. Timmy had noticed it the other times, too. But today the light was shadowed and extra dim. Maybe it was because more kids were standing to watch instead of sitting. He wasn't sure. 


Tower tossed a glance over his shoulder, like he always did when Ms. Phelps stepped from the classroom. Then he snatched Timmy's pencil from his desk. Timmy closed his eyes and held a breath. The slap-upside-the-head was coming next. It always did. 


Gripping the rim of his desk with both hands, Timmy readied for impact. He imagined escaping to someplace safe like home or even Janitor Smith's office, where he played chess after school with his friend Matt. Sweat beaded beneath the neckline of his baseball t-shirt, his heart practically beating out of his chest. 


Mumbles swirled among his classmates. He figured some were placing bets on whether Tower would knock him out of his chair like yesterday, while others were rejoicing that Tower wasn't picking on them. The somersaults in his stomach were extra rough today, on account that Rachel had been moved to his class last week. He liked her. Like-liked her, not just liked. This would be more embarrassing then on most days. 


Dropping his arms to his sides, he squeezed his fists with all his might, desperate to squelch the urge to fight back. That urge had started a few weeks ago, and it was getting worse. But Tower was huge and played tackle football. He could kill Timmy. Making matters worse, Tower's dad was the police chief. But Rachel was there, the other kids were looking, and Timmy was so tired of being bullied.

What does Timmy do? Does he fight back? Let Tower slap him around and try to forget about it when it's over? Tell a teacher? A parent? Ask his classmates for help? Hurt others become no one has helped him?


What do his classmates do? Idly watch, while Timmy gets clobbered, intimidated, and embarrassed? Stand up for Timmy and have Tower turn on them? Would anyone help them? Would they lose all their friends? 

There is so much going on in the mind while being bullied, while watching someone being bullied, or (gosh forbid) while bullying someone.

The act of bullying will not be stopped by simply exposing the bullies for who they are. Yes, that makes some feel good. I totally understand that. But it's not the cure.

Bullying will not be eradicated - from childhood, adolescence, high schools, and even throughout adulthood - until TOLERANCE and ACCEPTANCE for others' differences is embraced.

Our differences is what makes this world an amazing place to exist. Learn from each other. Be happy for the joy someone else finds in something, even though you don't. They probably don't like all your preferences either.

A bully is someone who looks at you and sees what he/she is lacking.
Bulling is an attempt to fill those holes within themselves.
But it's never enough.
Because bullying is not a cure to making oneself whole, but a disease that slowly degrades ALL those involved.

It's OKAY to tell a bully to stop.
It's OKAY to tell if you are being bullied.
It's OKAY to take a stand against bullying.
It's OKAY if you feel like bullying to ask for help.

You are beautiful, smart, brave, and created in a fantastic way. Each human being is special in his or her own right. And yes, that means you.

Please help stomp out bullying by becoming a member of my daughter's Facebook Group, Bully Free 2Day, and visit HERE to help celebrate the National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence.

Together we can make a difference.

Support these other fine writers, who are speaking out against bullying today. Thank you!!

Talli Roland - http://talliroland.blogspot.com/

LM Preston - http://lmpreston.blogspot.com/

Donna Martin - http://www.donasdays.blogspot.com

Sheri Larsen - http://www.writersally.blogspot.com/ 

Candace Granger - http://themisadventuresincandyland.blogspot.com/

Jonathon Arntson - http://jonathonarntson.blogspot.com/ 

Nicole Zoltack - www.NicoleZoltack.com 

Jessica Bell -  http://thealliterativeallomorph.blogspot.com/ 

Dawn Ius -  www.dawnmdalton.blogspot.com

PK Hrezo -  http://pk-hrezo.blogspot.com 

Does Land Trump Water or Does Water Wash out Land?

Spotlighting YA books is fun for me. I have a special book over on Oasis for YA that I'm all gushy over. Head over and check it out. But first...

I have a special book for you right here and it's the first book review posted during our YATT Meme! Thanks for joining me.

Title: Fireseed One
Author: Catherine Stine
Genre: YA, Sci-Fi
Publisher: Konjur Road Press
Released: December 2011 (initial publication - March 2010)
Pages: 296

Favorite Passage/Line: I look over at her. Her skin's lost a bit of that ruddy quality an looks delicate now, lace over blue veins. Her expression's doubtful...afraid of the possibility that I might turn her down this time. I imagine her feeling that way around her father, and how he must have continually disappointed her.

Description: Fireseed opens onto a near-future earth of floating island farms, people zipping around in amphibious boats, and 18 year-old Varik hanging out with his dolphin, Juko by the water’s edge. In a hot minute, things turn nasty and treacherous, when a beautiful and shrewd terrorist named Marisa, breaks into Varik’s father’s secret underwater vault that stores the world’s food supply.

Varik must take Marisa, who knows way, way too much about things that are none of her business, to scorching desert lands in search of a magical hybrid to try to save the food source. Problem is, the Fireseed plant Varik’s father envisioned may not have ever existed off the drawing board! Things get truly daunting, when Varik and Maria are captured by a cowled cult who worships Varik’s drowned father. Will the cult chop up Varik, the founder’s son and eat him to gain magical Fireseed powers? Will Varik and Marisa ever get back to Ocean Dominion?

There are more twists and turns, but no spoilers here. Fans of Divergent and Feed will likely enjoy this YA thriller, as well as those who like a dash of romance with their page-turners.

BRING ALONG +2

My Splats: A tale of a futuristic world, where land and water battle against the odds and each other in order to survive.

Despite being out of my regular scope of interest, I enjoyed this story. There was life and emotion throughout the plot, which melded nicely with the subplots. The writer's word choices were appropriate and flowed from one chapter to the next. I really liked how the information about the world, inhabitants, and conflicts were released to the reader. It made sense and was quite plausible.

My absolute favorite part of this story was the point of view--a male voice. The world-building is seen through Varik's eyes, which puts a unique spin on what and how the reader will ingest and relate to the story itself. I believe that is partly the reason this tale will be as attractive to teen boys and girls. The level of adventure is also a big plus. There is always something new happening, giving the author the opportunity to hone more of this world and reveal it to the reader.

Both Varik and Marisa have inner demons that keep them locked up in prejudices and preconceived notions. The mystery of the Fireseed and their struggle to find it is the road to their personal growth. This is a great parallel to real life, which most teens (as well as adults) can relate to.

Want to your own copy? Catherine has graciously offered up a copy!!! For a chance to win, just fill out the form below! Winner to be announce on Friday, March 24th.

A Storyteller's Eyes

It didn't take me long to realize, after starting my first novel, that I'm a visual writer. I picture everything, whether in motion or stilled.

As a choreographer of dance, my thoughts ran on an inner movie screen, piecing together, pairing steps, and gaining an overall perception of what I wanted to communicate. Sometimes it was an entire storyline, while other times a simple emotion like rage or envy, concern or wonder. I've even shown chaos--that's always fun.


The more I write, the more I see my storyteller eyes honing and gasping more sensitively. My awareness of the world around me and the world's I create is greater and so is my perception. How do I see a particular scene or event as opposed to how I could see them.

Seeing how I haven't celebrated any prompts recently, I decided it was probably time. It can never hurt to find a bit of inspiration or even nudging on a Monday morning. Call this my gift of writer caffeine to you, only visually. I'm going with visual prompts.

Where could this setting take your character? Why is he there?
Did he come to meet someone or is he running?

Just yumm!!!! How could you use food
in your character's world?

What about emotions? What does your character want?
A CUPCAKE PERHAPS?

Have a great writing day!!

~Book Tag Party~

A while back, the wonderful Kelly Hashway tagged me in a post. But instead of answering her questions, as always with me, I've put a twist on this tag party. I hope you'll all play. 

Zah Rules: Please...

• Post rules!

• Tag a BOOK. Yup, it can be a traditionally or Indie published book or a short story in a published book. Want to tag a writer who doesn't have a book out yet? No problem. Tag an idea/beta read you've discussed with them or a blog post you savored. The only catch is you must let the writer know you've tagged them and be fairly confident they will keep the chain going. 

This could be a fabulous way to help traditional as well as Indie authors get the word out about their books!!!! It's also a way for word to travel about awesome bloggers, their posts, and their blogs. Won't you help!!

I'm first. Let's play.

I tag Jessie Harrell!! 

Jessie is the Indie author of DESTINED, an amazing retelling of the ancient Greek myth of Cupid & Psyche. Be sure to check it out! You can also find her on Facebook , The Indelibles, Oasis for YA, and Twitter.

Your turn, Jessie!!

Blogging the Alphabet

Today I'm up on the cyber pedestal over at Blogging from A to Z!! I'm pretty excited. And see. I even designed my own badge for the post. Won't you hop on over and read my take on the event, which starts in less than a month.

WAIT!! 

Don't go yet. I need to announce the winner of a 10-PAGE CRITIQUE offered up by the fabulous Catherine Stine, Author of FIRESEED ONE!!

The winner is....

DAH, DAH, DAH!!!

SANDRA S. RICE

Congratulations!!
I'll let Catherine know and she'll be in touch with you soon!

BUT, for those of you who didn't win, Catherine would like to extend this offer to you: 

Anyone who entered the manuscript critique who is seeking an evaluation on chapters or a manuscript can inquire at kitsy84557 (at) gmail (dot) com. Plus, for those who entered or commented on the post, she is offering a 10% discount on evaluations through October 2012.

AND, one more thing:

March 7th, is Read Aloud Day!! Spread the word. Let's make the most of it. Take a book, any book, even your own work and read a passage out loud. Of course, my favorite reading to do is with young children. So if you have any, grab your nearest picture book or middle grade read and read aloud.

'K, now I'm done. HAPPY READING!!

Slow and Easy; Fast and Hard

We are individuals. Some of us have light skin, while others have darker skin. We speak different languages, some even using sign language to communicate. There are blue and green eyes, athletics and artists, teachers and students. Each person is made up of personal traits, family histories, environmental influences, likes, dislikes, and preferences that define us.

I'm sure you know someone who follows every traffic law. Just as you know someone who's not as sensitive to following the speed limit. :) Or someone who despises the subject of Math, but loves History.

It took me a while to realize this same mentality and appreciation for life's differences applies to the writing world. For those of you who are just starting out with writing, I'm hoping what comes next will comfort you. And for you vintage writers, I know you'll relate.

When I decided to become a serious writer, I had a set picture in my head of how it was going to work, the elements I'd need to concentrate on, and the time I had to do it. I've always been a go-getter, passionate, and devoted to anything project I decided is for me. So I grabbed the publishing world and writing by the horns and jumped in both feet.

But at times, I felt like this...

...like I needed so much help that I'd never 

accomplish anything.

And man, did I receive fantastic help. There's nothing like the writing community. 

Other times, the publishing world looked

like this to me...

...big, sophisticated, and hungry.

Hungry for what? I wasn't sure that first year. I was nervous about everything from reading others work and giving a critique to putting myself out there, letting others read my work. So I set goals, promising that I'd get this done by this date and that completed by that date and so on.

Yeah, the problem was I'd left LIFE out of the equation.

I ended up seeing my writing like this...

...one measly letter at a time, while it

seemed the rest of the writing world

was on fire with accomplishments.

And if you know anything about me,

it's that I'm not fond of laziness

or underachieving. Major

pet-peeve.

But overall, I've learned to reevaluate my writing on a daily and weekly basis, giving myself permission for LIFE to happen. I have a new awareness about myself, the people around me--including all you fangtastical blogging friends--and the world. I've learned that I can grow at a slow and easy pace that is suitable for me today, but tomorrow might allow me to speed up, forging fast and hard into whatever I'm working on.

Either way, I'll accomplish all I set out to do and so will each of you.

So, what gives? Any of you ever feel like a snail stuck in glue?

Seussing IT!!

Right Foot, Right Foot, Left Foot, Too!

Yeah, that's not it. But I thought I'd take a stab at Dr.-Seussing it.

Could any writer have been as ingenious as Dr. Seuss? Check out the images these photos conjure.

This is one of my favorites! It makes
me think of food and traveling to
unknown places.

And this one. Talk about what young
mind can do with these images.

His wit and candor were refreshing, and continue to be today. Whether you're a picture book writer or not, you have to admit he had something special going on. We can all learn lessons from his example.

His ability to delve into the exciting imagination of childhood has always fascinated and inspired me. He captured the freedom of being a child in each of his stories, but challenged young minds to explore, think, and build their own imaginations. What an amazing feat he pulled off with his work. I dream of inspiring the youngest minds like he did with my picture books.

The first way for me to do that is to free my mind and as he said so eloquently,

"Today, you are you. That is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you."

And he captured the essence of that statement in each of his works. He put spices of HIMSELF in his stories. That's what made him unique.

So today, in honor of his birthday, read one of his books. Read it to a young child or simply read it for yourself, letting the veil of childhood take over. 

Share your favorite Seuss book!!