Review: Oh, Say Can You See? by L.C. Lewis

I was recently given the opportunity to review Oh, Say Can You See? by L.C. Lewis. This is the fourth book in her Free Men and Dreamers series. I have not read the preceding books . . . yet, but after this one I really want to go back and read those first three! There were a couple of spots where I wanted to know more of the history of some of the richly drawn characters, but the story was well crafted to stand on its own.

Here's a teaser:
Though the capital smolders, the battered Constitution and the presidency have survived. But the British left the struggling government no home. Gone are the symbols of America--the Capitol Building and the President's House, and nearly every relic of the infant nation. Britain's next target is the port city of Baltimore, but has the raid on Washington stiffened the Americans' backs? As the Willows women mourn their absent men - gone to war, or wounded, or captured - they await the birth of a blessed child. Miles away, attorney Francis Scott Key embarks on a diplomatic mission that will leave an everlasting mark on America. Proving that the pen can indeed by more powerful than the sword, Key records the fears and hopes of his embattled people. His epic poem soon set to music and titled "The Star-Spangled Banner," rallies a shattered nation to rise from its knees to claim the dream of "one nation under God" during the closing hours of the War of 1812.

L.C. Lewis has the remarkable gift of being able to create three-dimensional characters who step into incredibly detailed and accurate historical accounts of real-life events. I can’t say it enough, the detail was excellent. I read on a blog interview, here, that she was motivated to write about these events as historical fiction because, there are people “who learn history best when it is personalized and wrapped around a compelling storyline.” Okay, true confessions—that would be me. I know, I know, I should read biographies and non-fiction and good for me stuff, but the books I can’t put down are all fiction. What can I say, I have no will power when it comes to books, and I’m always drawn to a good romance.

Sooo, for those of you worried about the factual stuff—don’t. There’s plenty of romance and storyline for those of us who need relationship development to pull us along. And for those, like my husband, who love the story of the war and real-life events, there’s plenty of that as well. L.C. Lewis has developed a character driven, historically accurate story that pulls the reader into early America and the War of 1812, highlighting Francis Scott Key’s experiences that compelled him to write the poem Defense of Fort McHenry, which later was put to music and became The Star-Spangled Banner. Oh,Say Can You See? is a beautifully written tale of the heroic defense of a brand new nation and the struggle to survive as free men.

This was the first book I’ve read by L.C. Lewis—but it won’t be the last. She’s a talented writer and masterful storyteller, and I can’t wait until the fifth book comes out in March. She also writes under the name Laurie C. Lewis and has two books out under that name, Awakening Avery and Unspoken.

It's blog tour time for

Oh, Say Can You See?

L.C. Lewis

Set against the War of 1812 and the penning of "The Star Spangled Banner," Oh, Say Can You See?, the latest novel in the FREE MEN AND DREAMERS series by L.C. Lewis, brings this often overlooked period to life.

THREE people will win a copy of Oh, Say Can You See? One GRAND PRIZE WINNER will win this beautiful patriotic necklace!



Blog tour runs from December 13th--December 22nd.

It's easy to enter.

1. Visit the fabulous reviews and leave a comment letting us know why "The Star Spangled Banner" means so much to you. Remember to include your email address.

2. If you tweet about the blog tour, or post about it on your blog or facebook, leave the link in the comments section and you'll receive an additional entry.

Good Luck! Entries close at midnight (MST) on December 31.

December 13
Braden Bell

December 14
Marsha Ward

December 15
Rachelle Christensen

December 16
Anna Del C. Dye

December 17
Stephanie Abney

December 18
Lynn Parsons

December 20
Susan Dayley
Marilyn Bunderson

December 21
Liz Adair
Valerie Ipson

December 22
Kathi Oram Peterson
****

Review: Taken by Storm and Unbroken Connection by Angela Morrison

Taken by Storm by Angela Morrison

From the back of the book:

Leesie Hunt’s Unbreakable Rules:

No Kissing (at least not of the French variety) . . . No Sec (hah! Not even close to happening anyway) . . . No Dating Outside the Mormon Faith (what would be the point?) . . . ABSOLUTELY No Falling in Love with the Wrong Boy (would ruin everything)

Leesie thinks she has her whole life planned out: get into the school of her dreams, write her poems, meet the perfect guy, and settle down. Then she meets Michael—a boy whose parents were killed in a diving accident during a terrible storm.

Michael is drowning in tragedy. And all Leesie wants is to save him. With each day, her heart hurts more. Could it be perfect Leesie is falling from grace? Or is she just falling in love?

But if Leesie gives in to temptation, who is going to save her?

My Review:

I have never read a book like this. Leesie and Michael take turns telling their story through Michael’s dive logs and Leesie’s poems and chatspot conversations. The dual perspective propels the story forward while allowing the reader to understand both sides of the relationship. Michael is struggling to come to terms with the storm and the loss of his parents. Leesie’s trying hard to reconcile her beliefs and upbringing with the passionate feelings she has for Michael. His emotions are raw and poignant. When she reaches out to him she becomes the air for his drowning soul.

On top of their personal struggles, they constantly disagree on how their relationship should play out. Leesie believes that love means more than the physical part and has made a commitment to save herself for marriage. Michael doesn’t understand her need to wait and thinks that her rules will kill the growing love between them—that the only way to truly love is to share everything with each other. Sprinkled throughout the book are Leesie affirmations of her strong religious beliefs as she reinforces her will and occasionally preaches to Michael in an honest attempt to help him heal.

At this point I have to say that the content is definitely PG-13. It’s listed as a book for age 12 and up but I think it depends on the 12 year old. For someone confronted with similar issues at school and in their own personal relationships, this is a great book on finding your limits and exploring the pros and cons of premarital sex. For other teens who are perhaps more sheltered, this book delves pretty far into passions with frank sexual talk and discussions. On a personal level, since my three teenage daughters are more on the sheltered side, I will not be recommending this book for them to read. However, if I felt one of them were dancing a little close to the lines, I might pull it out and have them read it.

The writing is perfection; the story is heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. Angela does a masterful job of developing her characters. I enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it for the right audience.

Check out Angela’s website: http://www.angela-morrison.com/. You can read the first chapter and see a trailer for this book. You’ll also hear the beautiful song she wrote for her book SING ME TO SLEEP.

Unbroken Connection by Angela Morrison

From the back of the book:

Against all odds, the couple that swept you away in TAKEN BY STORM is back. Michael is in Thailand diving his dream. Leesie is at BYU living hers.

And they just can’t leave each other alone.

Their romance rekindles, deeper than before. They grow desperate to see one another again. To hold one another again. Michael decides there is only one directin their relationship can go and asks Leesie the ultimate question. Her answer challenges everything Michakel is and wants to be.

Can she change for him?


Can he change for her?


Enough?

My Review:

Written in the same format as TAKEN BY STORM, UNBROKEN CONNECTION picks up the story of Michael and Leesie’s romance. Even though they are on opposite sides of the world (symbolic of how incongruent their beliefs and behaviors are) they can’t suppress the passion that pulls them together. The questions that keep coming up challenge their relationship. Can they find a way to make it work or will they have to give up too much or who they are? How important are core beliefs in the face of all consuming love?

Once again, I enjoyed the book and the growing relationship between Leesie and Michael. I can’t wait until I can read the third book, CAYMAN SUMMER. If anything, this book was more passionate than the first so I must add the same strong cautions. This is a great book for the right audience.

Check out Angela’s website: http://www.angela-morrison.com/. You can read the first chapter and see a trailer for this book. You’ll also hear the beautiful song she wrote for her book SING ME TO SLEEP.

Author Interview with Angela Morrison

I recently had the opportunity to do reviews on two of Angela Morrison's amazing books, TAKEN BY STORM, and UNBROKEN CONNECTION. She was also nice enough to let me interview her. If you want to learn more about her after reading her interview, visit her website: http://web.me.com/angelamorrison/Angela_Morrison/Welcome.html

1. Your characters are very well developed and a joy to discover. How do you create such strong characters? Are they based on people you know?


Revision, revision, revision. It took me so long to finally sell TAKEN BY STORM, so I had YEARS of listening to Michael and Leesie talk in my head. I got to know them better with each rejection and consequent revision. I think that's the key to creating strong characters--listening to them. Are they based on people I know? I have to laugh when people ask me that. I put Leesie in my high school and she lives in the farm house where I lived from junior high through high school. I even made her the only Mormon girl in the school. Then I started giving her all of my worst high school experiences. It was great catharsis, but lousy fiction. I had to cut a lot of the me, so she could be Leesie. I gave her my sister's long, beautiful hair, another sister's mad driving skills, and a retro suede leather jacket one of my son's friends wore. I still had difficulty conveying her motivation until my daughter gave me a recording of Kelly Clarkson's, "Beautiful Disaster!" That song is exactly Leesie. I'd listen to it whenever I drove kids to school and then be in the perfect mood to come home and revise some more. Leesie truly came into her own when I let her speak through poetry.

2. What led you to make the decision to use dive logs, chat records and poetry to tell the story?

Desperation. An editor at Candlewick said she'd look at my manuscript a second time if I revised it all from Michael's point of view. I'd do anything for Candlewick, so I tried it. She missed the suspense created from Leesie discovering Michael's situation. She asked me to revise again, bringing back the dive logs that I used to tell Michael's part of the story, and replacing Leesie's first person narration with third person. I tried it. Bleck. She said it was stiff. Yup. At that point, I looked at my manuscript, and it was broken. I asked myself, "How do I want to tell this story?" I'd just returned from a workshop with Markus Zusak and read THE BOOK THEIF. He is so inventive with all the pieces he brings together to narrate the story. I'd also recently read Tobin (M.T.) Anderson's OCTAVIAN NOTHING: TRAITOR TO A NATION, Kelly Bringham's SHARK GIRL, and Ellen Yoeman's RUBBER HOUSES. Tobin's book uses Octavian's journal entries interspersed with letters and other items from other narrators. He lists himself as the compiler. Kelly and Ellen's books are both exquisitely crafted poetry novels. Kelly introduces letters to round out the narrative.

I studied my past three or four revisions with Markus Zusak's advice to "keep the gems," ringing in my ears. Michael's dive logs were the best thing I had. I could use those to tell Michael's side of the story. I'd already incorporated chats into the novel, but I used them like dialogue. I decided to take them out and insert them as transcripts, but what about Leesie? She'd been a poet from the start. Her poem about her grandmother was one of the first things I wrote. And her and Kim's relationship was all about writing poetry. I tried a few of Leesie's scenes as free verse poems and was excited about the result. Poetry is my dessert, so I was excited about getting to write lots of poetry. This form is called a collage novel. I love it, but it's challenging. It fits Michael and Leesie. I'm not sure if I'll use it again.

3. Do you use an outline when you write and if so, how detailed is it?

Outlines make me grimace, shudder, run away crying. I do use a calendar (you can see it on my blog) to keep track of what's going on. When ideas for the story come thick and fast, I scribble them down into a rough plot summary. I wrote SING ME TO SLEEP under contract, and I had to come up with a fairly detailed story "pitch." I'm getting better at that, but it's a learned skill. Plans always get changed when characters get involved. I'm a hero's journey writer and highly recommend Voegel's, THE WRITER'S JOURNEY.

4. What character do you connect with the most?

Probably Leesie. I divested her of a lot of me, but there's still some in there haunting the poor girl.

5. How long did it take you to write your first novel? Has the time frame changed any now that you are an experienced writer?

I wrote the first draft of TAKEN BY STORM over the course of my first two semesters studying for my MFA at Vermont College of Fine Arts. (Incredible program, writers check it out!) I remember how amazed I felt when I wrote the last scene and knew I'd actually written a novel. I revised it off and on for two more semesters, but also started writing MY ONLY LOVE, an historical novel that required zillions of hours of research. After I graduated, I marketed STORM for three and a half years before I sold it. And then we did major revisions to get it in shape for Razorbill's audience. That's almost six years of effort, rejection, faith in this story, and never giving up. I didn't work on it full-time, but consistently through those years. I wrote SING ME TO SLEEP in three months--and only had a few weeks for my editors changes. Good thing she didn't ask for a lot. I was in a panic to meet my deadline and wrote so much I hurt my hands! Now, I average about six months for a novel--but I know I can do it in less if I have to.

6. Is there any message you have for your fans?

I'd like to invite you all to read TAKEN BY STORM and UNBROKEN CONNECTION and then join us over at http://caymansummer.blogspot.com where I'm blogging Michael and Leesie's last book as I write it. I love getting readers input along the way and there's a big contest running, too. I hope to see you there.

Ski Utah!

I took my four youngest skiing/snowboarding on Saturday. I figured if we live in Utah, they had better learn to ski. I signed them up for lessons at Park City and the older three were excited to go. The two who took snowboarding lessons had been skiing before and loved it and were excited to try something new. Park City has this deal for locals who are first time skiers, very inexpensive.

My youngest was not excited--to put it mildly. He spent his first 8 years in Taiwan, and though he loves snow he gets cold very quickly. I told him he had to try it one time, so I layered him up with snow pants, a warm coat, gloves, hat, and hand warmers. I think he ended up putting the handwarmers in his pockets because he didn't need them. I even bought him goggles to keep the wind from his eyes. He looked a little nervous when I dropped him off but he was a good sport.

The three girls were a bit more enthusiastic.

When I picked him up three hours later he was all smiles. He loved it and couldn't wait to go again. So glad. Can't wait to go again--maybe I'll take some snowboarding lessons myself.

Amazing Giveaways!

Tristi Pinkston is hosting an absolutely huge contest over on her blog to celebrate the release of her new book, "Dearly Departed."  A new prize will be offered every twenty-four hours, and with multiple chances to win, you can't go wrong!  Prizes include books, jewelry, perfume, movies - and the grand prize is a free night's stay at the Lion Gate Manor in Lava Hot Springs.  Visit Tristi's blog for rules and more details.  http://www.tristipinkston.blogspot.com/

Win a $50 Amazon Gift Card

Rebecca Talley is hosting a contest for preordering her book, The Upside of Down.

Natalie Drake certainly has her hands full raising a large family, dealing with her difficult mother, and maintaining a relationship with her rebellious teenager. Just when things seem to be going smoothly, she finds out another unexpected surprise—she’s going to have a baby. Faced with so many challenges, Natalie must learn to trust in a plan that isn’t what she imagined and discover that every situation has an upside.

Beloved author Rebecca Talley carefully creates this touching and heartfelt story that is sure to inspire you. With true-to-life characters and situations, The Upside of Down will reignite your faith and remind you of the importance of family.

To enter visit her blog:
http://rebeccatalleywrites.blogspot.com/2010/11/pre-order-contest-upside-of-down.html

Fun Giveaway

I wanted to let you all know about a book giveaway I found out about today. You can find the details at Ann Bradshaw's Place. Angela Morrison's books sound great, though I haven't read them yet. I am planning on it.

Check it out!

Summer Is Over

I think I just need to admit to myself that I can't work over the summer. There, I've done it.

I always plan to get a lot of work done but then I get so busy with the kids nothing else gets done. Well, summer is over and it's back to regular hours, deadlines, and getting my writing done. I do work better with a deadline staring me down.

Soooo . . . I'm going to start posting my progress. I haven't wanted to do this because, truth be told, I'm just a slow writer. However, I'm going to try this and see if it can push me along. I have three books in various stages of completion but one is on the back burner until the other two are done. I plan to finish my current WIP (work in progress) by the end of October--I'm really going to have to rush it. Then with a month of revisions I'll be able to send it off to a professional editor before I submit it. (I won a drawing several months ago for a free edit of a manuscript but it has to be in before the end of the year.)

As soon as that is done I can work on the next book. Here's my big admission, *blush* the 2nd book is the sequel to The Mark. There are several reasons I've put it second:

1. I need to complete a book before the end of the year in order to take advantage of the free edit job from Precision Editing. I'm very excited for their help.
2. The book I'm working on is shorter so I think I can finish it faster.
3. I would really like to work on improving my writing before I tackle the sequel. I do have an outline and have even started the writing but I think doing this book in between will help me nail down some improvements in style.
4. There were a couple of storyline decisions I wanted to make before I started and I needed some thinking time to work those out. They are now worked out so I am ready to go as soon as I finish this other one.

You're welcome to come along with me on my push to finish. Feel free to egg me on any time.

See you at the finish line!

Hunger Games

Yup, I'm finally reading Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.

I've waited to read it. To be honest, I can't promise that I'll finish it, though I probably will. I've heard so many people say how much they loved it even though they didn't like the subject matter that it got me curious.

STOP READING HERE if you don't know what it's about and you don't want to know.

The writing would have to be excellent for people to rave about the book in spite of the fact that it's about children killing children for sport, right? It is not my intention to bash the author for her subject matter, I'm sure she had her reasons and we as the consumers decide what we will read and what we won't read. In fact part of my curiosity that led me to pick up the book revolves around why this author would ever choose to write about this? And why we would all read it.

Perhaps if I went to her website or blog I could find an answer but I don't want to do it that way--yet. I want to find the answer from the book itself. See if it has something to teach me, something to say. If I get to the point in the book where I have to put it down and say I can't finish, it's too disturbing then I will go to her website and discover it there. But I don't think I'll have to.

And so I'm reading it slowly. Carefully. (Slowly meaning 2 or 3 days instead of finishing tonight) And yeah, it's well written.


I readily admit that I'm selective about what I watch and read. I don't have a stomach for scary movies. I went off PG-13's for several years, until I could see that it made dates with my husband way too hard. Now I'm just careful. I don't like books with anything raunchy and swearing bugs me. So I'm nervous. A few things that might make me put down the book:

1. If Katniss sends one of her arrows through someone. Don't know if I could handle that.
2. The amount of time and depth of description given to the deaths that must happen.

 So we'll see. But one opinion I have already. Suzanne Collins writes very well and I applaud her success.

Wasatch Back

It's done. I finished.

June 18 and 19 I participated on a 12 woman team that completed the Wasatch Back Ragnar Relay. For those of you who aren't familiar with it, it's a 188.2 mile race from Logan to Park City in Utah. There are Ragnar Relays in places besides Utah, but the one here is called the Wasatch Back. Each team member has 3 legs of the race. There are 6 people in each car and the first car does their first leg and then they rest while the second car does their first leg. Then we do that two more times.

I was runner 3 in car one and my legs totaled 18.4 miles. It's interesting that I had that leg because it's the 2nd longest route and I'm the slowest runner on the team but for various reasons that's how it ended up. I don't mind running for a long time, as long as I don't have to do it quickly. I did improve my time this year by one minute a mile.

It was hot, parts of the route were dusty, there were a lot of hills and a lot of people. So why do we do it? I think a lot of people do it because they love to run. I don't really. But I do love the challenge. Training for the race gives me a goal to work towards. I also love to work toward that goal with a group of friends. It's almost worth it just to see all the goofy other teams. People go all out. Two men ran their entire first route in full out prom gear; suit, tie, belt, boutonniere, the works. Another guy ran the last leg in a full length white wedding dress. There's always a team that thinks of a way to incorporate the little plastic bums they attach to their backside. Our team was called the Wonder Women and we had a slogan on our shirts that said "I WONDER what this WOMAN was thinking."

Our team finished the race in 33 hours and 33 minutes. Someone was running the whole time. We placed 58 out of 99 in the Women's Open division. Our team member who ran the Ragnar Hill (killer hill, 4 miles straight up) took 6th place in the Women's Open division.

It was a lot of fun. I may lose a couple of townails. Would I do it again?

Hmmm, I think I would.

Book Review of Rebound by Heather Justesen

John and Lily Drake seem to be the picture perfect family, but when John is dragged off to jail for fraud, Lily finally learns the lies that have been the framework of their marriage. We first met Lily in Heather’s debut novel, The Ball’s in Her Court, when she sets her best friend Denise up with her cousin, Rich. Rebound continues the story a few years down the road when Lily’s marriage falls apart because of her husband John’s betrayal and double life.

Like in her first book, Heather does a great job of creating in depth characters that you can really relate to. But in Rebound, Denise and Rich take a back seat role as we get to know Lily better. At first she seems weak and naive, but then in the midst of her heartache she pulls herself up from being completely bottomed out to forge a happy, though not so extravagant, life for her son and herself. Out from under the influence of her controlling husband John, she blossoms into a strong and resourceful woman. Another character that we get to know better is Curtis, Denise’s half brother and star basketball player from Utah State.

Of course there’s a touch of romance as Lily tries to figure out if her broken heart can ever mend, and Curtis learns to let go of the heartache from his own troubled past. In the meantime Lily has to work through a nasty divorce, fighting John and his parents the whole way.

I really enjoyed reading Rebound and following the lives of the people I grew to love in The Ball’s in Her Court. It was great to be able to look down the road and see how things turned out for everyone. I felt Heather was able to wrap up everyone’s story very nicely. I look forward to more of her books in the future.

Winners for the Summer Treasure Hunt

June 1

WINNER: Amber Nielson of Vermont

ANSWER: Herself and her people from death and tyranny

June 2

WINNER: Barbara Stilwell

ANSWER: The remote into the TV
June 3
WINNER: Judy Cox of Louisiana
ANSWER: An empty wheelchair
June 4
WINNER: Ginny Romney of Arizona
ANSWER: Charles Lucas
June 5
WINNER: Karin Tillotson of Pennsylvania
ANSWER: Luck of the Draw
June 6
WINNER: Laura Lewis of North Carolina
ANSWER: Not finding out
June 7
WINNER: Carol Rainbolt of Arizona
ANSWER: Jack Brandon
June 8
WINNER: Mina Gerhart
ANSWER: Leroy and Jody
June 9
WINNER: Cassandra Cantrell of Utah
ANSWER: She was wading in a stream and her skirt was hiked up showing her legs and bare feet
June 10
WINNER: Diana Donahoo of Illinois
ANSWER: Jack Weyland
June 11
WINNER: Angela Isbell of Utah
ANSWER: the Austrian Alps
June 12
WINNER: Cindy Schuerr of Wisconsin
ANSWER: He played pro football.
June 13
WINNER: Rachel Stanley of California
ANSWER: He has an extra chromosome/Down syndrome
June 14
WINNER: Tawnya Mayo of Utah
ANSWER: Robert E. Howard
June 15
WINNER: Tracy Astle of California
ANSWER: Chonmage
June 16

WINNER: Tracie Travis of California
ANSWER: Adventures with the Word of God
June 17
WINNER: Karen Haas of North Carolina
ANSWER: Go country line dancing
June 18
WINNER: Colleen Conklin of Arizona
ANSWER: About half a million
June 19
WINNER: Taffy Lovell of Utah
ANSWER: Mormon Mishaps and Mischief
June 20
WINNER: Becky Drew of Arizona
ANSWER: I took a class in middle school and my last clocked speed was 120 words per minute
June 21
WINNER: Karen Tillotson of Pennsylvania
ANSWER: ADD/ADHD, Autism, Learning Disabilities, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Educational Activities for Home, Transition to Adulthood

12 book giveaway

 http://inkinallforms.blogspot.com

2nd Annual "Summer Treasure Hunt: Dig For Clues and Win" Contest!

Welcome to our second annual “Summer Treasure Hunt: Dig for Clues and Win” Contest! Last year, Joyce DiPastina and some of her author friends put together a month long contest where we gave away a prize a day for the entire month of June. The contest was so successful that they have decided to do it again (and I've joined them)…only this time we’ve gathered together enough prizes to last through the first week of July! Again, we have something for everyone: romance, fantasy, mystery, suspense, historicals, contemporaries, young adult and middle grade fiction; children’s picture books; and a variety of non-fiction titles. We also have some exciting non-book prizes: a hand crocheted book tote and cell phone case; a book/jewelry combo; a Mary Kay cosmetic assortment; a The Lion, the Witch, and The Wardrobe DVD; and (you aspiring writers won’t want to miss this one!) a free edit/critique for the first 50 pages of an unpublished novel by a three-time published author!

How can you enter to win one of these awesome prizes? Just follow the rules below!


SUMMER TREASURE HUNT RULES:

You can send in an entry for each day’s prize, or only for those prizes that strike your fancy. The rules are simple:

(1) Go to the website or blog indicated for each day, find the answer to the question for that day, then email the answer with your name and AND MAILING ADDRESS to jdipastena@yahoo.com. I promise you will not wind up on any mailing lists. This is only to facilitate the receipt of your prize. All entries will be deleted at the end of the contest.

(2) Please send a separate entry for each day and type the day you are entering in the subject line. (Such as: Summer Treasure Hunt, June 1; Summer Treasure Hunt, June 2, etc).

(3) Deadline for each day: Midnight PST

(4) The winner will be contacted and announced on the day following the deadline.

All winners will be “drawn” by WWW.RANDOM.ORG.

You do not have to wait until the designated day to enter. You can start sending in your entries right now, or begin entering at any point along the way. And check back here each day between June 2nd-July 9th to read the names of the winners.

If you have any questions, feel free to email Joyce DiPastena at jdipastena@yahoo.com.

And now…let the treasure hunt begin!

June 1
SPONSOR: Donna Hatch
PRIZE: Queen in Exile, (fantasy romance), autographed by author
QUESTION: The princess must rely upon her magic to save whom? (Hint: Look under “Bookshelf” tab)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.donnahatch.net
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER: Amber Nielson of Vermont

ANSWER: Herself and her people from death and tyranny

June 2
SPONSOR: Laurie Lewis
PRIZE: Awakening Avery (women's fiction), autographed copy
QUESTION: Avery's signal that she isn't handling her husband's death very well comes to her when she tosses what into what? (Hint: Look under “books &reviews, then click on the cover to Awakening Avery and read the first chapter)
WEBSITE/BLOG: www.laurielclewis.com
USA ENTRIES ONLY

WINNER: Barbara Stilwell

ANSWER: The remote into the TV

June 3
SPONSOR: E.A. West
PRIZE: Riley's Mission (PDF: romantic suspense)
QUESTION: Where does Jade sit after she sees Aziz Khadoul? (Hint: Click on “Books” tab, then on “excerpt” link for Riley’s Mission)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://eawest.mcphitty.com
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER: Judy Cox of Louisiana
ANSWER: An empty wheelchair

June 4
SPONSOR: Jenna Dawlish
PRIZE: Sprig of Thyme (Victorian romance), autographed copy
QUESTION: What is the name of the hero in Jenna's first novel Love Engineered? (Check out “The Library” tab)
WEBSITE/BLOG: www.jennadawlish.com
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER:
ANSWER:

June 5
SPONSOR: Rachael Renee Anderson
PRIZE: Divinely Designed (contemporary LDS romantic comedy), autographed copy
QUESTION: What is the title of Rachael's second book, being released in August? (Hint: scroll down to Rachael’s “Goodreads” titles on the right hand sidebar))
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://rachaelreneeanderson.blogspot.com/
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Karin Tillotson of Pennsylvania
ANSWER: Luck of the Draw

June 6
SPONSOR: Linda Kay Garner
Prize: Some Secrets Hurt (picturebook), autographed copy, plus a handmade cuddling blanket. This picture book is for all ages. It is simple enough to be understood by a very young child, meaningful enough to appeal to teenagers, informative enough to be helpful to parents, and powerful enough to reach out to a wounded adult.
QUESTION: The only thing worse than finding out that your child is being sexually abused is ____ ____ ____? (Hint: Listen to 5 minute KSL TV interview on the right side of the website or dowload the free Parents’ Guide)
WEBSITE/BLOG: www.somesecretshurt.com
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Laura Lewis of North Carolina
ANSWER: Not finding out

June 7
SPONSOR: Danielle Thorne
PRIZE: (New/Sealed) The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe (Widescreen DVD)
QUESTION: In Danielle Thorne's novel, Turtle Soup, what is the name of the marine biologist who inspires Sara Hart to name her deli Turtle Soup? (Hint: read the blurb for Turtle Soup on Danielle’s website homepage)
WEBSITE/BLOG: www.daniellethorne.jimdo.com
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Carol Rainbolt of Arizona
ANSWER: Jack Brandon

June 8
SPONSOR: Larry Hammersley
PRIZE: Lab Partners (sweet 1950’s romance), ebook
QUESTION: What are the first names of the hero and heroine in the short story Lab Partners? (Hint: Check out “WIP Report” post for April 4, 2010)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://larryhammersley.blogspot.com/
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER: Mina Gerhart
ANSWER: Leroy and Jody

June 9
SPONSOR: Linda Weaver Clarke
PRIZE: Melinda and the Wild West: (historical romance, YA and adult), autographed copy
QUESTION: What was Melinda doing when she first met Gilbert and why did he act flustered and then abruptly turn and briskly stride away? (Hint:. Click on “Sample Chapters” tab, then on the book title for Melinda and the Wild West to read a sample chapter.)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.lindaweaverclarke.com
OPEN TO USA AND CANADA ENTRIES
WINNER: Cassandra Cantrell of Utah
ANSWER: She was wading in a stream and her skirt was hiked up showing her legs and bare feet

June 10
SPONSOR: Angela Morrison
PRIZE: Taken by Storm (Penguin/Razorbill 2009), YA romance, autographed hard cover
QUESTION: A legendary LDS author of over 30 books for teens called Taken by Storm, "An amazing story written with a clear, refreshing and creative voice." Who was it? (Hint: check “Taken By Storm” tab)
WEBSITE/BLOG: www.angela-morrison.com
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER: Diana Donahoo of Illinois
ANSWER: Jack Weyland

June 11
SPONSOR: Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen
PRIZE: Trapped (romantic suspense with a hint of paranormal fantasy), autographed copy
QUESTION: The first trap Emi Warrin encounters is a mysterious letter. To where does it lure her? (Hint: Read the book summary under the Trapped tab)
WEBSITE/BLOG: rondahinrichsen.com
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Angela Isbell of Utah
ANSWER: the Austrian Alps

June 12
SPONSOR: Anne Patrick
PRIZE: Journey to Redemption (inspirational romantic suspense), free download
QUESTION: What did Royce use to do for a living in my upcoming release, Out of the Darkness? (Hint: Look under the “My Books” link for Anne’s new release, Out of the Darkness)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.suspensebyanne.blogspot.com/
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER: Cindy Schuerr of Wisconsin
ANSWER: He played pro football.

June 13
SPONSOR: Rebecca Talley
PRIZE: Altared Plans (contemporary LDS romance), autographed by author
QUESTION: What is unique about my youngest son? (Hint: Watch the YouTube video Extra C posted on the right side of Rebecca’s blog)
WEBSITE/BLOG: www.rebeccatalleywrites.blogspot.com
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Rachel Stanley of Arizona
ANSWER: He has an extra chromosome/Down syndrome

June 14
SPONSOR: David J. West
PRIZE: Heroes of the Fallen (historical fiction), autographed hardcopy)
QUESTION: What is the name of my favorite author? (Hint: Scroll through David’s June blogs. He promises you’ll find the answer!)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://david-j-west.blogspot.com/
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Tawnya Mayo of Utah

ANSWER:Robert E. Howard

June 15
SPONSOR: Jennifer Stewart Griffith, author of Choosing Mr. Right and Delicious Conversation
PRIZE: FREE edit and/or critique of first 50 pages of a novel
QUESTION: What is the Japanese word for the hairstyle worn by sumo wrestlers? (Hint: Check out Jennifer’s favorite sumo blog, Sumo Beautiful. Look for Hama Bijin’s April 13th post)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://sumobeautiful.blogspot.com/
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES as long as the manuscript can be emailed to Jennifer and is in English
WINNER: Tracy Astle of California

ANSWER: Chonmage

June 16
SPONSOR: Rebecca Irvine
PRIZE: Family Home Evening Adventures (non-fiction book of FHE lessons), free e-book on CD
QUESTION: What is the title of the first book written by Rebecca Irvine? (Hint: Read “about me” on Rebecca’s blog)
WEBSITE/BLOG: www.rebeccairvine.blogspot.com
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Tracie Travis of California

ANSWER: Adventures with the Word of God


June 17
SPONSOR: Marilyn Bunderson
PRIZE: The Mark (YA Fiction), autographed copy with a bookmark
QUESTION: In a deleted scene from my book, The Mark, Jon loses a bet to Shae. What does he have to do to pay up? (Hint: Found in post titled "Deleted Scenes From The Mark" dated April 15, 2010)
WEBSITE/BLOG: www.mrbunderson.blogspot.com
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Karen Haas of North Carolina
ANSWER: Go country line dancing

June 18
SPONSOR: Heather Justesen
PRIZE: Winner’s Choice: The Ball’s In Her Court (contemporary inspirational) or Rebound (contemporary romance), autographed by author
QUESTION: How much did the FBI agent expect John's bail to be set at? (Hint: Click on "My Books" tab, then "read more" about Rebound.)
WEBSITE/BLOG: HeatherJustesen.com
OPEN TO USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Colleen Conklin of Arizona
ANSWER: About half a million

June 19
SPONSOR: Nichole Giles
PRIZE: The Sharp Edge of a Knife (inspirational historical, based on a true story), autographed copy
QUESTION: What is the correct title of the humorous anthology I coauthored? (Hint: Look in the right hand sidebar)
WEBSITE/BLOG: www.nicholegiles.blogspot.com
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Taffy Lovell of Utah
ANSWER: Mormon Mishaps and Mischief

June 20
SPONSOR: Karen Adair
PRIZE: Trendy blue/brown crocheted book tote with matching cell phone case (Check out Karen’s “Diva Strings” website for examples: http://www.divastrings.com/index.html)
QUESTION: Where did Karen learn how to type and what speed did she finally top out at? (Hint: Check Karen’s “Bio” tab)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.kbadair.com
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Becky Drew of Arizona
ANSWER: I took a class in middle school and my last clocked speed was 120 words per minute.

June 21
SPONSOR: Lynn Parsons author of (dis)Abilities and the Gospel (nonfiction)
PRIZE: A pair of hand-knit socks
QUESTION: What are three of the topics I list on the parent page of my website? (Look on “Parent Page” tab)
WEBSITE/BLOG: www.lynndparsons.com
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Karen Tillotson of Pennsylvania
ANSWER: ADD/ADHD, Autism, Learning Disabilities, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Educational Activities for Home, Transition to Adulthood

June 22
SPONSOR: Kinzie Monroe
PRIZE: Reservations for Two (inspirational romance), autographed CD
QUESTION: What was Maggie doing when she and Carson first met in Reservations for Two? (Hint: click on the “Excerpts” link on Kinzie’s blog)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://kinziemonroe.blogspot.com/
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER:
ANSWER:

June 23
SPONSOR: Michele Ashman Bell
PRIZE: Summer in Paris (YA romance), autographed copy and Eiffel Tower bookmark
QUESTION: What is Michele "dreaming of"? (Hint: found on sidebar above picture of Eiffel Tower
WEBSITE/BLOG: micheleabell.blogspot.com
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER:
ANSWER:

June 24
SPONSOR: Jaimey Grant and JaysDesign Jewelry
PRIZE: A signed copy of Redemption, a Regency romance by Jaimey Grant, and a 19" hand-knotted strand of freshwater pearls ($45 value) handmade by Jay T Lyons of JaysDesign Jewelry.
QUESTION: Artist Jay T Lyons did a sketch for the cover of an upcoming Regency romance of mine. What is the sketch of and what is the title of the upcoming book?
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://sites.google.com/site/jaimeygrant/jaytlyons
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER:
ANSWER:

June 25
SPONSOR: Christine Thackeray
PRIZE: Lipstick Wars (LDS Women’s Fiction), autographed copy
QUESTION: What is the name of the angel who needs a vacation in my recent pamphlet, “Could You Be an Angel Today? (Hint: Play the book trailer for “Could You Be an Angel Today” on Christine’s home page)
WEBSITE/BLOG: www.christinethackeray.com
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER:
ANSWER:

June 26
SPONSOR: Bonnie Harris
PRIZE: Mary Kay Satin Lips Set, Travel Size Satin Hands Set and a set of mineral eye colors
QUESTION: What is the name of my African Gray and African Desert Tortosie? (Hint: Read “About Me” in the left hand sidebar)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.bonnieharris.blogspot.com/
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER:
ANSWER:

June 27
SPONSOR: Teralee Deighton
PRIZE: Cup of Comfort for New Mothers (personal essay anthology)
QUESTION: Name the editor of Cup of Comfort for New Mothers
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.adamsmediastore.com/category/cup-of-comfort-series?r=COC_Bookstore
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER:
ANSWER:

June 28
SPONSOR: C. LaRene Hall
PRIZE: Martha’s Freedom Train (middle grade historical), autographed by both author and illustrator
QUESTION: How many short stories has C. LaRene Hall published in the humorous anthology, Mormon Mishaps and Mischief? (Hint: Look in the left hand sidebar)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.clhall.blogspot.com/
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER:
ANSWER:

June 29
SPONSOR: Sarah M. Eden
PRIZE: Courting Miss Lancaster (Regency romance), autographed copy
QUESTION: In his "I Need Friends Friday" interview, what reason does Edward Cullen give for not sleeping at night?
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.sarahmeden.com/2009/11/i-need-friends-friday-edward-cullen.html
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER:
ANSWER:

June 30
SPONSOR: Marcia Mickelson
PRIZE: Reasonable Doubt (LDS Suspense), autographed copy
QUESTION: In what country was author, Marcia Mickelson born? (Hint: Click on “About Marcia” tab)
WEBSITE/BLOG: www.marciamickelson.com
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER:
ANSWER:

July 1
SPONSOR: Kimberly Job
PRIZE: I'll Know You by Heart (romantic suspense), autographed copy
QUESTION: What is the title of my current work in progress? (Hint: Look under “My Books” tab)
WEBSITE/BLOG: www.scribbledscraps.blogspot.com
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER:
ANSWER:

July 2
SPONSOR: Joan Sowards
PRIZE: Haunts Haven (an LDS ghost story), autographed copy
QUESTION: What is the name of the town in which the story of Haunts Haven takes place? (Hint: Found on sidebar synopsis of story)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://joansowards.blogspot.com/
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER:
ANSWER:

July 3
SPONSOR: Margaret L. Turley RN
PRIZE: Save the Child (Reality Fiction), autographed copy
QUESTION: Where can you listen to an audio interview with Margaret L. Turley about her book, Save the Child? (Hint: Click on link at the bottom of Margaret’s bio on her “About the Author” page)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://margaretturley.com
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER:
ANSWER:

July 4
SPONSOR: Joyce DiPastena
PRIZE: Illuminations of the Heart (sweet medieval romance, a 2009 Whitney Award Finalist), autographed by author
QUESTION: Who were gifts usually given to on Epiphany during the Middle Ages? (Hint: Click on “Stolen Christmas” tab and read excerpt from “An Epiphany Gift for Robin”)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.joyce-dipastena.com/
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES:
WINNER:
ANSWER:

July 5
SPONSOR: Cindy R. Williams
PRIZE: Chase McKay Didn’t Get Up Today (Arizona Glyph Award Finalist and Southwest Book Awards Finalist), a snuggle, giggle children’s picture book
QUESTION: There is a picture of Cindy holding two dragons on her website, www.cindyrwilliams.com. The names of the dragons are in the caption below the picture. What are their names? (Hint: Look on the “Book” page)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.cindyrwilliams.com
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER:
ANSWER:

July 6
SPONSOR: Gail Pallotta
PRIZE: Love Turns the Tide (inspirational romance with suspense), free e-book on CD, with a pendant necklace and matching earrings
QUESTION: Who comes to Cammie O'Shea's rescue after she has a break-in at her unit in Destin, Florida? (Hint: Scroll down to: MORE ABOUT THE BOOK)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.gailpallotta.com
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER:
ANSWER:

July 7
SPONSOR: Danyelle Ferguson
PRIZE: A 30 page manuscript edit
QUESTION: Name three of the "special needs" addressed in (dis)Abilities and the Gospel. (Hint: Click on the "Books" tab for (dis)Abilities and the Gospel)


WEBSITE/BLOG: www.QueenOfTheClan.com

USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER:
ANSWER:

July 8
SPONSOR: Karen E. Hoover
PRIZE: Sapphire Flute (YA Fantasy), autographed copy
QUESTION: How many bloggers have posted their reviews of The Sapphire Flute? (Hint: Check out the list under “Sapphire Flute Blog Tour” in the right hand side bar and count ‘em up)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://karen-hoover.blogspot.com/
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER:
ANSWER:

Danyelle Ferguson Reviewed My Book

Check out her review at her blog, Queen of the Clan.

Saturday's Book Signings

Borders in Murray

I had a great time at Borders Saturday from 11-1. Here are a couple of pictures:

 This is Morgan and Alexa. They bought my book the week before and just came in to get it signed.

Elizabeth and her sister came in. It's so great meeting new people, that's my favorite part about book signings.

 This is my awesome cousin Diane who came in to see me.


Wasatch High School Book Fair
Barnes and Noble did a book fair at Wasatch High in Heber City. OOOH, is it WRONG to put Borders and Barnes and Noble in the same blog post??? Hmmm, I hope not.

These are the other authors I signed with. Frank Cole, author of the Hashbrown Winters series, and Berin Stephens, author of  Dragon War Relics.

Alecia Buck, author of Flecks of Gold and me, author of The Mark.

 Rachel (center) is a graduating senior at Wasatch High. She organized the writer's club at the school. She sang a solo at the book signing event (there were musical numbers all afternoon) and is a very talented young lady.

Wasatch High School

I had a great time to day at Wasatch High in Heber City, Utah. I was there with some other local authors:
Frank Cole, author of Hashbrown Winters series
Berin Stephens, author of The Dragon War Relic, and
Alicia Buck, author of Flecks of Gold

We met some great students who would like to be authors someday and did a QA with them. I brought my camera but it sat forgotten in my bag. Such an airhead. I'll bring it with me tomorrow and I hearby VOW to take some pictures.

Booksignings for tomorrow:
Borders in Murray from 11am to 1pm
Wasatch High in Heber City from 2:30 to 6pm

Book Giveaway

Cami Checketts posted a review of my book and is doing a giveaway on her site.
camichecketsbooks.blogspot.com

Check it out!

Another great giveaway going on at www.sheralynpratt.com

Pudding Fight

My daughter Sam and our neighbor decided to throw a pudding fight party yesterday. I wasn't there (it was during my book signing) but from the pictures they looked like they were having a great time. Here are a couple of pictures. And no, I wouldn't recommend it to everyone. The grass is still brown:D

It was supposed to be all pudding but they ended up dumping in cake mixes and flour and water to add volume. Edible still, I guess, but pretty gross. Their shirts will never be the same--although I think that was the point.

After the fight they hosed off (brrrrrr), then showered off (can we say bathtub rings?), and then watched movies all afternoon. Oh to be young and stupid! Ahh, I mean impulsive . . . What a great way to welcome summer.

Book Signing at Gateway Crossing Barnes and Noble

I had a great book signing at the Barnes and Noble in Bountiful today. Shasta and Michael set me up right by the front entrance and had a poster announcing the signing up in the front window. Here are some pictures of the event.

 

 My aunt, Bessie, and my cousin, Linda, surprised me by dropping by. It was so great to talk with them and do a little catching up. Happy Birthday Linda!

My sister Julie also came by as well as some younger friends. I won't say their names but aren't they sweet? My youngest daughter also came with me.

I probably should have taken a few more pictures but I always forget.

Book Tour

I have a growing list of book tour sites. You can check out the links on the left. One that I just found out about is Around the World Tours. Someone sent my book on the tour and the way it works is that people sign up to write a review and then they send the one book from one person to the next.

If you click on the link it takes you to the main site where the links to each tour stop will be available as the book makes the rounds. Right now the first review is up. So I'm interested to see how The Mark does on tour. Since I've had nothing to do with setting up this tour all the reviews will be completely unbiased. Okay, I hope the other reviews are also unbiased (I'm sure they are) but this feels just a bit more removed from me.

Here's the link: Around the World Tours

Book Signing at The Gateway Barnes and Noble

I should have gotten this up last week but I went out of town . . . I know, excuses, excuses.

I had a great time at my book signing on May 1 at The Gateway Barnes and Noble. They put me in a great location in the store and treated me very well.

Martin stopped by to talk with me because he knows my brother in law and recognized the name. It was fun to talk with him. Ok, so this is the only picture for now because all the other pictures are on my daughter's camera. I'll get to it . . .

Sam and her friend Connor and my younger daughter-who shall remain nameless-hung out with me. My sister also came by and stayed for a while, thanks J.

My favorite thing at a signing is when people just stop to chat. No need to buy a book, it's great to just talk with people. One guy stopped to say hello because we share the same last name. Not very common. Someone else stopped by who is working on a book herself. A couple of kids were interested in the tattoos I was giving out. I handed out a lot of bookmarks.

Next signing, this Saturday at the Barnes and Noble at Gateway Crossing in Bountiful from 1-3. Hope to see you there. 

The Canticle Kingdom

The cover of Michael Young’s book, The Canticle Kingdom, is one of my all time favorite covers. I love it. I love the gold writing and the subtle music score in the background. The colors are perfect. I was very excited to pick up the book and start reading.

The storyline hops between war-torn Germany and the Canticle Kingdom, a magical land completely hidden and contained within a beautiful music box. When select people outside the music box get pulled into the world within, those left behind work to figure out what’s going on and how to get their loved ones back.


Meanwhile, within the kingdom (this is where the bulk of the story takes place) Johann and Brigitta, thirteen-year-old best friends, get thrown into an ongoing battle between the knights who are defending the kingdom and the evil power trying to take over. Okay, it’s a little more complicated than that and has a lot of twists and turns but that’s the gist of it. Anyway, Johann ends up being trained to fight while Brigitta must figure out her role in saving the kingdom from ruin.


The jumping back and forth in the story was a bit confusing at first and I had trouble following from time to time, but I got the hang of it after a bit. There were a couple of events that were never resolved, but I’m hoping they will be in the next book. Even with the lingering questions, the ending was very satisfying, and the questions and mysteries raised throughout the book kept me moving forward. Happily, as we learned from Michael’s interview, the story does not end there and we’ll be able to find out what happens with Johann and Brigitta.

I'm glad to have read this book.

Interview with Michael Young, Author of The Canticle Kingdom

ME: This is a very unique idea for a story? Where did you get your idea?

MICHAEL: I wish I knew this myself, so I could go back and get a few more. ;-) I was just working at Target one day during my second year of college and my mind was starting to wander and the idea just popped into my head.

ME: How long did it take you to write The Canticle Kingdom? At what point were you able to get the voice of each character developed in your head?

MICHAEL: The first draft of it took about a year to hash out while I was going to school and working. The way I do things, is that I think a lot about my current project when I'm doing mundane stuff like walking to school or doing the dishes, so I felt like I had the character's voices in place at a pretty early stage because I had thought about it so much.

ME: What kind of books do you like to read?

MICHAEL: I'm mostly into the kind of stuff I write, Fantasy and Sci-Fi, though I really like historical fiction as well. Right now I'm working on reading all of Terry Brook's books, most of which relate in a huge story arc that crosses generations. Pretty incredible. My latest favorite reads have been “Elantris” by Brandon Sanderson and “Johnathan Strange and Mr. Norell” by Susanne Clark, both of which are Fantasy. Then again, I'm sure I'll add the third Hunger Games to that list when it comes out this year.

ME: Will The Canticle Kingdom be a part of a series or did you get the whole story told in one book?

MICHAEL: I'm working on a sequel now, and right now I'm envisioning it as a trilogy. There's a lot more to the story and I'm excited to tell it. The way it ends leaves plenty of room for that. I also have a few other unrelated novels various stages of completion, so I am going to try to branch out.

ME: Your cover is AMAZING. Did you have any input on the design?

MICHAEL: I wish I could take credit for that! I just said I wanted it to stress the musical element, but I was blown away when I saw it for the first time. Cedar Fort does a great job with their covers, and I really couldn't be happier about it. I feel like it really captures the essence of the book.

ME: I understand that the final 20% of the book takes 80% of your effort. Did you have the end in mind from the beginning? Did you ever change course in your writing?

MICHAEL: Isn't that true! You really want the story to go out with a bang and have a satisfying ending. I've been disappointed before by books with strong beginning and middles, with awful ends, and I really want to avoid that. I had a general idea of where I wanted it to be at the get go, but it took me a while for me to actually flesh out how I would get my characters from point A to point B. I'm the kind of writer who likes to discover what's going to happen as I go along. This book took me in directions that I had not imagined at the beginning and that for me is part of the fun of it.

ME: How do you write? Do you use outlines? Do you need music playing? How do you move on when you hit a rough spot?

MICHAEL: It is hard for me to sit down and write for long stretches, but I'm good at writing a little every day and sticking to it. As mentioned in the last question, I don't use very detailed outlines. I like to have music or something else in the background, though it's best when I'm alone. I'm kind of a night writer-for some reasons, my best thoughts show up when the sun goes down. When I hit a rough spot, I give the current project a break and work on something else I'm writing for a while. I usually have a few projects going at a time. I'm working on short stories, plays, and even a musical or two. Still working on getting those refined and out in the open, but who knows? It could happen.

ME: What can you tell us about yourself that will help us know you better?

MICHAEL: This novel has a lot to do with music. I've loved music my entire life and perform whenever I can. I've played the piano since I was eight and taught myself the organ while living in Germany as a missionary. (Mostly because they needed me to play in church). I've also played for years in handbell choirs, including Bells on Temple Square, which is an arm of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. I don't do that anymore, because I moved into the actual choir this year. I also like to write music and lyrics for music as well, and I'm trying to find ways to promote my writing using music. On my site, I've even written some songs to go along with the book that anyone can download. So, I imagine I might incorporate musical elements in future works as well.

ME: Do you have a message for all your fans? Anything you’d like to tell them?

MICHAEL: I think I would just encourage them to undertake their own creative endeavors and use things they are passionate about to do so. I love both German and Music and used my knowledge of the two to write a novel. I would also thank them for reading and say that I hope they keep their eyes out more books I hope to put out. I would also encourage them to support good, clean books that rely on a good story and not gimmicks of violence, foul language and sexual content to sell their books. That's what I'm trying to write!

That, and I would encourage them to check out the contest section of my site and participate in the scavenger hunt in the pages of “The Canticle Kingdom”. It helps you recognize other things I've included in the book that might not be apparent at first glance.

Watch for a review of his book coming Thursday.

Visit Michael's site: http://www.writermike.com/
Available at Barnes and Noble,  and Amazon

Book Review on Books i done read

I sent my book to this great book review site called Books i done read. She does a ton of book reviews and is very candid with her views. I wasn't sure what to expect but I (gulp) sent it anyway. My nephew had asked her if she would review it, so, ya know, I had to be brave and send it.

She liked my book. Whew. I'm totally thrilled with her review. She has a fun site, you should take a look.

Interview

Michael Young posted an interview with me today on his website, http://www.writermike.com/. Michael is the author of Canticle Kingdom.

Check it out.

Blog Tour

Aubrey Mace has posted a review of my book and is hosting a book giveaway at her site:
http://aubreymace.blogspot.com/

She's the author of "Spare Change," "Santa Maybe," and "My Fairy Grandmother" and has been very helpful when I run to her with questions.

Thanks Aubrey!

LDStorymakers Conference

I should have done this years ago.
Before I published.
Maybe even before I wrote anything.
Totally worth the time and even the money (cheepskate that I am).

Sooo, if you want to be an author, go to writing conferences. Yup, I've heard it all before and guess what--it's all true.
At conferences you do cool things like:
1. Learn how to write better.
2. Meet other authors and aspiring authors.
3. Find people to do critique groups with.
4. Get tricks for finding an agent or publisher for your book.
5. Did I mention learn how to write better?
6. Find yahoo groups to join with other authors/aspiring authors.
7. Win cool door prizes (more about that in a sec)
8. Meet agents and people from publishing companies.

So for today, #1 cool thing about LDS Storymakers Conference:
All the really amazing people I met. I didn't bring my camera so I don't have pictures :( but trust me, I met some great people.

I met people I'd been emailing with, real (as in more experienced) authors, aspiring authors who are learning to do things right, and I made a lot of new friends.

#2 cool thing about the conference: I WON THE ULTIMATE BEST DOOR PRIZE AT THE WHOLE CONFERENCE. Yup, me. They do a ton of door prizes, all donated by authors (I donated a basket myself), publishing companies, and other companies with connections to writing. Name after name they'd pull out of the basket but with something like 450 people there I never expected to hear my name. And I didn't, time after time. They gave out books, CD's, candy, baskets, etc.

The last door prize drawings were the three big ones. The first was a replica of the engagement ring Edward gives to Bella, donated by the jewelry company that made it for the movie. I thought that would be pretty cool to win but alas, it wasn't me. The next one was even better, a Neo! Didn't win.

I was wondering how they could possibly top that when Cindy announced that the final door prize of the evening was a free manuscript edit from Precision Editing Group. And guess who's name they called.

Did. Not. Expect. That. I'm totally psyched!

Ok, Ok, I get it. If you're not an author, wannabe author, this may not sound like the totally amazing prize that it is but trust me, this was the maraschino cherry on top of the ice cream sunday. 

Now if I can only implement all of the great things I learned...

Ya Gotta Love Soccer

I'm sitting at the computer with wet feet. My daughter had a soccer game tonight. She missed the first one because my older daughter had a concert. The second one she was only able to play for the first half because she had a piano competition. (She did very well)

So tonight she was very excited about her first full game. After the hail this afternoon I kept checking my email to see if her game was cancelled. Nope. Soccer goes on through anything. Rain, snow, mud, cold...

So we brought our umbrella's, I decked my younger son out in a rain slicker, and off we went to cheer her on. She loved it. She and the other girls were completely drenched and frozen by the time it was over but I didn't hear one word of complaint from any of them. They were happy to be running around after the ball.

Guess I'll go change my shoes.

Deleted Scenes from The Mark

I just sent off some deleted scenes for my awsome nephew to add to my website. He'll probably get them up soon though he is in the midst of finals for the next week or so. Here's a short sample so you know what's coming:

Chapter 2
This was deleted because it was unnecessary to the storyline and I needed to make the book shorter.

We found Shae and Jon climbing the rock wall.

“I thought you two were going to play laser tag,” Eric yelled up to them.

“The place is pretty busy. We’re on for 9:00. We signed you two up as well just in case you changed your mind,” Jon called down. Just then his foot slipped giving Shae a slight edge she was happy to take advantage of. She reached the top and was on her way down before Jon finished his climb, a jubilant smile lighting her face.

Jon dropped down to the ground with a sheepish look on his face. Shae was exultant, “I beat you; I can’t believe it!”

“I was distracted,” Jon protested. “You can’t possibly hold me to it.” He looked miserable.

“You should learn to stay focused,” Shae retorted sweetly. “I’m definitely holding you to it.”

Eric turned to me with a smile, “Looks like Mr. Confidence has to pay up, I wonder what the stakes are.”

I couldn’t control the look of triumph on my face. “They had an ongoing wager,” I explained. “Shae has always wanted to try country line dancing and Jon has always adamantly refused. They agreed that if Shae ever beat him on the wall, he would go with her. He only agreed because he was so sure that she couldn’t beat him, it was hardly a risk. He even gives her a head start to even things up a bit. It just makes her victory that much sweeter.”

Eric smirked, “This I’ve gotta see, Jon hates dancing of any kind.”

Jon was scowling as they made their way over to us. He checked his watch, “It’s almost 9, let’s go,” he growled.

Contest at Fire and Ice

Hey guys, Heather at Fire and Ice is hosting a giveaway of my book. If you want to enter head on over to her site: http://www.fireandicephoto.blogspot.com and GOOD LUCK, I hope you win.

Bad Review

I saw my first bad review the other day. I was checking out goodreads reviews and one of them was pretty negative.

Ok, she hated it.

I had been dreading the moment but you know what--it really wasn't that bad. My first thought was, "Oh no, maybe everyone feels the same way and my friends are just being nice." I was worried that people would buy my book and then hate it and feel like they'd wasted their money.

Then I thought, "Nah, you can't please everyone." So my disappointment didn't really last very long. I reread it and realized that she actually made some pretty good points.

SO NOW THAT'S OVER WITH.

Whew.

News and Upcoming Events

I have a few more book signings scheduled. Here they are:
Barnes and Noble, Gateway, May 1, 1-3pm (just me)
Barnes and Noble, Gateway Crossing in Bountiful, May 15, 1-3pm (just me again)
Borders, Murray, May 22, 2-4pm

Kings English in July
Barnes and Noble at Jordan Landing in July

Also COMING SOON I will be posting deleted sections from my book on my website. Because this is a first book and I didn't really know what I was doing, there were a significant number of deleted sections. I'll let you know when that is up and ready.

Tristi's April Challenge

Tristi Pinkston, author of many books including Agent in Old Lace, has issued a challenge for April. In participating I have publicly stated that during the month of April I will complete 10,000 words on my WIP (Work In Progress) and 5,000 on my second WIP. (I have 3 in progress but will set one aside for now.)

If you want to check out what she and others have committed to, you can check it out here: http://tristischallenges.blogspot.com/2010/03/aprils-amazing.html

This is a great motivator, thanks Tristi!

Editing Issues

Well, we tried but obviously not hard enough. My daughter pointed out a couple of editing issues in The Mark. So here's the deal, help me out. When you find typos or things wrong in my book, please leave a comment here letting me know what the problem is and what page it's on. That way, just in case it needs to go to a second printing, we'll be ready with some changes.

Go ahead, hit me, I can take it!

My First Book Signing

I had my first book signing today at Barnes and Noble in Orem! So much fun. I sat between Diana Webb, author of Forgotten Women of God, and Craig Manning, author of The Fearless Mind. Also there were Lorae Bowder, Centsible Meals,  and Wendy Paul, 101 Gourmet Cupcakes in 10 Minutes. I was a bit nervous that I would feel awkward but so many of my friends and family showed up it really fun. Thanks guys.

I got some great pictures!

Tina, Diane, Me and Stephanie. (My daughter in the background.)

Kaley, Kristina, and Nikky.

Elizabeth, Kaley, Kristina, Diane, and Sheri. Ok, I know it's not the greatest picture but it has a lot of my friends in it so I just had to use it. For a while there was quite a crowd there--to see me--all friends. It was awesome and I felt so supported. I wish I had gotten pictures of everyone that came. I can't thank you all enough for coming down to see me.

Stephanie with her eyes open;) (Sorry about the other picture Steph, but it was just too good to not use.)

My daughter (left) with a bunch of friends. Probably shouldn't name the minors, sigh. Aren't they great?

Kristen and me.

My very sweet nephew Chandler with my daughter. He's the one who is doing my webpage for me. I think he's doing a great job! Thanks Chandler (www.mrbunderson.com)

My son Jason. Cute, huh?

Book Status

Hello all. So, I was just checking the different online sellers where you can pick up my book and found that Barnes and Noble online is now out of stock, Borders is out of stock, but Amazon still has it in stock. In fact, their price is really good. So you can still order it at Amazon or at Cedar Fort.

I'll leave the links to Borders and Barnes and Noble just because they have some other links up where you can pick it up.

Also, I found out today that bookstores don't order every book that they can. But they will order a book if it's requested. So....If anyone feels inclined to request it that would be great.

No More Secrets

  I just found out about the No More Secrets walk to prevent child abuse. It's on April 17th at Sugar House Park. Find out more at: http://paperandparchment.blogspot.com/2010/03/family-walkrun.html

Interview with Rachelle Christensen

The most exciting thing just happened to me! I’m so hyped I just can’t wait to tell you about it—I just met a real, honest-to-goodness, published author. But wait, let me back up and start from the beginning.

You see, I was asked yesterday if I would be interested in joining a Ragnar team—you know, to participate in the Ragnar Relay. Anyway, I said yes and then immediately made this workout plan. So today I started training and I was out running and who should I run into (literally) but Rachelle Christensen? I had my ipod in and wasn’t really looking where I was going and all of a sudden SMACK. Next thing I know I’m on the pavement with a sore bum looking over at the author of the latest book I’ve just read. Yup, it’s Rachelle, also on the ground. Except that I’m all dressed in my baggy sweats with a pony tail and she looks perfect—as usual—with her cute little jogging outfit and her hair just so.

I immediately decided I’d better take advantage of the situation. So I took a deep breath to steady my nerves and just asked her, “Do you mind if I ask you a few questions about being an author? You see, I’m a new author myself and I have so many questions.”

She was sooo nice, she said she’d be happy to answer my questions as long as we kept jogging. No problem.

So we picked ourselves up and dusted off and started off together down the road.

“What would you like to ask?” she says sweetly.

“Well, I’m kind of wondering about the best way to write. Do you use an outline or do you just go for it?” Gasp, I’m not too good at the running while talking thing. “Do you know how the book’s going to end from the start?”

“For Wrong Number, I did have a very rough outline that I worked from and I talked through a lot of ideas with my brother and his wife,” she answered easily. “They helped me to come up with a believable motive for murdering more than one person. I’m actually trying to do better with outlining and I think it has helped with my current writing projects. My outlines aren’t set in stone, more jumping off points for how I want the story to flow. I like to have a general idea of the beginning, middle, and end, but my characters usually end up writing scenes in interesting directions.”

Ok, I can see already that she’s in much better shape than me. “So, how do you come up with ideas for your novels, specifically Wrong Number?”

“Lots of ways. News stories sometimes tickle my brain and I think…Hmm, that would make an interesting story if… I’ve also been inspired by dreams. Some of my working scenes are from actual dreams I’ve had where I feel like I’m the onlooker taking notes as to what these people in my dream are doing and why. The novel that I just finished writing began from a single sentence that popped into my mind just before I fell asleep. So the ideas seem to come from all over at any time of day or night, so I try to make sure I jot them down before I forget them!

“For Wrong Number I wanted to enter a chapter into the first chapter contest at LDStorymakers in 2007. I came up with the first chapter of Wrong Number, it won second place, and then I went on to write the rest of the novel.”

At this point I was gasping for breath but there were a couple more burning questions that I just had to ask. “What’s coming up next for you?” I blurted out.

She smiled, “I’ve got a few things I’m working on. I’ve finished an inspirational romance that I love, called Wind Song and I’m enjoying writing my WIP-working title Caller ID, so I guess we’ll see what comes up first on the docket.”

I nodded, too winded to breathe as we crested a small hill. Going down the other side allowed me to catch my breath enough to ask, “What books or authors have influenced your writing and what do you like to read?”

“I like to read a wide variety of books from children to YA to adult. I really like a good romance, but nothing too detailed. And yes, I love romantic suspense. It’s hard to pinpoint a certain author because I go through phases where I’ll gobble up everything I can by an author and then move on. I love Agatha Christie, Shannon Hale, Clair Poulson, Mitch Albom—and many more. A favorite book of mine is Nine Coaches Waiting by Mary Stewart.”

She also told me that I could check out even more on her goodreads list of favorites and repeat-offenders. I told her I definitely would do that.

I could see another hill coming up so I quickly asked her one more question while I still had the breath for it. “What advice would you give to other authors?”

“If you’re serious about writing, attend writers conferences and classes, join a great critique group, read novels in your genre of interest, and write, write, write! Also, learn how to take criticism and know when to apply it to your writing and when to chuck it out the window.”

We finally reached the top of the hill where I stopped, unable to go on. “I’m sorry Rachelle, I think I’m done. I can’t run another step. What have we run, like 6 miles?”

She shook her head and smiled and then told me we had only come about a mile. Then she turned to finish her run.

“Wait, don’t go yet,” I yelled. “Where can I find your books?”

“Anywhere books are sold,” She yelled back over her shoulder. “If you don’t see it, ask for it and they can order it in. Available wherever books are sold, including Barnes & Noble, Borders, and Amazon .”

What a nice person! If you’d like to get a sneak peek at Wrong Number, you can check out the book trailer.

For more information about Rachelle or to see what she’s up to you can visit her blog.

We Have a Winner!

The winner of this contest is Baba. I sent you an email. Contratulations Baba and thanks to everyone!

Book Review: Wrong Number by Rachelle J. Christensen

When Aubree Stewart receives a mysterious phone call on her way to work, she doesn’t know what to think. At first she assumes it’s some kind of prank. But the call isn’t a practical joke, and Aubree soon finds herself swept up in a world of danger, intrigue, and murder. With help from the FBI, Aubree races to protect herself and what’s left of her family, but the one thing she forgets to protect is her own heart.


Intriguing from page one, Wrong Number, is a gripping thriller through the final, breathtaking resolution. The fast paced story is hard to put down and I found myself wanting to turn ‘just one more page’ again and again.

Rachelle Christensen has created a loveable central character in Aubree Stewart whose every decision is designed to protect her baby. As a mother myself, I easily identified with her mother bear instincts in the midst of the chaos surrounding her. When her life is turned upside down due to circumstances beyond her control, she keeps a cool head and meets each challenge head on.

Just when you think you’ve figured out where things are going, the story takes another unexpected turn to keep you guessing. I won’t spoil things but I will say that this book is well worth the frantic few hours you will spend reading it.

I can’t wait to read more from Rachelle Christensen.