Wednesday, December 1, 2010
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/
Thursday, November 18, 2010
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
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
Thursday, September 23, 2010
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!
Check it out!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
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:
See you at the finish line!
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:
- 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.
- The book I'm working on is shorter so I think I can finish it faster.
- 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.
- 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.
See you at the finish line!
Friday, July 30, 2010
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.
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.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
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.
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.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
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.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
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
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
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Monday, May 31, 2010
2nd Annual "Summer Treasure Hunt: Dig For Clues and Win" Contest!
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:
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
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.
I had a great time at Borders Saturday from 11-1. Here are a couple of pictures:
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.
Friday, May 21, 2010
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
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
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
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
camichecketsbooks.blogspot.com
Check it out!
Another great giveaway going on at www.sheralynpratt.com
Sunday, May 16, 2010
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.
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