There often come a time to part ways. It's sad, but it happens. Marian Vere and Julianna Scott have been the best of friend, but the time has finally arrived for them to go their separate ways--in the blogging world anyway.
This may seem sudden, but allow me to explain.
Marian has been blogging here for several years. She has had a blast and has made awesome friends along the way. However, the time has come for Julianna to set out and begin blogin on her own to prepare for her book release this coming March. Marian and Julianna are both perfectly willing to blog separately -the problem is their handler. She is only one person--me--and I have yet to find a way to add hours to the day. Short of building a cartoon-super-villain style 'time device' in my basement, there is no way I will be able to up keep two blogs constantly. Thus, Marian Vere will have to take a back seat for a while in the blogging world so that Julianna can start her own blogging adventures.
That is not to say that nothing will be posted here, as I will still be sure to post news and anything pertinent to Marian, but if you would like to continue following me in the blogosphere--and I hope you do--you will now find me as Julianna Scott at her new author website, juliannascott.blogspot.com . Not only are there brand new diggs, but for the next ten days I will be reposting the ten most popular posts from this very blog.
Also, if you are in a surfing mood, you can check out the new website for Julianna's upcoming book, THE HOLDERS, here.
I promise for all of our sakes to continue work on my time device--though fair warning, all I have so far is a sketch of what looks like a jukebox with a satellite dish on it, so it might take a while. But until then, I love you all, thanks so much for understanding, and I'll see you over at the new site!
xoxo!
Wednesday, December 12
Monday, November 26
10,592
10,592 days ago at 5:27 in the evening, Catherine Dominick delivered her first child; a daughter who was so late that Catherine actually had her husband Richard deliberately drive the car over speed bumps in an abandoned parking lot to induce labor. (It did work, though for the record I am not endorsing this method of delivery.) Cathy's baby was quiet and a good sleeper, though she was not nearly as cute as everyone gave her credit for, in fact she looked more like a boy than a girl for the first year and a half of life.
She was a performer even from an early age, her creative debut taking place at the age of 4 when she stared as The Virgin Mary in her Church's Christmas pageant, only to drop the plastic baby Jesus down the alter stairs during her grand entrance. And in case you were wondering, yes, hollow plastic baby Jesuses do bounce. Loudly.
She moved with her parents and baby brother, Timmy, to North Carolina when she was five, only to return to Pennsylvania three years later when her dad was transferred back. She moved through school, always a musician. A band geek if you will, (though that title was not really appropriate in a high school where the band was one of the largest and most successful organizations there was) and even became the Drum Major her senior year. Being Drum Major, she decided that it was time the 'most school spirit' award, that was granted to one student a year for having the best red and white(her school colors) outfit during homecoming week, return to the band. She made the craziest outfit she could, including red and white cape, and red metallic wig, and was sure she would win. It was the perfect garb to win such an award, and the clincher would be the all-over face paint, which she would use to write MOON (her school district's name) on her forehead. However, what she didn't consider until reaching school that morning was that if one writes MOON on oneself while looking in the mirror, one will end up with NOOM on one's forehead, and if the makeup one uses has a strong die in it, it will stain one's forehead making the mistake impossible to fix and or remove. She did not win the spirit award.
She went off to college, majoring in music education, only to discover that she had heart disease She got a pacemaker during her second year of college, and while this did not completely change her plans for the future, it did make the education portion of her degree impossible, so she changed her major to vocal music performance. Kelly Clarkson she is not, but give her some Puccini, and she just might surprise you.
After college, she moved to Kissimmee Florida and worked at Disney World for over a year, also during that time she signed up for e-harmony and met her now husband, who is an even bigger Disney Fan than she is. They got engaged three months after meeting and were married fice months after that at Disney. They had planned to live in Florida, but due to hubby's work, they had to move up to Chicago.
Creative and crafty as ever, she had had a custom quilt making business while in Florida, but now in Chicago, there was no longer the space, so her quilt business became a custom cake business. Once afternoon while making a cake that was actually a Tarzan-style tree house, she got to thinking about Tarzan and how unappreciated it really is as a story. Most people only know the old movies but few have actually read the book. What she thought they should do is tell the story from a woman's perspective, as that might interest a wider audience of readers. It sounded like a good idea, but she didn't think anyone would actually do it. Then she wondered if she should give it a try. Why not? She had always done well writing in school, and writing her own story could be fun. Anyway it was worth a try.
About half way through the story she lost steam due to people getting down on her idea, so she stopped her Tarzan story to begin a new one, this one a modern version of one of her favorite novels, Persuasion by Jane Austen. Luckily, she had also just found out that she was pregnant, and due to her heart condition, she was not allowed to do much more that sit around, so she had plenty of time on her hands to write. Three months later, she had finished her story. Three months after that, she had signed with a literary agent. One year and two kids later, her book was sold to a publisher. Eight months after that, her book was released, and here we are, less than a month after that, and it is the morning of her 29th birthday.
Cheers, thanks for reading, and have some cake on me. :-)
She was a performer even from an early age, her creative debut taking place at the age of 4 when she stared as The Virgin Mary in her Church's Christmas pageant, only to drop the plastic baby Jesus down the alter stairs during her grand entrance. And in case you were wondering, yes, hollow plastic baby Jesuses do bounce. Loudly.
She moved with her parents and baby brother, Timmy, to North Carolina when she was five, only to return to Pennsylvania three years later when her dad was transferred back. She moved through school, always a musician. A band geek if you will, (though that title was not really appropriate in a high school where the band was one of the largest and most successful organizations there was) and even became the Drum Major her senior year. Being Drum Major, she decided that it was time the 'most school spirit' award, that was granted to one student a year for having the best red and white(her school colors) outfit during homecoming week, return to the band. She made the craziest outfit she could, including red and white cape, and red metallic wig, and was sure she would win. It was the perfect garb to win such an award, and the clincher would be the all-over face paint, which she would use to write MOON (her school district's name) on her forehead. However, what she didn't consider until reaching school that morning was that if one writes MOON on oneself while looking in the mirror, one will end up with NOOM on one's forehead, and if the makeup one uses has a strong die in it, it will stain one's forehead making the mistake impossible to fix and or remove. She did not win the spirit award.
She went off to college, majoring in music education, only to discover that she had heart disease She got a pacemaker during her second year of college, and while this did not completely change her plans for the future, it did make the education portion of her degree impossible, so she changed her major to vocal music performance. Kelly Clarkson she is not, but give her some Puccini, and she just might surprise you.
After college, she moved to Kissimmee Florida and worked at Disney World for over a year, also during that time she signed up for e-harmony and met her now husband, who is an even bigger Disney Fan than she is. They got engaged three months after meeting and were married fice months after that at Disney. They had planned to live in Florida, but due to hubby's work, they had to move up to Chicago.
Creative and crafty as ever, she had had a custom quilt making business while in Florida, but now in Chicago, there was no longer the space, so her quilt business became a custom cake business. Once afternoon while making a cake that was actually a Tarzan-style tree house, she got to thinking about Tarzan and how unappreciated it really is as a story. Most people only know the old movies but few have actually read the book. What she thought they should do is tell the story from a woman's perspective, as that might interest a wider audience of readers. It sounded like a good idea, but she didn't think anyone would actually do it. Then she wondered if she should give it a try. Why not? She had always done well writing in school, and writing her own story could be fun. Anyway it was worth a try.
About half way through the story she lost steam due to people getting down on her idea, so she stopped her Tarzan story to begin a new one, this one a modern version of one of her favorite novels, Persuasion by Jane Austen. Luckily, she had also just found out that she was pregnant, and due to her heart condition, she was not allowed to do much more that sit around, so she had plenty of time on her hands to write. Three months later, she had finished her story. Three months after that, she had signed with a literary agent. One year and two kids later, her book was sold to a publisher. Eight months after that, her book was released, and here we are, less than a month after that, and it is the morning of her 29th birthday.
Cheers, thanks for reading, and have some cake on me. :-)
Monday, November 12
Once Upon a Second Chance Blog Tour
Today is the first day of the Once Upon a Second Chance Blog Tour! We will be at some fantastic blogs all this week, so be sure to stop by a few, say hi, and enter to win some free books!
And so you won't miss out on any of the fun, here is the entire tour schedule!
Hope to see you there!
Monday, Nov. 12:
That READioactive Book Blog ~
Author Interview
LDS and Lovin' it ~
Review
She's Got Books on
Her Mind ~ Review
Mademoiselle Le Sphinx ~
Review
My Escape ~ Review
Tuesday, Nov. 13:
Chick Lit is Not Dead ~ Review, Interview, and Giveaway
A Tale of Many Book Reviews ~ Favorite Quotes from OUaSC
The college crawl ~ Excerpt
A Tale of Many Book Reviews ~ Favorite Quotes from OUaSC
The college crawl ~ Excerpt
Wednesday, Nov. 14:
A Trail of Books Left Behind ~
Review
Kaisy Daisy's Corner ~
Review
Book Briefs ~ Review
Once Upon A Book ~
Review
What the Cat Read ~
Review
I Talk Books! ~
Review
My Library in the
Making ~ Review
Thursday, Nov. 15:
Jenuine Cupcakes ~
Excerpt
For The Love OfFilm And Novels ~ Guest Post
Ever and Ever Sight ~
Review
Cherie Reads ~ Review
Passionate
Encounters ~ Review
Tumbling In Books ~
Review
Book Nerds United As One ~
Review
Friday, Nov. 16:
The Autumn Review ~
Review
Kimmie's Bookshelf ~ The
Writer’s Cave
Peace, Love, Books ~
Review
Books & Other Spells ~
Excerpt
Reader Girls ~ Review
SnifferWalk ~ Excerpt
The Reading Diaries ~
Review
Nightstand Novels ~
Review
Wanted Readers ~ Six Words for OUaSC Guest Post
Tuesday, November 6
My Very First Book Birthday!
Well, today is the day! Two years and four months after I started writing, my debut novel, ONCE UPON A SECOND CHANCE, is officially available to readers everywhere. I wanted to have something profound or interesting to say, but honestly it's so surreal, I'm a bit at a loss.
However, the one thing I can say is how grateful at am. The support I have received throughout this process is staggering and I want to give my most sincerest thank you to everyone who helped to make this day a reality.
Be sure to stop by the amazing Angela V. Cook's blog for the chance to win a copy of ONCE UPON A SECOND CHANCE and for an interview with yours truly.
And if that isn't enough, Omnific Publishing is also featuring OUASC on their blog.
Thank you all again for your support and well wishes! It means the world!
Print
Kindle
Nook
However, the one thing I can say is how grateful at am. The support I have received throughout this process is staggering and I want to give my most sincerest thank you to everyone who helped to make this day a reality.
Be sure to stop by the amazing Angela V. Cook's blog for the chance to win a copy of ONCE UPON A SECOND CHANCE and for an interview with yours truly.
And if that isn't enough, Omnific Publishing is also featuring OUASC on their blog.
Thank you all again for your support and well wishes! It means the world!
Kindle
Nook
Monday, November 5
ONE MORE DAY!!!
That's right, only one more day until my very first novel is released out into the world! I'm super excited! And super nervous! But mostly excited! Not to mention super busy, which is why I haven't been around, sorry about that...
But if you've been missing me (and for my ego's sake, let's just say you have) not to worry. The Once Upon a Second Chance blog tour will begin in a matter of days, and you can can hear from me all you want--through other people. I will have all the info, stops, giveaway details, and more soon, so stay tuned!
I will have a special post tomorrow for release day, but until then, xoxo!
But if you've been missing me (and for my ego's sake, let's just say you have) not to worry. The Once Upon a Second Chance blog tour will begin in a matter of days, and you can can hear from me all you want--through other people. I will have all the info, stops, giveaway details, and more soon, so stay tuned!
I will have a special post tomorrow for release day, but until then, xoxo!
Pre-Order:
(Kindle and Nook versions will be available shortly)
Saturday, October 27
Giveaway City!
While I drown in the 857,461 things I have to finish before I pick of the family from the airport tomorrow, I wanted to post a quickie and let you know there are three awesome giveaways going on!
One: We are giving away a copy of Once Upon a Second Chance on Goodreads! Enter here.
Two: The lovely Anna at Literary Explorations is giving away the very first--and very unique--copy of The Holders! And a Necklace and bracelet set to boot! Check this one out here.
Three: Once Upon a Second Chance is only 10 people away from reaching 100 'to reads' on GR, at which time I will be giving away a custom necklace! Deets here. If you haven't entered yet, get in before it's too late!
That's it for now, but I'll be back this coming week with tons of news!
See ya then!
xo!
One: We are giving away a copy of Once Upon a Second Chance on Goodreads! Enter here.
Two: The lovely Anna at Literary Explorations is giving away the very first--and very unique--copy of The Holders! And a Necklace and bracelet set to boot! Check this one out here.
Three: Once Upon a Second Chance is only 10 people away from reaching 100 'to reads' on GR, at which time I will be giving away a custom necklace! Deets here. If you haven't entered yet, get in before it's too late!
That's it for now, but I'll be back this coming week with tons of news!
See ya then!
xo!
Wednesday, October 17
'Writer' vs. Writer
Top Ten things most people who like to call themselves writers do:
1. Research publishing/querying stats
2. Join writing forums
3. Change/create social media to fit the 'author' profile
4. Start a blog about writing
5. Look for new/cool writing supplies
6. Research all the blogs they hope to one day try promote with
7. Follow/Like other aspiring writers, authors, agents and publishers
8. Read books about writing
9. Think about what their book cover will look like
10. Plan out which places they will try to book signing and events for their book release, tours, and parties
Number 1 thing most people who like to call themselves writers don't do:
1. Write
Food for thought.
Happy Wednesday! :-)
1. Research publishing/querying stats
2. Join writing forums
3. Change/create social media to fit the 'author' profile
4. Start a blog about writing
5. Look for new/cool writing supplies
6. Research all the blogs they hope to one day try promote with
7. Follow/Like other aspiring writers, authors, agents and publishers
8. Read books about writing
9. Think about what their book cover will look like
10. Plan out which places they will try to book signing and events for their book release, tours, and parties
Number 1 thing most people who like to call themselves writers don't do:
1. Write
Food for thought.
Happy Wednesday! :-)
Thursday, October 11
I'm not a miserable person, I swear...
So... I have very exciting news, but I hesitate to tell you because one: you may start to think I am a horrible person that even my loved ones don't want to be around, or two: your jealousy may begin to make you hate me out of spite.
But in the interest of honestly, I will tell you anyway...
Remember a few months ago my amazing husband took our two little kids to visit his parents in Florida and I got two weeks of freedom? Well... it's happening again! Everyone in my house--other than me--will board a plane on Saturday bound for California, and they will be gone for 16 days, sailing with my in laws on a Disney cruise bound for Hawaii.
(Now, before you say "Why in God's name aren't you going?!?!?!", let me inform you that I have no desire to go--at all. I have a ton of writing to do, not to mention the last cruise I went on I go so seasick that I vowed never to set foot on a boat again.)
The trip was sort of out of nowhere, but we are all very excited. My in-laws work for Disney and they get last minutes deals on the Disney cruises, and basically we are paying less than fifteen hundred dollars for three people to go on a 14 night cruse--and that's not per person, that's total. At regular fare, it would have been over eight thousand. Yeah, so it was almost impossible to turn down.
What do I have planned? Why, thank you for asking. :-) I will be finishing my WIP. (Yes the same one I was working on the last time I had a break.) Yeah, yeah, theoretically I should have finished it a while ago, but in my defense, I have had two books to edit in the meantime, so it has been on the back burning for a few months. But this time it will absolutely be done before the family gets back. That is not a pipe-dream this time, it is a necessity. I no longer have a choice. It needs to get done so that Superstar Agent can take it off to market, and so that I can get to work on THE HOLDERS book 2, which is due in March.
Also, baby brother will be coming to visit for a few days, which is always fun.
So, now that you are thinking that I am a horrible person whose own family can't even stand to be around so they run for the hills every chance they get... what are you up to this fine week? :-)
But in the interest of honestly, I will tell you anyway...
Remember a few months ago my amazing husband took our two little kids to visit his parents in Florida and I got two weeks of freedom? Well... it's happening again! Everyone in my house--other than me--will board a plane on Saturday bound for California, and they will be gone for 16 days, sailing with my in laws on a Disney cruise bound for Hawaii.
(Now, before you say "Why in God's name aren't you going?!?!?!", let me inform you that I have no desire to go--at all. I have a ton of writing to do, not to mention the last cruise I went on I go so seasick that I vowed never to set foot on a boat again.)
The trip was sort of out of nowhere, but we are all very excited. My in-laws work for Disney and they get last minutes deals on the Disney cruises, and basically we are paying less than fifteen hundred dollars for three people to go on a 14 night cruse--and that's not per person, that's total. At regular fare, it would have been over eight thousand. Yeah, so it was almost impossible to turn down.
What do I have planned? Why, thank you for asking. :-) I will be finishing my WIP. (Yes the same one I was working on the last time I had a break.) Yeah, yeah, theoretically I should have finished it a while ago, but in my defense, I have had two books to edit in the meantime, so it has been on the back burning for a few months. But this time it will absolutely be done before the family gets back. That is not a pipe-dream this time, it is a necessity. I no longer have a choice. It needs to get done so that Superstar Agent can take it off to market, and so that I can get to work on THE HOLDERS book 2, which is due in March.
Also, baby brother will be coming to visit for a few days, which is always fun.
So, now that you are thinking that I am a horrible person whose own family can't even stand to be around so they run for the hills every chance they get... what are you up to this fine week? :-)
Sunday, October 7
Fall!
I Love Fall!
I love cool air, and leaves falling, and big sweaters, and warm blankets.
I love pumpkins, and baking, and hot drinks, and fireplaces.
I love boots, and jackets, and fuzzy socks in the morning.
I love having to turn the heat on in the car, and the end of Daylight Savings.
I love Halloween costumes and planning Thanksgiving dinners, baking apple pie, and all the Fall themed episodes on Food Network.
I love the football games(even thought I am not particularly a fan), and hearing all the local marching bands practicing each evening.
I Love Fall!
... just sayin'...
I love cool air, and leaves falling, and big sweaters, and warm blankets.
I love pumpkins, and baking, and hot drinks, and fireplaces.
I love boots, and jackets, and fuzzy socks in the morning.
I love having to turn the heat on in the car, and the end of Daylight Savings.
I love Halloween costumes and planning Thanksgiving dinners, baking apple pie, and all the Fall themed episodes on Food Network.
I love the football games(even thought I am not particularly a fan), and hearing all the local marching bands practicing each evening.
I Love Fall!
... just sayin'...
Thursday, September 27
Holy updates, Batman!
BAM!!! Giveaway! WHACK!!! Cover reveal! ZAPP!!! Workshop! Zoom!!! New websites! WHAM!!! Another cover reveal!
And so has been the comic book of my life for the past two weeks. I haven't posted while all the madness was going on, and I am not even going to apologize, because trust me when I say it was for your own good as well as mine.
But low, I have returned, and not without TONS to tell you, so without further ado, let's get you all caught up, shall we?...
First of all, take a look around. Notice anything different? Ta-da! New Blog!
Now check this out... http://www.marianvere.com/
Tada! New Website! And they match! Where did this fabulous new theme come from you wonder?...
And if that wasn't enough, we are also looking for fabulous bloggers to partake in the fabulous OUASC blog tour, so if you or anyone you know might be interested, head over to AToMR and sign up!
And speaking of signing up, there is custom fairy-tale necklace being given away to one of the first hundred people to add Once Upon a Second Chance to their TBR lists on Goodreads! Just add it and you are entered to win! Details on my website, here.
Lets see, what else... There are brand new features on my website, a new author photo of yours truly now featured on all sites and social media, and some awesome OUASC book swag that I designed myself, already ordered and on it's way!
Was that everything? I think so. Now, on to what has been going on with Julianna Scott, and what better way to segue, than with the announcement of the awesome event they will be doing together next year. (Okay, literally speaking they do everything together, but this is different.) They will be presenting their very own workshop next year at RT Convention 2013, about--what else--pseudonyms! So excited! And nervous. But mostly excited!
Julianna has had a crazy two weeks as well, most of which as involved...
May I introduce you to The Holders! And with The Holders, may I also introduce Julianna Scott's new website! This one isn't totally finished quite yet, still lots of content to be added, but it's out there, so I wanted to let you all know!
Also, the fabulous YA Book Queen and Stuck in YA Books are currently in the middle of a The Holders Cover Reveal giveaway. Hop on over to enter!
Last but not least, if you are a Pinterest user, I have actually started using the account I have had now for months, and I am really liking it, so if you want to check it out (and if you happen to be a fan of Disney, you probably do) here it is!
Alright, I think that is it... Well, in the book world anyway, in real life (if that's what you want to call it) my two year old turned three last week, my one year old turns 2 next week, their joint birthday party which I am throwing at my house is in two days, and Hubby had surgery.(routine, nothing to worry about)
So now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go take a nap.
And so has been the comic book of my life for the past two weeks. I haven't posted while all the madness was going on, and I am not even going to apologize, because trust me when I say it was for your own good as well as mine.
But low, I have returned, and not without TONS to tell you, so without further ado, let's get you all caught up, shall we?...
First of all, take a look around. Notice anything different? Ta-da! New Blog!
Now check this out... http://www.marianvere.com/
Tada! New Website! And they match! Where did this fabulous new theme come from you wonder?...
Dat-da-dat-DAAA!
The Once Upon a Second Chance brand new cover!
*ching*ching*sparkle*sparkle*
And if that wasn't enough, we are also looking for fabulous bloggers to partake in the fabulous OUASC blog tour, so if you or anyone you know might be interested, head over to AToMR and sign up!
And speaking of signing up, there is custom fairy-tale necklace being given away to one of the first hundred people to add Once Upon a Second Chance to their TBR lists on Goodreads! Just add it and you are entered to win! Details on my website, here.
Lets see, what else... There are brand new features on my website, a new author photo of yours truly now featured on all sites and social media, and some awesome OUASC book swag that I designed myself, already ordered and on it's way!
Was that everything? I think so. Now, on to what has been going on with Julianna Scott, and what better way to segue, than with the announcement of the awesome event they will be doing together next year. (Okay, literally speaking they do everything together, but this is different.) They will be presenting their very own workshop next year at RT Convention 2013, about--what else--pseudonyms! So excited! And nervous. But mostly excited!
Julianna has had a crazy two weeks as well, most of which as involved...
Her cover reveal!
May I introduce you to The Holders! And with The Holders, may I also introduce Julianna Scott's new website! This one isn't totally finished quite yet, still lots of content to be added, but it's out there, so I wanted to let you all know!
Also, the fabulous YA Book Queen and Stuck in YA Books are currently in the middle of a The Holders Cover Reveal giveaway. Hop on over to enter!
Last but not least, if you are a Pinterest user, I have actually started using the account I have had now for months, and I am really liking it, so if you want to check it out (and if you happen to be a fan of Disney, you probably do) here it is!
Alright, I think that is it... Well, in the book world anyway, in real life (if that's what you want to call it) my two year old turned three last week, my one year old turns 2 next week, their joint birthday party which I am throwing at my house is in two days, and Hubby had surgery.(routine, nothing to worry about)
So now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go take a nap.
Tuesday, September 18
Forgive the dust...
It has been a crazy week, and will continue to be busy for the next few days, so please ignore the overall weirdness as I make some changes.
I will be all sorts of back next week with some great stuff to show you, including new websites, cover reveals, and giveaway goodies, so until then!
xo
I will be all sorts of back next week with some great stuff to show you, including new websites, cover reveals, and giveaway goodies, so until then!
xo
Monday, September 10
Hurry!
Morning All!
This is actually a re-post, but I wanted to remind everyone about my giveaway! Only six entries left, so get in quick! ;D
........................................ . . .
The other me, Julianna Scott, is hosting the first ever giveaway for her upcoming YA fantasy, THE HOLDERS! When 400 people add THE HOLDERS to the TBR list on Goodreads, one of them will win...
How cool, right? And it's even better in person! All you have to do to enter, is add THE HOLDERS on Goodreads, and for those of you who have added it already, not to worry, you are already entered! (Now wasn't that easy?) More official-ish details here.
That's all for now, kiddies!
Talk soon!
This is actually a re-post, but I wanted to remind everyone about my giveaway! Only six entries left, so get in quick! ;D
........................................ . . .
The other me, Julianna Scott, is hosting the first ever giveaway for her upcoming YA fantasy, THE HOLDERS! When 400 people add THE HOLDERS to the TBR list on Goodreads, one of them will win...
this!!!
A custom made, Celtic-inspired(for a very Irish novel) necklace!
How cool, right? And it's even better in person! All you have to do to enter, is add THE HOLDERS on Goodreads, and for those of you who have added it already, not to worry, you are already entered! (Now wasn't that easy?) More official-ish details here.
That's all for now, kiddies!
Talk soon!
Wednesday, September 5
Strange Chemistry in B&N!
Okay, I have been trying to tweet these pictures all morning, but since Twitter is apparently playing 'crabby pageant mom' today, I'll just do it this way...
So, without further ado, the first two titles to launch from Strange Chemistry(my YA publisher), currently available in book stores everywhere! (unless you are in the UK, in which case, available tomorrow in book stores everywhere)
So, without further ado, the first two titles to launch from Strange Chemistry(my YA publisher), currently available in book stores everywhere! (unless you are in the UK, in which case, available tomorrow in book stores everywhere)
 |
| First BLACKWOOD by Gwenda Bond This is how I found it... |
 |
| And this is how I left it... ;D |
 |
| And SHIFT by Kim Curran... |
 |
| And the cover, though not how I left it. Shift was originally mis-shelved, so I will let them fix it, then go back tonight and turn it out. Muhahaha... ;D |
Thursday, August 30
World Con!
Happy Thursday everyone!
No post this week, cuz' it's convention time yet again! Luckily this one is in my home town of Chicago this year Yay!
Also, 21 people from my publisher, including my editor and more than half of the authors of my imprint have come in for this one, many of whom are in from the UK! I finally get to meet everyone face to face, which is awesome! And we are all going bowling! =D
Have a lovely weekend, and I'll be back next week with the recap and pics! (Including some shots from the Sci-Fi & Fantasy costume contest!)
No post this week, cuz' it's convention time yet again! Luckily this one is in my home town of Chicago this year Yay!
Also, 21 people from my publisher, including my editor and more than half of the authors of my imprint have come in for this one, many of whom are in from the UK! I finally get to meet everyone face to face, which is awesome! And we are all going bowling! =D
Have a lovely weekend, and I'll be back next week with the recap and pics! (Including some shots from the Sci-Fi & Fantasy costume contest!)
Sunday, August 19
Respect your youngers...
Something has been bothering me for a while and I am finally annoyed enough to talk to you all about it.
I have taken the following quotes from actual blog posts, book reviews (on both Goodreads and Amazon) and interviews.
“What chance do [young girls] have at knowing what a healthy relationship is, when everything they read labels obsession and mental abuse as ‘love’.”
“… girls are being taught that being weak and subservient will lead to unending love…”
“…does nothing but confuse teenage girls, who have a heard enough time sorting out relationships as it is.”
“Now, all these young women will think that it’s okay to let a man manipulate and control them as long as he uses the word ‘love’.”
“’Disobey your parents, skip school, laugh at any authority, but as long as you are doing it for love, it is okay.’ This is the message that teens get from [book] and all the rest like it.”
“…the popularity of books like this only proves that teens today have no appreciation of true literature.”
You've all heard this stuff before, right? Well guess what?
Teenage girls are not stupid!
I am SICK of all teens being grouped together under the umbrella of naïve, mindless, drones, who will do anything that a show, or celebrity, or book tells them! There are hoards of intelligent, confident, well-adjusted young women out there who are anything but weak and mindless.
Do some girls get obsessed over books that present unhealthy relations ships? Yes, of course. But that doesn't not mean that they actually think that is the way a real relationship should be! It’s fantasy! They are reading it because they enjoy it. And don’t you DARE tell me that it they shouldn’t enjoy something that to some is only considered mindless garbage—not when the GROWN WOMEN in this country have made RIDICULOUS CRAP shows like ‘Toddler’s In Tiaras’ and ‘Dance Moms’ some of the highest rated shows on TV.
“Oh, but it’s okay for me, I’m an adult. I know it’s ridiculous, but young girls don’t realize. They are too impressionable, just look how obsessed they get…”
Give. Me. A. Break.
Everyone gets obsessive about something, it’s human nature. We see something we really like, and for a time, we want as much of it as we can get. Since when is that the sign of a weak mind?! Moreover, since when does obsessing with something automatically mean the obsessed person believes that the thing is real? There are tons of people who flock to Sci-Fi conventions every year, dressed as robots, and monsters, and their favorite characters—does that mean that they all believe all that stuff is real? Sure, a few do, but the vast majority know it’s a fantasy, and do it for fun.
The other thing that kills me is that not long ago, everyone was whining about the fact that, with modern technology, kids didn’t read anymore. Well, now kids read more than adults, but it seems that still isn’t good enough. “Yes, we want you to read, but only what we think you should read.”
Grrrr…
Here is the fact of the matter folks, if a teen girl believes that it’s okay to be mistreated and dominated by a man, and doesn’t know how to recognize and unhealthy relationship, then that is the case because no one has taught her otherwise—and sadly, she would be that way with or without YA books.
Now, I am not saying that there aren’t girls out there who are easily lead and influenced by others, as we all know there are. However, thanks to a few crazy fan girls, as well as shows like ‘My Super Sweet 16’, and the like, the world seems to think that if you are female and between the ages of 12 and 18, you have no choice but to be a weak-minded twit.
Do these people realize that teens today are doing harder work in high school than most of us did in college?! Do they realize that the average IQ of a girl between the ages of 14 and 17 is, on average, 2 – 5 points higher than the average IQ of a woman between 34 – 37?
Thant’s right folks, they are smarter than us.
Yes, they make bad decisions from time to time, but we all do. They are not all stupid, or shallow, or weak, and most of them have to put up with more in a day than most adults do in a week. If you really want to help young girls grow into smart, confident women, then how about giving them the respect they deserve.
Tuesday, August 14
Conference Conundrum
Let's talk about conferences.
Attending conferences and conventions, whether they be writing, publishing, genre specific, or somewhere in between, can be one of the best things you can do for yourself as a writer and for your writing career. You learn, you grow, you inspire and you get inspired. Experts are there to guide and teach you, agents and editor are there to listen with rapt attention while you pitch, and publishers and booksellers are there to give you free stuff and try to earn your business. Best of all, conventions are one of the best places to recharge your writting batteries, so that when you head home, you are ready to plot, write, revise, edit, and polish until your fingers fall off!
Unfortunately, for as great as conferences are, there is one major downside...
$ $ $ $ $
The Price
$ $ $ $ $
Most major conferences and conventions cost upwards of $400 just to attend, not to mention your travel to said conference and your lodging while there. It can be incredibly expensive, making it out of the question for many writers. I have attended RWA National conference two years in a row now, and I can tell you that, while amazing, it was not cheap.
(And by the way, for those of you out there saying, "Once I sell my book,I will have plenty of money for conferences!", cuz... you won't. Trust me, I thought that too.)
However, to those of you who are still considering attending a conference (and I recommend that you do), I have a few tips that might make the dream a bit more attainable.
1. Stay local - Most of the larger conferences move locations every year, and if you can find one near to home, all you have to do is pay the registration fee. Or if there is one not in your own city but near enough to drive, then you save the cost of a flight.
2. Bigger isn't always better - When looking for a conference to attend, you may immediately gravitate towards the Writers Digest Convention, RWA Nationals, RT, or one of the other big dogs. Sure, big is great, but every year there are dozens of smaller conventions put on by local organizations, or even local chapters of larger organizations like RWA. For example, the Chicago chapter of RWA holds a conference each year. It is always in Chicago, they always have big name authors and publishing experts in attendance, and registration is less than half the price of the national convention. Plus, since many of the different chapters sponsor conventions every year, you are far more likely to find one that is local to you. RWA posts a list of all upcoming conferences, both large and small on it's website, and no you do not need to be a RWA member to attend.
3. Think outside the genre - "Sure there is a RWA conference near me, but I don't write romance." Just because a conference has a theme or is sponsored by a specific group, doesn't mean you won't get anything out of it. RWA may stand for Romance Writers of America, but the conference focuses on writing as a whole. This years RWA conference had workshops on plot, structure, query writing, synopses, dialog, as well as specialized topics like writing thriller, medical, YA, and historical.
4. Choose wisely - No matter which size or style of conference you attend, make sure it is the best choice for you and your writing. Ask yourself, "Is there a reason I am choosing this conference," as they are not all created equal. Make sure you do your research. Do you want a conference focused on writing and honing the craft like Writer's Digest, or would you prefer something for both writers and readers with the serious writer-focused panels as well as fun parties and fan events like the RT Convention? (Personally, I recommend RT for the first timer. It is informative and educational while also being loads of fun!)
I hope this helped some of you, or at least got you thinking, and hope to see some of you on the conference trail next year!
Attending conferences and conventions, whether they be writing, publishing, genre specific, or somewhere in between, can be one of the best things you can do for yourself as a writer and for your writing career. You learn, you grow, you inspire and you get inspired. Experts are there to guide and teach you, agents and editor are there to listen with rapt attention while you pitch, and publishers and booksellers are there to give you free stuff and try to earn your business. Best of all, conventions are one of the best places to recharge your writting batteries, so that when you head home, you are ready to plot, write, revise, edit, and polish until your fingers fall off!
Unfortunately, for as great as conferences are, there is one major downside...
$ $ $ $ $
The Price
$ $ $ $ $
Most major conferences and conventions cost upwards of $400 just to attend, not to mention your travel to said conference and your lodging while there. It can be incredibly expensive, making it out of the question for many writers. I have attended RWA National conference two years in a row now, and I can tell you that, while amazing, it was not cheap.
(And by the way, for those of you out there saying, "Once I sell my book,I will have plenty of money for conferences!", cuz... you won't. Trust me, I thought that too.)
However, to those of you who are still considering attending a conference (and I recommend that you do), I have a few tips that might make the dream a bit more attainable.
1. Stay local - Most of the larger conferences move locations every year, and if you can find one near to home, all you have to do is pay the registration fee. Or if there is one not in your own city but near enough to drive, then you save the cost of a flight.
2. Bigger isn't always better - When looking for a conference to attend, you may immediately gravitate towards the Writers Digest Convention, RWA Nationals, RT, or one of the other big dogs. Sure, big is great, but every year there are dozens of smaller conventions put on by local organizations, or even local chapters of larger organizations like RWA. For example, the Chicago chapter of RWA holds a conference each year. It is always in Chicago, they always have big name authors and publishing experts in attendance, and registration is less than half the price of the national convention. Plus, since many of the different chapters sponsor conventions every year, you are far more likely to find one that is local to you. RWA posts a list of all upcoming conferences, both large and small on it's website, and no you do not need to be a RWA member to attend.
3. Think outside the genre - "Sure there is a RWA conference near me, but I don't write romance." Just because a conference has a theme or is sponsored by a specific group, doesn't mean you won't get anything out of it. RWA may stand for Romance Writers of America, but the conference focuses on writing as a whole. This years RWA conference had workshops on plot, structure, query writing, synopses, dialog, as well as specialized topics like writing thriller, medical, YA, and historical.
4. Choose wisely - No matter which size or style of conference you attend, make sure it is the best choice for you and your writing. Ask yourself, "Is there a reason I am choosing this conference," as they are not all created equal. Make sure you do your research. Do you want a conference focused on writing and honing the craft like Writer's Digest, or would you prefer something for both writers and readers with the serious writer-focused panels as well as fun parties and fan events like the RT Convention? (Personally, I recommend RT for the first timer. It is informative and educational while also being loads of fun!)
I hope this helped some of you, or at least got you thinking, and hope to see some of you on the conference trail next year!
Thursday, August 9
RWA Recap!
Hello all!
Check out the Omnific Publishing Blog today to read all about my time at the RWA National Convention this year!
Check out the Omnific Publishing Blog today to read all about my time at the RWA National Convention this year!
Tuesday, August 7
Giveaway Time! (And it's jewelry!!!)
Hello lovelies!
The other me, Julianna Scott, is hosting the first ever giveaway for her upcoming YA fantasy, THE HOLDERS! When 400 people add THE HOLDERS to the TBR list on Goodreads, one of them will win...
The other me, Julianna Scott, is hosting the first ever giveaway for her upcoming YA fantasy, THE HOLDERS! When 400 people add THE HOLDERS to the TBR list on Goodreads, one of them will win...
this!!!
A custom made, Celtic-inspired(for a very Irish novel) necklace! How cool, right? And it's even better in person!
All you have to do to enter, is add THE HOLDERS on Goodreads, and for those of you who have added it already, not to worry, you are already entered! (Now wasn't that easy?) More official-ish details here.
That's all for now, kiddies!
Talk soon!
Monday, July 23
Quick Hiatus
Family in town + Flying to California + RWA National Convention = No time for blogging
I'll be back at the end of next week with all the juice on the RWA Convention, but until then, have a great week! =D
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)