Here's what it's all about:
If you've read THE FARWALKER'S QUEST by Joni Sensel, you're familiar with Ariel Farwalker and her world. If you haven't read it, get your hands on a copy and get reading!
THE TIMEKEEPER'S MOON is Joni Sensel's amazing sequel in which Ariel continues her Farwalking adventures. Because of this, I thought it would be fun to send an ARC of THE TIMEKEEPER'S MOON on a Farwalking trip to visit as many places as it can before its official release date of March 2, 2010.
As a Farwalker, Ariel brings gifts and messages from one place to another, much like our faithful postal workers today. Now you can be a Farwalker's apprentice! Don't worry, you won't have to walk too far (unless you live a long way from a post office and don't have a ride).
How to become a Farwalker's Apprentice
You're eligible to be a Farwalker's Apprentice if:
1. You're over 18 or have your parent's permission to enter (you'll have to give a mailing address to receive an ARC).
2. You HAVE read THE FARWALKER'S QUEST or you WILL read THE FARWALKER'S QUEST before THE TIMEKEEPER'S MOON ARC reaches you.
3. You promise to read THE TIMEKEEPER'S MOON ARC within a week of receiving it.
4. You'll post a review of THE TIMEKEEPER'S MOON on your blog or Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble.com or Goodreads (or similar place).
5. You promise to write your name and location (city and state) in the ARC and mail the ARC to the next person.
6. You'll include an item from your "village" in the package with the ARC. This item can be something to do with your profession or something unique from your home town.
What's the purpose of the village items?
Here's where it gets really fun! Once you receive the package with the ARC and village gift, if there is something you can "use" (meaning you want it), you keep it. If not, you send it (along with your added item) to the next person. And so it will go. But to keep it fair, if you decide to keep an item, only keep ONE and send the rest on.
What type of item should I send?
The item should be something small that wouldn't cost a lot to keep mailing out. A blank postcard depicting your hometown/city/etc. would be an example of something from your village. If you're a doctor, a tongue depressor or Band-Aid is an example of something from your profession. Or you can send something from your village that you think another village might be able to use (Joni sent a cool greeting card that has seeds in it). This is intended to be fun, so no sending anything potentially hazardous (if you are a surgeon, please send a rubber glove instead of a scalpel).
How will I know who the next person is?
Once the ARC reaches you (usually within a few days), you'll email me to let me know you've received it (and I'll be emailing you to check if I don't hear from you). I'll post another "contest" to let anyone enter who hasn't already (you only have to enter once to keep your name in the drawings). The name will be drawn from the list of eligible entries and the contact information sent on to you. You'll mail off the package containing the ARC and the item from your village (along with any remaining village items).
How do I enter?
1. Comment on this thread (+1)
2. Post a link to this contest on your blog, Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, etc. (+1 for each unique link)
Please leave a valid email address so I can contact you if you win. If I'm unable to get in touch with you (or if you don't respond to the email I send), an alternate name will be drawn.
What if I've already entered?
Lucky you! You don't have to re-enter. Your name and number of links from last time will automatically be entered into the drawing this time.
Can I enter again?
You bet! If you'd like more entries into the contest, post links and comment on THIS post (don't use a previous contest post). This will give you the extra entries you desire.
When does it end?
The drawing will take place on or before Wednesday, February 10, 2010. If your name is drawn, I'll contact you for your mailing address and we'll get the ARC on its way to you (so be sure to leave an email address where I can easily reach you).
IMPORTANT information
We want to get the ARC into as many hands as possible so it's important for you to read the book as quickly as possible and send it on. If you won't be able to read it within a week of receiving it, please don't enter.
Ideally, the apprentice Farwalkers will continue circulating the ARC and items until the release date of THE TIMEKEEPER'S MOON (March 2, 2010) at which time the ARC and any remaining items will be mailed back to me, and I'll mail them back to Joni Sensel. She'll have a great record of the Farwalking journey of her books!
Link on!
It's time for another drawing! The ARCs for The Timekeeper's Moon by Joni Sensel made their way out into the hands of the first Farwalker's apprentices. They enjoyed their stay and were great company (you can see a review by Mary Cronk Farrell on the Story Force blog. Now it's time for the ARCs to continue their Farwalking and move on to the next villages.
Where will they be going? We have two names this time. The third book is still waiting for the winner's address from last time.
Once again D1 did the drawing (kindly excuse the paint on her face and fingers . . . she got a paint by number set. I'm thinking more paint is getting on her than on the canvas):
The first name is:
jbvadeboncoeur! Congratulations!
The second winner is:
lchardesty! Congratulations!
I'll be contacting you both for your mailing addresses. If I can't get your address within a week, I'll draw new names.
Stay tuned for another chance to become a Farwalker's apprentice!
Write on.
Here's what it's all about:
If you've read THE FARWALKER'S QUEST by Joni Sensel, you're familiar with Ariel Farwalker and her world. If you haven't read it, get your hands on a copy and get reading!
THE TIMEKEEPER'S MOON is Joni Sensel's amazing sequel in which Ariel continues her Farwalking adventures. Because of this, I thought it would be fun to send an ARC of THE TIMEKEEPER'S MOON on a Farwalking trip to visit as many places as it can before its official release date of March 2, 2010.As a Farwalker, Ariel brings gifts and messages from one place to another, much like our faithful postal workers today. Now you can be a Farwalker's apprentice! Don't worry, you won't have to walk too far (unless you live a long way from a post office and don't have a ride).
How to become a Farwalker's Apprentice
You're eligible to be a Farwalker's Apprentice if:
1. You're over 18 or have your parent's permission to enter (you'll have to give a mailing address to receive an ARC).
2. You've read THE FARWALKER'S QUEST or you WILL read THE FARWALKER'S QUEST before THE TIMEKEEPER'S MOON ARC reaches you.
3. You promise to read THE TIMEKEEPER'S MOON ARC within a week of receiving it.
4. You'll post a review of THE TIMEKEEPER'S MOON on your blog or Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble.com or Goodreads (or similar place).
5. You promise to write your name and location (city and state) in the ARC and mail the ARC to the next person.
6. You'll include an item from your "village" in the package with the ARC. This item can be something to do with your profession or something unique from your home town.
What's the purpose of the village items?
Here's where it gets really fun! Once you send your package with the ARC and village gift, if the person you send it to could "use" (meaning they want it) the item from your village, they'll keep it. If not, they'll send it (along with their added item) to the next person. And so it will go. But to keep it fair, if you decide to keep an item, only keep ONE and send the rest on.
What type of item should I send?
The item should be something small that wouldn't cost a lot to keep mailing out. A blank postcard depicting your hometown/city/etc. would be an example of something from your village. If you're a doctor, a tongue depressor or Band-Aid is an example of something from your profession. Or you can send something from your village that you think another village might be able to use (Joni sent a cool greeting card that has seeds in it). This is intended to be fun, so no sending anything potentially hazardous (if you are a surgeon, please send a rubber glove instead of a scalpel).
How will I know who the next person is?
Once the ARC reaches you (usually within a few days), you'll email me to let me know you've received it (and I'll be emailing you to check if I don't hear from you). I'll post another "contest" to let anyone enter who hasn't already (you only have to enter once to keep your name in the drawings). The name will be drawn from the list of eligible entries and the contact information sent on to you. You'll mail off the package containing the ARC and the item from your village (along with any remaining village items).
How do I enter?
1. Comment on this thread (+1)
2. Post a link to this contest on your blog, Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, etc. (+1 for each unique link)
Please leave a valid email address so I can contact you if you win. If I'm unable to get in touch with you (or if you don't respond to the email I send), an alternate name will be drawn.
What if I've already entered?
Lucky you! You don't have to re-enter. Your name and number of links from last time will automatically be entered into the drawing this time.
Can I enter again?
You bet! If you'd like more entries into the contest, post links and comment on THIS post (don't use a previous contest post). This will give you the extra entries you desire.
When does it end?
The drawing will take place Friday January 15, 2010. If your name is drawn, I'll contact you for your mailing address and we'll get the ARC on its way to you (so be sure to leave an email address where I can easily reach you).
IMPORTANT information
We want to get the ARC into as many hands as possible so it's important for you to read the book as quickly as possible and send it on. If you won't be able to read it within a week of receiving it, please don't enter.
Ideally, the apprentice Farwalkers will continue circulating the ARC and items until the release date of THE TIMEKEEPER'S MOON (March 2, 2010) at which time the ARC and any remaining items will be mailed back to me, and I'll mail them back to Joni Sensel. She'll have a great record of the Farwalking journey of her books!
Link on!
Lisa Schroeder posted ten words to remind her what's most important to her in the new year. I decided to make a list of my own. These are my ten words for 2010.
Write
Persevere
Learn
Love
Laugh
Faith
Endure
Hope
Triumph
Enjoy
What are your ten words for 2010?
Write on.
This year has been one of both endings and new beginnings.
Looking Back
At the beginning of the year, I ended my job. This was bitter sweet. I loved my job (archivist), but I missed having time to write.
After I quit my job, I had plenty of time to write, but felt like I should be doing something more. After much thought and discussion with hubby and kids, it was decided I should go back to school and work toward Elementary Education. This was a new beginning for the entire family. It has gone well so far and 2010 will see me back in school.
While this has taken up some of my writing time (homework), I'm happy with how it is going. Also, my mind seems to work better. LOL
In 2009, I attended the SCBWI AZ Welcome to Our House conference. I learned so much from the critique I received (thank you, Bradford Hees from Blooming Tree Press!) and also from the workshops and talks from the faculty. What a wonderful experience!
I became the ANWA newsletter editor and what a fun experience that is!
I volunteered in my kids' school on a regular basis (Fridays).
2009 also saw the release of some fabulous books, and I enjoyed reading many of them. Unfortunately, I didn't get to all of them and I still have a huge pile waiting for me.
Many other wonderful things happened in 2009. I made new friends and got to know old friends a bit better. I embarked on a journey into Twitterland (it's almost as strange and bizarre as Wonderland).
Looking Forward
And now it's time to look forward. What will 2010 bring? I suppose it depends on what I want it to bring. I must seek what I wish to find. No treasure was ever found without first searching for it. I mean to find me some darn good treasure in 2010, and 2009 helped get me started along the path.
Every year is an adventure and I'm completely looking forward to the experiences I'll enjoy as I follow the paths of 2010. Hopefully I won't make a wrong turn. =D
I look forward to some awesome releases in 2010 (you can see my list over on the left and I'm sure it will grow).
Dreaming Big
As inevitably happens, a new year is a time for new goals. These are some of mine (because if I don't share them, I won't be accountable).
Some Writing Goals:
Write at least one new novel
Send out queries on my other works
Attend at least one writing conference
Write at least one day a week (giving myself some leeway with school and all that)
Get a Macbook Pro (I won't be getting it in January as I hoped) and learn to use it
Enter at least one writing contest
Update my blog at least once a month (yeah, I was bad with that in 2009)
Keep up with my critique groups
Do at least one full MS exchange with someone new (meaning someone outside my critique groups)
Some Personal Goals:
Read all the 2010 books on my list (on the left)
Add at least one more book to my list
Pass my classes with a C or better (which requires a few smaller goals to reach . . . like do my homework on time, not miss class, etc.)
Reach level 44 on Farmtown (stupid Facebook games)
Not spend so much time on Facebook games (I know this seems to contradict the previous goal, but really it doesn't. I'll just have to cut down on all the other games I play and concentrate on Farmtown hee hee hee)
Go on a date with hubby at least once a month (2009 was light on the date front)
Learn to use my new camera
What are some of your 2010 goals?
Write on.
Okay, I know it's a bit early, but I've already received my Christmas present . . . Sort of. A link on Twitter led me to Jennifer Cruise's blog to read the structure post. While I was there, I read more of her blog and was thrilled with the post about revision and discovery in the new year. Within that post was a link to StoryWonk.com where I could sign up for a revision class taught by Lani Diane Rich.
It sounded fabulous and I thought it would be perfect for me. I begged hubby to let me have the class as a Christmas present. I didn't really think he'd let me, but he said, "Okay. If that's what you really want, but you won't have anything to open on Christmas morning." I said I didn't care about having something to open (but the kids might so we decided to make up a coupon or something to put in a box). Anyway, I've signed up for the class (it starts in January) and I'm looking forward to seeing what wonderful things I'll learn about revision.
YAY!
My only concern is that I also go to school full time next semester so I'm wondering how insane I am to have added one more thing to my already overflowing plate. I really hope I can eat everything on the plate without getting an upset stomach. ;-)
Now I'm off to finish up some submissions and get them in the mail today (Merry Christmas to the editors hee hee hee).
And in case I don't get back here before Friday, I wanted to wish you all a very Merry Christmas! (sorry I didn't get cards sent out this year . . . bad Joan, bad!)
May your day be fabulous, and may your children (if you have them) not fight/argue/whine/complain/annoy each other/etc. for an entire day (now THAT would be the best Christmas present ever)!
Write on.
Thanks to all who entered the contest for THE TIMEKEEPER'S MOON Farwalking ARC promotion.
I had my oldest daughter do the drawing.
And the winners are:
STORYFORCE!
DORINE WHITE!
INKBABIES!
Congratulations!
I'll be contacting you for your mailing information and bookmark preference so we can get this promotion going!
If you didn't win this time, you're still entered for the next round of drawings. Keep checking back for contest updates.
Thanks for helping kick this off.
Write on!
No, I didn't get an agent or a book deal, but I DID finish my semester of school yesterday. That's definitely cause for celebration!
I even managed to pass all my classes . . . I think I may have even passed all of them with an "A."
I now have two weeks of break before I go back for the spring semester. Unfortunately, I'm taking four classes (full time) next semester and I'm worried about how I'll manage to do it with everything else I have going on. *sigh*
I even managed to get some Christmas shopping done today . . . yeah, nothing like waiting until the last minute. We still haven't decorated, but that will happen on Saturday.
Seriously, this Christmas really snuck up on me! Now I'm scrambling to get everything done in time. CRAZY!
One more thing before I go. There is still time to enter the contest for a chance to read an ARC of THE TIMEKEEPER'S MOON by Joni Sensel (the sequel to THE FARWALKER'S QUEST).
Celebrate on!
THE TIME KEEPER'S MOON ARC contest!
In my last post, I reviewed this sequel to THE FARWALKER's QUEST. If you missed the review, go ahead and check it out. When you're done, come on back.
Doesn't that sound like an awesome book? My mere words don't do justice to the world and characters Joni has created. I'm in awe.
Because I love these books so much, I'm honored Joni allowed me to run this contest to help promote THE TIMEKEEPER'S MOON.
Here's what it's all about:
If you've read THE FARWALKER'S QUEST, you're familiar with Ariel Farwalker and her world. If you haven't read it, get your hands on a copy and get reading! You can purchase a personalized copy here.
In THE TIMEKEEPER'S MOON Ariel continues her Farwalker duties. She brings gifts and messages from one place to another, much like our faithful postal workers today. Because of this, I thought it would be fun to send an ARC of THE TIMEKEEPER'S MOON on a Farwalking trip to visit as many places as it can before its official release date of March 2, 2010.
But I need your help. Would you like to be a Farwalker's apprentice without having to walk very far (unless you live a long way from a post office and don't have a ride)? You're eligible if:
1. You're over 18 or have your parent's permission to enter (you'll have to give a mailing address to receive an ARC).
2. You've read THE FARWALKER'S QUEST or you WILL read THE FARWALKER'S QUEST before THE TIMEKEEPER'S MOON ARC reaches you.
3. You promise to read THE TIMEKEEPER'S MOON ARC within a week of receiving it.
4. You'll post a review of THE TIMEKEEPER'S MOON on your blog or Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble.com or Goodreads (or similar place).
5. You promise to write your name and location (city and state) in the ARC and mail the ARC to the next person (more on who this will be later).
6. You'll include an item from your "village" in the package with the ARC. This item can be something to do with your profession or something unique from your home town.
The item should be something small that wouldn't cost a lot to keep mailing out (you'll see why in a minute). A blank postcard depicting your hometown/city/etc. would be an example of something from your village. If you're a doctor, a tongue depressor or Band-Aid is an example of something from your profession. Or you can send something from your village that you think another village might be able to use (Joni sent a cool greeting card that has seeds in it). This is intended to be fun, so no sending anything potentially hazardous (if you are a surgeon, please send a rubber glove instead of a scalpel).
How will you know who the next person is?
Once the ARC reaches you (usually within a few days), you'll email me to let me know you've received it (and I'll be emailing you to check if I don't hear from you). I'll post another "contest" to let anyone enter who hasn't already (you only have to enter once to keep your name in the drawings). The name will be drawn from the list of eligible entries and the contact information sent on to you. You'll mail off the package containing the ARC and the item from your village (along with any remaining village items).
What's the purpose of the village items? Here's where it gets really fun!
Once you send your package with the ARC and village gift, if the person you send it to could "use" (meaning they want it) the item from your village, they'll keep it. If not, they'll send it (along with their added item) to the next person. And so it will go. But to keep it fair, if you decide to keep an item, only keep ONE and send the rest on.
We want to get the ARC into as many hands as possible so it's important for you to read the book as quickly as possible and send it on. If you won't be able to read it within a week of receiving it, please don't enter.
Ideally, the apprentice Farwalkers will continue circulating the ARC and items until the release date of THE TIMEKEEPER'S MOON (March 2, 2010) at which time the ARC and any remaining items will be mailed back to me, and I'll mail them back to Joni Sensel. She'll have a great record of the Farwalking journey of her books!
How do you enter?
1. Post a link to this contest on your blog, Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, etc.
2. Post a reply in this thread containing the link(s). Each place you post about the contest counts as another entry so feel free to link away.
Okay, now for the REALLY good news!
The "vault" (if you've read THE FARWALKER'S QUEST, you understand) has been opened and just look what's inside!
That's right, there are THREE ARCs available. Not only that, but Joni included telling dart bookmarks and three of the greeting cards I mentioned above (with the seeds).
Remember the bookmark I promised? It's there in the middle and you'll notice I made two more. Here's a close-up picture:
The first name drawn will choose which bookmark they want. The second name drawn will choose between the remaining two, and the third name drawn gets the remaining bookmark. Of course, if they don't want the bookmark, they're welcome to send it on to the next person. I'll also be including items from my village with each ARC so there will be plenty of fun items for people to choose from.
DEADLINE for entry this time around is: Friday, December 18th, 2009.
Ready to go? Then get busy linking and become a Farwalker's apprentice!
Link on!
It's that time again!
Here's a quick reminder of my rating system
A+--I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend this book. In most cases, I passed it on to my child/teen.
A--I enjoyed this book and I might pass it on to my child/teen.
B--I liked this book, but probably won't pass it on to my child/teen.
C--I thought it was okay, but I won't pass it on to my child/teen.
D--I didn't like this book, and won't allow my child/teen to read it.
F--I hope I never have to go here. =D
I will give reasons for my rating in my review, but if you have any questions, please feel free to ask. If you find your book here, don't panic if I rate it below an A. These are my personal preferences and I'm only one small person in a large market. =D
I was thrilled when Joni Sensel asked if I'd review the sequel to THE FARWALKER'S QUEST for TeensReadToo.com. I love the characters and world Sensel has created and couldn't wait to dive into THE TIMEKEEPER'S MOON. I loved FARWALKER (you can read my review of it here)
Here is my review:
The Timekeeper's Moon by Joni Sensel
Rating: A + (and more)
Category: Fantasy
The moon calls to Ariel Farwalker and urges her to embark on a quest. Leaving her best friend Zeke behind, Ariel and her guardian journey to new friends and distant lands. Ariel hopes to find the sender of the telling darts, if she lives long enough.
I fell in love with this world and characters in THE FARWALKER'S QUEST. I thrilled at the prospect of reading the sequel, but I did have some nagging concerns. Because the first one blew me away, I feared nothing could compare.
THE TIMEKEEPER'S MOON not only compared, but managed to thrill me even more than FARWALKER. Adventure, excitement, and wonderful new characters greeted me with each page turn.
THE TIMEKEEPER'S MOON pulled me in and kept me moonstruck through the entire novel. When I had to put the book down, I felt the story tugging at my mind and urging me to return. I couldn't get back to it fast enough!
Like THE FARWALKER'S QUEST before it, Sensel has a way of bringing her characters and world to brilliant life, making me wish I could stay immersed in Ariel's story forever. The only disappointment I had was the ending, but only because the book was over.
Whenever I look at the moon, I'll think of Ariel Farwalker and wonder where her feet will lead her next.
Write on.
Whew! One more week and I'm finished . . . well, until January.
Sorry I've been absent. But I'm back now. Unfortunately, I'm too exhausted to do a post of any relevance what-so-ever. My brain is so full of information I'll need for final exams next week that I can't think of much else.
However, I do have some good news . . . ready?
THE TIMEKEEPER'S MOON contest will be launching on or before Sunday!
It's true. I had a few minutes between classes to check the mail yesterday and was thrilled to see a package from Joni Sensel among the bills (wasn't so thrilled to see the bills though). Inside this wonderful package was an ARC of THE TIME KEEPER'S MOON as well as some other fun items (to be revealed later).
I'll launch the contest before Sunday if possible, but I have one more project for school that needs finishing . . . and I'll be at the kids' school for the Holiday Store all day today, tomorrow, and Saturday. If I get time in the evening, I'll do it.
Joni tells me the other two ARCs are on their way, so we'll have three copies going out. I'm thrilled to death to be able to do this contest for her, and I really hope it goes well. That means I'll need lots of help to spread the word. You guys will help me spread the word, right?
Now I must dash to get the kids to school and get my stuff together so I can go back to the kids' school and set up my little store. I hope a lot of the online store stuff sells so I'll have room in my shed for other things. I also hope the jewelry and bookmarks I made sell . . . I'd hate to think I spent so much time making them for nothing.
Sell on. ;-)
for a contest. But I'm not quite ready to launch THE TIMEKEEPER'S MOON contest so here's a link to another great contest for you to check out in the meantime.
Cheryl Herbsman is having a contest with some truly cool prizes for the winning. Be sure to check it out and also check out her Q&A video session to learn more about what inspired her to write BREATHING as well as some insight to the characters.
Go on, check it out and then head on back if you want to keep reading. Or maybe you want to read on now and then go to the contest later. That's okay too.
Another thing it may be time for is reconsidering my educational goals. I spent today in my daughter's second grade classroom. I wasn't volunteering, but observing the classroom management for my Intro to Education course. My eyes have been opened and I have a newfound respect for all the teachers out there.
D2's teacher did tell me that this class is much more rambunctious than any class she's ever had and not all of them are like this.
THANK GOODNESS! Because I was seriously considering changing my field of study.
D2 had informed me that it was often hard for her to concentrate on her work in class, but I thought she was only making excuses. I apologized to her after school today.
Tomorrow I'm observing a kindergarten classroom so we'll see how it goes.
Study on.
I've decided to participate in the Debut Author Challenge. I'm sure I'll be adding more to the list as I go, but you can see the ones I've got in the sidebar. Did you find it? Over there on the left, under my avatar and link to my web site. Go on, take a look, I'll wait for you.
Ah, you're back now. Great! If you'd like to participate, click on over to The Story Siren and sign yourself up!
Go on.
Read on!
Write on.
Have you seen the awesome book trailer for Magic Under Glass?
You've got to see it!
Want to win a hardcover of MAGIC UNDER GLASS by Jaclyn Dolamore plus more prizes? See http://fabulousfrock.livejournal.com for details!
Write on!
Say it like Molly Weasley and I'll be properly chastised. ;-)
You all know I have a crazy busy life, and it keeps getting busier and crazier. I tried to do Nano but didn't even reach the 10,000 word mark. Am I ashamed?
NO!
And I'll tell you why. Every year my kids' school has a Holiday Store in December. This is a safe environment where the kids can come purchase inexpensive (though there are some more expensive things as well) gifts for their families and friends. I had a booth last year and will again this year. Only this year, I decided to sell some handmade things as well as things from our online store.
As a result of this decision, I've been spending my time using this stuff:
To make this jewelry:
And these bookmarks:
Now while this endeavor may not be more fun than posting on LJ, it was certainly more fun than my Nano novel.
Over the next several days, I will continue to make bookmarks and jewelry, but I'll also be revising WAM. So don't be offended if I'm not updating much.
Oh, and if you like the bookmarks, take a close look at the first picture. See that bookmark on the far right? Yep, the one with the watch. It's special.
Why is it special?
When I wasn't making jewelry or bookmarks, I was reading. One of the books I read was this:
It's the sequel to THE FARWALKER'S QUEST, and the gold bookmark is one of the prizes in an upcoming contest featuring ARC copies (yep, plural) of THE TIMEKEEPER'S MOON.
But that's all I'm saying right now because suspense is good, right?
Be sure to check back soon for more information about the contest and prizes.
Write on.
Lisa and Laura are having a contest to celebrate the sale of their book, THE HAUNTING OF PEMBERLY BROWN, and are giving away a Kindle as a prize! Be sure to go check it out and read all the comments that have already been posted.
Congrats on the sale, ladies!
Now I must get back to my Nano novel and see if I can catch up!
Write on.
I might be splurging on a MacBook Pro!
All my life I've been a PC, but I think I'm ready for a change. Hubby's been telling me for years that Mac is a better computer for the money. He says there are less crashing instances and no viruses. He owned a Mac desktop when we first got married, but I couldn't figure it out (it was an OLD Mac) and didn't find it very user friendly.
When I mentioned I wanted a Mac, hubby stared at me and said, "After all these years and all these computers, you finally want a Mac?"
"Yep," I said. "I've heard good things about the Scrivener program and now that Mac has Word, I'm ready to make the change."
He immediately jumped on the Internet and started showing me all the wonderful shiny MacBooks. What a guy! He wanted to get me one right now, but it would take all our savings. If work doesn't go well, we might need our savings for Christmas. So, we are waiting until January to see if we have enough money. =)
Yeah my laptop still works (in fact, I have two working laptops) and I don't "NEED" a Mac, but I really WANT one so we'll see. =D
This got me wondering what all my friends use and how they feel about their computers. Are you a Mac or a PC? Is your computer a desktop or a laptop?
Write on.
Since it's listed first, I'll start with the contest. I learned about this fantastic contest from Lisa's blog. Thanks Lisa!
Artistq is having a contest to win a piece of her handmade jewelry.
I went to her store (www.silverfreckles.com) and couldn't resist purchasing this:
If you can't read it, it says Write.
When it arrives, I can wear it as a constant reminder to get off the Internet and get busy writing! Apparently I need this constant reminder. So, that's the contest! Go check it out.
And now the contemplation . . .
I have realized there is a reason for the naming of the Internet a.k.a. the World Wide Web.
First of all, you have to realize they've warned us by the very naming of the beast. InterNET. Yeah, nets catch things.
None of us would be crazy enough to walk into a net. I mean, you can see them pretty clearly. So they've added bait to draw us in. Facebook (one of the best baits for me), Twitter, email, online gaming, Myspace, Goodreads, Blogging (yeah, I'm wasting writing time right now to bring you this important message), and even Google (or other search engines). Yeah, there are way too many baits to list here, but you get the idea.
You could rationalize if you're using the search engine for research (or blogging/tweeting/facebooking for making connections), and I suppose you could even count it as time well spent if you're researching for your novel/article/story. But the truth is, you're not writing so it's sucking writing time.
This isn't to say we can't EVER stop writing. Of course we can. But taking a break for an hour or so turns in to three or for when I'm drawn in to the Net/Web. Maybe it's just me and the rest of you have learned to better resist the bait.
They tried to warn us further by calling it the Web, but did we listen? No!
What do webs do? They catch unsuspecting prey. That's us, my friends (if you're reading this, you've already been caught). The baited Net draws us in and holds us in the sticky web.
And just like a regular spider web, there's a spider waiting for you. In this case it doesn't suck your blood, but it most certainly sucks your time.
Oh, you can struggle and maybe you'll get free from the web, but not before the spider has fed on some of your time (even if it's just a few minutes).
I do manage to break free (we all do, I hope) now and then, but precious writing time has already been sucked away.
Anyway, now you know what I've been contemplating. Beware of the Net/Web, my friends. Don't let it trap you for hours and suck your time like it has mine.
Write on (really, stop reading this and go write . . . well, after you enter the contest)! =D
Yes, there has been some. ;-) This is all I've managed for today.
I was hoping I'd get more done, and I still might have time for more later.
Write on.
It's that time again. Here's a quick reminder of my rating system
A+--I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend this book. In most cases, I passed it on to my child/teen.
A--I enjoyed this book and I might pass it on to my child/teen.
B--I liked this book, but probably won't pass it on to my child/teen.
C--I thought it was okay, but I won't pass it on to my child/teen.
D--I didn't like this book, and won't allow my child/teen to read it.
F--I hope I never have to go here. =D
If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. If you find your book here, don't panic if I rate it below an A. These are my personal preferences and I'm only one small person in a large market.
Okay, here we go.
THE BRILLIANT FALL OF GIANNA Z. by Kate Messner
Rating: A+++ (I'll pass this one on to my daughter, my mother, my sisters, my teachers, and anyone else I can corner long enough)
If Gianna Zales doesn’t finish her seventh-grade leaf collection project in time, her spot in the cross country sectionals will be filled by her nemesis. Though she had plenty of time to do the project, Gianna left it until the last minute. It doesn't help her state of mind that her father drives her to school in a hearse, her grandmother keeps forgetting things, and her mother pretends like nothing is wrong.
This fall will be a disaster if Gianna can't pull it together and take her project all the way to the finish line.
The warm up stretched just the right muscles so I was ready to take on the smooth cross country pacing of the novel. I trotted happily along through Gianna's story and enjoyed the scenery along the way. The emotional hills and valleys gave me a satisfying workout, and the cool down in the end made for a perfect run.
Messner not only reached the finish line with THE BRILLIANT FALL OF GIANNA Z., she won the gold and the crowd went wild.
Write on, Kate Messner!
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