CROSSING THE DEEP is up for BEST YA NOVEL at the Preditors and Editors Awards! This is the last day to vote! I can't tell you how much winning this would mean to me :)
Please, if you can, go to this link http://critters.org/predpoll/novelyoungadult.shtml and vote Crossing the Deep.
I think it would be so cool if a clean/Christian book won best YA! :)
Thanks :)
Today is a real treat :) I have Marsha Ward here today to talk a little about herself, how she writes, why she writes, and if she's a pantser or a planner... How did you become interested in the Civil War?
Author Robert Newton Peck once said that every historical writer has their favorite war. While his was the French and Indian War, mine turned out to be the Civil War. I don’t know what sparked my passion for it. It could have been reading some of historian Bruce Catton’s work, or Gone With the Wind, during high school. My interest certainly did not stem from a personal or family issue, since none of my relatives fought on either side. If they had, they’ve have been Union soldiers, and my characters fought for the South.
That said, my current novels actually have post-Civil War settings, dealing with the aftermath of that great struggle, so they fit more in the classification of Western Migration novels, or Settling of the West.
Very cool. Tell us about your novels.
The Man from Shenandoahbegins as Carl Owen returns from the Civil War to find the family farm destroyed, his favorite brother dead, food scarce, and his father determined to leave the Shenandoah Valley to build a cattle empire in Colorado Territory. Crossing the continent, Carl falls in love with his brother's fiancée while set to wed another girl, but he might lose everything if the murderous outlaw Berto Acosta has his way. Carl battles a band of outlaws, a prairie fire, blizzards, a trackless waterless desert, and his own brother-all for the hand of feisty Ellen Bates.
Ride to Ratoncontinues from there: after losing the heart of his fiancée to his brother, James Owen leaves home to make a new life for himself. The turbulent world of post-Civil War Colorado Territoryis fraught with danger and prejudice that increase his bitter loneliness as personal setbacks threaten to break him. Then James's journey brings him into contact with another wayfarer, beautiful young Amparo Garcés, who has come from Santa Fe to Colorado to marry a stranger. Through a twist of fate, their futures are changed forever when their lives are merged in a marriage of convenience. James and Amparo undertake a hazardous horseback trek over Raton Passto Santa Fe, battling their personal demons, a challenging language barrier, and winter's raging storms.
My third novel, Trail of Storms, goes back to tell the tale of a peripheral character from the first novel. Jessie Bingham and her family flee post-Civil War Virginia after her sister suffers a brutal attack, and together endure a perilous trek to New Mexico Territory. When she hears her former sweetheart, James Owen, has taken a wife, Jessie accepts Ned Heizer’s marriage proposal on the condition they wait until journey’s end to wed. But then Jessie encounters James again... and he isn’t married now!
Spinster’s Follyis the fourth book in the series, and tells Marie Owen’s story. Marie lives in a land that is long on rough characters and short on fitting suitors. Her desire to get married before she winds up a spinster propels her into making hasty decisions that drive her into the arms of a sweet-talking predator, landing her in unimaginable dangers.
Wow, all of those books sound like they would be great reads. How much research was necessary to make your books so historically believable and where did you conduct most of your research? Did you visit the locations where you set your novels?
I read 150 books to research my first novel. Some I bought, but most came from the library. Over the years that I’ve been writing the series, I have been able to do some on-the-ground research, and I recently took a trip back East to visit Civil War battlefields and other areas in preparation to write my next book. I’ve also been amassing books on the Civil War in the last year. Lots of books!
In the earlier years, I conducted several interviews with people familiar with the areas I wanted to learn about. Photographs were also helpful, as were the state guides produced as WPA projects during the Great Depression. I’ve found several very good online sources for research on my later books.
Are you a pantser or a planner when you write?
I definitely write by the seat of my pants, once I have an idea for a story and know who my characters will be. I’m doing more planning now than I used to, though, so I don’t spend way too much time rewriting. However, I’ll never again write a complete synopsis early-on. That doesn’t work for me, because my brain then thinks I’ve already written the book.
While I’m writing, I make various charts and spreadsheets to help me analyze the number of occurrances of different points-of-view, and events within scenes. This helps the revision process goes faster.
I now use a great writing software program called yWriter5, which allows me to focus on one scene at a time. This is important, so that I don’t become daunted by the vastness of the project. A huge upside to using it is that the software is free!
I'm a writer too, so I like to ask other writers. 'What's your writing schedule like?'
Very fragmented. I’m easily distracted, but when I’m white-hot in the initial draft, I can write for up to eight hours, broken up by short breaks. This is only possible because I live alone.
I wish I had a better schedule. Almost every writer I know wishes the same thing!
I know I do lol... actually, I wish my fingers and eyelids kept up with my brain lol. Have you held a "day job" in addition to your writing?
Yes. Through the years I mothered my children, and then worked as a journalist, an educator, and in a retail store. I’ve also volunteered with several organizations, doing websites, newsletters, and a multitude of other chores.
Something I'm always curious about... How do you promote your books?
I have a website and a couple of blogs, I’m active on Facebook and other social media venues, and I’m always looking for ways to let people know I’m an author, such as giving talks and networking with various groups. I find that word of mouth from enthusiastic readers drives the most sales, though.
Advice to anyone contemplating writing a Civil War novel?
Do thorough research, keep accessible notes, then let the fingers loose.
Finally, How would you like to be remembered?
As a kind person who could write a little.
Thank you so much, Marsha, for being on my blog today... and HAPPY RELEASE DAY!!!!!!
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(I love that book cover!!)
What exactly is Spinster's Folly? Marie Owen yearns for a loving husband, but Colorado Territory is long on rough characters and short on fitting suitors, so a future of spinsterhood seems more likely than wedded bliss. Her best friend says cowboy Bill Henry is a likely candidate, but Marie knows her class-conscious father would not allow such a pairing. When she challenges her father to find her a suitable husband before she becomes a spinster, he arranges a match with a neighbor's son. Then Marie discovers Tom Morgan would be an unloving, abusive mate and his mother holds a grudge against the Owen family. Marie's mounting despair at the prospect of being trapped in such a dismal marriage drives her into the arms of a sweet-talking predator, landing her in unimaginable dangers. This fourth book in the Owen Family Saga is infused with potent heart and intense grit.
Marsha Ward is an award-winning writer and editor who has published over 900 pieces of work, including three previous novels in the Owen Family Saga, numerous newspaper articles, and sections in books on the craft of writing. She is a member of Western Writers of America, Women Writing the West, and American Night Writers Association. Born a while ago in the sleepy little town of Phoenix, Arizona, Marsha grew up with chickens, citrus trees, and lots of room to roam. She began telling stories at a very early age, regaling neighborhood chums with her tales as they snacked on her homemade sugar cookies and drank cold milk. Visiting her cousins on their ranch and listening to her father's stories of homesteading in Old Mexico and in the Tucson area reinforced Marsha's love of 19th Century Western history. After many years in the big city, Marsha now makes her home in a tiny hamlet under Central Arizona's magnificent Mogollon Rim. When she is not writing, she loves to spoil her grandchildren, travel, give talks, meet readers, and sign books. Here are links to my author pages at Smashwords and Amazon: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/marshaward
http://www.amazon.com/Marsha-Ward/e/B003RB9P9Q/ And links to my Social Media sites: Website: http://marshaward.com
Author Blog: http://marshaward.blogspot.com
Character Blog: http://charactersinmarshashead.blogspot.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authormarshaward
Twitter: http://twitter.com/MarshaWard Online Book Release Event at Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/events/333393153425853/
If you got an email from me pleading for some money to help me back to America because I was attacked by robbers in a foreign country, please ignore it.
I'm fine, safely tucked away in the ole U.S.A. My email, however, was not so fine. It was hijacked and taken to places it had never/didn't want to go.
Sigh.
Anyway, I've fixed the problem (hopefully), but I wanted to give you a heads up, in case you were thinking of bailing me out (which was really nice of you... thank you :) )
~Kelly
It's a little bittersweet. About a month ago, I started contacting blogs to see if I could possibly add them to my CROSSING THE DEEP book blog tour. Every blog, except maybe three that I never expected to answer anyway, either said they would OR they would do facebook/twitter posts.
All in all, I had EIGHTEEN blog stops! *thud*
Thanks to all of the blogs, the people who have put up with me for the past 2 weeks on this book blitz, readers, people who comment, buyers of the book, etc. It has been a pretty special 2 weeks for me.
Here is a list of the participating blogs. Please go over and show them some love :)
Oct. 8th
Mom's Tool Box (How the Bible in 90 Days program Influenced me to write the book)
Oct. 9th:
Shakin' the Foundation (Questioning your faith)
Walking In Faith 4 Him (Forgiveness)
A Word of Encouragement (Encouraging others)
Oct. 10th:
K.Victoria Chase (Author Interview)
Sweet Blessings (If God gives you the passion, He will give you the time.)
Oct. 11th:
A Pause on the Path (Is your 'thing' what you expected?)
Student, Mama, Cook (Time for yourself)
A Song Along the Way (Young Adult Novels)
Oct. 12th:
She Fancied Herself a Writer (How to manage -semi- chaos)
I Love Devotionals (Unto the End of the World)
Oct. 15th:
Undivided (When you see no way out)
Oct. 16th:
Do This in Remembrance of Me (Alone in a Crowded Room.. or Forest)
Daily Surrender to Jesus (Author Interview)
Oct. 17th:
Imitation by Design (Why I write Christian Fiction for Young Adults)
Oct. 18th:
My Daily Walk in his Grace (When We Know Better)
Oct. 19th:
Just a Little Place to Write (A Wild and Crazy Ride to Publication)
Keepin' It Real (Author Interview)
** THANKS TO LAURA from Beholding Glory and Cyndi from Walk in Grace and Beauty for tweeting and facebooking about the book release :)
And, of course, it wouldn't be a book blitz without buy links ;)
BUY LINKS: Amazon Barnes and Noble Astraea Press
Wow! A great read for teens or adults. Wonderfully written. From a great start to a fantastic finish. I can't wait for her next book.-- Review from AMAZON Bought this book today and cannot put it down! I will be finished by tomorrow and I am so excited as each new chapter and character develops! -- Review from AMAZON Kelly Martin is an amazing author! She really sets the bar high for her first novel. I really enjoyed reading this book. The descriptions of the Smokies alone make you feel like you are right there with the characters. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more from her -- Review from Amazon ... If you enjoy fiction (and even if fiction isn't really you're thing) you'll be entertained by this young adult novel. I would certainly recommend it for any lover of a good action/adventure story. -- Review from AMAZON
This is the last week to enter to win one of 5 free PDF Advanced Review Copies of THE DECEPTION OF DEVIN MILLER (coming out July 23rd). Click here to enter!
Blurb : Forced by his father into a marriage he didn’t want, Prince Alan soon finds that his bride isn’t the sweet, submissive creature he expected. Morgane has the heart of a dragon and beauty beyond compare, but she isn’t thrilled about the marriage either. When black treachery threatens the kingdom, Morgane and Alan embark on a perilous journey that has an excellent chance of ending in failure and death for them and all their people.
Excerpt : Morgane advanced on her enemy with deadly purpose.
"No!" Alan roared. "She has a knife."
Morgane tried to retreat, but it was too late. Aili's knife caught her in her thigh. Blood spurted as if from a fountain. Renweard was closer to her than Alan. His sword rose. Aili breathed her last as Morgane swayed and slipped to the floor.
Alan ran across the room and cradled her in his arms. In seconds he was coated with blood. "ʺWe must stop the bleeding!" he cried. "Where are the healers?"
ʺI will find one." Renweard left the room at a run with King Bowdyn right behind him.
Morgane's eyes fluttered open. "Your arms around me. No heaven can compare.ʺ
Alan pressed a kiss to her hair. "I love you, my brave Morgane."
Morgane sighed. "I could not let you face this battle alone.ʺ Author’s Note : After spending most of the last ten years writing contemporary romance, I decided it was time for a change. So in the spring of 2012 I wrote my first romantic fantasy, The Enchanted. Several challenges immediately presented themselves. First, I knew that I didn't want the fantasy to overpower the romance which meant I'd have to balance my world building details with the romantic elements.
Challenge two was finding characters who'd fit into my newly created world. I didn't want plastic, stereotypical characters. I wanted real people with warts and human imperfections, people whose lives and problems would draw you in and make you care about them.
My third challenge was to craft a plot that included fantasy elements, yet at the same time allowed my characters to be in charge of their own destiny and in the process grow and change.
I'm pleased with the way it turned out. I enjoyed the experience so much I have another fantasy/sci fi romance in the wings waiting for December and its turn at publication. Given my new love affair with fantasy romance, will I write contemporary romance again? I sure will. I'm working on one right now, and I just love it. It will be my first full length romantic comedy. Author Links: http://www.elainecantrell.com http://www.elainepcantrell.blogspot.com http://www.twitter.com/elainecantrell http://www.facebook.com/elainepcantrell The Enchanted is sold at most online retail outlets.
Reviews: A sweet story, easy read, fairytale/fantasy/romance 5 stars. Teresa Cypher on Amazon
A wonderful story that has swept into my heart. I will be remembering this one for a long time and reading it again.
Tifferz Book Reviews on Goodreads
(photo courtesy of my 7 year old and my cellphone... )
One thing a lot of author's dream about is holding a copy of their book. After nearly 9 months as an ebook, I'm finally getting to hold mine!
CROSSING THE DEEP and SAINT SLOAN are NOW IN PAPERBACK!!!!
(( My kids are so excited! They keep jumping up and down and kissing me :) They think it's neat to see ole Mama's name on a book cover. I'm with them on that...))
You can buy them from Amazon as a paperback or anywhere ebooks are sold as... well... an ebook.
Couldn't wait to share this with you guys!
Enter to win a free advanced review copy of my newest book, THE DECEPTION OF DEVIN MILLER, releasing July 23rd!!
I've very excited to be one of the hosts for the Astraea Press 2013 Fan Fest!! What does this mean for you? Well, lots of prizes (over 60!!! From ebooks, print books, a month of free PR from an amazing Publicist, swag packs... just to name a few things being given away!)
There will be over 40 authors there to chat with, mingle with, and win prizes from!
AND... the grand prize is a KINDLE FIRE ! (I wish I could win it! My Nook has just about had it... )
How do you enter to win the KINDLE FIRE? Easy. Rafflecopter easy :) The winner will be announced after the party on July 16th.
You can follow along at the official facebook page (where all the prizes and fun will be given away HERE or on twitter HERE GOOD LUCK! And I can't wait to see you at the 2013 Astraea Press Fan Fest on Facebook :)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Sign up for my newsletter! Get post updates, story updates, tidbits, and information on new releases. Send an email to martiekaybooks@yahoo.com to sign up. Put NEWSLETTER in the subject. Thanks
All newsletter subscribers will get an exclusive preview of the CROSSING THE DEEP short sequel-- coming in August from Astraea Press.
Enter to win a free ARC of THE DECEPTION OF DEVIN MILLER coming July 23rd, 2013. CLICK HERE...
Can he show her the world like she’d never seen it before?
Melinda ‘Mindy’ Caldwell had everything she could want. Nice house, high-end clothes. The only thing she doesn’t have is a life…outside her house that is. An incident when she was four left her an agoraphobic-a prisoner within the sanctuary of her home. Besides her sister, she finds companionship in the form of handsome delivery man Jack Eberley.
Jack Eberley’s woman of his dreams won’t even leave her house. That does little to tamper his feelings toward her. He finds himself wanting to deliver more packages to her house and help her breakdown the walls she’s built around herself.
One night will change each of their lives. Will they find love in the first blooms of spring or will they let their love slip away?
“You have a... ” he paused for a moment as if searching for the right word, “liking for the man.”
"No. Yes. Maybe,” she replied reluctantly.
“Which is it?”
His gentle tone did little to ease the churning in her stomach.
If she wasn’t careful, she’d give herself an ulcer. Mindy curled a leg underneath her on the buttery soft leather loveseat, tucked long strands of hair behind her ears, and then nervously wrung her fingers together. No sense in hiding what was so obvious.
Dr. Stamko’s face reflected infinite patience. He wouldn’t rush Mindy and would give her time to think the question through. “Yes,” she finally stated. Once the word left her mouth, a torrent followed. “I don’t know what to do. He’s so vibrant, so full of life. Jack deserves a woman who is equally spirited as himself. What am I?” She forged on, not giving Dr. Stamko time to answer. “I’ll tell you what I am. I’m broken.” Her hands lifted into the air and dropped again. “I’m defeated.”
“No, you aren’t. One can’t be defeated before they’ve even tried. This gentleman might be what you need to draw you out. You need to give him the chance.”
“What could I offer?” Pain etched her voice, making it break slightly. Tears burned and stung the back of her eyes. She fought valiantly against the torrent threatening to unleash itself.
“Why are you fighting it?”
His still gentle tone broke the dam. The first streams of wetness fell from her eyes. With hands covering her face, she shook with body racking sobs. After what seemed like an eternity later, she wiped the last of the tears away and raised her head. Dr. Stamko was smiling.
“Feel better?” he asked.
“I’m... I’m not sure. I just had a near nervous breakdown and you’re smiling.”
“You didn’t break, Melinda. You merely chipped. You see your tears as a form of weakness?”
“Why yes. Don’t you?”
"No. Trapped emotions eat away at you. They can make you physically ill. Everybody has a different way of releasing those pent up feelings. Some can go through their whole life without shedding an emotional tear. Others find tears are their only course of action. You’re good at holding in the tenseness and stress. But you aren’t totally immune. Honestly, do you feel better?” The question gave Mindy pause. Never would she have guessed bawling her eyes out would leave her feeling cleansed, renewed, and invigorated. She smiled because she indeed did feel better. “I do. It feels like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I’m no closer to solving my dilemma but I feel lighter.”
“Good. Now we need to figure out what you intend to do about Jack.” Dr. Stamko sat back in the wing chair and crossed one leg over the other.
Author Bio: I live in South Central Pennsylvania with my wonderful, loving husband and my beautiful daughter. I also have a son who is currently serving in the U.S. Navy. I have a cat named Kolzig and a dog named Cede who allow us to live with them. I love to write and read. I also make jewelry when the mood strikes. I'm a huge sports fan. I love football, NASCAR, and hockey. I'm also a bit of a game show freak. I love old game shows from the 70's and 80's like Match Game and $25,000 Pyramid. Television shows like Criminal Minds and The Voice are also favorites of mine.
Buy Links: Astraea PressAmazonBarnes and Noble
*First of all, I'd love for you to go visit FAITH FILLED FICTION today for our very first story :) Stacey from Shakin' the Foundation did a great job writing it.
*Also, @ Encourage 365, I'm having a giveaway to celebrate 365 days of continuous blogging. Please click HERE to find out details.
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Without getting too much into it, something happened this week that made me question things... actually, it wasn't this one event-- it's been building for quit a while.
I wasn't in the happiest place I've ever been in.
To tell you the truth, I still don't know exactly what I'm going to do.
*I DO know that about every blog post I click on has to do with not giving up.
*The baby woke me up at 3 am this morning (she NEVER does that). I got online for a few minutes before going back to bed and read a post that nearly brought me to tears. Guess what it was about?
*I went to bed and was flipping through channels. I found something called 'Inspirational... ' something, and I turned it on there (I NEVER turn it on those shows). It was exactly what I needed (don't give up... who do you THINK wants you to give up!). I was sleepy, so I decided to DVR it. I thought it lasted maybe 10 more minutes. I checked this morning, and it's over an hour (can't wait to watch it later).
*Last night before I went to bed, I had the strongest urge ever to read my bible. So, I had to. I flipped it open to Psalm 119:8. The last part got my attention: (the psalmist talking to God): Please don't give up on me!
I'm in a doubting time, but that's ok. It's made my husband stand up and really cheer me on. I still have doubts and questions and (I SOOOO can't do that!), but it's ok. I've seen God more this week in my doubts than last week in my 'I can SOO do this' because last week *I* could-- This week *GOD* can.
Sorry for the ramble.
Much Love,
Kelly
Linked with: Women Living Well Wednesday
First, I’d like to give a big thank you to Kelly for allowing me to host her blog! I truly appreciate her sharing her readers with me as I celebrate the release of my debut novel. Along the Way Home.
How a Stinging Rejection Led to a Book Contract Signing with Astraea Press wasn't a decision I took lightly. At the time the contract was offered (on my birthday!!!!!) I had six agents and three editors (Medallion Press, Tor/Forge, and a small press) reviewing requested partials/fulls, an R&R offer from an agent, and an offer pending from another small press.
I happily walked away from all of the above because I believe so strongly in Astraea Press, and the niche they’ve carved out for themselves in an increasingly crowded marketplace.
What does that mean? Let me backtrack a bit and reveal something that happened in January of 2013 that perfectly illustrates why I chose to go with Astraea.
I was rejected by an agent who called my book lovely and sweet, raved about my writing and the storyline, but ended with the statement, “…let your characters engage in sex and describe the sex. As it stands, I’ll pass. Put the sex in and I’ll take another look.”
I assure you, I have thick skin when it comes to rejections. I’ve racked up my fair share since I began querying, and normally take them with a grain of salt (and chocolate—lots of chocolate), but this one really bothered me. I understand if a rejection is based upon my writing style, the likability of my characters, or a flaw in the storyline—but to be rejected solely on the basis that I choose NOT to include sex? That one didn't go over well.
So much so that I finally decided it was time to query the one publisher I’d had my eye on for months. A publisher that cares not only for the authors, but for the kind of work they attach their name to. I'd discovered Astraea Press before I started querying in September and really liked the stance the owner, Stephanie Taylor, took against unnecessary sex.
Bottom line, I’m proud to have my book published with Astraea Press!
I’d love to hear from you. What is a dream you never gave up on?
They lost everything but their dreams on the Oregon Trail…
Kate Davis is intrigued when her father reveals his dream of starting a horse ranch in Oregon Territory. Settlers out west value a strong woman, and though she manages the financials of her father’s mercantile her competence earns her ridicule, not respect, from Virginia’s elite society.
Jake Fitzpatrick, an experienced trail guide, wants land out west to raise cattle and crops. But dreams require money and he’s eating dandelion greens for dinner. So when a wealthy businessman offers double wages to guide his family across the Oregon Trail, Jake accepts with one stipulation—he is in complete control.
Departure day finds Kate clinging to her possessions as Jake demands she abandon all he deems frivolous, including her deceased mother’s heirlooms. Jake stands firm, refusing to let the whims of a headstrong woman jeopardize the wages he so desperately needs—even a beautiful one with fiery green eyes and a temper to match.
Trail life is a battle of wills between them until tragedy strikes, leaving Jake with an honor-bound promise to protect her from harm and Kate with a monumental choice—go back to everything she’s ever known or toward everything she’s ever wanted?
Advance Praise for Along the Way Home …author Christi Corbett unfurls an unforgettable epic romance inside of an epic Western adventure. Beautifully crafted, this debut novel is a tender journey of the heart as well as a treacherous journey of many miles. Eve Paludan, author of Taking Back Tara (Ranch Lovers Romance series)
A breathtaking account of courage and adventure along the Oregon Trail. Jillian Kent, author of The Ravensmoore Chronicles.
A dash of action! A touch of intrigue! Loads of sweet, clean romantic promise… Reid Lance Rosenthal, Winner of 15 National Awards, #1 Best Selling Author of the Threads West, An American Sagaseries.
BUY LINKS:
AMAZON
BARNES AND NOBLE
ASTRAEA PRESS
About Christi
I’m addicted to coffee, sticky notes, and the Oxford Comma. I live in a small town in Oregon with my husband and our twins. Our home’s location is especially inspiring because the view from the back door is a hill travelers looked upon years ago as they explored the Oregon Territoryand beyond.
Along the Way Home is a Sweet Historical Romance. It released in ebook format on June 11, 2013 and will be available in print July of 2013. It is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, Astraea Press (my publisher) and several other retailers.
When I’m not writing I love chatting with readers and writers alike. You can find me in one of the following locations: Email: christicorbett@gmail.com Blog: http://christicorbett.wordpress.com Twitter: @ChristiCorbett
Facebook: Christi Corbett—Author
Don't forget to enter to win one of five free advanced review copies of, THE DECEPTION OF DEVIN MILLER. CLICK HERE for details...
During her junior year, sixteen-year-old Maggie Reynolds expected to shop for prom dresses not maternity clothes. Now, instead of studying for the SATs, she’s reading, What to Expect When You’re Expecting. Maggie’s ‘Mother Dearest’ lives in fear that Maggie will somehow taint the family name, so Maggie can’t turn to her for help. Meanwhile, her father is oblivious to anything but his 9-9 job. And her boyfriend, Justin? She’s pretty sure he’ll stay by her side. While Maggie wrestles with her options, Justin offers a solution: abortion. It would solve all her problems quickly, easily, and effectively. And her parents would never know, which means they won’t throw her out and cut her off like they’d always threatened if she got herself knocked up. But an easy decision becomes difficult when Maggie’s aunt discovers her secret and sets out on a mission to stop the abortion, putting a kink in Maggie’s plan. Now Maggie must decide which choice she can live with: abortion or teenage motherhood. Either way, it’ll be a tough road to travel.
*Young Adult RONE finalist award and the USA Best Book Award finalist in Youth Issues
* Special Note: At What Cost can be purchased for 99 cents at Amazon and Barnes& Noble for this week only!
Buy Links: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Astraea Press | Kobo | Smashwords | Audible
EXCERPT:
“You’re pregnant?” It was a harsh half statement, half question punctuated with clenched teeth.
“Wha—?” Maggie was too shocked to realize what had happened, but when she looked back to where she stood, she spotted a sheepish looking Lauren mouthing the words, “I’m sorry.” “Ugh.” “Well, are you?”
His grip on her tightened. “Justin, you’re hurting my arm.”
He let go and motioned for her to sit with a quick thrust of his hand toward the table, but his eyes revealed his anger. He was furious, but then she saw a hint of fear hidden behind his golden irises. In those moments, she was five years old again, the day she’d broken her mother’s favorite vase. Her mother had loomed over her, drilling her for information. Pointed and yelled.
This time, it was Justin. “Are you, or aren’t you?” His eyes crinkled, his brow furrowed, and a deep crease appeared on his forehead.
Trying to control his reactions proved to be impossible, and soon, his leg bounced under the table, and he wiped the nervous sweat on his palms off on his jeans. This still wasn’t the place to talk. The cement walls of the school were beginning to feel like a jail cell; anywhere she went, Maggie felt trapped.
“Can we talk about this after school?” Maggie said, trying to be assertive. His knuckles turned white as he clenched his fists.
“No, we can’t. If you’re pregnant, I need to know.”
This wasn’t how she had pictured it. She was supposed to plan the conversation and the place. Definitely not in the corner of the cafeteria with people walking by who might hear her secret, a secret she hadn’t decided how to handle. Thank you so much, Lauren!
Justin grabbed her wrists from across the table. “Maggie, it’s a simple yes or no question. Are. You. Pregnant?”
She could feel the rage rolling off him in waves, and she knew stalling was not an option.
“Yes.”
The silence grew louder, and Justin didn’t move. He stared at her, his eyes shifting across her eyes in a quick staccato. She didn’t know she could feel so uncomfortable, so she tried to ease that discomfort by looking away. When she met his gaze again, he glared at her, not saying a word. He never spoke. Not when he let go of her wrists, not when he got up from the seat across from her, not when he left the room. Not a single word.
Author Info: Jessie Andersen lives in a small town in Western New York with her husband and three kids. A former English teacher, she now spends her time writing while the kids are at school and the baby is sleeping. She volunteers at the local library and sings in the church band. You can find information about her books at her website, and you can follow her blogs at her personal blog and her book blog. You can also follow her on Twitter and on Facebook.
You can enter to win a free advanced review copy of my new book, THE DECEPTION OF DEVIN MILLER! Just click HERE...
****Two things before you read this post: Do you know the story of the Little Red Hen... and do you know who Benedict Cumberbatch (BBCs Sherlock) is... Read on... ;)
**** Do you know the story of the 'Little Red Hen'? It is an old fable. I tried to find the original writer but couldn't (if you have any idea, leave a comment.)
The basic story (and I'll have a very special reading of it at the end of this post... by a very famous... um... villain/detective *hint* ) is that this little red hen is going to make some bread. She has to plant the wheat, gather the wheat, turn it into flour, and bake it.
Along the way, she asks her friends for help. The rat, the cat, and the dog all say no...
Except...
When the Little Red Hen asks if they want to eat it. They all jump up and go in for supper. And do you know what she tells them? NO! Because they haven't done any of the work.
So... how does this relate to being a Mama and a Writer? When I first started writing, the husband wasn't very happy about it. To him, it was a hobby-- like his fishing-- and it was taking a lot of time... which it was. A LOT of time (now it takes longer bc of social media lol)
He was happy when I got my first book contract. He was proud when the book came out.
When I started writing the second book... wow. He wasn't thrilled. He thought this was a one hit thing, I suppose. He thought one book a year would be great. I had to explain for any writer now days to get their name out, you have to write 3-4 books a year-- which is daunting with 3 small kids and a full time job.
Finally, when people started actually buying the book and people started talking to him about it, he got very excited! He loved my writing and has made every effort since then to 'give me time' to write.
It took a year of unhappiness (on that front), but now he's one of my most vocal supporters.
He wasn't there for the planting, harvesting, or cooking-- but he's there for the final product. Unlike the Little Red Hen, I'm just happy he's on board now :)
If you are trying to write and there is someone not exactly with you, I understand. But it will pass. My husband is very excited about my self-publishing my 3rd book! I NEVER thought he would be. People surprise you! Okay... great. That hits writing, but what about being a Mama? For months, I took my oldest 2 girls to tumbling practice. Toward the latter, my sister came with me. The husband took them a few times, but mainly, it was me. I definitely paid the tuition (though my mother did pay for the recital).
The point is, I was there 95% of the time. I did most of the leg work when it came to getting them to and from tumbling.
On the day of the recital, everyone was there. My 2 year old started acting like a sleepy, cranky 2 year old and I had to take her out. Guess who didn't get to sit in her seat and 'eat the bread' of watching her girls' recital?
Yup...
We, as Mamas, get the not so pleasant jobs at times. We get the cleaning up the messes, the arguing, the crying when we brush their hair-- but the others get the 'reward' (the bread at the end of the story)
Should we get bitter about it? Well, no... doesn't mean we don't sometimes though. It's human.
What about you? Do you have some Little Red Hen moments in your life? Did they (like my husband) turn around and become one of your biggest supporters? And JUST IN CASE you don't know the story of the Little Red Hen-- and just if you are having a bad day-- here is Benedict Cumberbatch (star of BBCs Sherlock and Star Trek: Into Darkness) reading... The Little Red Hen (Proceed to fangirl now if you must ;) ) (from youtube)
Read to the end of this post to enter to win one of 5 Advanced Review Copies (ARCs) for DEVIN MILLER :)
Friends, I'm very excited to announce my 3rd book, THE DECEPTION OF DEVIN MILLER, will be released in ebook and paperback (from Amazon) on July 23rd, 2013!!!!
There will be several events leading up to the release (I love 'events' ;) ) The first is the cover reveal and the chance to win one of 5 ARCs :)
But first, I want to show you the awesome cover! I have to say, I'm in love with it :) Laura Heritage outdid herself!
Ready?
So... what do you think? What the book is about... One month ago, seventeen year old Devin Miller wrecked while intoxicated—or so she’s told by the very aggravated blue-eyed boy when she wakes up from a coma. The only thing Devin remembers is the darkness holding her down and the voices-- some happy, some upset, and one very agitated. She can't remember her name, her age, where she lives, or who in the world the blue-eyed boy is. But he knows who she is, and against her better judgment, she offers to pay him for his memories so she can trick the ones closest to her into thinking she's fine. That is her first mistake.
When Devin gets home, things start to spin out of control. People she doesn't know keep talking to her. Trey--the blue -eyed boy-- doesn't show up like he's supposed too. And the police want to talk to her about her involvement in car accident. Plus she keeps seeing flashes of the crash, but none of them make sense. What would a red plastic cup have to do with anything? And why doesn't she have any feelings for her 'boyfriend', Cooper?
Facing DUI charges for a wreck she can't recall, Devin struggles to remember exactly what happened the night of the crash: something the real driver wants her to keep buried.
Now, it's you chance to win. Check out the Rafflecopter and GOOD LUCK!!!!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
If you have read this blog in the past, you know that I absolutely LOVE my homemaking binder. (Mine looks a bit different now. I guess I need to do a new photoshoot with it in its current glory lol).
I had never heard of a "homemaking binder" until one day I was watching youtube for coupon binders and this video showed up under suggestions. I watched. I loved. I made myself one lol. It really is a handy little thing. I keep my daily chores, daily to do, weekly to do, monthly to do (because I have to write something down at least 3 times to remember it lol), my meal planning, my bills, school stuff, and some personal things I've added. I use the Bills section, daily section, and calendar section the most. If you don't have one, you really should make one :) They are really handy (I have made 2 pages you can use for yours.. look under the Free Printables at the top of this page.)
Other binder templates I love are at http://www.moneysavingmom.com/ actually there isn't much at moneysavingmom that I don't like!!!
http://clutterbug.me/ has some really cute organizational pages too.
Anyway, I saw this next tip on youtube and I can't for the life of me remember which video I saw it on (sorry). However, I've started using it and love it.
I usually get Parenting magazines every month and sometimes some recipe books... ALWAYS the "All You" Magazine from Wal-mart (coupons!! :) ). Anyway, the point is what you can do to make your binder more "You" and more inspirational is to tear out magazine pages that either inspire you, have recipes you love/want to try, have parenting ideas that you want to remember, etc. I have several pages in my binder now. I have a few parenting ones, one or two relationship pages... one page I have is my dream kitchen lol You tear them out of your favorite magazines, place them in sheet protectors, and throw them in your binder. It really does add a very nice personal touch.
You get the idea. I've also seen inspirational notebooks used alongside homemaking binders if you don't want to put them together. It 'can' start looking cluttered after awhile (I don't care. I like all of my things together in one notebook.)
It also cuts down on magazine piles when you tear out what you find important and throw the rest away. I've went through this week and purged lots of old magazines (yes, I had Life & Style s from 2007 lol.).
Anyway, that is your tip today. Make your binder something you WANT to look at... not something you HAVE to look out. Just like cleaning.. make it something you WANT to do... not something you HAVE to do. WHO wants to HAVE to do something?... I *have* to go to the dentist tomorrow... what fun is that??? I CHOOSE to clean up tonight because I quite enjoy a non-cluttered house (well I assume I do.. I haven't completely decluttered yet lol)
So, there is your tip. I hope it helps you out. Remember... tomorrow is Friday. The big Korraling Kitchen Klutter reveal... I hope some of you have joined me on this Quest. It took me all of an hour and a half (of course.. I made my kids help ;) ) and I really like the results... you be the judge tomorrow.
Much love... Happy cleaning... and Cheerful Chores.
Kelly
OH THIS is going to be good lol...
Gossip.
Anyone here a gossip?????
Oh noooooooooooooooooo...
Not us...
Nope...
Nada...
Ok, I admit (I admit things a lot) I love listening to gossip. And it's not just normal gossip, it's celebrity gossip magazines. It's msn.com. It's the yahoo gossip section. Heck, its even Facebook, Twitter...
Gossip is EVERYWHERE. Checkout lines at Wal-mart (did you know that Leo and Blake Lively are dating??? I KNOW!), on T.V. (Inside Edition is all about the Gossip), even the news. They don't call it gossip per sa, but I'm sure some respectible news media reported about Arnold's new love child (and if you know what that means, you are as guilty as me lol).
I was flipping though the Bible tonight and came across this... Proverbs 11:13: A gossip goes around telling secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a convidence.
Proverbs 25:23: As surely as a north wind brings rain, so a gossiping tongue can cause anger.
(Side note: The next verse says, "It's better to live alone in the corner of an attic, than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home." The Real Housewives of Jerusalem popped into my mind lol... but I digress ;) Basically, if you are going to clean... at least be happy about it! I wasn't happy about it for years.. I finally got my happy on lol)
Back on track now... sorry...
The point is... we have to watch our tongue. When it goes flapping, I... er... we get in trouble. And watch our ears... if someone is talking, don't take every opportunity to listen in. Gossip is the easiest thing to fall into because it feels (to us) like the most innocent. "I'm not hurting anybody." Yeah, because none of us have ever been on the receiving end of gossip about us... doesn't feel very good does it?
Ah, those 'life lessons'... sometimes they are killjoys lol.. Necessary none-the-less...
Much Love,
Kelly
*I wanted to thank all of you who voted for this blog at circle of moms (button to the right). I really appreciate it. I want this blog to be inspirational, fun, and helpful. I hope you feel it is :)
*ALSO, don't forget about our Third Summer Quest :) It's due Friday. I'm really looking forward to talking about it. It was seriously like those American Picker guys when they go through other people's stuff. Who knew I'd find.. well, you'll just have to read Friday to find out (dun duh dun).
Seriously, though, thanks so much for taking the time to read. If you like what you see, please favorite it or push the follow button to the right. And happy cleaning!!!!
I'm so so SO excited to have Joselyn Vaughn on the blog today!! Keep reading and find out about a great cause. ~Kelly
~*~*~*
As a runner writing about running and the Boston Marathon, I have to do whatever I can to support those injured at this year’s event. I’ve worn race shirts, I’ve run 4.09 miles, I’ve run 26.2 miles (over a few days) for those who didn’t get to finish the race and I wore yellow and blue for the Boston Athletic Association at the River Bank Run. Now I’m asking you for help. A portion of my proceeds from Climbing Heartbreak Hill will go to the One Fund Boston. Every penny and every step counts. Run on!
OneFundBoston link: https://secure.onefundboston.org/page/contribute/default
Buy links: Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Climbing-Heartbreak-Hill-ebook/dp/B00CX20YLI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1369156247&sr=8-1&keywords=climbing+heartbreak+Hill Astraea Press: http://astraeapress.com/#!/~/product/category=662245&id=23861577
Blurb: Professional runner, Ryan Grant, blows out his knee training for another attempt at the Boston marathon and the dreaded Heartbreak Hill. Ryan retreats home, not looking for anything more than a fast recovery, but he finds solace in the arms of his tax preparer, Tara Mansfield. Tara’s cheerleading career ended abruptly and she faces an upward climb beating the stereotype as dumb blonde in her new calling as an accountant. Framed with defrauding the IRS during the last weeks of the tax season, Tara’s tentative confidence is shaken, but Ryan coaches her in ensnaring the true perpetrator. She cheers him on in discovering his identity as a coach rather than an athlete. With the help of the junkyard king and a mechanical bull, can Tara and Ryan find the courage to climb Heartbreak Hill together?
A portion of my proceeds from Climbing Heartbreak Hill will be donated to the One Fund Boston to help those injured at the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon.
Bio: I live in the Great Lakes state with my husband, three rambunctious children and two barking Beagles (I suppose that is redundant.) When not suffering the woes of potty training three toddler/preschoolers, I enjoy reading, running (sometimes it's fleeing the craziness at home), reconstructing clothing, thrift store shopping and surfing Pinterest.com. (I spend way too much time there and am getting all kinds of exciting ideas for projects for my husband to do. He is less than thrilled by this.) I love writing romance because I enjoy stories where everything works out all right in the end and the main characters have a happily ever after. My stories are set in small towns with quirky characters that take on a life of their own.
Excerpt: A lanky, sandy haired man on crutches elbowed his way through the door, alternating between pushing the glass door open and inching his crutches forward. He wore a red windbreaker with Lakeshore Track Club embroidered on the chest. Clutched between his left hand and the handle of his crutch was a wad of papers. It wasn’t the worst presentation of receipts she’d seen in the last three months, but it would make the top ten. She experienced a brief wave of déjà vu. A flash of his face laughing in the dark. Had she seen him before somewhere? His physique didn’t match any of the football players she had been in contact with. Surely the strange bend in his nose would stand out enough in her memory. It gave him a reckless air she found appealing. “Let me help you with that.” She hurried over to the door and kicked the stopper down to hold it open while she relieved him of the fistful of paper. A quick scan of the parking lot told her Mark’s truck hadn’t arrived yet. “Do you have an appointment?” “Your sign said walk--‐‑ins were welcome.” His voice had a pleasant timbre. Tara didn’t miss the once--‐‑over he gave her. She was used to those. It was one of the side--‐‑effects of having breast implants not written in the tri--‐‑fold brochure from the plastic surgeon: every male and one in three females will stare at your chest. At times, Tara wanted to wear a name--‐‑tag that said ‘and yes, they are fake'ʹ under her name. “Walk--‐‑ins are always welcome. We have a small break in the rush right now, so why don’t you have a seat by my desk?” Tara released the door then made her way around her desk and righted her chair. The man put the two crutches together and gingerly lowered himself into the seat. He kept his left leg extended, and Tara could see the outline of a brace around his knee through his warm--‐‑up pants. She dropped the pile of receipts into the middle of her desk and opened a new client file on her computer. “Have you been here before?” When he answered in the negative, Tara said, “Okay. Then we’ll need to go through the basics first. I’ll need all your vital stats.” “Excuse me?” “Name, address, phone number, etc.” “Oh, I thought you meant age, weight, heart rate, and blood pressure. Guess I’ve been to too many doctors lately. Ryan Grant.” He rattled off an address she recognized as one of the Ladies Night Out members. Had Yvonne been holding out on her? They owed her a favor after she had helped them get Leslie and Mark together. The last names matched so he must be family. Perhaps Yvonne’s son?
Today is the LAST DAY to enter to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card to celebrate the release of my second book, SAINT SLOAN. CLICK HERE TO ENTER!!!
First of all, look at that cover!!! Isn't it amazing?!? I think it's very pretty. 'The Pied Piper' is the 3rd book in the Super Spies series (haven't read them? Well, the first two are only.99 right now!!! What a deal!)
BACK COVER BLURB from THE SUPER SPIES AND THE PIED PIPER:
Sarah Cole and her sister Lacey are at it once again when they learn their missing parents’ cell phone has been traced to Alden, Michigan. When the FBI declines to continue the investigation, Sarah takes matters into her own hands. She calls upon the Super Spies and they delve into the situation. Suddenly, the teens find themselves immersed in small town intrigue and mystery involving a menacing stranger, who Sarah dubs “The Stalker." But when Sarah learns he’s connected to her parents’ disappearance, she’s determined to find out what that connection is. The Super Spies embark on a journey that leads them into a web of corporate corruption at its highest level that leaves innocent victims in its wake. Can they find the proof they need to stop the greedy corporation before it’s too late?
BUY LINKS: AMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/Super-Spies-Pied-Piper-ebook/dp/B00D25G7ZM/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1369830473&sr=1-1&keywords=Super+spies+and+the+pied+piper
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-super-spies-and-the-pied-piper-lisa-orchard/1115437908?ean=2940016589701
ASTRAEA PRESS: http://www.astraeapress.com/#!/~/product/category=662245&id=24157242
ABOUT LISA ORCHARD:
Lisa Orchard grew up loving books. She was hooked on mysteries by the fifth grade and even wrote a few of her own. She knew she wanted to be a writer even then. “The Super Spies and the High School Bomber” is the second book in the “Super Spies” series. Her first book was published in March of 2012 and it has received rave reviews. After graduating from Central Michigan University with a Marketing Degree she spent many years in the insurance industry, pining to express her creative side. The decision to stay home with her children gave her the opportunity to follow her dream and become a writer. She currently resides in Rockford Michigan with her husband, Steve, and two wonderful boys. Currently, she’s working on the third novel that stars the same quirky teens. When she’s not writing she enjoys spending time with her family, running, hiking, and reading.
LISA'S LINKS: GOODREADS: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5782095.Lisa_Orchard
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/lisaorchard1
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lisa-Orchard/328536613877060?fref=ts
Amazon page: http://www.amazon.com/Lisa-Orchard/e/B007KA8O3I/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1369830210&sr=1-1
First of all...
How flippin cool is this???
(PHOTO REMOVED)
My friend, Charlotte, surprized me with this tonight. She blogged about my little blog at http://rebelheart.squarespace.com/charlottes-blog/2011/5/23/what-would-kelly-clean-some-cleaning-inspiration.html?lastPage=true&postSubmitted=true (I don't know how to do that cool 'click' thing and it goes to the site... I'm not computer literate lol... I do good to type).
(Charlotte is a fellow July '10 mommy. We met on the website http://www.twoweekwait.com/ on the mommyboards)
Charlotte, thanks so much for the shout out! I love the buttons and when I get the time, I'll make them my button. LOVE THEM! And I'm so glad you are inspired by this. If anyone, ANYONE, in my real life reads this... YES, Kelly had a cleaning blog... and no, as far as I know, Hades hasn't frozen over...
And as it turns out, today has been my lucky day!!! Another of my internet buddies, Kathi-Ann, has been nice enough to recommend this blog on hers as well!!! Kathi-Ann and I met over our love for The Mentalist (the internet is a strange... strange place lol). Anyway, her rather awesome blog is http://studentmamacook.wordpress.com/2011/05/23/summer-cleaning-yes-please/
Please check both of these ladies out. They are awesome girls and obviously have good taste ;)
I now have 10 followers... wonder how many I have to have to be considered a cult? Hmmmmm.. Just wondering...
Again, ladies, thank you SO much. It means the world to me that you would take time to recommend this site (and my friend Jennifer did too a few weeks ago around mother's day.) I truly have some great internet friends :)
In honor of these wonderful girls, make sure to do one task tomorrow that's not on your daily list (Its not work if you WANT to do it!!). Remember, even one task a day will keep the clutter away. ALSO, don't forget our weekly Quest. Its time to organize the shoes (I'm going to blog about this Friday... and I *may* have had an unfair advantage... *whistles innocently*... stay tuned)
Much love and happy cleaning :)
Kelly
Don't forget, you can still enter to win a $25 Amazon gift card HERE... winner will be chosen June 1st.
If you recall, I posted a few days ago to celebrate Rachel Van Dyken signing a contract with a major publisher, and I was giving away prizes.
The winners are...
DRUM ROLL...
CJz and Shadow !!
I have your email address and getting ready to send you a message. You each can choose one free book (either mine or Rachel's :))
Thanks to everyone who entered :) :)
~Kelly
