2012 in Review

It's that time of year (the end) where everybody and there brother is posting some kind of reflective post. Of course I had to join the bandwagon. I mean, if all the cool kids are doing it . . . But, I do promise to keep it short and sweet. So here you have it:

Lets just say that 2012 has been one INCREDIBLE year! I don't even know where to begin, so lets start at the beginning, shall we?

I started 2012 with a half completed manuscript and the hope to someday see it in print. Twelve months later, I have 5 different published works, with a 6th coming out tomorrow (insert plug for DEVOTION here), including my debut novel (that half completed manuscript I was talking about).

I've set up a blog that people actually read (who knew?), a Facebook Page that people actually like, and a Twitter account that people actually follow (despite the fact that I'm still not 100% sure how to really use that site haha)

I've made a ton of new friends (authors, editors, publishers, and bloggers) that I can share my love of books with. So, to all of you--every last one of you that played a roll in making my 2012 so unforgettably fantastic-- THANK YOU!

I hope each and every one of you has an awesome New Year and a wonderful 2013!!!!

Devoted to Tempting you even more in 2013!

Who better to ring in the New Year with than a couple paranormal princes, and everyone's favorite PG heroine? That's right, Lucas, Jason, and Mel are all back to kick off 2013 like only they can. With the danger level cranked up to 10 and the hotness scale running even higher, what's not to love?

DEVOTION (Temptation #2) finally has it's release date, and it is: 

January 1st 2013!!!

Haven't read Temptation yet??? What are you waiting for? Get caught up  before the release of Devotion for only 99 cents!!! Temptation can be purchased from Amazon now, and is available free for Prime Members.


For everyone else anxiously awaiting what comes next for our Heavenly and Not-so-Heavenly hotties . . . here's a little hint!

(WARNING: Contains Temptation spoilers!!!!! )

Mel made her decision — chose her side — but that doesn’t mean the other side has given up on choosing her. Hell is still bent on adding a pure soul to their ranks any way they can, and Jason’s failure has put bigger bads on the task. With not only her life, but her very soul on the line, Mel must fight back with the help of one good-looking guardian angel and an ally no one expected. But can his word be trusted, or does he have more sinister motives?

A Festive Treat

Ho Ho Ho

I hope you're all having a very merry holiday season. 

Here is my gift to you. 

Enjoy! :)

What's cookin'?

I haven't blogged in a bit. Sorry about that. It's been kind of crazy around here with the blog tour and everything, but I want to keep you caught up on what I've got going on. So here it is . . .

At the moment, I am currently working on two different projects. First and foremost, let me address a question that I've been asked a few times now.

YES!!! There WILL be a SEQUEL to DISSIDENCE!

That's one of the projects I have going at the moment. More on that to come ;)

The other is a stand alone contemporary romance. It's entitled FIGHT OR FLIGHT. Due to some of the more sensitive issues it touches on, I feel more comfortable referring to this particular work as New Adult rather than Young Adult. It's the story of Emerson and Jay and follows them coming together, overcoming trauma, and learning to survive. There are several teasers posted on my FB page, including these:


Teaser 1:

“Can’t I help you?” 

“No.” He didn’t even bother opening his eyes to answer her. They’d already had this argument more than once, and he was just too damn tired to rehash it again now.

“Why not? You could obviously use some help.”

“Because.”

“I’m not a child, Jay. You’re gonna need a better reason than that.”

“Because you won’t make it here.”

“Why not? You live here.”

“That’s what you’re not getting, Em. No one lives here. You either survive here, or you die here. But, no one lives here. So, why don’t you just go on back home?”

“I’d rather die here.”

She said it without hesitation, and with so much conviction that it stole his breath away."

Teaser 2:

"One day he’d show her exactly who he saw when he looked at her. One day he’d make sure she saw it too. But for today, he would just hold her close and keep loving her enough for the both of them."


Teaser 3:

"Em was white as a sheet and clinging to the cheap porcelain sink like it was her last lifeline. The terror in her eyes forced Jay to choke back the anger threatening to consume him. More than anything he wanted to chase that son of a bitch down and squeeze the life out of him just for putting that look in her eyes, but she needed him now and she was already frightened enough.

“Hey. Em, it’s all right.” He inched into the bathroom slowly, knowing full well they were working with a ticking clock, but not wanting to spook her.

“Whe—where is h—he?” Her voice shook as badly as her body.

Jay shoved his hands in his pockets to keep from wrapping his arms around her. That probably wouldn’t have gone over so well just then. “Gone. He left. I think he’s calling the police, but we gotta go. Now.”

“He’s . . . He’s gonna find me. He said he’d find me. He said he’d find me and he’d—”

Her gaze drifted inward and he knew he was losing her. “Stop. Em, look at me.” No response. “Em!” Her eyes snapped to his with renewed fear and he silently cursed himself for startling her. “Listen to me, okay? I’m not going to let anything happen to you, all right? I’m getting you out of here. Right now. I just need your help, okay?”

She nodded silently and he could practically see her heart slamming against her ribs. She was more terrified than he could ever remember being in his entire life. After prying her hands from the cold porcelain he took her hand in his and coaxed her toward the door. She took a few hesitant steps before her right leg gave out."



Something else in the works is DEVOTION, the next novella in the TEMPTATION series. This one is finished... Mostly. Hopefully, I will have more news about a release date soon :) Until then, enjoy these teasers:


Teaser 1:

A conversation between Mel and her mom:
"Pulling out my cell, I sent her a quick text, ‘School was fine. I’m going to get some HW done now. C ya later.’

She must have been waiting for my message because in less time than it took me to open my math book, my phone chirped her reply, ‘Great, honey. Is Lucas there?’ 

Ever since she’d noticed we were spending time together again, she hadn’t stopped asking about him.

‘Yeah. We’re going to do our HW together and then get some dinner.’

‘Sounds good. You two are being careful, right hon?’ She also hadn’t stopped asking that.

I’d already heard three different versions of the birds and the bees, and if I was about to get a fourth, via text message, with Lucas sitting right across the table . . . Cripesaloni, shoot me now!

‘Yes mom. HW usually isn’t dangerous, but I promise to look both ways before crossing any math problems. Love u. Ttyl."


Teaser 2:

"When the ding alerted me that it was time to move on to stage two of what was probably the most epic endeavor I had ever attempted in a kitchen, I pulled the bacon from the microwave, while simultaneously reaching for the pan. Bad idea. The pan was about four inches closer than I’d expected, so instead of grabbing hold of the handle, my hand slammed right onto the hot metal surface.

“Son of a mother’s, brother’s, sister’s, uncle’s, puppy’s, kitten’s, mouse! Bah!” I jumped from foot to foot, trying to shake away the searing pain in my hand.

Lucas watched my display from the kitchen table, an amused grin plastered to his otherwise perfect face. “And the cheese stands alone?”

Ha-freaking-ha. He was a regular old comedian.

“Forget the cheese; get me an icepack, would ya?”

“Here, let me see that.”

Lucas took my hands in his, and gently pried my fingers away from the injury. An angry red burn ran the full length of my pinky finger. Lifting my hand to within millimeters of his mouth, he blew lightly on the scorched skin before softly pressing his lips to it. I hissed like some kind of demented cat in anticipation of the pain that any contact with the area would unavoidably cause, but it never came.

In fact, the blistering pain that had been there only moments earlier was also gone. I glanced down at the unmarred skin of my pinky finger and then back up at Lucas’ smiling face. He had literally kissed it better. There were some definite advantages to having an angel for a boyfriend."

Dissidence Dream Cast

Every time I read a book, I can't help imagining what the characters all look like. I'm sure it's the same for most of you. Well, it's no different when writing. In fact, it's probably even more detailed because these characters live in my head for SOOOO long. I feel like I know every last detail of them.

I was asked by a blogger to put together a dream cast for Dissidence to let the readers know how I picture my characters. To be honest, it's impossible to find anyone that will perfectly fit any of them. Mainly because they are individuals, as unique as any living person, and wouldn't it be weird to find you had an imaginary doppelganger living in some strangers head?! 

But I digress, I did the best I could and put together three actors that I thought came closest to portraying Kaleigh, Peter, and Connor. 



Here they are:

KALEIGH - Ayla Kell

I like her for Kaleigh because she has the right look, and there's something about this picture in particular that  just screams the perfect attitude to accompany the look :) 

CONNOR - Alexander Ludwig

Connor was by FAR the hardest to cast. There just doesn't seem to be anyone that fits him perfectly, but this was as close as I could get. He's definitely got the muscle mass working for him. Just give him green eyes, and lose a little bit of that evil look to him (haha) and you've got a close Connor. 



PETER - Drew Roy


I think this one actually comes the closest to what I imagined. Just give him blue eyes and he makes a pretty perfect Peter :)



Now, I know most of you won't agree with my choices for whatever reason and that's fine. Actually, it's AWESOME because it means that you've thought enough about these characters to form your own impressions of them, and I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to see what those look like. If you can think of an actor that reminds you of any or all of the characters PLEASE post it in the comments section below!!! I really look forward to seeing what you all think of Kaleigh, Connor, and Peter :)

Makes Me Smile :)

A big thank you to the lovely ladies of Not Now Mommy's Reading for the awesome review of 'How We Came To Be'

How We Came To Be by Jamie Canosa may very well be my first Young Adult read. Correction: it is my first Young Adult romance. I don't count The Hunger Games because, well, the romance between Peeta and Katniss kind of took the backseat to the whole "fighting for your life" theme. 

I tend to be very apprehensive about reading Young Adult novels because I find it rather unnerving when I read about or even observe teens engaging in what I believe to be adult-like behavior (ie. tangled tongues, grinding hips, shagging, etc.).  Even after being badgered non-stop by my teenage daughters, I still refuse to budge on my stance on watching shows such as Pretty Little Liars and the like because there is nothing appealing to me about watching two teenagers go at it in a hot and heavy shower scene. Of course when I was a teenager, I'm sure said scene would have me giggling, blushing and swooning but as a mother of teenage girls - not so much. I say all that to say this - if the 'love scenes' in most YA are handled as beautifully as the ones in How We Came To Be, I fear I may have missed out on some amazing reads and have some catching up to do as I open myself up to a new genre.

Seventeen-year old Sara has a secret. Sadly, it's a secret that takes place in many homes. Sara and her younger sibling, Kevin, suffer abuse at the hands of their alcoholic father, a man left bitter after his wife abandons him and his children. Sara takes the brunt of the abuse since she often stands up for her brother. The only spot of sunshine in her otherwise dark days comes in the form of Ethan Harris, the school heartthrob who has had a crush on Sara since he's first laid eyes on her. Unwilling to expose Ethan to her broken life, Sara keeps him at a distance until an incident occurs that forces Sara to share her secret with the one person she's tried so hard to keep it from.

Ethan was such an amazing guy, in my opinion. I could only imagine the difficulty of his position - caring so much for Sara that he couldn't bear the thought of her enduring what she did and yet unable to intervene because he didn't want to betray her trust. I could just feel his anguish and utter helplessness. He possessed a maturity that I thought was well beyond his years and if there were any couple that I wanted to have a HEA - it was Ethan and Sara. The tenderness and care he showed towards her was so touching. This is a clean romance in that there are no actual sex scenes however, the intimacy these two shared by a simple caress or a meaningful look was so endearing to me. So very sweet. 

A fairly quick read that deals with an all too-real issue, How We Came To Be is a must read.

'How We Came To Be' is only 99 cents!!!!! Grab a copy today! 

Amazon (Kindle)

Barnes and Noble (Nook)

5 Star Review for Dissidence

A big thank you to Kendall of Book Crazy for the review of Dissidence.


Rating: 5 Stars

Dissidence is now one of my favourite dystopian books! I loved everything about it! It had great characters, an amazing plot and also it was original! I have to say though that I had my own ideas about the plot when I got about 6 chapters in but I was so wrong! The plot surprised me with where it went because I wasn't expecting it but I loved it! Kaleigh Matthews was the main character of Dissidence and I really liked her! She stood up for what she believed in and I envied her for that! Peter was such an amazing friend to Kaleigh the whole way through this book but that was all he was with Kaleigh in my opinion was a friend! Conner was amazing! He was hot and protective and I just loved it when he called Kaleigh "Girlie".There is a love triangle in this book but the synopsis tells you that but I was Team Conner all the way through Dissidence! The ending was massive! My heart was in my mouth the whole scene! Jamie ended it perfectly though! She has me begging for the next book after the cliffhanger! The cover really suits the book and the plot!


Check out her stop on the DISSIDENCE BLOG TOUR here for an author interview, including my dream cast for Dissidence AND a giveaway!

Off Page Access: Kaleigh Matthews

In order to celebrate the release of DISSIDENCE and to kick off the blog tour in style, I decided to let you all get to know our heroine a little bit better. It wasn't easy, but I managed to twist Kaleigh's arm enough to get her to agree to an interview today. (For someone who exists solely in my head, she can be quite the pain in the butt occasionally).

Kaleigh, what do you think is your greatest achievement?

Does being the dumbest person on the planet count? It wouldn’t seem like it, but I’ve actually managed to accomplish quite a bit that way. Seriously, if there was a prize for stupidest person I would be hard core in the running for it, and that’s really saying something considering my world isn’t exactly top heavy in the brains department.

What is your happiest memory?

Probably something from my childhood, something with my mom and dad in it . . . Or, maybe the time I scared the pants off of Peter with a truly amazing clown costume. That was epic!

What would your ideal occupation be?

I haven’t thought much about it, really. Whatever it is, it most definitely would NOT involve a register. Or a pick.

What is your motto?

I’m starting to think that the motto of my life should be, ‘now what?’ Either that or ‘I have no freaking clue.’

What are your strengths/ weaknesses?

I have trust issues. Not sure if that’s a strength or a weakness, though. In my experience, not a lot of people deserve trust. The few people I do trust, though, definitely make me stronger. As for weaknesses . . . let’s just say a little time at the gym couldn’t hurt.

Rapid Fire:

Favorite Color: Purple

Favorite Food: French toast

Favorite Ice cream flavor: Strawberry

Favorite Sport: I’m not really a sporty kind of girl

Biggest Pet peeve: Blind faith. Oh, and whiners. I really hate whiners. If you don't like something, change it. Don't sit around whining about it! I'd better stop now before this turns into a full blown rant. Once I get going, even I can't stop myself. And don't even get me started on . . .

Oh, would you look at that. It looks like our time is up for today . . . thanks for stopping by, Kaleigh!

Hope you all enjoyed getting to know our opinionated heroine a little better. For more insights into the book (including an author interview, reviews, and dream casts) AND your chance to win an autographed copy of DISSIDENCE check out each stop along the blog tour. You can enter and get new tidbits each day.

Dec 8- Book Crazy 

Dec 9 - Author Jessica Sorensen
Dec 10- Books and Beauty (Author Janiera Eldridge) 

Dec 11- Wordpaintings Unlimited (Author Sherry Gammon)
Dec 12- YA Sisterhood 

Dec 13- Michelle's Paranormal Vault of Books 

Dec 14- Passionate About Books 

Dec 15- Love Stories (Author Cyndi Tefft) 

Dec 16- Lisa's Reads 

Dec 17- Indie Supporter 

Dec 18- Sassy Cassie's Reviews 

Dec 19- Author Cindy C Bennett 

Paperbacks Have Arrived!!!

For those of us that love the feel of turning a physical page, that new book smell, and rearranging our bookshelves like furniture... DISSIDENCE is now available in print!!!!!!

Grab your copy today at:

Dissidence is Making the Rounds!

Coming to a blog near you . . . The Dissidence Blog Tour. 

Look below for a complete schedule and be sure to check-in everyday for your chance to win a signed paperback copy of DISSIDENCE.

Dec 8- Book Crazy 

Dec 9 - Author Jessica Sorensen
Dec 10- Books and Beauty (Author Janiera Eldridge) 

Dec 11- Wordpaintings Unlimited (Author Sherry Gammon)
Dec 12- YA Sisterhood 

Dec 13- Michelle's Paranormal Vault of Books 

Dec 14- Passionate About Books 

Dec 15- Love Stories (Author Cyndi Tefft) 

Dec 16- Lisa's Reads 

Dec 17- Indie Supporter 

Dec 18- Sassy Cassie's Reviews 

Dec 19- Author Cindy C Bennett 

Listopia Action!!!

Wasn't I surprised when I woke up this morning and found that DISSIDENCE has wandered it's way onto several Goodreads Lists? It's very strange when your book starts doing things without you. It's sort of like when your baby grows into a toddler . . . WATCH OUT!

Here are the lists where Dissidence can be found. Check it out, and if you agree it belongs there, please cast your vote. Also, feel free to add Dissidence to whatever other lists you feel are appropriate. I won't mind ;)

And, while your there, why not leave a review, or add it to your TBR list?

It's a . . . BOOK!

Happy birthday to you.

Happy birthday to you.

Happy book birthday to Dissidence.

Happy birthday to you.

Yup, you heard me right. Dissidence has decided to make it's appearance a little ahead of schedule. It is officially available in digital format as of . . . NOW!!! Paperback format coming soon.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your copy here:
           
                                               

How long until DISSIDENCE comes out???

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That is all!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

This year I have so many things to be thankful for. Last year at this time, I had a project I was falling in love with, and wish to share it with others that I wasn't sure would ever come true. Now, I have three published works, my debut novel on the way, 61 blog followers, and an author page on Facebook with 220 likes. I can't even explain what that feels like.

So, while the list could go on forever and ever, I picked my brain for the things I was most thankful for this year . . . and here they are!

What am I thankful for?
-First of all, my family (Cliche, I know, but it takes a lot of patience to put up with someone who regularly checks out of the real world for hours at a time.)
-Friends who can make you laugh so hard your stomach hurts and your eyes tear up.
-A roof over our heads and food on our table.
-A van that sounds like it should have been put out of its misery years ago, but just keeps chugging along.
-Caffeine in all of its glorious forms (the only way I make it through most days.)
-The ability to do what I love.
-Publishers, editors, and cover artists who help to make my dream a reality.
-Book bloggers who spend the one commodity they can never get back (their time) to read my work and compose thoughtful reviews to help promote it.

And, to all of you who do not celebrate Thanksgiving: Have an awesome Thursday!!! It doesn't hurt to take a moment to think about the things you're thankful for anyway. :)

Coming Soon, but why not start Sooner?!

So, now we have a cover, a blurb, ANNNNNND an official release date....

Dissidence will be released on December 1st!!!!

Yes, as in 11 days from now!!! But, if you are anything like me, 11 days can feel like an eternity when your waiting for something. Sooooo . . . because I love you all, I decided to let you get a head-start. 

You can start reading Dissidence RIGHT NOW!!! Right HERE!

Enjoy!

The Official Blurb for DISSIDENCE

Sooo . . . here's the thing. Patience? Not exactly my best virtue. I planned to wait a few days. Really build the suspense and get ya'll excited before releasing the official blurb for Dissidence. But . . . I got bored. There it is. Just like a two year old. I got bored. Conveniently, that works out well for you because it means I'm sharing with all of you sooner than expected.




In dystopian America, sixteen-year-old Kaleigh finds out quickly what having a big mouth and not enough brains to keep it shut can earn you. A one-way ticket to the work camps that no one even knows exists.

Nuclear war has ravished the nation, and a century later, the survivors are living in an entirely new world. In a society where everything is decided for you, from where you work to who you marry, dissidence is not taken lightly.

But, even inside the camps, Kaleigh's fiery spirit refuses to be extinguished. In a single moment of defiance, she manages to spark a riot that ignites into a full-blown rebellion.

With growing numbers counting on her, not just 
for their freedom, but for their very lives, two different boys vying for her heart, and trouble brewing from within the camp itself, can Kaleigh find a way to step up and become the leader everyone is counting on her to be, or will even the most carefully laid plans come crashing down around her?


Please feel free to leave HONEST comments below. I promise not to go crawl up under my blankets and cry if you don't absolutely love it as much as I do.

DISSIDENCE Cover Reveal

It's that time!!! Time to share with all of you whats been making me grin like a fool for over a week now :) :) :) :) :)

The cover to my debut novel, Dissidence!!!!

So??? Gorgeous, isn't it?! It's all thanks to the amazing cover artist Paul Beeley. You can check out his site here, if you're interested!!! 

Things are moving quickly now and there will be more exciting news coming shortly, including the official blurb!!! :)

Please leave comments, I'd love to know what you all think!

Things Are Getting Exciting!

I've got some more big news to share with you guys! I know, it's getting crazy around here!!!

For the past two years, I have spent a vast amount of my time and energy tapping away at my keyboard and pouring over plots. I've sacrificed meals, a large amount of sleep, and a clean house (okay, maybe that last one wasn't so much of a sacrifice.) But, it's all about to pay off!

My first full length novel, DISSIDENCE, has just been contracted for publication!!!!!

When I first got the email, I read it about five times to make sure I understood it correctly. Then, I looked around for someone to tell... I was alone. Even the dog was asleep. Sooooo, I celebrated myself with a little happy dance that looked something like this:

In case you missed some of my older posts... here's a quickie update on what I've already shared about DISSIDENCE:

The title, obviously, and a definition form Old Mr. Webster to help give a little insight into it:

dis·si·dence 

Function: noun
Definition: DISSENT, DISAGREEMENT 

And, the genre, which is YA (of course) DYSTOPIAN.
For a more in depth explanation of the genre and a recipe to Dissidence, check out my post here.

Don't worry, I've got lots more to share, including a cover reveal, official blurb, and maybe even a teaser or two all headed your way soon!


And, now I get to celebrate with all of you! YAY! Thank you so much for being a part of this with me from the beginning, and I look forward to sharing DISSIDENCE and this entire experience with you all!!!

Winners, Winners, Everywhere!!!

Thanks to everyone who participated in the Healer's Destiny Media Blast!


We had 10 winners, out of over 900 entries. Here are the winners and the great prizes they won:

Natasha May winner of the $50 Amazon Gift card and an eCopy of Healer's Destiny, compliments of author Julee Page

Amber Nicole winner of an eCopy of Temptation compliments of author Jamie Canosa

Kristin Erker-Campbell winner of an eCopy of Healer's Destiny, compliments of author Julee Page

Brandy Rocha winner of an eCopy of Healer's Destiny, compliments of author Julee Page

Giedre Sliumba winner of an eCopy of Soul's in Peril compliments of author Sherry Gammon

Trisha Custer winner of an eCopy of Snow White compliments of author Cindy C Bennett

Sheena-kay Graham winner of an eCopy of The Elephant in the Tree House compliments of author Maren Dille

Jennifer GW winner of a mystery prize compliments of author Felicia Rogers

Claire Taylor winner of an eCopy of Adrift compliments of author Elizabeth A Reeves

Lea Martin winner of 3 bookmarks compliments of Nikki at Vamps and Stuff

If you see your name here you should be receiving an email from the sponsor of your particular prize. If you haven't received an email, please let us know at prosebydesign@gmail.com.

Again, congrats to all the winners, and thanks to the participants as well as much gratitude to everyone who so graciously donated a prize, and to author Julee F Page for her donation of the gift card and for hosting the giveaway to bring awareness of her book Healer's Destiny.

Amber Nicole! Congrats!!! 
I will be getting that copy of TEMPTATION out to you ASAP :)

100 'Likes' Giveaway Winner Announcement!

And, the WINNER is:

Diane Feryo Bojda!!!!!

CONGRATS!!!

The winner has been notified via email, and has 48 hours to get back to me with her choice of prize and address, or I will choose another winner. Thank you all again for participating! Don't worry, if you didn't win. There will be plenty more giveaways coming up!

In fact, there's one running right now with your chance to win a copy of TEMPTATION. Why not pop on over to Books and Beauty and enter? Good luck! And, keep your eyes peeled for more exciting giveaways to come!

New News!

My latest story, How We Came To Be, is now available for purchase!


Fair Warning to those of you who have read my previous work. This story is a higher maturity level than anything I've written previously. It would more likely qualify as New Adult, rather than Young Adult, and may not be suitable for the same aged audience.


How We Came To Be is a contemporary romance, which explores issues of abuse.

There are things we don't talk about, and just such a secret brought 17-year-old Sara to the love of her life. Can he save her from her secrets, or will they drag him down with her?

You can grab your e-copy at:
Amazon
Smashwords
Boroughs Publishing Group

My Brilliant Theory on Halloween Costumes and One Very SCARY Picture!

Happy Halloween!!!

What is everyone dressing up as this year?

You want to know my theory on Halloween costumes? Probably not, but I'm going to share it with you anyway since this is my blog, and I can pretty much post whatever the heck I feel like. Muahaha. (Was that over the top?)

Well, here it is: My grand theory of Halloween costumes... are you ready for this?

Whatever it is you're wearing, it should not require shaving to do so. There it is. I mean, it's October, people. Things like legs and armpits should seriously be covered by now, unless, of course, you have a palm tree in your front yard. In which case, I am officially jealous of you for the next 8 months.

That being said, I went to a Halloween party the other night and had to shave before donning my costume. Hypocrite, I know! Oh, well. I let the hubs pick out my costume this year, so Pirate Maiden it is. Remind me not to do that again LOL.

When I choose my own costumes, I like to get a little more creative... and warmer! Check out this costume I put together last year. Can you guess who I'm supposed to be???

(Awful picture, but it's the only one I could find. I must love you guys a lot to share that thing with you)

Yikes!

Seriously, though, I love costumes. All costumes. Big, small, elaborate, not-so-much, it doesn't really matter. It's fun to get dressed up, and pretend to be something other than what we are. I spend much of my time in a world of make believe as a writer, and it's a blast to see lots of other people joining me there, even if only for one day a year. So, share with me. Post a comment, and let me know what it is you're pretending to be today!!! Oh yeah, and keep warm. I don't want you all to wake up sick tomorrow! :)

Healer's Destiny Media Blast and Massive Giveaway!!!

Welcome one and all to the Healer’s Destiny Media Blast! A blog tour and fantastic giveaway to celebrate this amazing new novel by the talented Julee F. Page. 

Below you can enter to win not only a $50 Amazon gift card just in time for the holidays, but also a copy of Healer’s Destiny, as well as lots of other great prizes from authors and bloggers (including a copy of Temptation). In total, there are 8 prizes to give away. That means 8 WINNERS!!!!



But first, I would like to introduce you to Julee F. Page!
Here's a little Q & A to get to know her better:

Q: Favorite color?  

A: Purple (surprise! haha).

That's my favorite color too! Unless we're talking clothes... then it's brown :)

Q: Do you have any pets?

A: A black lab/chow (chab chab) named Sam and a black house cat named Zee.They have actually grown to really care about each other and it is so sweet! My oldest son also has a frog that we raised from a tadpole (named Frog) and a gold fish to keep him company (named Fish). Isn't my little guy so original! My husband and I also had rats when we were first married (Prince and Scruffy), they are really smart and fun. Unfortunately they only lived about 2 years. We had to take down our cool tropical fish tank when we first moved into our current home because the excessive amount of sunlight it received kept the algae thriving too well and nothing we did helped for very long. 

Wow! And, I thought we had a lot of pets haha. I LOVE the names Frog and Fish!!!

Q: Favorite hobbies?

A: Besides the obvious reading and writing I also love to sing and cook. I might not be the best at singing or cooking, but they sure make me smile! 

That's great! I like to sing too ... quietly, alone, where NO ONE can hear me. Cooking ... not so much.

Q: Where is your favorite vacation spot?

A: I haven't been very many places, but a place I have always loved since I was a little girl is the west coast. Especially the beautiful scenery between Longbeach, WA and Tillamook, OR. There are a thousand places to camp or rent along there and I recommend anywhere closest to the water!

I haven't been many places either, but I've always wanted to see the west coast!

Q: What is your greatest ambition?

A: If I could ever become a full time writer I would feel so blessed! However, I am currently an RN and I absolutely love my work. I am blessed with a great career in a great company and may decide to some day further my education and get my Master's. Who knows, I may even decide to keep going and become a Nurse Practitioner! 

Good for you, busy lady! :)

Q: What is your favorite book?

A: The first response that comes to mind is, "I could no sooner choose a favorite star in the heavens!" -Drew Barrymore as Danielle in Ever After

That's is so true! It's impossible to choose just one.

Q: What inspired you to write Healer's Destiny?

A: I have been writing silly things ever since I was little and I love to let my imagination run away to where ever it pleases. Healer's Destiny started taking form right after the birth of my first son. As explained in "Sweet Baby Boy" I am in the habit of rocking my children to sleep. This habit probably formed because my first son was such a horrible and stubborn sleeper (or stay awaker). While I spent those long hours rocking him in the chair, trying to keep from getting frustrated, I would think about my fantasy worlds. Healer's Destiny was born! Every character was formed and every landscape took shape in that wonderful (and I swear ancient) rocking chair.   

Good thing he was such a stubborn sleeper then, otherwise we might never have gotten to read this wonderful book. :)

Congratulations on the book! And, thanks so much for taking the time to spend with us today!

More about Healer's Destiny:

A war is waged on humanity when the kingdom of Kavorin
realizes only male heirs are being born. The curse can only be broken by a young girl brought up in secret. Her heritage protects her from human magic, but in order to break the curse she must leave everything she holds dear and face the most powerful man in the kingdom.

The daughter of a gifted blacksmith and student to the great

magician Gethin, Eliana finds her world turned upside down as she leaves her home to fulfill her destiny. Trolls, heartless bandits, and dragons are only a few of the dangers Eliana will face on her journey. What she doesn’t expect to find is an angry god behind the chaos her world has been suffering from for so
many years. 


                                    

More about Julee F. Page:

Julee Page is an RN from SLC, UT. She lives with her husband and two beautiful sons. Reading has always been a passion of hers and writing
followed easily behind. While she loves all types of literature, Fantasy and Science Fiction are her favorites. She hopes her works will be enjoyed by many in the years to come.

  

Now on to what you've all been waiting for . . . the GIVEAWAY!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Now hop on over to these other blogs for even more chances to enter:

Healer's Destiny
Prose by Design
Sherry Gammon
Cindy C Bennett
Felicia Rogers
Maren Dille
The Last Selkie
Queendsheena
Forbidden Reviews
My Devotional Thoughts
Lucky Books
Not Me Did It
Reader Girls
Vamps and Stuff
 

What I do when I'm SUPPOSED to be editing . . .

Check Facebook
Paint my nails
Tweet
Bake brownies
Fold the laundry
UPDATE MY BLOG with random crap
Dust
Stare at the wall
Check Facebook again
Play Sudoku
Do the dishes
Stare at my computer screen
Vacuum
Make a to-do list of things I probably SHOULD be doing
Randomly browse Wikipedia
Check Facebook one more time
Wash the windows
Set fire to my hair

Hell, I'd even study a random Calculus textbook. ANYTHING is better than edits!!!

Can you guess what I've been doing ALLLLLLLL day???

At least the house is clean :)