Marriage Monday: 3 Small Ways To Make A BIG Difference In Your Marriage (guest post)

Why is it that the person we love, care about, and trust the most, can also hurt us or make us feel sad more than anyone else? The answer is simple. It is not so much what our spouse or partner does, it is our expectations and our hurt that the person that we trust to protect us and love us more than anyone else could ever do something that would make us feel bad.

I have discovered three very simple things that have made a world of difference in my own relationship, and have seen how it can help in others’ relationships as well. I do want to warn that while the concepts are very easy, the actual doing them can be very hard when emotions are running high. They become easier and easier with practice and result in more understanding and less hurt.

1. Ask For Your Needs To Be Met
2. Use “I” Statements
3. Be First To Say, “I’m Sorry”

My hope would be that we can all overcome that sense of pride that drives a wedge between us and our partners and just find the courage to ask for what we need, use I statements, and say I’m sorry and validate our partners; and I know that those three simple things make a world of difference in relationships.


**Please check out the full article here (3 Small Ways to Make a BIG Difference in Your Marriage by Haylee Heyn)**

This article is used with permission from Julie de Azevedo Hanks, owner of Wasatch Family Therapy.

Julie de Azevedo Hanks, MSW, LCSW is a licensed therapist specializing in relationship counseling and women’s emotional health. In addition to owning Wasatch Family Therapy, she is a wife and mother of 4. For more relationship resources visit www.wasatchfamilytherapy.com or www.juliehanks.com.

You can find my other Marriage Monday's here.

Author Interview with BRODI ASHTON (ARC giveaway!!!)

A couple of weeks ago Harper Collins (Balzer Bray) contacted me (squee!!) and offfered me an interview with the hilarious Brodi Ashton, author of the upcoming Everneath (released Jan 2012). Of course I did a little happy dance and promptly wrote the nice gentleman, Michael, and told him I'd be thrilled and honored. So dear friends you're in for a treat!

ABOUT EVERNEATH:
EVERNEATH is partially based on the Greek myth of Persephone: a 17-year-old who's been banished to the underworld escapes to her former earthly existence with her family and boyfriend. The catch is that she only has six months in the real world before being sent back to Hades, this time forever.

Add this one to your Goodreads | Shelfari

Preorder it now Amazon

ABOUT BRODI:
Lives in Utah with her husband and two young boys, who still have no idea why she's at the computer all the time.

She received a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Utah and a Master’s degree in International Relations from the London School of Economics.

She blogs several times a week and always manages to make me laugh out loud. I have often been heard referring to her blog as my morning comic strip.

Q&A

-What was your favorite part about the journey of writing Everneath?

I loved exploring a different voice in the narrator Nikki. If you read my blog, you know I don't take things very seriously and I like to laugh, usually at myself. But Nikki's story would not have been well-served by that voice. I had to stretch myself as a writer. I couldn't think, "What would I do in this situation?" I had to put myself in Nikki's shoes. It made her come alive for me.

-Is there a particular scene that you loved writing or just gave you that feeling like, 'yes, this is why I love writing!'? Can you reference it enough without spoiling it so that we can know when we read it later?

Yes, I can reference my favorite scene! It was the first scene I wrote, in Chapter 1, where a girl returns to school after she's been in this horrible place. The rumor mill is going full swing, but she still chooses to go back to her school, and face the people she left behind. The tension in that scene was what drew me to the story, and despite several rounds of revisions, very little has changed in that scene.

-What's been one or two fun things you've gotten to do since/because of signing on with a publisher?

I got to go to New York and have lunch with my agent and editor! The whole time, I nodded and pretended I was listening to the conversation, but really I was thinking, I'm having lunch with my agent and my editor. This is the life.

Okay, I may have said it out loud a few times too. I was all, "This is my agent. And my editor." and the waiter was all, "Umm... I asked what you wanted to drink."

-What was your favorite book you read in the last year?

Oh man, that's a tough one. How about WHERE SHE WENT, DIVERGENT, BACK WHEN YOU WERE EASIER TO LOVE... to name a few.

-You've got a pretty hilarious sense of humor. Have you always been funny? or To what do you credit it? (it's just how you grew up? your family? your friends? you found it during college)?

It was these strange "magic beans" I bought from a door to door salesman in 1997.
Okay, that's not very funny. People are going to read this, and be all, "Seriously? That's not funny. Say something funny, harpy! Make me laugh!"

-What would be better, eating lunch with Rafa or hitting the NYT bestsellers list? :)

Eating lunch with Rafa! And then getting a text that I hit the NYT list. Just kidding. I really can't think about stuff like that. It would make me crazy. So, definitely, lunch with Rafa. And perhaps some afternoon delight. Just kidding, Sam. I love you.

Thanks for the chat Brodi! I'm looking forward to this winter when I can get my hands on a copy of EVERNEATH!

EVERNEATH ARC GIVEAWAY!

Brodi has kindly offered up one of her coveted ARC's for Windy and I to giveaway so pay attention to the rules folks so you can make sure to enter.

Here's what to do in a nutshell:

**Get the part 1 tweet from me (below) and part 2 from windy and tweet it. Everything else is just extra pudding. :)

Mandatory entry:

Have a Twitter account? Good. No? Better get one, or else you're gonna miss a chance to win your very own Brodi Ashton-signed ARC of EVERNEATH! Here's all you've gotta do:

Take the first half of the "OFFICIAL Brodi-approved #everneathARC tweet" from below:

Part 1: "I can't wait to read @BrodiAshton's EVERNEATH in January, but"

Go get the second half of the "OFFICIAL Brodi-approved #everneathARC tweet" from Windy's blog.

Go ahead, I'll wait for you to collect both pieces.

Back? OK. Now, put them together and go TWEET IT!!

Easy-peasy right? Of course it is!

Extra entries:
Now, if you want some extra chances to win ... there's a few things you can do, and NO, you do NOT have to keep track of your points or come back to us with an email or anything like that. If you just do any of the following things, we'll take care of all that hard math, counting and adding and stuff for you!

+1 following either of our blogs (+2 if you follow both) - new and old followers, same number of points.
+1 commenting on either of our #everneathARC blog posts (+2 if you comment on both)
and the big one ...
once the cover is revealed and available on the PageTurners blog you can get
+5 for changing your Twitter avatar over to the EVERNEATH cover and leaving it up for the next week! (we'll be spot checking - no work necessary from you other than the switch over)

And don't think the ARC is all we've got up for grabs! If that's not enough for you, there's an awesome second prize as well containing oodles of EVERNEATH-y goodies! You won't be disappointed!

This contest is open to all US residents only (sorry international friends) through Thursday, June 30 and we'll be announcing the winners on our blogs Friday, July 1.


*For more EXCLUSIVE! (part 2) Q&A with Brodi check out Windy's blog.

*For the official cover launch stop by Page Turners blog (It's soooo pretty)!

Author Interview with Sheralyn Pratt

Ah this girl is SO awesome! Dear friends let me welcome the great Sheralyn Pratt. I first heard about her books from my friend Kristie who told me they were awesome and funny! Sure enough, I read them and was LAUGHING OUT LOUD so many times.

Sheralyn is just as fun in person as her characters are in her books. :) She kindly agreed to answer some of my questions so take a look and get to know this great gal!


• What was the best advice you got before you were published (or on your writing journey) ?

The best advice (which I rarely follow) was to wait two weeks before showing anyone anything you’ve written. Write it, let it marinate while go read other authors you love, come back, and re-read your work. If you still like it, then you can show it to someone else. Sound advice. I should follow it more often.

• If you could be one of your characters for a day who would you be and why?

As much as I love Rhea and as desperately as I need Kay’s tough love when it comes to what I put in my closet, I would have to hang out with a character no one’s met yet. Her name is Nev… and one day you will know why she’s at the top of my list. I’ll give you one reason for why I want to pick her brain, though: she’s been around for 1200 years.

• What’s been a fun perk of being published?

One perk has to be the instant street cred. Can’t lie about that. Also, being published can and does open doors. But one of the top perks has to be that I have one less “If only…” in my life. The flip side is the pressure of the business side of it all. That can be a kill joy if you let it.

• Looking forward to anything in the future? (signing events, new book coming out, conferences attending?)

I plan on this summer being fun—taking trips, doing out-of-state signings (if there’s an area you want me to visit, let me know), and working on three books, two fiction and one awesome nonfiction that I’m going to need help with from everyone within the sound of my voice. I’m making a little web page for it now, so stay tuned on that. I think it will be a hit!

• Any upcoming events I can tell my readers about?

Same as above. Things aren't concrete yet, but this summer is going to be a series of trips all over the country. Cities and dates coming soon, but it’s going to be great and I’ll be excited to meet people I’ve only known through the internet. It’ll be fun and productive—two words I like to combine as often as possible!

• Biggest/hardest change since being published? (in writing or life, etc.)

Probably the lifestyle change of sitting all the time. My body doesn't like it and I feel like I spend half the year with my siatic nerve pinched. The only way for me to fix it is to get out and exercise, and I haven't yet found the balance between my old ways and my new ways. Probably not the answer you were expecting, eh?

• What’s a good book you’ve read this year that you’d recommend to others?

I ALWAYS recommend Save the Cat to writers. Love that book! Research books I’ve been enjoying are the Tao Te Ching and the Apocrypha. In the fiction arena I like Kim Harrison’s Rachel Morgan series and Rick Riordan.

People always get to ask Q&A’s when they go to author events. What’s the best question you’ve been asked? (What was your answer?)

I know somebody asked something brilliant once. I remember it stumping me. But like most brilliant things, I have since forgotten the question. Sorry. Some help I am!

• If your load was lightened what is a guilty pleasure you would partake in?

Adrenaline. I’m not sure when exactly I grew up, but man, adulthood can be mundane. I’m up for a few thrills, for sure! Either that, or long-term camping. I’m always up for that, too

• If you had to rewrite a nursery rhyme which one would you choose/why/how would you make it your own/fun to read?

I can honestly say I have never, ever thought about this in my life. But the first one that comes to mind is “There was an old lady who lived in a shoe…” Great. Thanks! Now I’m going to dream about that tonight…

• Have you gotten to travel anywhere fun/different because of your book(s)?

So far I’ve been tame in my travels, but trust me, before long I’ll be hitting places like Thailand, South Africa, Germany, Egypt, Machu Picchu, Ireland, and anywhere else where either nature or man is displaying something that makes me feel absolutely small and insignificant. Can’t wait!

Thanks so much for answering all of my crazy questions Sheralyn! It's been a pleasure having you stop by to say hi!

*May is Utah Author Month

Marriage Monday: Where Ya Headed?

Where Ya Headed?

Shannan Blum Hardy, M.S.

"To live is to choose. But to choose well, you must know who you are and what you stand for, where you want to go and why you want to get there." Kofi Annan

Every successful business has what is known as a ‘business plan’. It’s the road map and structure of the business...where are you getting your financing from, what is your collateral, what is your inventory, what does your balance sheet of profits/losses look like, what are your projections for earnings, what improvements to the business do you plan on making, etc. Additionally, successful businesses are those which create and incorporate a mission statement into their daily business practices. I think we can learn something from these concepts and apply them to our marriages and families.

The part I love about Annan’s quote is “where you want to go and why you want to get there.” Basically, 1) Have your END in mind even while you BEGIN, and 2) Know your motivation. I LOVE this! So...what is your end game with regards to your marriage and then by extension, to your family? Do you know? If you’ve already written out a mission statement or motto for your family, then GREAT...and share it with us and how you use it. If not (like most of us!) try this exercise and see what develops:

Take an hour before bed tonight, grab a pen and a tablet of paper. Make two columns on the sheet of paper. On the left column just jot down words for what you want your marriage to be like, ie... “tender, funny, nurturing, uplifting, committed, spiritual, affectionate” etc. Whatever YOUR goals are. Then, in the right column, right down sentences explaining WHY you want those characteristics. “I want a tender relationship because I feel loved when I’m treated with tenderness,” or “I want humor in my marriage because I can feel like I’m lightening my husband’s load when I make him laugh”. After you complete this list...you’ll have your goals (left side) and your motivation (right side). Now, you can make them into a personal mission statement for your marriage. Or...you can do this exercise together and make it a joint venture...it might be interesting to see what the differences are between your personal ideas for your marriage and what the two of you come up with together.

At any rate...begin writing something...anything to start. Give it some time, come back to it after a few days and see if anything new strikes you. Once you get it written out...post it somewhere visible. Read it often...revise it if necessary...add to or modify it. Use it as a guide and you’ll have a much higher chance of achieving it!!

Thanks to my guest blogger today, Shannan Blum Hardy!

For your viewing pleasure check out some fun cartoons that Shannan found from http://www.cartoonstock.com/directory/m/mission_statements_gifts.asp. They're pretty funny but I just couldn't post them without permission so I thought it'd be fun to send you over that way to read a few if you're interested. :)

Shannan Blum Hardy received her Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Brigham Young University in 1992 and worked full-time as a drug and alcohol counselor before becoming a full-time stay-at-home mom to her children. She is currently divorced and living with her four children in Chino Hills, California. She has re-entered the workplace as a therapist working with children in the public school system and earning hours towards private licensure. Additionally, she is a co-author with her sister-in-law of "ManagerMom: Managing Your Home for Better Parenting" which you can view at www.managermom.net. She is passionate about parenting, relationships, learning new things, growing and enjoying every moment with delight!

You can find my other Marriage Monday's here.

*Image found with google images.

Author Interview with Annette Lyon

Remember that chocolate cook book I'm giving away this week? You have just a couple of days left to enter. But while we wait to find out the winner let me introduce you to my friend Annette Lyon.

I first met Annette when I signed up to take her two-month-long writing workshop with my pals Susan and Olivia where I learned some of the ins and outs of the writing and publishing world and got all sorts of great tips & tricks to writing and got a lot of encouragement and writing exercise ideas. I've also gotten to see her around at several of the events I've gone to as she's very active in the local author community.

She was kind enough to let me ask her a few questions to share with all of you. Enjoy!

•Q: What was the best advice you got before you were published (or on your writing journey)?

A: Join a critique group. Mine is fantastic, and I wouldn’t be anywhere without them.

• Q: If you could be one of your characters for a day, who would you be and why?
A: Hard one. I put my characters through the wringer, so I don’t know that I’d want to be in their shoes! If pressed, I’d probably say either Tabitha (Tower of Strength) or Bethany (Spires of Stone). They have a level of strength and spunk that I don’t. Tabitha is more like me as far as personality and temperament goes.

• Q: If you could meet one of your characters for lunch who would it be and what would you talk to them about?
A: Probably Abe (House on the Hill). His story in that book grew a ton from the first draft to the end as I learned more about his past. I have a feeling there’s more I don’t know about. He’s my readers’ favorite hero, hands down. I'm not sure why--maybe because he’s so complex?--but he's one of my favorites too.

• Q: What’s been a fun perk of being published?
A: One big perk I didn’t anticipate is the opportunity to meet new people and attend events that wouldn’t have been open to me before. I’ve had the chance to rub shoulders with some pretty amazing people.

Also, it may sound odd after almost a decade, but I still get a bit of a thrill at seeing books on the shelf at a store with my name on them.

• Q: Looking forward to anything in the future? (signing events, new book coming out, conferences attending?)

A: May 7th I find out if I won a Whitney award for my last novel, Band of Sisters. It’s currently a finalist for Best General Novel. At the LDStorymakers conference prior to the award gala, I’ll be teaching three classes, moderating a panel, and running a publisher-attendee event.
Edited to add: CONGRATS to Annette who won the Whitney award for Best General Novel!!

I’m working on several projects right now, although I have no solid release dates for them. I will likely have a fourth book available on the Kindle in the next couple of months. My first two books (out of print elsewhere) are already there, as is my grammar guide. This next one will be a middle-grade fantasy.

•Q: Any upcoming events I can tell my readers about?
A: June will be the 3rd annual Teen Writers Conference, which has been a ball to be part of. I’ll be teaching there as well—and I have teens of my own to bring along, so it’s a mom-kid day!

• Q: Biggest/hardest change since being published? (in writing or life, etc)
A: One of the hardest things is the realization that getting a book contract is not even almost the end of the road. It’s the beginning of an entirely new journey, and if you don’t work just as hard (or even harder—the clock is now ticking with releases and readers waiting), you’ll fall behind and lose what you worked so hard for.

• Q: What’s a good book you’ve read this year that you’d recommend to others?
A: The Book Thief, by Markus Zuzak, was so great. (And it was the first book I bought for my shiny new Kindle!) Beautiful writing, great story, fascinating technique.

I also got to read Variant, by Robison Wells, which is a great YA. It was a pre-press version, so everyone else has to wait until this fall. (A perk to being in a great critique group!)

• Q: If your load was lightened, what is a guilty pleasure you would partake in?
A: Nap. Hire a housekeeper and/or cook. Travel. Get pedicures.

• Q: If you had to rewrite a nursery rhyme which one would you choose/why/how would you make it your own/fun to read?
A: “Old Mother Hubbard” might be fun to novelize. WHY was her cupboard bare? She must have known food had been there—she wouldn’t have checked otherwise. So what happened to it?

Oh gosh those were some great answers! Thanks so much Annette for letting me ask you some questions. Be sure to stop by Annette's blog and if you haven't yet enter to win her cookbook here on my blog!

*May is Utah Author Month

Marriage Monday: Don't Get Stuck in a Rut

Date Night...Don’t Get Stuck in a Rut!!

by Shannan Hardy, M.S.

Sometimes the ruts, or routines of our lives, are good things! If I was a pioneer straggling across the country in the wagon trains, I would have been grateful for the clearly marked path of the wagon wheels that had trudged the way before me! I would load up the wagon, set my course, and be on my way! But getting STUCK in the rut is another thing altogether. Sometimes those grooves would run so deep, it would be almost impossible to change course with a correction, or even get off the trail for a break! Likewise with our Date Nights...

We all look forward to the reprieve of Date Night with great anticipation when we’re battling the often mind-numbing routine that comes along with the joys of parenthood. However, we often we get stuck in a rut with Date Night and suddenly it’s a bit lackluster or maybe even NOT really the enjoyable event it could be! So...if you find yourself going to the same old place for dinner and yet another generic movie for your regular Date Night...here’s a way to ‘get out of the rut!’

Try ADS...the Alphabet Dating System...Not as easy as ABC, but close! Start with A, and do something for date night that begins with A; eat Abalone, go to an Art exhibit, ride an Arabian horse! Who knows!! Be creative and come up with something fun to do! Move on to B; go play Basketball, Baseball, or Batting Cages...You get the idea!! Take turns picking the event and on some letters you will have to be VERY creative and maybe even stretch it a bit to fit the category. Really - the idea here is to do something different. And the only rule is...if your spouse chooses it, you gotta do it! So think carefully if you pick manicures, he may pick a WWF or Mixed Martial Arts event!!

Take some time to keep the Date Night fresh, fun, and enjoyable and it will serve it’s intended purpose...to keep you both connected, enjoying each other, learning new things and engaged in each other’s lives!

Enjoy!

A huge thanks to my guest blogger today, Shannan Blum Hardy.


Shannan Blum Hardy received her Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Brigham Young University in 1992 and worked full-time as a drug and alcohol counselor before becoming a full-time stay-at-home mom to her children. She is currently divorced and living with her four children in Chino Hills, California. She has re-entered the workplace as a therapist working with children in the public school system and earning hours towards private licensure. Additionally, she is a co-author with her sister-in-law of "ManagerMom: Managing Your Home for Better Parenting" which you can view at www.managermom.net. She is passionate about parenting, relationships, learning new things, growing and enjoying every moment with delight!

You can find my other Marriage Mondays here.

Lets Eat Cake (Winners Announced)

With almost 100 votes we had some pretty close races folks! I had so much fun hosting this cake contest! Thanks again to Camiba, Jessica L, Jana, Jessica G., and Tonya for sending in your amazing cakes!

You can see all the cake entries here.

If you were interested in participating check back next week when I announce my next cake contest (so you'll have time to prepare) that I'll be hosting in May!

But now on to the winners!

Just a reminder what was up for grabs.

Chocolate Never Faileth by Annette Lyon

Just Breathe by Susan Wiggs

Defensive Tactics by Steve Westover

Bumpy Landings by Donald Carey

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

The Sapphire Flute by Karen Hoover

Summer In Paris by Michele Ashman Bell

The Hourglass Door by Lisa Mangum

The Diamonds by Ted Michael

Airhead by Meg Cabot

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

Swoon at Your Own Risk by Sydney Salter

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

(Those titles that are bolded are SIGNED by the author.)

**A note to the winners. In the original post I said I'd give away a book to the winner and a small prize box to the runners up. I've decided to give you all your choice. So just email me (or leave a comment) with your choice of book or my 'favorite thing box' (I hope that made sense).

Here we go!

Are you ready?

Voted best overall was

Harry Potters The Monster Book of Monsters

created by Jessica G. from the blog Duck Duck Cow

Voted best in the book category was

Dr. Suess Green Eggs and Ham

created by Jana from the blog Hobbies Make Me Happy

Voted best in the 'other' category was

Yoshi

created by Jessica L.

Congratulations!

Sassy Guest

I'm guest posting over at Sassy Scoops today.

(I made it to Round 2 in Utah's Next Top Sassy contest!)

Hop over there and leave a comment! I'd sure appreciate it.

Ever heard of Sub Zero Ice Cream? I have a feeling you'll want to go read my review about it.

Author Interview with Bree Despain

Readers, let me invite you to get to know the fabulous Bree Despain.

I met Bree because of my cousin Brodi (they're in the same writing group). I started reading Bree's blog and the opportunity came up to be on her Street Team for The Dark Divine. I was selected and got to do all sorts of cool things like make a book trailer, wear my fun shirt around town, pass out bookmarks and stickers and attend her release party. It was all super fun.

Then I started going to more author events around town and we kept running into each other and eventually visiting more and hanging out a bit. Bree is hilarious. Seriously. Especially if she's trying to drink water. :) (That one is for you Bree, notice I didnt include any incriminating photographs, just like I promised.)

Oh and just FYI, Bree's currently giving away a pretty big prize over on her blog (promise to come back over here and finish reading and I'll tell you what it is ok?). Go on over and comment to be entered to win a Kindle!

So on with the interview.




1. What was the best advice you got before you were published (or on your writing journey) ?

The best advice I ever got was to be prepared for it to take about 10 years of serious writing before you'll get published. At first I found this discouraging, but about 7 years into my wanna-be-writing career, I embraced it. I started telling people I was 7 years into my my 10 year plan to get published. People really respected that, and didn't feel bad for not being published yet. Luckily, I sold my book at 9 years and I felt really good about beating my goal.

2. If you could meet one of your characters for lunch who would it be and what would you talk to them about?

I would love to take a ride on the back of Daniel's motorcycle and then have a picnic in a park while he told me everything he hopes will happen in TDD3.

3. What’s been a fun perk of being published?

All the fun people I've met so far. I'm an author-fan-girl at heart, so getting to meet other authors is a lot of fun. I've shared meals with greats like Holly Black, Melissa Marr, Ally Carter, Jenn Lynne Barnes, Margarette Stohl, Kami Garcia, Jay Asher and so many more awesome authors. Oh, and I danced to "The Love Shack" with M.T. Anderson.

4. Looking forward to anything in the future?

The paperback release of THE DARK DIVINE on November 23rd, and the release of THE LOST SAINT on December 28th. Also, TDD has been optioned for a movie, so I am really hoping something happens with that.

5. Any upcoming events I can tell my readers about?

We're having a big launch party on December 28th at the King's English Bookshop for THE LOST SAINT and everybody is invited. The event starts at 7pm, and I'll be speaking in the art gallery next-door to the bookstore, so there will be plenty of room for everyone.

6. I heard you say once you filled your living room with giant post it notes to help yourself brainstorm ideas for The Lost Saint, the sequel to The Dark Divine. Have you done anything crazy to help come up with ideas for your next books?

Well, I did the post-it note thing again, but not on as big of a scale. My Wonder Woman notebook is current brainstorming tool of choice.


7. How’s your new house coming along?

Totally great. Both floors are framed out and it has a roof. The best part about the new house is that I'll actually have an office to wallpaper with giant post-its instead of the living room.

8. What song is on your playlist right now for your current project?

"Orange Sky" by Alexi Murdoch

9. After TDD was published, be honest, did you go test driving vintage mustangs?

Not yet. I mostly just stare at them longingly when I see them on the side of the road. Sigh. Maybe someday.

10. I’ve been dieing to know, is your husband’s real name Brick?

No, actually. His first name is Owen, but he's never gone by that. He's always been called by his middle name: Bricklan. When I met him he went by Bricky, but now that he's older, he prefers Brick.

11. Your family gets pretty decked out for Halloween. It’s a big holiday in my house too. Is this collaboration by both you and your husband or does one of you like it more than the other?

Both hubby and I are big Halloween geeks. It comes from being drama geeks together. But hubs went to college on a drama scholarship and was required to take a costume design class, so he's the one in our house who knows how to sew. He hand-makes a lot of our costumes.

12. What’s a good book you’ve read this year that you’d recommend to others?

My fave book I've read this year was ONCE WAS LOST by Sara Zarr. I'm currently reading THE GHOST AND THE GOTH by Stacey Kade and I'm really enjoying it.

Thank you so much for the fabulous chat Bree! I sure appreciate it!

Add Bree Despain's books to your: Goodreads | Shelfari

Buy Bree Despain's books: The Kings English | The Book Depository

Amazon | Indie Bound

Win it!

In honor of my cameo (my name appearing in the book The Lost Saint!) I'll be giving away a signed copy of The Lost Saint (after it comes out). To enter leave a comment by December 10, 2010.

Author Interview with Sydney Salter

I'd like to introduce you all to my friend, author Sydney Salter. I'm thrilled she could stop by the blog today. I love hanging out over on her blog also (she's always having fun interviews, giveaways and vlog posts) so if you get a chance stop by there too and check it out!

I read Sydney's first book, My Big Nose And Other Natural Disasters (Harcourt/Graphia), which I adored and shortly after I met her at a book event where I first heard about her next book Jungle Crossing (Harcourt Children's Books). I asked Sydney to come to my book club with me as our feature author and we had a lot of fun playing a "who's who in high school" game, laughing about fungus toes and eating wedding cake (you'll have to read My Big Nose to understand). Her third book, Swoon At Your Own Risk (Harcourt/Graphia) had me at the title (and really it's an adorably fun book!).

So on with our questions then!

• What was the best advice you got before you were published (or on your writing journey)?

At my first SCBWI conference in New York, Linda Sue Park told us to read 100 books in our genre. Reading has taught me a lot about writing!

• If you could be one of your characters for a day who would you be and why?

I’d be Muluc from Jungle Crossing. I would LOVE to see how the ancient Mayans lived!

• If you could meet one of your characters for lunch who would it be and what would you talk to them about?

I’d love to dish with Jory (My Big Nose And Other Natural Disasters) about body image issues. It would be a little like hanging out with my seventeen-year-old self!

• What’s been a fun perk of being published?

Meeting readers!

• Looking forward to anything in the future?

I have a manuscript out on submission right now, so please cross your fingers, toes, do your favorite voodoo spell… I hope to hear good news soon!

• Any upcoming events I can tell my readers about?

Happily I have some quiet time between now & the end of January. I’ve been traveling a lot!

• Biggest/hardest change since being published? (in writing or life, etc)

Learning to balance writing time, publicity, and family challenged me! I got more than a little stressed after my first book hit the shelves last year—and everyone around me suffered. Now I make my family the number one priority. Everything else can wait!

• What’s a good book you’ve read this year that you’d recommend to others?

I recently finished You by Charles Benoit. It’s written in the 2nd person point-of-view. Wow! I couldn’t put it down—incredibly compelling story and so well-crafted.

• People always get to ask Q&A’s when they go to author events. What’s the best question you’ve been asked? (What was your answer?)

I can’t think of a truly stand-out question—but every time I have a book signing I’ve been asked about the location of the bathroom!

• If your load was lightened what is a guilty pleasure you would partake in?

Many more massages!

• Have you gotten to travel anywhere fun/different because of your book(s)?

I love to travel—anywhere, anytime! I’ve researched stories in Mexico and Alaska. And I’ve done author visits everywhere from Las Vegas to New York, Kansas City to Orlando.

• You create little bios on your characters in the front of your notebook. Pictures of what they’d look like or where they’d live. Do you do this before you start the story or as you’re realizing their character? Do you do this for all of your WIPs?

I create my writing notebooks before I begin writing the actual story. Blank pages terrify me, so I like having a synopsis to follow and a notebook full of research notes, character profiles, and pictures of everything. My notebooks are my security blankets while creating my WIP. All of my stories have their own notebooks

• I saw you participated in Operation Teen Drop, did you put any contact info in there so they could write back to you? Tell me a little about that. Are you going to do it again?

I didn’t leave contact information. I considered the book drop an anonymous gift. I frequently leave anonymous gifts—sometimes lucky pennies to be found later, treats in vending machines, or lately, silly band bracelets. It wasn’t a stretch to leave a book. I will definitely do it again!

• I love your vlog posts. What made you decide to start doing those?

I’m quite camera shy, actually. (It’s that Big Nose thing.) When I received a Flip video recorder as a gift, I figured it was an opportunity to work through some of my own fears about being on camera. I figured short videos might make my blog more interesting. Blogging didn’t come naturally to me, but now I’m really enjoying it.

• You collect stuffed animals (is that right? Or animal trinkets?) How did that start?

I think it’s more like it never stopped… I’ve always loved toys. Now I collect little trinkets to inspire me as I draft my WIP. And I’m always a sucker for something cute. The Community Relations Manager at my local B&N does amazing crochet work, so, you know, I had to have an owl of my own… I’m worse than my daughters!

• I’ve loved all your books! Jungle Crossing was your 2nd book and a middle grade, did you find it harder to write for that age groups since your other two are YA?

Jungle Crossing is the story that—finally—got me to sit down and write a novel. I love writing both middle-grade and YA, but I’ve had an easier time selling YA (it’s more marketable right now). I hope to continue to write in both genres. As much as I love teenagers, I hope to always have ten year olds in my life. Middle-graders are simply nice people.

Thank you so much for stopping by. It was a lot of fun to learn more about you.

Below I've included the book trailers for the books, they're a lot fun.

Don't you want to run out right now and pick up one of these books?

You could win!

Sydney has kindly offered to let the winner choose their favorite book and she'll send it to you! Just leave a comment on this post by Nov 26th and I'll draw a winner.

My Big Nose And Other Natural Disasters (book trailer):

Jungle Crossing (book trailer):

Swoon At Your Own Risk (book trailer):

Author Interview with Becca Wilhite

I'm totally honored to have Becca Wilhite on my blog today!

I first ran across Becca when I found her book at the bookstore. I read the synopsis and thought it was a sounded like a fun book. I wasn't disappointed. I loved the characters and the humor. Later I had the chance to sit in on a class Becca taught at the UVU Conference I blogged about earlier. It was there that I saw she had another book, and you know me, I had to buy it and get it signed so I could add it to my collection.

I asked Becca if I could spotlight her and her great books on my blog and she kindly agreed. I hope you enjoy her as much as I do!

• What was the best advice you got before you were published (or on your writing journey) ? The best advice I've been given on writing is to write. Writers write. Every day, if they have any sort of character whatsoever. Write while you're waiting for acceptance or rejection. Write in the fifteen unscheduled minutes you have. Write about what you love.

• If you could be one of your characters for a day who would you be and why? I think I'd like to be Betsy from Bright Blue Miracle. I've always wondered what it would feel like to live inside a beauty's head. What is she really afraid of? What are her insecurities? (And, you know, so people look twice.)

• If you could meet one of your characters for lunch who would it be and what would you talk to them about? I'd meet Sarah from My Ridiculous Romantic Obsessions. We'd eat something on white bread and I'd listen to her recount the voices in her head. We'd laugh a lot, and then we'd order ice cream. Lots of ice cream.

• What’s been a fun perk of being published? I get to teach at writer's conferences and visit classrooms to talk about writing. I love to teach (just not every day) and it is so fun for me to hang with writers and students.

• Looking forward to anything in the future? I'm looking forward to everything in the future. :) I have a manuscript out right now with a publisher, and we'll see if it turns into a Real Live Book.

• Any upcoming events I can tell my readers about? I'm teaching a class on truth and Fiction at the LDS Storymaker's conference in May. If you come, you will laugh. *Unless you have no sense of humor, in which case I make no guarantees. And also, I'm sorry for you.

• Biggest/hardest change since being published (in writing or life, etc)? Reality is a little tough. I thought that being published meant making a great deal of money. It doesn't. But that's okay. I love to write and that's the best part.

• What's a good book you've read this year that you'd recommend to others? "Matched" by Ally Condie, "Where the Mountain Meets the Moon" by Grace Lin, and "Paranormalcy" by Kiersten White.

• If your load was lightened what is a guilty pleasure you would partake in? My load is so light. I love to read. And watch movies. I think if I could, I'd go to see a musical every week. How bout it? Want to join me?

• I’ve heard you read stories aloud and it was so enjoyable. Have you ever thought about doing voice acting? I love reading aloud. It is one of my favorite things. I read to all my kids way after they learned to read by themselves. I think I just enjoy the sound of my own voice... :) I also love to act, although I've never done any voice-talent stuff, I do get on stage once in a while.

• In your book My Ridiculous Romantic Obsession, Sarah’s a total romantic. Did you pull any of her personality traits from yourself (current or past) ? Pretty much all of Sarah's insecurities are mine. Also the British voices in her head. But I'm not so much a romance-novel reader. (As if I'd tell you if I were!)

• Do you wear a certain pair of shoes when you write? Do you have a favorite? I write in socks. I love socks. Cotton ones. Or wool. But I do love shoes. Someday, I'll own loads of them. Loads.

• Do your kids think you are as funny as I do? Aw, shucks. My kids think I have the capacity for funny. They're actually pretty fond of me (which is really saying something when you consider that two of them are teenage girls). We do have a lot of fun at our house. Come on over. We eat dinner every night at six.

• I heard you were working on a different kind of novel than you’ve done in the past. Are you enjoying the process so far? I've actually finished a draft (and a half) of an early-chapter reader. It's a blast, but in a way, a shorter book is harder to write. All the words count. I can't just write a thousand junk words, thinking I can always cut them later. A thousand words is ten percent of the finished product. So the process is different. Also, I get to read lots of that kind of books, which is way fun. Franny K. Stein, anyone? Oh, the wit.

Thank you, Debbie, for having me visit on Cranberry Fries!

Add her books to your: Goodreads | Shelfari

Buy her books: The Kings English | The Book Depository

Amazon | Indie Bound

WIN IT!

I love to help spread the love of great books. Comment on this post (by Nov 19th) and I'll pick one lucky person to win their choice of Bright Blue Miracle or My Ridiculous Romantic Obsession.

Books (and Friends) in the Spotlight

I thought my little 30 some odd books were good. Let me introduce you to my friend Rum, who's currently up to 120 books this year. She's currently hosting a seriously awesome contest on her blog, Books in the Spotlight.

I asked her to write a little something to you guys:

Hi, my name is Rummanah, but most people call me Rum. I met Debbie aka Cranberry Fries/Sprtygal on the Twilight Lexicon and ever since then we've been online pals. I started my blog, "Books In the Spotlight" for two main reasons: One, I wanted to keep up with my reading where I can keep track of what I've read, what I thought about it, and more importantly discuss it with others. My reading goal for this year is to read 200 books. So far I'm on 120 so 80 more to go. Two, I work as a teacher-librarian in a high school setting and I'm constantly asked by parents and teachers on what books are appropriate for their kids/students, so I wanted to give them a place where they can find that info on my blog.

My blog has challenged me to go beyond my YA boundaries, which is why I also review contemporary Adult literature, children literature, and graphic novels/manga. It also challenges me to state why I don't like a particular book. I love my blog and am continually learning on how to make it better. I hope you all stop by and participate in my first giveaway!

Go check it out! Mockingjay and Clockwork Angel Giveaway

(If you haven't read these authors before, let me tell ya, they're both AMAZING!)