Si, Se Puede--Yes, you can!

There's been tons of great reads that came out this week. 1. Just finished reading THE UNNATURALISTS by Tiffany Trent Really loved this steampunk tale! YA Books Central review: http://www.yabookscentral.com/yafiction/13188-the-unnaturalists 2. Finished reading CURSED: I loved Jennifer Armentrout's Lux series and this one does have a voice I really enjoyed.  I gave it a 3 star rating because of the voice and the premise of a girl with a killer touch.  I think what was missing(This is just my opinion here. Remember this is all subjective) was the chemistry between her and the cute guy.  She's kidnapped and taken to a X men type of school where other 'gifted' teens live only most don't consider her gifted but rather cursed.  I really wanted more chemistry to happen but I just didn't feel it.  Still the voice is engaging and if you love paranormals like I do, you might give this story a try. 3. Went to Barnes and Noble...

Today I have a guest post here on my top 10 YA picks that deal with mental illness. http://www.teenlibrariantoolbox.com/2012/08/top-10-books-dealing-with-mental.html?m=1

1. Just got this in the mail: As you know I'm going through yet another round of revisions on my sekrit YA project while waiting for copy edits of NO GODDESSES ALLOWED.  It feels like this revising stage is never ending.  I was really excited to know Kate Messner has put together a book on revisions for educators to use with their students but writers can benefit for this book too. What I love about this book is the examples it shows throughout from other children/YA authors.  Kate Messner is not only talented but has been very encouraging, supportive to not only me but other writers out there.  A must add to any author/educator's library! 2. Just finished reading this: So happy I was able to grab a galley at ALA.  This is one of those books that makes you ponder. YA Books Central review: http://www.yabookscentral.com/yafiction/13111-origin 3. Reading this right now: Time travel novel that has heroine show up in 1500...

I'm really excited to start reading this book that sounds nothing less than amazing:

Sorry, no vlog today as I decided to have a make-up free day! First good news!  My colonoscopy came up clean!  This means I don't have to come back for another ten years. YAY! This week has been crazy with family drama on both sides.  I was reading the paper today and saw this ad from AARP on a caregiver silently screaming.  I realized this is us.  If you don't know, my mother-in-law 'decided' to move back to Southern Ca.  My 25 year old nephew is living with her and is a real saint. Let's just say this has been a very trying experience. I was happy to find this:  http://www.aarp.org/home-family/caregiving/?cmp=RDRCT-CRGNG_APR12_012 I'm finding out husband and I are a part of a growing trend: caregivers with aging parents.  I love this site as it has some links that hopefully will help. Now to books! 1. Loved, LOVED, this book: My YABC review: http://www.yabookscentral.com/yafiction/12993-the-curiosities-a-collection-of-stories ...

You all know I'm a huge TEEN WOLF fan.  I found this today and thought I'd share: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dD3nsdV0Gh8

The first chapter of CROSSED OUT is here!  If you haven't read my YA paranormal yet, here's a teaser for you! http://adcmagazine.com/Chapter%20Previews/2012/crossedoutchptpreview.html

Excuse the lack of makeup but was getting ready for the prep for my colonoscopy(which is disgusting). Plus, the t-shirt I'm wearing? It's from Kimberly R Pauley's YA book CAT GIRL'S DAY OFF. It's says: When the kitty litter hits the fan get out of the way. ***Update:  Doctor said I had a 'clean colon'.  No problems!  Yay! The only down side?  Besides the disgusting prep--and it's a total myth about losing 5 pounds.  I flippin' gained weight!--is I woke up as the one vein they had the IV in?  It collapsed.  7 tries later, they proceeded. Well, it could be worse.  I was just ecstatic I didn't have any issues.

Here's a teaser to the upcoming book ENTICE!         http://sites.sourcebooks.com/embrace-the-series/entice-videos.html Dangerously exciting, darkly romantic – the teaser trailer for the next book in Jessica Shirvington’s Embrace series is here! In Entice, the war between Exiles and Angels is on—and Violet Eden is wanted by both sides. Living a secret life as a warrior protecting innocent human lives isn’t easy. Knowing who to trust is key, but when Grigori reinforcements arrive, it becomes clear everyone is hiding something. Even her partner, Lincoln. And with Phoenix more dangerous than ever, Violet is truly on her own. Plus, join me for a fun meet-up with other Entice fans during the Entice Me Day 8-day celebration in September! Meet the book characters, bring your friends and come back for the big party on Sept. 15th where you’ll see the full book trailer, get sneak peeks and win prizes!         

Yes, that's my pet cockatiel in the background! **Guilty pleasure: Going to have pedi.  Always love those!

I left early on day two to make it in time for Marlene Perez and Nancy Holder's panel. I made it! SERIES-OUS STAMINA went over writing series and some hints on what worked for them. **Need to stay fresh.  Put your own unique twist on a series. ***Copy editor: Need to remember you are the director here with your story.  Copy editors might not get the whole 'story'.  For example with YA dialogue.  It might not be grammatically correct but that's your voice. Since I just got my copy editor assigned to me, this info helps me! Then I went to WORLD BUILDING MADE EASY This panel was a little sketchy I thought.  So I left and went to a class on PR for your book.  This one had some very interesting info on how to do press releases and how to get word out about your novel. **www.usnpl.com helpareporter.com Check these sites for news places to query. Also an example of how to start off a query to a local newspaper/site: A romantic story is about__...

I had tons of fun at RWA Nationals last week.  The first day I was there, I admit, I was overwhelmed with all the conference had to offer.  I didn't get lost getting to the hotel.  Whew.  I'm so direction challenged.  The cost of parking though was crazy: $24 a day!  Ouch. But when I went inside the Marriot and registered I received a really nice bag filled with BOOKS!  Two were YAs: EMBRACE and Meg Cabot's ABANDON.  Both I've read and both are amazing! Then I went to the first panel BEYOND THE HERO'S JOURNEY with the author of GRAVE MERCY: Robin LaFever! Loved this panel so much and ended up purchasing the one book they recommended: WOMEN THAT RUN WITH WOLVES on the woman's journey. **Robin went over archetypes: 1. Orphan--example, Dorothy of Wizard of Oz and Bella in Twilight 2. Martyr- **Everyone's needs before their own at a cost. 3. Wanderer-Chocolat, and EAT, PRAY, LOVE 4. Warrior-Buffy, Xena Another book I purchased was THE H...

1. Been reading THE DIVINERS by Libba Bray I was so excited to finally meet Libba at ALA last month!  Let me tell you this YA historical set in the Roaring 20s is amazing.  Plus, add a paranormal element with a killer.  Total must read! 2. THE DIVINERS book trailer link: http://shelf-life.ew.com/2012/07/27/libba-bray-diviners-trailer-exclusive/ 3.  Ok, and the big thing for this week is: It's close to where I live so I figured I may as well go! My schedule for today is something like this: Sign in and probably stand around in amazement and awe at all the romance writers mingling around in the Marriott. Avon book signing 11:00 am Beyond the Hero's Journey--**Robin LaFever, author of  GRAVE MERCY, my all time favorite YA book this year, is one of the presenters. Then I'm open for a couple hours. 2-3 From Homeroom to Last Bell 3-4 Good Things Come in Threes: Writing the YA trilogy I'm only staying till then.  I basic...

Yes, I'm excited about this week!  Can't you tell? And yes, those are my birds getting mad at the neighbor's gardeners or the wild bunnies.  Here's one of my birds:

Today I'm excited to host YA author Tiffany Truitt.     CHOSEN ONES is a compelling story of survival & forbidden love set in a dark future where genetically engineered beings are the salvation or fall of society. YA Books Central review:  http://www.yabookscentral.com/yafiction/12896-chosen-ones-lost-ones    First, I’d like to start off by saying how thrilled I am to be here at YA Central. This is such a rad site! Today, I want to get real serious with all of my writers out there about a problem that will plague you at some point in the process. You can’t escape it. You can’t run. It will hunt you down. And when it finds you, it will leave you crying for someone, anyone to make it go away. Yes, I am talking about WRITER’S BLOCK Last week, I turned in the first draft of the sequel to Chosen Ones entitled The Naturals . Much to my dismay, I turned in the draft a bit behind schedule. Now, I could waste your tim...

Early this morning I woke up to the terrible news about a 24 year old gunman going inside a movie theater during the midnight showing of BATMAN and firing on those who were inside.  At this time, 13 are confirmed dead.  One of the victims was a 3 month old baby. I was shocked and saddened.  Memories flash back to the day I received a phone call from one of my sisters telling me that our younger sister Colette had been murdered.  I went into shock then too. Later, I've heard some reactions to the tragedy in Colorado.  One that really hit me hard was how the producers and writers of Batman should be ashamed of themselves as the gunman reenacted the first 6 minutes of the movie. I told this person that we can't blame them.  They didn't put the gun in the gunman's hands or chose to do this horrific act.  I know that people want answers to what happened which also include saying the gunman was crazy or mentally ill.  I have to cringe with those s...

1. Finished reading:  This is a novel based on the MTV summer series TEEN WOLF. What I really love about this novel has to be Scott's best friend Stiles.  Unlike some of the ADHD stereotypes and 'labels' out there, Stiles is smart, loyal, and helps Scott in all the problems that comes from being a werewolf.   Kuddo to Nancy Holder! My YA Books Central review: http://www.yabookscentral.com/yafiction/12874-on-fire 2. Right now reading this: First off, love the voice.  Garsee gives a very real portrayal of a bipolar teen.  I know as I grew up with a bipolar father.  Add an urban legend and a ghost.  You know I'm hooked. YA Books Central Review coming soon! 3. Also reading this: I picked up this galley  at ALA from Lee and Low.  Let's just say I'm really enjoying these multicultural short stories.  It's so nice to read tales based in worlds with different cultures.  So far one of my favorite ones is ...

1. Well this has been a $$$ week.  Our water heater died.  You'd think, no problem.  Just go to Home Depot and buy another one, right? Wrong.  We found out our city requires a permit for any home improvement like water heaters.  We have to file a permit and have a safety inspector come out and make sure our water heater meets the safety code. Yes, seriously.  And yes, our $500 heater ended up costing over double that as the safety code is changed every 3 years and our heater lasted 14 years.  On the upside?  I now can have a warm shower. 2. I did read this: What can I say?  Denise nails down the conflict/struggles sisters have. Only in this one the so-called 'perfect' sister has a deadly secret.  What I love about this book is that secret is woven in at the beginning and also the emotions are right on the mark! YA Books Central review: http://www.yabookscentral.com/yafiction/12473-never-enough   3. Start...

Today is the book birthday of Denise Jaden's book NEVER ENOUGH. Here's the blurb: From the author of Losing Faith , a novel about two sisters and the eating disorder that threatens to destroy their family. Loann’s always wanted to be popular and pretty like her sister, Claire. So when Claire’s ex-boyfriend starts flirting with her, Loann is willing to do whatever it takes to feel special…even if that means betraying her sister. But as Loann slips inside Claire’s world, she discovers that everything is not as it seems. Claire’s quest for perfection is all-consuming, and comes at a dangerous price. And Loann is frightened she could lose the sister she’s always idolized. As Claire increasingly withdraws from friends and family, Loann struggles to understand her and make amends. Can she heal their relationship—and her sister—before it’s too late? And as an added treat Denise put together this video with YA authors, including me, on how as teens we struggled with t...

Love this trailer that Myra McEntire of the HOURGLASS series put together for her talk at UtopYA Conference this last weekend.  Yes, I'm one of the authors in it!  That's so cool to be included with these talented YA authors. So yes, YOU CAN DO IT!