Si, Se Puede--Yes, you can!

1. Been driving all over town getting stuff for son's upcoming Yosemite and Half Dome hike trip.  He's now 5'8!  And of course all the camping clothing stuff from last year's trip don't fit so I had to get more clothing, hiking boots, and other gear. This all equals $$$ He'll be going with his scout troop from church so he'll be taken care of. 2. Scoring some more.  Was put on a new project that is really ... HARD This is me after a hour of analyzing essays. 3. Just finished reading an amazing YA contemporary that deals with a girl in a cult.  I thought at first, yeah, another cult survivor story. Uh, WRONG. This is a raw, intense account of Minnow, a teen who was raised in a hidden cult  and the horrific trials she goes through by just questioning.  An insightful look into Minnow's journey from victim to survivor. Total must read! 4. Listening to TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD and totally loving.  Son needs to read in 9t...

1. Been busy scoring essays.  This is me after 4 hours of scoring essays: Looks like there's a couple more weeks of this project and after that, I'll finish that so-called 'quick' read of my latest project.  **Really need to get this done so I can make my Fall deadline of querying! 2. Speaking of projects, I've been featured over on my Lachesis publisher's site. Tuesday there's a Q&A post: http://lachesispublishing.com/?page_id=169 Wednesday I share some of my Top 5 Horror books: http://lachesispublishing.com/?p=5439 Thursday comment on your own favorite children/YA book! http://lachesispublishing.com/?p=5452 Comment and have a chance at winning a free e-book!  Better yet, let me know you commented on Friday's post and I'll send you some swag. And with all that I should be having some news to share on the writing front! 3. Doing some research for a possible romance set in the 1920s. This series was suggested: I...

1. First off, the last day of school was Wednesday.  Son is done with middle school and will be a freshman in high school this next school year. On how I feel about school being over: One more year of homeschooling and then going to transition son to public high school.  Hoping this will mean I will be able to write full-time again as it looks like I might have more on my plate! Speaking of: 2. I might have some more news to share next week!  Writing news.   3. Right now finishing up a quick read of my revision before doing yet another quicker round of edits on it and then I will be sending to critique buddy so I can get ready to query again! 4. Just finished reading THE EDGE OF FOREVER My YA Books Central review: http://www.yabookscentral.com/yafiction/18258-the-edge-of-forever Teaser:  Fast-paced time travel tale with twists and turns throughout and with a mystery that keeps readers turning the pages. 5. Agent...

1. Doing a quick read through on my project.  Making notes, comments throughout.  Hope to finish the read-through by next week.  Then put aside for a few, work  new feedback in and then let critique buddy read. This project has been going on and off since 2011.  Hope to finally get it into shape to start querying in the Fall. 2. Need to start work on a new project...soon.  Hopefully that will help me get excited on writing again.  I think the combo of end of the year drama, family issues, and other things have me stuck in a funk. Hoping to find that light at the end of the tunnel. 3. Right now reading DAUGHTER OF DEEP SILENCE: This book is filled with awesomeness.  Think REVENGE meets YA.  Totally loving! YA Books Central review coming real soon! 4.  Also reading RUN TO YOU. Really enjoying this paranormal romance! 5. Went and saw the remark of POLTERGEIST the other day with son....

1. Started week off by getting a haircut and all over color.  Loving the deep red color with hints of purple in it. 2. Still haven't got another birdy.  It's been hard.  Once a month I do go to Omar's Exotic Birds and take photos of the cockatiels.  Plan is to order one in July.  Need a new birdy friend. This little guy tried to sneak home with me.  Cockatiels, though a lot of work, are adorable and so smart. 3. Still scoring which at the end of the day has me feeling like doing this: 4. Right now reading CHARMED which is the sequel to HEXED.  I really enjoyed the first book and finding self swept up in the latest! Was able to get for $1.99 on my Kindle Fire!  What a deal! 5.  Also was able to attend son's musical glee performance last Saturday.  He had a big part as Charlie Brown.  Son NAILED the monotone and character.  Kuddos to Springs Charter School's theater teacher Ma...

1. It's been one of those weeks.  Call it the end of the year antics but the whole middle school drama I thought we'd avoided since we have son at a charter school?  Well, it caught up with us big time. Basically son said a not too nice comment to a girl. Girl got upset but didn't tell anyone until later. Son doesn't get why she's upset as he says the same thing to his guy friends and they do the same with him. **Doesn't excuse it but still... Mother calls school and is very upset. It just makes me want to throw my hands up in the air as I think this has been blown way out of proportion. I had son email an apology and told him not to talk to the girl in question.  Well, apparently that's being seen as not caring.  Can't win for losing. So when is school out again? 2. Then have to get son ready for the reenactment of the Mormon pioneer trek.  Got the paperwork on what he can wear and bring.  One thing it said: NO DENIM. O...

1. So testing is over but guess what I got? A FLIPPIN' COLD!  UGH. 2. So I've been reading... a lot!  Oh, and napping a lot too. 5 To 1 by Holly Bodger My YA Books Central review: http://www.yabookscentral.com/yafiction/17886-5-to-1 Teaser: Powerful insight into a community where an lofty goal of righting past injustices against women is manipulated into denying freedom and choices for all. A good book club candidate that is sure to fuel discussions on Utopian societies where roles have been exchanged with painful consequences. 3.  THE KIDNEY HYPOTHETICAL by Lisa Yee YA Books Central review:http://www.yabookscentral.com/yafiction/18071-the-kidney-hypothetical   Teaser:   Engaging hilarious tale of a teen who finds out that his so-called future might not be what he really wants. Only when he takes destiny into his own hands can he embrace his future. Add a fun assortment of other characters and you have a winning story! ...

Today, May 4th, is Audrey Hepburn's 86th birthday! Love this icon so much! In keeping with her birthday I thought I'd share a few books that have a little AH magic! 1.  This humorous tale is filled with a protagonist who, after wearing the very dress Audrey Hepburn worn in Breakfast at Tiffany's, is caught up in her own version of Charades by taking on the Holly Golightly persona while mingling with celebs and the rich. Lots of fun insights into Audrey Hepburn's life including a few facts I didn't know! Fun voice and characters though I felt the ending was a tad bit rushed. Still, a fun read to include in must read NA contemporary novels. 2. Totally loved this coffee table book filled with just Audrey Hepburn covers and articles dating back to her early days to the end. A must read for any AH fan! 3.  Hilariously YA tale where a hypothetical question sets readers off on one modern day twist of Roman Holiday. ...