Friday, December 16, 2011

Life Is Just A Bowl Full Of...


Queries! Yep, you saw it right. Life is just a bowl full of queries! Lately, I finally began sending out queries for my first time. I've been taking it very seriously and checking, double checking, and even triple checking each one before my hand shakily clicks the send button along with my soul sending up a prayer that this agent sees/feels/hears my MC's voice and what I was trying to do and makes that magical offer. Then I obsessively check my email hoping for a response. (I think we all do this. At least, I hope so.)

So, today my little email notification was blue when I turned on my laptop. I had it set for my professional email, so my heart took up a new speedy pace as I clicked on it and sent up a little prayer. I've heard all kinds of stories from people who've had what they describe as nightmare rejections that tore them a part, (I'm hoping they were just being overly dramatic and it really wasn't that bad) along with stories of those who've had nice rejections that made them cry, but they moved on. That was the one I was hoping for. So, when I opened the message I found a very inspiring, nice, made me smile rejection staring back at me. The agent did one thing that my friends couldn't do with a no. She made me smile while rejecting me. Odd. I know. But that's when I realized something.

Life is just like querying. You go through life putting yourself out there, hoping to be accepted and when you're not, you're either crushed or uplifted by the rejection. I want to think this unnamed agent for being the uplifting part of my day. Don't let rejection push you down. Let it lift you up into being brighter than you were before. This agent, to me, is like a Christmas angel. Where they could've said something that could've made me cry, they said exactly what they thought while making me smile. So, smile when you're rejected. Know that even though you're being rejected by one person that another is right around the corner that may do the same thing or accept you for who you are. Don't be afraid to send out those queries in fear of rejection! For it's through rejection that we find the light that is acceptance! Find it in yourself and soon you'll find it in the eyes of someone else!

Happy reading, writing, Holidays and Merry Christmas everybody!!

Thursday, December 15, 2011

C.A. Marshall's Editing Advent 2011!

Okay, I've been meaning to blog about my wonderful friend, C.A. Marshall's Editing Advent and have failed totally until now! If you haven't noticed, I'm kinda a huge fan of Cass and her editing/writing. In fact, I recommend her all of the time to anybody looking for an amazing editor or cover artist.

Go check out her blog ASAP for a chance to win one of her awesome prizes!! I promise that you won't be sorry!! Happy reading/writing everybody!!

The Ascended by Tiffany King: A Review


I was one of the lucky few to get to read an ARC of one of my favorite authors Tiffany King's latest books, The Ascended (The Saving Angels Series book #3) (If you'd like to read my review of Meant To Be or Forgotten Souls, click the links and also check out Amazon for both amazing books!!)

The Ascended is the third and last book in the Saving Angels Series and picks up two months after the end of Forgotten Souls. We are left still with Krista's heartbreak over Mark's betrayal and her determination to find her lost link and save him from what he feared most.

Sam, Shawn, Lynn, and Robert along with Haniel and the other bands come together to aid Krista on her mission. Along the way, you learn of the changes Krista's abilities have taken since she and Mark were parted while seeing a new side to the handsomely stoic archangel, Haniel.

The Ascended took me everywhere that a fantasy adventure is supposed to. I felt Krista's sorrow along with her strength. I found myself dying to know what would happen next. So much so that I finished the entire book the same day I received it in less than five hours!

By the end of The Ascended, I was a ball of tears. Happy and sad all at once. Krista and Mark's ending along with Haniel's and the missing Links got to my heart and I had to re-read the entire book all over again just to get another cry!

I give this book an A+ because it had everything I was expecting it to have along with things I didn't consider at all!! I will recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who loves fantasy, adventure, and romance because Tiffany has it all right there for all to love! All in all, great job!!

Sunday, December 11, 2011

The Ascended Blog Hop: Interview with Haniel


Archangel Haniel has resided in the heavenly realm since the days Noah walked the earth. He stands at an imposing 7’1” tall with a body even Adonis would envy. His golden hair and ocean blue eyes have made him a heartthrob for every female that has been blessed with the opportunity to catch a glimpse of him. He posses the knowledge and wisdom fitting his centuries in existence, but still lacks an understanding of the human sense of humor. In his many lifetimes among human beings, he has loved only one woman. He can often be found meditating, enjoying the wondrous beauty of the heavenly realm.


So, when Tiffany allowed me to be a part of this amazing tour, she sent a list of things everyone could do. One in particular caught my eye and I prayed that would be mine! (Can you guess which one it was? hehe) Don't get me wrong, I'd love to have any of them, but this was the one that caught my eye! I warn you, this post will be fun and there will be points you think I'm crazy. But I think it makes it more enjoyable! So, here it is!

Before The Interview

The moment Tiffany told me that I was going to get to interview Haniel, I became excited and nervous. I mean, it's not everyday you get to interview an angel! Not to mention one that is as hot as Haniel! I mean, you see the picture!! *fans self*

I arrived at our agreed meeting spot early and waited patiently for him to arrive. Boy was I shocked to see him already setting there, waiting for me!! I walked over and sat down coolly and after a few silent minutes, the interview began.

The Interview

First off, I'd like to thank you for answering my questions, Haniel. I know you're very busy with things, so I'll get right down to the interview. 

1. So, What do you think about Tiffany King? Do you like her writing?
Tiffany King is a creative writer and a kind soul. She just needs to be reminded to stay on task and let the story follow the path it was meant for :o)

2. What's the other side like?
Words cannot describe the heavenly realm. The Light gave us everything earth could have been if only humans would have respected the gift they were given.

3. If you could be anybody or anything else, who or what would you be and why? 
My only desire is to be who I am. There was a time, that I would have traded my place in heaven in order to be a Protector. That desire died many earth cycles ago.

4. Have you had any steamy moments? ;)
Steamy moments? I am unsure of this question. I once had to step into the space The Dark One inhabits and yes the heat was quite steamy. Is that what you are meaning by your question?

5. How do you feel about being a sex symbol now that so many of us girls/women have fallen for you?
I am amazed that human women find my appearance so appealing on the earthly realm. I, myself feel that my form on the heavenly realm is much more appealing. It would seem they appreciate the body I have conjured up.

6. Do you think Mark's really with his dad or is he just tricking him? Why?
These things, I am unsure of. The Dark One has shrouded Victor and Mark well, making it hard for The Light to see through. 

7. Are you going to be a bigger part of The Ascended?
My role in The Ascended is strong. Krista requires my assistance a great deal in this junction of her life and I take my duties seriously. I will not let another Guide down when they need me the most.

8. Who's the love of your life and why?
Love is a human emotion that confuses me the most. I believe, I now have a better understanding of it but I feel uncomfortable sharing it, until I am sure.

9. I sense a little chemistry between you and Krista. What's really going on there?
Krista’s soul appeals to me and draws me to be with her but her soul is eclipsed by another. My job is simple; I must protect Krista and help her embrace the new role The Light has given her.

10. Can you give us a little peek into what's going to happen in The Ascended?
The Ascended is a non-stop journey. Tiffany leads us through one climatic event after another as Krista finally begins to understand who she truly is.

11. What do you want most?
I would like to spend my days in the heavenly realm watching over what I once let down. 

12. If you could make one wish and have it come true, what would it be?
It is sinful to wish for something The Light never intended for me to have.

13. Are you going to finally tell Jenna how you feel?
I am unsure of what you mean. I have not spoken to Jenna since she joined us in the heavenly realm.

14. Tell me a secret.
I once yearned for something that did not belong to me.
15. Is there anything you'd like to tell my readers or the world? Any advice or words of wisdom?
Always listen to what your soul has to say. The soul is the greatest gift The Light could ever give.

Thank you once again, Haniel. I really appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions.
Thank you for having me. Your questions were unusual and I am unsure where you got your information but it was still a pleasure to be here.

I thanked him again and reached down to put my things away. When I looked back up, he was gone. I now know that I will never be the same after being in the presence of someone such as Haniel. I want to thank him again for answering my questions, even though I'm sure he knew more than he claimed. Also, I want to thank Tiffany for setting this all up.

Thank you all for reading this interview. Be sure to comment for a chance to win!! Also, don't forget there's another hop tomorrow!! Happy reading & writing!!

Now for the good stuff the prizes:

1) Regular prizes: Every 3 days, I will pull the names of people that have left comments on the previous 3 blogs and will do a random drawing for an ebook of one of The Saving Angels books. Over the course of the 24 day blog hop 8 ebooks will be given out.

2) Grand Prizes: For every person that leaves a comment on one of the blogs they will be entered in to win a signed poster of one of my book covers. 3 posters in all will be given out (one of each of the book covers). I will also be giving away a signed set of all three books so you will have 4 different chances to win a grand prize. Extra entries will be given out for every blog you leave a comment on, so if you visit all 24 blogs you will have 24 entries into the grand prize drawing (eek). 

Saturday, December 10, 2011

The Twelve Days of Christmas Blogoversary Contest Winners!


We have winners!!

The judges and I had loads of fun hopping around the blogs and reading all of your entries. Sadly, a few didn't get theirs up in time, but I appreciate you signing up and trying anyway!! There were list made and we checked them twice. Then came the arguing. After hours of talking and laughing, we finally had an agreement!

And here are our winners!!

First place: Upon A Dream by: Brielle B.

Second place: A Funny Christmas (We kept calling it this, so that's why I named it that. Sorry!) by: Christy Lee

Third place: The Love Story (Another one we named. Sorry for naming your story!) by: Camille

Everyone did a wonderful job and made it almost impossible to choose! A few entries got stuck in widget hell, and for that I'm sorry. But we did check you out & you were judged (As our comment told you)!! Thank you all so much for entering!!

As for the winners: Email me with your choice of prizes in order of what you want most and so on. First place will get first choice just as second place will get second. If you don't have my email, DM me on twitter and I will give it to you!

Congrats to you all and Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!

Sunday, December 4, 2011

The Ascended Blog Hop


So, I promised in my last post for another post to come. Here it is!! I feel so special and lucky to be participating in the amazing author Tiffany King's blog hop. My part is especially one of my favorites!! Thank you, Tiff for letting me be a part of this wonderful tour!!

I want to let you all know that if you comment on my post or any of the posts in the tour, you will be registered for amazing prizes! Below you will get all the details. Now, I'll let Tiffany tell you herself about this awesome tour set around the third book in her wonderful book series The Saving Angels Series!!

The Ascended Blog Hop

The time has finally come for The Ascended Blog Hop. I am super excited that I was able to talk/coerce so many great blogs into being a part of my 24 days blog hop. 
Each blog will be doing different things to help keep things from being bland, since I don’t want to bore you (Hehehe).

Now for the good stuff the prizes:

1) Regular prizes (boring): Every 3 days, I will pull the names of people that have left comments on the previous 3 blogs and will do a random drawing for an ebook of one of The Saving Angels books. Over the course of the 24 day blog hop 8 ebooks will be given out.

2) Grand Prizes (woot woot): For every person that leaves a comment on one of the blogs they will be entered in to win a signed poster of one of my book covers. 3 posters in all will be given out (one of each of the book covers). I will also be giving away a signed set of all three books so you will have 4 different chances to win a grand prize. Extra entries will be given out for every blog you leave a comment on, so if you visit all 24 blogs you will have 24 entries into the grand prize drawing (eek). 

Easy peasy right?? I can’t wait to see you guys at the different stops. I’m curious to see what you think of some of the stuff I have in store. Listed below is links to all the blogs The Ascended Tour will hit:

December 4th Courtney Cole
December 5th M Leighton
December 7th Nichole Chase
December 8th Two Chicks on Books
December 9th The Autumn Review
December 10th Shelly Crane
December 11th ME!!! Stop by this blog on the 11th for an awesome interview!!
December 12th Jennifer Snyder
December 13th Devyn Dawson
December 14th Laura Elliot
December 15th Fiktshun
December 16th Bookish Babes
December 17th Tess Watson
December 18th Megan Duncan
December 19th Hey it's Fishy
December 20th Abbi Glines
December 21st C A Kunz
December 22nd Teenage Reader
December 24th Michelle Muto
December 25th Christmas Day
December 26th Amy Jones
December 27th Fisher Amelie
December 28th John Harden
December 29th Sean Hayden

Remember to stop back by here on the 11th for a very special interview with someone I think you all will love as much as I do! And don't forget that the hop starts TODAY!! So, hop around and get glimpses into The Ascended and so much more!! Happy reading & writing!!

Friday, December 2, 2011

NaNoWriMo Winner


So, I've been pretty busy lately. As I mentioned earlier, I've been away writing the month of November away. What did I get in the end for all of my blood, sweat, and tears? Well, besides the flu...a 50K word wip that needs much work to be shiny and query worthy. I'm not complaining. In fact, I'm very thankful for NaNo because it is the reason that I finally decided to work on the idea that I'd pushed back for so long. I found the excitement that I had forgotten about. I found the story again!!

I know this is a short post, but rest assure that there will be another one coming soon. I just wanted to let you know how NaNo went for me. (I won!) and also mention that I am finally about to query my first novel. I know that I'd mentioned before about querying it, but after talking with some very wise people, I held back to revise and edit and am now finally ready to send it out into the world. I will keep you all updated on what happens. *fingers crossed*

How did all of you do with NaNo? Are you querying or have you? Any exciting news to share? I'd love to hear from you all! And don't forget to sign up for my contest here while there's still time! Happy writing!!