Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Big News (In which I use GIFs for the first time)

I'm very (super, crazy) excited to announce that I've signed with literary agent Rachel Marks!

She enthusiastically requested the full for my YA contemporary, HELLO/GOODBYE, and a few days later sent me an email to set up a phone call.

I squealed and danced around with my kids like this:


Then tried to act very professional on the phone but inside I felt like this:


I had to email the other agents who had the full and wait (incredibly im)patiently. But finally I was able to let Rachel know, "Yes, yes, I want to sign with you!"


I couldn't be happier. I'm thrilled to be working with Rachel and it feels so good to 
know someone else loves my story, my characters, enough to want to sign me, 
and work with me get them out into the world. 

Those of you still in the querying trenches,
be patient.
Keep writing, keep working.
It will happen!
It's taken me years and many failed attempts to cross
this goal off my list.
Your time will come, too. :) 


Monday, March 23, 2015

Interview with Kevin A. Springer

Today I have Kevin A. Springer here, author of Extraordinary Sam and the Adventurer's Guild. We're going to jump right into the interview, then tell you more about his exciting sounding MG adventure!

Sam must face "deadly pirates, savage warriors, giant man-eating spiders, and a fire-wielding tyrant." Which one of these would be the scariest for  you? Would Sam agree?

Each of the four are dangerous and I would not want to meet any of them in a dark alley. For me, it would come down to who is most determined to put an end to me, and in this case that would be the fire-wielding tyrant, Cormac. This guy can produce fireballs from his hands and likes to throw them at those who stand in his way. All the others wouldn't stand a chance against this guy.

For Sam, it is most definitely the giant spiders. He freaks out when he sees a small one, so when faced with one as big as a minivan... you can imagine his reaction. I will just say for a second, he doesn't seem too extraordinary.

Growing up what one extraordinary power would you have wished to have?

Growing up on a farm, there were not many other kids to play with, so I relied on my imagination for entertainment. I pretended I had many powers, but if I had to pick one (leaving out being able to fly) it would be telekinesis. Being able to move objects with the mind just seemed too cool.

And, for fun, if you were lost at sea, what one book, one food, and one friend would you want with you?

Choosing one book would be the toughest of the three. To help me choose, I imagined being in that situation and know it would have to be funny or uplifting (don't want anything heavy to add to being lost at sea). Being a middle grade author, I have read a lot of books in that genre. So, since you are so mean that you have me choose only one, it would be The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom by Christopher Healy. It is such a fun adventure that is full of great humor.
 
(I love that one, too! Great book.)
One food... chocolate chip cookies. Done! It is sometimes the first thing I eat in the morning and the last thing I eat at night. I do enjoy a good steak or pizza, but I could easily replace those foods with something else. Cookies on the other hand... Now I want cookies!

Friend... I would want it to be my best friend, my wife. I have other friends that I enjoy hanging out with and joking around, but my wife is the one I can truly be myself with. She laughs at my corny jokes and is my greatest champion.
 
Aw, that's so sweet!
And now, here's more about Extraordinary Sam!


Extraordinary Sam and The Adventurers' Guild (Book 1)
 
“This box may seem empty,

But there’s more than meets the eye…”


Sam Miller seems like an ordinary 12-year-old boy, until he discovers a mysterious box.
Suddenly, he lands in a magical world in which he must battle deadly pirates,
savage warriors, giant man-eating spiders, and a fire-wielding tyrant.
To survive, Sam must overcome his fears, solve riddles, and most of all, be extraordinary.  
 
 
Kevin A. SpringerKevin A. Springer grew up on a farm in Maryland where his imagination knew no limits. As a husband and father, he reconnected with his creativity while telling bedtime stories to his two young boys.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
You can find Extraordinary Sam and the Adventurer's Guild on Goodreads, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

IWSG: March

Happy IWSG day! It's the first Wednesday of the month, which means all kinds of writers are getting together to share their insecurities and encourage each other on this wild ride of writing. Whether you're working towards publication, or have reached that goal and are now dealing with the pressures that arise from it, the Insecure Writers Support Group is welcome to all insecure writers. (And as far as I can tell that pretty much means all writers.)

Thank you to all the hosts, Alex J. Cavanaugh, Chemist Ken, Suzanne Sapseed, and Shannon Lawrence!

 
My insecurities lately? Oh geez, I'm in the middle of querying so I've had plenty. But I've gotten enough positive responses to keep me from losing my sanity. I just keep reminding myself that I love this story. I love these characters. So I'm basically forcing myself to stay positive. ;-)
 
Whatever happens I will continue to write, because:

Famous Author Quotes @ http://pinterest.com/iuniverse/iuniverse-famous-author-quotes/
 
Even on those days when I'm feeling the most frustrated, I know I'll continue because I have more stories to tell. More characters who continue to enter my brain and demand attention.
 
So, for everyone out there who's feeling frustrated or down hearted, remember:

 
25 Quotes That Will Inspire You To Be A Fearless Writer

Monday, March 2, 2015

Prove Me Wrong release day!!

Happy Book Birthday to Theresa Paolo! Her YA contemporary romance, Prove Me Wrong releases today! If you enjoy emotional YA, with plenty of
angst and problems to overcome, then you'll love this one!

 
A single secret changes everything.

With no college ambition—or desire to care—Luke Hannon’s ready to bail on school before senior year even begins. But when he spots the hot new girl reading an upside down map, he changes his mind.

Hailey Saldino desperately wants to start fresh at a school where she's free of the snide remarks and hurtful stares. A place where no one knows her past…or her son, Brady.

Luke wants a no strings attached, physical relationship, until Hailey becomes more than a cute girl in a skirt. Usually his bad boy reputation hooks the ladies but it won't be enough to land a girl like Hailey. Needing a lasting approach, Luke decides to be honest. No lies. No BS. As the connection between them deepens, Luke shares all his shameful secrets.

Afraid to lose one of the few people who’s ever looked at her as something other than a slut, Hailey buries herself in compounding lies. And when Hailey's purposeful deceit blindsides Luke, he must decide if he'll walk away, or accept Hailey and the little man she already loves.
 
 
 
You can find PROVE ME WRONG on Amazon,
and add it to your Goodreads TBR list here.