Si, se puede! Yes we can

http://laurenbarnholdt.com/

Catching Fire ARC Giveaway!
June 30, 2009
It is TIME for the CATCHING FIRE contest!!!

I am giving away a signed ARC of CATCHING FIRE, the sequel to THE HUNGER GAMES. AND you will also get an audio sampler of the book as a SPECIAL BONUS.




I thought I was going to do something fancy, but in the end, decided to just keep it simple J

To enter, just link back to this post, and then comment and tell me where you did so. If you link in multiple places, you will get multiple entries, but please leave separate comments so that I can keep track.Also, for even MORE entries, follow me on twitter, because if you retweet when I say, you will be entered again. You can find me at www.twitter.com/laurenbarnholdt

Contest will run through Wednesday July 8th . Good luck!

http://enchantingreviews.com/09/ya_Contest

contest #1:

To celebrate the release of THE PSYCH MAJOR SYNDROME by Alicia Thompson, Alicia is
generously donating two galleys of her release AND the winners will also receive a
signed FINAL copy of the book when it is available:

The winners may write a review of the book that may be posted on Alicia's website.
to enter: send an email with your mailing address with the subject PSYCH MAJOR CONTEST
Contest closes July 14th, 2009

lisa.enchanting@gmail.com




In her debut novel, Psych Major Syndrome (Disney-Hyperion; ISBN: 978-1-4231-1457-4; $16.99; August 2009), Alicia Thompson introduces us to Leigh Nolan, a freshman at Stiles College majoring in psychology, much against the wishes of her very earthy-crunchy parents who would rather see her perfect the art of shamanic dance. Psychology seems perfectly suited to her personality. She is, after all, the go-to girl when any of her friends have a dilemma that needs clever and insightful solutions. The only problem is that she has a BIG blind spot when it comes to solving her own quandaries.

In her life, she analyzes everything to death, and then analyzes it again until none of it makes any sense. This problem is significantly intensified when it comes to her dealings with the opposite sex. She can’t figure out why Andrew, her boyfriend of over a year from high school, hasn’t invited her to spend the night with him to take their physical relationship to the next level She can’t figure out if she’s ready for this, but it sure bothers her that he hasn’t even tried. Then there is Nathan, her boyfriend’s roommate who treats her like she has the plague. Why is he creeping into her VERY private dreams all of the sudden?

Complicating her life even further are her uber-competitive classmates who seem to think getting a degree is a competitive sport, her Psychology professor who seems to have no business teaching the course, since she seems mentally imbalanced and in need of therapy herself, and a precocious teenage girl whom she’s supposed to be mentoring, yet who thinks Leigh is totally clueless.

Alicia Thompson’s breezy style brings humor to a hard, transitional time in life. Psych Major Syndrome is a coming-of-age story that everyone who ever went to college will identify with, and everyone who is planning their academic career will take comfort, in giggling and laughing with the turn of every page.





ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alicia Thompson graduated from the New College of Florida in 2006 with a degree in psychology, and wrote this debut novel in between pulling all-nighters on her senior thesis. Her short stories, “Abby Greene for President” and “Stealing Mark Twain,” have appeared in Girls’ Life magazine. She is currently working on an MFA in fiction writing at the University of South Florida, where she still pulls the occasional all-nighter.

Blue Plate Special by Michelle D. Kwasney

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
Three generations of girls, all tied together into one novel.



Madeline's the fat girl at school and has to deal with a drunk mother. No one pays any attention to her until that one day at McDonalds. Tad seems to like her regardless of her weight.



Desiree's mother is always nagging on her about how slutty she looks. Larry, her mother's boyfriend, seems to be the only one who 'gets' her until one day his interest goes too far.



Ariel's father is in prison and her mother works all the time. Her boyfriend Shane seems to be everything--hot, interesting, and making her feel special. Ariel's mother warns her about Shane.



Then one day all their lives come together with some unexpected results.



I really enjoyed this story. I especially loved how effortlessly the author wove the different POVs throughout the story. All these teens not only are related but learn to deal with the harshness life throws their ways. Heart touching and revealing, this tale's emotional punch will stay with the reader long after they finish reading the last page.



This is the first YA book from Chronicle Books. I can't wait to read more.


View all my reviews.

This week I'm volunteering to help at cub scout camp. This should be interesting. Hubby drove to the park after church so I wouldn't get lost.




I'm hoping I don't get too lost on the grounds. Made sure son took allergy meds a few nights to help with the whole pollen thing. Then I read last night that the site has fire ants. Holy crap!

Welcome to the outdoors and tons of boys aged eight to ten. If anything I'm going to see what I'll learn, meaning it might end up in a future novel.

Ok, now need to get ready. Taking #70 sunscreen this time. Just in case.

It's been a busy week and next week will be even busier as I'm volunteering to help at cub scout boy camp.

Ok, don't laugh too hard out there! I'm thinking this will be great material for future projects with some of the things I'll see like archery, making birdhouses, heat, bee stings, more heat, and other things eight-year-old boys do when at an all boy's camp.

Also I've been reflecting alot this past week. One thing I've decided is not to keep comparing myself to those who seem to be getting it all. mstiefvater did a whole blog on self-confidence and the writer. Someone recommended I read it. Did and agree. I especially agree with the part of being around those who are positive. I'm looking at my writing as a career and not just a 'hobby' like some people tell me. Little by little I hope to get to the point where I'll have more of a platform. I also decided, after I'm done with the sequel to CROSSED OUT, to just write SHATTERED, not as YA but more crossover/adult. I think this will be for the best and I won't be held back from the whole "this is too controversial and offensive to be in the YA section". Yes, I've been hearing that. So I will stay true to my character and vision.

In the meantime got a fab blurb from Joyce Sweeney for CROSSED OUT. Very excited!

Also just finished week one of REVISION HELL. Been using tips to go back over GODDESSES. Crossing my figures this one gets picked up. If anything I've grown to love Audrey Hepburn. Now she was one classy lady!

Today at church this one teen walked by me. She usually ruffles my son's hair after hugging him. Lately she's been dressing in classic dresses--ala a young Audrey Hepburn. Think Roman Holiday. Sabrina.

Then it hit me. OMG, she's my Jordan! In my book GODDESSES!

I ran over and told her mom, a friend of mine, this recent revelation, which tickled her pink. I told her about my new beginning I've been working on and friend said, "That is so my daughter."

Then I shared the whole romance thing too, which teen also is big into too.

Isn't it cool to see your character come to life?

Now all I need to do is add an ancient bracelet and an Egyptian goddess...

This is right from Megan's LJ post! I'm such a sucker for the paranormal and her upcoming book looks really good!


http://megancrewe.livejournal.com/230758.html

I am pleased to announce my first official author giveaway! What am I giving away? Well, naturally, first there is this:




One advance copy of GIVE UP THE GHOST, signed by yours truly.

And also, so my little book doesn’t get lonely, I’m including a couple other awesome ghost books to go along with it. Both are poignant and atmospheric and full of characters who’ll stick with you long after you’ve finished reading; one spooky and suspenseful, one sweet and romantic:




SHADOWED SUMMER by Saundra Mitchell, and I HEART YOU, YOU HAUNT ME by Lisa Schroeder

And on top of all that ghostly goodness, there will also be a little extra thrown in… A set of five ghost scents!

For this first giveaway, I’m making entering super-easy. All you have to do is comment on this post (WordPress or LiveJournal, either’s fine)! Please leave your e-mail address if you’re commenting anonymously. The giveaway is open to anyone in the world.

I’ll also give an extra entry to anyone who’s been kind enough to link to my website or one of my blogs in their site’s link list/blog roll/etc.–just mention it in your comment, and you’ll be entered twice.

The giveaway will be open for one week, until midnight EST on Friday June 12th. I’ll announce the winner Monday June 15th.

Good luck!

The 1st Annual
Complete Your Draft Contest!!

Contest is brought to you by Les Trois Graces in association with Tuesday Night Chatters.

Rules*:

1. Contest is open to any writer at any stage (first-timer, agented-but-not-yet-published, or published authors; also hobbyists, etc.) to encourage the completion of a first draft or writing project.
   
2. Contest is open internationally.
   
3. Contest officially begins June 1, 2009 and will end at 23:59 (your local time as time-stamped by your e-mail provider) June 30, 2009.
   
4. Contest requires a .txt document be sent to LTGcontests [at] gmail [dot] com for word count confirmation. Once counted, the document will be deleted. This will be done twice. Once when you sign up and again on June 30th.
   
5. To be included, please leave a comment on this post (let me know where you heard about it too). Everyone signed up on this post is in! Send your .txt document to the address above no more than 24 hours after commenting (or viewing this entry).
   
6. Those who sign up as novelists must write at least 25k new words, which is half of what NaNoWriMo requires in a month. Those that sign up as poets must write at least 1k new words. Please feel free to contact me, as this is open to discussion based on your project!

* By signing up, you agree to these rules. Rules may be subject to change at any time, but notice will be given 24 hours in advance. No monetary compensation is required for joining the contest.

Prizes**:

1. Prizes will be awarded no later than July 14, 2009 (Bastille Day!).
   
2. Prizes include†:
   
   • $10 iTunes gift card
     
   • $20 amazon.com gift card
     
   • One chapter critique by me on ANY project of winner's choosing
     
   • Custom designed web banner by the amazingly talented Tara Kelly (tlcadence on LJ)! (Please visit her website and check out her soon-to-be released book, Harmonic Feedback!
     
   • A signed copy of Linda Gerber's new-release Death by Denim
     
   • A signed copy of Charity Tahmaseb & Darcy Vance's new book, The Geek Girl's Guide to Cheerleading
     
   • A signed copy of Melissa Walker's, Lovestruck Summer
     
   • A signed copy of Something Maybe by Elizabeth Scott
     
   • A signed copy of Earrings of Ixtumea by Kim Baccelli (kbaccelli)
     
   • Your choice of a critique on your query, or a copy of The Dangerous Book for Demon Slayers, or this t-shirt from NYT best-selling author, Angie Fox
   
   
3. All winners will be entered into a random drawing for above prizes.
   
4. Contest winners will be announced no later than July 4, 2009.

** Contest organizer is not responsible for lost or misdirected mail. Prizes will be sent by e-mail or ground mail, depending on item. Neither signing up, nor completing a draft will guarantee that a prize will be awarded.
† Contest organizer is still waiting to hear about a couple other possible prizes. Please check back throughout the month for details!

Extras:

1. Points will be awarded for the following:
   
   • Spreading the word on your blog, discussion board, or website.
     
   • Getting a friend to sign up and successfully complete their draft.
     
   • Donating a prize.
   
   
2. Points can be traded in if word count is not met by June 30th.

Have fun! Write, write, write! Good luck. :D

I was kind of disappointed my pick for AI didn't win but I really think this might be a blessing in disguise.

I totally LOVED his performance last night, especially with KISS:



Last night's show was awesome. Another favorite performance was Santana. LOVE HIM! I mention Lupe and her mother dancing to Santana in my book EARRINGS. My son and I danced to this:



I really think we'll be hearing a lot more on Adam. He's so talented. I'm hoping we'll hear more on Allison too.

This is from fellow LJ member ravelda


Team Raving Pen now has 26 members. w00t! But our current rival, Team Babytoaster, has sent out a plea for more members, and is currently at 20 members. We mustn't let the glory of Team Raving Pen be lost! Join our team and share the spoils! We're letting everyone read the Shiver ARC and giving away 4 signed copies of Lament and an ARC of Eyes Like Stars for keeps!

UPDATE! The lovely Lisa Mantchev has offered to mail a theater prize package to whoever wins the ARC of Eyes Like Stars after joining Team Raving Pen!

Come on and join us! This is a fun contest and if we win, you'll get to read Maggie's upcoming book SHIVER which I heard is mega awesome!

HELP US HIT 50!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Maggie Stiefvater is having a contest here: A Better Way To Get a Shiver ARC

Winner gets:

- a signed ARC of SHIVER
- 4 signed copies of LAMENT
- and for each of the friends that you got to comment, a critique of the first 5 pages of any of their manuscripts.
And if any single person manages to get over 50 friends to comment, I'll make it 3 ARCs of SHIVER and 8 copies of LAMENT. (With your help we can do this! Just copy and paste this entire post into your blog and then go comment on Maggie's blog that you did it for Team Raving Pen!)

In Short the person who gets the most people to join there team by posting:
1. A picture of the Shiver Book Cover
2. A description of Shiver
3. A link to the pre-order page
4. Letting her know that they have posted and who they are posting for: HERE

Team Goading The Pen and Ravelda have formed an alliance. Here is what you get if you join our team Raving Pen!

Everybody on the new team is entered for a giveaway for an ARC of EYES LIKE STARS.
Everybody on the new team shares the ARC of SHIVER, determined by random number. (Starting with #1 the first person reads and then mails to the next person on the list and so on. Last person on the list will get to keep the ARC)
Everybody on the new team is entered to decide who gets one of 4 signed copies of Lament. (We are giving away all four.)

Copy and Paste this post and post on your blog. Then go here:
http://m-stiefvater.livejournal.com/105279.html
And let Maggie know you posted for Team Raving Pen!



For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf—her wolf—is a chilling presence she can’t seem to live without. Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human…until the cold makes him shift back again.

Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away. It’s her wolf. It has to be. But as winter nears, Sam must fight to stay human—or risk losing himself, and Grace forever.

Pre-Order Shiver Here:

http://www.amazon.com/Shiver-Maggie-Stiefvater/dp/0545123267/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1241744679&sr=1-2

Last night I broke down and finally watched BENJAMIN BUTTON with Brad Pitt. All I can say was that movie was really good. I didn't fall asleep at all! The story is unique and touching. I admit, I cried in places and especially at the end.

Today will go over comments/feedback from on-line critique buddies on my sequel. Also will try to get in at least 500 words today.

Just found out that they are doing construction work where Agent Day is suppose to be this weekend. I'm so direction challenged as it is. I hope I can find someone to carpool with or at least maybe practice going out there so I don't get lost. This is from someone who got lost to her own booksigning! I'm really bad. It's embarrassing.

Happy writing, everyone!

Yesterday I ended up mapping out more for my sequel. This story is going to be a tad bit darker than CROSSED OUT. I don't want to hold anything back. So I'm writing and trying to let the muse go. Also trying to use better verbs.

OMG, what's with poor Mexico? As you probably know one side of my family is from Mexico. First this swine flu and now I heard they had an earthquake. My prayers and thoughts go with those people. I have to admit, I've been starting to freak out a little bit about the swine flu thing. Told my son to make sure to wash his hands and to not get around kids that cough too much. One neighbor told me they are saying this flu is similar to the regular flu but if you have a child who gets a sudden high temperture that won't go down with meds and/or turns blue and has breathing problems, CALL YOUR DOCTOR.

I also got two rejections today. One kind of made me smile--in a lopsided way. She said I had some strong writing but she had to pass. The other was a form, 'sorry, not for us.' Sigh. So what's my best solution for this? Yep, I researched and sent off queries to two more agents.

Then when I was starting to leave to go to Costco I noticed a huge white package on my porch. Yes, more books! Ok, this is a sure fast way to make my frowny face turn into a smile. So thanks publicist at Penguin books!

Now off to do some writing. I've decided to go right into the action. A good example of a sequel book that doesn't get stuck in that revisiting the previous books mode is the sequel to DEVOURING.

OMG. This book is so good! I finished it in one day! I loved what Simon Holt did--not revisiting the previous book too much, not that much internal voice, and going right for the suspense and action. That's what I want to do with my own sequel.

Ok, everyone have a great Monday.

1. Need to write @ least 1000 words today. Yesterday my one sister called with the latest drama. So glad I don't live close. Sigh.

2. Visit an elderly friend. See if she's doing ok.

3. Read more SAY THE WORD. I'm really enjoying this story. These characters stay with you long after you stop reading which is a sign of a great novel.

4. Also Lisa wanted me to ask if any of you authors out there have ebooks to review, let us know. Enchanting Reviews will review ebooks. Also you can set up a guest blog. Here's the link www.enchantingreviews.com Or you can PM me and I can give you Lisa's info on scheduling.

5. I'm also really excited about this--Jen @ Teensreadtoo will be working on my book trailer for CROSSED OUT. Need to get info and other stuff to her by early next week. I really think book trailers help with your novel.

**Guilty pleasure will be tomorrow. Haircut/color. I'm thinking maybe more red? I love to be pampered. Who doesn't? Also it's nice to get away if only for a few hours. This week son's been a challenge. I guess we all go through those days. Well, at least he didn't put the ketcup on the toilet seats at school. I'm sure I would have gotten a call if he did.

Just got back from a crowded movie theater of tweens & teens. I decided to go and see 17 Again. For research purposes only!

Seriously, it looked kind of good and I needed to get out of the house for a few.




The good:

The movie was a cute yet predicable tale of a middle aged man who wished he could go back to a time when he still had a future. This happened to be when he was 17, waiting to play his most important basketball game yet. Then his girlfriend tells him some not so good news. (I couldn't help but wonder how this would have played out in HSM--girlfriend gets pregnant, he has a major decision whether to stay with her or go on with his life. I know, so not Disney)


Zac is cute as always and not that bad of an actor. Though I have to admit the whole cougar thing made me a little uncomfortable.

The not so good:

I saw tons of tweens in the theater who I know LOVE Zac. Warning there is language and also Zac comments on certain male parts. I'm not sure I'd be comfortable having my young tween see it. The high school scenes felt over the top. And the whole condom thing was, well, interesting though not believable.

But hey, if you're looking for a fun movie, this is it.

1. Help at son's school with Art master's project. Not sure who the featured artist is for this time around but I do know the kids love doing the art projects. This program, which I love and was trained in when I taught for TUSD, is one that might not be here next year because of the whole fiscal nightmare in Ca.

2. Finish reading DEAD IS SO LAST YEAR.



Marlene Perez is one of my favorite local YA writers. She's also a real sweetie and has been so encouraging to me with my own writing. This third book has the town of Nightshade seeing double. It seems Doppelgangers are on the loose and they have a mega sweet tooth. Once again Perez's writing is hilarious. I love Daisy and her sisters. Can't wait for the next two books in this series!

3. Start reading CITY OF GLASS




Can't wait to see what happens next!

4. Oh, I'm also reading SAY THE WORD. I'm reviewing it for Enchanting Reviews. By the way, the author is going to be in a chat tonight at 8:30 EST. http://www.chatzy.com/771411376233


5. Try to buy tickets to see 17 Again



**Guilty treat. I ended up getting a mocha decaf soy latte this morning. Somehow this makes everything seem ok.

***Also following Twitter today as agents Colleen Lindsay and others are answering questions and sharing what not to do when querying. I'm Ixtumea on Twitter.

Yes, I did a lot of writing today! But I also got a .pdf file of SAY THE WORD to review. So I clicked on it after I did some writing and oh my gosh, I'm hooked. The premise has really got me thinking. I won't say anything more but wow.




Also found out brother is coming by sometime today(don't you just love it when family says that?) and of course my house looks like World War 3 hit. But son helped clean up--somewhat--and now it looks ok.

Tomorrow plan on doing more writing. Working on the first act of my sequel. There's a secret mother/daughter society with something that goes terribly wrong.

1000 words on my sequel!

Yahoo!!!

So far 2,000 words.

Ok, most of it's probably crap but at least I'm writing. Who ever knew that writing horror/paranormal could be this much fun!

Will Carter, alias Carter, is fourteen years old and really wants to fit in his freshman year of high school. But he has some slight disadvantages which include his stuttering which happens around girls, he can't seem to focus( blame it on the ADD), he's so not good talking to girls, and he's not ready for the whole high school scene.

What follows is one string of hilarious events. But in the end it's even Carter who surprises himself.






This book kept me in stitches! One scene, the first date at the movie, was so hilarious, my son wanted to know what was so funny. The voice is so genuine and true. I especially loved the attics of Carter. The Mountain Dew idea was classic. But mostly I feel this audience will relate with the honesty of a teen just trying to find himself. A must read!

After yesterday's excitement, decided to go to mall and pick up Clinique yellow powder for redness which actually works for my rosacea. Plus, got a fun free gift package and I got to chose the lipstick this time.

Was able to browse in Borders and found a number of LJ friends books out. EVERMORE by Alyson Noel and a number of others.

Lunch at Ruby's with son. I'm so addicted to the diet cherry Coke fountain drinks. My bad.

Also stopped at Omar's to get yet more birdy food and order a stand for Jenny's cage. I then turned around and son was covered with baby sun Conures! Very fun. He enjoys being around birds.

**Just got this from writer friend.




OMG, is this not true?

Later tonight and tomorrow plan to get away. This is Spring break after all! For sure next week will be back plotting and outlining sequel to CROSSED OUT plus sending out some requested partials.