Ma, There's A Hurricane A'Comin!

Hey, guys! As many of you know, there's a tropical storm/hurricane out there. Unfortunately, hurricanes love our Louisiana culture, so it might come straight to where I am. I'm trying to schedule as many things as I can within the next few days so you're not completely deprived (while I am lol).

And if it seems like I've fallen off the face of the earth, I probably... did. lol Just cross your fingers that it's not too bad!

Quote of the Day:

The longest journey is the journey inward.
--Dag Hammarskjold

Authors in the Corner: Mini-View With Elizabeth Scott

Today, let's welcome author Elizabeth Scott.

How did you decide to become an author?

I was very lucky, and things just sort of fell into place for me---I started writing in 1999, but it was until the end of 2004, after years of prompting by (very) patient friends that I sent a few short stories out to various magazines. To my shock, they got published, and my friends urged me to do more. So I pulled together a query letter for my first young adult novel (Bloom), and, in early 2005, sent it off to an agent, figuring the agent would pass and I could say, "Look, I tried!" and go back to doing what I was doing, which was writing while I was at work. (What a model employee I was!!)

Anyway, long story short, to my continued shock and gratitude, I ended up signing with that agent, and sold my first few books.

I never thought I wanted to be a writer, but once I started, I loved it, and being an author--well, that's just been icing on the cake. I'm always aware of how lucky I got--and still am.

As a child, what did you want to grow up to be?

I never really had a clear picture of this, which is probably why I've had about six million different jobs. I actually went and asked my parents if they remembered me talking about what I wanted to be and I quote:

My dad: "I remember you wanted to read everything. You used to read my tool catalogs. And all our encyclopedias."
Me: "Thanks, Dad. Now I look like a huge loser."
My mom: "Hmmm. I don't remember anything, but let me check you baby book. Hold on....okay. Your baby book says at age four you liked reading, coloring, and building things with blocks. But I don't have anything about you saying what you wanted to be."
Me: "Oh."
Mom: "Maybe you'd better make up something."
Me: "Or confess that I seemed to have a stunning lack of ambition."
Dad: "Well, we did always have a hard time getting you to take out the trash."

Who or what’s your greatest influence?

Wow, no one's ever asked me this before! I feel like I should say my parents or list a bunch of writers or a teacher or something but I think my biggest influence is just people--the world--in general. Wondering why people think the things they do, why they do the things they do--that fascinates me. It always has.

Are you working on something right now?

I'm always working on something--but as for whether or not it will turn into anything--well, that's the thing, and it's what makes writing so much fun. (Though rather nerve-wracking at times!)

Have you ever refrained from writing about a certain topic for fear of how others would react to it?

No. One thing my parents always told me--and that I'm very grateful to them for--is that defining yourself by worrying about what other people will think is a bad idea. I mean, if you try to please everyone--which can never happen--what kind of life would you have, really? What would happen to the part of you that's uniquely you?

What’s your favorite author? Your favorite book?

I can't pick a favorite author or favorite book! I love too many of both to ever want to narrow it down to one.

Is there something that I didn’t ask that you wish I had?

Q: French fries with gravy--awesome or abomination?
A: Awesome.


Quote of the Day:

To be great is to be misunderstood.
-- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Sundays Are For Secrets...

PostSecret day!

Frank Warren, founder of PostSecret, encourages everyone to put their secrets on a 4x6 postcard and mail them to him. He picks a handful every Sunday and puts them up on his blog.

Quote of the Day:

It was your heart that saved you.
-- J. K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Authors in the Corner: Mini-View with Linda Joy Singleton

Special treat! Today we have with us Linda Joy Singleton.


Linda Joy Singleton is the author of over 30 books, including STRANGE ENCOUNTERS, THE SEER and soon-2-B-released DEAD GIRL trilogy with Flux Books. She has a supportive husband (who occasionally builds bookshelves) and two great young adults. She considers herself lucky to live in the country in Northern CA with an office that looks out on oaks, pines peacocks and horses. For book news, personal photos and a "True Piggy Tale," check out her website http://www.lindajoysingleton.com/ .

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How did you decide to become an author?

I've had a passion for writing since I was about 8 years old. I wrote for fun up until I was 17, filling notebooks as well as typing stories. I submitted short stories with my father's help when I was in high school and received some kind rejections from magazines. Then I got married too young, got a job and gave up my writing dreams for a decade, until I heard about a local writing conference. Going to that conference revived my dreams and I joined a writing group, later a critique group and within three years I'd sold my first book.

As a child, what did you want to grow up to be?

At first because of my love for animals, I wanted to be a vet. But about age 12, I realized needles and blood was involved, so I decided I could work in an office and be a secretary since I was a fast typist. While I wanted to be a writer, I didn't see how it could happen when I lived in California and publishers were in New York, plus I wasn't able to go to college. Fortunately, by attending writing conferences, writing obsessively and reading constantly, I learned enough to become published.


What’s your greatest influence?

When I was 13, I wrote a fan letter to Margaret Sutton, the author of the Judy Bolton mystery series. My parents had helped me find vintage girl mysteries in secondhand bookstores and I loved them so much I wanted to write my own mystery series. I was thrilled with Margaret Sutton wrote back and our letters continued over 30 years. I met her in person for the first time when she came to my high school graduation party. And years later she put me in touch with other Judy Bolton fans (http://www.judybolton.com/) and I was even able to co-write and self-publish a new Judy Bolton mystery (THE TALKING SNOWMAN) with Margaret before she died at age 98. (The original Judy Bolton series is being reprinted and already listed on Amazon...yay!).


Are you working on something right now?

I just finished writing the 2nd book in my new, DEAD GIRL trilogy: DEAD GIRL DANCING. This series is like Quantum Leap meets Touched by an Angel -- set in high school. It's serious, mysterious and humorous. The first book, DEAD GIRL WALKING, comes out in September; covers & excerpt available at http://www.lindajoysingleton.com/


Have you ever refrained from writing about a certain topic for fear of how others would react to it?

Not that I can think of. I write paranormal topics, which believers may consider true and non-believers will consider fiction. The viewpoints in my books come from my characters, not my own personal opinions.

Who’s your favorite author?

Too many favorite authors, but for vintage books my favorite remains Margaret Sutton. For newer books (as cliche as it may be) my favorite is J.K. Rowling. I think her books are truly magic.

Your favorite book?

Again, too many, but I'll list a few: City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau, Magyk by Angie Sage, Island of the Aunts by Ibbotson, Poison Study by Maria V. Synder and a new fantasy titled Savvy by Ingrid Law.

Is there something that I didn’t ask that you wish I had?

Well I can talk a little about writing, how it's so important to me but hard work, too. I write almost every day and show up at my computer the way a 8-5 employee shows at a normal job. I love writing about kids where everything is new, exciting and magical. People who read can't help but be more empathetic to others because reading offers a window into someone else's problems. I believe that books can make the world a better place. Words, emotions, ideas are powerful. Besides, it's just plain fun to read (g).

Thanks so much, Linda!



Quote of the Day:


It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live...
-- J. K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Sorceror's Stone

Authors in the Corner: Katie Davis

Today, we have a visit from author Katie Davis!

Katie Davis is the best-selling author-illustrator of seven picture books, including Who Hops? and Kindergarten Rocks!. The Curse of Addy McMahon is her first novel. She lives near New York City with her two kids, husband, and Mango, the cutest dog on the entire planet.

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I'm thrilled to have my first guest blogging experience at your blog, Megan. Thank you for having me!

A young woman emailed me recently after being frustrated in her attempts to create great characters for a story she was writing. Her complaint was that everyone in her book seemed like they were made up, and of course even though that was true she didn’t want it to be so obvious! She wanted to know what was she doing wrong? How could she make her characters come alive and seem as real as the characters in the books she was reading?

While writing my novel The Curse of Addy McMahon, I learned a ton about developing characters – my big problem were my secondary characters, though. In the early drafts, I just wasn’t paying as much attention to them. I’ll probably always write like that, but at least I know that I know how to develop them so that by the final draft they won’t be flat as the paper they inhabit.

So you understand what scenes and to whom I’m about to refer, here is a description from an interview I did with Cynthia Leitich Smith (http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2008/08/author-interview-katie-davis-on-curse.html):

The McMahon family lore revolves around a curse. It started when Addy's great granddad chopped down what was rumored to be a fairy lair back in Ireland. Addy blames this alleged curse for all the bad things that happen in her life, when maybe she should actually take responsibility for some of them.

Addy keeps her diary in graphic novel format, which she calls her "autobiogra-strip". Through them we learn that her best friend Jackie hates her…the curse caused that? Everyone saw a mean comic she did…was that because of the curse? And worst, her dad died a few years ago, and it looks like her mom’s friend Jonathan may actually be a new love interest. That’s just gotta be the curse…doesn’t it?

So now that you know a little of what the story is, I can continue…

My favorite experience writing this book was watching the characters develop beyond the two-dimensional paper I was writing on. They feel like real people to me now, but they didn’t always - they developed after I received criticism that one character or another wasn’t fully drawn.

One reader told me he couldn’t “see or hear” the character of Jonathan. I realized the reason was because I couldn’t…so how could anyone else? I decided to give myself a leg up, and went on a search for some kind of reference material, as I often do when I illustrate. I picked a TV character upon which to model Jonathan and whose look matched how I saw him – handsome and charming. (If you’re curious, the TV show was West Wing, and the character was “Josh”, played by Bradley Whitford.)

I saw him differently than Addy would though, so when I (as Addy) ended up drawing him for her autobiogra-strip, he ended up looking like a total dork because that’s how Addy’s sees him.

I learned the most about character development (and, frankly, plot development as well), after my editor made a comment that now seems very funny to me. The book starts right before the Christmas break. The next scene was New Year’s Eve. I had completely skipped over the actual holiday! My editor told me that Addy didn’t have to celebrate it, but it seemed odd not to mention it at all.

That one little comment, scribbled in the margin of my manuscript, opened what ended up being many threads that I was able to weave throughout the story and which enabled me to bring it to a whole different – deeper - level.

For one thing, it became a vehicle for Addy’s best friend, Jackie. Addy has a Christmas gift for Jackie in the beginning which Jackie tries to open early because “She has to know absolutely everything,” Addy explains, revealing an important characteristic of Jackie’s that gives weight to a later scene (can’t tell you what it is though – it’s a spoiler!).

Another thing that was added after “The Christmas Comment” is a scene that takes place on Christmas day. Addy goes downstairs and sits alone in the pre-dawn darkness. Because of their fight, she and Jackie do not share their traditional opening of their stockings and trading candy canes for chocolate before everyone else is awake. I love that scene because it poignantly illustrates Addy’s pain at being estranged from Jackie.
I wouldn’t have thought to put that in if I hadn’t gotten the one line of critique from my editor!

Remember there are many ways to develop characters. Try to imagine their likes and dislikes, their quirks and personal habits – they’re all clues into a personality. Think of the various habits and attitudes of people you know and ascribe them to one of your characters. Whether it’s social tics, a certain way they hold a pencil, or how they always greet their friends, every well-rounded character needs something (actually, a lot of somethings!) to make them real and lure them off the paper and into a reader’s life.

Thanks so much, Katie!

Quote of the Day:

A phrase began to beat in my ears with a sort of heady excitement: 'There are only the pursued, the pursuing, the busy, and the tired.'
-- F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

Reviewer Profile

Yes ma'am! Steph over at Reviewer X interviewed me! (now, it was SUPPOSED to be posted on my birthday, but things happen... so we'll all forgive her, yes? :]] )

Click here to learn (more) randomness about me!

Corner Reviews: Rumors

Rumors
Anna Godbersen

We all remembered what happened to Elizabeth Holland, and the tragic events that led to her disappearance. But the town has put that behind them for the most part. Many matchmakers are now beginning to worry whether or not the catch of the ton, Elizabeth’s fiancé, Henry Schoonmaker, will be out of mourning for the Season.

And now that Elizabeth’s gone, the family troubles fall on her sister, Diana. She has no problem with this—especially since she’s got her eye on a certain someone. But would it be too improper?

Word has circled around that Elizabeth’s engagement ring has appeared. Could she still be alive? What does that mean for her family? Or… for her “friends”?

Whoever said that sequels don’t measure up to the first books obviously haven’t read Rumors yet. After awaiting somewhat impatiently for this book to come out, I devoured it with extremely high expectations. And I wasn’t disappointed! It was like I read The Luxe and Rumors back to back. There was no break in the story to distract me. Look for the next book in The Luxe series, Envy, coming soon.


Quote of the Day:

The things we know best are the things we haven't been taught.
-- Marquis de Vauvenargues

Woo! Birthday!

Today's my birthday! Woo!

I just wanted to thank everyone who wished me a happy birthday today.

Oh... want to learn more about me? Check out my interview over at Bookluver-Carol's Reviews.

Quote of the Day:


I'm seventeen and I'm crazy. My uncle says the two always go together. When people ask your age, he said, always say seventeen and insane.
-- Ray Bradbury (Fahrenheit 451)

Review: The Year of Disappearances

The Year of Disappearances
Susan Hubbard

Thirteen year old Ari Montero is unique on both sides of the equation: she’s half human and half vampire. That doesn’t stop her from trying to find her place on both sides. While she lives with her mother, she makes a few friends. She thinks things are going good for once. But then her new best friend is murdered.

Scared, her mother enrolls her into college in another state. She meets some more interesting people. But one by one, they all start disappearing. Her family forms problems bigger than she could imagine.

But where does she fit into this equation? With factions pulling at her from every side, she’s bound to be confused.

The Year of Disappearances was definitely a unique book. I’ve been starting to get wary of new “vampire” novels that are coming out (because, face it—it’s a growing trend, and not all of the new novels are the best). However, I was impressed with this novel. It had a unique story line that I hadn’t encountered.





Quote of the Day:


I never seen nobody move the way she did
Well she did and she does and she'll do it again.
-- Jack Johnson, "Bubble Toes"

Authors in the Corner: Jennifer Ziegler

Today we have a guest blog from author Jennifer Ziegler (How NOT to be Popular). You can find out more about her at her website.

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Ever since my second novel, How NOT to be Popular, came out this past January, I get asked a lot about popularity.

"Were you popular in high school?" they'll ask. My answers usually range from "no" to "maybe a little" to "I don't know."

I guess I'm never sure how to reply because I'm not clear on what they mean by "popular." Do they mean well-liked? If so, then yeah. I guess. I didn't have any mortal enemies and I did manage to get elected to class office a couple of times. Or do they mean crown-on-your-head popular? Everyone-knows-your-face popular? Salivated-over-by-every-male-student popular? If so, the answer is loud and clear "no way!"

"What are you trying to tell us with your book?" I'll sometimes get asked. "What point does it make?"

That's also tough to respond to. See … when I write a novel, I don't try to impart some grand message or lesson. First of all, I really don't have great wisdom on any subject – I'm still figuring things out for myself. And secondly, I hate it when novels do that. As a reader, I want to be caught up in a story, not preached to. With How NOT to be Popular, as with all my writing, I'm simply exploring things. I'll ask questions that the reader can maybe think about and try to answer on his/her own, but I'm not going to tell them what to think.

So here are some of the themes my book investigates – without drawing conclusions:

What makes someone popular or not popular? Is it something you are born with or a learned skill? Can someone who is not popular look and behave in a way that will bring them popularity? Inversely, can people who are naturally charismatic somehow turn it off and make themselves unappealing?

How are popular people different from not-as-popular people? Are they bolder? Cooler? Better looking? Are they all special trendsetters? Or perhaps one or two trendsetters surrounded by a group of followers?

Is it good to be popular? Does popularity make things easier for a person … or tougher? Should everyone try to be popular? Or are there times when it's just not worth it?

I'd like to know what YOU think. How do you feel about popularity? What are your thoughts and experiences?

Maybe we can find some answers together.

Thanks so much, Jennifer!

Quote of the Day:

It's as common as something that nobody knows

Her beauty will follow wherever she goes.

-- Jack Johnson, "Bubble Toes"

I've Been Tagged!

I've been tagged by Dominique over at The Book Vault. I'm glad she tagged me, cause I was about to steal this meme anyways from someone else!

What was I doing 10 years ago?
Getting ready to go back to school! (Second grade, anyone?)

What are five things on my to-do list today?
(Does it count if I've already done one?)
1) Go to dentist (this is the one I've already done... bleh. Found out I have to get my wisdom teeth pulled)
2) Finish reading summer reading book (Big one on this list... school starts in two days.)
3) Email interview questions.
4) Clean room.
5) Finish packing

Snacks I enjoy:
Fruit
Rice cakes (Not lying-- I hate most of them, but I like the caramel ones)
Queso dip (c'mon... who doesn't?)
Frozen yogurt

Places I've lived:
Massachusetts
Louisiana

Things I would do if I were a billionaire:
Give to charity
Pay for my college tuition (even though it's paid... just in case)
Pay for my best friends' college tuition
Buy a (nicer) car (and by nicer, I mean one that currently runs)
Buy a house
Books! Books! Books!

I'm supposed to tag people, but I think everyone's already done this one. But if you haven't, consider yourself tagged!


Quote of the Day:

In a real dark night of the soul it is always three o'clock in the morning, day after day.
-- F. Scott Fitzgerald

Sunday! Woo!

In case you don't know why I get excited for Sundays, I'll explain...

Sunday is PostSecret day! Woo!

PostSecret is a blog run by a man named Frank Warren. We are encouraged to send him our own secrets on a 4x6 postcard. He picks some every week and posts them on this blog.

Quote of the Day:

Can't you see that it's just raining?

There ain't no need to go outside.

-- Jack Johnson "Banana Pancakes"

Yay! Busybody Meme

I was tagged by Reviewer X. But unlike her, I never get tagged for memes, so I'm excited!



WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR TODAY?

That would be... work. Work at 2 PM (central) and off at 7. Not so bad. Probably hang out with the boyfriend. Drop hints on what I want for my birthday. That type of thing :]

WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?

Let's see... I haven't eaten anything yet today, so last night... strawberry frozen yogurt

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?

A few days ago... apparently I had fractured my arm about a week ago and no one would believe me about the agonizing pain. So they finally took me to the hospital and bam... fractured arm (and painkillers!)

DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?

It's unique. I've heard alot of people like it -- does that count?

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?

Like.. sandwiches? Turkey, I guess. Random.

DO YOU HAVE KIDS?

uh... no. I don't think I'll have any for quite a while.

DO YOU USE SARCASM?

3/4 of the words that spew from my mouth are sarcasm.

DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?

Yes ma'am.

WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?

Not al all. Heights and I don't mix. Especially when I'm being "safe" with a cord.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?

Fruity Pebbles or Capt. Crunch. My faves :]

WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?

I have two, but I'll name one. I don't let anyone get close to me.

WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?

uhm... blue shorts and no shoes.

IF YOU WHERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?

What kind of question is that? I see where our children's minds are corrupted.

Green. My favorite color :]

FAVORITE SMELLS?

Vanilla. Rain. My boyfriend's cologne. :]

WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?

Boyfriend. Yay.

SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?

Happy endings for movies. I can't watch scary movies. For books, I just want what would seem right for the particular book.

LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?

The Dark Knight

WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?

uh... one of the ones I need to read on my list. I haven't started a new one yet. (I feel like I'm always between books when people ask me this question)

WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?

an ocean looking thingy?

WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT?

Law and Order SVU, Psych, House.

FAVORITE SOUND?

Rain falling. Specific ringtone. Boyfriend's voice.

ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?

Uh.. both.

WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?

I've pretty much been to every state in the continental US. That's about as far as I've been.

DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?

Possibly not. What do you think?

TAGGING!
The Page Flipper
And Another Book Read
The Story Siren


Quote of the Day:

Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested.
-- Sir Francis Bacon

Liv's BDAY contest!

Liv is holding a prettyyyyyyyy big contest.

Check her blog for more details.

You could win one of three prize packs!


Quote of the Day:

Their prison is only in their minds, yet they are in that prison, and are so afraid of being taken in that they cannot be taken out.
-- C. S. Lewis (The Last Battle)

So You've Seen the Review...

Yep, I've gotten Breaking Dawn out of my system. However, I don't think I'm going to post a review for it. After all of the negative reviews and criticism I had read, PLUS knowing what was going to happen, I expected that I wouldn't like it.

Well, I was wrong... sort of.

I did like it. But I didn't LOVE it like I did the other three books. In fact, I felt like it was completely written by someone else. I'm not saying that I didn't have major criticisms about the novel. I did. But I kind of liked it... like a 5 on a scale to 10... you know? Kind of in between.

So no review... but you're getting other reviews that I've been putting off... soo... fair deal? Excited that I'm back to posting reviews (and reading books!)

Put in your imput!!

Oh, and btw, not announcing contest now (prob tomorrow), but.....

Random (It's a personal one, so double extra entries if you can get it):

August 16, 1991

(Tell me why you think it's important to me by emailing me at darklaceoflight@aol.com with AUGUST 16, 1991 as the SUBJ line. If you forgot what this is about, click here.)

Oh, and PS -- You have until August 15th at midnight central time to email me :]

PostSecret Sunday

So if you haven't heard, the highlight of my Sundays is PostSecret. If you've never heard of it, PostSecret is a blog run by a guy named Frank Warren who encourages people to send their secrets to him on 4x6 postcards.

Quote of the Day:

Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers.

-- Charles W. Eliot

Review: Violet in Private

Violet in Private
Melissa Walker

Violet Greenfield’s back, but the question on everyone’s mind is “for how long”? Sure, she said she’s finished with modeling (except for that huge contract she landed) and going to college. And Violet’s worried that people will recognize her, or worse. . . that they won’t.

Of course, she really likes college and most of her classes. But when her ad comes out, she realizes that most people know who she is… and don’t like what she portrays in the ad. So Violet writes a piece for the campus newspaper. And it gets picked up by the Herald, she gets an offer that many would kill for: to be an intern at Teen Fashionista magazine.

But then, she’s Chloe’s responsibility. She has to deal with her when all she wants to do is be with Roger. Then, something happens that completely rearranges Violet and Roger’s friendship.

I’ve enjoyed all of Melissa Walker’s books in the Violet series. This one is no exception. When I picked up this book, it was like I hadn’t missed a single thing. The characters came back to me, and I was immediately absorbed into their story.

However, I do have one small criticism. It wasn’t enough for me to dislike the story (remember that, because I liked it a lot), but I didn’t really like how Violet and Roger’s relationship played out. When it got to a certain point, I kind of wanted to throw the book against the wall. It wasn’t what I was expecting at all. Still, it was a great book, and you should all immediately rush out and buy it!


Quote of the Day:

And our dreams, they are made out of real things
Like a shoebox of photographs with sepia-toned loving.
-- Jack Johnson, "Better Together"


Expect another post later today or tomorrow.

Book Vault’s Birthday Contest Riddle

This is the next leg of The Book Vault’s birthday book riddle contest! For more information on the contest, go here: http://the-book-vault.blogspot.com/2008/08/birthday-contest.html
Each correct answer counts as an entry into the drawing on August 29th!

Riddle: She was #71 until she and her friends found a way to get her higher on the food chain. But the main character learns that the popular crowd might be full of more betrayals than glamour and true friends.
What book is this?

Know the answer? Send Dominique an email at bookvault@yahoo.com with:

“BDAY CONTEST” in the subject line

Please include:

Name:

The Riddle: She was #71 until she and her friends found a way to get her higher on the food chain. But the main character learns that the popular crowd might be full of more betrayals than glamour and true friends.
What book is this?

Answer: (full book title + author)

The name of the site where you found the riddle: From the Corner of Megan’s Mind

Your site’s URL: (if you have one)

Please send a separate email for each riddle you answer!

Good luck!!

Quote of the Day:

The trouble with fighting for human freedom is that one spends most of one's time defending scoundrels. For it is against scoundrels that oppressive laws are first aimed, and oppression must be stopped at the beginning if it is to be stopped at all.
-- H. L. Mencken

Authors in the Corner: Jessica Burkhart

Today's author feature spotlights Jessica Burkhart, an upcoming debut author. Her novel, Take the Reins (a Canterwood Crest Novel), will be released in January of 2009.

(I know I usually do the author feature on Wednesdays, but you'll see why I didn't tomorrow.)

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The awesome Megan was kind enough to offer to let me guest blog today! Woo hoo!

So, I wanted to talk a bit about what’s coming up on my Websites and blog. :) There are going to be lots of things going on that will gear up for the release of Take the Reins and future Canterwood Crest books.

The Blog

When the Canterwood Crest site goes live, my blog will have a brand-new look. It will be THE place for the latest Canterwood Crest news including giveaways, contests, vlogs and more. I’ll be taking my camera everywhere I go, so look for brand new Diary of a Debut Author videos and follow me as I count down the days till January 27.

JessicaBurkhart.com

The events calendar is going to fill up! I’ve got events scheduled from Florida to the mid-West starting early next year. I’ll be hitting Florida book fairs over the fall and you’ll find the complete list on my Website in September. If you’re hitting the Florida circuit, maybe I’ll see you around!

CanterwoodCrest.com

This is an ALL new Website coming in September that’s just for my Canterwood Crest series from Aladdin M!X. What will you find on the site? A quiz, downloads, never before seen photos of the Canterwood Crest models and much more. The site is being designed right now and OMG, it’s going to be great. You’ll find announcements on my blog and personal Website when the site goes live.

So, there are lots of ways to keep in touch and my journey as a soon-to-be debut author is just beginning!

If you’re a writer, what’s one thing YOU most look forward to when your first book is published? Share! :)

Thanks so much, Jessica!

Until her websites are up, you can visit and chat with Jessica at her blog, http://jessicaburkhart.blogspot.com/.

Quote of the Day:

To be amused by what you read -- that is the great spring of happy quotations.
-- C. E. Montague

Quote of the Day

Today starts the quote of the day... where I find and pick a quote and post it.

If you'd like to see a quote up here, email me at darklaceoflight@aol.com with your quote.

Quote of the Day:

The love of learning, the sequestered nooks,
And all the sweet serenity of books.
-- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow