Christmas, Blog-O-Thon of Doom and My Book Cover

Is that not the most eclectic title ever? 

First, if you are curious as to what exactly a Blog-O-Thon of Doom is, read this post for a definition. 

As part of the Blog-O-Thon, I must write a short post with a Christmas theme. Last time I recounted some of my favorite holiday memories. This time I'm going to share with you some thoughts I have about giving at Christmastime.

I used to, misguidedly, feel superior over people who pay special attention to giving at Christmas. Who were these selfish people who only think of others one time of the year. How much better the world would be if everyone would share the wealth year-round. Yep, I was pretty judgmental. It's a character trait I try to beat into submission every day.

Now, my perceptions have changed. I still think the world would be amazing if everyone would be as thoughtful year round, but I also have come to appreciate the kindness the holiday season brings out in people.

You see, November and December are two of the more emotionally trying months at my job as a school social worker. Bad things happen to families, caused sometimes (often?) by their own bad choices, and the children are left to suffer through the aftermath of Dad ending up in jail, increased domestic violence because of the stress of the season, Mom gone to rehab, and kids not getting presents because they just don't have the money.

There is nothing in the world sadder than a sad, hurting child.

That's why I've come to really appreciate the giving of the season. People's hearts open and so do their pocketbooks. I am able to help make children's lives a little happier, and ease the worry of the parents who couldn't "do Christmas." I can give new coats to children and watch their faces light up with joy that such a beautiful, seventeen dollar coat is theirs, and it even has a matching hat and gloves.

My faith in humanity, which takes a beating the other ten months of the year, is renewed. I believe again that people do care about more than the bottom line and that there's hope for all of us. So thanks to all of you who give and care, whether it be just at Christmas or year round. Either way, your kindness is a little ray of hope in a sometimes struggling, dark world.

Now - lets stop being all depressed. 

Briane Pagel kindly allowed me to give away his book, Up So Down, to a random commenter, so I could participate in the Blog-O-Thon. 

Last month Kimberely Gabriel won a copy, and now you can be the next lucky winner! Just leave a comment to enter and I will announce the winner on Friday.


I don't have my own book to give away yet (which is why Briane let me give away one of his) but I do have my book cover now! Here it is!

Now I just need to get the inside finished and I'm ready to roll! I'm in the middle of final edits (a huge thank you to my feedback friends) and am still aiming for a release in February. Stay tuned for further information!

How are your writing projects going?

Are you ready for Christmas?

Funny Photo Friday

Between sick kids and lagging motivation, this week has not been terribly productive. Yes, it's true. I've been a writing slug. Come to think of it, I've kind of just been a slug, period. Nothing to do now except to get back to business, I suppose!

I didn't get a chance to try out the one-hour plot method, but as soon as I do I'll share how I thought it worked.

With three posts, next week is going to be a busy blogging week. Tuesday I will be posting for Briane Pagel's Blog-O-Thon of Doom and plan to share the cover for Finding Meara, too. I've been tagged twice for The Next Big Thing (by former Life List Club founder Marcia Richards and writing friend Cindy Keen Reynders) and will run that Wednesday. Finally, Friday will be funny photo day!

The winner of last week's photos was:

And now on to the new ones!

This goat reminds me of some actor, I just can't think of who. Anyone have any ideas?

And the moment you get close to the fence he goes all Cujo on you!

I didn't notice it's tongue is sticking out!
That makes it much more funny!

Do you think they know how to "smize", too?

I guess we know who is the better driver!

And finally, player dog tries again. 

The dog in the car won for me, hands down. I haven't laughed that hard at a photo in a while!  I hope you all have a fun, relaxing weekend!

Any photo make you laugh more than the others? 

Do you have any exciting weekend plans?

Fraction of Stone Cover Reveal

Today I'm so excited to be a part of the cover reveal for Kelley Lynn's soon to be published novel, Fraction of Stone. Kelley is a superb writer, fabulous critiquer and generally all-around nice person, so I am happy to share this big moment with her. I'll turn ye olde blog over to Kelley now so she can share her beautiful cover with you. Don't forget to check out the book trailer and sign up with Rafflecopter for the chance to win one of two ARCs of Fraction of Stone!

Wow. I can't believe the day is here! Time for the FRACTION OF STONE cover reveal.

Before we get into that, I just want to say thank you to everyone who has helped me get this far. All the fine people who are helping with this cover reveal, my CPs/Betas, family and friends. And of course, thank you to Sapphire Star Publishing for helping make my dream a reality. (And also letting me have a huge say in how this cover looks.) I am so, so excited and feel so blessed.

To thank you all, there is a drawing for 2 ARCs of FRACTION OF STONE which you can enter to win at the bottom of this post! You can enter until December 14th at which point the winners will be chosen.

Okay, now that, that has been said. Here we go!

Fraction of Stone by Kelley Lynn

Release Date: March 21st, 2013 by Sapphire Star Publishing

Genre: YA Fantasy

Book Description:

Wind tunnels, torrential rains and earthquakes tear apart Casden. The cause of the world’s imbalance is unknown, but the mounting occurrences suggest there’s little time before life ceases to exist.

Rydan Gale and Akara Nazreth are the only humans with the ability to wield magic. The tattoo on their necks and the discovery of an ancient book, dictate they are the key to the world’s survival.

But the greatest obstacle for saving mankind isn’t the bizarre creatures, extreme betrayals and magic-fearing men hunting them.

It’s that Akara doesn’t believe the world is worth saving. 

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16160501-fraction-of-stone

a Rafflecopter giveaway


About the Author:

Eventually the day came when the voices in Kelley Lynn’s head were more insistent then her engineering professor’s. So instead of turning to her Thermodynamics book, Kelley brought up a blank page on her computer screen and wrote. Somewhere along the way she became a Young Adult author.

Kelley was born and raised a Midwestern girl. She’s not afraid to sweat and fills her free time with softball, soccer and volleyball. (Though you probably don’t want her on your volleyball team.) She occasionally makes guest appearances as a female vocalist for area bands.

You can find Kelley hanging out at her blog, titled in her name, as well as the group blog she shares with her fellow critique partners, Falling for Fiction. Kelley is a member of the Society of Children’s Books Writers and Illustrators.

Kelley Lynn's Links: Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Thank you, Kelley, for sharing your gorgeous cover here. I'm so excited for your upcoming release and future success!