My Hectic Life & A Giveaway

Hi. It's me. I'm still alive. It’s been such a busy few months, and we have entered THE craziest month of the year. Let see. Let’s recap some of the highlights shall we.

Besides all my usual crazy life stuff  and my full time job, I was able to find the time to go to a book signing… very exciting. I got to meet Cassandra Clare, yes THE Cassandra Clare. The genius behind The Mortal Instruments (the first in the series becoming a big motion picture in 2013, but I’m sure you already know that) and The Infernal Devices.

She was in Toronto visiting the sets of the film, and dropped by the Indigo bookstore for a scheduled book signing. It was a full house.

Cassandra Clare, Toronto 2012

I have to thank my hubby for accompanying me on the 5 hour drive to Toronto, and for waiting in line for another 5 hours with me. He’s a keeper!

As a BIG, and I mean HUGE, fan of NASCAR, I couldn't resist planting my butt on the couch and teeter on the edge of my seat to watch the last big race of the season. Homestead Miami. I did it hard core with subscriptions to driver scanners and the whole bit. Unfortunately, my guy had some unfortunate car issues and didn't get the cup this year, but hey... there is always next year, right?

www.jimmiejohnson.com

 Go Jimmie Go!

But the biggest killer was that, for the past three months, I've been taking a Savvy Authors editing/mentoring workshop given by Heather Howland, Senior Editor at Entangled Publishing. I learned so much and am working hard to incorporate all of that knowledge into my manuscript.

Now, we're in December… need I say more? 

Work Christmas parties, friend’s Christmas parties, Family Christmas parties, oh and should I mention Christmas? There is also New Year parties and…. You get the picture.

So, because I’m not your typical schedule blogger, I wanted to host a little giveaway just to show how much I appreciate those who stuck around for my little rants or random posts in 2012. You are the best! So how about a giveaway for the book of your choice… how does that sound?

For a maximum value of $15, you can pick any book you want at the Book Depository. Giveaway open internationally a long as the Book Depository ships to your address.

Good luck to everyone and I look forward to reading about your busy month.

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I've Been Tagged: The Next Big Thing Blog Hop

I have been tagged by my RT Con Pal Katherine Skye for this circulating blog hop. It’s an opportunity to discuss my latest project. Be sure to check out Katherine’s work in progress as well.

     What is the working title of your book? 

       Magnetic Shift

     Where did the idea come from for the book? 

       I’m a NASCAR junkie and they always tell us writers to write what we love. :)

     What genre does your book fall under? 

       Young Adult Paranormal Romance

     Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition? 

       Not sure, but I did write this story while hubby was deep into playing Resident Evil 6, the video game. So the hottie in my story closely resembles Leon Kennedy from those games… lol

     What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book? 

       A teenage girl adamant about keeping her magnetic ability a secret must embrace her emotions and her ability and risk exposing herself to save the boy she loves.

     Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?

       I will be seeking agent representation for traditional publishing.

     How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript? 

       Three weeks for the first bone dry draft… much longer to revise and edit though. Still working on it.

     What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

       Not sure…

     Who or What inspired you to write this book?

       My dreams, my need to write, my love of the sport and my hubby

     What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?

       It’s a paranormal set in the world of NASCAR with a yummy stock car driver. What more could a girl want? :)


Now for step two of the blog hop, it’s my turn to nominate 5 wonderful writers. But the ones I know have already participated. I’ve nominated 1 awesome writers and I’m leaving it open for anyone else to join in.

• Amalie Howard

Smart Chick Kick it Tour

I've been so busy lately, writing, revising and editing, that I've neglected to keep you up to date, but today I got the opportunity to attend the Smart Chick Kick it Event at the Chapters in Point-Claire, Quebec and I just had to share.

This event was organized by Kelley Armstrong & Melissa Mar and 2012 is their third (and final!) Smart Chicks Kick It tour. I missed it last year when they came to Ottawa, Ontario and I was glad to have had the chance to attend this year.

The authors were amazing, up beat, very entertaining and they were kind enough to sign books and take pictures with their fans and readers.

Kelley Armstrong & Myself

Me & Rosemary Clement-Moore

Me, Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Me, Melissa de la Cruz & Melissa Marr

I had an awesome time. Makes me anxious for the RT Convention next May. I love going to these type of events.

Now I must crawl back into my cave and get to work. Creativity doesn't take breaks. I know. I've asked.

Has anyone here ever attended any similar events? Books signing, launch party etc... let me know in the comments. I'd love to read about it.

Review: Obsidian

Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This one started off a little rushed and choppy, I think, but I persisted. Having read the hype about this book, I knew something was there. I'm happy I did. A quarter through this book, I could not put it down. I finished this it in one sitting, completely hooked. Let me tell you, it was a late night, but sooo worth it.

The story was compelling and such a great read. Looking forward to reading the next. Loved, loved, loved it.

A MUST read!!!

View all my reviews

Check out my new look

My new website's look that is.

It’s been many months in the works and with the help of my graphic junky friend, these were the final results. And I must say, I’m very pleased with how it all turned out.

To help me celebrate my new look launch, I’m going to host another giveaway.

This one is an advanced reader’s copy (ARC) of a debut novel by Susan Dennard titled SOMETHING STRANGE AND DEADLY, soon to be available from HarperCollins on July 24, 2012. It's a swashbuckling tale complete with gadgets, ghouls, romance, and rogues.

Eleanor Fitt has a lot to worry about. Her brother has gone missing, her family has fallen on hard times, and her mother is determined to marry her off to any rich young man who walks by. But this is nothing compared to what she’s just read in the newspaper—

The Dead are rising in Philadelphia.

And then, in a frightening attack, a zombie delivers a letter to Eleanor…from her brother.

Whoever is controlling the Dead army has taken her brother as well. If Eleanor is going to find him, she’ll have to venture into the lab of the notorious Spirit-Hunters, who protect the city from supernatural forces. But as Eleanor spends more time with the Spirit-Hunters, including their maddeningly stubborn yet handsome inventor, Daniel, the situation becomes dire. And now, not only is her reputation on the line, but her very life may hang in the balance.

Giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents. Contest closes June 22nd Midnight EST. Follow instructions for each entry below. Entries will be verified.

Good luck to you all and let me know what you think of the changes. a Rafflecopter giveaway