MOSAIC Writing Cave #Break!

Hey, reader-friends!

The good news, which I know you'll be glad to hear, is I'm in the writing cave working hard to finish Mosaic for June!

The bad news is I'm going to have to put the blog on a mini-break in the meantime until I finish.

I'll update with the cover reveal as soon as I have it, but in the meantime, all my writing energy is focused on getting this last book in the series out.

I know you understand, and trust me, I see your emails, Facebook posts, tweets, etc., asking me to hurry up--LOL!

I will say, since it's the last book in the series, I really want it to be "right." Also, I'm really loving grown up Julian, Anna, and Jack. Can't wait to share them with you.

While the blog is on a break, please visit my Facebook page (link), where I'll continue posting daily and giving status updates and teasers.

On May 24, you can Meet Me and a bunch of other fantastic authors at the Cincy Author Event (link)!

Click here for more info!

And if you would, please leave a short, sweet review for my books on Amazon (link) if you like them! Reviews help your favorite authors more than you know.

Link to ALL Leigh's Books on Amazon

Please also share the Dragonfly links with a friend you think might tike the series! It's a FREE book after all! *smile*

► Get DRAGONFLY FREE!!!
Amazon: http://amzn.to/11i1vrm
iTunes: http://bit.ly/13ixoDA
Nook: http://bit.ly/1fJJaLN
Google Play: http://bit.ly/NlB2cb
Smashwords: http://bit.ly/1fLvTDX
Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/dragonfly-8

Until I'm back--have a super week! Thinking of you~

Goodreads Kerfuffles: The New Red Room

I was going to say "the new sex tape," but sex tapes are so Y2K...

It's been a while since I've opined on current events here on the blog. (Sorry?) But this latest round of Goodreads "reviewers" behaving badly and authors rising (sinking?) to the challenge, resulting in alleged rape threats and bullying accusations and debut novels being pulled from release... (or being released now under pen names?)

It all makes a writer say Hmm.

I've written a few books (see sidebar), and they're all on Goodreads, for better or worse.

Before Undertow was released in July, it got a big fat 1-star review on Goodreads... And it wasn't even one of my betas or critters! (It remains the book's only 1-star review amidst predominately 4- and 5-stars.)

A book I just finished writing on Friday (Aug. 23) got a 3-star review a few weeks ago on Goodreads, prompting me to wonder how this person was accessing my computer and whether s/he would be willing to finish writing the book for me, since I clearly wasn't doing a 5-star job...

Regardless of all that, I know if I engage, if I make any comment whatsoever, I'm risking a firestorm of abuse, harassment, name-calling, etc. It's the whole, "once you put your book out there, it's no longer yours" concept.

(But wait. My book's not "out there" yet...)

Before I hit "publish" on my very first book, The Truth About Faking, I got some sage advice from a then-rising author named Tammara Webber. (Yes, that Tammara Webber.)

Don't respond to reviewers.

Period. The End. (Nope! Stop arguing. Don't respond.) She was firm.

We live in a digital age, where anyone with a keyboard and an attitude has the potential to become a Superstar! (Remember Perez Hilton?)

It's all about the spotlight, writer-friends. When you "go there," you're signaling the paparazzi. You're shaking up the Mountain Dew can, popping the top and putting it slap in front of the hornets' nest.

In fairness, yes, there is a possible flipside... I also remember Paris Hilton. (And her spawn, Kim Kardashian.) They live for that stuff. Becoming a living train wreck has made those females millions.

Selah.

In fairness, my experience with Goodreads has been largely positive. It can be a useful and fantastic, interactive reader- and writer- community. I've met awesome reader-friends there, and I know bigwigs like Coleen Hoover point to it as helping their success in reaching readers.

Sure, I've gotten my share of reviews I thought weren't fair. I've had the DNF rants, and I've even *gasp* replied to a few, late at night, after a glass of wine. (And promptly freaked out the next day and never returned to the scene of the crime... Sorry, Tammara! *hangs head in shame*)

It's a sad truth, but as a published author, my days of being an English teacher, a book club leader, a former journalist, and heck, even an American citizen with first-amendment rights are over.

I'm probably taking a risk simply writing this blog post, but shoop! There it is.

When I hit "publish" on The Truth About Faking, I began the mental mantra:

"Negative reviews and/or reviews I think are 'unfair' go with the territory. Get over it. Look how many negative reviews L. James gets for her Fifty Shades books, and she's laughing all the way to the bank."

We tell ourselves these things as authors, reader-friends. (Or we should, writer-friends.)

Two thousand reviews for Faking later, I actually have some one-star reviews I admire. The reviewer just really did not like my book, and s/he gave some solid, justified reasons why.

I read them, and at the end I mentally add, "And then I got my period."

(...it's a joke. C'mon... That's funny!)

Seriously, I respect them. I like seeing reviews from thoughtful readers. To me, it means I'm doing my job right. Not everybody's going to like my books, but if I've made someone think about a concept, a belief system, a mode of behavior, well, that's what I'm after, right?

I also appreciate that when we make the transition to living off our books' earnings, things like DNF reviews urging the whole, entire reading planet not to buy our books seriously sting. And reviews or ratings for unreleased books can push us over the edge...

Resist! writer-friends.

I mean, unless you want to try the sex tape in the red room approach. In which case, buckle up! It's going to be a bumpy ride~

I'd love to hear anybody's (thoughtful) thoughts on the matter.

And I'd like to take this opportunity to THANK all my reader- and writer-friends who take the time to leave thoughtful reviews of my books. As Blondie (and now 1D) says, "One way or another."

* * *

Heads up, friends! Watercolor is coming Oct. 3! That means Dragonfly is on sale for 99 cents! I'll share a little graphic I made here~

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iTunes

And have a great week, reader-friends! 

Rockin #Undertow Friday and You Can #WIN!

Happy Friday, reader-friends!

I'm out of town at the moment--rambling around the exact location where Dragonfly, Undertow, and the whole series is set! I'll take some pictures for sharing later~

In the meantime, want to know what MUSIC inspired the story?

Nicole & Nicole over at Book Addicts Not-So Anonymous (link) have The Playlist! Run over and see how Wham! and Bruce Springsteen can go together to tell a tragic tale... (link)

Nicole also gave Undertow a RAVE, saying, "It is very scandalous, but I found my heart breaking for Lexy and Billy despite their betrayal of Meg, which tells me one thing Leigh creates AMAZING characters who even when they are doing wrong we still love and root for them."

While there, enter to #WIN signed copies of Dragonfly and Undertow, Exclusive eARCs of Watercolor, your own Private Journal, and SWAG!

Run over and join the fun (link)!

Remember, Dragonfly is still on SALE for 99 cents! Here's a little picture-teaser for ya:

Only 99 cents! On Amazon

Have a super weekend, friends~

The Only One and More Ways to #WIN!

Magan Vernon is a FAB writer-friend and awesome critique partner. And I'm SO excited to help spread the word on her new book, The Only One.

It's more than just a hot New Adult title, it's also a great story of trials and overcoming challenges and discovering people are more than you think they are...

First, a quickie Undertow tour update--

-Lindy over at A Bookish Escape has an Exclusive Excerpt from Bill's private diary. It's the scene where he's first struggling with his emerging feelings... Go here to check it out (link)!

She also gave Undertow a RAVE, saying "Undertow was a thrill ride a moment, and I enjoyed the ride! This series has become an addiction for me! Read this series for a complex story about love, lies, betrayals, deceptions, and unfulfilled desires..." (click here for the full review)

And while you're there, enter to #WIN! Signed copies of Dragonfly & Undertow, exclusive eARCs of Watercolor, your own Private Journal, or #SWAG!!!

And don't forget, Dragonfly is still only 99 cents! Grab it and Undertow Today and get swept away~

Now for The Only One!

The Only One is the companion to Magan's bestselling book The Only Exception. Here's the gorgeous cover:

Add it on Goodreads

Honor student, manager at the campus coffee shop, owner of an impressive sweater collection – Melanie Wilder has it all together. Then John “John Boy” Walden strolls into her life wearing nothing more than an impish grin and all-too-revealing loin cloth.

Soon, make-out sessions replace homework, lust triumphs over work. And to further crumble her perfect world, an unexpected phone call threatens to take away everything she’s worked for. 

Now, as Melanie struggles to pick up the pieces, she realizes that John may be the only one to put her life back together…unless he shatters it first. 

Add it today on Goodreads!

About the Author:

Magan Vernon is a Young Adult and New Adult writer who lives with her family in the insurance capital of the world. When not writing she spends her time fighting over fake boyfriends via social media.

Connect with Magan!  Website | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest

* * *

Exclusive Excerpt from The Only One:

I looked around the basement, sipping whatever concoction some guy poured out of a cooler. He called it a ‘magic potion’ and I hoped that didn’t mean he rufied it. I don’t know how Monica talked me into this.

A horde of girls clad in nothing more than lingerie pushed past me as if I were nothing more than another one of the paddles on the paneled wall. I tried to pull back but then I came face to chest with a set of abs and felt all of the magic potion cascade down my cardigan.

I gasped once the cold liquid soaked through both my layers and hit my skin.

“Too bad, that was such a nice sweater…” A deep voice said.

I looked up, all the way past the chiseled six pack and to a pair of cool blue eyes. “Maybe you should just take it off up in my room and I can help you dry off.” He leaned in, his full lips right on my ear. “Or make you wetter.”

My breath caught in my throat, rendering me speechless. Luckily my best friend Monica jumped between us, pushing the guy back so I got a full view of him and realized he was only wearing a loin cloth and a large smile.

"Down John Boy." She scowled at him and then turned to me, almost knocking her beret off. "What the hell happened to you?"

"I-I-I spilled my drink."

Monica's eyes narrowed as she looked down at the red liquid soaking through my gray sweater. She whipped her head around to the loin cloth clad guy. "Was this your fault? Are you trying to get my friend naked?"

He held up his hands, a cockeyed grin on his face. "Purely an accident, Lib."

Ah, now I knew where I’d seen him before. He had come into the coffee shop we worked at a few times. I don’t think he even glanced in my direction more than to hand me his student ID to pay, but was always calling Monica ‘Lib.’ I’m guessing because she was an extreme liberal.

Monica's boyfriend, the governor's son Trey Chapman, pushed through the crowd. When I usually saw him he was polished in dress pants and a dress shirt, but his Halloween costume was nothing more than a pair of American flag boxers, a dress shirt, and some gray hairspray. He looked ridiculous. I still don't know how Monica talked him into the Clinton and Lewinsky couples costumes.

"Hey, I’ve been looking for you." He slipped his arm around Monica's waist. "What's going on here?"

"Your big brother here spilled a drink on Melanie to try and get her naked."

"Hey!" John yelled.

"It wasn't his fault," I piped in. "It’s crowded here and he just ran into me. It’s fine."

"Fine?" Monica raised her eyebrows. "That Hermione costume you've been wearing since middle school is covered in ever clear and Kool aid. That’s not fine."

"I haven't worn this since middle school!" Okay, truth was, it was my go-to costume. I bought it for the first movie's midnight showing and wore it for every movie opening and Halloween since.

"Whatever." Monica turned her head to Trey and tugged on his shirt. "You can just wear Trey's shirt."

* * *

Can't WAIT for this one guys! In the meantime, have a super day! Back tomorrow~

My Wishlist Before I Hut "Publish" and #WIN!

Undertow is a week old today, reader-friends! And Roxy Kade (who gave Undertow 5 bloody crescents!) asked me, "What Five Things do you wish you'd known before hitting 'Publish'?"

Hop over to her blog to get my answer (link)!

If you missed the coolness yesterday, Jessica at Lovin Los Libros (link) asked Meg from Undertow her Top Ten List about Bill. 

Run over and see what it was (link)!

Also, Kindlemom (link) gave Undertow a FAB review in which she said, "This was so well done and such a great addition to the story as a whole. It makes me even more excited for Anna and Julian's story to continue and grow..." (click here for all)!

At ALL stops (above) you can Enter to #WIN! signed copies of Dragonfly and Undertow, Exclusive eARCs of Watercolor, your own Private Journal, and #SWAG! Be sure to visit everyone above and enter~

REMINDERS:

If you're in or around the Fairhope (Ala.) area TODAY, I'll be at the library doing a #FREE writing workshop from 3:30-5 p.m. I'll also have paperbacks on hand if anybody needs one, or bring your own and I'll sign it!

Come for the workshop, or come over just to say "Hi!"

The amazing Dragonfly sale continues! Get it during the Undertow tour for only 99 cents!

Dragonfly on Amazon * Undertow on Amazon

Have a super day, reader-friends! I'll be back with more tomorrow~ 

Undertow: The Character Interviews...

It's the weekend, and I hope you're relaxing, reader-friends~

If you're reading (or starting, or finished) Undertow, and you want to know more, we've got just what you're looking for! And at each stop, you have another chance to #WIN! 

Tee over at A Diary of a Book Addict (link) is interviewing Bill and Lexy, and what they say might surprise you. Here's a little sample:

Bill

For Bill: What are your true feelings for Alex and will you act on them?

I love her. I want us to be together, and I want her and Julian to live with me in my house. I’m ready to act, but... (go to here for the rest!)

For Lexy/Alex: When it is time to disclose your secret to Julian will you have Bill there?

I can’t imagine that ever happening. I can’t imagine how knowing the truth would make Julian... (for more, click here!)

And we've got more FAB Reviews!

Lexy/Alex

Sheri over at Tangled up in Books (link) says:

"It pulled me in and had me hanging on each and every word just dying to know find out how the story plays out..." (go here for more)

Becca at BS Book Reviewers (link) says:

"I don’t think that I have been hooked this hard on a series in quite a while..." (click here to read more)

On Sunday, I'll talk about "A Day in the Life" of me on Wild Wordy Women.

And at each stop, you can enter to #WIN signed copies, exclusive eARCs of Watercolor, your own Private Journal, and #SWAG!

As always, THANK YOU for reading and for buying my books, for leaving reviews, for sending me emails and tweets, and for being supercool reader-friends!

Have a great weekend~

Dream Cast #contest, Reviews, and Excerpts, Oh My!

Official Tour Dates

Happy weekend, reader- and writer-friends!

I'm posting a double-header Dragonfly Tour Update for today and tomorrow with a #FUN idea (+SWAG) I hope you'll want to join in!

I was asked for my Dream Cast for Dragonfly, but since I wrote the book way back in 2009, my Dream Cast is somewhat outdated.

Here's my idea: Why not have a Reader Dream Cast contest! With a chance to #WIN some #SWAG!!!

• Put together who you think would be the best actors to play the main characters in Dragonfly, 
• email your collage of their pictures to me (link), and 
• depending on the number of participants, I'll send all entrants a signed bookmark! 

(Or we'll do a vote for like the Top 10.)

Does that sound like fun?

So here are Today & Tomorrow's Tour Stops:

• For MY (somewhat outdated) Dream Cast and a FAB review, head on over to Bend in the Binding (link)!
• A wonderful review by Dr. Book on Wine, Relaxation, & My Kindle (link)
• A great review with another chance to #WIN over at Unputdownable Books (link)!

And to prevent my other book babies from feeling neglected, MaryAnn at Chapter by Chapter posted a Review (link) of The Truth About Letting Go that literally made me cry-smile. See what you think (link)!

* * *

On Sunday, be sure to stop by

• An Exclusive Excerpt and an awesome 4-book nerd Rave on Book Nerds Anonymous (link).
• An unexpectedly AWESOME review from Heather with SMI BookClub (link).
• An Excerpt and chance to #WIN at Brianna Lee Book Reviews (link).

Remember to send me those Dream Cast collages (link), and I'll post them ALL on my Facebook Page (link)!

Have a lovely weekend, my friends! I appreciate you in advance~

Who Likes Dragonfly?

Official Tour Stops

Today on the Tour, it's REVIEW time! The Dragonfly dailies are in. And the critics say... (*chews nails*):

Tee with "A Diary of A Book Addict" (link): 

"Five of Five stars! HOLY MOTHER OF PEARL! From the first page I was captivated by Dragonfly because it is a read like no other. There are so many twists and turns and secrets that with every page turn I was jumping for joy because I needed to get my mind wrapped around everything that was happening."

[Hello! Yes, I'm in love with that one! (whoop whoop!)]

Jessica with "Lovin Los Libros" (link):

"A bit of everything: teen angst, drama, romance (a bit of a love triangle), and intrigue... the mystery behind the Kyser family and then Julian's mom is what really intrigued me."

[Yay! Good to know because that's the main focus of Undertow, coming July 18!]

Thanks Tee and Jessica! And these great reviews were posted yesterday if you missed them:

• Book Addicts AA (link) did a FAB Review with Dream Cast that I absolutely LOVE.
• Asheley with Into the Hall of Books (link)--wrote a funny, gushy review about setting and perfectly written love triangles (aww, shucks).

And I'd love to know what YOU think! If you like my books (or any author's books), consider leaving a review on Amazon and/or Goodreads! Great reviews really help us!

As always, THANK YOU for being awesome. ((hugs)) Back tomorrow~ 

Jessica Bell in a Nutshell

(It rhymes!)

So I said I was going to do this once a month, and here I go doing it twice in a row. Today, I'm interviewing one of my very first bloggy friends, Jessica Bell (link).

Jessica (she sings)

I met Jessica in 2010 after she sent me an email that said, "Hey. I've been seeing you everywhere. We should be friends."

True confession: I respond well to blunt people. I'd much rather someone who just flat out tells me what they think to polite folks who make me guess what's up. I'm not a good guesser.

Jessica is just such a person, and we've been tight ever since. She's got a fantastic new writer's resource out, Show & Tell in a Nutshell (link). 

If you're a writer, you've been told at least once, "Show don't Tell." But how do you know if you're showing and not telling? It can be really hard sometimes!

Never fear, Jessica is here. And she doesn't just tell, she shows with fantastic examples of "This is telling" turned into "This is showing."

It's amazing.

And trust me, she's the organizer of the annual Homeric Writer's Retreat (link), a published author, an award-winning poet, a professional editor, and a second-generation rock star. Jessica knows what she's talking about.

Here's the poop her new book, and after that, my interview.

Get me... I'll make
 you better.

Have you been told there's a little too much telling in your novel? Want to remedy it? Then this is the book for you!

In Show & Tell in a Nutshell: Demonstrated Transitions from Telling to Showing you will find sixteen real scenes depicting a variety of situations, emotions, and characteristics which clearly demonstrate how to turn telling into showing. Dispersed throughout, and at the back of the book, are blank pages to take notes as you read. A few short writing prompts are also provided.

The author, Jessica Bell, also welcomes questions via email, concerning the content of this book, or about showing vs. telling in general, at showandtellinanutshell@gmail.com.

Reviews:

“Jessica Bell addresses one of the most common yet elusive pieces of writing advice—show, don't tell—in a uniquely user-friendly and effective way: by example. By studying the sixteen scenes she converts from “telling” into “showing,” not only will you clearly understand the difference; you will be inspired by her vivid imagery and dialogue to pour through your drafts and do the same.” ~Jenny Baranick, College English Teacher, Author of Missed Periods and Other Grammar Scares

“A practical, no-nonsense resource that will help new and experienced writers alike deal with that dreaded piece of advice: show, don’t tell. I wish Bell’s book had been around when I started writing!” ~Talli Roland, bestselling author

Purchase the paperback:
$4.40 on Amazon US * £3.99 on Amazon UK

Purchase the e-book:
$1.99 on Amazon US * £1.99 on Amazon UK * $1.99 on Kobo

And now for our interview! Buckle up...

LTM: So, Jessica, You're from Australia. David Letterman once referred to Australia as "the United States on Spring Break." Just how long is spring break in Oz, a.k.a., the Land Down Under?

JB: Um ... probably as long as  Emer O'Toole's armpit hair?

(LTM Note: OK, I had to Google that, and ... OMG--LOL! You have to see this--link. This is why I love Jess.)

LTM: Speaking of the Land Down Under, since all Australians know each other AND since your parents were in a 1990s alt-rock band, what do the Men At Work like to do on Spring Break?

JB: I think they're still traveling in a fried-out combie, on a hippie trail, head full of zombie. Pretty sure the strange lady they met still makes them nervous and cooks them breakfast. And I'm positive that when Aussies listen to that song it makes them want to throw up every breakfast from the last decade. This song makes me want to break spring. Shame it's already broken.

(LTM Note: I get this. As a so-La. native, I have problems with The Princess and the Frog... OK, except for Ray.)

LTM: We've known each other a few years now, so I happen to know you were a goth in school. I've seen pictures. Just how hard is it to keep that corpse skin tone while you're on spring break for so long?

Goth Jess (link).
I'm diggin that red wig...

JB: Have you experienced Melbourne weather? Gotta carry your entire wardrobe in the boot. Nature doesn't make it difficult.

(LTM note: First time I read that, I thought, "Your whole wardrobe fits in your boot?" For like five secs.)

LTM: You're a musician and a poet—your poetry book Fabric (link) was up for a Goodreads Choice Award this year (squee!). I also love your debut novel String Bridge. If that weren't enough, you're the voice of Miffy (the cute little bunny, link). Is it hard for you to keep all these alter-egos straight?

JB: Honey, you should take a look in my drawers.

(LTM note: This feels like that time you called me a "dag." Does drawers mean the same thing in Oz as in the U.S.?)

LTM: If I say to you that you were a cute little goth, will you strap on your combat boots and kick my tushie to a bloody pulp? (Are you going to do it now because I said "tushie"?)

Miffy, the cute little bunny
has Jessica's voice.

JB: I'd probably just give you Twisted Velvet Chains (link), and say, "Read it and weep."

(LTM Note: Done...)

LTM: Finally, have I ever told you my father's younger sister married a Bell? Their oldest daughter is named Jessica. Are we secretly related? (And does that further mean I'm a goth?)

JB: Ha! No, you never told me that! I'm really put out that there are so many Jessica Bells out there. I've got a lot of competition. Wanna be my hit man? If you'll be my hit man, I'll let you look in my drawers.

(LTM note: Not sure I'm scary enough to be a hit man. I'd better stick to carrying your pink poodle. Not a euphemism.)

LTM: I said "finally" up there, but one more. You live in Greece now. Feta is not as good as Greek yogurt, which is less good than hummus. Discuss.

JB: My sweet chick pea I think you need some Greek wine.

(LTM note: Yessss... I hoped you'd say that. Let's geaux.)

Whee! Thanks, Jessica! And there you have it, reader-friends our great writer-friend Jessica. Now you know her even better--and don't forget to grab your copy of Show & Tell in a Nutshell (link)!

Get me and snuggle...

* * *

One last thing: another bloggy friend (and fellow Aussie) Lynda Young (link) has her short story "Birthright" in a special holiday anthology collection Make Believe (link).

Birthright by Lynda R. Young
Christa can mask the pain and hide the scars, but running from a birthright is impossible. 

She’s tried to escape her grief by fleeing to a small town in Florida. Much to her frustration, the locals think they recognize her even though she's never been there before. To make things worse, a man named Jack spouts outrageous theories about her. 

Both spur Christa to bolt, to start fresh yet again, but there’s something about Jack that intrigues her enough to stay. The only problem? Someone else wants her to leave, and they won’t stop until she’s dead.

It sounds amazing, so do snag a copy (link)~

And have a super week, reader- and writer-friends! I'm headed back into the writing cave--woo hoo! and I am so excited. <3

ROUGE Blog Tour and Thanksgiving Giveaway!

I'm interrupting my schedule for a special #FF, which today stands for Friday Fun!

I'll be away next week for Thanksgiving, and the following Monday (11/26) is the kick-off of my Blog Tour for Rouge (link), and it's Cyber Monday!  

Thanksgiving Sale!

To me, it sounds like time for a Thanksgiving Giveaway!

Here are the DEETS:

*ROUGE will be ON SALE for $0.99 through Cyber Monday (11/26).

*In that time, grab your special, sale-priced copy (link) and enter to win fun prizes!
*Leave a review on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Goodreads, and earn more chances to win!

All you have to do:
-Email your proof of purchase to me at leightmoore@gmail.com and
-Send me the links to your reviews using the form below!

Prizes are:
*ONE $20 Gift Cards to New Orleans boutique Fleurty Girl (link) (or a $20 Amazon gift card if you prefer)

*TWO $10 iTunes gift cards (So you can create your own musical production!)

YES, that means THREE winners will be chosen! (If you already got your copy and left reviews, you can enter, too! Just fill in the information in the form!)

It's my way of saying THANK YOU! Both for reading my new book, for reading my first book, The Truth About Faking (link). and for simply being AWESOME reader- and writer-friends!

Have a great holiday~ <3

Big Thing Backwards

Last week I was tagged by Hart (link) and Stina (link) for the "Next Big Thing" blogfest. I'm to tell you what I'm working on and end by promoting something.

So I'm doing it backwards because I've got to tell you about a book I just finished: Never Gone by good bloggy friend Laurel Garver (link).

It is so good. The writing is gorgeous, the story is haunting (literally!) and it ends just perfectly. (*BIG sigh*) It's the perfect fall-into-winter book.

Get it!

Main character Danielle "Dani" has just lost her father in a horrible car accident. His body's been cremated, and she and his remains are being shipped off to England to stay with her paternal grandparents while her mother stays in the U.S. for work.

The problem is Dani keeps seeing her dad. 

Her memories and her desperate longing to catch him, which leads to some risky behavior choices, will have you in tears. But also, her strained relationship with her mother, and all the things Dani discovers about her family just peel away like layers of the most delicious cake. (Yep, I wrote that--LOL!)

And the ending with Theo, and what he writes on her cast... (*swoon*)

OK, I'm stopping, but it's an impressive debut. Only a few times I was a little confused or concerned with how situations were handled, but it didn't hinder my enjoyment.

There's a good dose of theology in the book courtesy Dani's grandfather, who's a clergyman. But also Theo, Dani's love interest is struggling with his own spirituality. I don't mind such things, and Laurel and I are planning a cross-post on how both of us incorporated religious themes in our books on Oct. 29. It should be interesting!

The English setting is the perfect backdrop for all the good stuff inside. Run get it on Amazon today (link)!

Now for the NBT blogfest questions! (I'll answer these lightening-round style.)

What is the working title of your book?

Violet. I know that's cheesy, but it's the sequel to Rouge, and for now, I'm trying to get the story right. I'll worry about titles later. (I have to do this; I'm hopeless when it comes to titles.)

Where did the idea come from for the book?

It's the sequel to Rouge, and Rouge is Oliver! meets Moulin Rouge meets My Fair Lady. (I know!)

What genre does your book fall under?

It's light historical/theater romance. Rouge was written as YA, but S&S asked if I'd make it adult. I said yes, but the characters are still 19 & 20 years old. So it's light-historical New Adult romance. Set in a theater. (*squee*!)

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

Beau

When I started writing in fall 2010, I had this whole cast of characters in mind, including Henry Cavill. But that was two years ago, and they've all aged and changed.

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

Rouge: Hale's trying to secure a proposal from Freddie so she can get Teeny (and herself) out of their cabaret-home that's growing more dangerous by the day; then she meets Beau.

(I can't talk about Violet without spoiling Rouge.)

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

This book is part of a three-book deal w/Simon & Schuster's Pocket Books.

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

I'm hoping it won't take me as long as Rouge, which took me three months. (*freaks out*)

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

Not sure yet.

Who or What inspired you to write this book?

I got super-selfish with this series. This is just the kind of lush escapism I love love love; so I wrote it for me. And I hope you all LOVE it, too--LOL!

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

I thought it was really cool that the television show Smash started after I finished Rouge, because that show (like my book) is all about what happens when the actors are off stage. The drama of real life, and how it bleeds into their performances.

What are you currently PROMOTING?

(see above)

Everybody's been so fantastic in helping me get my debut YA The Truth About Faking off the ground, I'm trying to pay it forward as much as possible. Love you guys!

Have a great week, reader- and writer-friends! I'm going to be everywhere with guest posts and reviews. I'm trying to tweet and Facebook updates as I get them. Please don't get sick of me! <3

BIG P.S.!
OMG, I almost forgot! The whip-smart and super awesome Dr. Susan Kaye Quinn (link) has sold 10,000 copies of her book Open Minds (wow!) And to celebrate, she's giving away a Kindle Paperwhite and Free Books (WOW!), including The Truth About Faking!

Be sure and stop by her blog (link) tomorrow through Thurs. to enter, and good luck! <3

Catching My Breath

Shew! A lot changes post book release.

For one, my visits to Goodreads have spiked like crazypants. How many people are reading it; how many people want to read it; is there a new review or rating... I've got to know! (Haha!)

And those reviews. So far they've all been pretty positive, which is super encouraging, but yanno. I'm bracing for the "not everyone's going to like your book" portion of the show. Talk about scary!

Up until now, I've been in the safe zone here with you all--where we always support each other and cheer each other on. Lift each other up when we're feeling down. 

Post book release, though, I've had to leave the nest. I mean, if I'm serious about turning the writing hobby into a career.

As Dr. Q says, "You have to fish outside your backyard." (Awesome post on marketing, link.)

So for the last few weeks, I've been emailing, introducing myself to total strangers, and asking them if they'd like to read my book for review. It's pretty nerve-wracking.

But so far everyone's been really cool. Book bloggers really are the nicest folks.

And along the way, I've had these little pop-up shout-outs from you guys (Hart, Carolyn, Janet, Kari, Katie, Clarissa, Lydia, Angela, Mary, etc.) Those are the best surprises. It makes me feel like no matter what, we're still getting there. Figuring it out. Keeping each other going. ((hugs))

Get it

While I'm sharing the love, oh, man. Have I got an awesome love story to share with you guys. I actually read this book about two weeks ago--literally in two sittings. It was just that amazing.

My Heart For Yours, by Steph Campbell and Jolene Perry. (link)

First, I love the dual point of view--each chapter is either Tobin or Delia talking or remembering. (I love those names.) And I love the whole setup of the funeral bringing these two kids back together after a pretty harsh split.

Their resistance to seeing each other, to letting any feelings try and creep back in... They totally lose that battle, of course. And how they do is so great to read. You'll just be... *sigh*

Mr. Original #1 Hottie

It's New Adult, so yanno. Age 17+. And--best part--it's all set in south Louisiana. (Yeah, it is!) So I got my home fix.

I highly recommend this one. It's so good.

Y'all know I'm a classic movie buff. It reminded me of an old Paul Newman movie, Sweet Bird of Youth.

Oh, man. I watched that movie with my BFF Dara in HS, and my Paul Newman love affair began. (The movie's awesome, too.) So read MHFY and then go watch SBOY, and have a hottie fest.

Thank you guys so much for always being a safe place. Have a great week, reader- and writer-friends! <3

Review: The Mormon Diaries

First, HUGE Thanks to everyone who has (and is) helped(ing) me spread the word about my new book! (see sidebar)

Last week was bananas, but in the middle of it all, I read the most amazing new memoir.

Mormon Diaries is a collection of essays by a good writer-friend that chronicles her life-altering decision to leave that faith.

The essays first appeared during the A-Z Challenge last spring when I had to take a break to write/edit, and apparently they caused such an uproar, she had to disable her comments.

I missed it then, but this book should not be missed now. It's powerful.

First, the writing is gorgeous. In perfectly chosen language and passages, Stone describes her early feelings of doubt. Then as she matures, we experience her fear at questioning her faith, her struggles to be more devoted to her family and deny herself, and ultimately her break.

I'm telling you, the tale of Stone's journey is so evocative, despite my not knowing much about Mormonism, I had tears in my eyes reading.

For the uninitiated, she explains what certain practices mean and why they're significant. Religion can be so entwined in every aspect of our lives that change can be a huge risk. In Stone's case, her decision might ultimately cost her everything--mother, father, siblings... husband, children...

I won't give away the ending, but I will say you're left rooting for her. More importantly, you're rooting for all of us to find a place where it's safe to question entrenched belief systems. Where it's acceptable to have an experience with God that's different from your parents' or even your spouse's.

I highly recommend this book. Despite the title, it's more than a Mormon story. It's a story of how true devotion and true seeking can ultimately lead to real and lasting faith. It's a story of encouragement for anyone looking for answers.

Here's where you can get it: 

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble

And if you have questions, Stone has set up an account on Twitter. Follow and ask Sophia Stone @ask_a_mormon.

Have a great week, reader- and writer-friends! I'll be around~  <3

Announcement, FLASH Reviews, & A Happy Place Gets Ugly

Happy Labor Day!

I don't know about you, but this time of year always feels really busy to me. Since school started Aug. 6, I've edited four books, read two, and I've started the process on what will be my Big Announcement... 

I'm going to self-publish a book. (I know!)

In 2010, I wrote a book that got me my first offer of representation. I went with a different agent, who ultimately couldn't sell the book, but she liked it so much, she actually encouraged me to self-publish it.

So with much nail-chewing and hand-wringing, I'm doing it! And I can't say thank you enough to my writer-friends Susan Quinn (link) and Jolene Perry (link) for encouraging me, answering too many emails from me, and basically pulling/pushing me through my nerves.

These two ladies are not just excellent writers and amazing critique partners, they're the best kind of friends. AND they have excellent resources for indie authors on their blogs! I strongly encourage you to get to know them.

I'll show you covers, give blurbs, etc., as it evolves. My goal is to have it out in the next month or so, and of course, I'll give you all the play by play as the process unfolds. And as I have serious karmic payback to do, ask me questions! I'll try to answer them.

Now for the Flash Reviews!

In the middle of all that, I could not stop reading two books, so you know they're awesome.

STAY by Deb Caletti (link)

I discovered Deb (it's like we're friends) back in 2010 when I was working on my soon-to-be-indie book, and fell in love with her writing. Honey, Baby, Sweetheart had me laughing and crying by like Chapter 3. (The church sign? The dad and the carseat?)

But I also had issues with her stories. I didn't care for The Secret Life of Prince Charming very much, so I was slow to read Stay. Mistake! This book was almost impossible to put down.

From the start, it's magnetic with Clara seeing Christian in the gym. But it's told "after the fact." Something bad has happened, and she's hiding out with her dad at the beach, shell-shocked and paranoid.

I love all the characters in Stay, and though (again) I had an issue with how a certain situation was handled, I highly recommend reading this one!

KNEE DEEP by Jolene Perry (link)

This is the first book I've read by my good friend Jolene up there, and I picked it up because we were talking about Stay, and she mentioned she'd written a book about an abusive relationship.

I wasn't sure I wanted to read it just yet because, well, bad boyfriend overload! But I got it, thinking I'd just dip into the beginning and if it got too intense, I'd put it aside and recover with a Sweet Valley High book or something.

I started reading and could not put it down.

Ronnie's first boyfriend is her neighbor Shawn. He's her first "peanut butter kiss" (love that), he's runaway trips to the beach... but his family moves away. The two keep in touch through letters and occasional family trips, until he moves back.

But a different guy seems to have returned from the one who left. Shawn's family is troubled, and he's picked up some bad (and painful) habits. Ronnie can't seem to let go of the boy she remembers, but she has to before it's too late.

Knee Deep had me smiling, crying, angry, but I had to find out what happened. Awesome characters, fantastic chemistry, great writing--you will love this book.

Finally, what's this about a happy place turned ugly? Well, it falls under the heading, "Say It Isn't So."

In my self-publishing research, I've uncovered an issue that has shocked, angered, and kind of scared me. In the past year, I've heard some of my indie-writer-friends talk about reviewers on Goodreads. And I've seen warnings along the lines of "never engage with reviewers."

Good or bad?

At first I was like, "Yeah, that's true. If you get a negative review, you just have to take your lumps with grace. It stings, but not everybody's going to like your book."

Lately, I've heard something more sinister is happening. I've been told there's this cabal on GR targeting authors and basically killing books (and careers) with low ratings and nasty, sometimes ad hominem reviews.

And I've been told it can be over things like giving a low rating to one of their friends' books.

Is this true, writer-friends? Have any of you bumped into this?

Being a book lover, book reviewer, former journalist, and founder of a book club, I can't believe this is happening--or being allowed to happen. One of my favorite things is talking books, freely and openly. And I still want to believe that if a book's really good, no amount of meanness can kill it.

But I'm new. And I have no reason not to believe the source of this information.

It makes me wonder if I even want to be on GR, and that's just sad. GR can be such a useful tool. And it's really impossible for an author to avoid--anyone can make a GR page for your book.

If this really is happening, can anything be done? Are any of my writer-friends taking steps to guard against it? What? and Why or Why not?

Have a great week, reader- and writer-friends! Time to hit it. <3

TKP - Stronger and Wider

Okay, so I had this great idea for my Kindness Project post this week! All my fellow posters (below) are always so inspirational and moving and great, and I'm usually floundering.

So I was in church Sunday night, and the speaker talked about David and achieving a hard-earned success. (When he became king at last.)

She said when people achieve success, they often change. But the change isn't always good.

(Argh. I should've saved the program because now I'm having a hard time remembering exactly how she put it.) 


Basically, she said something like for some, achieving a level of success means becoming more removed or distanced from others because the new role takes more time, or there are more responsibilities...

I felt like I could see how that could happen. Perhaps there's even an element of, "I did it. Now I have to work even harder to stay here." I don't know.

But she admonished us to do like David did. She said once he became king, his embrace grew stronger and his arms opened wider. (Then a few years passed and he kind of got off track, but that's not the point here.)

This is about when good things start happening, when you achieve that level of success, don't forget to keep looking around. Don't change. Keep looking for ways to help others and keep spreading the love.

Very Kindness Project, right?

I'm still working toward my level of success, so I'm still excited to tell folks about great writers I've encountered. (Honestly, I don't ever see that changing.) Below are three great editing clients I've worked with this year who you will LOVE:

#1-Alex Clermont came to me from ... I don't remember where. But he wanted to make a book from a series of blog posts written during his time as a teacher in South Korea.

I have to confess, I wasn't sure if what he was sending would hang together. But the truth is, it does.

Alex's book is soul-bearing, it's painfully honest. He's not afraid to tell the truth, even if you might get mad at him. And it's so good. I smiled, I cried... You will love this book.

Get it here:
-Amazon (link)
-Barnes & Noble (link)
-Website (link)

Mary Pax is one of the most fun science fiction storytellers I know. I'm not kidding. I look forward to getting her manuscripts to edit, despite the creatures who populate them.

I don't like creatures, and I'm always cheering for hers!

M. Pax

She's the self-publishing heir to Star Trek: The Next Generation. 

Get your fix here, FREE:
-Amazon (link)
-Barnes & Noble (link)
-Website (link)

Finally, Elle Strauss was my first editorial client. I was so touched that she supported my little editing business right away, and she still sends me clients.

For a contemporary YA romance writer, Elle can write the absolute most amazing war scenes.

(I know, right? And we thought she just did YA romance.) But I'm not kidding. The first book I edited of hers was set during WWII, and it was engrossing.

Anyway, she's got a new (non war) book out, and for now, it's FREE! Here's the blurb:

Elle Strauss

A teen swim athlete discovers a merfolk world that threatens to keep her out of the ocean forever.

Dori Seward can’t wait to get out of Eastcove, a sleepy fishing village on the border of New Brunswick and Maine. She bides her time by hanging out with friends, attending swim club, and holding her biggest competition, Colby–who wants more than just friendship, at arm’s length. 

Then Tor Riley comes to town and he has everything Dori dreams of in a boyfriend–looks, athleticism and mystery.

But Tor also has a tantalizing secret and Dori is determined to find out what it is. The truth is crazier than her wildest imaginations and more dangerous, too.

Dori has new fantastical enemies , and they will do anything to get to her.

Her life, her dreams and her love for Tor are all weighing in the balance. Will Dori risk it all in order to have it all?

Get it here, also FREE:
-Amazon (link)
-Website (link)

Finally, the BONUS, is one of our fellow posters, Megan Spooner (link), has a new book SKYLARK coming out, and she's got a contest going where everybody wins.

No lie. Everybody. Go here for more information (link).

That's it for me, kids. I'm so sorry I've been absentee lately. I'm revising like a mad woman, the girls are home from school, and we've been visiting relatives out of town. All of this equals me having a hard time getting around. But trust me, I miss you more than you miss me.

Have a great week, reader- and writer-friends! Please visit the other TKP posters listed below~ <3

Alina Klein                             Katharine Owens 
Andrea Hannah                      Len Lambert
Barbara Watson                     Liza Kane
Carolina Valdez Miller            Lola Sharp
Christa Desir                          Lindsay Scott
Claire Hennessy                     Matthew MacNish (available Jul 16)
Elana Johnson                        Michele Shaw
Elizabeth Davis                      Sarah Fine
Elizabeth Poole                      Sara Larson 
Erica Chapman                      Sara McClung
Jessica Corra                         Sophia Chang
Leigh Moore                          Tracey Neithercott