Shooting Sparks

The music I listen to varies so much I often avoid sharing. People say, "You like this and that? That's almost blasphemous!" I couldn't even bring myself to put real examples in that quote. I know, I need to get over this fear of musical ridicule. In the meantime, I'm being brave and letting you know my favorite Katy Perry song is "Firework."

The song's message is simple: Don't be afraid to be who you are. Don't hide. Taking this advice is not always easy, though. It's bizarre how many ways people dream up to show prejudice toward other people. Whether we are growing up, establishing a career, or supporting a family, having someone label us "other" or "inferior" hurts. Constantly defending ourselves saps our energy, making it easier to give up and disappear. The good news? We don't have to change their minds. We just have to know they are wrong about us.

The issues of prejudice, ignorance, and hate are complex. I know these problems are not solved so easily. We can make the situation better for ourselves, though, by working to change how we react. Instead of closing in on ourselves, we can choose to show we believe in ourselves. That's why I love this song.

Besides, what's not to love about a video with fireworks shooting from people's chests?

My Dream Came True

I wanted a book trailer, and now, I have one! I wish that worked with everything I want. I would have a new MacBook Pro (because you can never have too many Macs), an unlimited book budget, a Mini Cooper--what? Oh, sorry. Shiny, new things distract me. Anyway, here's the trailer!

Book Trailer Fever

I'm an obsessive person, and tonight, all my racing thoughts are about book trailers. I want a trailer for REPLAY. I really, really do. Check out this trailer that I scooped from YA Book Shelf. Yes, it's insanely awesome.

Blog Tour: Win Free Books!

At every stop along the blog tour, I will give away a free ebook copy of REPLAY. On the last stop, I'm giving away a "bag" of YA ebooks. (I just love this part!) Here is a sneak preview of some of those books.

EVERY LAST KISS
(THE BLOODSTONE SAGA)
by Courtney Cole

ETHEREAL
(CELESTRA SERIES)
by Addison Moore

CHASING HISTORY:
THE SWORD'S JOURNEY
by Sue Owen

CLOUD NINE:
A PARANORMAL ROMANCE
OF THE GUARDIANS OF MAN
by Melissa Smith

Exciting News!

My first blog tour is scheduled for June 15 through July 2! I'm thrilled! More details on Thursday ...

Such a Character!

My absolute favorite part of writing is creating characters. Every story or novel idea of mine starts with the main character. I build the character's world, and then the events begin to form. Everything stems from the main character's thoughts and actions, which often makes me feel more like an actor than a writer. Maybe that's why I tend to write in the first-person POV.

So, talk to me. When you read, what part of the story is the most important to you? The characters? The plot? The setting? When you write, what is the most enjoyable part?

Serious Case of Cover Envy

I finished Courtney Cole's debut novel EVERY LAST KISS today. I posted my super-serious, writerly review on Amazon, but what I really want to say is YOU MUST JUDGE THIS BOOK BY ITS COVER!

P.S. The book really is as good as its cover.

P.P.S. Yes, a sequel is coming.

Insanely Awesome Book Trailer

I can't stop watching this book trailer for Fisher Amelie's THE UNDERSTOREY. The simple concept has one image that changes throughout the clip. The combination of the image, narrative, and music is perfect. I have no other word for it. You have to see it. Now.

My New Favorite Thing

My new favorite thing is being on an author chat! My first one was tonight, and I loved it. It's way more fun to talk to a bunch of people about books, writing, and random stuff than to post "please buy my book" messages to the faceless Internet. (I always think of those computer learning commercials: "Please try my product.")

The people on the Night Owl Teen chat tonight were made of awesome. Thank you to everyone, especially our moderator Tammie King!

YA Author Chat at Night Owl Teen

I'm very excited to be part of a YA author chat at Night Owl Teen on Friday night!

What: YA Author Chat
Who: You and four YA authors
When: Friday, May 13, at 5pm PST/7pm CST/8pm EST
Where: http://www.nightowlteen.com/nor/Pages/Chat.aspx
Why: We would be oh so lonely without you! And you can win prizes!

Remember, prizes!