Winner of the signed CRACKED giveaway

Well, I have a winner. Thanks to the handy random.org for making the decision. And the winner is:


*Michael Offutt*

Congratulations! Send me an email (cdanek13(at)gmail(dot)com) with your mailing address and I will send it out to you.

Congrats again! Have a great day!

CRACKED launch party!!

I've got a few (maybe a little more) photos from the CRACKED launch party. Of course it was awesome. Kate is the most down to earth and optimistic gal I know. She's an inspiration and an amazing author (if you don't have the book already, go get it).

First, I stink at photos of people. I really do. I'm better with photos of inanimate objects (think buildings). So sorry. I'm also a blabber mouth so I wind up talking over taking photos.
Second, this was so much fun. Chester County Books and Music was packed (I think 300 folks showed up) to see Kate speak and sign. It was great to see so many familiar faces.

Some local authors that attended: A.S. King, Beth Kephart, Amy Garvey, Amy Holder, Dianne Salerni.

Of course, the PLN folks were there. Frankie Diane Mallis, Simon Larter, Jessica Corra, Donna Gamble, Sara De Sabato, Paul Joseph, Kelly Lyman, Ilene Wong, Kevin Sheridan, Lillie, Jenna, Shveta Thakrar, K. A. Magrowski, Joanne Fritz. I hope I didn't forget anyone. (If I don't have your link, please let me know and I'll add it.)

On with the photos:

How cool is that cake?

Kelly Lyman and Paul Joseph 

The crowd.

The scene: Joanne Fritz starting off the night. Kate even had favors. See the bags on the table.

Joanne Fritz

Big smiles from K. M. Walton.

Frankie, Jenna, Simon (partially hidden) and Kelly

Frankie taking a picture of me, taking a picture of her, and Jenna.

Frankie Diane Mallis, Simon Larter and Donna Gamble

Kelly taking a picture of me and Amy Garvey

Frankie has way more pictures and an interesting vlog, so go check it out. Also check out the other folks' links (above) for more photos and interesting posts.

Don't forget, I'm giving away a signed copy of CRACKED. Go here to enter.

Have a great day! 

Fashion and book signing

Fashion. I like it. I'm not the best at it, but I know what I like when I see it and sometimes it's totally out of my price range. In high school and college, black was my favorite color of choice in clothing and something that no one else wore topped my list. Nowadays, jeans and a sweater are a daily combo. When I do go out, I have a couple of  "outfits of choice" that I like to put on. But now I have a dilemma--a book signing event/extravaganza. Yep, the K. M. Walton CRACKED book signing at Chester County Book and Music Co. in West Chester, Pa. (I know that sounded like an ad, right? :) Hey, I like to promote things.)

Now, I've been to book signings. Sometimes I know the author, sometimes I don't, and my outfits usually involve jeans and a dressy top. This book signing is different.

1. It's for a friend.

2. It's more of a release party/book signing. Big time celebration.

3. Frankie Diane Mallis will be there. That means camera, people, and maybe a possible vlog. Sure, I will bring mine, but I'd be taking the photos (I'm not in the picture). When Frankie has a camera, well, lots of photos happen and somehow I get in them. I'm not camera shy, I just want to look put together. Plus, this gal is a fashionista. Have you seen her cool Tumblr page?  

So, the question is --what to wear? Dressy casual? Casual? And, no, I'm not wearing a gown. There is no red carpet or is there? I must double check on that. What would you wear?

I will have pictures to share on Monday.

Have a great weekend!

The Insecure Writer's Support Group--New outlook

First, don't forget to enter my giveaway for CRACKED by K.M. Walton. Ends January 16th. Go here to enter.

Thanks to Alex J. Cavanaugh for putting together the Insecure Writer's Support Group. Please go here to check out the other folks who take part.

If you read my post Saturday, you got a preview of what I will be briefly posting about today. Our outlook, how we see things, our perspective. It can be a big factor in our progress. Trust me, I know. For years, I've seen things in a negative light. I'd always think the world was against me or I'm not good enough no matter how much I'd learn. This is wrong. I know it. Last year, my way of thinking set me back. I let the success of others determine my success/worthiness and I wanted my dreams to happen now. The fact is--it doesn't work that way. Stupid, I know.

It wasn't until a friend (thanks Kate) told me that I had to look at things differently. I had to see how to get to where I want to be by taking on and loving challenges, and learning new things. Failure doesn't mean your worthless, it means your growing. Learn from your mistakes and grow. She recommended a book called MINDSET: THE NEW PSYCHOLOGY OF SUCCESS by Carol Dweck. I picked up a copy and started to read. Within the first few pages, my eyes opened and I slapped myself on the head. All these years, I've been holding myself back by simply relying on my fixed mindset. If it didn't come to me easy, I was hesitant to try, and if I failed, then I was worthless and stupid.

Now, after reading more of the book, I use what the author calls a growth mindset. I, for the first time in my life, have been smiling when a challenge is presented and realize how much I love to write and how much I want to grow and learn to make each of my stories better. I will get to where I want to be with a outlook on growing and being positive. Of course, this new mindset doesn't only apply to my writing, it applies to everything in my life. From being a wife/mother/friend to my other job as an interior designer. It applies to everything. It seems like once you change your outlook for one piece of your life, all the other pieces come into view and change. It a nice way to see things, it's refreshing. Of course, there will be bad days. Hey, nobody's perfect.

So how is your mindset?

I will be posting some great links over on my sidebar so stay tuned.

Have a great day!

Release Day for CRACKED by K.M. Walton and Giveaway

Happy release day to CRACKED. It's out!! Yep, I've been talking about this one since the summer when I was lucky enough to read a copy. I would write a review, but I would only gush and tell you to go and get it. K.M. (Kate) Walton is not only a talented author, but an amazing person. I can't thank her enough for what she has taught me, not only in writing, but about life. Thanks Kate!

So, I will be giving away one signed copy of this little number to one lucky person. All you have to do is promote it. I'm keeping this simple. Promote this contest any way you can (keep it legal) and let me know what you do in the comments below, and you're entered. I will be using random.org to choose the winner on January 17. That means you have from now until the 16th to enter.

The blurb:
Sometimes there's no easy way out.

Victor hates his life. He has no friends, gets beaten up at school, and his parents are always criticizing him. Tired of feeling miserable, Victor takes a bottle of his mother's sleeping pills—only to wake up in the hospital.

Bull is angry, and takes all of his rage out on Victor. That makes him feel better, at least a little. But it doesn't stop Bull's grandfather from getting drunk and hitting him. So Bull tries to defend himself with a loaded gun.

When Victor and Bull end up as roommates in the same psych ward, there's no way to escape each other or their problems. Which means things are going to get worse—much worse—before they get better…
If you haven't been to Kate's blog or website go check them out.

Also, thanks to Frankie for a great blogfest yesterday. If you haven't checked out the entries--go now (after you enter my giveaway). I'm still catching up on reading them, and let me tell you, they are awesome. Thanks Frankie!

Have a great day!!

Rekindle the Fire and Happy New Year!

I'm back. Okay, I don't normally post on a Saturday, but I have good stuff coming up Monday and Tuesday so I thought I give a quick blurb today.

First, Happy New Year!

Now, I plan to be doing a lot more writerly posts this year and I thought this may be one others can relate to. I'm ready to say goodbye to 2011. I did learn a lot, but the one thing that is truely sticking out is that I need to re-light my love for writing. It seems my quest for getting an agent and book deal has become more of an obsession than a search. Not that I'm quitting the quest or writing. It just seems that the excited love I used to feel has smoldered a little, faded slightly. I know it's not easy when the others around you are getting agents and book deals or are in the position you want to be.

So, how do you fix it? That is something I've been trying to figure out all year. This past week I started reading things I've written a while back. Other stories that I started, thinking that they weren't good enough or I lost interest because my focus switched to getting an agent. The fact is--I love those stories, and those characters. I want to immerse myself back into them. I think taking a break, re-focusing on what is important in your writing, and reading some things you've hidden away clears the smoke that covers the love, making you see what made you write in the first place.

 What's next? I still plan to query, early in the year (after the betas read it). The thing is I'm looking at it differently. Not with the fiery eyes of obsession, but with the acceptance that it is a step in my journey. A step of learning and growing. I also can't wait to get back into writing my other stories.

What's coming up:

Monday, I will participating in Frankie's 3rd Annual No Kiss Blogfest. I better get writing. :)

Tuesday, Giveaway announcement for this lovely number.

I will also be doing a series on what I've learned with some great links so stay tuned. So that was short and quick cause the kids are fighting. Argh.

Happy New Year!! Any plans?
Stay Safe!!

Fun Facts Friday (Holiday Edition)

Yep, the season is in full swing. I haven't written much, but I'm filling up with a ton of ideas. I'm also "seeing" my sentence structure issues in certain spots of my manuscript. Exciting. So, that means I'm taking a hiatus. I'll be back after the new year. One, family time. Two, putting finishing touches on the manuscript (double checking things).

I decided to do a holiday edition. Feel free to answer these questions on your blog too.

Favorite ways to say Merry Christmas other than English-- Frohliche Weihnachten and Mele Kalikimaka.

Favorite Christmas song: Okay, other than the classics. Happy Christmas (War is Over) by John Lennon.

Favorite Christmas TV show: Rudolph The Red Nose Reindeer.

Favorite Christmas Movie: This is tough. I love the classics, but I have a thing for Elf.

How is your tree decorated? Eclectic. I have pretty ornaments, kid ornaments, and Star Wars ornaments. Yes, you heard me.

Best Christmas Memory: Six years ago. Even though I was a emotional mess of being a first time mom, I'll never forget my grandmother's eyes when she saw her new great granddaughter. I miss you mom-mom.

So there you have it. Short and sweet. A couple of things to mark on your calender.

1. Frankie's 3rd Annual No Kiss Blogfest January 2nd. Be there.

2. This little number (see below) by K.M. Walton will be released on January 3rd.

Pre-order it or go to local bookstore and get it. On January 3rd. CRACKED. January 3rd. CRACKED. Got it in your head. Mark it on your calenders. Don't forget. I will have some giveaways with this one. :)

Feel free to add your holiday favorites below. I wish everyone a happy holiday. Enjoy. I can't wait to return with a fresh brain ready to tackle 2012.

Happy Holidays!!

Fun Facts Friday

Whew. What a week. I did finish my major revisions and have decided, after some tightening, I will send it to the betas, then query. I have to get this out of my hair. I'm following my gut. So thanks for your support and encouragement. On with the facts.

1. I'm ready to see Breaking Dawn Part 1, but will probably wait till the crowds die down. If you've seen it, let me know what your thoughts are. I really wish they would get the makeup right on the vampires. Just sayin'.

2. I can't wait to see The Hunger Games. I think I want that to be showing right now. Holy cow, that trailer is awesome. Total goose bumps.

3. Getting into Grimm and Once Upon a Time. I think I see a trend starting. I wonder how many YA fairy tale books will be coming out?Although, Once Upon a Time is sort of frustrating. I don't know why. I'm actually just frustrated when I watch it, but I want to keep watching. Strange.

4. After watching Once Upon a Time (on DVR), I actually started thinking of a story I started a while back. The funny thing is it's not a fairy tale, it takes place in space, but the interaction of the characters on the show is what triggered my brain to revisit this idea. Oh boy, SNI is at work.

5. Go to K.M. Walton's blog for a super huge contest. If you know a film maker, or dabble in film making, you won't want to miss this. HUGE.

I'm taking next week off from blogging. I may be around to comment, but with Thanksgiving and going through my MS one last time, I need the time. Plus, let's face it, my posts have been less than stellar.

How was your week?

Have a great weekend and Happy Thanksgiving!

Made it through and PAYA

Well, I made it through the hurricane. We lost power, but only for a short time. I did get a chance to attend PAYA right before the storm hit. What fun. An awesome festival celebrating Young adult books. Author signings, raffles, lots of fun. It's held in West Chester, Pa. Some authors couldn't make it due to the storm. I was bummed because Jeri Smith-Ready was one of them. :( I will meet her one day. I'd rather them be safe, though.
I also have to become more camera happy at these things. I feel like such a stalker. I did take a few of pics.

Kelly and Frankie

Kelly and Kate (K.M. Walton--Cracked due out 1/3/12)

Amy Holder (Lipstick Laws)

I also got to visit with Dianne Salerni (We Hear the Dead), Jessica Corra, April Lindner (Jane), Shannon Delany (13 to Life), and Sara Kankowski DeSabato (Blog--First Novels Club)

We had lots of laughs and writing talk. Frankie took video. I'm not sure when that's going to be posted. *cringes* I will keep you posted.

How was your weekend?

Any goals?

I'm just glad I'm starting to get a schedule in place. I hope to revise a lot this week.

Have a great day!

What's coming up!

I had an idea for a blog post, and it totally left my brain. So, I thought I would let you in on what will be happening on this blog over the next few months.

1. First a reminder-- Write on Con--Yeah, folks starts tomorrow. Go check out how awesome it will be. I did it last year and plan to do it again. August 16-18.

2. August 27th PAYA--If you are in the West Chester, PA. area you must check this out. I went last year and it was so much fun. Plus, lots of great prizes and authors.

3. I will be participating in the promotion/reviewing of String Bridge by Jessica Bell. Blog tour is November 1st-20th. Amazon rush November 11th.

4. I will also be reviewing/promoting Cracked by K.M. Walton. A contest may be with this one. So stay tuned. To be released January 3, 2012.

5. I will be having another contest that includes the works of Kaitlyn McCane. You know you love her stuff.

How was your weekend?

Are you participating in any blog tours, reviews or contests?

I'm working a lot this week so the little blog might be neglected. Only slightly. :)

Have a great day!!

Fun Facts Friday

Just some random facts today. I'm working hard this week.

1. I didn't realize today was Friday for some reason, I keep thinking it's Thursday. Don't ask. I knew Wednesday was Wednesday, so what happened to Thursday. I missed a book signing. Brain is too busy thinking of manuscripts.

2. K.M. Walton's book Cracked is now coming out Jamuary 3, 2012. Yeah, you can pre-order and go read her blog regarding No Name Calling Week that will be going on in schools across the country.

3. I'm addicted to Storage Wars.

4. I'm excited to continue revising. Really, what's wrong with me.

5. I don't know how to use Google +. Ummm, yeah, one more distraction.

6. I either read books super fast and slow down on writing, or write fast and slow down on my book reading. The two parties are never in synch.

7. Check this out. Whoops in Monaco. Five car pile up. Some people have way too much money.

8. I'm having a hard time sitting and watching a movie. Too much going on in my head.

9. I can't shut off my brain and I don't think I ever will. There is no vacation mode button.

10. Optimism is sprouting through a sea of doubt.

Any weekend plans?

Have a great weekend!

Back to reality

I was on vacation last week. The beach. Soft sand, ocean rumbling, sea gulls making weird calls and dive bombing people for french fries, the smell of fried food, and the light cool sea breeze. Can you feel it? I'm sort of still there in my head. It takes me a while to get back into the groove, but I have to snap out of it, I've got a lot of work to do.

Revisions. Now, don't go running. I know it can be a scary word, but I'm trying to push away the fear and look at it with a set of optimistic eyes. It's one of those things where you take a deep breath and dive in. I feel like I've been working on them forever, but really it's only been a few weeks for baby number 2. I got a great critique earlier in the week and it really put things in perspective on what I need to do to this baby. You know, one of those a-ha moments. It gave me a push really on where I need to be and made me really believe in this story. Of course, this will require the following things.

Focus. Another one of those words. More like easier said than done. With a few piles of laundry, dust on all hard surfaces that now have faces drawn into them and cat hair all over the carpet (creating tumble weeds), it's easy to lose sight. Not to mention, two small kiddos needing something every five minutes. Frustration can build causing writers block and totally ruining the mood. I'm trying to get back to "the schedule" that allows me some sort of writing time.

Determination. It's burning so hot I may breathe fire soon. I can't believe after an awesomely (yes, I said awesomely) helpful critique how much hotter the fire could burn. I never knew I could want something so badly and how hard I'm willing to work for it.

So, I have a goal to finish my first round of revisions by next week. Hopefully. I want to get started on any plot revisions soon.

I also read an incredible book on my vacation. Cracked by K. M. Walton. It's not due out until March 2012. I will give my review closer to the release date, but let's just say it's really, really good. Awesome. Fantastic. Okay, I'll stop. You will love it. Yes, I will be doing some promo of this as the birth of this baby comes closer. Stay tuned.

How was your weekend?

What are your goals?

Have you read any good books lately?

Have a great day!

Check this out!

Okay, so two posts in one day. Yes, I'm a little crazy, but for good reason. I'm so happy for this gal, I did a happy dance this morning, and no, I did not record it (scared it will go onto Utube).

Go and congratulate Kate (KM Walton) on Mr. Cover (see below) and the release date of her book Cracked. I can't wait to get my hands on this one. Sounds soooo good and it's by Kate, who's cool and talented. So go now. Boy, I'm demanding this morning.

Yeah, cool huh? I can't tell you how excited I am for her. Can you tell? Go give her some blog love. There is a contest involved too. :)

The book has a release date of March 6, 2012. I will shut up now.
Have a great day.